what this Event is about
Health professionals spend much of their time managing complexity in other people’s lives. Over time, that same complexity can quietly build in their own. Boundaries blur, expectations grow, and the space to think clearly about what matters becomes limited.
Uncomplicating Life Simply is a retreat designed to step back from that accumulation and look at it with a fresh perspective.
Across the days, you will explore how personal boundaries protect your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, and why they are often the first thing to be compromised. You will examine the patterns that shape your relationships, including how to recognise behaviours in others that drain your energy and how your own responses can unintentionally reinforce them.
There is a strong focus on practical skills. Understanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy connections. Communicating with clarity and confidence. Learning how to say no without guilt and how to respond thoughtfully in challenging interactions rather than reacting in the moment.
The retreat also looks inward. It provides space to reflect on the coping strategies and roles that may be adding unnecessary pressure, including over-responsibility, rescuing tendencies, and the early life patterns that continue to influence decision-making today. You will gain tools to manage common thinking traps such as catastrophising and excessive guilt, alongside strategies that support both psychological and physical regulation.
Importantly, this is grounded in the realities of working in health care. The demands, the expectations, and the subtle ways compassion fatigue and stress can take hold over time. Participants leave with a clearer understanding of what supports their wellbeing, what complicates it, and what needs to change.
Places for this retreat are intentionally limited to allow for meaningful discussion and reflection. It is designed for those who recognise that while they manage complexity every day, they do not have to carry it into every part of their own lives.
Learning Outcomes
In this event, you will:
- Analyse personal and professional patterns that influence behaviour, including boundaries, coping strategies, early life influences, and roles that may contribute to over-responsibility, compassion fatigue, or unhealthy caregiving dynamics.
- Differentiate between healthy and unhealthy relationships, recognising toxic traits, red flags, and the principles of reciprocity and respect, and apply strategies to reduce the impact of harmful interactions.
- Apply assertive communication and boundary-setting skills, including saying no without guilt, responding rather than reacting, and maintaining clarity in challenging personal and professional situations.
- Use evidence-based strategies to manage stress and thinking patterns, including identifying cognitive distortions and applying approaches such as CBT, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, with an understanding of the mind–body connection and the impact of chronic stress on overall health.
Why a conference Retreat?
A conference retreat offers something different. It creates space to step away from day-to-day demands and focus on meaningful reflection, discussion, and personal development. Away from the pressures of busy clinical environments, participants have the opportunity to think more clearly, share experiences, and explore new perspectives.
Historically, nurses have had limited access to this style of professional development, despite being the largest group within the healthcare workforce. The unique challenges nurses face — including workplace pressures, communication difficulties, and experiences of bullying — are often addressed in short, traditional education formats that leave little room for deeper exploration.
This nursing conference retreat has been shaped by the counselling work of Anne Evans-Murray, who supports many nurses navigating these challenges and seeking to strengthen their assertiveness and professional boundaries.
Join us for this unique experience as we step back from everyday demands and take advantage of the supportive, reflective environment that a retreat offers.
Is this part of my Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? Yes, It Is!
Under the code of conduct in Domain 7: Promote Health and Wellbeing, the value statement that we, as Nurses and Midwives are required to abide by is:
“Nurses and Midwives promote health and wellbeing for people and their families, colleagues, the broader community and themselves in a way that addresses health inequality.”
This means that the information and education provided at this retreat is perfect to meet your obligations under this domain and thus claimable as a CPD activity.
Our Presenters:
Anne Evans-Murray
R.N., BHlthSc, MACCCN, Grad.Dip Ed, MEd, Dip Counselling, GradCertCritCare, CertIV Training and Assessment, CertIV in Mediation
Anne has a passion for teaching, which she does in an unpretentious way that ensures you will not only understand and retain what she presents but will also enjoy this learning experience. She has extensive experience of over 26 years of lecturing for Gold Coast Health District and Griffith University.
Anne is a frequent presenter at workshops, conferences and seminars throughout Australia and New Zealand on subjects such as high dependency nursing, cardiac arrhythmias & ECG interpretation, chest x-ray interpretation, clinical assessment of the deteriorating patient, assertiveness training and leadership. She conducts accredited advanced life support training for nurses, doctors and paramedics.
Anne has a passionate commitment to empower all clinical staff through increased awareness and knowledge of the critically ill patient’s condition so that timely intervention is implemented, which will benefit patient outcomes.
