CONVENTION DETAILS

Next Convention:

21st to 23rd August, 2026.

Topic:

Finding Joy

Speaker:

Lynne Castelijn & Kathy Rowe

Refresh Women’s Convention 2026

2026 Brochure

2026 Program

Convention Location Details

CYC The City

538 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Accommodation Options:

On-site: Comfortable shared rooms with full en-suites.

Registrations

Closing date for registrations is Friday 7th August 2026

Cost

$180 for the full weekend.

Including meals and shared on-site accommodation

First meal evening – evening snack/supper on Friday around 9:30pm

Last meal – lunch on Sunday

$70 per day for day visit.

As space is limited, accommodation will be allocated in order of receipt of payment.

We only charge how much it costs for us to run the event.

How to Register

Online Registration Form Here

Direct deposit: Bendigo Bank, BSB 633 000 Account 119257566

(Please include your FULL NAME in the description field )

Fill in the application form provided and mail with full fees to Anna Wiggs

(Download Registration Form). (coming soon)

Make cheques payable to: Women’s Convention Committee.

No telephone bookings.

2024 Conference Recordings: (Moses: From the reeds to the Mountain Tops)

To make these session available as quickly as possible, we have provided a link to the audio version of the recording.

Watch this space, as the videos are edited the links below will be updated to the video version.

Introduction – Heather (Audio)

Session 1 – Heather (Audio)

Session2 – Heather (Audio)

Session3 – Heather (Audio)

Session 4 – Heather (Audio)

2026 SPEAKERS

Lynne Castelijn

Lynne Castelijn has been serving God as a missionary among the beautiful Banwaon indigenous people of southern Philippines for over 25 years. Together with her husband, they raised four children in a remote location. Last year was a highlight in their ministry as they completed and dedicated the New Testament Bible translation in the Banwaon language

Kathy Rowe

Kathy Rowe is a recently retired paediatrician with 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law, and 9 grandchildren who bring her great joy. She and her late husband, Ken, collaborated professionally in research focused on the overlap between education and health. She was fortunate to grow up in the country, surrounded by the example of her parents and an aunt who were mature and consistent followers of Jesus.

She loves teaching and working with families, young people, and children, helping them understand what it means to trust Christ and follow Him. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, gardening, and various craft activities, as well as attempting to complete her UFOs (unfinished objects) or PHDs (Projects Half Done), alongside an active and busy church life.

ABOUT

Who we are:

The convention invites women from churches all over Victoria and especially those associated with Christian Brethren / Christian Community Churches Victoria and Tasmania (CCCV&T)

Mission Statement:

To provide spiritual, social and physical refreshment for women.
To build up women in their faith.
To introduce Christ to those who do not know him.

What is the purpose?

To encourage women in the Christian faith in a relaxing enjoyable setting, to discover life changing truths from Bible teaching from locally and internationally recognized speakers; broadening horizons and equipping for service in local communities, while having an opportunity to renew friendships and make new ones.

Committee: Cherith Whittle, Belinda Gloss, Pearl Sharman, Anna Wiggs, Michele Blaire and Alison Crocker

Previous conventions:

2025	Armour of God : Elise Long
2024	Moses from the Reeds to the Mountain Tops : Heather Packett
2023	Encounters with Jesus: Kathy Rowe & Tammy Loftis
2022	Identity in Christ: Lisa Watson & Lynn Castelijn
2021	Waiting on God: Sally Minett & Lisa Watson (Online)
2020	At home with God: Sally Minett (Online)
2019	Pursuing Intimacy with God: Heather Packett
2018	Steady in the Storm: Fiona Emery & Jenny Wraight
2017	Fan or Follower: Suzie Botross & Robyn Rowse
2016	Balance: Heather Jackson & Cathie Hillman
2015	Living out Jesus’ Love: Wendy Strachan & Debbie Howells
2014	Who cares? Lisa Watson
2013	A Makeover Challenge: Robyn Rowse
2012	Is your God big enough? Heather Jackson
2011	Bold Faith: Lisa Watson

Brief history:

The convention commenced 60 years ago with weekend sessions being held in churches. In the early 70’s the first weekends away were organized at Mt Macedon and when it outgrew the venue shifted to El Kanah /ESA in Marysville. There was always a strong emphasis on Bible teaching, sharing of ideas for meeting the needs of women in our communities and awareness of work amongst women overseas. The early conventions benefited from the vision and foresight of women such as Agnes Walker, Jean Purdue (Gordon), Mary Jones, Shirley Juler, Margaret Murfet, Vi Reid and Joyce Gale.

A shift to Cowes – ‘the Island’, offered a bigger venue and a change of scene with beach walks, the Nobbies, shops and coffee. More recently the conventions have alternated the CYC City campus and Cowes. The City Campus allows easier access for both city and country women, being just near Southern Cross station and public transport. As linen is supplied, less luggage is needed.

Opportunities to explore the local shops, lanes and the central city add to the attraction.