Compassion at Saltbush Balnarring

2022 at Saltbush, Balnarring Beach has seen the introduction of a new series of retreats called ‘Nourish for Carers’. These retreats have been lovingly set up with the needs of unpaid carers at the forefront.

We have tried to think of different ways to allow these incredible carers to rest, recharge and recuperate at Saltbush before returning to the demands of their caring roles. We are cognisant that although many of these people are some of the most compassionate and caring members of our society, what they do, and what they give, is so very rarely acknowledged, or celebrated.  

Nourish for Carers celebrates the amazing contribution that unpaid carers make to our society, by offering them the opportunity to experience a low-cost, relaxing holiday with a variety of enjoyable and low-pressure activities to participate in. We give our guests plenty of down-time, which is intentionally unprogrammed, so that they may engage in activities to the extent that is enjoyable for them. Afterall, it is their retreat from caring, and the idea is that they recharge in the way suits them best. This is how we show them respect and compassion and acknowledge their autonomy in their self-care. Carers (and our guests more generally), know what alleviates their own suffering best, and what helps them to feel better and happier.  We aim to provide a warm, hospitable and welcoming environment for them, and listen to their needs and preferences, and in doing so we aim to help them rejuvenate the mind, refresh the body, and recuperate the spirit.  

Our first Nourish For Carer Retreats were held in the warmer months, and Carers experienced and gave compassion to others; they both sympathized and empathized, they listened to each other, and shared experiences and information. They also shared many cups of tea, and plenty of laughs. New friendships were made, and people left refreshed. Participants told us they enjoyed connecting with other carers, staff, and volunteers by engaging in activities including beach exploration, yoga, bird-spotting, picnicking in the wilderness, massages at Endota, and group meals. We now welcome groups coming through in the cooler months with activities such as Japanese journal making, nutritious and heart-warming cooking, bush floristry, yoga, and more massage.  

Through sharing time with such amazing carers, we have been fortunate to live and experience compassion in action, but best of all is when we have seen it come to life both in, and between our guests on Nourish for Carers. We have been privileged to connect with them, and to see them connect compassionately and with one another in our glorious natural bush and beach environment here at Saltbush, Balnarring Beach.