The Abbey has a rich history filled with generous hospitality, deep personal & spiritual journey, awareness & preservation of the native environment.
The Abbey Program offers individuals and groups the opportunity to be involved.
The Program includes a range of creative events, retreats, workshops, conservation activities and pilgrimages.
Please email us at info@theabbey.org.au to be added to our mailing list.
We look forward to welcoming you at The Abbey.
Weekly Eucharist
11.00am every Wednesday at The Abbey Chapel. Everyone is welcome.
Monthly Celtic Music Sessions
2nd Thursday of each month (7.00pm – 10.00pm). Come join us for an evening of music. Bring an instrument or just come and enjoy the evening. We’re in the Chapel.
Monthly Chat & Chew lunches
2nd Tuesday of each month -12.00pm. Come share a simple lunch and intentional conversation.
For further information and bookings call 03 5156 6580 or info@theabbey.org.au
2026 PROGRAM
FEBRUARY
February 1st Brigidfest
On this her Feast Day and at this time of Imbolc in the northern hemisphere, come spend the afternoon delighting in all things St Brigid. We will make Brigid Crosses, hear stories of her life and write poems inspired by her life. Bring your Celtic cloaks, bring your Celtic heart.
2.00pm – 5.00pm. $10.00. Please RSVP by January 23.
https://www.trybooking.com/DGLKJ or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
February 12th Hush Quiet Day: Music that has Moulded Us.
Facilitator: Revd Sue Newcombe
I have a passion for liturgy, poetry and music. I have a heart for the so called ‘rebels’ who wrote the folk music of the 50’s & 60’s, words and stories and imagery that touched my soul and influenced my spiritual journey. I invite you to journey with me as we each go deeper into the music that has shaped and continues to shape each of us. Please bring your open heart, your voice, and any words and music you may wish to share, as together we look at the music that has moulded us. Having been in Lay ministry for more years than I care to remember, I was ordained as a Deacon in 2023. And I have pink hair.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by February 6th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHDZW or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
February 20-22 Women’s Storytelling Weekend Retreat
Facilitator: Lee Palumbo
I am passionate about women’s storytelling gatherings, and the transformation for those who share their stories, but for those who hear them. Storytelling is part if our ancient traditions and our everyday. Stories help is to understand ourselves and each other, and the human experience. Stories can bring healing and transformation when aired in a safe and supportive environment. Whether your story is light or dark, painful or playful, hilarious or profoundly moving, we want to hear it. This may be your first time, but no experience is needed, after all, it is your story, true and from the heart. The art of listening in a supportive environment is vital to storytelling and we will hold space for one another. Join us for this weekend of connection, storytelling, reflection and good food, in the beautiful natural environment at The Abbey. There will be an open invitation for you to tell your story in ten minutes based on a theme, the three main themes are Change, Water and Faith.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
https://www.trybooking.com/DGLNP or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
MARCH
March 12th – Hush Quiet Day: Using Collage to Tell our Hidden Story
Facilitator: Revd Jenny Wicking
There are times when words fail in giving meaning and in expressing our life stories. Finding our way into our hidden stories and connection with our inner most being can be brought alive through journalling, meditation, dance, creative works and collage. It is these spaces that I believe we find a connection with ourselves and our stories that can be enlightening, healing, joyful that can bring laughter and celebration.
Come and enjoy a time of playing, leafing through magazines, cutting out pictures and getting sticky with glue as you paste your pictures into a collage. As we ponder our completed picture we will discover the hidden treasures within our lives. We will spend time wandering in the beautiful environment of The Abbey. Maybe a leaf or two might be included in your collage.
All material supplied. You will need to bring a journal and feel free to bring some of your favourite magazines to use.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by March 6th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEAD or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
March 23-26 Life as Pilgrimage mid-week retreat
Facilitator: Merryl Blair
‘Pilgrimage’ is not necessarily something we have to ‘go on’. All of life can be seen as a pilgrimage, if we take time to reflect on our journey: what paths, themes, images, companions have accompanied us on our way? These days of Retreat will allow us to spend time reflecting on the theme of ‘Life as Pilgrimage’, accompanied by stories of biblical, and other, journeys that might take us deeper into our own stories of learning to live with a sense of the sacred in everyday life.
Residential single motel room $570
Residential shared motel room $395pp
Residential single retreat room $445 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $270
https://www.trybooking.com/DGXXE or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
APRIL
April 9th – Hush Quiet Day: Ethos, Pathos & Logos: Three Lenses for Meaningful Communication.
