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‘It’s Naturally You’ is the flagship program of Evidentiary where Rob and Emma first crossed paths working together. Here they undertook evidence-based research to help government and non-government organisations develop and refine environmental policy and programs.
Emma and Rob undertook several research projects investigating the global evidence base on the relationships between human health and well-being and time spent in the natural environment. The research found overwhelmingly that interaction with nature and natural elements (such as plants, fresh air and natural light) has a profoundly positive impact on human health and well-being.
Excited by how the research findings were confirming their own personal experiences – that time spent in nature and amongst natural elements made them feel better too, they decided that they had an obligation to put the findings into practice so that these wellbeing benefits would be available to everyone. And thus, the seed for 'It's Naturally You' was born.
As a trained scientist (Ecology) who has spent 40 years in the environmental sector and pioneered the use of systematic evidence based synthesis in the environmental sector in Australia, Rob was determined to infuse the best available evidence into fun, interactive and meaningful programs to enable people to experience the wellbeing benefits of being in nature.
Emma gained more experience leading groups of people outdoors, working as a Wildlife Guide in National Parks, becoming a certified Forest Therapy Guide and completing a course from the University of Derby in Nature Connection.
Together they combined their depth of experience and passion to deliver It's Naturally You programs around Melbourne and in Gippsland.
LLB (Hons), BA (Politics), M. Env.Mgmt
Emma developed a strong love for nature at a young age, starting as a 3 year old in highland Papua New Guinea playing with bows and arrows and finding frogs. Growing up in Warrandyte saw many summer days swimming in the Yarra River. Every school holidays were spent in the Central Highlands of Victoria on 400 acres of bush, roaming through blue gum forests and feeling awed by granite boulders.
She has had a diverse career working as a Legal Practitioner at a Melbourne law firm, teaching English as a Second Language in Colombia and after completing a Master of Environmental Management, working as a Researcher in environmental evidence-based practice at Evidentiary.
Emma has worked as a Wildlife Guide taking tourists off the beaten track into some of Victoria’s most beautiful natural landscapes spotting wild animals and birds.
She has also studied and practiced Vipassana meditation, studied nature connection through the University of Derby and is an Accredited Forest Therapy Guide with INFTA. Emma is excited to bring her love of the outdoors, guiding, teaching and academic knowledge together in the programs that ‘It’s Naturally You’ have to offer.
B.Nat Res (Hons)
Rob has worked in the environmental sector for over 35 years since graduating from university, working as an outback ecologist, educator and researcher running his own businesses including Evidentiary undertaking and applying systematic evidence based research. He also currently lectures at Monash University with the Masters of Sustainability course.
As an outback ecologist for over 15 years Rob spent many months each year undertaking field work in isolated outback landscapes, often solo, sleeping in a swag beneath the stars. During this time he developed bush craft skills including survival skills, navigation, bush cooking, animal tracking and “reading” the bush.
Regular contact with nature has always been a fundamental part of the maintenance of Rob’s physical and mental health for restoration, relaxation and re-engaging the senses and he is passionate about sharing these skills with other people.
While still undertaking evidence based research, Rob also spends time in far east Gippsland developing and running his nature based wellbeing retreat "Bemm Bush Retreat" as he believes that human reconnection with nature is a key ingredient of human health and wellbeing. Rob says that nature connection is as individual as you are and that is why we cater for individual needs in our programs.
Anna is a registered Occupational Therapist with broad experience supporting adults across mental health, chronic pain, neurodivergence, and progressive health conditions. She has held senior roles within major health services across both public and private settings. Anna also currently works within a chronic pain management clinic and in her own private practice, supporting individuals to improve daily function, wellbeing, and quality of life.
With a strong background in complex care and program development, she brings valuable insight to the design of our nature-based programs—creating experiences that are meaningful and responsive to participants’ abilities and needs. Anna’s therapeutic approach is grounded in the evidence and belief that connection—to nature, meaningful activity, and community—is key to health and wellbeing.
Outside of her professional work, Anna is an enthusiastic nature adventurer who enjoys hiking, camping, biking, and kayaking. She is passionate about the health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature and believes that taking time to be in and simply notice nature - can play a powerful role in enhancing quality of life.
Leah has a Bachelor of Environmental Science from Deakin University in Melbourne. Leah has undertaken several university placements including at one of Tasmania's wildlife sanctuaries that specilise in a Tasmanian Devil breeding program assisting with the protection of genetic diversity of the Tasmanian Devils declining population due to the Devil Facial Tumor Disease and recently at a turtle rehabilitation centre in the Philippines.
Leah has always loved the outdoors. Spending weekends away camping, hiking, fishing, she has always valued the natural environment, recognising the benefits of nature connection and being something that brings contentment and peace into her life.
Leah’s experiences and university training have grown her passion for preserving the earth and its natural ecosystems, recognising their value and significance and must be protected
Leah has taken any opportunity to leave the city lights and head to the bush camping and hiking including to one of her favourite destinations, New Zealand where she has done multi day hikes in the South Island, spending time amongst Fiordland’s finest alps.
