Training Success at Macquarie Hospital and Wollongong Botanic Garden with Neami National
A day of immersion & experiential learning with NatureFix where 97% of participants rated the training 5/5, calling it “extremely satisfying.”
“Loved every minute. I have so much to put into practice with my clients and feel so inspired to do more training in this space. Best training I’ve been to in years.”
— Mental Health Counsellor, Macquarie Hospital
Training at Wollongong Botanic Garden with Neami National
We’re thrilled to share the highlights of our recent NatureFix in-person training with held at Macquarie Hospital in Sydney and at the Wollongong Botanic Garden with Neami National. These hands-on sessions brought together health professionals, educators, and community workers for a powerful day of learning, nature immersion, and practical application, delivered in the very settings where we’ve installed Nature Wellness Trails.
More than just a professional development opportunity, these workshops delivered an insightful mix of the latest science on nature prescriptions with hands-on facilitation practice, helping participants translate insight into action through the NatureFix 5 Steps to Connect Framework.
Training included hands-on practice using the NatureFix 5 Step program
Why Nature Connection Matters Now More Than Ever
There is a growing urgency to raise awareness that nature connection is not just “nice to have” but as a powerful, evidence-based health intervention. With rising mental health challenges, burnout in the health workforce, and increasing demand for low-cost, high-impact wellbeing tools, nature offers a profound solution that is right outside our doors.
NatureFix training provides transformative insights into the science of nature connection, covering why it works, how it works, and with clear strategies to confidently prescribe and facilitate it in practice. Participants don’t just learn about nature connection, they experience its impact firsthand.
“Personally and professionally it has left me feeling more confident in applying these concepts across different aspects of my practice.”
— Workshop participant 1“The knowledge learnt is very transformative for both my personal and professional life.”
— Workshop participant 2“I will move forward being much more aware of nature and the benefits. I will actively apply what I learnt today in my practice and utilise it in self-care and everyday acceptance in my home life.”
— Workshop participant 3
Supported by Charles Sturt University
This training was only made possible thanks to the support of Charles Sturt University and the Rural Health Research Institute, as part of a research initiative to champion nature prescriptions as a validated and essential health intervention.
We are extremely proud to be working in collaboration with the team at Charles Sturt University on this groundbreaking research designed to evaluate the impact of structured nature-based interventions on mental health and wellbeing.
As part of this initiative, we’ve co-designed and implemented a 6-week facilitated nature walk program that integrates NatureFix activities and the 5 Steps to Connect framework into a weekly group program. Participants are guided through a series of experiential practices while immersed in natural environments, such as botanic gardens, nature trails, and restorative outdoor spaces.
The program supports people experiencing stress, depression, trauma, or general emotional overwhelm, providing a gentle yet powerful tool to complement clinical treatment.
Why This Matters - nature is not a luxury, it's a lifeline
Engagement with nature has been proven to help restore mental health and wellbeing - not only for those in distress, but for the broader population. Yet despite the growing global ‘nature-prescribing’ movement and increasing awareness of the mental health benefits of nature-based interventions, the opportunity gap remains wide. Most people are not accessing structured, facilitated programs that guide them to experience the full therapeutic benefits of nature connection, simply because health and community service providers are not yet able to deliver them at scale.
That’s why our research with Charles Sturt is so important. So we can help support and empower professionals to confidently lead these experiences, turning evidence into action. Building a case for nature prescriptions to be routinely offered, resourced, and recognised as legitimate, evidence-based health interventions.
Participants where show strategies to turn on their peripheral vision
NatureFix Training Highlights
✅ Nature as a Therapeutic Tool Exploring the science behind nature prescriptions, highlighting benefits that extend far beyond simply being outdoors.
✅ 5 Steps to Connect Framework Participants practiced a structured approach: Relax, Notice, Embody, Reflect, and Nature Type to reliably increase connection and wellbeing.
✅ Facilitation & Program Adaptation Gaining practical tools for tailoring nature-based interventions to diverse populations and needs.
✅ Implementation & Case Studies Real-world applications, guided session planning, and examples of successful integration in health and community settings.
✅ Resource Toolkit Access Ongoing access to 40+ guided activities and facilitator materials to support long-term practice.
✅ Resource Recommendations As part of the training, we recommend
· “The Natural Advantage” by Dr. Jenny Brockis – A must-have book for every health centre, offering practical insights into the science of wellbeing and how to apply it in everyday practice.
· “The Long Limbs of Trauma” Insightful training to help deepen participant understanding of trauma-informed care from our friends at the Birchtree Centre.
Who Is the NatureFix Training For?
✔️ Healthcare professionals (GPs, psychologists, allied health practitioners)
✔️ Youth & social workers supporting vulnerable communities
✔️ Educators & community leaders focused on wellbeing
✔️ Environmental & recreation officers delivering nature-based programs
Ready to Bring NatureFix to Your Team?
We’d love to work with you. Contact us or visit our Training Program page to learn more.