Living with fibromyalgia, functional neurological disorder, and autism has profoundly shaped Alison Laylor of Murray Bridge’s perspective on health, self-care, and the importance of nurturing the mind and body. For Alison, wellness is not just a profession - it is a deeply personal journey.
Experiencing the challenges of chronic pain, neurological symptoms, and sensory sensitivities have given her a unique empathy for others who struggle with their health.
Alison Laylor of Murray Bridge is now managing the luxurious Marula Day Spa at the newly opened Monarto Safari Resort.
“It’s taught me the healing power of rest and self-care,” Alison says. “That personal journey inspires me every day to create an environment where people feel supported, valued, and genuinely cared for.”
That spirit of care is what led Alison, manager of Marula Day Spa at Monarto Safari Resort, to become the major sponsor of Genuine Support Services Australia’s (GSSA) Pampering and Wellbeing evening - for her, it was a natural fit.
The evening, which has evolved into a community celebration of relaxation and wellness, is designed to promote balance and self-care in a welcoming and affordable way. No longer just for GSSA clients, the evening now welcomes the wider community to enjoy pampering experiences and explore different pathways to wellbeing.
For Alison, supporting an initiative like this was more than philanthropy. It was personal. “As someone who understands how vital wellbeing can be - especially for people living with disability or health challenges - I wanted to give back in a way that reflects those values,” she explains.
Alison chose her sponsorship prize carefully, ensuring it embodied the spirit of the GSSA evening: relaxation, self-care, and the feeling of being valued. “That was important to me,” Alison says. “I wanted to offer something that gives someone a real chance to unwind and feel truly looked after.”
Alison’s connection to the wellbeing industry runs deep. Since entering the field in 1997, she has focused her career on helping others experience the restorative benefits of rest, care, and holistic health.
(L) Alison Laylor welcoming guests to the Marula Day Spa.
(R) Community Pamper & Well-being Night details.
At her Marula Day Spa, nestled within the stunning Monarto Safari Resort, right beside Monarto Safari Park, she leads a team dedicated to creating, what she describes as, a “sanctuary for the body and mind.”
“We’re proud to offer our guests a unique blend of relaxation, wellness, and immersive natural experiences,” Alison says. “From luxury spa treatments that soothe body and mind, to curated safari adventures that connect guests with nature, every aspect of our resort is crafted to promote holistic wellbeing. It’s such a peaceful, rejuvenating place to be.”
Alison, born in Glenelg as Alison Dubsky, is a first-generation Australian. She takes pride not only in her family’s journey but also in the chance to contribute meaningfully to her community. “Supporting something that encourages relaxation and balance, opens the door for the whole community to experience self-care, just felt right - it’s a wonderful way to give back, and it aligns so closely with my values.”
For GSSA, Alison’s support is more than sponsorship - it is a gift rooted in lived experience. Her journey through health challenges, her compassion for others, and her lifelong dedication to wellness embodies exactly what the community Pampering and Wellbeing Evening is all about.
And for the community, it means a chance to come together, enjoy affordable pampering, and celebrate the importance of wellbeing in everyday life. “I also hope,” Alison adds, “that by sharing my story, I can inspire others facing similar challenges to prioritise their wellbeing - and to know that moments of peace and healing is possible.”
The Pampering and Wellbeing Evenings will be more than an event, thanks to Alison Laylor’s generosity and vision it will be a celebration of community, care, and the reminder that everyone deserves to feel valued, nurtured, and restored.
GSSA’s Pampering and Wellbeing Evenings are open to everyone in the community and are held on the first Tuesday of every month in GSSA’s activities room situated at 4/5 Seventh Street, Murray Bridge, from 4.30 pm to 6 pm. Please phone Jess on 8166 7577 if you would like to come along.