The Heart Behind the Awards:
Why Rene Herald and Temple Skincare & Spa Continue to Set the Standard in Skin Health and Wellness
Part 1 of 3
What's in this blog? Temple Skincare & Spa is an award-winning skin health and wellness clinic in Castle Hill, Sydney, founded by Rene Herald. The clinic is known for advanced skin treatments, ethical skincare practices, holistic wellness care, and personalised treatment plans focused on long-term skin health rather than short-term fixes. It has received multiple industry awards including Salon of the Year, Business of the Year, and Stockist of the Year recognitions.
Some moments simply mean everything… and for Temple Skincare & Spa, this season of recognition is one of them.
At the prestigious PBS Skin Summit Awards 2026, Temple Skincare & Spa was honoured with multiple industry-leading awards, including:
Pollogen Stockist of the Year
HydroPeptide Stockist of the Year
and … Salon of the Year !
The Temple’s Therapist, Brooke Moody, was also recognised with Retail Therapist of the Year, reflecting the depth of talent, care, and professionalism within the Temple Team.
The salon’s success was further recognised at the Sydney Hills Local Business Awards, where it was awarded:
Outstanding Beauty Services
Overall Business of the Year !
These recognitions celebrate not only excellence in skin health and wellness, but also the spa’s deep connection with its clients, community, and industry.
Alongside these achievements, founder and director Rene Herald was recently named one of just six recipients (out of 8500 applicants), nationwide of the prestigious Champion Master Award at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2026.
Together, these honours tell a much bigger story: one of leadership, integrity, education, community, and a long-standing commitment to redefining what skin health and wellness can truly look like.
Who Is Rene Herald? A Leader in Skin Health, Beauty, Wellness, and Business Excellence
Rene is the founder, owner, and director of Temple Skincare & Spa and is widely recognised for her expertise in advanced skin health, aesthetics, and holistic wellness. Having been in the industry for over 32 years, she is known for over two decades of leadership, which has positioned Temple as a benchmark clinic within the Australian skin and wellness industry.
National Recognition in Leadership and Business Excellence
In addition to her impact within the skincare and wellness industry, Rene has also been recognised at a national level for business leadership.
At the Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2026, Rene was named one of just six recipients nationwide of the prestigious Champion Master Award which is recognised as one of Australia’s leading programs celebrating the achievements and contributions of small businesses.
The awards acknowledge innovation, leadership, resilience, and excellence across a broad range of industries, including retail, services, and manufacturing, with more than 100 industry categories represented.
This recognition reflects her broader contribution as a business leader committed to:
- Raising standards in client care and ethics
- Building sustainable, values-driven businesses
- Developing strong, educated, empowered teams
- Elevating professionalism within the salon and spa industry
In fact, under Rene Herald’s leadership, Temple Skincare continues to redefine modern skin health as a complete mind–body–soul experience. This extends also to Business Beyond Beauty, where Rene mentors salon owners and those struggling in their businesses; Temple Retreats whose adventures in travel and wellness beckon women to experience enriching cultures and a coming-back-to-the-self with workshops on mindfulness and longevity rituals. Then, there is EmpowHER, a passion project that helps and guides women struggling through perimenopause and menopause. Behind the scenes, there is Temple Hearts Charity that continuously funds organisations that aid women and children in the community.
The Philosophy Behind The Temple: Led by Rene Herald
Rene’s philosophy is the foundation of everything at Temple Skincare & Spa. It is not a slogan, rather, it is a standard of care, decision-making, and leadership that defines every client experience.
Treat the skin properly
At the spa, skin is never rushed or over-treated. Instead, it is understood as a living system that requires respect, precision, and long-term mindfulness and intention.
This approach focuses on treating skin at its root cause rather than just managing visible symptoms, aiming to strengthen skin function over time. Rene and her highly-trained Therapists utilise evidence-based treatments and advanced clinical protocols while ensuring the skin barrier is respected at every stage of care.
Moreover, Rene leads with the heart. As such, each client that walks through Temple’s doors is treated like Family. “She is ‘one of ours,’” a part of the Temple Tribe… someone that Rene and the Team feel grateful for, and that is why the Temple Skincare & Spa’s philosophy of making each and every client feel cared for and valued runs deep within the lifeforce of the business…. not only throughout their skin journey, but her overall wellness.
