Three Rivers Initiative

22/06/2025

Hi all, check out out brief mid-year, post winter solstice newsletter.... Love

We wanted to share a few things we’ve been part of lately—and invite you to a beautiful, reflective gathering we’re really looking forward to hosting in September…

06/04/2025

Two months in Nepal.
Two months walking the Three Rivers of Dialogue, Connection, and Healing.

We went to listen—
To the powerful stories behind Sahakarmi Samaj सहकर्मी समाज work.
Where women once silenced are now leading.
Where caste lines are dissolving in shared meals and celebration.
Where communities are uniting to create their own change.

Together with 11 Australian community development practitioners, we sat in circle—sharing food, stories, and Holi joy with those living the courage of community-led transformation.

What’s most profound?
It’s not just about methods or outcomes.
It’s about being.

The heartbeat of this work lies in the Community Educators—people who’ve walked their own paths of change and now hold space for others. Their presence, their integrity, their relationships—that is what heals and transforms.

To close our time, we walked the Langtang—8 days in the Himalayas to reflect, rest, and reconnect with the earth.

✨ We return moved. Inspired. Hopeful.

Because when communities are trusted to lead, everything changes.

(And yes—another field trip + book launch are coming in late 2026. Stay tuned, we’d love you to join us.)

25/03/2025

We’ve spent these last 6 weeks in Nepal learning from Sahakarmi Samaj सहकर्मी समाज, an incredible NGO that supports communities to lead their own transformation. Their work deeply demonstrates that no outside expert or government can truly ‘fix’ things—real change comes from within through deep listening, creative dialogue, and collective action.

One powerful moment? Watching a community tackle a shared issue using a simple image as a conversation starter. No instructions, no outside solutions—just the people reflecting, questioning, and creating their own action plan.

Check out our second dialogue blog as we reflect on our journey of learning and listening.

And for those keen—yes, we’re heading back in November 2026 for another field trip, book launch, and learning symposium! Stay tuned!
With love
Rachael Donovan
Peter Westoby

A second dialogue blog between Peter and Rachael using Paulo Freire's ideas of dialogue stimulated by codes.Rachael: Peter, love, what a journey it’s been—six weeks in Nepal working with Sahakarmi Samaj NGO, culminating in a field trip with 11 Australian community development practitioners. We c...

25/02/2025

Our journey in Nepal so far has required (demanded) many acts of surrender. But we love the adventure, the fabulous work, the learning and the anticipation of hosting 11 Australians in the next few weeks. Check out our dialogue blog reflections 🥰

A dialogue blog between Peter and Rachael using Martin Buber’s first, second, and third movements of dialogue :) Rachael – a first movement (initiating a dialogue)We arrived in gorgeous Nepal 2.5 weeks ago, yet life has immersed and enveloped us, and it already feels like home. The rainy hills o...

16/02/2025

Namaste from beautiful Nepal, where we will spend the next two months accompanying the amazing work of Sahakarmi Samaj सहकर्मी समाज, a 26-year-old NGO that does beautiful community development work in rural villages. We are inspired to be in the field with them doing research and hearing stories of practice over the next few weeks, before hosting a field trip with 11 Australians in early March to witness and learn from their developmental approach. Stay tuned for the book of their practice and work, released by Practical Action Press in 2026, and tune into the blog for updates and stories of our journey here 🙏🙌
https://www.threeriversinitiative.com.au/blog

23/11/2024

It's been three months since I sat on Yaegl country for four days and four nights, leaving behind the comforts and distractions of the outer world to go on a journey to meet myself through the unfiltered connection to the natural world.
This is the essence of Vision Quest, and it's been the most powerful and potent process I've ever encountered.
I'm so deeply grateful to Nature Philosophy for sharing this ancient wilderness rite of passage and holding the space with such love and care.
blessings, Rachael

07/10/2024

Sometimes you’ve just got to rest to hear the whispers of the earth and ancestors 🌱

04/10/2024

Wherever you go don’t forgot to talk to the trees 🌳💚 We’ve got a month in the UK, Ireland and Amsterdam. Connecting to country, seasons and ancestors ✨

28/07/2024

🌳🎉 Happy National Tree Day! 🎉🌳

Today, let's celebrate the incredible gifts that trees bring into our lives. From their majestic canopies to their soothing rustle in the breeze, trees are truly nature's marvels. They provide us with clean air, offer shelter and food, and create habitats for countless wildlife. 🌿🦉

Let’s take a moment today to appreciate these giants of nature. Consider planting a tree, spending time in a nearby forest, or simply taking a walk to enjoy the beauty of the trees around you. Share your favourite tree photo or story with us and spread the love for our leafy friends. 🌲💚

Here’s to trees—our partners in sustaining the planet and our lifelong friends! 🌍🌳

25/07/2024

walking in nature
walking in silence...
it's a beautiful way to connect and come home to yourself

Next women's walk will be on 18 August in the beautiful Glasshouse mountains.
https://events.humanitix.com/women-s-nature-walk-immersion

21/07/2024

🌿 Last Chance for Early Bird Tickets! 🌿
📅 Date: Sunday 18 August
🕘 Time: 8.30am-12pm
📍 Location: Glasshouse Mountains
Immerse yourself in nature's tranquillity and learn mindfulness techniques to centre your mind and body. Early bird tickets close tomorrow, so comment below, or PM me if you'd like to learn more or reserve a place. 💌

20/07/2024

🌿✨ Calling all women feeling the stress of modern life! Join us for a transformative experience at the Glasshouse Mountains. 🚶‍♀️🌄

👣 Take a slow, mindful 4km walk amidst breathtaking scenery.
🌸 Come home into your body and senses.
🌍 Connect with the wisdom of the earth.
🌅 Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature.
💫 Let this walk be a retreat for your soul.

Don't miss this opportunity to rejuvenate and reconnect. RSVP now and prioritize your well-being! 🌿💖
https://events.humanitix.com/women-s-nature-walk-immersion