The Reflexology Association of Australia conference 2024 is endeavouring to meet the need of reducing the flight, fight , freeze response in a busy, diseased and chaotic world. Many people are in a constant state of stress and therefore not able to access the parasympathetic nervous system that supports immune function, cellular healing, reproduction and digestion. Reflexology has an important role to play in helping to regulate, rewire and restore autonomic balance and improve health outcomes for yourself and others.

Come and be a part of the Reflexology Association of Australia's 16th National Conference. The 2024 Conference will be held in Geelong Victoria at the prestigeous Rydges Hotel. This is an amazing opportunity for all to mix business with a little bit of pleasure!

Friday, 25 October 2024

Registrations open and evening Welcome Reception

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Saturday, 26 October 2024

AGM, Conference speakers and dinner

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Sunday, 27 October 2024

Conference speakers

Conference Events

Friday 25 October 2024 - 5pm to 6pm

Registration - Miss Nautica, Rydges Hotel

Registrations will be held in the Miss Nautica conference room at the Rydges Hotel.

Friday 25 October 2024 - 6pm to 7pm

Saturday 26 October 2024 - 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Dinner - Wharf Shed

Join us for dinner at the Wharf Shed. The cost of the dinner will be at your own expense and must be paid to the Restaurant on the night.

PROGRAM

RAoA Conference 2024

Friday, 25 October 2024

Nautica Pool Bar and Kitchen

Saturday, 26 October 2024

The Wharf Shed

15 Eastern Beach Road

Sunday, 27 October 2024

Featured Speakers

The Reflexology Association of Australia invites you to our bi-annual Conference to be held at the Rydges Hotel, Geelong from 25-27 October 2024.

This flagship event is a great opportunity to network and learn from fellow Reflexologists and other experts in the industry as they deliver their exciting presentation to you.

International Speakers

Sally Kay

Karen Middleton

Sue Ricks

Reflexology Lymph Drainage RLD

Ear Reflexology

Reflexology for babies and children

Karen Philipsen Brown

& Annamarie Huckin

Zu Qigong

Foot Energy Work

National Speakers

James Flaxman

Brenda Seville

Jasmina Kotorac

The Fascia role in restoring balance

An integrated approach

to improving fertility

Vagus Nerve

Michael Christian

Rachael Gibson

Quantum Healing

Reflexology and Equine therapy

About Sally Kay

Sally Kay is an internationally acclaimed Reflexologist and best-selling author, who has created, researched and developed Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) from first principles through extensive clinical practice.

This innovative approach to reflexology has attracted national and international awards and wide-spread recognition.

Sally has travelled extensively teaching RLD and as a guest speaker. She has published articles in professional journals which include, peer-reviewed, British Journal of Community Nursing, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, and The International Therapist, UK & Australian Reflexions.

RLD demonstrates how reflexology treatment enables tangible outcomes to be measured.

Sally believes data collection and analysis is beneficial to our profession and to other healthcare providers, importantly those who are responsible for the allocation of future healthcare funding and policy decision making decisions.

Sally is well known for delivering excellence in Reflexology.

About Karen Middleton

Karen is a Reflexology Practitioner and Tutor in Auckland, New Zealand. She operates a busy full time reflexology practice, and runs her school, the Auckland School of Reflexology. She has been a certified Reflexologist and a member of Reflexology New Zealand (RNZ) since 2012. Karen offers Foot, Hand and Ear Reflexology in her sought-after therapy practice, and teaches all three modalities in her School. Since traveling to teach Ear Reflexology in the UK in 2019 her teaching on this topic has grown in demand, and Karen embraced the online teaching platform in 2020 to offer the opportunity to people all over the world to add this knowledge and modality to their menu of services.

Karen attributes the initial rapid start, and continuing growth and expansion of her business over these past 12 years, to the inclusion of all three reflexology platforms in her integrated approach to client care, but In particular the combination of feet and ears. Her love for the ear work is second only to working on the feet. She looks forward to enthusing you with the ‘power’ of the two tiny reflexology ‘maps’ on either side of your head ….. your EARS!

• During Karen’s presentation you will hear about the following:
  
• What is Auricular Therapy / Ear Reflexology
  
• History of Auricular Reflexology
  
• The science behind working the ears
  
• The body mapped on to the ears
  
• Benefits of working the ears as a neurological intervention
  
• Auricular Taping / Ear Seeding
  
• Basic Protocol for use in your practice
  

Each attendee will receive a printed copy of Karen’s clear and carefully created Ear Reflexology Chart

About Sue Ricks

Sue provides on line training and courses with one to one bespoke consultations. Sue runs the acclaimed Sue Ricks Academy with a huge range of beginner and advanced training, videos, books, charts and live zoom sessions with additional Q and A sessions. Sue is a CPD provider, reflexology and energy expert.

