Hospitality in Action at Saltbush, Balnarring Beach

Coming in from the Cold this Winter at Saltbush

In the heart of winter, as the cold winds sweep across the Peninsula and the land slows to rest, Saltbush Balnarring Beach offers a quiet sanctuary, an open door to warmth, care and compassion. 

This winter, Saltbush offers a warm invitation to “Come in from the cold. There's a place for you here.” This is a message for all seasons, it’s the heart of our mission. We believe that every person deserves dignity, care and belonging. Inspired by the Presentation Sisters and grounded in a commitment to hospitality and inclusion, Saltbush is a place where everyone is welcome. Each stay is a chance to rest, reconnect with nature, and remember what it feels like to be held in kindness. This winter our new native garden project is well under way, thanks to the Flexi Grant from the Mornington Peninsula Shire. 

We are also delighted to share that Open Gardens Australia has generously supported us with a grant to extend the garden project, and major works will soon begin to transform the surroundings of House 6. We know that when people feel vulnerable, tired and they are dealing with a lot, time in nature can be restorative and healing. These new gardens will not only look beautiful, but play a critical role in supporting the mental wellbeing of our guests. And of course, the positive impact on the local wildlife will be significant. As the Saltbush houses are positioned between the Coolart Wetlands and the extensive land restoration at the back of the property, the gardens will help link these two significant areas and support a biolink for native wildlife. 

We know winter can be a particularly hard time for people who are doing it tough, so a chance to be warmly welcomed, to catch their breath and gain the strength to face life’s challenges is so important. Houses 1-4 now have new heating, and all have beautiful fresh linen, supplied and cleaned by Bay Linen, ensuring our guests a cosy, comforting stay. For so many of us too, the kitchen is the heart of the home, a place to gather and share good food and good stories. Our kitchens are over 30 years old, so we are also working on installing new kitchens in all of our houses. Community Bank Balnarring and Benny’s Tiles have stepped in to help with Kaboodle kitchens and splashbacks, and we are busy gathering volunteers, including a wonderful group from Brigidine College, St Ives, who will help to dismantle the old kitchens and install the new ones. This will help our guests to support their families and provide a welcoming, safe place to get together and share.

Saltbush doesn’t just provide shelter, it cultivates community. Volunteers, staff, donors and referrers from all walks of life contribute to the warmth of this space, recognising the inherent worth of each person, lifting up the vulnerable, and working quietly for justice and healing. 

Learn more or support the work of Saltbush at www.saltbushbalnarringbeach.org.au