She is the author of three books; “ECGs Simply”, “Interpretation of Chest X-rays Simply” and ‘Uncomplicating Life, Simply’. Her ECG book is a textbook sold in many universities in Australia.
Sue Walker
RN, BN, BN (ADMIN), MPHC, MACN, Specialist Nurse Educator
Sue is an Australian nurse educator, conference director and CPD specialist with extensive experience in clinical practice, leadership, education and public health. She is the Director and Co-Founder of Nurses for Nurses and a key contributor to Nursing CPD, where she helps deliver evidence-based education and professional development programs for nurses and midwives across Australia and internationally.
Sue holds qualifications in nursing, health administration and public health, along with postgraduate studies in gerontology, psychiatry of ageing, chemotherapy administration and training and assessment. Her career has included frontline nursing, senior management and education leadership.
At the heart of her work is a simple belief: nurses and midwives are not just the backbone of healthcare, they are critical decision-makers whose knowledge, judgement and advocacy directly influence patient outcomes and system safety. Sue’s goal is to ensure nurses and midwives are supported and professionally empowered to meet the growing complexity of modern healthcare while sustaining long, fulfilling careers.
"The content and then practical strategies for stress management and managing difficult personalities are essential to all nurses. Should be taught at TAFE and Uni courses." - Asa, Maximise Your Potential & Achieve Personal & Career Growth Retreat, Gold Coast Hinterlands
DID YOU KNOW THAT ANNE ALSo HAS ONLINE CONTENT YOU CAN ACCESS?
Program:
Day One: 14/09/2026
Topics covered today will include:
- Introduction to Retreat
- Accepting Self
- Harmful Thinking
- Mindfulness Walk
Evening: Attending Networking Function
Day Two: 15/09/2026
- You Can’t Fix Everyone: Recognising Harmful Patterns in Others and Letting Go
- Choosing your Inner Circle Friends and Family: The Framework for Healthy Relationships
- Setting Limits or Boundaries: Protecting Your Wellbeing in a Demanding World Lunch
- Setting Limits or Boundaries Continued
- Mind-body Connection: Understanding Cortisol and the Stress Response
- Discussion and Reflection
Evening: Optional Dinner with the Presenters
Day Three: 16/09/2026
- Not All Grief Comes from Death
- Strategies to Manage Your Stress Response as you Uncomplicate Your Life
- It’s Your Choice
- A Mindfulness Approach to “Uncomplicating Life Simply”
- Conference Summation and Safe Travels
Dinner with the Presenters
$70.00 inc GST
On the second evening, enjoy the option of dining with Anne and Sue in the O’Reilly’s Guest House dining room. A three-course menu is available for $70.
This optional experience is open to both attendees and their guests and must be booked at the time of online registration.
What’s Included:
- An extensive program based on current best practice
- Presenters that are recognised experts in their field and are excited to be able to share their skill, knowledge, and passion with attendees
- A conference pack that includes a notepad, pen and additional information to support a fantastic conference experience
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea as outlined in the program
- A conference transcript that identifies each session including the synopsis and session presenter
- A Certificate of Completion identifying the CPD hours for you to include in your CPD Evidence Portfolio
Registration Cost
$950.00 inc GST
Need more info?
The Venue: O’Reilly’s RainForest Retreat
The retreat is being held at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, located in the heart of Lamington National Park. Just 90 minutes from the Gold Coast and around two hours from Brisbane, the journey itself becomes part of the retreat experience.
Travel through the charming village of Canungra and the beautiful Canungra Valley. You may wish to stop along the way to sample O’Reilly’s wines or enjoy a relaxed picnic at Canungra Valley Vineyards before continuing your drive. As you ascend the winding mountain road to the Lamington Plateau, take your time and enjoy the stunning views across the mountains of the Scenic Rim.
This unique location allows us to step outside the traditional conference environment. Sessions will be held in the rainforest where possible, taking advantage of the calm and restorative benefits that nature provides.
There will also be opportunities for self-care, with time allocated on days two and three to enjoy the day spa. These experiences are popular, so bookings should be made directly with O’Reilly’s well in advance.
“I had a hot stone massage there recently and it was just fabulous — one of the best I have ever encountered.” Anne Evans-Murray
O’Reilly’s is also renowned for its spectacular mountain sunsets. On day one, attendees will experience this together during the complimentary conference welcome session.
Accommodation
Attendees will book accommodation directly with O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
NB: Once your registration is complete, you will receive an email with instructions on how to arrange your stay. These instructions will ensure you are linked to the conference in their system.
