Healthy Practice Retreat - The Connection
 

Healthy Practice
Retreat

 

23–26 February 2027 | Bannisters Port Stephens 

Our signature retreat for allied health practice owners who are ready to step away from the noise, reconnect with yourself and create a practice that feels good to run again.

 

Express your interest for this magical event!

Early-bird pricing ends 16 November 2026.

What is the Healthy Practice Retreat?

Imagine if….

You had the chance to step away from the day-to-day and be surrounded by practice owners who truly get it – people who understand your challenges, share your ambitions and are ready to cheer you on.

You had the space to clear some of the overwhelm, declutter your thoughts and focus on the parts of your practice that need your attention.

You could think about what needs to change so your business feels lighter to run, gives you more freedom and makes space for more of the work you love.

And you could do it all in one of the most beautiful settings in New South Wales – with time to reflect, dream, celebrate how far you’ve come and plan what comes next.

That’s what the Healthy Practice Retreat is all about.

Connect with people who truly get it

Reconnect with your vision

Leave with clarity and practical next steps

Life Changing, it really was!

“The Ability to step away and look behind the four walls of my office with a room full of amazing, supportive people was an invaluable experience. I would highly recommend the retreat to any practice owner feeling lost and alone.”

Sarah collison, verve ot, Nsw.

 

Who is it for?

The Healthy Practice Retreat is for practice owners who are ready to step off the mouse wheel and find more enjoyment in running their business.

It’s for those who are feeling lost, overwhelmed or uncertain about what comes next, as well as those with an idea they’re ready to grow and nurture.

Most of all, it’s for practice owners who want to create a greater impact – without burning themselves out along the way.

You don’t need to be at a certain stage in your business. You just need to be ready to pause, reflect and think about what you want next.

You’ll find the breathing room to think clearly and feel grounded again.

Walk away with:

  • A simple, realistic plan for what’s next in your practice
  • Confidence to make decisions without second-guessing yourself
  • Energy and motivation to follow through
  • Fresh ideas and practical ways to make life feel easier
  • A community of other owners who just get it

You’ll leave lighter, clearer, and ready to run your practice in a way that feels calm, smart, and sustainable.

This feels like the reset I need!

The absolute BEST business decision I have ever made

“The absolute BEST business decision I have ever made. Regardless of where you are in your business, this retreat gives you space to reflect, reconnect, and remember why you do what you do.”

Helen B, Intuitive Empowerment OT, QLD

When & where?

Arriving
Tuesday, 23rd February 2027

Arrive, settle into your luxury room, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and begin switching off from the day-to-day.

 

Departing
Friday, 26th February 2027

The retreat concludes with lunch on Friday afternoon.

 

Location
The luxurious BANNISTERS

The Healthy Practice Retreat will be located in Port Stephens, New South Wales.

 

What’s the schedule?

 

 

 

 

Tuesday

Arrive, settle into your room and take some time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We’ll spend the afternoon connecting as a group and setting the foundations for the days ahead.

Wednesday

After breakfast, we’ll explore the foundations of a healthy practice -from finances and team to values and vision. We’ll finish the day with a special retreat dinner together.

Thursday

Thursday is about looking forward. You’ll create a clear strategy, decide what needs to stay or change and turn your ideas into practical next steps you can take back to your practice.

Friday MORNING

We’ll bring everything together so you leave with greater clarity, renewed confidence and a plan that feels right for you. We’ll finish with a final lunch, followed by optional activities on Friday afternoon for anyone who would like to stay a little longer.

We believe there are 5 key elements to creating a healthy practice…

1. Reviewing

Step back and look at what’s really happening in your practice.. the wins, the friction, and the blind spots.

2. Reconnecting to Vision & Values

Remember why you started, what matters most, and what kind of business (and life) you want next.

3. Bringing Ideas to Life

Take those ideas you’ve been sitting on and turn them into something real… step by step.

4. Nurturing Yourself (and Your Practice)

Explore how to create a rhythm that supports you, not drains you, so you can keep showing up as a Smart with Heart practice owner.

5. Simplifying Systems

Lighten your load by streamlining the things that take up too much time and energy.

During the retreat, we’ll explore each one.

To help you bring more clarity, ease, and purpose back to your business.

You won’t just think differently; you’ll leave knowing exactly what to do next.

What’s included?

Everything is taken care of! You just have to show up.

  • 3 nights of luxury accommodation at Bannisters Port Stephens which is right on the beach, has a stunning infinity pool, cocktails that bring all sorts of amazing ideas to life!
  • 3 days of guided content, reflection, and planning with me (Amy!) - I hold space for you all. No one gets left behind. Everyone gets that transformation they are looking for (and some they didn’t know they needed)
  • The most amazing breakfast each morning at Bannisters looking out into the beautiful garden towards the ocean - such a treat
  • All meals, snacks, and barista coffee (yes, it’s that good)
  • Beautiful workbooks, templates, and resources to take home
  • Connection, laughter, and time for rest and reset

 

This is your chance to think, dream, and plan…without distraction.

