From Mental Health Leadership to Granite Belt Retreat Owner
After nearly three decades in mental health, stepping away wasn’t something I took lightly. My career shaped so much of who I am—from early days as a nurse to leading large-scale reform, managing national programs, and sitting on boards that shaped state and sector-wide policy. But after years of deadlines, funding battles, and systemic pressure, something in me knew it was time for a new chapter.
So I did something bold. I paused. I listened. And I made a choice.
I chose peace.
From Boardrooms to Bushland
I now find myself in a very different kind of role—welcoming guests to 31 The Rocks, a boutique accommodation haven in the heart of Stanthorpe. Trading policy meetings and national strategies for gum trees and granite boulders might seem like a dramatic shift, but for me, it felt natural. Seamless, even.
Here, I’m still working in wellbeing. Just in a softer, more grounded way.
Instead of care plans, I help guests find the perfect local hike or suggest a winery for an afternoon tasting. Instead of advocating in government forums, I’m lighting a firepit, sharing local secrets, or simply making sure your villa feels like a sanctuary.
The Why Behind the Welcome
I’ve always believed in the power of connection—to people, to place, to purpose. In my previous work, that meant building systems that supported mental health across communities. Now, it means creating a space where people can truly rest. Where they can reconnect with nature, with each other, and with themselves.
Each villa at 31 The Rocks is set among native bushland. There’s a certain kind of quiet here that you don’t realise you’ve been missing until you feel it wrap around you. Golden light filters through the trees at dusk. Wallabies graze nearby. And the stars—well, they speak for themselves.
A Slower, Sweeter Life
Since moving here, I’ve rediscovered the joy in simple things. Morning walks with a cup of tea. The smell of eucalypt after rain. Sharing a bottle of local shiraz with returning guests and hearing what brought them back.
I still hold board roles in mental health—supporting causes close to my heart—but my day-to-day rhythm is slower now. More intentional. And deeply rewarding.
You’re Invited
If you’re seeking space to exhale, to unplug, or just to feel held by nature for a little while—come visit. I’d love to welcome you.
Whether you’re celebrating something special, escaping the city, or carving out time for yourself, 31 The Rocks offers more than just a place to stay. It’s a place to reconnect. And I’d be honoured to be part of your journey here.