What is The Gawler Foundation? 
The Gawler Foundation is a not-for-profit, registered charity that promotes the integrated management of cancer, MS and other serious illness. Founded by Dr Ian Gawler in 1981 as the Australian Cancer Patients Foundation we assisted mainly with people affected by cancer. Since that time the Foundation has grown and now focuses on both healing and wellbeing.
The Gawler Foundation is Australia's first cancer support service and it also conducted the first active cancer support group in Australia. We are now developing a broad network of Cancer Self Help Support Groups in Melbourne and in some States.
For over 25 years, the Foundation has helped thousands of Australians and people worldwide through its programs in cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS) management, disease prevention, stress management and counselling.
Who is Ian Gawler? 
In 1975, Dr Ian Gawler, a veterinarian and decathlete, developed osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) and had his right let amputated. Later that year the cancer returned and he was given a bleak prognosis. Dr Gawler and his first wife Grace, started to explore alternative therapies which included meditation, organic vegan diet and loving support.
In 1978, Dr Gawler was declared cancer-free and his remission was reported in the Medical Journal of Australia. In 1981 Ian started Australia s first cancer support group to assist people with their own challenge with cancer.
Dr Gawler still works with The Gawler Foundation and is its Founder and Therapeutic Director, responsible for all aspects of the therapeutic program.
Why does The Gawler Foundation advocate Integrative Medicine?
Any serious illness has an enormous impact on the wellbeing of patients, their families, the healthcare system, and the wider community. As such, managing illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, requires a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach utilising evidence-based medicine, lifestyle advice and education, and complementary therapies. This approach or "social model of health" is best described as Integrative Medicine.
The Gawler Foundation is of the view that Integrative Medicine is the best paradigm for the treatment and management of cancer, MS and other serious illness. This approach aims to foster the best outcomes for patients, families and the community through informed decision-making and the provision of skills, resources and information.
Our programs teach patients how to get the best out of what they might be doing medically, as well as how to proactively use their own resources in the context of their daily life to manage their illnesses and wellbeing.
What kind of programs and training does the Foundation offer?
We offer two program models: Healing and Wellbeing.
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS:
Healing programs for people affected by cancer
- Life and Living - 10 day program
- Health, Healing and Beyond - 5 day follow-up program
Healing programs for people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Taking Control of Multiple Sclerosis - 5 days
- Taking Control of Multiple Sclerosis Follow-up - 5 days
Healing programs for people dealing with illness
- Healing Meditation Retreat - 3 days
Wellness programs for promoting health and well-being
- Living in Balance - 5 day retreat
- Living in the Now - 5 day retreat
- Weekend Meditation Retreat - 3 days
- Meditation and Drawing Retreat - 5 days
- Rest and Rejuvenation - 5 day retreat
NON-RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS:
- Cancer Self-Help Program - 12 weeks
- Ongoing Cancer Support Group
- Meditation and Imagery - 6 weeks
- Ongoing Meditation Group
Over 15,000 people have attended our Residential programs in Victoria's Yarra Valley and more than 75,000 people have attended our Non-residential programs conducted by Ian and his team of highly-trained therapists.
These programs are reinforced by a range of resources including counselling, massage, reflexology and its resource centre.
What others say...
"Ian embodies hope, which is everything he made me realise the potential we have to heal ourselves."
The late Belinda Emmett
"As a cancer specialist, I have seen many people who have attended the live-in programs run by The Gawler Foundation. These people have a deeper understanding, a greater commitment and a happier attitude. They live their lives more completely, with a deep serenity. Many live longer than expected. I recommend the Yarra Valley Living Centre strongly." - Dr Alistair C Robertson, MBBS D (Obst) RCOG DCH FRACP
"Just as brilliant as the information and the confidence boost I received, was the fellowship of all these courageous, loving people." - Geoff H (participant)
"The retreat equipped me with skills that completely changed my life and my perspective of it. The inner peace and strength that I became aware of that week as given me a happiness and a confidence in myself that I thought had gone for good." - Lara Vorlicek (participant)
"My life has changed for the best since my visit. I ve turned my life around as a result. I ve read a lot of books and spoken to a lot of people over a lot of years, in relation to personal development, but until I visited the Living Centre, I never really got it." - Sean Haywood (participant)
For more information that addresses your needs, please contact (03) 5967 1730 or email info@gawler.org or visit our website www.gawler.org.
