A rendezvous in Kiama turned into “Connect in Kiama”

It was our tenth wedding anniversary , we both planned a getaway weekend in stunning seaside Kiama.

We  wanted to add more meaning to the occasion and the sky answered quickly, we teamed up the weekend with a Saturday seminar and workshops by Better Marriages Australia which was to be held in Kiama this month.

Was it an act of courage, curiosity?  It didn’t matter! We registered anyway and it is too late to change our mind.

We were anxious on the morning heading  to the venue.  

As we arrived we were greeted with a very warm reception, a cappuccino and a folder with amazing resources .

We both felt it was a good start.

Stage decorations and flowers for Better Marriages Australia Connect in Kiama Conference

The Auditorium was softly decorated, with the most pretty display of colours everywhere,

which set the scene for what was coming next.

The first talk (presented by Marriage and Relationship Educator Robyn Donnelly- editors)  was about most interesting evidence based research and work by leading USA  relationship leaders and experts.

How to build a sound relationship house and the building blocks of our marriage and relationship . How to build love maps . We learned about turning towards our partner not away or against and how to build bank of trust and keep the relationship in a positive perspective.

Heather McAlpine speaking during Connect in Kiama Conference Keynote

The second talk was by Heather and John McAlpine the co – chairs of Better Marriages Australia and it was about how to be differentiated in the relationship ,being able to keep your own skin-and still be one, learning to master our separateness and togetherness with spontaneity and ease.

They talked about moving away from our comfort zone to uncomfortable places in our pursuit to strengthen our marriage.

It was very entertaining.

The afternoon sessions were  practical workshops , all real life dialogues by the presenters .

Ours was  Connecting in Conflict .

The presenters emphasised the importance of a rich emotional bank account and being aware of each other’s bids for emotional connection..

We learned that conflict is an invitation to know more about my partner, also to know more about their emotional allergies and triggers.

We both loved a demonstration of the Imago dialogue and real life argument being revisited with transparency and how they navigated it to safety.

Guests at the Connect in Kiama Conference dinner being serenaded

Violinist serenading couples at Better Marriages Australia Connect in Kiama Conference Dinner

Couple Celebrating at the Connect in Kiama Conference Dinner

The magic finale was a candlelight Dinner with sumptuous meal , a glass of red , being serenaded with live “Elvis” music and brilliant vocalist courtesy of Better Marriages Australia.

For us, it was a day and a night from Heaven.

The Better Marriages Australia (NSW) Committee welcomed 40 Couples to the Connect in Kiama 2022 Conference, ranging from newly married couples through to those further along their marriage journey.

They were extremely positive in their feedback about the value of the event  for them, and excited about applying some of what they learnt on the day, along with resources provided in their conference bags, to their own relationships.  You can check out video testimonials from some of the couples here and watch Keynote 1 and Keynote 2 presentations.

We were excited to announce on the day that our 2023 Conference will take place on 9 September 2023.  More details re location and program will follow soon so SAVE THE DATE NOW!!!