In June of 2021, we held a ceremony in the garden to farewell Jana — a beloved wife, mother, grandma and friend.

Jana was the creative mind behind Plum Gorgeous — a conservation and community-building initiative that is based around and also known as our ‘Mum’s Place’.

June 2021 also marked 7 years since Jana and David bought and placed a protective covenant on their property, securing it for wild heartbeats for generations to come.

Jana had the time of her life hosting friends, connecting with local organisations, creating new projects, and sinking her feet into soil to create this sanctuary.

We’ll continue to share about that as we carry on her work and philosophy for Plum Gorgeous Rainforest Retreat.

Many at the ceremony took to the microphone to share their own memories. They spoke of friendships spanning 25, 35, 50 years, and others that began and blossomed at Plum Gorgeous. They spoke of watching Jana parent us as little kids, her impact as an artist in the field of community cultural development, and more.

Each story coloured the edges of the darkness that comes with grief. All together, they painted a beautiful portrait of a much-loved woman and her life, well lived.