Have you ever sat on a beach with the sun on your skin and a cool breeze on your face? Or maybe the sound of silence while sitting around the fire in the bush or the calmness you get when resting by a flowing creek in the rainforest? There is just something about going back to country that I believe is the beginning of a process of healing. Healing of our mind, body and spirit.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a deep connection to the land, which is more than just physical but also spiritual. This relationship has been formed over tens of thousands of years, with their cultures relying on the land for sustenance, shelter and healing. The term ‘Country’ is used to refer to not only the physical land but also the connection to animals, plants, and people.

Since a young age, through the influence of my father's and mother's cultural backgrounds, I have worked with many people with social, emotional, mental and spiritual needs. My family used 'camping on country' as a tool to help guide young people to positively connect to people, culture, spirit, land and self. In return, I got to experience first-hand how to empower people to make a difference, not just for their community, but also for themselves. As a family, we would provide support to children in the form of a safe environment, caring relationships, active community and cultural connections.

The words 'Connect, Empower and Support' has long since been my vision to expand my family's heart and turn it into an opportunity for the community to find healing through culture, adventure and outdoor experiences.

Happy Healing,

Benjamin Rea