We are excited to be working with Brahma Kumaris the team at Yarra Valley Living Centre to run our immersion retreats. It is a purpose built retreat centre and our group will have the run of the place. We are delighted to share with you photos of the grounds, the accommodation and facilities at the Yarra Valley Living Centre.
Picturesque grounds of the Yarra Valley Living Centre
Health transformations experienced within 6 or 7 days
It’s remarkable how quickly health improves when people live-in and every meal and snack is low fat whole foods plant perfect. Within days, participants report improved well-being and reduced symptoms – with arthritis pain resolving, skin improving and better energy levels. Blood pressure and blood sugar levels often improve so quickly that medications such as insulin need to be reduced with the support of our on-site medical practitioner. At the end of the immersion we ask participants to let us know any changes they have experienced during the week. Here are some of the things they have reported:
Waking up with reduced pain & more energy
Blood pressure improved every day
Less brain fog, improved sleep & energy levels, fewer hot flushes! 🙂
No aching in fingers or knees when I awake
Haven’t needed to use coffee as a mood enhancer
More energy, less sugar cravings, lighter after meals
Shoulder and heel pain “vanished”
A really clear plan of how to move forward for amazing health
My BGL has improved out of sight. Several medications have been removed from my regime. Swelling in my feet has been reduced to almost non existent. More energy, sleeping better. Lost weight. I feel hope again, that I can do this
Weight loss, clearer mind, skin clearer, nails stronger, less bloating
Feedback about the immersion:
The immersion was an amazing experience in a breathtaking environment. It was truly a wholistic approach to health with amazing role models, Jenny, Malcolm and Peter. We really need to clone such amazing people who walk their talk. Thank you for enriching my life – Manar
An excellent program of evidence based health information highlighting the benefits of WFPB eating, presented by medically qualified people who are also great presenters. Perhaps most importantly they were passionate about sharing their knowledge and supporting participants to improve their health outcomes – Jenny
I can’t state clearly enough just how much being able to participate in this immersion has meant to me. On enrolling, I knew I needed to do this, but was apprehensive whether I would find it doable and sustainable going forward. After finishing the week, I truly believe I can live this lifestyle and enjoy it. I’m looking forward to all the changes I’m going to experience with my health, both mental and physical and my vitality. Truly a life changing experience for me – Melissa
It’s accurate to say the Immersion has changed my life. For me, I liken it to a light switch being flicked on and I haven’t looked back since leaving the Immersion. It was by far the most significant proactive thing I have ever done to invest in my health, my wellness and my future. I no longer wake up with aching joints, my anxiety/depression has significantly improved, as has my sleep and energy levels. I’ve lost 4kg in a couple of weeks (and still dropping) without trying, without being hungry or experiencing cravings. Everything about it was fantastic, the location, the people, the learnings, the food, the activities and the accommodation. Without a doubt, doing an Immersion has made my transition to WFPB successful, easy and fun ! I cannot thank Malcolm and Jenny enough, their combined knowledge, experience, skills and passion, they are a dynamic team! – Vanessa
Jenny and Malcolm took us by the hand and confidently led us through the compelling scientific research that allowed me to understand why so many of us seem locked in a compulsively unhealthy and even deadly relationship with rich foods and other drugs. In a small and very supportive group, we were then given the intellectual, emotional and practical tools to implement WFPB in our own lives. For me, a full time immersion allowed me to ‘try on’ this healthy lifestyle for a week, and it turns out it fitted me very well. Thank you both so much – Kathy
I loved the week and being with like minded souls was fantastic. While we were inundated with lots of information it was outstanding and I felt like my brain was a giant sponge absorbing all of the nutritional science facts. Jenny and Malcolm you are true professionals and just exude a passion for WFBP. Thank you for an exceptional week….I am more inspired than ever to follow this way of life forever – Jeni
The most amazing experience I have had. Everybody was so attentive, patient and so soooo knowledgeable. Throughout our immersion, Jenny and Malcolm were present even during breakfast, lunch, dinner & movies, we could ask questions during the whole immersion program and they were so giving and caring with what they shared with us – Helen
One of the best things I have done in my life! I feel I have the tools and the motivation to change my eating habits to WFPB and I wouldn’t have got that just by looking at websites, reading books and evidence on my own – Kath
Anita from Diggers Vegie Kitchen recorded interviews with participants a few months after they attended an immersion…
Feedback about the food:
The food was great even though my tastebuds were not at all accustomed to the more subtle flavours of WFPB foods having been previously over exposed to fats, sugar, salt, chicken and fish! Anita and Irene were stand out champions. We were all enchanted by their personal warmth, humour and encouragement. Personally, I gained confidence that I could successfully transition to WFPB based on the example set by these two lovely people – Kathy
I think Anita and Irene did a wonderful job and I never went hungry and loved all the food. That is something people think will happen, that they will go hungry or miss out on their favourite foods, however definitely not true. I sort of miss meat, however less and less every day, but what have I gained in return, other that helping the environment and my health, that I can not really worry about how much I eat as long as I follow some simple rules, that is to eat whole food plant based meals.
Thank you for a job well done! catering for such a variety of tastes, including health issues/allergies, certainly kept you on your toes, and you did an amazing job! – Christine
I loved the nourishing, tasty food that you and your mum prepared Anita. And it was lovely to meet you both. The cooking classes were fun, and a bit of hands on. The snacks, potatoes and fruit slices, and fruit were great too. Always plenty to eat and keep satisfied. Thank you – Kay
Please note in our new location at the Yarra Valley Living Centre, we have a new chef, Julia Grueskin, coordinating the food preparation and running the cooking workshops.
