2025 has arrived
Our 10th Open day was Saturday 8th Feb.
Space for God series started in February.
World Labyrinth Day in May
Stained Glass Art Retreat June 20-22
Silent Retreat in July.
Tim & Merridie Costello 8 - 10th August.
Space for God 23rd August
Wrapping up in December.
Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd June 2025
Early Bird Price now
until 31st May 2025
Join accomplished glass artist Marian Day, in partnership with experienced retreat facilitators and artists Bronwyn and Max Greive,to learn how to work with glass, while you develop your own creativity.
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Marian will tutor you in the art of Stained-glass, but there is so much more. This retreat allows you to ‘Be nurtured in Nature’ with time to bushwalk, sit in wonder, learn about or practice art-journalling, spend time reflecting, walk one of the 4 labyrinths on the property, rest, and connect with others interested in being creative.
Just over 2 hours north of Sydney from the start of the M1, but if you want to come by train, please contact us regarding pick up from Dungog station (the XPT & Citylink services stop here). A small fee applies.
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A boutique retreat for a maximum 11 people at Fosterton Retreat, set within 100 acres, with stunning views across valleys and hills to the Barrington Tops National Park.
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Only 12 minutes from the historic and beautiful town of Dungog, surrounded by wallabies grazing and birds singing, this is a popular place for get-aways, artists, and lovers of nature to renew and connect on a deeper level.
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What is included?
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All materials are supplied,
In a great location set on the hillside, amongst bush, but with different ecosystems,
2 (4 hour) hands-on workshops making 2 stained-glass art pieces,
Catered tasty supper, morning and afternoon teas,
Sunday lunch,
Walking tracks on the property,
A guided labyrinth walk,
Visit to the historic town of Dungog,
Learning reflection with art journalling,
A journal,
Art exercises in nature,
Design your own simple stained-glass art leaf,
Create your own stained-glass leaf.
Stained Glass Art Retreat: $650
Early Bird $600 until 31st May
Book online for the retreat, and your accommodation OR​
contact us for other payment options.
Max 0490 663 228 or Bronwyn 0439 500 909
Remember to
read the Terms & Conditions below before booking!
Accommodation options:
In Fosterton House,
(5 bedrooms, 2 shared bathrooms).
$70 Single room per night
2 people in one and 3 people
can be accommodated in another
$120 Double room, per night
$130 Queen room, per night
$140 King room, per night
Cabins
$170 per night Cabin up to 2 people sharing a bed
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Both cabins can accommodate a friend:
Mountain View on a bottom bunk, in a separate room, shared bathroom.
Valley View on a pull-out lounge, shared bathroom.
Cost $70 p /night for friends in a cabin.
Terms & Conditions Booking assumes you agree with the following T&Cs: At least a 30% non-refundable deposit is required no less than 3 weeks before a retreat to secure your place. Payment of the deposit/fee constitutes the guest's acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. Balance of payment must be received in full at least 15 days prior to the start of a retreat. If not, the owners will contact you but without payment have the right to cancel the booking and attempt to re-book your place. ​Cancellations & Refunds: Due to the need to buy equipment a minimum of 4 people are needed to run the retreat. Cancellations made up to 4 weeks before a retreat receive a refund -10% fee.  Cancellations between 4-2 weeks prior to a retreat receive a 50% refund IF there are still enough people to run the retreat. Otherwise refunds are on a case-by-case basis. Cancellations within 2 weeks of a retreat receive no refund, unless a substitute is found for you. If your place is filled 50 % will be refunded. If the retreat is postponed due to circumstances beyod our control an alternate dte will be orgaised and participants liaised with individually. If the retreat is cancelled due to lack of numbers an alternate retreat will be offered or a full refund will be given.
A rare opportunity to spend time with 2 of Australia’s most long serving, respected thinkers and faith leaders:
Tim & Merridie Costello
"Leadership in a fragmented world"
8 - 10th August 2025
​Weekend Retreat at Fosterton Retreat:
Friday evening to Sunday
Go deeper on this topic
Explore, recharge up close & personal
Wrapping up with Sunday reflective time.
Tim & Merridie have formerly spent years leading a church, building community in a challenging part of Melbourne, working in not for profit spheres and more recently leading tours of Australians in the Footsteps of the Apostles around Greece and Turkey. They are a good team and somehow hold together a vibrant family. Tim is a well known face and voice in the nation whilst Merridie keeps him honest and grounded.
Early Bird Price until 30th June 2025
Who is the retreat for?
Leaders in any situation: work, politics, business, community, a faith community.
A small number of people, no more than 20.
As Time & Merridie have such a wide range of experience and knowledge it will be helpful for a wide range of leaders/people.
This is a rare opportunity
What should I expect?
To hear from Merridie, not just Tim.
Be inspired, refreshed & encouraged through times of input, discussion, question, reflection and application.
Casual discussions round the fire place & meal times.
Slowing down and take a reflective walk through the bush or one of the 4 labyrinths on the property.
Be nurtured by nature.
Do we have to stay?
Stay with us for the full experience.
LIMITED NUMBERS.
There is room for a few day attendees or if you stay somewhere else locally.
Costs: $600 pp
Contact us for a discount for couples.
Includes meals & morning tea.
Pay by direct debit/credit card (with surcharge)/invoice
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Accommodation options:
Get in early for a cabin just for you, with your own bathroom
Bring a friend, share the cost, (share a bathroom)​
Fosterton House, sharing 2 bathrooms:
Single bed, share a room
All at special retreat rates (see booking form).
Remember to
read Retreat Terms & Conditions
before booking!
If you'd like others in your community to hear from Tim & Merridie come along to the
Business Breakfast in Newcastle Friday 8th
in partnership with Radio Rhema.
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​Listen to conversations and lectures by Tim Costello:
‘You are Blessed to be a Blessing’ Menzies’s Sense of Duty to Australia’s Neighbours
Investigator Lecture on Changing the World with Flinders University
A Conversation with Tim Costello
Or read articles:
Why Christians Should Care About the USAID Freeze
Tim Costello on Social Cohesion
Girl Talk with Tim Costello with Martine Harte from 'Engaging Women'
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