Your Retreat Investment:

Choose the accommodation option that feels best for you. Whichever you choose, your retreat sessions, meals and the full Healthy Practice Retreat experience are included.

Early-bird pricing is available until 16 November 2026.

Your Own Room

Enjoy three nights in a beautiful room all to yourself…the perfect choice if you’d like a little extra space and quiet time to recharge.

  • Three nights private accommodation at Bannisters Port Stephens
  • All retreat sessions, workbooks and resources
  • All meals from Tuesday evening through to Friday lunch
  • Snacks and barista coffee throughout the retreat

EARLY-BIRD PRICE

$4,697
(per person)

Regular price: $5,497

Member price: $4,397.60

Twin-Share Room

Share a room with a friend or let us introduce you to another lovely practice owner who’s also happy to share.

  • Three nights’ twin-share accommodation at Bannisters Port Stephens
  • All retreat sessions, workbooks and resources
  • All meals from Tuesday evening through to Friday lunch
  • Snacks and barista coffee throughout the retreat

EARLY-BIRD PRICE

$4,397
(per person)

Regular price: $5,197

Member price: $4,097.60

Yes, I’d love to express my interest

No payment or commitment required to apply.
$200 deposit once accepted · Flexible payment plans available · Balance due 24 January 2027

Loved by practice owners just like you

47 wonderful practice owners have now experienced the Healthy Practice Retreat, and we feel incredibly lucky to have shared it with each one of them.

Here’s what some of our retreat alumni have said…

A Transformative Experience - Personally and Professionally

Read more

The Healthy Practice Retreat was truly transformative – both professionally and personally. 

Being in a room full of passionate, like-minded women, guided so beautifully by Amy, was such a privilege. The content was reflective yet practical, giving me the clarity and confidence to take real action in my business. I left feeling re-energised, inspired, and ready for what’s next.

I’d recommend this retreat to anyone who wants to pause, reconnect, and reignite their passion – all within a space of genuine support and encouragement.

Simone Sant - Therapy and Beyond, Townsville, QLD

I Fell Back in Love with My Practice

Read more

I didn’t realise how much I needed to be at the retreat until I got there!

I was headed for burnout and was falling out of love with my practice. Stepping away to attend the retreat, with Amy’s expert guidance, I was able to evaluate where I was at and really think about what things needed to change.

I have returned to work with renewed energy, enthusiasm and a clear plan. I also gained some amazing new friendships with like-minded women.

The location and venue were also second to none.”

Melissa James - Bayside Hand Therapy, QLD

A Beautiful Gift to Myself

Read more

The HPR was worth every cent and every moment of time that was dedicated to it!

Being a practice owner is always about giving to others – our clients and the team but the retreat was about giving back to myself as a practice owner! I met an amazing group of like-minded women who are all living a very similar business journey.

Being able to share, support and encourage each other (along with lots of laughs) during the retreat and hopefully in the years to come is the most beautiful gift the retreat could have given me!

Thank you Amy for helping me to regain my focus, motivation and love of my business and to feel excited for what lies ahead!”

Natasha Nutt - Movementum, NSW

Before you apply, a special note

We’ve designed every part of the Healthy Practice Retreat so that, from the moment you arrive, you can exhale.

Your accommodation, meals and retreat experience are all taken care of from Tuesday evening through to Friday afternoon. Once you’re here, you won’t need to organise a thing. You can simply settle in and make the most of the time away.

We intentionally keep the retreat small so that everyone feels seen, supported and comfortable sharing what’s really going on in their practice. You won’t be lost in a crowd. You’ll be surrounded by a small group of practice owners who genuinely understand the journey you’re on.

If you’re curious about joining us, we encourage you to apply early, as places are limited.

These four days are your chance to feel looked after, supported and inspired while creating space for whatever comes next.

Ready to Apply?

The first step is to complete our short expression-of-interest form so we can get to know you a little better.

There’s no payment or commitment required to apply – just an opportunity to have a relaxed conversation and decide whether the retreat feels right for you.

If it feels right for everyone, we’ll send you a proposal with all the retreat details and payment options. You can then decide whether you’d like to secure your place.

If your gut is saying, this is what I need right now, trust it. You deserve a business (and a life) that feels good again.

Yes, I’m ready to take the first step!