Don’t miss your chance to experience our life-changing Lifestyle Medicine Immersion Retreat at the Yarra Valley Living Centre in Yarra Junction, Victoria, from October 19-26, 2025.
**Pay a deposit now to secure your place. Registrations have opened.**
Our immersion retreat lasts seven days, Sunday to Sunday. We make it that length so you have enough time to experience the wellness that follows eating a whole food plant-based diet and making a few other simple lifestyle changes. In less than a week, participants commonly report more energy, less brain fog, better mood, improved blood pressure, less bloating, improved sleep and reduced arthritis pain. Relief from pain is consistently reported, even among those already eating a healthy diet. The extra tweaks we suggest to participants to optimise health and the immersive week that includes all the domains of lifestyle medicine lead some of our participants to say it was the best week of their lives.
You can enjoy delicious whole food plant-based meals plus cooking demonstrations, yoga, meditation, films and benefit from the educational lectures by experts in plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine Dr Malcolm Mackay (General Practitioner), Jenny Cameron (Nutritionist & Wellness Coach) and Dr Peter Johnston (Dietitian).
People who want to improve their health and well-being but don’t know where to start or who to trust in the confusion of nutrition information.
People who are suffering from a chronic disease such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or long Covid and are interested in learning how nutrition & lifestyle changes can improve these conditions.
Those who want the reassurance of making significant lifestyle changes with medical supervision at hand 24/7
Those who want to lose weight in a way that optimises health and is sustainable.
Health-conscious people who want to learn how to achieve optimal health and well-being whilst preventing major chronic diseases using an evidence-based nutrition & lifestyle approach.
People who know how to lead a healthy lifestyle but struggle to put it into action.
Those already on the healthy whole food plant-based path who love to have someone else prepare delicious meals and are looking for connection with like-minded people
It is also for those who would like an inspirational holiday in a picturesque part of Australia where kangaroos and other native animals graze in the fields around the retreat centre.
Wherever you are on the health spectrum this immersion is the best way to kick-start your health transformation in a community of like-minded people. Check out the feedback from previous participants.
What you will learn
How to use nutrition to achieve optimal health
The role of lifestyle medicine in preventing and managing disease
How to design a fitness program
A calorie density approach to weight management
Tips for shopping and label reading
How to prepare simple and delicious plant-based meals
How to overcome barriers to a healthy lifestyle
The best resources to use to help you with this lifestyle
NB If you are unsure whether the lifestyle changes we recommend are right for you – you can relax in the knowledge that we support you however far you want go in a healthier direction.
2025 Prices ($AU)
$2800 per person in a single-sex multi-share room
$2900 small single room with no ensuite
$3000 per person twin share
$3600 single occupancy
What’s included?
7 night’s accommodation at the Yarra Valley Living Centre, Yarra Junction, Victoria
Delicious whole food plant-based meals from Sunday night through to Sunday breakfast (special dietary needs can be catered for)
Medical supervision (for those who need it)
Plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine education sessions with a nutritionist, a dietitian and a medical doctor
Nutrition and lifestyle medicine consultations
Cooking demonstrations, a shopping tour
Meditation and yoga classes
Movies, walks and other activities
Supportive, small group interaction
Ongoing support for all participants via online meetings, webinars and an online support group
Not included:
Transport to and from the venue
A typical day will look like this:
6:45-7:45 Morning activity (optional): e.g. exercise class, yoga, walking
Can’t attend an immersion? Join our mailing list to be informed of other programs and events.
Want to ‘try before you buy’? Join us at our next 4-part online webinar series so you can get to know us. The next series is yet to be scheduled (April series currently underway). Cost $130 and we offer $50 off the 7-day immersion price to those who have done our webinar series. See Plant-Based Nutrition Webinar Series
The immersion is brought to you by Dr Malcolm Mackay and Jenny Cameron from Melbourne Lifestyle Medicine, Plant Based Health Australia with Peter Johnston from Perfect Human Food. Our team also includes vegan chef Julia Grueskin, personal trainer/functional fitness specialist Graham Elliss. and family therapist/trauma counsellor Larisa Freiverts.
Malcolm and Jenny with Dr Michael Klaper, November 2017
Jenny and Malcolm with Prof. T Colin Campbell, PBNHC Conference
General Practitioner / Nutritionist Dr Malcolm Mackay and Nutritionist Jenny Cameron run a variety of group programs designed to assist people to transition to a healthier lifestyle. We offer live-in immersions, seminars and webinars; we collaborate with others on delivering workshops and workplace programs and we are also available to speak at events organised by clubs, organisations and corporations.
Topics we may cover include: the evidence supporting plant-based nutrition, weight management, gut health, sports nutrition, diabetes management, heart health and autoimmune diseases. We also provide tips for transitioning to a whole food plant-based diet including shopping & label reading and obstacles to changing behaviour.
We also include key plant-based nutrition events/programs run by other practitioners – scroll down for details.
Upcoming webinars
Plant-Based Nutrition Introductory Webinar Series
Restore your health and vitality with plant-based nutrition
Webinar: Reverse heart disease with plant-based nutrition This webinar has ended – you can buy access to the webinar replay, cost $20. Please contact us if you are interested in the heart disease webinar recording.
Lifestyle Medicine Immersion Retreat
Morning beachwalk at Anglesea
Anita's cooking workshop
Immersion dates:
16th to 23rd March 2025
Yarra Valley Living Centre, Yarra Junction, Victoria
Educational seminars, cooking demonstrations, all meals whole food plant-based
Focus on healthy lifestyle changes and plant-based nutrition
Organisers/presenters Dr Malcolm Mackay, Jenny Cameron and Dr Peter Johnston
