The Collaborative Care Small Grants Program is supporting local organisations to bring community-led projects to life, helping strengthen connections and improve health and wellbeing across Eden.

Navigate Expeditions is one of the successful grant recipients, a local nature-based tourism business using its funding to offer two free guided kayaking adventures for Eden seniors on the beautiful Pambula River.

We spoke with owner Jessica Taunton about what inspired the project, the benefits of spending time together in nature and what participants can look forward to.

1. Can you tell us a little about your organisation and the project that received funding through the Eden Small Grants program?

Navigate Expeditions is a small nature-based tourism business on the Far South Coast of NSW offering small-group kayaking, walking and e-bike tours. We’ve been operating for five years now, employ over 15 fantastic local guides and just absolutely love the region we live and work in!

The Collaborative Care Small Grants program is enabling us to host two guided Pambula River kayak tours specifically for Eden seniors. Each paddle is capped at 12 guests and includes paddling with the tide, a local morning tea and return bus transport between Eden and the river, so it's completely stress-free!

2. What inspired this project, and what community need were you hoping to address?

I just love getting people out on the water … the Pambula River is one of the most scenic rivers in our region!

I also really wanted to address a few things. First, promoting physical activity and confidence—kayaking is a wonderful, low-impact exercise (promise!) and we provide a safe, supported environment for seniors to try it. Second is social connection. When you paddle down a river together and sit down for morning tea, conversations naturally flow, shared interests come up and you get that real sense of camaraderie after completing an adventure together. And lastly, mental wellbeing. Time spent in nature boosts your mood, reduces stress and leaves you with a great sense of accomplishment.

3. How has the grant helped you bring this project to life?

The grant will cover some key operational costs (like the transfer bus, equipment setup and morning tea) with Navigate Expeditions also contributing to bring the project to life.

Without this grant support and co-contribution, the price point would mean many local seniors wouldn’t be able to afford to participate. This funding removes that barrier completely so our Eden community can experience the river for free.

4. How do you think these paddles will help people connect with others and support their health and wellbeing?

While we haven’t hosted these specific senior paddles just yet, running tours for the last five years has shown us that when you bring small groups into nature, something magical happens. Things slow down, people tune into their surroundings, and they actually take the time to listen and connect.

Guests always leave with a renewed appreciation for the environment, extra confidence from learning a new skill and the pride of doing something they might have thought was challenging. Plus a few new friends along the way.

5. What's one of your favourite things about taking people out on the Pambula River?

No two days on the Pambula River are ever the same. We’ve witnessed incredible moments out there—from seal and dolphin encounters to baby sea eagles in their nests, all set against that stunning sapphire-blue water. We can’t wait to share moments like that with these groups.

6. If someone in the community is interested in getting involved, how can they participate and what would you say to encourage them to join in?

Soooo just give it a go! You don’t need any prior kayaking experience. We take care of everything and keep you safe and comfortable the whole time.

Want to paddle?

The first departure is happening on 12 December 2026.

You can register for one of the 12 spots here: https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/navigateexpedit...

The second departure is scheduled for May 2027. Please email jess@NavigateExpeditions.com or call 1300 030 902 for more info.