As part of Quest for Life’s mission to support individuals facing the challenges of rural and regional life, Quest facilitators Kate Szymanski and Austin Stewart—alongside our GM Neil Gripper—hosted a one-day workshop in Tamworth last month. This empowering session provided practical tools to strengthen resilience and help navigate life’s ups and downs.
While the team had planned to also visit the Grafton and Mullumbimby communities, Cyclone Alfred unfortunately led to the postponement of these workshops. We look forward to rescheduling soon!
Kate Szymanski gives her account of Quest hitting the road to Tamworth, where the skies showed off and the people were even better:
“One of the absolute delights of returning to Tamworth at this time of year was seeing the fabulous Margaret Finucane again. Margaret attended our last workshop in 2024 and remains a true local legend. She’s been entering cakes in the Royal Easter Show for an eye-watering 39 consecutive years (I mean… commitment!)—in both the American and Rich fruitcake categories. Through those years, she’s earned herself 32 ribbons, and just last week, she proudly took out first prize at the CWA for her coffee sponge! Honestly, we’re still hoping for a taste...
This year’s workshop had a few extra stars in the room—Austin joined as one of our wonderful facilitators and, as always, managed to charm the socks off everyone with his lilting brogue. Very easy on the ear! Neil, our brilliant General Manager at Quest for Life, also came along, bringing wisdom, steadiness, and a whole lot of heart to the conversations.
"Knowledge is power and this workshop has equipped me with strategies I can easily add to my routine. Thank you for the wonder work you do. You are changing lives."
- Mel, Tamworth
We were also thrilled to work alongside Janelle and Anna from Carers NSW, whose support was invaluable. Through them, we connected with several local carers, many of whom generously shared their lived experience and insights. There was strong representation from the local community, including various service providers. We were especially grateful to have Kristin, the Aboriginal Liaison Officer from NSW Health, in the room with us as well.
"The workshop has given me a lot to think about and put into practice."
– Maywin, Tamworth
As always, the community offered thoughtful and deeply considered reflections on the challenges they’re facing—from access to services to the ongoing impacts of broader social and economic pressures. We were able to provide some practical tools and ideas around navigating these challenges with more ease, calm, and self-compassion based on Quest for Life’s education. All participants were thrilled to receive a copy of Petrea’s book, Your Life Matters, which is an inspirational guide to living a more peaceful and fulfilled life.
"I now have a better understanding of the theory of meditation and the practice of how it can be beneficial in burnout."
- Kristen, Tamworth
Oh—and of course, no road trip is complete without my all-important cloud shots (some traditions are sacred). It wouldn’t be a proper regional run without a few “oohs” and “ahhs” from the passenger seat as I try to get just the right angle of sky. There’s just something about those big country skies that make you breathe a little deeper.
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and welcomed us so warmly—Margaret, your sponge is now legendary—and we can’t wait to visit again.”
Support for those in regional areas
As a charity, we rely on income from donations from people like you to subsidise the cost of attendance at our residential programs and to facilitate our free community outreach workshops in regional communities.
By donating to Quest, you’re helping other people grow through their biggest challenges. This, in turn, ripples out to create a more compassionate society that supports and encourages each of its members.
Your donation will help people on limited incomes or people in need of respite after a natural disaster by helping to cover the cost of their attendance at one of our programs. Donations will also be used to deliver more community workshops in regional areas for those who can't travel to Bundanoon.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Petrea King
CEO and Founder
Quest for Life Foundation
Upcoming residential program dates
Browse our Events Schedule for specific program information and dates.