Facilitator: Kevin Broughton
Disclaimer: While the words ethos, pathos, and logos come to us from the writings of Aristotle, our purpose today is not to uphold his worldview or moral character. Across history, wisdom has often been carried in imperfect vessels. Today we simply borrow these three lenses as a tool – not a truth in themselves – to help us notice how we and others communicate trust, feeling, and reason in our faith and life journeys.
From the storytelling of First Nations Elders to the hymns and poetry of the Celtic tradition, from the parables of Jesus to the wisdom woven through many faith paths – human beings have always sought to share truth in ways that connect heart, mind, and spirit.
This reflective day offers a spacious invitation to explore three enduring lenses of communication: ethos (trust and integrity), pathos (empathy and shared feeling), and logos (reason and clarity). We will draw on scripture, story, and spiritual traditions both ancient and modern, discovering how these lenses can help us listen deeply, speak wisely, and belong more fully – to God, to one another, and to the land on which we live.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by March 6th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHAXD or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
MAY
May 8th – 10th: Journeying with St Gobnait of Ireland Weekend Retreat
Facilitators: Cath Connelly and Alison Powell
St. Gobnait is the Irish matron saint of bees & beekeeping. We will spiral in Gobnait’s footsteps, learning how she started her journey on the island of Inish Oírr (Inisheer) -the smallest Aran Island. Here she had a vision of an angel calling her to find nine white deer and her place of resurrection.
Gobnait’s story is full of otherworldly beings, holy disruption and curiosity, misneach (courage) and dreaming into the possibilities and following her dán (her calling). You are invited to bring with you a sense of holy curiosity and an open heart to a weekend of dreaming with Gobnait- to find your dán – your soul’s destiny and giftedness.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
https://www.trybooking.com/DGVCH or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
May 14th – Hush Quiet Day: The fourth, the fifth, a minor fall, a triumphant sixth – the search for the cord of three.
Facilitator: Revd Dennis Webster
Exploring the spirituality of the songs “The Lost Chord” and Cohen’s “Hallelujah”.
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by May 8th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEAZ or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
May 23rd – Cooking Class with Jackie: Learning the Art of Preparing a Luxurious Meal
Facilitator: Jackie O’Connell
Jackie O’Connell, one-time restaurant and café owner, chef (although Jackie says ‘I’m just a cook!) and all-round amazing food-whizz, is inviting you to learn some of her kitchen secrets as together you prepare and then eat a luxurious meal. Class, ingredients, wine and dinner are included in this experience. Limited to eight people.
400pm – 7.00pm. $60. Please RSVP by May 16th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEVU or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
May 30th – Cooking Class with Jackie: Learning the Art of Preparing a Basic Roast Meal
Facilitator: Jackie O’Connell
Jackie O’Connell, one-time restaurant and café owner, chef (although Jackie says ‘I’m just a cook!) and all-round amazing food-whizz, is inviting you to learn some of her kitchen secrets as together you prepare and then eat a roast meal and dessert. This class is for those who are wanting to learn kitchen basics, learning how to produce a gorgeous meal without much kitchen knowledge. Class, ingredients, wine and dinner are included in this experience. Limited to eight people.
400pm – 7.00pm. $60. Please RSVP by May 23rd.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEVZ or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
JUNE
June 11th – Hush Quiet Day: Hebrew Bible & Care for Creation
Facilitator: Bishop Richard Treloar
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by June 7th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEBU or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
June 19th – 21st – Stepping into Elderhood: Women’s weekend retreat
Facilitator: Revd Janet Munro
Now, perhaps more than ever, our world needs wise counsel. Traditionally, it was to the elders of a community that people would turn to as they struggled to navigate the big questions of life. These days they are more likely to turn to Google or ChatGPT and older adults are left wondering about their purpose. As women, we become more confident in our own skin but less visible to the world around us. We have lots of wisdom, but we need skills to build the platform to share it. Elderhood is not the inevitable consequence of ageing; it is a communal function for which we must plan and prepare.
