The Yoga Partnership
Bringing happiness and health to rural communities
Bringing wellness: A partnership to transform rural health
Jade Newnham, one of our volunteers has a passion for Lifestyle Medicine and was excited to chat with Amy and Beth from The Yoga Partnership about their online yoga program for those living in rural and remote communities.
In 2020, Rural Doctors Foundation and The Yoga Partnership united around a powerful shared vision: to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of rural Australians through accessible, holistic health practices.
While yoga is well known for its evidence-based benefits, many Australians living in rural and remote areas had little to no access to regular classes. That’s where this initiative stepped in to make a difference.
Together, they launched the Rural Yoga Program – an online offering of free, twice-weekly yoga classes designed specifically for those living in Rural Australia. What began as a small, seed-funded collaboration has blossomed into a sustainable, registered not-for-profit organisation with a growing reach and a heartfelt mission.
A program grown from community need
“I’m realised I need to do yoga frequently to manage my chronic pain. Yoga helps me get a fitter body.”
“The sessions have improved my flexibility and strength, and enhanced my overall well-being.”
“My mental health is more stable. I’m more mindful in daily life - less reactive and better able to cope with adversity. I’m more supple and agile, which is just great!”
More than a movement - A sense of belonging
A hallmark of The Yoga Partnership is its welcoming and inclusive approach offering social connection to people in isolated areas. Even through a screen, participants say they feel deeply connected to their instructors and fellow attendees.
“The teacher makes you feel part of the group, even though we are all apart by distance.”
“Fantastic service you provide us country fans. It’s great to have a Zoom class.”
“Wonderful to say hi to others and make virtual friends.”
Amy Booth, one of the Founders and Directors of The Yoga Partnership shared “One of the absolute highlights for me was when a man proposed to his girlfriend during the yoga class – because he knew how much that class meant to her. It was incredibly moving and really showed us how deeply these sessions mean.”
Driven by passion and purpose
Beth Burgess and Amy, Co-Founders and Directors of The Yoga Partnership, credit the early support from the Rural Doctors Foundation as instrumental in turning their dream into reality. With a deep commitment to health equity, the Foundation’s initial funding allowed the program to launch, thrive, and eventually become independently sustainable. Today, the program continues to expand, offering specialised yoga classes for even more communities in need – including Auslan-supported sessions for the Deaf community, Cancer Care Yoga, Chair Yoga, and other tailored offerings for people of all abilities and differing needs.
Rural Doctors Foundation values proactively supporting health outcomes. By providing long term mental health programs like yoga and mindfulness we are helping to overcome health challenges of rural living and social isolation.
“What I’ve learned is that any barrier can be overcome with effort. I learned that the barrier of being isolated from classes because you live in rural Australia can be overcome.Now we’ve done this, I know I can overcome more.”
Melissa’s story - My body feels lighter and my head space is clear
Melissa* is a 50 year old single mum who lives in Dalby Queensland. She decided to join the online yoga sessions after a friend shared a Facebook link.
Melissa struggled during her marriage breakdown that happened about 8 years ago. She had been with her ex-husband since she was 17 years old. They had three wonderful children together. Looking back, Melissa realised she really was not coping and today is not sure how she managed to do what she did.
“Anyhow, somehow you just learn to. I can’t believe I moved my family to a new town, gained employment and was able to buy a small house to call home”.
Reflecting on the Yoga sessions, Melissa realises they have helped her mentally. She finds after each session her body feels lighter and her head space is clear. She enjoys being a bit sore the next day as she knows she has stretched her body. Melissa works in a job where in her own words – she sits on her bottom from 8-5 Monday to Friday. Melissa realises she needs to keep active but it’s tough as you just run out of hours in the day.
Melissa decided it is time to focus on herself and be working towards getting fit. She loves this is a free service and at a time that suits her. Being online she doesn’t have to look the part or worry about being judged by others.
*Name has been changed.
Melissa is very grateful to The Yoga Partnership and Rural Doctors Foundation for providing free online yoga classes.
She encourages others to join – the benefits are amazing.
Join the movement
If you live outside of South-East Queensland, the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, you are warmly invited to take part in this free Rural Yoga program. Whether you’re new to yoga or returning to the mat, this class will warmly welcome you.
If you are a Health Professional, recommending The Rural Yoga Program, is an evidenced based social prescribing tool; connecting patients to programs in the community which improves social connection, mental and physical health.
Visit The Yoga Partnership website to register and explore upcoming online classes.
Jade Newnham holds a Bachelor or Public Health and is an accredited health and wellness coach (with HCANZA) specialising in mental fitness. Jade is also a registered mindfulness, meditation and breath work teacher (with Meditation Association of Australia). Her work and educational background includes Public Health at state level and she is currently undergoing accreditation in Lifestyle Medicine.
