Inspired by a woman named The Peace Pilgram, who walked more than 25,000 miles for peace, the Peace Pilgram shared her simple but profound message in thousands of communities throughout the U.S.: “When enough of us find inner peace, our institutions will become peaceful, and there will be no more occasion for war.”

2024 – Le Puy Pilgrimage, France
Mary and her husband, Chris, walked 220km through France, inspired by The Peace Pilgrim and The Surrender Experiment. The pilgrimage became a powerful act of surrender and a way to transmute suffering into light.

2023–24 – 100 Woman2: Women Walking for Women
This initiative raised over $50,000 for women’s charities through community-led walks. It was retired following a cease-and-desist order from a competing fundraising group.

2023 – Penguin to Pumphouse, Tasmania
A 200km wilderness hike raising awareness for inner transformation as a pathway to peace — launched at the onset of the Ukraine War.

2012 – Kilimanjaro & Visit to The School of St Judes, Tanzania
Inspired by the work of Gemma Sisia, Mary visited the school and climbed Kilimanjaro to deepen her commitment to education and service.

2010 – Camino de Santiago (850km)
Mary walked solo from France to Spain as an act of grief transformation. This journey is detailed in her book The Final Act of Grace.

2025 – Call-of-the-Time International Retreat
From August 13 – 17 at Peace Village Retreat Center in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Spiritual Responses to Critical Times.

2025 – Call-of-the-Time International Retreat

2018 – Global Strategic Advisor, Business Plan for Peace (UK)
Worked alongside Dr Scilla Elworthy to advance peace strategies and international dialogue. Supported the plan’s development and outreach.

2018 – Inner Peace Conference, Amsterdam
Assisted Dr Scilla Elworthy at a global conference dedicated to inner transformation and peace.

2017–18 – Femme Q: Feminine Intelligence in Leadership (UK & AUS)
Supported the rise of the feminine principle in leadership — compassion, patience, trust, and resilience — through events in both hemispheres.

2014 – Lead Facilitator, Spirit of Humanity Forum, Iceland
Led the international facilitation team for the Forum’s second event on love and compassion in governance, hosted by the BKs and global partners.

2012 – Inaugural Advisory Committee, Spirit of Humanity Forum
Helped shape the first forum in Reykjavik: Resetting the Compass – Creating a Landscape of Possibilities. The SoH Forum is a global movement that brings together leaders from various fields to explore the potential of personal transformation and core human values such as love and compassion in driving systemic change. Since its inception in 2012, the Forum has focused on spirituality in leadership and explored new forms of governance underpinned by love, care, respect, trust, dialogue and relationships. The Forum’s essential question is ‘How shall we be?’ rather than the conventional ‘What shall we do?’

1978–79 – Rotary Youth Exchange to Japan
At 15, Mary lived in Japan, where a visit to Hiroshima ignited her lifelong commitment to peace. Her first experience of cultural and spiritual diversity.

2019 – Shining a Light on Death (BK Hobart)
MC and contributor to a sacred, inclusive event helping people explore death with love and openness.

2018 – MC, Sister Shivani “Being Love” Tour
Introduced thousands to the teachings of Sister Shivani, promoting peace and harmony in relationships.

2013 – Plum Village Retreat with Thích Nhất Hạnh (France)
Attended a week-long mindfulness retreat as part of her honeymoon. Deepened her meditation practice and spiritual commitment.

2016 – Hosted Fundraiser for School of St Judes, Hobart
Organised an event with founder Gemma Sisia to support education in Tanzania. Ongoing supporter since 2012.

2013–15 – Mentor, Windeward Bound Youth Leadership Voyage
Provided training and mentoring for a 10-day leadership voyage connecting young people from diverse backgrounds.

2012 – Interplast Observer with Rotary, Fiji
Travelled as a Rotary Club representative to observe humanitarian medical work supporting underserved communities.

2000–2008 – Rotary Club of Hobart (Member)
Active participant in Rotary’s mission of service, community, and international goodwill.