Are you looking for a positive and ethical way to celebrate our connection on Australia Day?

Welcome to the Na Djurali (Nah Ju-rah-lee] Retreat, a retreat created to help you learn and immerse yourself in First Nations’ cultural practice, deepen your ability to live present, to help you to de-tox from the busyness of life, to disconnect from technology and reconnect to yourself and nature.

We have chosen Australia Day for this latest Na Djurali Retreat as so many of our friends and community have asked if there is a way to celebrate this challenging day in a way that is more meaningful and that brings us together. This is our way of offering a small group of like-minded and hearted people the opportunity to come together on beautiful Darkinjung country.

A taste of what you will experience (but not the full menu)

We don't want to give it all away, as a part of the magic of life and time on country in Na Djurali is being in the experience of flow and quietening our mind that always wants to know. But what we can promise you is that you will be guided through an experience on three levels, each intertwined across our time together:

The Inner Journey

'Na' is a Dharug word that can be used to mean 'observing' or 'awareness' and it describes the elements and the practices that will help you to still your busy mind and re-connect with yourself more deeply. When you arrive on Darkinjung country you will be welcomed with an ancient smoking ceremony and clearing song. If you haven't experienced this before, it is hard to capture in words as your experience will be unique for you based on where you are at the moment of ceremony.

'I'd never experienced a smoking ceremony; as soon as I stepped into the smoke, it washed over me, encouraging me to let go and exhale what was tightly holding on within me. I entered into a beautiful weekend in nature feeling held by and connected to the land we were on.' Kelly Black (previous attendee).

Following this cleansing welcome, throughout the weekend, Alan and Stu will guide you through a series of different meditation practices, reflection practices and dream-time storytelling that will help you to travel as deep as you feel into your inner world, growing your understanding and your relationship with yourself.

The Community Connection

The more connected we are with ourselves, the more deeply connected we can become with the people that we love and that we share our lives with. This way of living is a fundamental part of traditional cultures and something that is so important to restore in our lives where we live more and more separated from each other.

Stu and Alan love creating a space where people can come together and where you can share and be listened to by people whom you have only just met. This is a concept that is rare in our working worlds and fast-paced lives, but it is an experience that is natural to us all. Yarning circles are a First Nations practice that brings us all together and that will be weaved in throughout the weekend. It is a simple practice, that like many that you will learn, can be taken back home with you and that can enrich your relationships at home, at work and in all walks of life.

Connection with Mother

Nature is a place that we all feel at home. Whether it is walking in the bush, sitting in a quiet spot under a tree or swimming in her waters, Mother Earth is always there, giving to us. Throughout the retreat you will learn about the important connection of our First Nations people to nature, Stu will teach you about some of the native plants and their uses and will guide you across sacred sites and thread this all together through story.

If this sounds a lot, don't worry. The weekend is all about creating a gentle flow and you will have plenty of time to yourself to relax in the beautiful nature around us, chat with each other, read, write or snooze under a tree.

We hope this whets your appetite, but we don't want to spoil the whole meal, so have some fun and unforgettable experiences waiting for you when you step onto, and into Darkinjung country.

Reviews of Na Djurali Retreats and Circles

A bit about Stu & Alan

Stu is a Dharug and Gubbi Gubbi Nations cultural man, educator and founder of Gawura Cultural Immersions.

Alan is a mindfulness guide, author on mental well-being, and has been studying the practices of how we can live more present in cultures around the world for over twenty years.

Together, they are great friends who share a passion to help people from all walks of life to deepen their understanding of themselves and to grow deeper connections. In a world where division, loneliness and a loss of purpose affect so many of us, Stu and Alan bring together their diverse cultural learnings to create events and experiences that are often equal part fun, self-reflective, growth-fuelled and nourishing for the spirit.

Since 2018, Stu and Alan have worked together, and individually in board rooms, classrooms, and on stages around Australia and the world. They are excited to meet again in one of their favourite places in nature and in deep connection for three days.

'It's a place where we are always learning, always laughing, always going deeper and we are excited to meet you for another Na Djurali retreat and to see what magic unfolds in this connective experience.'

Ngubadi Marri (big love)

Stu and Alan

Stuart McMinn and Alan Riva — Smoking Ceremony with Stu and Alan

The practical information

Dates & Times

26th January 2024 from 1.30pm to 28th January at midday. (We would highly recommend that you make it for 1.30pm on the 26th, but if you can't you can still join us anytime in the afternoon).

Location:

The 2024 Australia Day retreat will held on Darkinjung Country, in Kariong on the Central Coast of NSW. Accommodation is a choice of camping (please bring tents as drive-in camping is very limited) or shared, single-sex dormitories in the Scout buildings.

We will be based on the Scout campgrounds at Kariong as this enables us to have private use of the area.

Google map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MjWqvV...

What to Pack:

Throughout the Na Djurali retreat we will be exploring and sitting on country so please bring your walking gear, sun protection and bug sprays (if that is your thing). A torch and all your usual camping equipment are worthwhile. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Food and Drink:

To help keep prices down, the retreat is self-catered and alcohol-free. Cooking equipment is available in the Scout buildings, but if you have specific culinary expectations, it's best to bring your own gear. `

Parking:

Plenty of parking is available on site.

Any other questions?

Please drop us a message to Alan at alan@alanriva.com.

Credits:

Photos by Kelly Black

Contact the host of Connection & Culture Retreat