A beautiful, diverse, amazing bunch of people I can trust and grow with

“The Healthy Practice Retreat has been the most strategic and effective way for me to change and develop in my business and in myself. I’ve found my tribe. A beautiful, diverse, amazing bunch of people I can trust and grow with. THANK YOU for that”

Beth Taylor, Territory Hands, NT.

On the fence? We get it. It’s a big, bold decision. Naturally, it is going to come with some big breaths and gulps!

 

 

How do I know if the retreat is right for me?

If you’ve been feeling stuck, tired or unsure what comes next for your practice, the retreat could be just the pause you need.

You don’t need to have everything falling apart (or perfectly together) to join us. The retreat is designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re just starting out, have been running your practice for years, work solo or lead a growing team.

If your gut is saying, I need a reset, that might be your sign.

What if I don’t know anyone going?

That’s actually one of the best parts. Most people come solo – and within the first coffee break, it feels like you’ve known each other for years. This group is full of down-to-earth, supportive practice owners who get what it’s like to do what you do. You’ll leave with new friends, fresh ideas, and people you’ll keep in touch with long after the retreat ends.

How do people manage stepping away from their practice?

We know that stepping away can feel difficult, particularly when your practice relies heavily on you.

Here’s the truth: your business will survive without you for three days. And the space you get from stepping away often brings the best insights and decisions you’ve had in months. Many past attendees have said it actually made them better leaders when they returned – calmer, clearer, and more intentional.

Is there downtime and time to discuss my own practice?

Yes. The retreat balances guided sessions and practical planning with time to rest, walk, reflect and connect.

There will also be plenty of opportunities to ask questions, share what’s happening in your practice and receive thoughtful feedback – but there’s never any pressure to share more than feels comfortable.

Can I share a room?

Absolutely. You can share with a friend or colleague, or we can introduce you to another retreat guest who has also chosen the twin-share option.

Just let us know your preference when you apply.

Can the retreat count towards my CPD hours?

Yes – absolutely! The Healthy Practice Retreat is designed to support both your professional and personal growth as a practice owner. Many participants have successfully claimed the retreat as part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

You’ll spend time reflecting on your practice direction, setting strategic goals, and participating in discussions and activities that directly relate to business and leadership development – all of which align with most professional association CPD frameworks.

We recommend checking your association’s specific CPD requirements to confirm how the hours can be applied.

I’m nervous I’ll be behind everyone else - what if I don’t feel “successful enough”?

Oh, this comes up a lot and please know, everyone feels that way at first. The retreat isn’t about how many staff you have or how long you’ve been in business. It’s about taking time to work on your practice, not in it – wherever you’re at.

You’ll find people at all different stages, and the beauty is how much you’ll learn from each other. No one’s keeping score here.

I’m struggling financially but really want to come.

Firstly – thank you for being honest about that. We know what it’s like to run a practice and juggle all the pressures that come with it.

A few options that might help:

  • We do offer payment plans to spread the cost out.
  • You could also treat it as a professional development investment – many practice owners use PD budgets or claim business expenses for retreats like this (check with your accountant).
  • Most importantly, apply first and let’s chat. We never want money to be the only reason someone misses out on something that could truly help them move forward. Sometimes if you can’t afford to come, that’s exactly why you need to come!

Healthy Practice Retreat
Terms & Conditions

We want you to have a great, stress-free time at this event. Part of that great feeling comes from knowing the fine print! So we have broken it down here for you:

 

 

 

 

How does payment work?

If your application is successful, we’ll send you a proposal to look over. When you’re ready, you can secure your place with a $200 deposit.

You can then choose to pay the remaining balance in full or set up a flexible payment plan, with the full amount due by 24 January 2027.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you wish to cancel your booking, please let us know in writing by emailing hello@theconnectionco.com.au.

All cancellation dates and refund conditions will be clearly outlined in the Terms and Conditions provided with your proposal before you sign your contract and secure your place.

Are flights included in the cost?

Please note the cost does not include flights – you will need to purchase these yourself. Travel insurance is also not included. This will need to be purchased by you. Choosing travel insurance will be at your own discretion. We recommend that travel insurance covers you for cancellations, medical expenses, and injury at a minimum, if you choose to take insurance. The Connection is not liable for any out of pocket expenses that insurance will not cover and will not be held responsible financially or in kind should your insurance or lack of insurance not cover your personal circumstances. Itinerary and other details that are published in good faith may be changed if required.

If I decide to stay overnight on Friday, are meals included?

The retreat officially concludes after lunch on Friday, so any meals or additional accommodation from Friday afternoon onwards aren’t included in your retreat package.

You’re more than welcome to extend your stay and enjoy a little more time at Bannisters – you’ll just need to arrange and cover any additional accommodation and meals separately.

We can help you with organising additional accommodation if you need – just reach out to us.

Your practice friend, from start to end.