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Castlereagh

About Us

At Castlereagh Conference Centre, we’ve created a space where nature, history, and comfort come together to provide a unique and welcoming experience. Nestled at the base of the Blue Mountains, our venue offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for any event.

 

With roots dating back to 1815, we blend modern amenities with historical charm. We offer accommodation for up to 48 guests, meeting spaces for 80 people, and flexible catering options. Whether you’re hosting a retreat, wedding, or conference, Castlereagh is your ideal destination.

Timeline

A short timeline of the history of Castlereagh

1804
1812
1817
1819
1836
1847
1917
1921
1977
1987
1995
1997
2000

John Lees granted 90 acres of land at Castlereagh 

John Lees bitten by a snake receives treatment and becomes a Christian 

On 7th October 1817 the first Wesleyan Methodist Church in Australia was opened.  It was a small chapel next to John Lees farmhouse at Castlereagh.

The second chapel was opened at Castlereagh by John Lees.  This chapel is now marked out by pavers in our courtyard.

John Lees passed away

The third and current chapel is opened at Castlereagh 

Centenary celebration of the establishment of the first Wesleyan Methodist Church in Australia at Castlereagh 

John Lees remains re-interned to their current location in the Upper Castlereagh Methodist Cemetery 

Methodist Church joins with Presbyterian and Congregational Churches to form the Uniting Church in Australia 

NSW Department of Planning signs deed of agreement with Penrith Lakes Development Corporation to quarry around much of the Castlereagh area, forcing many families to sell and move away. 

Rev Dr Gloster Udy presented a proposal to the Uniting Church for Castlereagh to be set up as a Conference and Retreat Centre under a 99 year lease.  This was agreed to by all parties 

1847 Chapel and 1868 Sunday School hall were both renovated  

Castlereagh Conference Centre officially opened 

John Lees

John Lees was a solider in the NSW Rum Corps who arrived in Sydney on the Ganges in 1797.  After leaving the NSW Rum Corps in 1804, John Lees was granted 90 acres by Governor King, where he farmed wheat and corn and lived with his wife Mary and his growing family.   In the early days John became addicted to alcohol, and as a result suffered a loss of some of his lands and livestock because of his alcohol addiction and debts.


One day while chopping wood for the fire, John was bitten by a deadly snake. He raced himself to Windsor, 12 miles or 19 kms away to seek medical help.  At the house of the Anglican Chaplain Rev Cartwright, he received medical aid and survived the snake bite.   This changed the course of John’s life forever, and he decided from this point forward to become a committed Christian.


The Rev Samuel Leigh came to Castlereagh in 1815 where he stayed and prayed with John Lees and his family.  After several visits by Rev Leigh, John Lees decided to build a chapel beside his farmhouse.  This chapel was opened on the 7 October 1817 and was the first Wesley Methodist Church built in Australia.


John died on 28 August 1836 and was buried at the Church of England cemetery at Castlereagh.  In 1921 John Lees was reinterred to his current grave site in the Upper Castlereagh Methodist Cemetery. Today the Penrith Uniting Church is also known as the John Lees Christian Centre in honour of this early Christian pioneer.

02 4729 0012

297-305 Old Castlereagh Road Castlereagh

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“ We would like to show our respects and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land, and to Elders past and present”.

Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce
Christian Venues Association

We are members of

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