May Sarton, prolific poet, novelist and memoirist, once said:

“The world is full of places. Why aren’t they enough? Why can’t I go somewhere and write?

For the creative (it takes one to know one), finding the perfectly comfortable spot, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, inspiring that “flow” can be tricky to find. I know from experience! I’m not sure about you, but I find, along with many other writing and creative friends, that nature stimulates the soul.

In fact, in a study published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2019, researchers found that spending time in nature can significantly improve cognitive function, including working memory and attention. The study also found that spending time in nature can improve mood and reduce stress. 

So if you are looking for nature and are in Victoria, Australia, you’re in luck – this stunning region is home to some of the best writing nature-filled retreats in the country. 

Here is just a handful for you to Ponder. 

https://www.writersretreatgarden.com

The Storytellers Nook, Panmure: This charming retreat is housed in a beautifully restored church, complete with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The gallery-style luxury retreat has an extensive library, luxe kitchen, beautiful writing desk, fast wifi and an open fire. Not to mention the claw foot tub, chef’s kitchen and Alice in Wonderland-inspired bedroom. With beautiful gardens to explore and the nearby Great Ocean Road, the Storytellers Nook is a must-visit for any writer seeking inspiration. Check out their website at www.thestorytellersnook.com.au.

Wiggly Bottom Farm, Yarra Valley – This peaceful retreat is situated in the lush Yarra Valley, offering writers a serene and idyllic setting to focus on their writing. The charming cottage accommodation with a wood-burning fireplace is the perfect place to cozy up with your notebook or laptop. With beautiful gardens and a farm full of friendly animals, Wiggly Bottom Farm is the perfect place to escape the stresses of daily life and reconnect with nature. For more information, visit their website at www.wigglybottomfarm.com.au.

Wombat Bend, Yarra Valley: Located on the banks of the Yarra River, The Burrow at Wombat Bend provides writers a tranquil and inspiring environment to focus on their work. The private balcony with stunning views and comfortable accommodation make this retreat a must-visit for writers seeking solitude and inspiration. With abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery, Wombat Bend is the perfect place to let your creativity flow. Check out their website at www.wombatbend.com.au.

So, whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting, writing retreats in Victoria offer the perfect environment to focus on your craft. With beautiful surroundings, accommodation, and an abundance of inspiration, they provide a much-needed escape from the stresses of daily life. So pack your bags, grab your notebook or laptop, and get ready to let your creativity soar! 

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Thomas Mayo is a Torres Strait Islander man born on Larrakia country in Darwin and signatory to the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a tireless campaigner.

Following the Uluru Convention, Thomas was entrusted to carry the sacred canvas of the Uluru Statement from the Heart to garner support for a constitutionally enshrined First Nations voice and a Makarrata Commission for truth-telling and agreement-making or treaties. 

Thomas, the author of “Finding The Heart of The Nation,” “Dear Son,” and the children’s books “Finding Our Heart” and “Freedom Day,” embodies a unique and inspiring presence. He embodies a warm determination that elicits a contagious spirit, capturing the attention of many, including the Ponderings team, who avidly follow his work. His books serve as an educational and uplifting resource for exploring the intricacies of community life and offering insightful perspectives towards reconciliation. “Finding the Heart of The Nation” serves as a beautiful guide in grasping a deeper understanding of this dynamic landscape towards reconciliation. 

If you could use only three words to sum up 2022, what would it be?

Never giving up

What is the greatest lesson you will take into 2023?

I chose the words ‘never giving up’ because when Indigenous people, including myself, made the Uluru Statement from the Heart in 2017, the government rejected its call for a referendum to enshrine an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. But we campaigned and invited the Australian people to support us. And, in great numbers, they have. 

In 2022, the Albanese Government was elected, and the new Prime Minister promised a referendum this year, in 2023. 

The government informs us that the referendum will be held late this year. So, the lesson is important. I won’t give up when it feels like the referendum may fail. I will keep asking the Australian voters to vote ‘Yes’ with me so that it succeeds.

What is your focus for the new year?

Without a doubt, my focus will be helping Australians understand why it is important to vote ‘Yes’ in the Indigenous Constitutional Recognition Referendum. 

