Established by the Presentation Sisters of Victoria in 1989, Saltbush was created to “provide a place of welcome, comfort and rest to all who call upon it and a retreat within which they might regenerate their spirits”.
The work of Saltbush grew from the Presentation Sisters’ long commitment to education, hospitality and social justice. Seeing the impact of poverty, illness, grief, disability, family violence, being an unpaid carer, and other pressures on families and individuals, they created a place where people could rest and regain their strength.
Saltbush is a registered charity that comprises 6 houses, a recreation centre known as the “Nano Centre” (named after Nano Nagle, founder of the Presentation Sisters), around 5 acres of lawns and gardens and a further 45 acres of bushland, most of which is under covenant to be protected and restored for future generations to enjoy.
In 2017, Saltbush was entrusted to Kildare Ministries as one of its ‘Community Works,’ ensuring this ministry of hospitality and practical care would continue into the future. Long known as Presentation Family Centre, the organisation adopted the name Saltbush Balnarring Beach in 2022, reflecting its peaceful, safe and natural setting, the close proximity to the beach and the healing, restorative benefits of nature this special location provides.
Since opening, Saltbush has welcomed more than 30,000 people to rest and revive here, thanks to the generosity of donors, fundraisers and the many volunteers who help keep the doors open and the welcoming lights of hospitality turned on.