The Sue Ricks Academy is a highly rated membership site, which was begun in October 2017 and has weekly additions plus live courses and classes. It is based on Sue's 30+ years of experience, with the aim of sharing a wide range of information on numerous subject of great interest and importance. It is full of fascinating facts, hints, tips and training.

Sue originally trained in traditional healing and came to the field of Reflexology through family contacts before being asked to set up her own training School. Over the years Sue has taken part in research projects, taught internationally and spoken at conferences around the world. Sue's work with babies and children took her into working with hospitals and NICUs plus charities who support parents. Sue has written a number of books and has hosted interviews with fellow reflexologists in the Voice of Reflexology.

Sue hosted the UK Reflexology Conference in 2018 and the International Foot Reading conferences in 2018 and 2019.

Sue lives in the centre of the UK with her partner George and cat Lucy and is enjoying life as she finds new ways to travel and work in a wheelchair. Sue has spoken about her condition on You Tube for the benefit of reflexologist and other women who are interested to know more.

Sue is passionate about the world of energy and reflexology and supporting all ages from infants right through to the years of wisdom as age brings. Sue's new book on Distance Reflexology is being published in 2024.

About Karen Philipsen Brown

(& Annamarie Huckin)

Karen a second generation reflexologist, qualified in the UK 25 years ago and practices reflexology, massage and colour therapy. Having taken many post graduate courses she offers an extensive toolbox to her clients in both Hamilton and Auckland clinics. She is passionate about her work and loves finding the pieces to each individuals wellness puzzle.

Karen has served on Reflexology New Zealand National Committee since 2013 and is currently the President of Reflexology New Zealand. She was awarded Reflexologist of the Year in New Zealand in 2019 for her passion of linking and networking with fellow reflexologists and organisations. She coined the phrase “Lets make Reflexology a Household Name”.

Zu Qigong can be described as a simple, energy-based technique that uses a specific sequence of gentle touch movements applied to the feet and lower legs, effectively delivering energy (Qi) into the energy distribution network of the body – the meridian system. Zu Qigong is the legacy work of Elspeth Fare based in Scotland, UK.

Karen and Annamarie, based in New Zealand studied with Elspeth in 2017 and were amazed by the results when introducing Zu Qigong with their clients and have continued with this technique ever since.

As Elspeth has retired Karen and Annamarie are now the official representatives of Zu Qigong, and as such will be the principal trainers, providing workshops on request.

About James Flaxman

James is a manual therapist with an impressive career spanning over three decades. Since embarking on his professional journey in 1990, James has dedicated himself to continuous learning and professional development, a commitment that resulted in earning a health science degree in 2022.

James's passion for reflexology was kindled early in his career, receiving his first reflexology qualification in 1991. James studied under the tutelage of Rosemary Urban, a respected figure and pioneer in the field of reflexology in South Australia. His ability and dedication caught Rosemary’s eye and he began to assist and sometimes deliver teaching sessions at the Prospect School of Reflexology.

Furthering his expertise, James has trained extensively with notable educators in the field, including Peter and Dorthe of Touchpoint, Sue Ehinger, Lyn Booth, Cherel Sue Waters, and Dwight Byers. His first qualification in manual therapies was a diploma in Soft Tissue Manipulation followed by a diploma of Remedial Massage.

The pursuit of a Bachelor of Health Science in Myotherapy marked a pivotal moment in James’s career, challenging and refining his approach to clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice. This experience underscored the importance of a holistic perspective and the empirical support for therapy applications. Intrigued by the anatomical justification for reflexology, James delved into research on fascia, embracing it as a crucial element in modern anatomy that aligns with reflexology’s applications.

James’s practice flourishes not just on his extensive experience and qualifications but on his innovative approach to integrating traditional methods with contemporary scientific findings. His work reflects a deep commitment to advancing the field of manual therapy, with a special focus on the application of reflexology within a myotherapy framework.

About Brenda Seville

Not long after my initial graduation, a work colleague who had been struggling to conceive, asked if I could assist her. That led me on a journey into researching fertility and preconception issues.

Having read many books and research papers later, that long and never-ending journey is still going. During this time, I have managed to assist couples, fulfil their dreams into parenthood, (many who have been trying to conceive for several years, and many conceiving naturally), with the arrival of around 1900 babies when using these methods and techniques.

