Stage 2 - Meditation Centre Project
Introducing Stage 2B
On the 2nd of May 2026, the Buddhist Society of Victoria officially launched Stage-2B of the Building Project to meet growing demand. This next phase focuses on:
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- A dedicated Meditation Hall at the Sanctuary of Stillness Retreat Centre
- 6 Monks’ Kutis at the Monks’ Monastery
- 3 Nuns’ Kutis at the Nuns’ Monastery
- 2 Teacher Kutis at the Retreat Centre
The buildings will be constructed, based on the availability of funds.
By creating a purpose-built Meditation Hall, we will separate our practice spaces from the busy, multi-purpose activities of the Dana Hall. This allows retreatants to practice in deep stillness without interruption. Additionally, this project will expand our monastic accommodation, furthering our support for the Sangha.
The NBM Meditation Retreat Centre project was officially launched in March 2020 by Ajahn Brahmali and Bhante Mudito. This is Stage 2 of the overall 3 stage NBM Building Plan as follows:
- Stage 1 – Monks Accommodation which has been completed in September 2020.
- Stage 2A – Dāna Hall and Kitchen, 24 rooms with ensuites for lay retreatants, Caretakers Cottage, Office and Amenities.
- Stage 2B – A dedicated Meditation Hall, 6 Monks’ Kutis, 3 Nuns’ Kutis and 2 Teacher Kutis
The designs of Stage 2 – NBM Meditation Retreat centre are sensitive to the pristine forested natural environment and work toward supporting spiritual activities taking place on site. The buildings are organized around a strong spiritual axis of progression from mundane to spiritual – Entry Foyer – Dāna Hall – Stupa Courtyard – and through to the dedicated Meditation Hall. The cottages are placed around a series of courtyards connected by landscaped gardens and colonnaded walkways. They also serve as tranquil contemplative spaces and pathways for walking meditation.
The Centre will facilitate Ajahn Brahm, Ajahn Brahmali and other senior monastics to provide teachings to the community
For ease of manageability and funding, Stage 2 has been divided into at least 2 phases i.e. Stage 2A and Stage 2B.
The following building structures and facilities are planned for construction in Stage 2B:
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- A dedicated Meditation Hall at the Sanctuary of Stillness Retreat Centre
- 6 Monks’ Kutis at the Monks’ Monastery
- 3 Nuns’ Kutis at the Nuns’ Monastery
- 2 Teacher Kutis at the Retreat Centre
Construction was completed in December 2025
The building scope of Stage 2a – consists of:
- 4 Cottages – 24 rooms with ensuites for lay retreatants
- Dāna Hall and Kitchen
- Office and Amenities
- Caretakers Cottage
All necessary infrastructure services to support the above.
The construction of Stage 2a commenced in September 2021. Due to shortages of the building materials and labours, which have impacted the entire Australia construction industry, the construction works have been delayed along with a massive cost escalation of building materials and labour.
We are grateful to a team of volunteers who had helped in the completion of the building work in January 2025 to ensure that we could conduct the Official Opening of the centre and a 7-day residential retreat led by Ajahn Brahm.
Further work to the SOS Kitchen and remaining fixes to the building will be completed in March 2025.
We are currently seeking support to help us meet the interest-free borrowed fund amounting to $350,000
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