QLD Gold Coast Practice Group 11 Sep 25

As social workers, we understand our health is influenced by the places we live, work, play, learn and age. When we become stressed and depleted, it often has a ripple effect on our families and clients. We now know that nature has healing effects through quiet observation, sensory experiences and reflection.

A nature walk provides sensory and emotional prompts to explore feelings of calm, curiosity and more. The combination of gentle breathing, yin stretches, nature art creativity, and nature-based activities has lasting positive effects on our health and wellbeing.

About the presenter -

Suzanne Favaloro has been working in disaster management in the Gold Coast region for over three years on the frontline of disaster recovery at the Palm Beach Neighbourhood Centre. During this period, her experience incorporated working with people affected by a cascade of crises. This led to the innovation of “Wellbeing Wednesdays”, a start-up wellness and recovery program for the community, offering free activities and social-emotional education.

Suzanne is currently developing a project for grandparents caring for preschoolers through weekly nature meetups. A project funded by Queensland Health and Neighbourhood Queensland, aiming to empower women and girls from all walks of life across Queensland to achieve their fullest potential for health and wellbeing.

Suzanne’s private practice, which provides nature-based activity sessions for children, was launched in 2025 with the City of Gold Coast Active and Healthy program. Since then, she has expanded her delivery to adult groups recovering from crisis, and soon to include NDIS participants. The therapy incorporates the natural environment and outdoor activities into the therapeutic process.

📅 When: Thursday 11 September 2025

⏰ Time: 7.00 am – 8.30 am (AEST – Brisbane time)

📍 Where: Dune Cafe, 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach, 4223.

This is the meeting point only, and the location where the mindfulness walk will commence.