This retreat is a threshold moment, a time for individual and collective reflection, for story and ritual. Together we will consider the opportunities and challenges for elders in today’s world. You will uncover the unique gifts you bring to this critical life stage. You will develop a renewed vision and purpose for your own life and the communities you engage with. You will leave ready to boldly be the wise elders our world so desperately needs.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by June 10th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DGVCK or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
JULY
July 9th – Hush Quiet Day: Lessons from the Oak
Facilitator: Su Mills
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by July 1st.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEWD or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
July 10th – 12th – Celtic Spirituality Weekend Retreat
Facilitator: Cath Connelly
Drawing on connections to nature, a passion for learning, prayer, soul friends, music, art, poetry and pilgrimage, Celtic spirituality offers a deeply engaging way of relating to God. Spiritual director, retreat leader and professional Celtic harpist, Cath Connelly is well qualified to lead us through a weekend of exploring the major themes of this form of spirituality. The retreat will be reflective, experiential and informative. It will include harp music, meditation, input sessions and time for personal reflection.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by July 3rd.
https://www.trybooking.com/DGLOH or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
July 20th – 23rd – Pilgrims of Renewal: From Wilderness to Glory. Mid-week retreat.
Facilitator: Revd Dennis Webster
Step away from the noise of everyday life and enter a haven of prayer, courage and communion. This live-in mid-week retreat invites us to journey together through the wilderness places of suffering anf loss, into the restoring presence of Christ, and towards the joy and freedom of God’s new creation.
Through scripture, silence, worship and shared conversation, we will listen fro God’s voice:
- Teach us wisdom in the midst of challenge
- Touch us with healing and restoration
- Send us out renewed for witness and service
Here, creation’s song becomes our song. Together, we discover again our dignity ion Christ, the strength of community, and the hope that carries us into God’s future with joy.
Residential single motel room $570
Residential shared motel room $395pp
Residential single retreat room $445 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $270
Please RSVP by July 8th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DGVDC or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
July 24th – 26th: Moss! Weekend retreat
Facilitator: Kelly Skilton
Here’s something completely different! Come join us for a retreat that invites you to reconnect with the present moment. Together we will explore mindfulness practices and guided creative exercises designed to ground you and bring your wandering thoughts back to the here and now. If you enjoy journaling, collage, crochet, embroidery, or any craft that resonates with these practices, this retreat is the perfect space to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of moss as an entry point into the beauty of mindfulness. Through gentle practices, reflective creativity, and meaningful conversations, you’ll uncover the wisdom that lies within your own being. Moss has so much to teach us…
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by September 5th
https://www.trybooking.com/DGVDK or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
AUGUST
August 13th – Hush Quiet Day: Two Celtic Saints: St Non of Wales & St Ia of Cornwall
Facilitator: Cath Connelly
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by August 7th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEWI or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
August 14th – 16th – Circle Dancing weekend retreat
Facilitator: Robyn Sussems
Dancing in a circle is an ancient tradition common to many cultures for marking special occasions, strengthening community and encouraging togetherness. Circle Dance includes traditional dances of many countries as well as modern choreographies set to classical and contemporary music. In Circle dance we are stepping into ancient patterns of rhythm and movement. When we dance a traditional dance, we are temporarily tuning into a culture’s history and expression. During this Retreat we will experience the joy of the dance, both physically and spiritually. There will be opportunities for reflection, meditation and time in nature in the surrounds of The Abbey. No previous dance experience is necessary and we will approach this weekend with a spirit of adventure. This retreat was very popular in both 2023 and 2024. We look forward to welcoming Robyn back to the Abbey.
Comfortable footwear is essential.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by August 7th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DGLOT or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
August 21-22 – Diocesan Retreat: An Experience of my Relationship to my Faith using Creative Arts
Facilitator: Dr Jenny Orford Hill
Residential single motel room $210
Residential shared motel room $160pp
Residential single retreat room $130
Non-residential $90
Please RSVP by August 15th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHKKY
or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
SEPTEMBER
September 12th – Hush Quiet Day: Topic to be confirmed
Facilitator: To be confirmed
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by September 5th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEWO or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
OCTOBER
October 3rd – Blessing of the Pets: A FREE event
St Francis, lover of animals, would be thrilled to think that we are hosting an afternoon to honour our animal companions. On the weekend of his Feast Day we are inviting you to bring your pets for an afternoon of animal fun, culminating in a pet blessing by Revd Dennis Webster, the Abbey Chaplain. There will be competitions for the fluffiest, the cutest, the oldest, the wisest and the most unusual pet. Bring your rabbits, dogs, rats, goats, donkeys, cats, guinea pigs… Please note that the sensitive natural environment of the Abbey requires all animals to be restrained at all times.