In this presentation I will highlight how I use a multifaceted, integrative approach to address fertility issues. This incorporates the use of new and traditional Reflexology techniques. It explores the client’s heritage and genetic history, stress profile, and lifestyle habits.

It examines results of typical (and some not so typical) tests, and information found in published case studies and clinical trials, which may lead to the recommendation of minerals and supplements, when their efficacy is supported by evidence.

Why and when to liaise with the Drs for the best outcome and how the collation of this information can uncover the sometimes seemingly hidden secrets to their fertility issues. How I create a fertility profile, and what I do with that information with regard to preconception issues to achieve the desired outcome.

About Jasmina Kotorac

Theoretical and informative presentation about the importance of VAGUS NERVE and what makes it an integral part of our complete health and well being. The presentation is design to give an in depth information how Vagus Nerve is involved in many important bodily functions, many of them vital to sustain our life and how it’s dysfunction affects us physically and emotionally- how it affects every organ in the body- including the brain, vital organs, hormonal system, immune system, our emotions/ mental states, helps with the effects of the trauma… By using the original Lone Sorensen method of VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION technique, we can achieve profound results, restoring the function of the Parasympathetic nervous system and allowing the body to start the process of healing to experience the calm, peace, health and well being.

By the end of the presentation a deeper insight will be gained in understanding:

General information about the Vagus nerve

Function of the Vagus Nerve and why it is an essential part of our entire health system

Have a closer understanding of Sympathetic/ Parasympathetic NS and the essential role Vagus N plays in FLIGHT/FIGHT/FREEZE body response

Causes of dysfunction of the Vagus Nerve

How dysfunction of Vagus Nerve relates to all systems in the body

Presenting real cases with varied health issues- how by using a Facial Reflexology/ Vagus Nerve stimulation we can assist in restoring/rebalancing/activating the healthy function of the Parasympathetic NS, bringing the body to a better state of health. My aim is also to get our colleagues reflexologists interested in the topic, so they would want to do the course and learn the technique- since it is truly a secret weapon to better health- physically/ emotionally/ mentally and with that, to significantly improve their clientele numbers.

About Rachael Gibson

Rachael is a multifaceted professional whose diverse skills converge in the realms of equine assisted learning, life coaching, energy healing, reflexology and Kundalini yoga teaching.

Rachael previously worked in a holistic rehab centre for 4 years and saw first hand how a combination of holistic therapies can bring people back into balance and transform people's lives.

She has a deep commitment and passion in guiding people towards personal empowerment.

She has become a beacon of transformation for those seeking balance, growth, and self-discovery.

You can work with her and her herd of horses in the paddock, or online via zoom for soul purpose life coaching sessions.

www.heartofthehorse.com

About Michael Christian

Dr. Michael Christian BSc (Hons), BSc (Optom) PhD, is an optometric physician with over 20 years of experience, and the founder of Microprism™ Vision and Quantum Photo Somatics (QPS) Therapy. Focusing on behavioural optometry and QPS, Dr. Christian takes a holistic approach to treat the underlying cause of the eye condition of each patient.

Quantum Photo Somatics (QPS), is an endorsed and accredited field with the IICT (International Institute of Complementary Therapies). As a highly respected figure in the field of behavioural optometry, Dr Christian has spoken at conferences, universities and optometry conventions throughout the past 20 years.

An exciting new era has dawned over the last 100 years when Max Plank coined the expression of Quantum Physics. It is the physics of light from its finest vibrational level expressed mathematically to now a new understanding of its effects on all physiological systems and their infinite integrative interactions. The field of Optometry has expanded in the last 30 years into Quantum Photo-Somatics QPS which deals with the focus of not only seeing but also its integral relationship to mind and body. QPS is about the focus of consciousness (in light) on all physiology. It deals with space and time from a relativity perspective to also an Absolutivity of conducive changes in the body occurring at the speed of light using lenses and prisms thus facilitating new and coherent organisation within the body. With respect to the nervous system, the effect of quanta (packets of light) can be profound, not limited to the treatment of symptoms only but the redirection of physiological process, leading to healthier self regulating autonomic and voluntary systems. Vision, mind and body inclusive of energetic fields are a whole entity requiring modulation that can be directed and are directing in the light of consciousness. The interaction of QPS with reflexology could have the most profound of interactions to bring coherence within the body such that a stillness of being could be achieved having simultaneously a dynamic of doing. Such interaction will be demonstrated in this session, along with the exploration of its application to reflexology.

