On location at ‘Tara Rise’.
Siobhan Forbes is a multi-accredited advisor, educator and coach, whose expertise spans C-suite leadership, organisational transformation, and personal development. With postgraduate qualifications from Monash University and a wealth of senior executive experience across nonprofit, public, and private sectors internationally, Siobhan brings a unique blend of strategic insight and human-centered leadership. Having held pivotal roles such as Executive Director of Communications & Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer with ASX-100 companies and global leaders in higher education, Siobhan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to aligning people and purpose for organisational success. Her holistic approach integrates contemporary neuroscience, emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and mindfulness, empowering individuals and organisations to realise their highest potential.
And Siobhan just happens to be our first DSTNTN Partner. Recently, we joined her at her property ‘Tara Rise’ to discuss what that partnership looks like, outdoor wellness, and what makes her property the perfect place for a DSTNTN Room.
Our chat can be read below:
What caught your attention about DSTNTN and why do you want to partner with us?
SF: Numerous aspects felt right. Most importantly, we have shared values, particularly the importance of people being able to slow down and reconnect — with themselves and others. We appreciate what can happen when we gallop too fast through life and want to create places for people to step off life’s treadmill.
The innovative and sustainable building design was also a stand-out, particularly the mirror house, as we knew it would blend with, and showcase the natural environs, rather than compete.
The thoughtful attention to detail in all respects, and the emphasis on quality is also important to us. The DSTNTN team is fully committed to curating and executing special experiences for guests.
You’ve described a partnership with DSTNTN as an opportunity to merge the old with the new. Could you elaborate on how combining your historic property with our cutting-edge design is the perfect blend?
SF: ‘Tara Rise’ has the kind of good soul and character that develops over time and it’s important to us that its unique sense of place is shared with others. Being one of the oldest properties in the area it is unique because of the foresight of previous owners who established majestic specimen trees and created wonderful gardens.
The botanist Ferdinand Von Mueller contributed numerous trees intended for Victoria’s Shrine of Remembrance. The original cottage was built in the 1890s and the main residence was built to last, in the 1930s, by an English shipbuilder.
The DSTNTN Room is a pure and simple concept in many ways. It sits lightly and respectfully on the land, almost invisible in the landscape because of the reflective glass mirror design. At the same time, it represents the latest in design technology and environmentally smart and sustainable accommodation.
To us, this partnership is a brilliant harmonising of the past and the future.
Why is spending time outdoors so beneficial for our inner well-being and what does well-being mean to you?
SF: There is plenty of science that shows the positive impact of nature on well-being which we find inspiring. From reducing the stress hormone, cortisol; to increasing the mood enhancer, serotonin and improving immune function, sleep function and creativity. I think the list goes on. From personal experience, there is a powerful impact on mental and physical health, and I think ‘Tara Rise’ has probably gifted my family and I with all these things. We have raised three boys here, from babies through final years of school and everything in between and have no doubt the environment has carried them through in some way, nurturing their wellbeing. Family and friends love spending time here for all these reasons. It is the definition of “escape”.
Where do you find wellness in Healesville?
SF: Obviously at ‘Tara Rise’, under the giant trees and with the diverse wildlife, listening to the eclectic birdsong from Bower Birds to Lyrebirds, Owls and Kookaburras. This season the cicadas are an incredible orchestra. Smelling the clean air. There’s a certain spot on the road travelling from the city, where you notice the traffic subside, the air clears and the landscape opens. You cross that threshold and feel your body soften and relax. There are also spectacular national parks and walks within five minutes’ drive. Badger Weir, Donnelly’s Weir, Maroondah Dam, Healesville Sanctuary and the Black Spur. The area is also known for natural therapies and there is no shortage of wellness options at your fingertips. And wonderful art such as Tarra Warra, one of Australia’s largest privately held art collections.
What qualities does your property provide that create an escape from the stressors of everyday life?
SF: Natural beauty envelops you here and provides an easy and welcome relief from the rush and clutter of everyday life. You can’t help but drop a few decibels with the balm of the trees, the birds, the clear air, the sense of history of what has come before you and will go on beyond you, through time. Each season has a different temperament and offers something special — the vibrant colours and crunch of autumn, the mists and open fires of winter, the verdant green and first florals of spring and the balmy air and lush-shaded canopies of summer.
How would you describe the sense of community in Healesville, and what local amenities or attractions make it an ideal destination for visitors?
SF: Eclectic. The community is a mix of people who have been here for generations and those who have settled relatively recently, yearning for a tree-change. It’s a community of winemakers and other clever producers, artists, global travellers and various professionals. I think what unites the community is appreciation for a life lived at a slower pace and with connection. It’s a warm-hearted place.
How does the accessibility and safety of your property in Healesville make it an ideal destination for those looking to unplug without feeling disconnected or overwhelmed by being too remote?
SF: When you’re here it feels like a country-style experience nestled within the grounds of a private property. Drive five minutes and you’re in the bustling and charming township of Healesville. We are spoilt for choice with places like The Healesville Hotel, Kitchen and Butcher, Sophie Cheese Monger, Verso Bookstore, Monique’s Apothecary, Barrique Wine Store, Giant Steps, the Four Pillar’s Gin Distillery — and for those wanting a little more, the acclaimed restaurants No 7. and Jayden Ong’s. 15 minutes on and you’re on the doorstep of renowned wineries, Levantine Hill, Oakridge, Mount Mary — the list goes on.
How does your property support sustainability and eco-friendly practices?
SF: We work with the land wherever possible, for example using the massive volume of autumn leaves as garden mulch, fallen tree limbs as firewood, watering the garden from the rainwater-filled lakes and so on. We only use organic products in the garden. We really appreciate DSTNTN’s off-grid set-up, making the accommodation’s footprint light.
How does your property make you feel?
Nurtured, connected to something much bigger and grateful for this, inspired, hopeful and a little bit wiser about the world around and my place in it.
In one sentence, describe what you want guests to feel during and after a DSTNTN stay?
A sense of peace and from this, renewal.
