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Address

New Norcia Benedictine Community
New Norcia Road
New Norcia WA 6509

Getting There


Main Office

T: +61 8 9654 8018
F: +61 8 9654 8097
E: information@newnorcia.com.au

Friends of New Norcia / Volunteering

T: +61 8 9654 8018
E: friends@newnorcia.com.au

Museum & Art Gallery

T: +61 8 9654 8056
E: museum@newnorcia.com.au

Group Accommodation & Education Centre

T: +61 8 9654 8018
E: groups@newnorcia.com.au

Communications

T: +61 8 9654 8018
E: communications@newnorcia.com.au

Visit New Norcia

People visit New Norcia for many reasons; for spiritual retreat, to join a tour and see inside the magnificent buildings or sometimes just to walk around the town and enjoy the peace and beautiful scenery.

In this section you will find all the information you need for your visit to New Norcia. Details of places to eat and places to stay, details of the town tours and information about some of our favourite things to do in Australia’s only monastic town.

We recommend your first port of call is the Museum & Art Gallery to speak to one of the staff about the attractions and experiences New Norcia has to offer. The Museum & Art Gallery is also a Visitor Information Centre and is the point from which town tours leave.

Stay at New Norcia

There are so many different options for accommodation at New Norcia.

The Guesthouse is perfect for a quiet, retreat like experience - a world away from the rigours of modern life. You can join a Benedictine retreat here or be housed in the Hermitage for a silent retreat. Groups can be accommodated in the Old Convent or the historic boarding school colleges. Smaller groups are also able to book the Hostel, with its comfortable rooms, neo-classical architecture, scenic deck and heritage veranda, as well as St Ildephonsus' Cottage.

Please click on the areas on the right for more information.

Eat & Drink

Hospitality is a tenet of the Rule of St Benedict, the Rule by which the monks of New Norcia live, so wherever you choose to eat in town, our aim is for you to experience warm monastic hospitality.

Education & Research

From the earliest days of its foundation New Norcia has been focussed on education. The first Abbot, of New Norcia (Rosendo Salvado) established the Aboriginal girls and boys schools and the second Abbot of New Norcia, Fulgentius Torres built and opened the European girls and boys schools, which closed in 1991.

Since the closing of the schools, New Norcia's school buildings and grounds have been utilised by groups undertaking education programmes.

However, New Norcia also has a tradition of research and academia, with its impressive archival records and library collection, and scholars and researchers alike have delighted over the years in the information available in the town's records.

This section also provides information on the archives and library and provides link to forms which will give you access to the records of New Norcia.

Protecting a Unique Heritage

New Norcia is Australia’s only monastic town and has a unique heritage. Founded in 1847 by Spanish Benedictine Monks, the town has had many purposes; a mission, a monastery, a provider of education and now as a place of spiritual retreat.

Delve into the town's unique history, discover the ongoing and completed work necessary for the upkeep and restoration of this special part of Australia.

But it is not only the majestic buildings set amongst the Australian bush that sets New Norcia apart; its history is also encapsulated in the archival records of New Norcia and in the library and museum collections.

In this section we also have information about how you can donate to New Norcia to help the Community restore and maintain this treasure.

What's Happening at New Norcia

We hold a diverse array of events throughout the year at New Norcia.

Each year we host a full programme of events including a spiritual retreat programme presented by the Institute for Benedictine Studies, dinners at the New Norcia Hostel and a few other surprises!

Watch this space for all the updated information about "What's on at New Norcia".

News

Friday, 24th February 2023

Local St John's Ambulance Crew to the Rescue

Local St John's Ambulance Crew to the Rescue
Local St John's Ambulance First Responders (from left): Maxi, Sarah, Tim, Nicole, Jane and Gavin.

One of the appeals to city folk who come to New Norcia is its vast sense of empty space and quiet. Situated in the midst of the Victoria Plains, it’s actually surrounded by small towns and many local farmers. Still, the population density is low and to the people who live up here, it’s remote.

So what happens when an emergency arises? Triple zero won’t get first responders to your location in a matter of minutes like in the city. But thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers from St John Ambulance, people in need of emergency assistance in the region won’t be left stranded.

Two squads of volunteers look after the New Norcia and Calingiri areas, with an ambulance parked in each location. Once a month the teams get together for training, practice and a top take-out meal supplied by Yerecoin Traders. They practice CPR and other emergency first aid on Fabia and Pasca, two life-size mannequins designed especially for the job of play-acting someone in distress.

Local farmer Sarah Mason, along with paramedic Maxi McDonald, head up the crew’s practice sessions, ensuring their skills are kept current and readily accessible for emergency situations. Sarah recently took over the post of Volunteer Development Officer from Jane Graham; both women have been involved with St John’s for quite some time and are passionate about what they do.

The other eight members of the team are spread throughout the region: 3 in New Norcia, 3 near Calingiri, and 3 around Yerecoin. When an emergency call comes through on Sarah’s delegated phone, volunteers in the region closest to the crisis will usually respond. But because there’s no roster or set system, it means whoever’s available jumps on it – with their strong team spirit, the volunteers often help each other out.

Just over three years ago the monthly practice sessions shifted from an old shed in New Norcia – sweaty in the summer, freezing in the winter – to the comfort of a carpeted, air-conditioned room in the Education Centre. Plenty of space to spread out their equipment and practice their moves, plus take some time-out for socialising and tea. “We’re so fortunate that New Norcia has allowed us to use this space,” Sarah said. “It makes our practice sessions not only easier, but more fun. We’re really grateful.”

The team is calling for more volunteers – the ideal number is between 15-20 to spread the load. Call-outs are fairly irregular – some months lots, others few – but each volunteer is virtually on call 24/7 (though not obliged to respond). Any interest in volunteering can be directed to the St John’s Admin Office in Wongan Hills, who also coordinate first aid courses in the region upon request.

“First aid is an important skill for everyone,” said Sarah. “We recommend people update their skills every two years. And when you do – come join us!”


The crew practices on mannequins Fabio and Pasca.