The UR Retreat is an annual camp experience for young women aged 13-15 years, in the Yarra Valley, Knox and Maroondah areas.
It is a phenomenal 4 day retreat, which creates a positive environment where young women are immersed and empowered through workshops, guest speakers and activities. The participants emerge as confident and self-assured young women who can celebrate themselves and are ready to take on their dreams.
Guest Speakers
Layne Beachley AO
World Champion Surfer
Layne Beachley AO is regarded as the most successful female surfer in history. Layne’s dedication to success saw her as the only surfer, male or female, to claim six consecutive world titles between 1998 and 2003. Layne went on to win a 7th world title in 2006 before retiring from the ASP World Tour in 2008. In retirement, Layne spends her time travelling nationally and internationally as a motivational Keynote speaker for some of the world’s top commercial firms, sharing her stories about sustaining success, overcoming challenge and maintaining a winning mindset.
Gillian Franklin
Founder & Managing Director - The Heat Group
Gillian Franklin is recognised as one of Australia’s most innovative marketers with a passion and commitment to supporting women in business. She is Managing Director of her own company – The Heat Group Pty Ltd – one of Australia’s leading personal care companies. Gillian is also an accomplished Company Director, is currently a Director of ACCORD and has previously held Directorships with the Australian Grand Prix (Deputy Chair), Melbourne Theatre Company, CEDA, Neopec, Microsurgery Foundation and the Prime Ministers Gold Medal Access Foundation (Chair). Gillian is also a Founding member of Chief Executive Women (CEW).
Sharon Witt
Author, Speaker & Educator
Sharon Witt has been immersed in teen world for over two decades in her role as a Secondary teacher, Author and Presenter to adolescents and their parents around the country. She is a regular media commentator on issues impacting young people, parenting and educational issues. Sharon often appears on Channel 7’s The Morning Show and The Daily Edition as well as having weekly parenting segments on radio in Melbourne and the Gold Coast. She also writes for a number of publications including Mici, Gigi and Bella magazines for adolescent girls.
Gianna Lucas
Life Coach, Educator & Motivational Speaker & CEO at Happow
On top of being the Co-Founder/CEO of Happow, Gianna is super passionate about supporting young women, teen and pre-teen girls. Through her self-esteem, resilience and wellbeing programs, you will learn how to embrace your unique potential, define your life purpose and pursue your passions with enthusiasm and confidence. Because when you dream big and boldly, amazing things happen. Gianna is living proof.
Beck Mitchell
Executive Officer & Endurance Athlete
Beck Mitchell is Executive Officer at Bridge Builders Youth Organisation, and is also an Endurance Athlete. In February 2020, Beck became the fifth female to represent Australia in the World Marathon Challenge, completing 7 Marathons, on 7 Continents, in 7 days!! As part of the event, she raised $52,000 for charity, which was also an awareness campaign about suicide prevention. Beck also hosts a podcast, Run with Soul and shares a message of hope and inspiration with a variety of audiences of young people and adults alike.
Retreat Leadership Team
Bonnie Knight
Program Manager
Paris Hindby
Participant Coordinator
Ella Hodge
Team Coordinator