Grief Retreat provided a range of activities and experiences which were created to support and help attendees gain a greater understanding of their grief.

Grief Retreat was held at our beautiful Bunurong Memorial Park location for the first time.

Attendees of the the Grief Retreat were able to:

• Take part in well-being activities.
• Have access resources and in-person support from specialist bereavement support services and experts in grief support.
• Connect and be in community with others who have similar experiences.

Grief Retreat Presenters

We had a range of wonderful presenters that were able to provide valuable insights and tools to help attendees with their journey through grief.

Bianca Otto is a trauma informed Counsellor & Facilitator who incorporates Mindfulness into her life & work. She has facilitated groups across the Mornington Peninsula for over 12 years, creating safe spaces for people to connect, share, learn and grow together.

Jillian West is a proud Bunurong woman from Point Nepean and Palawa from the islands of Bass Strait with a lengthy career supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in work, education and their life journey.

Shelley Andreetta is a compassionate and experienced counsellor at Griefline. Shelley has developed and currently facilitates grief groups, finding it a genuine honour to foster a healing environment through the connection of people and shared experiences.

Sue Cameron is a compassionate grief counsellor at Grief Australia, educator, and certified funeral celebrant dedicated to supporting individuals through the complexities of loss. With a rich background in paediatric oncology, community care, and family support, she brings deep empathy and expertise to her work in counselling, group facilitation, education, and guiding meaningful funeral and memorial services.

Dr Hellen Kemp is a Specialist Grief Counsellor at Grief Australia. Hellen brings extensive experience in physical and mental health, with a career spanning from frontline healthcare roles to advanced psychological research. Passionate about supporting individuals through grief and trauma, she is currently completing APS Board Approved Supervisor Training and advanced EMDR therapy certification.

Leah Munnery, Pippin & Scout, Angela and Scottie from the Unconditional Love Foundation bring people and animals together, believing both can experience the immense joy and compassion this connection brings.