Brave Conversations, Beautiful Hearts & Reflections from the Protorque Womens Wellness Lunch

I have just returned home from the Protorque Women’s Wellness Lunch 2025 and while the event has ended, something within me is still unfolding.

My body is still buzzing with gratitude, presence and the kind of heart warmth that doesn’t fade quickly.
My heart feels full after being cracked open in the most beautiful way.
Full of emotion. Full of reflection. Full of deep admiration.

My heart is tender.
My spirit is stirred.
My whole being is alive with the quiet echoes of connection, compassion and courageous conversation.

Today was more than just another ladies lunch. It was a love letter to the power of women gathering.
A space where connection was the main course and compassion was served alongside every story shared.
Where presence was palpable and every woman brought something uniquely powerful to the table.

It reminded me that this kind of gathering isn’t just an event—it’s nourishment.
It’s medicine. It’s the sacred art of seeing and being seen.

In that room, I felt what it means to be supported, to be surrounded by women who are walking different paths yet holding similar hopes.
It was a reminder that we don’t have to do it all alone.

That wellness is so much more than just green smoothies and gym sessions. Wellness is the way we tend to our inner world with gentleness, with courage and in conscious community.

Something has shifted.

I know I will carry it with me, long after today.

This lunch was a sanctuary where women could be seen, heard, valued, held and witnessed in their wobbles.

Today wasn’t just about being seen. It was about feeling.
Feeling deeply. Feeling heard. Feeling held.

Most of all, it was about remembering the light we carry when we gather in circles of truth, tenderness and shared intention.

It was so much more than a gathering.
It was a living, breathing embodiment of sisterhood. A space where stories were honoured, strength was raised, and compassion echoed in every corner of the room.

Every shared tear, every spark of resonance, every hug that lingered was in support of Lifeline, an organisation that continues to be a beacon of hope for so many,
especially in moments when the darkness feels overwhelming.

Today reminded me when women come together with heart and purpose, something sacred happens and I am so deeply grateful to have been a part of it.

A massive, heartfelt thank you to Stephanie Hudson from Protorque—the radiant soul, compassionate heart and visionary behind this extraordinary event.

Stephanie, I honour you and I am so damn proud of you.

What you created through this gathering was nothing short of extraordinary.

Your courage, your clarity and your unwavering commitment to womens wellness are deeply inspiring.
You hosted a lunch, and you ignited a movement.
One grounded in truth, tenderness and transformation.
A movement anchored in connection, compassion, courage and care.

This gathering so beautifully curated by you, reminded us that wellness isn’t something we add to a to-do list.
Wellness is something we choose—moment by moment, breath by breath.
It’s how we show up for ourselves and for each other, especially in the quiet, messy, unseen moments that never make it to social media.

You created something that cannot be measured in numbers.
It was felt—in every hug, every tear, every breath, every smile we shared.

You created more than an event. You created a sanctuary.
A space where women could show up exactly as they are—and still feel like they belong.

A safe space where compassion wasn’t just spoken of—it was embodied.
Where the energy shimmered with shared stories, collective strength, and the kind of wild feminine fire that ignites real change not just for ourselves, but for our communities, and for the generations to come.

Thank you for leading with heart.
Thank you for creating something so real, so raw, and so necessary.
This was more than a moment in time.
This truly was a movement. 💛

The Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offered the most stunning backdrop for the day. With sparkling water views, sunshine breaking through after a few heavy days of rain and a space that effortlessly balanced warmth and sophistication, it held us in a way that felt both grounding and expansive.

It was the kind of setting where stories could unfold with ease, and spirits could soften into stillness.

Let me talk about the food. A true feast for the heart, soul and all the senses. From slow-braised Persian-style beef and smoke-roasted salmon to vibrant, flavour-packed sides like pickled onions with green goddess dressing, roast butternut pumpkin with rocket, tahini and roasted peanuts, apple, kale and cranberry slaw, and herb and rosemary roasted chat potatoes—it was nourishment to a cellular level.

Every bite felt as nourishing as the conversations around the table.