Prioritise long-term skin health
The Temple Team as a whole, does not believe in short-term correction that compromises future skin integrity.
Every treatment plan is designed to: build resilience within the skin, support long-term collagen and barrier function, prevent premature ageing and deliver results that continue to improve over time.
Many Temple spa clients trust in Rene’s expertise alongside her Team, whose passion and love for what they do allows each client to know that they will be fully taken care of.
Rene and her team at Temple Skincare create such a beautiful, relaxing experience from the moment you walk in. Rene is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, especially when it comes to skin changes during perimenopause and menopause, she really understands what your skin needs at this stage. I left feeling refreshed and my skin looks and feels amazing. Highly recommend Rene and her team. –Kerryn S.
Never compromise on integrity or results
Integrity is non-negotiable. Every recommendation is made with honesty, clinical intention, and respect for the client’s skin journey, not trends, pressure, or unnecessary treatment layering.
This philosophy ensures that every consultation at The Temple Skincare & Spa is approached with honesty, transparency, and genuine care. Clients are never encouraged into unnecessary treatments or unrealistic promises. Instead, every recommendation is carefully considered based on what will truly support the health, integrity, and long-term function of the skin. Treatments and homecare advice are grounded in clinical evidence, professional expertise, and real client outcomes rather than passing trends or industry hype.
Above all, Temple believes trust is earned through consistency, education, and ethical care, therefore creating long-term relationships where clients feel supported, respected, and confident in the journey they are taking with their skin and wellbeing.
Educate clients, not overwhelm them
Education is central to empowerment. Temple Therapists are trained to simplify skin science so clients can understand their skin clearly and confidently.
Each treatment is clearly explained so clients can appreciate how it works beneath the surface, from cellular function through to long-term skin health improvements. They are also guided on how to maintain and enhance their results at home with simple, effective routines that fit into real life. Most importantly, they are empowered to make informed, long-term decisions about their skin with clarity, education, and trust in the process rather than confusion or overwhelm.
This truly exemplifies why Rene and the Temple Skincare & Spa team has nurtured skin in their community, with clients who have been with them for 15-20 years. In the spa, it is very common that clientele now represent multiple generations within families who seek the skin support and holistic wellness from the Temple.
Advanced Technology and Award-Winning Skincare Systems
The spa integrates globally recognised technologies and professional-grade skincare systems to deliver exceptional client outcomes. As they say, there is something for every skin at The Temple Skincare & Spa.
Each technology and skincare range introduced is chosen with a highly considered and evidence-led approach. Decisions and every system used are grounded in science rather than trend-driven marketing or tiktok fads.
Temple Skincare & Spa’s philosophy has always been to invest in technologies and skincare that genuinely support transformation, not trends.
I did not go to Temple Skincare expecting miracles, but that's what I got. I thought maybe a change in skincare routine would revitalise my skin, however, my therapist explained that the redness and sensitivity were due to using harsh products, while I thought the products were cleansing my skin the way they should. She also explained that I need to wake up the collagen in my skin with a course of skin needling and then maintain the results with regular visits after that to enjoy some of the relaxing facials with anti-ageing benefits. I love my new skin and keep seeing improvements even at my tender age. Thank you for the great advice and support." –Anna M.
Why These Awards Matter
These awards represent far more than industry recognition. They speak to a consistent standard of client outcomes achieved through years of refined practice, advanced treatment protocols, and a deep understanding of skin science and ingredient integrity.
They also reflect a culture of continuous education, where every team member is committed to expanding their knowledge and refining their craft. Underpinning all of this is leadership grounded in excellence and integrity, along with strong, long-standing relationships built within the local community.
Above all, these recognitions are a reflection of the trust clients place in Temple every single day, trusting the team not just with their skin, but with their confidence and wellbeing.
Have your hands full? Listen to the podcast below.
The Heart of Temple: Celebrating the Team Behind the Awards
While these awards are an incredible honour for the spa, they are also a reflection of the people behind every treatment, consultation, and client interaction… the Temple team.
For Rene, these recognitions have never been about one individual alone. They are about the collective care, passion, professionalism, and commitment of the entire Temple Team.
