Learning and Development Retreat for Kinship Carers – 21 and 22 February 2026, Werribee

Learning and Development Retreat for Kinship Carers – 21 and 22 February 2026, Werribee

On the 21st and 22nd of February, 59 kinship carers gathered on the lands of the Bunurong people for Carer Kafe’s first Learning and Development retreat of the year.  

Held at the Werribee Park Mansion, the two-day retreat provided an enriching and restorative space for carers to connect and learn alongside one another.  

 “My key takeaway is that I am not alone,” reflected one carer. 

Attendees shared that there was a “massive feeling of community”, and that the retreat was “friendly and helpful, entertaining and informative.” 

The retreat began with a smoking ceremony, led by Lakeisha Clayton and James Brown of the Bunurong people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation, honouring the traditional custodians of the land and setting an intention of respect and reflection for the coming days.  

Megan Corcoran, Director of the Wagtail Institute, then facilitated two workshops centred on supporting wellbeing through trauma-informed practice.  

The first session invited carers to explore and implement practical, evidence-based strategies to support stress management and sustain wellbeing in everyday life.  

Following this, Megan’s next workshop empowered carers in their ability to support the children in their life with strategies and trauma informed approaches.  

The day concluded with lots of laughs and chatter over dinner and trivia. 

Sunday began with a gentle Yoga and Mindfulness session led by Laura Grace from Awesome Beings where carers explored mindfulness through gentle movement and breathing techniques. 

Next was a Creative Arts Therapy workshop facilitated by Fiona McGrath AThR (Water Ribbons Art Therapy) and Sara Grace AThR (Arts Therapy Studio) supporting expression through pattern making and drawing.  

To conclude the learning and development retreat, Sandra from Services Australia Grandparent, Foster and Kinship Carer Advisers presented an informative session on navigating services and resources.   

We were delighted to see the positive feedback from carers:  

• Exceeded expectations, location, content, facilitators, fantastic!
• So happy to know these things exist. Blown away by the entire experience. Thank you! 
• Listening to other carer’s stories, making new connections so kids can have new connections. 
• First time, massive feeling of community. Lovely people. 
• Thank you! We’re not included in much so very grateful for this opportunity. 
• My key takeaway is that I’m not alone. 
• Being able to share the trauma info with a partner, strength in unity, we feel less isolated. 
• What you guys provide is excellent and appreciated. 
• Friendly and helpful, entertaining and informative. 

Carer Kafe acknowledges the Bunurong People, on whose traditional lands this retreat took place. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, recognising their ongoing connection to the land, water, and community.