Executive Chef at Nautica Dining Luke Carpenter didn’t just cook—he created.
Each dish that arrived was a sensory celebration of nourishment, intention and artistry. The flavours were full and generous, the presentation divine and the entire menu reflected the heart of the event: elegant, grounding, and soul-satisfying.

It was a beautiful reminder that wellness begins with how we choose to nourish ourselves—not just physically, but energetically.

In saying that today was about more than food on our plates or photos on our phones.
It was about opening our hearts.
About speaking the truth that mental health matters.
About shedding light on the struggles so many of us carry—often in silence.

We didn’t just attend a lunch.
We showed up for something sacred.
We left a little more whole.

At the heart of this day was something far greater than enjoying a three-course meal or immersing in conversation.

It was about coming together not just for ourselves, but for one another.

In a world that so often rewards us for “having it all together,” today was a powerful reminder that we don’t have to be perfect to be powerful or polished to be worthy of support.

At the centre of this gathering was a deeply meaningful purpose of raising awareness and vital funds for mental health support.

It was connection with a cause.
Community with intention.
A collective commitment to choosing compassion over silence.

Most importantly, today was in support of Lifeline. An organisation whose work touches countless lives, especially when the world feels heavy and the weight feels unbearable.

This wasn’t just another lunch.
It was a call to come closer to ourselves, to each other and to a newly uncovered truth.

Wellness is not a luxury.
Wellness is a lifeline.

We gathered to raise funds for Lifeline and we left with hearts stirred, souls softened and a deeper commitment to community, connection and compassion.

Let’s not sugarcoat it, as those who know the Wild Wellness Blog well know that I like too keep it raw, real, restorative and reflective.
Women are under immense pressure and we don’t talk about it nearly enough.

Mental health matters—and so does connection.

The stories we carry are sacred.
The statistics are a little sombre.

💛 1 in 6 women in Australia will experience depression at least once in their life.

💛 1 in 3 will live with anxiety.

💛 Women aged 16–24 are experiencing some of the highest rates of psychological distress we have ever seen.

I invite you to pause here.

To really feel what those numbers mean.
Because behind every statistic is a story.
Behind every number is a name.
Some of them are mine. Some of them might be yours. Some of them might be someone close to you.

This event wasn’t just symbolic—it was practical.

For over 60 years, Lifeline has been holding space for the stories that are often too heavy to carry alone—answering more than a million calls for help every single year.

And right here in our own community, it’s the dedicated staff and volunteers of Lifeline Hunter who continue that legacy—showing up day and night, picking up the phone at all hours, and offering hope on the dimmest of days and in the darkest of nights.

Their presence is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most life-changing gift we can offer is simply being there.

Each ticket from the Womens Wellness Lunch today was more than just a seat at the table.
It was a lifeline.

💛 $39 funds one life-saving call.
💛 $3,500 trains a crisis supporter.
💛 Every single dollar raised today and any other day with Lifeline stays right here in our region—to support the women, the families, the lives in our community.

This is what community looks like.

This is what compassion sounds like.

This is what love in action feels like.

This is what real impact looks like.

This is how we create change that matters.

Wellness is a shared responsibility and it begins with the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard and held.

Because behind those numbers I shared above are names.
Behind those statistics are stories.
Some of them are mine.
Some of them might be yours.

Like so many women, I have walked through many fires in the wild jungle of life while navigating the winding path of mental health challenges.
Some seasons quiet. Others seasons a little more shaky.
Always with an underlying longing to feel whole again.

I have moved through my own dark nights.
I have walked through tunnels of mental, emotional and psychological struggle.
There have been times when the weight felt unbearable, when the smile on my face  masked the unraveling inside.
When the whispers of doubt turned into screams that echoed through my body.
When anxiety gripped tight and depression made everything feel foggy and far away.

I know the ache of burnout—the kind that leaves you physically present but emotionally absent.

The stillness that feels like a void. The silence behind the smile.
The quiet moments when you wonder if the light will ever return.
I have shown up when I had nothing left to give, clinging to the myth that I had to be strong… all the fucking time, even when I was breaking inside.

