A New Place of Encounter: St Eugene’s Opens in Newborough

We are so happy to share that on Saturday, we celebrated the Official Opening of St Eugene’s Retreat and Conference Centre - a significant moment for the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the wider Church community.

In partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Sale, this new Centre offers a welcoming space for reflection, formation, and community - inviting all who come to rest, reconnect, and encounter God.

The Centre includes 35 en-suite cabins accommodating up to 170 guests, along with a chapel, conference facilities, and shared communal spaces. Designed with flexibility in mind, it is well suited to school camps, parish groups, retreats, and smaller gatherings.

The grounds also feature the Laudato Si’ Outdoor Education Centre, with two acres of wetlands providing a living space for ecological learning and reflection, inspired by the call to care for our common home.

Named after St Eugene de Mazenod, the Centre continues his mission of service—offering a place of welcome, renewal, and encounter for communities across Victoria.

The Centre was officially opened and blessed by Fr Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso, OMI, Superior General of the Oblates, alongside Fr Andrew Chen, OMI, Australian Provincial, and Bishop Greg Bennet, Bishop of Sale. Around 200 guests gathered to share in this special occasion.

In his address, Bishop Bennet reflected:

“May this centre be a place of encounter… a home where lives are transformed by the God of surprises.”

The celebration concluded with morning tea and tours of the Centre.

We now look ahead with hope as St Eugene’s Retreat and Conference Centre begins its mission. Bookings are now open for 2026 and 2027.

Learn more: www.steugenes.com.au