Before you hire…
The Gathering Place is a unique space with distinctive characteristics. Here are a few things to know before booking the venue.
Planning your venue hire
How can I hire the Gathering Place?
The Gathering Place can be hired on a room-by-room basis, or the whole space can be hired both day and evening, or overnight, seven days a week.
Can I organise to view the space first?
Yes, depending on availability. Please contact us.
How far ahead do I need to book?
To increase the chances of availability of the space you require, it is important to book as early as possible. Our peak periods vary throughout the year; however, they are often in spring and autumn.
Fees and payment
What does it cost to hire the Gathering Place?
The fee varies depending on the space you require and the amount of time you would like to book. Please contact us for the fee schedule.
Are discounted rates available?
A discount rate is available for Non-Profit Organisations and Sole Traders.
We may require evidence of your NFP Status.
How do I pay for the hire space?
Once your booking is confirmed and we have received your paperwork, we will invoice you.
Payment must be received at least a week in advance of shorter bookings (e.g., up to half a day) and one month in advance for longer bookings.
Once payment is received, you will be sent access information.
Understanding if the space is right for your group
Will I have exclusive use of the space?
When you hire a room in the Gathering Place, you accept that others may be using rooms you haven’t booked. This means others may be using the shared spaces: kitchen, toilets garden, and hallways.
We attempt to arrange bookings to minimise disturbance, but to guarantee exclusive use of the Gathering Place you need to book the entire space.
No hire includes use of the counselling/consulting rooms unless specifically negotiated. Counselling/consulting spaces are booked by permanent hirers. They are likely to be using the space and in the building Monday-Friday office hours.
In the event of two separate groups hiring the space, we will inform both parties prior so they are aware.
What kinds of activities is the Gathering Place suitable for?
These are some of the events we have hosted in the past.
Visual arts workshops
Day retreats for small businesses and non-profit organisations
Private meditation sessions for individuals or small groups
Yoga classes
Parenting programs
Health and wellbeing workshops
Choir rehearsals
Memorial services
Note that we are not a suitable venue for parties or very large gatherings. Activities must be compatible with the values and vision of the Gathering Place and Simply Mindful. We may decline bookings that are not suitable, to ensure that the Gathering Place remains a place of peace, contemplative practice and healing.
Are there minimum numbers for accommodation?
Yes, a minimum of two people staying for a two-night period.
The Gathering Place is not available for people to stay alone due to insurance and safety requirements.
Can participants bring animals?
No, unfortunately the Gathering Place is not suitable for animals with the exception of assistance animals.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. Hirers must hold current public liability insurance. If you don’t have insurance, we require a signed insurance waiver form.
Access and arrival
What parking is available?
Street parking is available on Bancroft Street and other surrounding streets. Please check parking signs as there are limits at certain times.
Please don’t park in the Gathering Place driveway or the church carpark next door.
Is there access for people with a disability?
Yes, wheelchair users can access the building via a ramp to the back of the building.
The downstairs toilet has a grab rail; however, it should be noted that the bathroom door is narrow.
If you require detailed information on disability access, please ask for our Wheelchair access document.
Catering and cleaning
Are there facilities to self cater?
The Gathering Place has a kitchen area with two refrigerators, dishwashers, oven, stove top and microwave.
The kitchen is well equipped with the basics: kettles, urn, cutlery, plates, bowls, cooking utensils and saucepans. Cleaning equipment, cloths, and tea towels are available. If you need any special equipment please bring it.
Hirers can bring their own crockpot or rice cookers with pre prepared food for warming.
Does the Gathering Place offer catering services?
No, we do not.
Can you recommend catering services?
Here are some local places providing catering. We have no affiliation with these places.
Trevs @ Dickson
Hudson’s Dickson
Rainbow Dreams Café Dickson (vegetarian)
Soul Origin Catering (Canberra City)
Sitting Ducks Catering
There are also a range of takeaway options close by in Dickson (3 min drive, 10 minute walk).
Is there a cleaning fee?
Standard cleaning is included in hire fees except for the accommodation areas.
Fees are charged depending on the amount of people and length of stay.
If our cleaner charges extra or takes longer than usual after your hire, we will invoice you for the extra cleaning fees.
Contributing to the care of the Gathering Place
Some groups, particularly meditation groups, include cleaning and gardening as part of their stay at the Gathering Place.
Cleaning includes vacuuming all the rooms used, wiping down showers and cleaning bathrooms and toilets and kitchen including all washing up, surface cleaning and floor cleaning.
Gardening may include weeding, sweeping, watering or other assigned light gardening activities such as mulching.
If your group is able to clean and/or garden as part of your stay, please discuss this with us so a discount can be arranged.