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People often say to us: "One day I'll do a retreat" or "I've often thought about doing a retreat."

We heard a great saying: "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago-the second best time is now."

This is true and also applies to retreats.

Retreats in planning 

Sounds of silence: choose 2, 5 or 7day silent directed retreat.
In the Shoes of Van Gogh: An art retreat learning from the art and reflections of Vincent van Gogh.
​Couples Retreat: Deepening relationships.

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 Tim & 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.

Book me/us
in!

Costs: $600 pp

(Earlybird $500 until July 20th)

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

We can't guarantee a koala when you visit, but 'our' wallabies are lovely too.
Koala photo coutesy of guest Phillip.

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Max will be running Choice Theory, Reality Therapy, 

Lead Management, (CTRT&LM) in 2026 - dates to be confirmed.

One person cannot ‘make’ another person do anything that person chooses not to do. 
This way of working with people (including ourselves)

helps us understand which of our basic needs we're trying

to meet & healthy ways to get there.

If you engage with people in any capacity,

it is a helpful tool for:
Working through relationships with family or neighbours, and/or 
Youth workers,          Family workers,
Teachers, (of all ages)   
Community workers,        Managers,          Social workers,
Well-being teachers,        Counsellors,       Health workers,   
Aged cared workers,        Pastors,              NDIS workers (in any role)...
.... you get the idea.

 

Want to know more? Call Max 0490 663 228.

 
As we used to say at mayCARE Community Centre: 

"It's good for ages 4- 104".  (We trained all the volunteers in basic CTRT). 


Find our more about Choice Theory at our resources pages or retreat and training pages.

ALSO:

We can run a retreat just for you, or you & a friend, or a group of friends, or you & your partner.

  Possible personal/group retreats

                Listening to self in nature

                The Seasons of Change

                Creating a life you can love

                Finding some Calm

                Play & Pray

                In the eye of the storm-being still in a busy world

                An Attitude of Gratitude

                A Walk Toward Healing

                Having Fun in the Labyrinth

                Where are you now - where do you want to be?

                Solid Rock-Standing on Sacred Ground-

                                  Building Inner Strength & Resilience

                Awakening your creativity

                Forgiving self-forgiving others

 

 

Specific couple themed retreats:

                Knowing me knowing you (understanding each other's personality)

                Love languages (learning how each other best receives love)

                Deepening Our Love Story

Some people ask: "What is the point of a retreat?"

Our retreats (even creative ones) are for stepping back (not running away), to take stock of the now, learn new things, going deeper within before heading forward.

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For direct information about retreats join our newsletter list or friend us on fb . 

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OTHER RETREATS WE HAVE RUN

Awakening your creativity, 
Untangling your personality through the ancient wisdom of the enneagram, (looking at 9 personality types)
Play and Pray Zone (In the Spirit of the book: 'Sensible Shoes')
Take charge of your life: using Choice Theory in the everyday


More information will be added to our retreat page throughout the year. 
If you would like to know more about who we are and our values visit our 'About us' page or you can contact us to see if any of these are a fit for you.

Did you know?
                           We can offer you your own retreat and creative dreaming space with life coaching, nurturing and if wanted Spiritual Direction.

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If you're interested in nurturing your interior world, but couldn't get to a retreat this year, or would like to know more about what we do, check out our Stay-at-home retreat series on our blog.

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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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