Nurturing with Nature
The 2025 National Outdoor Health Forum brought together over 175 participants from across Australia and beyond on beautiful Bundjalung Country. It was a celebration of connection—with Nature, with each other, and with the growing field of Outdoor Health.
Images: generously captured by PhotoDuke.au
Honouring Country and Connection
Guided by the spirit of Nurturing with Nature, the Forum was grounded in deep respect for the tens of thousands of years of Healing and Wellbeing with Country practiced by Indigenous peoples. We thank the Nyangbal Bundjalung people for their generosity, and Delta Kay for her powerful Welcome to Country.
The gathering welcomed all identities, abilities, and backgrounds, united by shared values that integrate nature and the outdoors with evidence-informed approaches to healing and wellbeing. Together, we learnt, unlearnt, and grew in the presence of ocean, bush, and tea tree waters.
Shared Learning and Gratitude
The Forum program was rich with keynotes, workshops, and immersive sessions, leaving participants inspired and connected. Sincere thanks to the 2025 Forum Team—Ruth Daugalis, Brianna Croke, Claire Foote, Glenn Woods, Nicole Peel, Mark Cartner, and Kate Gilson—for their dedication, and to the many volunteers whose efforts brought the event to life.
Special appreciation to Anthi Emmanouil-Playne for crafting the Forum website, where you can follow up presenter information and look at photographs from the Forum.
Thank you to our supporters
- Department Jobs Skills Industries and Regions
- Outdoors Victoria
- Eden Health Retreat
- OHA Rainbow Group
- Delta Kay – Explore Byron Bay and Byron Bay Bushfoods
- Johnny Murrison, Jarramali Rock Tours
- Ellice De Giovanni – Eligned
- Take Two Fibre Arts
- Kylie Peters Groundwork Therapy and Kate Haisty family
- Forum registrants – the Crowdfunded Scholarship
Raffle Winners
Congratulations to our winners:
- 1st Prize: Tyarni Larkin – Eden Health Retreat 2 Night Stay
- 2nd Prize: Christian Eckardt – Nakie Hammock + Johnny Murison Tour
- 3rd Prize: Bronte Matthews – Delta Kay Experience
- 4th Prize: Maxine Difabrizio – Fibre Arts Take Two Gift Voucher
🌿 Continuing the Journey
As we each carry forward the spirit of the Forum, may Country and connection continue to nurture and inspire us.
Enjoy a few creative offerings from our time together:
- Photos by Duke Albada (please credit if sharing)
- Watch The Eternal Song, the film screened at the Forum, with discussion panel led by Carlie Atkinson and Aunty Judy Atkinson
- “Second Verse” by Taylor Berrett, shared around the campfire
- A beautiful poem by AJ daCosta from the closing ceremony
We’re already looking ahead to the next National Forum in Victoria in 2027, and a potential smaller gathering in 2026—stay tuned!
Join our newsletter list if you’re not there yet – LINK
Or we’d love to welcome you as a member of OHA HERE