“Thank you to Laura and Brooke, my two managers, and all my Therapists for letting me live my passion. Because it’s them that turn up every single day, it’s them that offer exceptional service to each and every client. They live, breathe and ooze the values of Temple and that’s something so special to me because that’s what my business has been built on for the last 24 years.”
A culture built on care, growth, and connection
At Temple Skincare & Spa, excellence is not something that is demanded. It is something that is nurtured and continually strengthened through the way the Team works, learns, and connects every day. Education sits at the core of this culture, ensuring every Temple Therapist is continuously developing their knowledge of skin science, advanced treatments, and holistic wellbeing so clients always receive the highest standard of care.
Mentorship plays an equally important role, with experienced practitioners guiding and supporting emerging talent, creating an environment where growth is encouraged and shared. Collaboration is actively fostered within the team, allowing different perspectives and expertise to come together to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients.
Rene and all the team deeply value and recognise that skin health is often connected to confidence, stress, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing. Above all, genuine human connection underpins every interaction at The Temple, ensuring that every client feels seen, understood, and truly cared for throughout their experience.
Each and every team member contributes to the calm, welcoming environment clients experience when they enter the spa.
This culture has been intentionally created by Rene over many years, building a space where therapists are encouraged to grow both professionally and personally.
Celebrating Brooke: Retail Therapist of the Year
A particularly special moment from the PBS Skin Summit Awards was seeing Brooke recognised with Retail Therapist of the Year.
This award reflects Brooke’s exceptional standard of client care, where every interaction is guided by attentiveness, empathy, and a genuine desire to support each client’s skin journey. Her deep product knowledge allows her to confidently understand ingredients, formulations, and treatment support systems, ensuring every recommendation is both informed and highly tailored to individual skin needs.
Brooke is so knowledgeable, experienced and just overall amazing as a therapist. She always knows exactly which treatment I need to ensure I get maximum results. Thank you Brooke for looking after me x “ - Melanie H.
Brooke’s recognition is a beautiful reflection of the integrity and professionalism she brings to every client experience.
Honouring the Passion, Service, and Dedication Behind Temple Skincare & Spa
Behind every treatment, every client transformation, and every award received is something far more meaningful… a Team deeply committed to caring for others.
At the spa, service goes beyond performing treatments or achieving skin results. It is reflected in the time taken to truly listen, the attention given to every individual concern, and the genuine desire to help clients feel more confident, supported, and cared for in themselves. This level of dedication is something that cannot be taught through technology alone, it comes from passion, heart, and a shared commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Many clients walk through the doors seeking support for their skin, but what they often leave with is something much deeper: a sense of trust, comfort, reassurance, and connection.
This commitment to service is one of the defining qualities that continues to set Temple Skincare & Spa apart within both the beauty industry and the local community. It is also why the awards and recognition received feel so meaningful… because they reflect not only professional excellence, but the heart, passion, and dedication consistently poured into every client experience.
Learn more about Brooke and the Temple Team with a personal glimpse into their time in-spa and out.
The Temple: A Sanctuary for Skin, Mind, Body, and Soul
Temple Skincare & Spa is more than a spa and clinic. It is a sanctuary where skin health is restored through advanced clinical care that is both precise and deeply considered, focusing on long-term function, resilience, and visible results. Emotional wellbeing is equally supported through calm, intentional experiences designed to create a sense of stillness and safety, allowing clients to fully unwind while receiving treatment.
Clients are never approached through pressure or sales-driven recommendations; instead, they are educated with clarity and honesty so they can make informed decisions about their skin with confidence and understanding. Caring for our clients at Temple is approached holistically and respectfully, recognising the connection between skin, lifestyle, stress, and overall wellbeing, and supporting each client as a whole person rather than a single concern or condition.
These awards the spa have received are not the destination, they are a reflection of a standard that has been lived every day for over two decades.
At the centre of it all is Rene Herald… a leader continuing to raise the bar for what skin health, wellness, and professional care should look like.
These awards the spa have received are not the destination, they are a reflection of a standard that has been lived every day for over two decades.
At the centre of it all is Rene Herald… a leader continuing to raise the bar for what skin health, wellness, and professional care should look like.
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