Jay brings a unique blend of outdoor expertise, technical safety skills, and professional culinary experience to 'It's Naturally You.' A passionate outdoor enthusiast, Jay's deep commitment is highlighted by his membership in the well-respected University of the Philippines (UP) Mountaineers since 2003.
He has extensive experience as a Senior Climbing Guide and a certified Wilderness First Responder. His strong background includes serving as a Head Facilitator, where he supervised and taught essential skills like Rope Skills and Basic Mountaineering. Crucially, he holds training in wilderness first aid, basic life support, and search and rescue, ensuring high standards for participant safety and logistics management for adventure expeditions.
Complementing his facilitation, Jay is a highly proficient Chef and Cook from his work across various settings, including restaurants, aged-care, childcare, and catering. This expertise is invaluable for expert food preparation and nutrition during programs, including managing special dietary needs and enhancing experiences with bush cooking.
Chloe is currently completing a Bachelor of Health Sciences and Arts at Deakin University in Melbourne.
Chloe gained a keen interest in environmental and health science during her VCE year and is majoring in the subject area of the relationship between environmental health, nature connection and human health and wellbeing.
After spending time at a school campus in Jabiru in the Northern Territory, Chloe gained employment working at the Jabiru Area School (JAS) mentoring and assisting Indigenous students with distance education.
Chloe has undertaken multi week treks in the Victorian Alps and in eastern Gippsland and assisted leading groups on bush adventures. Having spent much time in her childhood camping, hiking, wildlife watching and spending time in the outdoors, Chloe understands the importance of the natural environment and it's influence on physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Aside from university, Chloe enjoys a range of outdoor activities including coaching netball, cricket, running and hiking.
Janine is qualified in Leisure and Health with 13 years experience working as a Lifestyle assistant and Lifestyle coordinator in aged care homes in Victoria. She has planned and implemented activities including art, cooking, sing-alongs, poetry, seated exercises, chair yoga and gardening. Janine’s dedication ensures that activities are tailored to meet the individual preferences of the residents and Janine loves to see residents getting involved in something that is meaningful or special to them.
Janine has also studied Horticulture and is a keen gardener and bush walker and likes to spend time in nature to relax and rejuvenate. She has been practicing Yoga for 30 years and has recently completed a teacher training course.
In addition, Janine has a very creative flair and is a visual and performing artist with 30 years’ experience working in community arts and cultural development. She has collaborated on art projects with local councils, schools, museums and art galleries running workshops in making costumes, largescale puppets, lanterns, props and sets for outdoor theatre events and parades.
B.Bus (Travel and Tourism Mgt)
Grad Dip in Human Services (Counselling)
Karen is a qualified Counsellor in Social Sciences and Human Services and has worked with Lifeline Melbourne, including volunteering, since 2000. Since 2005 she has worked delivering workshops and training staff in the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) program throughout Victoria.
Karen's approach is always warm, empathetic, calm and knowledgeable. She loves being surrounded by nature and maintains her own mental health with ocean swims, running through the bush and gardening.
Aside from her work with Lifeline, she is known as 'the dog whisperer" for her love of and compassion for dogs and amazing ability to be able to build close bonds with our four-legged friends, including training two Seeing Eyed Dogs.
East Gippsland magic
“Bemm Bush Retreat” was purchased for long term nature conservation and as a place to practice and research nature-based therapies. A 420 acre private national park and haven for people to re-connect with themselves and the natural world. Located near the junction of the Bemm and Goolengook Rivers the property is surrounded by several of Victoria's most untouched National Parks including Errinundra National Park (27,000 ha) just 5 km north, Lind National Park 5 km to the east and Croajingalong National Park (90,000 ha) 20 km to the south-east. A place to see the stars of the Milky Way in all their brilliant glory, unspoilt by light pollution, a place to be awed by the expansive views of the Combienbar Mountains, to hear lyrebirds calling in the deep cool gullies, to swim in clean, cool rivers, drink fresh rainwater and eat food grown from the garden or just stare into the campfire. A place on private land where you can feel safe, free and engaged with nature.
Bemm Bush Retreat is also a place for us to care for over the long term. While some parts such as the warm temperate rainforest are pristine, others are recovering from past logging. A conservation covenant through the Victorian Trust for Nature has been placed over 90% of the property. We’re looking after the land and rehabilitating previously grazed areas by creating habitat for endangered species (such as planting She-Oak trees for the Glossy Black Cockatoo), improving biodiversity and carbon storage and controlling weeds along the watercourses. This is part of the It's Naturally You commitment to achieving a 30% nature positive Australian landscape by 2030. The location of the property is ecologically and strategically critical to the survival of threatened vegetation communities (such as warm temperate rainforest) and endangered or vulnerable flora and fauna species (including the Barking Owl, Powerful Owl, Platypus, Southern Brown Bandicoot and Greater Glider.)
