Reflecting on an Unforgettable Highview Staff Retreat: A Journey of Growth, Inspiration, and Connection

The Highview Crew were lucky to kick off the year with an unforgettable two-day retreat that provided us with the perfect balance of inspiration, personal growth, and team connection. The retreat, held at the beautiful Silverwater Resort in San Remo, was a chance for our team to step away from the usual hustle and reflect on where we’ve been, where we’re headed, and how we can continue to grow.

Day 1

We couldn’t have asked for a better start. The first session was a true eye-opener, full of energy, inspiration, and some friendly challenges. We were fortunate to be guided through the “Uncharted Ice” workshop, led by the incredible James Castrission—a record-breaking keynote speaker and adventurer who has pushed the boundaries of human endurance. Throughout the workshop, we were presented with exercises that forced us to make quick, aligned decisions as a team. These activities were designed to challenge our thinking and improve our decision-making skills in high-pressure situations.

We then broke into service area teams to discuss challenges, brainstorm solutions, and exchange insights about our specific roles. It was a valuable opportunity for each team to connect with colleagues in similar roles across different offices.

It was then time to pop our phones away to deter any secret Googling, as teams faced off in a competitive trivia showdown! The questions covered a variety of fun topics, including animals, music, and geography, sparking plenty of friendly rivalry. The winning team was rewarded with a small goodie bag, while the losing team, ended up not-so-proudly sporting a wooden spoon as their prize for coming last.

The rest of the afternoon and night was filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and plenty of laughter as we kicked back and enjoyed each other’s company.

Day 2

We started Day 2 with updates from each of our service areas. As a team of over 100 individuals spread across five offices, it’s important to understand how our service areas are performing and growing.

Next up, we had an unforgettable keynote from Al Viney, a two-time Paralympian who shared her powerful journey in her presentation titled “Beyond the Moment.” Al’s story was one of perseverance, resilience, and the transformative power of perspective. As a Paralympian, she has faced challenges that most of us can only imagine, yet her positive mindset and ability to view setbacks as opportunities for growth have propelled her to success.

Al’s message resonated deeply with us. She encouraged us all to push beyond the limitations we place on ourselves, to be mindful of how we respond to obstacles, and to always seek new ways to innovate and grow—both as individuals and as a team. Her insights not only fuelled our passion for continuous improvement but also reinforced the importance of embracing a mindset that celebrates inclusivity and innovation.

As we reflect on the retreat, we can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead. We left Silverwater Resort with a renewed sense of purpose, stronger relationships, and a clear path forward as we continue our journey toward growth, success, and making a positive impact. Here’s to another year of growth, connection, and success!