Newsletter

In just over 12 months time, two adventure motorbike riders will be setting off on a journey across the continent, covering some 12,000 kilometres over six weeks.
In association with the Australian Institute of Depression, Damian Milo and Bruce Potts will be promoting the seriousness of depression in this country and making the community aware that there are indeed drug free answers to this crippling disease.

Damian & Bruce will launch their trip from ADI headquarters in Maleny, chasing the sun in their westward journey across the heart of Australia, then south through Perth, around the southern westerly tip to turn due east across the Nullabor. From there they will travel through outback NSW, a momentary diversion to the coast, then back inland again, before turning north for home.

It will be a dream fulfilled that has been years in the making as well as supporting a fantastic cause which both riders have experienced in different ways.
Damian says “When Bruce told me about this trip, I just had to get involved.
We have been great mates for years and to be able to promote the ADI and the fantastic work they are doing, and do it in a way that is a passion for both of us, well it is a dream come true.”
“We wish we could get started earlier, but like anything that is worth doing, it takes good preparation. Bruce has been riding trail bikes for years; however I have been road only, so I need to do plenty of training, especially for the soft sand we expect across the three deserts we have to traverse. The plan is for a couple of trips to Fraser Island and Double Island Point; great training areas to test the bikes - and me!” he added. “The bikes will be
modified with long range fuel tanks, so we have to test in different conditions, what sort of mileage we can get – especially as we will be totally self sufficient carrying equipment, camping gear, food, drinks and spares – all on the two bikes” said Damian.
Bruce says “It is a very exciting time for us. We have already had a number of  publishers’approach us for the book rights and we are seriously looking at a TV series and DVD production, which adds a whole new parameter to the journey. As well, we plan to upload our daily progress via the website, so friends, family and our readers can keep track during the trip.”
“At this stage the book is definitely ‘a goer’ and readers can reserve their copy on the website or through the ADI.

Fountainhead’s popular Open Day free seminars on alternate Saturdays are proving to be a big hit with informative presentations by Organic Retreat personnel. The seminars are a fantastic way of gaining an understanding of our philosophy, meeting the highly professional and dedicated staff including therapists, hosts, masseuses, fitness and cuisine experts. Naturally we pride ourselves to be the only fully Certified Organic Retreat in Australia and this pride is evident when our Fountainhead
tour guides take small groups around the property to view the permaculture gardens, pools (both 25 meter lap-pool and large plunge pool), spas, Turkish steam room and detox box, along with our uniquely designed accommodation villas. Our Open Days are held monthy starting 10 am Saturdays for approximately 2 hours.

We regularly have special guests, such as, Tracey Stranger last month for the launch of her new book “How to overcome Stress Naturally”, along with planned celebrity chefs visits and organic cooking schools.

Recently we hosted Amber Werchon’s top performing Real Estate Team at one of our “Cooking Schools”, executed by talented chef Brad Evans. Amber is an avid yoga and Pilates advocate and a strong supporter and “Ambassador” for motor neuron disease, for which she is very much applauded. The Fountainhead Organisation also supported Amber’s fantastic charity golf day for motor neuron which raised record dollars.
Congratulations Amber!

Dr. David Kliese PhD, a renowned Transformational Specialist recently conducted a weekend seminar on ‘Confidence Through Public Speaking’ at Fountainhead. David will be returning early next year to talk about Rational Emotive Therapy.
We are proud to support the inaugural “Ride Against Depression”, a history making motor bike event across Australia.

We hope we have given you an insight into how we are getting the signals out there about the great work all at ADI and Fountainhead are achieving and WHAT’S NEW?

There appears to be a general misconception that group therapy can have less impact than an individual ‘one-on-one’ consultation; however David Cameron-Hands, Senior Lecturer and Life Coach for the Australian Depression Institute refutes this, based on
his experience in the field, especially with depression, anxiety and stress related issues.

“Group therapy is a fantastic opportunity for the individual to engage with the philosophy because if they are reluctant, they will feel more at ease and be prepared to observe and listen. Furthermore, hearing the stories of others makes them realise that they are n ot alone in what they are going through. This can be very comforting, which allows them to
be more receptive to the program as it progresses” said David.

The stress & depression programs presented by the ADI, in conjunction with Fountainhead Retreat, commence with a group weekend intensive followed by a week of further lectures, combined with some individual ‘one on one’ consultation with an ADI-trained Life Coach.

“Of course there are those who are always willing to ‘jump in’ to offer their views and opinions, which is fantastic; however we also find that those a little more reluctant quickly warm to the general discussion. It is important to recognise that the weekend lectures really do press some buttons by challenging people’s beliefs – exactly what it is designed to do!” David adds.

‘This is a great lead in to the following week where these beliefs are further explored, challenged and discussed in more depth. This results in clients having a far better understanding of the philosophy and critically, how they can use it to change their live.

“In fact I would say that results can be achieved more quickly and effectively by first attending group therapy. It is my aim to be the catalyst for clients to finally understand what beliefs they hold, where they were formed and ultimately why they behave and feel the way they do – after all that is why they are here!’ said David.

Group therapy can also bring out views and thoughts which other attendees may never have considered. This creates a more pro-active group and provides the presenter with a great opportunity to really show how the philosophy can be applied to any area of emotional concern in the life of a guest. “I just love it when people step up and openly
challenge what we are saying. They don’t realise it at the time, but this is in fact doing exactly what the program is designed to do, because these challenges reveal the incorrect beliefs that a person needs to deal with” concludes David.

