12/07/2026
A Weekend of Nature, Culture & New Beginnings🦅🦋🌺🏠💦
Amongst the mountain of unpacking boxes, I made sure to gift myself something my soul was asking for… nature.
We spent some time at Babinda, Serayah came up with the idea this time, a place that never fails to reset my nervous system. There’s something about the rainforest, the fresh air, the sound of flowing water, and the simplicity of slowing down that brings me back to myself. Sharing that experience with Serayah made it even more special. Those moments are truly priceless.
Nature has a remarkable way of gently reminding us who we are. In a world that moves so quickly, creating space to reconnect with ourselves is one of the greatest acts of self-care we can offer. When we reconnect with ourselves, we are better able to connect with others, with our communities, and with the world around us.
After soaking in our new surroundings on Saturday morning, we headed into Cairns to visit the CIAF Indigenous Art Fair at the Tanks Arts Centre.
What an incredible celebration of culture, identity, art, storytelling, music, food, and community. Surrounded by the rainforest, with laughter and music drifting through the old water tanks, the atmosphere was something truly special.
One of the highlights of my day was catching up with the beautiful Karen Reys. Many years ago, before COVID, I attended a workshop she and her sisters facilitated. At the time, I had no idea how much that experience and the lessons shared would quietly become part of my own healing journey. The workshop was incredibly special and an experience that has always remained close to my heart. Seeing Karen again, shining so brightly and embracing the next chapters she’s been working so hard towards, was genuinely heartwarming. Watching people moving in their purpose is such a beautiful thing and I’m excited for what’s to come. It’s empowering and incredibly motivating.
Although I was disappointed to miss the opening night and fashion showcase, I was grateful to experience the wonderful energy throughout the fair. Every painting, every woven piece, every dance, every song, and every conversation carried stories of resilience, strength, identity, history, and hope.
It reminded me that healing has many pathways.
Healing can be found in art.
In music.
In storytelling.
In movement.
In nature.
In culture.
In community.
And in reconnecting with who we are.
Our identity, our stories, and our sense of belonging are powerful parts of our wellbeing. Feeling connected to culture, to family, to community, and to ourselves helps create a sense of purpose, belonging, and strength. While our journeys may all look different, I believe there is something deeply healing about finding places where we feel seen, heard, and connected.
NAIDOC Week also reminded me of the importance of learning about and appreciating the many cultures that make up our communities, and especially the rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures that are at the heart of Australia’s story and identity. Listening to stories, experiencing art, music, dance, and cultural expression creates opportunities for understanding, respect, and connection. There is so much wisdom held within the world’s oldest continuing cultures, and taking the time to learn, listen, and appreciate these traditions enriches us all. It encourages deeper conversations, greater compassion, and a stronger sense of shared community.
Later that afternoon, Serayah and I ducked home to grab some jumpers before heading up the hill to the Kuranda Amphitheatre to watch the documentary and big congratulations to everyone one who brought the night together as it was such a beautiful experience.
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Kuranda, so fitting two of my favourite places into one weekend felt like such a gift.
The evening was beautiful. The storytelling was emotional, meaningful, and powerful. The performances were wonderful, and I always admire the way Kuranda comes together to celebrate community. It was such a great evening.
One of my favourite moments of the weekend and there were a few happened quite unexpectedly.
As I was looking through a display of posters featuring the children who had participated in the Djabugay documentary project for youth, a couple of the young girls noticed me looking at all the photographs. They started giggling before one proudly pointed to her photograph and asked, “Do you know who that is?” Her little friend stood beside her pointing at her friend, cheering her on with the biggest smile.
It was such a genuine and beautiful moment. Their pride, excitement, and pure joy were absolutely contagious. The photographer happened to capture the interaction and I couldn’t help but smile.
These are the moments that stay with us.
Seeing children snd the teens so proud to see themselves, their stories, music, and their culture represented was incredibly moving. It reminded me how important it is that our young people grow up knowing where they belong, feeling proud of who they are, and seeing their identities celebrated. Those moments plant seeds of confidence, belonging, and connection that can last a lifetime.
A huge shout out to whoever made the chicken curry because it was absolutely delicious! Thank you for the soulful feed👌🏽
Serayah and I finished the evening dancing along to Cloud 9 before making our way back down the mountain, tired but with very full hearts. Nothing like the didgeridoo & live reggae band, dancing under the stars with Serayah to top off an already incredible day.
Unfortunately, my phone decided the timing was perfect to flash up “Memory Full,” so I didn’t capture nearly as many photos as I’d hoped. But that’s okay. Sometimes the most meaningful memories are never stored on our phones. They’re carried in our hearts.
This has been a huge week.
A week of moving.
A week of reflection.
A week of Reiki
A week of closing one chapter while gently opening another.
I’ve felt excitement, gratitude, reflection, excitement, empowerment, and hope all woven together.
This weekend reminded me that healing is rarely found in just one place. It is woven through our connection to ourselves, to nature, to our identity, to culture, and to community. These connections remind us that none of us walk alone. They help us understand where we’ve come from, strengthen us in the present, and inspire us as we move towards the future.
As I continue settling into this new chapter with Rosies Haven, these are the values I hope to continue nurturing. Creating spaces where people can pause, reconnect with themselves, embrace self-care, and remember that healing looks different for everyone.
Here’s to nature that grounds us.
To culture that teaches us.
To identity that strengthens us.
To community that embraces us.
To connection that heals us.
And to continuing to learn from and appreciate the rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures that have cared for this land and shared their stories for countless generations.
May we continue choosing light, love, understanding, and healing, both for ourselves and for one another.
I’m excited to bring in the next week🪷🌿
Let there be love, light and healing
Rosie🌺
