Jacka Foundation for Natural Therapies

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The Jacka Foundation for Natural Therapies (JFNT) is a not-for-profit charitable fund that supports research in naturopathy and its related modalities, and the development of a community of researchers, scholars and leaders in the naturopathic profession.

27/08/2026

Research on holistic ageing carried out by Jacka Foundation Board Members Associate Professor Greg Connolly and Dr Pauline McCabe has been presented at the NHAA Symposium and the 2026 Jacka Lectures. The research explored how holistic wellness programs can support the health and wellbeing of older Australians.

Working with residents in an over-55s lifestyle community, their research found that holistic health education not only increased participants' knowledge and confidence in natural health strategies, but also strengthened social connections, reduced feelings of isolation, and empowered people to take a more active role in their wellbeing.

As Australia's population continues to age, these findings highlight the potential for community-based natural health and wellness programs to foster connection, support healthy ageing, and improve quality of life.

At the Jacka Foundation, we're proud to support and celebrate research that advances evidence-informed natural therapies and delivers meaningful benefits for individuals and communities.

19/08/2026

Every breakthrough begins with someone asking, "What if?"

Research has the power to do more than generate knowledge. It has the power to improve lives.

At the Jacka Foundation, we believe curiosity is the starting point for meaningful research. Through collaboration, innovation and evidence, research has the power to improve health outcomes, inform education and strengthen communities.

By investing in research, we help foster new ideas, strengthen the evidence base for traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, and contribute to healthier individuals and communities.

14/08/2026

The Jacka Foundation for Natural Therapies is proud to be the major sponsor of the 2nd Integrative Healthcare Research Symposium, hosted by the University of Melbourne.

Bringing together clinicians, researchers, educators, students, members of the public and industry partners, this interactive symposium will explore how collaborative co-design, partnerships and innovative research can help shape the future of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM).

Hear from leading Australian researchers, participate in experiential workshops, connect with colleagues, and contribute to conversations that will help build the next generation of TCIM research.

📅 Friday 4 September 2026
📍 University of Melbourne, Parkville
🎟️ $20 (fully catered) | Registration essential | CPD certificates available

For more information and to register, visit:
🔗 https://go.unimelb.edu.au/p2nh

04/08/2026

As we reflect on another successful Jacka Foundation AGM and Jacka Lectures, we'd like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined us.

It was a pleasure to reconnect with familiar faces, welcome new attendees, and share an afternoon of thoughtful discussion, learning and connection.

Jacka Foundation Chair, Dr Sue Evans reflected:

"Thank you to everyone who came along to the Jacka Lectures. It was wonderful to share ideas and thoughts about the profession with friends old and new. We look forward to continuing the conversations and to seeing you again next year."

To our speakers, attendees, volunteers and supporters, thank you for helping make the day such a success! Your curiosity, generosity and commitment to improving health and wellbeing through natural therapies continue to inspire our work.

From all of us at the Jacka Foundation, thank you for being part of our community.

L-R: Dr Pauline McCabe, Dr Liza Oates, Assoc. Prof Greg Connolly, Pohpoh Chin, Dr Sue Evans.

29/07/2026

At this year's Jacka Lectures, attendees were invited to tackle a thought-provoking question:
How would you invest $15,000 to improve health and wellbeing through natural therapies?

Around the room, ideas focused on creating meaningful impact for individuals and communities, including:

🌿 Public awareness campaigns to improve understanding of natural therapies

🏡 Holistic wellness programs for lifestyle villages and older adult communities

🤝 Community engagement initiatives that improve access to evidence-informed natural healthcare

📚 Public education resources that empower people to make informed health decisions

🔬 Research to strengthen the evidence base and identify community health needs

The discussion reflected the Jacka Foundation's commitment to advancing research, education, leadership and high standards of care to improve health outcomes for the wider community.

Now we'd love to hear from you.

If you were awarded a $15,000 grant, what initiative would you support to improve health and wellbeing through natural therapies?

Share your ideas in the comments—we'd love to continue the conversation.

16/07/2026

The 2026 Jacka Lectures brought together practitioners, researchers, educators and students for an inspiring afternoon of learning, connection and professional dialogue.

From thought-provoking presentations to engaging discussions, the event celebrated the breadth and impact of natural therapies while exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of our profession.

The Jacka Lectures continue to honour Judy Jacka's enduring commitment to education, curiosity and professional inquiry, creating space to explore the many ways natural medicine can shape communities, education and wellbeing.

Thank you to our outstanding speakers, Sandra Villella, Natalie Cook, and Jacka Foundation Directors Dr Pauline McCabe and Assoc Prof Greg Connolly, attendees and supporters for making this year's event such a memorable success. We look forward to continuing these important conversations in the years ahead.

04/07/2026

A wonderful day of connection, learning and inspiration at the 2026 Jacka Foundation AGM and Jacka Lectures.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the breadth and impact of natural therapies and to continue the important conversations shaping our profession.

The Jacka Lectures remain a testament to Judy Jacka’s enduring commitment to education, curiosity and professional inquiry, creating space to explore the many ways natural medicine can shape communities, education and wellbeing.

Thank you for being part of another memorable event. We look forward to continuing these conversations and seeing what the year ahead brings.

IntegrativeHealth PractitionerEducation Community LifelongLearning HealthLeadership NaturalMedicine

20/05/2026

How can naturopaths and herbalists better support Australia’s ageing population?

At the upcoming Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia Herbal Medicine Summit, Jacka Foundation Board Members Associate Professor Greg Connolly and Dr Pauline McCabe will present research exploring the role of holistic wellness programs and natural therapies in improving wellbeing among older Australians.

Conducted within an over-55s lifestyle village, the project highlights the benefits of connection, self-empowerment, health literacy, and evidence-informed natural healthcare in supporting positive ageing and chronic disease management.

14/05/2026

We’re proud to see JFNT Chair Dr Sue Evans participating in the panel session Wisdom in Practice: Lessons from a Life in the Profession at the upcoming Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia Herbal Medicine Summit.

Alongside respected colleagues Dr Ses Salmond and Phil Rasmussen, and curated by Associate Professor Joanna Harnett, the session will explore the evolution of natural therapies practice, professional identity, scope of practice, and the enduring philosophies that continue to shape the profession.

Grounded in decades of clinical experience, this reflective discussion promises valuable insights for practitioners across all stages of their careers.

If you’re attending the Summit, be sure to catch this presentation.

06/05/2026

The Jacka Foundation bids a fond farewell to Celine Marie, and warmly welcomes Aimee Joubert.

We thank Celine for her valuable contributions as Administrative Assistant, which made the directors’ lives so much easier. We wish her all the very best in her next chapter.

Now we are delighted to welcome Aimee Joubert to the team as she steps into that important role.

At JFNT, we are passionate about supporting the future of the natural therapies profession. Creating opportunities for emerging practitioners is one of the ways we actively contribute to strengthening and sustaining the industry.

By employing recent graduates, we aim to foster early career development, build professional confidence, and invest in the next generation of natural health leaders.

Welcome, Aimee! We’re so pleased to have you on board.

Address

Melbourne, VIC

Website

https://www.jackafoundation.org.au/

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