Mary Cunningham is no stranger to East Gippsland, having lived in the region on three separate occasions. First moving to the area when she was 18 years old, she married and started a family. Despite moving away, Mary always found herself back in the place that she calls home. “I never wanted to leave.” But due to family reasons, Mary experienced living in Queensland and recently in Melbourne, where she first feel in love with the study of natural therapy, in particular remedial massage and kinesiology.
Mary turned to natural therapy after being diagnosed with a serious illness and discovered her passion for alternative treatments. “Doctors and medication may help with illness, but they will not solve the underlying problem. Natural Therapy resolves the underlying issue that causes illness.”
The choice to move back to East Gippsland for the last time meant that Mary was able to start her own business in Bairnsdale with relatively low costs and minimal overheads. “Moving back to East Gippsland, I have my mortgage in half.” Initially Mary worked from home, until she took over the Bairnsdale Natural Health Centre, where she is now the practice owner.
Working in East Gippsland enables Mary flexible hours, where she can help others outside of normal trading hours, including weekends if needed by clients.
Kinesiology is a relatively fresh approach to therapy which is new to the area, and Mary has ambition to make it more known. “Kinesiology is very beneficial to my clients and is an alternative to traditional medicines.”
One of the best parts about East Gippsland for Mary is the sky, which unlike Melbourne, is open and visible. Less traffic lights and no “hussle and bussle” makes East Gippsland a desirable place to live and work.
Although Mary dedicates most of her time to her work and helping others feel better, she also enjoys walking and dancing. If she ever feels the need to get away, Mary takes a drive to Lakes Entrance or Metung to enjoy the views and take some time out.
Part of Mary’s weekly ritual is taking a walk in Paynesville, where she lives, and heads down to the Wharf to stop for a coffee and a break. The Foreshore markets are also an enjoyable pastime for Mary, where she can attend and show people what she does.
Being recognised down the street also makes Mary feel a part of the community. “It’s a good feeling when people know who I am and know what I do.” This type of recognition is rare in Melbourne where you won’t find a familiar face who wants to stop for a chat.
Future goals include encouraging another naturopath to join the clinic, as well as teaching ‘Touch for Health’.
People will “make a new home in East Gippsland”. It is easy to adjust here, and it is not too far away to go back to Melbourne for a visit. EG offers beautiful scenery like beaches and parks. It is easy to get in the car and go for a drive and get away from it all. “Living here we are not too far from the snow and not too far away from the sea.”