It was love at first sight – nestled into a beautiful established garden, this elegant double brick building with iron lace verandah, Gothic sash windows and high ceilings, is grand but welcoming and comfortable.

Each space offers views out to magnificent landscapes of green pastures, valleys and the mountains surrounding the Bega valley. With such a history of devotion, dedication to service and her endeavours to bring education to rural, remote destinations, The Convent’s walls are steeped in wisdom and tradition for those who come to stay.

It is a pleasure to share this sanctuary with others. Mary MacKillop’s tale is worthy of recognition and sharing: she founded a teaching order of nuns with the intention of poverty and educating children in rural farming country. It was not an easy journey, but with her fortitude, empathy and determination she stood her ground and spoke out for the children, gained respect and raised funds.

Mary MacKillop, in 1871, found herself excommunicated by Bishop Sheil. In the previous year she had made a stand and spoken out about a clergyman who she knew had been abusing children sexually. He was sent back to Ireland where he was allowed to continue serving as a priest. Father Horan, to whom she had reported the priest, was so angered by the reporting that he later urged Bishop Sheil to break up Mary MacKillop’s sisters by changing their rules. The following day Mary did not accede to Bishop Shiel’s demand. Consequently he excommunicated her. Five months later, on his deathbed, he rescinded his judgement, saying he had “made a mistake”.