There were times when asking for help felt terrifying, even when I knew I needed it.

I have learned is that healing isn’t linear. It is cyclical.
It’s messy and beautiful.
Wild and worthy.

It has taught me that strength isn’t about holding it all together.
It’s about letting yourself fall apart and trusting that you’ll rise again.

I have sat with shame.
Danced with doubt.
Looked in the mirror and asked, Am I enough? Am I doing enough? Am I even feeling enough?

Through it all, I have come to understand that asking for help is not weakness.
It is wisdom.
It is strength wrapped in softness.
It is the brave-hearted choice to say, “I don’t have to carry this alone.”

I know the silence well. The kind that hides behind a smile.
That keeps you pushing when your soul is begging for rest.
That says “I’m fine” when you are anything but.

That is why spaces like today matter so deeply.
Spaces where vulnerability is welcomed, not judged.
Where rawness is honoured. Where being human is enough.

We need more of this.
More truth. More tenderness.
More reminders that it’s okay to not be okay.

Behind every perfectly curated social media feed, behind every to-do list ticked off, behind every quiet “I’m fine,” there is a human.
A tender, evolving, wild and wonderful woman trying to find her way.

She deserves to be seen.
To be heard. To be held.
Exactly as she is.

I have slowly replaced my “to-do” list with a “choose-to-do” list. A sacred collection of self-care rituals that bring me back to my body, my breath, and my truth.

Healing, for me, has never been a checklist.
It has been a rhythm.
A remembering.
A gentle devotion.
A practice in choosing myself—again, and again, and again.

Here are a few of the practices that help me return to myself time and time again. Rituals that remind me I am safe, loved, held and whole, even on the days I forget:

Breathwork: When my nervous system feels overwhelmed, my breath becomes my anchor. It brings me back into my body, back into presence. Each inhale reminds me I am safe. Each exhale softens the edges of my tension.

Journaling: Pages become a sanctuary—where I untangle thoughts, name feelings, and give shape to emotions I can’t yet speak aloud. Writing clears the mental clutter and offers me a mirror of truth and clarity.

Movement: Sometimes it’s running. Sometimes dancing barefoot in the living room. Sometimes it’s simply stretching in silence. Movement shifts the stuckness, awakens flow, and reconnects me to the rhythm within.

Time in Nature: Barefoot wild-woman walks. Ocean dips. Sitting quietly beneath a tree. Pachamama holds me when I struggle to hold myself. Nature reminds me I belong.

Sound: Soft playlists. Soulful podcasts. Sacred silence. I tune into whatever I most need to hear—music, words, or quiet.

Therapy & Mentoring: Yes, even as an Intuitive Wellness Guide and therapist myself, I seek therapy and guidance. Support is not a sign of weakness it is a sign of worthiness. We all need safe spaces to unravel, be witnessed, and be seen.

Boundaries & Breaks: Saying no with love. Logging off when needed. Resting without guilt. Honouring my humanness by protecting my peace and energy.

Nourishment: Whole food that nourishes me down to a cellular level. Herbal teas and grounding rituals that whisper, “I choose to care for you.” Nourishment over numbing. Care over coping.

These practices are not about perfection.
They are about returning—again and again—to myself.
To my body. My breath. My truth.

This isn’t a perfect list. It shifts with the seasons of my life.
But it is mine—and it is sacred.
Choosing myself is the ultimate act of healing.

Here I stand.
Not because I never struggled but because I have learned that struggling doesn’t make you broken.

It makes you human.

If you are walking through something heavy right now, please know:
You are not alone.
You are not broken.
You are never too much.
You are never not enough.
You are never too far gone.

You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
You don’t have to be polished to be worthy.
You just have to be real.

Be willing.
Be loved exactly as you are.

If you ever forget…there is always, and I mean always someone, somewhere, ready to remind you.
To see you.
To hold you.
To whisper back: “You’re not alone.”

Kaz Amos from The Hummingbird Centre took the stage first, bringing the kind of wisdom that comes from both lived experience and professional mastery.