Afternoon tea is provided for humans.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEWZ or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
October 8th – Hush Quiet Day: Topic to be confirmed
Facilitator: To be confirmed
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by October 2nd.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEWS or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
October 9th – 11th – Restoration of Relationships weekend retreat
Facilitator: Julia Fullarton
Throughout this weekend, we will look at three often misunderstood components of maintaining healthy relationships; Apology, forgiveness and restoration (or reconciliation.) We will spend time on each of the components, looking at them closely and trying to understand where they can go wrong and where they can go well – and how when each component is done well, strong, durable relationships can be forged between people, no matter what their relationship is like at present, or how damaged they have been.
We will also look at how to look after ourselves in the journey towards restoring a broken or damaged relationship – and when not to embark on the journey at all.
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by October 2nd
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEXS or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
October 16th – 18th – Zen and the Art of Lego weekend retreat
Facilitator: Grant Palmer
Residential single motel room $495
Residential shared motel room $345pp
Residential single retreat room $395 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $230
Please RSVP by October 9th
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEXZ or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
October 31st – Clothes Swap morning
Please bring five or more items of quality clothing to add to the swap table. Here is that perfect opportunity to hunt out some quality new clothes. The idea is that everyone brings at least five items of quality clothing that they donate to the occasion. Then you get to take home anything that you like from the clothes donated by others. There is no limit to the number you can take away, if they’re items that are going to enhance your wardrobe. What a great way to recycle those gorgeous items that you haven’t worn for years…
10.00am – 12.00noon. Delicious home-made morning tea provided.
$20.00 per person – pay cash or card on the day.
NOVEMBER
November 4th – 8th – Embodied Listening: Awakening to the Spirit of Place with earth, wind, fire & water. Mid- week retreat.
Facilitator: Revd Susanna Pain
Come away. Be still and listen in the bush, on the shore, in the chapel. Encounter the land and her creatures. Be silent, meditate, move, make art, sing and tell stories that connect us with ourselves, each other and the spirit of the land herself. Play in an embodied way using InterPlay tools and principles… Immerse yourself…
Susanna Pain is Senior Associate: Community, Spirituality and the Arts at Benedictus Contemplative Church, Australia. (https://benedictus.com.au). She is cofounder of InterPlay Australia, spiritual director, retreat leader, contemplative, dancer, priest. She has a deep passion for enabling people to be still, play and grow. https://www.susannapain.com
Residential single motel room $640
Residential shared motel room $445pp
Residential single retreat room $495 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $310
Please RSVP by October 28th
https://www.trybooking.com/DHBWC or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
November 12th – Hush Quiet Day: My heart in hiding stirred for a bird…
Facilitators: Grania Sheehan & Cate North
We’re going bird-noticing today. The joys, the patterns, the variety, the passion…
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by November 5th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHFBU or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
November 16th – 19th – ‘From here to eternity’: exploring the practice of sacred image making. Mid-week retreat.
Facilitator: Revd Moira Evers
Moira is an Anglican priest and currently Vicar of the Alpine Parish, North-East Victoria in the Diocese of Wangaratta. She is drawn to the style of the icon especially from the Coptic and Ethiopian traditions, and the layers of deeper meaning contained in what appears to be quite a simple image. An icon will tell a story about heaven and earth, and it is in this telling, that a soul is drawn to the heart of God. For Moira, the practice of sacred image making is an extension of her ministry to make the love of God known.
Residential single motel room $570
Residential shared motel room $395pp
Residential single retreat room $445 (bathroom is in adjacent amenities block)
Non-residential (includes all meals) $270
Please RSVP by November 8th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEXP or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
November 20th – Ecumenical Advent Conversation
Hosts: The Right Reverend Dr Richard Treloar & The Most Reverend Greg Bennet
The Anglican and Roman Catholic Bishops of Gippsland warmly invite you to join the ninth annual Advent Conversation – an ecumenical gathering of clergy and laity from both traditions. This year’s Conversation will reflect on Advent themes through Old and New Testament passages from our common lectionary.
9.30 for 10.00am start – 3.30pm. $30 includes lunch and morning tea. Please RSVP by November 8th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHFER or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
DECEMBER
December 10th – Hush Quiet Day: Cloud of Unknowing
Facilitator: Michael Fox
10.00am – 3.00pm. BYO lunch. $20 donation. Please RSVP by December 5th.
Please RSVP by December 5th.
https://www.trybooking.com/DHEXG or phone us at The Abbey on (03) 5156 6580.
For further information and bookings call 03 5156 6580 or info@theabbey.org.au