Set within the beautiful Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s offers a relaxed, rustic environment designed to help you unwind and disconnect.
The Original Retreat Lodge
The original lodge provides a traditional retreat experience. Rooms do not include televisions, allowing you to fully step away from everyday distractions. The lodge also houses the dining room, conference space, Sunset Bar, and several comfortable lounge areas where you can relax by the open fire, connect with colleagues, or enjoy a quiet moment with a good book.
Villas
For those seeking a more upmarket experience, O’Reilly’s also offers a range of well-appointed villas. Guests staying in the villas will need to drive to the Retreat conference room each day.
Campground
O’Reilly’s Campground is a world-class ecotourism experience set amongst pristine rainforest. Safari-style tents are available for those looking for a unique and immersive nature experience.
Please Note: Accommodation costs are not included in the retreat registration fee.
Things to do during your visit
Bird of Prey Show
Experience one of O’Reilly’s most popular activities — the Birds of Prey Show, set in the stunning surrounds of Lamington National Park. Watch eagles, owls and other magnificent raptors soar overhead in a free-flight demonstration, while learning about their behaviours and conservation. It’s a memorable and uniquely Australian experience, and a highlight of your rainforest retreat.
Glow Worm Experience
As evening falls, step into the rainforest for a magical glow worm experience. A short walk through the peaceful surrounds reveals tiny, shimmering lights scattered along the rock walls — a natural display created by glow worms in their quiet, hidden habitat. It’s a calm, memorable experience and a beautiful way to unwind and connect with the rainforest.
Segway Rainforest Tour
Explore the beauty of the rainforest in a unique and enjoyable way with a guided Segway tour. Glide along scenic trails while taking in the fresh mountain air, towering trees, and peaceful surroundings. With expert guides and easy-to-learn equipment, this relaxed adventure offers a fun and memorable way to experience the natural beauty of O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
Tree Top Zipline
Experience the rainforest from a completely different perspective on the Tree Top Zipline. Soar through the canopy, high above the forest floor, as you travel between platforms surrounded by stunning mountain and rainforest views. This guided adventure is both exhilarating and unforgettable, offering a unique way to experience the beauty of the Gold Coast Hinterland.
WHAT OUR ATTENDEES HAD TO SAY
All the Education Team were approachable and very interested in all of us as Individuals. Thank you to Anne for making it easier to understand the basics of heart function and ECG interpretation. To both Anne and Sue for sharing the updated research on the "Controversial" topics and health care/practice.
Loretta
Great event. Amazing presentations by Sue and Anne. Very well presented with a lot of examples. Thank you very much for the amazing conference.
Dorothy
Absolutely fantastic! I got so much out of this retreat, with so many tools to use in my professional and personal life. Having it at the beach made it all the more enjoyable. I feel so rejuvenated! I learnt a lot about myself , what and how I can improve in my communication. The strategies practiced in the workshop were most beneficial. I will be at the next one. Best thing I have ever attended!!!!
Rachel
I can not truly express what this retreat has meant to me and the dedication that Anne and Sue show to improving positive psychological outcomes for nurses. Thank you to both of you.
Asa
Anne and Sue are beyond exceptional.
Lenor
WHAT OUR ATTENDEES HAD TO SAY
This course should be taught in Uni’s and hospitals everywhere. I finally get it. I have watched videos, read books, followed presentations on YouTube and gained some knowledge but this course just made it all click.
Lysandra
The course was easy to follow due to the presenter's clear passion for her subject. It was paced perfectly and every aspect was interesting and relevant. It has given me more confidence to begin to properly analyse why we are monitoring our patients and given me a good foundation to begin interpreting the rhythms.
Chrissie
Anne Murray-Evans presented the topics in a simple yet insightful manner. I have gained more confidence in reading ECGs and in being able to explain them to patients and colleagues.
Annabelle
Fantastic and informative seminar with relevant information for all who attend! The speaker Anne Evan- Murray she was fabulous, not to mention Sue who did an amazing job organising.
Lee
Content was explained in such an easy, basic way that made all the jigsaw puzzle pieces fit together and make perfect sense! Those "ah- ha" or light bulb moments!
Leanne
"Must attend conference to gain an insight into fundamental and advanced knowledge of cardiac monitoring and heart rhythms.
Critical thinking developed to go along with patients presentations of cardiac problems at hospital."
Stella
Use coupon code NCPDREF to get a 20% discount.