Hotels in Geelong

Novotel Geelong

10 14 Eastern Beach Road - +61 3 52231377

Best Western Geelong Motor Inn

30 Keera Street - +61 3 52224777

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong

40 Ryrie Street - (03) 4225 6100

Barwon Valley Lodge

99 Barrabool Road - (03) 5247 2500

The Haymarket Boutique Hotel

244 Moorabool Street - (03) 5221 1174

The Electric Hotel

127 Ryrie Street - 0400 577 904

Quest Geelong

16-18 The Esplanade South - +61 352282000

Eastern Sands Motel

1 Bellerine Street - (03) 5221 5577

Admiralty Inn

66 McKillop Street - (03) 5221 4288

Transport Options

From Tullamarine and Avalon Airports

And approximate Taxi Costs

For Delegates attending the Australian National Conference in Geelong 2024

Gull Bus Service

Geelong to Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) and return

45 McKillop St Geelong - Phone 03 52224966 – book according to your flight

enquires@gull.com.au

www.gull.com.au

Bus Point at Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) ground floor, ONE lane across from Virgin, Terminal 3

Avalon Airport

avalonairport.com.au

Avalon Airport

80 Beach Road, Lara Victoria 3212

Bus Company is: MY Bus Geelong

Phone No 1300 169 287

Avalon to Geelong CBD and return - (Also has Private Charters)

SkyBus Melbourne City Express

This Bus Line is a transfer bus system running from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Southern Cross Railway Station in the Melbourne CBCD.

Passengers can then catch a VIC Rail train to Geelong Station.

PLEASE NOTE: The last train to Geelong is approximately 11:00pm

https://www.skybus.com.au - “Turn up and go” service - 4am to 1am 7 days per week

Taxis from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to Geelong CBD

Approximate Cost = $180-$200 dollars - Cheaper for 2 or more persons

Taxis from Avalon Airport to Geelong CBD

Approximate Cost = $60.00 - Cheaper for 2 or more persons

ALL delegates and presenters for the Reflexology Association of Australia 2024 Conference must complete the online registration process in order to attend the event.

Registration is complete once payment has been confirmed, including clearing of cheques.

Registration fees do not include the cost of the Saturday night optional dinner. To book for the dinner, please indicate by ticking the online notation and your name will be added to the restaurant reservation. Payment of meals and drinks to to be made directly to the restaurant on the night.

RAoA Cancellation Policy

Conference Registration Cancellation Terms and Conditions:

• Attendees’ cancellations must be notified in writing either by email to admin@reflexology.org.au
  
• There may be an opportunity for alternate viewing arrangements for this Conference, therefore all cancellation terms and conditions detailed below are dependant of those alternate viewing arrangements and all requests for cancellation will be reviewed and considered on that basis. Refer also to the COVID-19 Terms and Conditions for this Conference.
  
• Cancellations received 50 + full days prior to the Conference beginning date (21/10/2024) will receive a refund less a $75 Administration fee. If mailing, please allow postal delivery time ensuring it is received by RAoA National Office Accounts before the ’50 days’ cut off.
  
• Cancellations received 49 full days or less will not be eligible for any refund. You may send someone in your place; however, you will be required to advise National Office admin@reflexology.org.au of that person’s name and contact details to ensure correct documentation is processed by RAoA Limited. You will be required to make your own arrangements with that person re payment exchange.
  
• The notice of a change in person must be received by National Office admin@reflexology.org.au no later than 22 full days prior to the beginning of the Conference in order for the changes to take effect (change of name on all RAoA documentation, notation on list of attendees and Certificates). A $75 administration fee applies and payable by the person cancelling. The $75 fee is due at the time of the notice of change.
  
• No change of name accepted after COB 29/9/2024.
  
• Registrations close when the Conference is deemed FULL or as indicated in the registration information on the RAoA website.
  

Conference Cancellation or Postponement

The Reflexology Association of Australia Limited (RAoA) does not accept any liability for losses incurred in the circumstance of a Conference or Conference events being cancelled or postponed due to unforeseen circumstances that renders performance of this event inadvisable, illegal, impracticable, or impossible. An unforeseen circumstance shall include but shall not be limited to an Act of God; infectious disease outbreak, industrial disruptions, service provider failures, governmental restrictions and/or regulations; war or apparent act of war; terrorism or apparent act of terrorism; disaster; civil disorder, disturbance, and/or riots; curtailment, suspension, and/or restriction on transportation; or any other emergency. In the circumstance that the Conference and associated events are cancelled for any of the above reasons, no refunds will be issued. All available funds, after cancellation expenses, will be credited towards a future event held by the RAoA.

