Accessible education, retreats, and resources for whole-person wellbeing
Welcome to The Australian Institute for Consciousness & Integrative Medicine (AICIM).
We are a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing health and wellbeing by uniting science, holistic medicine, and consciousness-based approaches. Through education, research, and community engagement, we empower individuals and practitioners to embrace healing that nurtures the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.
About Us
The Australian Institute for Consciousness & Integrative Medicine (AICIM) is a registered charity dedicated to transforming health and wellbeing in Australia by integrating scientific, holistic, and consciousness-based approaches. Founded by medical and education professionals, AICIM brings together diverse modalities and wisdom traditions to support healing, empowerment, and personal growth.
We serve as a collaborative hub for research, education, and innovation in integrative medicine, working to make these practices more accessible, evidence-based, and accepted in mainstream healthcare.
We also aim to advance the culture of women, focusing on First Nations women by engaging in activities which empower, recognise and improve the economic security, safety, health and wellbeing of women with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
AICIM partners with First Nations groups in activities which facilitate the created expression of both Indigenous and western spirituality and the connections between them. This includes activities which promote First Nations art, including the funding of an Australian First Nations spiritual labyrinth and dream time walk.
Our Mission and Vision
Our Vision
To create a world where integrative, consciousness-based approaches are at the forefront of human health, wellbeing, creative expression, economic security, and societal empowerment — with a focus on First Nations women, women from diverse backgrounds, and families across Australia.
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Our Mission
To advance public health and wellbeing, to advance the culture of First Nations peoples, and to advance the culture of women. We aim to do this through serving our community by providing funding, undertaking research, facilitating education and creative activities, and by providing access to integrative medicine and consciousness-based healthcare.
Our
History
Our Founders
David Burke
Dr Margaret Buring
(may she rest in peace)
How we started
For more than ten years, the founders of AICIM have been developing and building the vision of establishing a not-for-profit institute focussed on advancing the health and wellbeing of Australians by promoting the prevention and control of stress through the practice of consciousness and integrative medicine.
The founding members include:
Dr Shannon Armstrong is the Manager of Continuing Professional Medical Education at the Faculty of Medicine at The University of Queensland. She has significant experience in education and medical applications;
Dr Margaret Buring, a highly trained medical doctor with more than 40 years’ experience in diagnosing, treating and managing patients using integrative medicine.
The vision for the Institute crystalized as the founders worked together in community-based organisations which promoted meditation, self-awareness and other consciousness-based practices, and observed that these practices could objectively be seen to improve wellness and reduce stress.
At the same time, the founders undertook research into vitamin-based therapy and other integrative medicine techniques. They recognised that this sort of integrative medicine, combined with meditation and other self-awareness training, visibly improved the stress levels and physical health of patients.
A property was purchased in 2003 with the vision of establishing a centre for integrative medicine and consciousness, while the founders invested considerable time and money in research and practice. A medical centre was subsequently established in 2015, and officially opened by the Local Member Ros Bates MLA.
The centre offers orthodox Western medical and integrative medical services (such as acupuncture and remedial massage) and vitamin-based treatments. It also provides access to psychologists, educators and counsellors to improve self-awareness and consciousness.
In addition, programmes and training in mindfulness meditation, yoga, massage, self-esteem building, exercise and diet, are offered throughout the year.
To the extent practicable, these services are offered on a bulk-billing basis where medical and other treatments are free of charge, with significant input and support from professional and community volunteers.
Our Founders
Dr Margaret Buring
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Dr Margaret Buring MBBS (Hons), M.Med.Admin (Syd) Margaret graduated with Honours at Sydney University and worked for 19 years with the Red Cross where she finished as Director of Red Cross Blood Bank. She was in general practice for a further 20 years and developed great expertise in the area of intravenous therapies and aged care.
Dr Margaret was a highly trained medical doctor with more than 40 years’ experience in diagnosing, treating and managing patients using integrative medicine. She co-founded AICIM and established Andelaine with David Burke and Rachel Weeks, serving the community with care, compassion and wisdom. Sadly, Margaret passed away and is sorely missed.
David Burke
David Burke is the founder of The Australian Institute for Consciousness & Integrative Medicine.
He founded the charity and Andelaine in the Gold Coast hinterland in 2004 as a Medical and Contemplative Retreat Centre which runs an Integrative Medical Practice focusing on immune support and services, and a residential, contemplative program combining wellness, health and Mindfulness Meditation within both First Nations and Western spirituality.
In 2012 David initiated a Wellbeing and Health Research Study looking at the connection between Enneagram Personality Type and health outcomes which represents the largest survey of its kind in the world.
