About Us
Hello! I’m Mandy, the founder and heart behind Random’s Retreat—a place where animals, nature, and human connection come together to create something truly magical.
For over 28 years, I’ve cared for an extraordinary range of animals, thanks to the curiosity and passion of my four daughters. From giant snails and sugar gliders to goats, horses, and more, our family has poured love, time, and energy into nurturing these incredible creatures. Along the way, they’ve taught us about compassion, resilience, and the beauty of living in harmony with nature.
Today, our beloved herd lives as close to a natural life as possible, forming strong bonds with one another and with us. They share their world daily—offering friendships, joy, and lessons in healing. Random’s Retreat is my dream turned reality—a haven where animals, people, and nature thrive together in perfect harmony.
Living with PTSD and GAD has provided me with years of lived experience, enabling me to demonstrate compassion and understanding for others who face similar struggles. I can empathize and share insights into the mental and emotional space required to navigate and manage these symptoms.
Over the years, I have completed courses in SEND and Autism Awareness, Safeguarding, Understanding Mental Health, Mental Health First Aid, Outdoor First Aid, and Suicide and Self-Harm Awareness, followed by Equine Wellbeing Coaching with Equimotional. I am now registered with ITOL, IPHM, and AACPH.
Our Journey
It took three decades of dreaming, planning, and hard work to create this little slice of paradise. Our facilities are designed to bring humans and animals together, fostering growth, understanding, and a deep sense of connection. Since opening our gates, we’ve welcomed children, families, veterans, and corporate groups—all united by a desire to reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
In 2023/24 alone, we had the immense pleasure of hosting over 500 children here at Random’s Retreat. Their laughter and joy have become the heartbeat of our space, reaffirming our mission to create unforgettable experiences.
Our work wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of my daughters and our passionate team. Together, we’ve built a space where love for animals, creativity, and community comes to life.
Mandy
Founder, director, Equimotional and Equischolars facilitator, Forest School L1 leader, Wild Passport practitioner, heart, and driving force behind Random’s Retreat. My years of caring for animals and connecting with people are the foundation of everything we do.
Mandy
EAL Facilitator, Director and supporter for all, coming soon
Molly
Holistic Practitioner, Director
I am Molly, a holistic health practitioner and meditation teacher with a profound passion for the mind-body connection and the narratives that shape our identity.
My journey has interwoven various paths, beginning with a foundation in psychology, where I became deeply intrigued by the nature versus nurture debate. What defines us? How do early experiences influence our nervous system, behaviour, and sense of purpose?
This curiosity led me to pursue training in holistic health, where I learned to support the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. I realized that true healing goes beyond symptom management to uncover the underlying patterns driving them.
Additionally, I became a certified meditation teacher, specializing in guided meditation. I view meditation not as an exercise in "clearing the mind" but as an opportunity to meet our thoughts, emotions, and sensations with compassion and curiosity.
My approach is integrative and trauma-informed. Whether guiding meditations, helping individuals connect with their body's wisdom, or exploring the influence of upbringing, my aim is to foster a safe space for insight, healing, and transformation.
Over the past year, I have had the privilege of hosting women's circles at Randoms Retreat—sacred spaces for connection, healing, and self-discovery. This has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey, and I am profoundly grateful for the incredible individuals I have encountered.
If you are drawn to inner work, nervous system healing, and reconnecting with your authentic self, it would be an honour to accompany you on this journey.
Honor
Our Forest School Leader..... coming soon
The Girls
My four daughters, who have inspired, supported and contributed to the care of our herd and development of this haven since day 1. They've shared in the hard work, the laughter, and the dreams that brought this place to life.
Skye, my eldest daughter, has been the inspiration behind everything we do. Although she appears to live an ideal life in the eyes of others, her struggles to navigate survival in this world are profound. She's both a fighter and a survivor, demonstrating that anyone can achieve goals with determination, a strong support network, and love.
Reaghan and her daughter Lexi are around most days and while Lexi enjoys living the dream Reaghan supports group sessions and runs our Rascals toddler group. Reaghan is meticulous, keeps our children's equipment in tip top condition and the sensory garden tidy and ready for you all to enjoy.
Keirah and her daughter Harper also join us regularly, Keirah supports some smaller sessions and always joins our Rascals with Harper. Keirah spends many hours helping to feed, care and clean up after our selection of animals.
Aisha and her partner Cris come along to help with our larger jobs, when a fence needs fixed, a planter needs built or a bowser needs filled you will find this pair out in the paddocks getting it done. They even bring along the kids to help out (and of course ride the herd and their motorbikes and quads on a weekend)
Our Facilitators
We’re proud to have many experienced team members, including qualified Forest School leaders and EAL facilitators trained with Equimotional.
We regularly work with Reiki masters, meditation practitioners, yoga instructors and sound bath facilitators. Their expertise ensures every session is thoughtfully designed, bespoke, and impactful.
We want to thank all of our facilitators for their dedication and support, Honor Shaw, Mandy B, Molly M, Jean McIver and Nikki Jones.
Join us on this journey
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