A passionate and fierce advocate for women’s mental health, Kaz speaks with a grounded knowing—one that truly understands the delicate balance between work, family, and wellbeing, and the strength it takes to navigate it all with grace.

She brought warmth, experience, and heartfelt presence into every interaction.

The work Kaz embodies is deeply needed, and she carries it with clarity, compassion and fierce heart—a true embodiment of the strength and softness that mental health advocacy requires.

Today, surrounded by women who know the weight of real life and the power of real truth, we were reminded of something profound—through the presence of Rosie Batty.

In one of the most soul-stirring keynote moments I have ever witnessed, Rosie Batty moved the room into deep, raw stillness. Her story—gritty, heartbreaking, and heartbreakingly real—rippled through the space like a wave of pain and purpose, grief and grace, sorrow and strength.

It’s hard to fully describe the impact of hearing Rosie speak.
She didn’t just take the stage. She offered us her heart.

There are speakers who teach from knowledge.
And then there are speakers like Rosie—who speak from the core of lived experience.

She has turned the unthinkable into advocacy.
Pain into purpose.
Loss into legacy.

Her words weren’t just powerful—they were a soul transmission.

One that will stay with me, and every woman in that room, for a long time to come. Her story tore through the room like a storm and yet, somehow, it left us softer.

More open.

More willing to face the truth that wellness doesn’t always mean everything is okay. Sometimes it simply means we are still here.

Still breathing.

Still choosing to show up—one tender moment at a time.

You could feel the energy shift.
Tears fell. Hearts opened. Spines straightened in solidarity.
A collective exhale filled the room.

Rosie reminded us that we are allowed to hurt.
We are allowed to grieve, and we are allowed to rise anyway.

She reminded us that grief doesn’t make you fragile—it makes you fierce.
That pain can have purpose.
That when we honour our stories, we give others permission to begin again.

She showed us what it looks like to turn tragedy into truth, fear into fierce advocacy,
and suffering into sacred service.

Rosie carries her story with grace, grit, and grounded presence and it cracked hearts wide open.

She reminded us that perfection is a myth.
That vulnerability is courageous.
That light can and does return, even in the darkest of tunnels.

It wasn’t just her words that moved me. It was the ripple of resonance they created.
The knowing glances. The quiet tears. The sacred stillness that followed her every pause.

Rosie is a living embodiment of resilience.
A beacon for anyone who has ever felt their story was too much, too heavy, too hard to hold.
She reminded us we don’t have to be perfect—we just have to be real.

And she did that with every word, every breath, every ounce of truth she offered so generously.

A moment, a message and a woman I will never forget.

As cliché as it might sound, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Sometimes that light begins with a phone call.
A tear shared over lunch.
A loving embrace.

A whispered “me too” or the sacred act of simply sitting in silence with someone who needs you. Someone who deserves your undivided attention.

Today was filled with soul-deep conversations and powerful reconnections.
One of the most extraordinary parts of the day was the depth of connection/ The way stories flowed, hearts opened, and energy moved between women who may have started as strangers but left as something much more.

Each woman I met—or reconnected with—brought something truly unforgettable to the space. I was honoured to connect with sensational women offering sensational gifts to the world—each one a reflection of how radiant, wise, and wildly inspiring women can be when they live from their truth.

These women were forces of nature, each offering their gifts with radiant authenticity, heart-led purpose and bold beauty.
It was a joy to witness them shine and to be among women so deeply committed to their path and to one another.

Their presence was a living reminder of what happens when women rise, reflect and radiate together.

I was deeply honoured to connect with each of them.
They brought their light, wisdom, and presence to a day I will always carry in my heart.

I felt lit up by the bright and bubbly Bec Sands who was sitting to my right, a Visibility & PR Mentor for women in business whose energy is as magnetic as her mission. She doesn’t just help women be seen—she helps them be remembered. You can feel her purpose in every word she speaks and every step she takes. Her energy is contagious, her heart is on a mission, and her work is devoted to helping women own their light boldly, bravely and without apology. Bec is uplifting women in business through visibility and PR mentorship and doing it with intoxicating authenticity.

