NEWBOROUGH, VIC – The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, in partnership with the Catholic Diocese of Sale, officially opened the doors to the St Eugene’s Retreat and Conference Centre today. The ceremony marked a major milestone for the region, providing a modern sanctuary for spiritual reflection and community gathering.
Bishop Greg Bennet, the Superior General of The Oblates of Mary Immaculate Fr. Luis Ignacio Rois Alonso, OMI, and Australian Provincial Fr Andrew Chen OMI joined local clergy and parishioners to witness the formal blessing of the site. The facility features 35 en-suite cabins capable of accommodating up to 170 guests, alongside dedicated conference spaces and a chapel. The grounds also feature the Laudato Si’ Outdoor Education Centre, encompassing two acres of wetlands, offering a living setting for environmental education and reflection inspired by the Church’s call to care for our common home.
In expressing his gratitude to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Bishop Greg Bennet acknowledged the vision that inspired this new work. He remarked:
“Thank you for your daring vision to create here, in the heart of Gippsland, a place where people from all walks of life are invited to encounter Jesus Christ—through the beauty of what you have created, through your hospitality, and through your prayerful witness. May this centre be a place of encounter, a place of grace for the seeker and the searcher; a home where lives are transformed by the God of surprises. May it be a holy place.”
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The centre is named after St Eugene de Mazenod, the founder of the Oblates, whose mission was to serve those in need. This new facility will serve as a vital resource for school retreats, parish groups, and professional development programs for people from throughout Victoria.
The opening event concluded with a community morning tea and tours of the grounds. The centre is now accepting bookings for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