David Burke is the leading writer/teacher and researcher of the Enneagram Personality System in Australia today. Internationally recognised for his work on the Origins of the Enneagram he has taught extensively in the US, Europe and Asia. David has published two gooks on the Enneagram, The Nine Personality Types and The Enneagram of Transformational Leadership.
David established the Brisbane Enneagram Project in 1994, which is the largest and longest running public Enneagram program in the world. He also founded the Australian Institute for Enneagram Studies, which runs training programs for trainers and teachers, Including the clinical assessment of Personality Type.
Since 1994 David has also run a Management Consultancy firm which has worked with some of Australia’s largest Legal, Local & State Government, Transport, University, Banking, Medical, Education and Non-Government organisations on communications, productivity, conflict-resolution and leadership.
Our Aims
Promote Wellbeing
Provide educational resources and programs that promote integrative and consciousness-based approaches to mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
Advance Research
Support and disseminate scientific research into the efficacy of integrative medicine and consciousness practices.
Encourage Collaboration
Build bridges between conventional medicine, allied health, traditional healing, and consciousness practices
Create Accessibility
Establish a network of like-minded practitioners and organisations to improve access to integrative care, especially for vulnerable populations
Advance Health
Raise money to purchase medical and mobility equipment to provide free of charge to members of the community.
Promote First Nations Health and Culture
We honour the strength, wisdom, and deep cultural knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through art-focused, community-led workshops and spiritual initiatives, we support and celebrate the creative and cultural expression of First Nations families. These programs uplift identity, connection to Country, and intergenerational storytelling — empowering communities through the living strength of their artistic and spiritual traditions.
Advance the Culture of Women
​AICIM champions the creative and spiritual empowerment of women from all backgrounds. Through inclusive workshops, retreats, and artistic experiences, we create spaces where women can reconnect with their inner voice, explore diverse cultural expressions, and nurture personal and collective wellbeing. These programs celebrate the strength, creativity, and sacred wisdom of women — fostering healing, resilience, and connection across communities.
Enhance the Natural Environment
Promote sustainability in the use of resources in ecological and community farms.
Our core values
The Institute holds the following values:
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All individuals have an equal right to medical care.
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Nutritional and integrative medical care should be the first option, rather than the last.
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Preventative medicine is preferred over reactive medical treatment.
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Everyone in an urban community should have reasonable access to a regular rural experience.
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Everyone should be provided with self-awareness and suitable motivational tools.
Our Projects
The Centre for Consciousness & Integrative Medicine
A future visionary hub offering treatments, workshops, and research dedicated to integrative and consciousness-based care.
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Workshops & Services
Workshops and retreats offering training in health and wellness practices, including :
- meditation and yoga practices to facilitate mindfulness and improve mental health.
- use of and access to medical, mobility and support services and equipment. ​​
- advise on nutrition and complementary treatments for lifestyle and other diseases.
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Education & Training
Development and delivery of accredited and non-accredited programs for healthcare and wellness practitioners, educators, and the public. Workshops which provide advice on nutrition and exercise for people who have lifestyle and other diseases.
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Research & Advocacy
Collaborative research projects with universities and health organisations exploring the efficacy and social impact of integrative practices.
Community Outreach
Programs and events to support mental health, trauma recovery, and holistic wellbeing for under-served or at-risk populations. This includes workshops and seminars which promote awareness in respect of the physical, mental, emotional spiritual health and well being of First Nations women and children. These activities include instruction and participation in arts and craft, and the creation of a spiritual labyrinth and Dreamtime walk.
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Our Labyrinth project
As part of our commitment to holistic healing and conscious transformation, AICIM is creating a full-scale replica of the historic Chartres Labyrinth at our centre — a sacred walking meditation space designed to support reflection, emotional healing, and inner peace for individuals and communities alike.
This spiritual labyrinth will be connected to a First Nations Dreamtime walk.
Our Board of Directors
AICIM is proudly led by a team of three visionary women with deep expertise across the legal, medical, and education sectors. Together, they bring a unique and powerful blend of knowledge, compassion, and leadership to guide the Institute’s mission. With decades of combined experience, they are united by a shared commitment to integrative health, social impact, and empowering communities — especially women and those facing disadvantage. Their collaborative leadership ensures that AICIM operates with integrity, purpose, and heart at every level.
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Contact Us
Address
3540 Nerang Murwillumbah Road Natural Bridge Queensland 4211 Australia
Contact
email: admin@aicim.net.au
phone: 0417 851 575