Saltbush, Balnarring Beach Saltbush, Balnarring Beach

Australia > VIC > Metro

Field of Interest

  • Community and economic development
  • Individual/family services and support

Target Population

  • People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
  • People with a disability, illness or disease

Organisation Summary

Presentation Family Centre Inc trading as Saltbush, Balnarring Beach is a not-for-profit providing low-cost respite accommodation to families and individuals experiencing hardship. Guest hardships include disability, financial vulnerability, family violence, caring for children/family with high needs, experiencing physical/mental ill health, seeking asylum, foster and kinship care families, and other hardships.
With 6 houses, a recreation space and playground on shared grounds, located 7 walk minutes from the beach, families who are in desperate need for a break or rest can come together and rejuvenate their body and minds, so that they can better manage their circumstances when they go home.

Saltbush welcomes approximately 1600 people to Balnarring each year, with 70% of guests being women and girls. Guests are often referred by NDIS agencies, community service organisations, hospitals, and schools. Many are funded by NDIS, or pay a small fee themselves. From the generosity of donors, we are also able to partially or fully fund the stays of guests who have no means to pay for their stay.

Without a stay at Saltbush, 71% of guests would not be able to afford a break away, or get enough respite to manage their difficult circumstances at home. 60% would not have access to respite without a stay at Saltbush.
Saltbush encourages rest, play, growth and connection, where people can get the break they need and feel connected to self, others and nature. For our guests, respite at Saltbush has a large impact on their lives, allowing them to receive care and feel safe, with guests highlighting an improvement in mental health and strength to carry on with their hardships.

Our Values:
Justice – we prioritise supporting those who face barrier to access
Hospitality – we are warm, welcoming and inclusive
Hope – we create experiences that are uplifting

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Contact Us
Level 6, 126 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Australian Communities Foundation is a proudly inclusive organisation and an ally of LGBTQIA+ communities and the movement toward equality.