Insurance

The registration fees do not include personal or travel insurance of any kind. Participants are advised to take out personal insurance, including cover for travel, accommodation, and personal possessions. RAoA Limited does not cover individuals against the cancellations of bookings for any reason including cancellation or postponement of the Conference or associated events or for theft or damage to belongings.

N.B: Interstate, overseas or distance attendees please confirm your event booking before arranging flights and accommodation in the event dates and venues have changed for some unforeseen circumstance.

Visa Requirements

Australian entry visas for travel or work are the responsibility of delegates or speakers attending the Conference. Allow plenty of time to apply and receive travel documents.

Visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website for visa information: www.immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

RAoA Terms and Conditions – COVID-19

Until further notice, the following Terms and Conditions will apply to RAoA Conference 2024.

If you feel unwell due to COVID symptoms, please have a recognised COVID test prior to attending the conference or any workshops.

• If you test negative, you may proceed with attending the conference and conference events.
  
• If you test positive, please do not attend. You may send someone else in your place or there may be an opportunity for an alternate viewing option. Please contact admin@reflexology.org.au regarding this option.
  
• If you send someone in your place, payment from that person is your own private arrangement. Please advise accounts@reflexology.org.au of the change of name ASAP prior to the conference so that records can be noted and Conference organising committee be advised.
  
• If you test positive and don’t send someone in your place, the Conference committee is working on an alternate option. This will be advised closer to the time of the conference. Should the alternate option not be available from the RAoA, you may choose to have a credit applied to your account, or you may apply for a refund. Email your request along with evidence of your ‘positive’ test results to accounts@reflexology.org.au The sum of the credit or refund is dependent on whether you have already been emailed any conference notes (if the conference has pre-emailed notes) and allowance for any other non-refundable expenses, such as prepaid catering/venue costs etc.
  
• The date of the result of the test must align with the date of the conference for a credit or refund to be considered. (with consideration to the above clauses)
  
• If you have registered from interstate and the borders close or there are border restrictions and you are not able to attend because of the border restrictions, a refund or credit may apply should an alternate way of viewing the Conference not be available.
  
• There is no refund nor credit should you choose to cancel for any other reason, except if you have tested ‘positive’ to COVID - refer RAoA Conference Registration Cancellation Terms and Conditions.
  
• If you have registered and paid for a pre or post conference workshop not organised by the RAoA (i.e. Conference speaker), your arrangements are with that individual workshop provider.
  
• NB: The above relates to COVID-19 only.
  
• COVID-19 Terms and Conditions subject to change in accordance with state government health orders.
  

The RAoA 2024 Conference Registration Cancellation Terms and Conditions apply in all other circumstances.

Welcome Reception

Friday 25 October 2024

Conveniently located in the heart of the CBD, Rydges Geelong offers stylish and affordable accommodation for business and leisure travellers alike with 138 rooms. The Hotel offers sweeping views of the sparkling Corio Bay and only minutes from the lively foreshore of Eastern Beach, this premier Geelong hotel is the perfect blend of inner city convenience and that scenic holiday feel.

Rydges Geelong stands out for its prime location, favored by guests for its proximity to local attractions and city center conveniences.

Cleanliness generally receives positive remarks, with many finding the rooms and facilities well-kept, though a few suggest a need for more meticulous cleaning. The atmosphere is acknowledged for comfort and modern touches, even as opinions on room decor and amenities diverge.

Whether you’re a foodie, art and history buff, weekend adventurer or bucket list sightseer, Rydges Geelong is the perfect base to take in all the city has to offer. The hotel is within walking distance of the Corio Bay esplanade and the city’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene, as well as shopping centres, golf courses, museums and galleries.

VISION for Reflexology:

Reflexology is to be recognised as a major component of an integrated health care system.

VISION for the Association:

The Reflexology Association of Australia is a leader in integrated health care systems.

MISSION:

Develop and promote the quality of our practitioners and advance the safe and beneficial contribution of Reflexology to the health of the community.

We will achieve our mission by:

• Maintaining a viable and sustainable association.
  
• Maintaining high levels of training and qualifications.
  
• Promoting awareness, understanding and usage in the general community and the health sector.
  
• Providing a professional support structure for members.
  
• Representing and advocating for members in the public, government and health arenas.
  
• Facilitating, supporting and engaging in research.
  
• Increasing membership and retaining existing members.