I had the honour of sitting opposite the incredible Fiona Provost, a woman whose presence blends clarity and compassion in the most grounded, genuine way. Fiona radiates wisdom, intention and alignment—and she listens with her whole being. Through her work with St Laurence Flexible Learning Centre in Broadmeadow, she brings compassionate strength to young people who need an alternative, trauma-informed approach to learning and life. Fiona embodies the kind of leadership that transforms lives quietly and powerfully through showing up, holding space and walking with integrity.

I had the joy of speaking with Nerida Bint. This year, instead of MCing the event, she attended as a guest and what a gift that was. Even without a mic in hand she held space simply by being fully there. As an Emotional Intelligence Educator, Nerida doesn’t just talk about holding space, she also embodies it.
Nerida is a woman who helps others come home to themselves, one breath, one truth at a time. Her presence is deeply attuned, emotionally intelligent, and always grounding. She is the kind of soul who reminds you what it feels like to be fully seen and lovingly held.

I had multiple conversations with Belinda from Lexlyn Wellness. Another soul who truly left a mark—a stunning fusion of legal expertise and intuitive heart. She is gracefully blending law and wellness in a way that redefines what self-care can look like: thoughtful, tailored and heart-led. Her curated self-care packages are more than just beautiful offerings. They carry her essence and a deep understanding of what women truly need. Every detail is intentional, feminine and filled with soul. The wellness bundles that Belinda consciously creates speak to the deeper needs of women, offering not just support—but soothing, soulful insight wrapped in professionalism and care.

It was so special to connect with Kellie Abraham, a remarkable and devoted Occupational Therapist whose compassionate presence reminded me that healing happens most often in the spaces where we feel safe and Kellie creates those spaces every single day. I was truly thrilled to finally meet her in person, after having the privilege of supporting many of the beautiful patients she has referred into our practice. It felt like a warm full-circle moment. A heartfelt reminder of how essential interdisciplinary connection is. When we collaborate, we create deeper, more integrated healing for the communities we serve. Women like Kellie are at the heart of that healing.

Every one of these women inspired me.
Each conversation left an imprint.

A reminder that we rise higher when we rise together.

At its core, this Womens Wellness Lunch was more than a fundraiser.
It was a call to remember.

To remember the sacredness of being human.
To remember the power of showing up—for ourselves and for one another.
To remember that even in the darkest moments…there is always light, even if it is not yet visible.

Sometimes, that light looks like a warm meal shared in sisterhood.

Sometimes, it is sitting in silence watching the flame of a candle.
Sometimes it sounds like a voice on the other end of the line.
Sometimes, it begins with a whispered, “Me too.”

If you are walking through something heavy right now, please know:
You are not alone.
You are not broken.
You are needed.

Ask for help. Reach for support. Speak your truth.
We are listening.

To every woman who showed up today—thank you.
To those who supported from afar—your ripple was felt.
To all the women who continue to lead with heart, soul, and service—may you never forget how powerful you are.

This luncheon was more than just networking.
It was nourishment.
It was connection, resonance and empowerment in its truest, most heart-led form.

Sitting in a room full of brilliant, brave-hearted women reminded me we all carry something.
We are not meant to carry it all alone.

Each woman I met was a mirror—a reminder that we don’t have to do it all ourselves.
That support is sacred.
That community is medicine.

Wellness isn’t just about green smoothies and gym sessions.
Wellness is about tending to the inner world with gentleness, with courage and in community.
It is all about the stories we share, the tears we hold, the truths we allow to rise to the surface without shame.

Todays event was deeply rooted in local love, made possible by a village of incredible businesses who understand that wellbeing is multi-dimensional. From mental and emotional to physical, financial and spiritual wellness, each organisation showed up not only in support but in deep alignment with the heart of the day.

These businesses are more than silver and gold sponsors.
They are change-makers, space-holders, and community builders.

It was so special to witness local businesses standing behind this event with such soul and integrity each one walking their talk and embodying what it means to care for community wellbeing.

