The Resilience Tree

There is a special tree in Goulburn, at a women’s retreat just outside town. On weekends, women from crisis situations—experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, mental health struggles, or addiction—gather around it.

They come from all walks of life: different cultures, places, ages, and faiths. Over a few days, they get to know each other, share meals, sleep, and find comfort in the company of others facing similar struggles.

When the retreat is held, they go to this tree. They sit around it, on it, meditate beneath it, and talk. It’s known as the Resilience Tree.

The tree is broken—like many of the women. It was once knocked completely flat. Look closely and you’ll see that much of it is dead, stricken, and bare. But three thick roots remain—gripping deep into the earth. And still, it lives. The top branches have reached skyward once again. This tree, nearly uprooted, survives.

The women gather here to tell their stories—but also to leave behind pain and shame. Broken or not, they rise. They move forward. They live.

Likewise, young people—female and male—who undergo gender surgery and hormones may, within 6–8 years, face one of three paths: acceptance, detransition, or devastation.

We want to offer them the same roots of resilience: reality, strong social connection, self-compassion, and adaptability—so they too can rise and stand strong.