“There is nothing more exciting to see the remarkable change in our guests once they have completed the program. After all, many of them openly say that this is their last chance. They have previously sought answers from many different avenues and continually put pressure and expectations on themselves to find the answers
to get their life right. It is very satisfying” adds David.

David Cameron-Hands is a Senior Lecturer at Fountainhead Retreat and the Australian Depression Institute with an expert knowledge of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder.

1. Begin your day with fresh fruit. Top your cereal with berries.Peel a banana. Slice open a melon.
2. Make your mid-morning snack a bag (or 2) of baby carrots. Jazz them up, if you like, with a little hummus dip. Whip up your own tasty (and inexpensive) hummus. Simply blend in a food processor 2 garlic cloves, 1 can of chick peas (no-salt added), 2 tablespoons of plain non-fat yogurt and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
3. For lunch at the sandwich shop, ask for extra tomatoes and greens. Do you see anything else behind the counter that’s veggie-based, like fajita-style combinations of sliced green peppers and onions? Ask for a dollop of them on your sandwich as well.
4. For a mid-afternoon snack, try vanilla yogurt (non-fat, sugarfree) topped with sliced summer-fresh fruit, like peaches. Delicious!
5. Roasting baby red potatoes for dinner? Add to the roasting pan sliced red bell peppers, onions and sweet potato.
6. No time to cook? Just throw in a big bunch of greens, like kale and mustard greens, and other vegetables to your readymade soup. For crunchier, longer-cooking veggies like broccoli, microwave them for a couple of minutes before adding to your soup.
7. Buy in bulk. At many places, you can get large quantities of fabulous season-fresh fruit (such as 12 mangoes in one box) for excellent prices. Best of all, you will be extra-motivated to enjoy all those mangoes and other produce over the next few days because nobody likes to see good food spoil (and the more fruit and veggies you are eating, the less room you will have for fattening snacks like chips).
8. Visit a farmer’s market in your area. Ask the growers: What’s new? What’s tasty? And what’s the easiest, most delicious way to prepare it?
9. When entertaining, make one of your appetizers a huge serving platter of finger-food veggies like cherry tomatoes, radishes, sliced celery, and sliced jicama. What a great way to start a meal (and curb hunger so that you are eating less of the more calorie-dense fare that follows).
10. Finish the day with a luscious Berry Mousse. Blend together until smooth and add your favourite fresh berries, silken tofu, Splenda, and a little vanilla extract. Or simply sit down to your favourite evening show with a bowl of strawberries – they are available at markets now. “Sweet” doesn’t get any better!

It’s hard to believe she can find the time, but Carol McLaughlin not only is Fountainhead’s new General Manager, she also manages to run 80 kilometers a week, pursuing her passion of marathon running! Originally from the Gold Coast, Carol brings a fresh
approach to the Retreat, adding ‘new zest’ to the exercise programs. She fully endorses the Fountainhead philosophy on how our thought processes affect our health. “I am a strong believer in what Fountainhead teaches and those principles are how I lead
my own life” Carol said. “It works, and I see it working with our guests here. The philosophies are simple, yet life changing.”
“I guess what attracted me to Fountainhead compared to other Health Retreats is the fact that something tangible is offered to our guests, so that when they do leave, they have the tools to work with at home – and that is the critical point. Furthermore, if anyone needs a refresher or wants to talk to one of our staff after attending one of the programs, we are always willing to help.”
Carol has also brought some new fun elements to the Retreat. “Many people have the misconception that Health Retreats are no fun at all, and they are something like an army boot camp.
Quite the opposite! In fact, on Friday nights, we have a theme night – last week it was ‘Thai’ and this week it will be ‘Greek’. The chefs prepare a four to five course organic extravaganza, we have some live entertainment and everyone gets into the theme of the night. It is great fun!”
“I guess the important factor for us is taking the stigma out of health retreats. We want to emphasise that exercise and healthy living is in fact a lot of fun, it is just a matter of knowing how,” she added. One of the main priorities for Carol is the expansion of the Retreat. “We are so well known now, especially for what we do that booking windows are getting smaller and smaller and many clients now have to book well in advance for
our specialist programs. One of the best ways to alleviate this is more accommodation and that is an area that the management is working on, along with further development of the day spa area.”
Carol concludes “Right from the very first day it opened eight years ago, Fountainhead has been an exciting place to be. It is very exhilarating that this is still very much the case today with so much happening, and so much more to do. I am loving it.”

Carol McLaughlan - General Manager Fountainhead Organic Retreat

Like to know what a Health Retreat is really all about but too afraid to ask?

This presentation and retreat tour is ideal for:

• Those wanting to see a health retreat ‘live in action’
• Those always wanting to go to a health retreat - but afraid of what happens!
• Those wanting a better understanding of just what treatment programs are available including: depression, cancer, eating disorders and addictions.
• Those wanting to understand how their thinking affects their health
• Those wanting to know what ‘boot camp’ really means
• Those wanting to improve their general health but don’t know how
• Those wanting to relax and chill out in a peaceful healthy environment

Don’t miss this great opportunity to see a health retreat close up! Places are strictly limited so bookings are essential.Visitors are also welcome to discuss serious health issues with hosts and management of the retreat.

Presentations run monthly:
Call 5494 3494
now to confirm your place.