Pettigrew Family Funerals offered their compassionate support, reminding us that wellness spans the full spectrum of life—including the moments of grief, transition, and remembrance. They understand that how we hold space for loss is just as important as how we celebrate life. They remind us that wellbeing includes how we honour the seasons of life we don’t always talk about—and that healing often begins in the quiet moments of being held through heartache.

Christine and the team at Lush Wealth empower women to create financial independence with clarity and confidence. When a woman understands her finances, she strengthens her entire foundation—including her mental and emotional wellbeing. Their work is more than money—it’s about freedom, sovereignty, and self-trust. Their belief that financial wellbeing and mental wellbeing go hand in hand is one I hold deeply in my own practice too.

Sally and the Peoplefusion team bring a deeply human approach to recruitment—honouring the real lives and stories behind every professional journey. One of the most full-circle moments of the day was seeing Peoplefusion support this event. Years ago, they helped me curate my very first resume and prepare for my viva voce. They didn’t just guide me through a process—they helped me see the value in my story and gave me the confidence to speak it. To now stand in this new chapter and see them still empowering women with integrity and heart which is the beauty of evolution.

Happy Health is quietly leading a powerful revolution in how we think about workplace wellness. Their functional medicine approach goes beyond symptoms and digs into root causes—supporting mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing from the inside out. Their work is quietly potent and deeply needed in our fast-paced world. They’re reshaping what it truly means to be well at work—and how to sustain that wellness long-term.

Hunter Womens Centre, a deeply dedicated not-for-profit, offers free counselling, group programs and holistic health education for women. Their trauma-informed, women-focused model creates soft, nurturing spaces where healing is never rushed—it is honoured.

Their work holds the kind of gentle strength that changes lives from the inside out. They offer women a place to rebuild, reconnect, and reclaim their lives—at their own pace and in their own way.

These businesses didn’t just show up.
They stood beside us—with compassion, integrity, and belief in a better, more connected future.

They remind us that wellbeing is a shared responsibility, and that healing is amplified when it’s held in community.

Thank you to every local business who supported and made this event possible.

Your presence was felt in every conversation, every safe space created, and in every woman who left feeling more seen, supported, and empowered.

The values at the heart of the Women’s Wellness Lunch, connection, courage and care for our mental wellbeing were felt in every conversation, every hug, every tear.

Through our presence, our vulnerability, and our willingness to hold each other without judgment, we create change.

We raise awareness. We raise funds.
Most importantly we raise each other.

Here is your gentle reminder, wild one:
You are not alone.
You are never too much.
You are never not enough.
You are never too far gone.

It is more than okay to ask for help—especially in the messy, unfiltered, hard-to-hold moments.

You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
You don’t have to be polished to be worthy.
You don’t have to be strong all the time to be deserving of support.
You just have to be real, willing and loved exactly as you are.

Thank you to every woman who showed up today to give, to receive, to be seen, to be held.

Thank you for being part of something that matters.
Your presence was a thread in a tapestry of truth, tenderness and transformation.

Let this be our shared remembering:
You don’t have to do it all.
You don’t have to have it all together.
You are already enough.

When it feels like too much ask for help.
Lifeline is there.
Your sisters are there.
Most importantly, you are never too far gone to come home to yourself.

May we always choose ourselves—again and again.
Choose to heal gently.
Choose to live fully.
Choose to loving bravely and deeply.

There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Sometimes, that light is each other.
A circle of women.
A strangers story.
A quiet breath.
A soft “me too.”

This is the power of women.
This is the power of wellness.
This is the power of love in action.

Let us keep creating spaces like this.
Where truth is honoured. Where healing is invited.
Where our shared humanness is celebrated.

Let us keep showing up for one another.
Let us be the hand that reaches.
The heart that listens.
The light in the dark.

I raise my glass and open my heart for more moments like this.

Together, we rise. 💛

To Stephanie, Rosie, Kaz and every woman who stood tall in vulnerability today.

Thank you.

Thank you for igniting something real.