As lyrical birdsong fills the crisp morning air, faces turn to greet the sun rising gently over the Barossa Ranges, flooding the landscape in light.

Figures in repose breathe deeply as time momentarily slows down and conscious thought recedes.  

It’s a singular moment of freedom and purity, free of distraction and judgement.  

It’s the kind of moment Jenny O’Brien lives for.

As the founder of Beyond Wellness, Jenny specialises in bespoke experiences grounded in nature, connection and care.  

Once a corporate high-flier, she innately understands the importance of finding balance amid the complexities of modern life.  

“Wellness for me – particularly because I’ve been through so many periods of burnout – is about creating space for people to be able to slow down, connect with themselves, connect with others as well, and meet people where they are at,” says Jenny.

“Wellness isn’t something in a green smoothie or a supplement. It’s about what’s important to you, and how to get back to yourself, how to find your purpose.

“It’s about having the freedom to listen to that inner voice to give you what you need for whatever the next step is.”

Leaning into the moment is something that crystallised for Jenny at a time when she least expected it.

At the age of 45, she had spent over two decades in marketing, events and strategy roles across Australia and internationally, working across government, not-for-profit and corporate sectors. 

“I was living my best life, doing whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted…The path for me was not having kids, and I was really comfortable with that,” says Jenny.

Her moment of truth came at a time of family crisis that saw Jenny’s nine-week-old great-niece at risk of being removed from her family.

In an instant, motherhood became not only a possibility, but a reality.

“For my family, there had been some addiction challenges and that’s what brought me back to the Barossa,” says Jenny.

“This opportunity came into my life and it literally was like a sliding doors moment; overnight I became a ‘mum’. 

“What I have learned over time is to listen to that inner voice and have the courage to say what you want and don’t want.

“For me, in that moment, I said yes.”

Now six years of age, Jenny’s daughter is “an extraordinary little human” who has transformed Jenny’s life. 

“She is so caring, so empathetic, so funny, and incredibly full of sass – she lights up every room she walks into,” says Jenny. “Gosh it can be hard – but she really is my ‘why’.

“What I try to instil in her is the courage to have a voice; to be kind and brave; and just to feel connected, knowing that what we have is okay – it’s more than okay.”

Through her own lived experiences, Jenny aspires to enrich and empower others. Beyond Wellness offers nature retreats, corporate coaching and wellness programs aimed at helping people make transformative changes, big and small.

“Honestly, it’s incredible to see a group of people come together for three days. They arrive with their shoulders around their ears, always looking for something to do. On the second day they start to slow down, and by day three their connection with others is extraordinary.

“They give me a gift when they give this gift to themselves to create space and meet people where they are. 

“It’s very emotional, and I just love it.”

She remains incredibly grateful to the Barossa, a community that embodies her own personal values.

“The Barossa is amazing. We have so many people who are generous and have unique skills,” says Jenny.

“For me, collaboration is at the heart of everything I do, and the opportunities that come from that are endless.”

Roles as director of two Barossa Vintage Festivals, Young Ambassador Committee and Foundation Barossa board member have cemented her belief that communities, and people, are stronger together. 

“I love being in a room full of people I admire and can learn from, always feeling that little bit nervous because it’s that opportunity to stretch and grow,” says the former Harvard student.

“I love big challenges, making a difference, community connection, doing hard things and having hard conversations, but always coming in with good intention.”

Jenny’s work with the Barossa Wellbeing Project is also helping to build regional resilience through a model that pools the resources of council, community, business and not-for-profit enterprise. 

“I feel incredibly lucky to have a seat at the table to help influence the future of the region,” Jenny said.

At the end of the day, she believes life is what you make it.

“One of my mantras is, ‘if not this, then something better’,” says Jenny.

“Really, life can change in the blink of an eye. It’s not about being perfect or right, it’s about resilience and reflection and being able to put one brave foot after another.”