As 2022 ended and the new year began, I worked on a book with former ABC journalist Kerry O’Brien. The book will be out in June. It will provide Australians with a handbook to help them understand why their ‘Yes’ vote is important to all of us and guide them to have conversations with others about the referendum.

Who is the most inspiring human you have met this year?

I meet hundreds of new people yearly as I have worked toward the Voice referendum. There are far too many inspiring Australians to name here. I think collectively, people’s sense of the importance of fairness is inspiring. It helps me to believe the referendum for Indigenous constitutional recognition and a Voice can succeed. 

Any exciting plans for the new year?

I am looking forward to the book with Kerry Obrien’s coming out in June. The title is The Voice to Parliament Handbook, and the publisher is Hardie Grant Books. We are keeping the book to around 100 pages, and making it as simple and clear as possible, covering all the detail people will need to vote ‘Yes’. 

I am also developing a film adaptation of my book, Dear Son – Letters and reflections from First Nations fathers and sons. I will co-produce and co-write the film, which may be a feature film or series. It has been an important book, and the film will be too, to explore how Indigenous men have been stereotyped and how we can improve as men while celebrating all we have achieved. 

Family and friendship are: genuine care, empathy and often sacrifice. It is what makes us all human. 

Community is: in the Indigenous way, sharing and collectivism. It is raising our children with many mothers and fathers, all pitching in to build a better future and to sustain and protect our traditions and culture. Community is also Country. It’s central to everything. Without Country, we don’t have community.

You can visit HERE to learn more about Thomas’s books, and The Uluru Statement from the Heart information can be found HERE and at the bottom of every Ponderings article. 

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Meet Craig Hollywood, a valued member of the Australian social impact landscape and award-winning speaker.

He’s a visionary who believes in the power of simple conversations to make a difference in people’s lives. As founder of Short Back & Sidewalks, Craig provides free haircuts and conversations to Australia’s most vulnerable populations, breaking down stigmas and creating positive change. 

Craig’s mission to help the at-risk stems from a personal loss and his drive to inspire the next generation of givers. With an open heart, humble leadership, and determination for inclusivity. It’s one thing to have empathy, but to take serious action and create changes is a whole other level. 

With a vision to make a difference, the engineer took the leap and presented a groundbreaking idea to the team at Westons Barbershop in Perth in 2015. He proposed offering free haircuts to those in need, a concept he coined “Short Back & Sidewalks.” Little did he know that this small spark of kindness would ignite a fire that would spread across the nation, growing stronger and more impactful with each passing day.

Today, Short Back & Sidewalks stands as a shining example of the power of community and compassion, with a network of hundreds of volunteers dedicating their time and skills to bring dignity and hope to those in need.

If you could use only three words to sum up 2022, what would it be?

Transformative, challenging, influential.

What is the greatest lesson you will take into 2023?

To focus and spend time on the things that really matter.

What is your focus for the new year?

Activating Federal funding support given to Short Back & Sidewalks and working on a partnership with global hair movement Evo will ensure we create an even larger positive social impact across Australia.

Who is the most inspiring human you have met this year?

Leanne Liddle, Director Aboriginal Justice Unit: Department of the Attorney-General and Justice. South Australia’s first Aboriginal policewoman and driving force behind the Northern Territory Aboriginal Justice Agreement, along with Northern Territory Australian Of The Year 2022! 

Any exciting plans for the new year?

My partner and I are hopefully having a baby *crosses fingers & toes*

Family and friendship are: something a lot of people take for granted. The support of family and friends is integral to the well-being of us all.

Community is: offering a hand of support to the people who need it most.

Would you like to support Short Back & Sidewalks?

Call To Arms – Do you want to wear your values?

Short Back & Sidewalks have a brand-new t-shirt available to purchase.

The purchase of one t-shirt provides free haircuts to two people in need.

100% of funds raised from the sale of this t-shirt go back into helping us achieve our mission: creating positive connections and visibility for some of our most vulnerable and marginalized community members.

Order yours today > https://www.shortbackandsidewalks.com/products/sbsw-t-shirt

Join Ponderings and our Inspiring Humans for 2023. The series showcases the stories of those who have dedicated themselves to creating change and leaving a lasting legacy. Follow along and be inspired, as we celebrate the power of the human spirit.

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