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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.

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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

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"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.

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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:

King bed 

Queen bed

Double bed

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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Videos and articles
See what others have said.....

“Great place. With the long weekend approaching we sought a getaway removed from urban sprawl. An easy 3hr+ drive from Sydney through some beautiful countryside - the place is well kept, secluded and has all the creature comforts you could need for a few days stay. We're a fan and we'll be back. ”- Doug

“Fantastic location, Great place! Especially great for large group with kids.”  -Mynul

“Really secluded, private and a great mini break for my partner and I. Awesome fire pit and a lovely property."  -Caitlin

Cabins

 

 

The cabin is the ideal getaway and the view from the deck at sunset was amazing! -Annette

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Really secluded, private and a great mini break. - Caitlin

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Fosterton House

 

 

Perfect house for 3 families with kids. pool & spa were very child friendly with a ledge within the pool....perfect for young kiddies. - Monica

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Retreats

The natural and tranquil setting at Fosterton lends itself to moments of reflection on the verandah which surrounds the main house... Bronwyn & Max are generous hosts who share their knowledge and experience with those who are keen to explore. - Sande

Our dream

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A place of connection, re-creation, restoration and transformation via nature, 

creativity and place. 

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© 2019 by Bronwyn Greive. Proudly created with Wix.com

Max & Bronwyn acknowledge that our retreat is on sacred Worimi land once under the care of the Gringai and Biripi people. We recognize the care & connection they have with country and respectfully acknowledge their past, present & emerging leaders. Our role is both a privilege & responsibility to care for this land in a respectful way that gives credence to its origins and the inhabitants.
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