University/College
Moving from school to University or TAFE is an exciting and often challenging time. Nairana supports tertiary students with one-to-one mentoring together with a program of activities that is flexible and designed to fit students who are juggling study, part-time work, social life and other responsibilities.
Monday Night Activities
Each Monday, our chaplain preaches a meditation (30 minutes of guided prayer) at 7.00pm. This is followed by an informal gathering or a BBQ dinner.
Once per month, the meditation forms part of a monthly recollection, which also includes some additional input and time for reflection. The sacrament of Reconciliation is available on Monday nights and by appointment with Nairana’s chaplain.
Talks of Christian Formation
On other nights during the week, talks of Chritian formation are provided in small groups for approximately 30-45 minutes.
Community Service and Workcamps
In conjunction with other EDA study centres, Nairana offers an annual worckamp to provide developmental assistance to a community in Australia or in the Asia-Pacfic region. The workcamp typically extends for two weeks during the month of July. The location of the 2025 Workcamp is Melkong Delta, Vietnam.
Throughout the year, seniors may participate in additional activities such as:
- Assist in the supervision of Frontier Club and Nairana high school programs (subject to possession of a NSW Working with Children Check)
- Visit residents of aged care facilities in the local area
- Assist frail-aged local residents with gardening and small jobs
- Volunteer with Vinnies Van: providing food and company to homeless persons in Western Sydney
Retreats
Spiritual retreats are offered several times each year in Bargo Conference Centre (44-46 Hambridge Road Bargo NSW 2574), typically from Friday night until Sunday afternoon. Please see the website for more information.
UNIVForum 2026
UNIV is a 10-day trip that includes spending a week in Rome to prepare for Easter followed by some days in Assisi for rest and reflection. Highlights of this trip include participating in Holy Week ceremonies in St Peter’s Basilica, attending the one day UNIV conference and seeing Chrisitan and cultural landmarks of Rome.
Dates: 27 March - 9 April 2026
Contact person in Nairana: Sebastian James
Retreats
Spiritual retreats are offered several times each year in Bargo Conference Centre (44-46 Hambridge Road Bargo NSW 2574), typically from Friday night until Sunday afternoon. Please see the website for more information.
UNIVForum 2026
UNIV is a 10-day trip that includes spending a week in Rome to prepare for Easter followed by some days in Assisi for rest and reflection. Highlights of this trip include participating in Holy Week ceremonies in St Peter’s Basilica, attending the one day UNIV conference and seeing Chrisitan and cultural landmarks of Rome.
Dates: 27 March - 9 April 2026
Contact person in Nairana: Sebastian James
Other Camps
Occasional get-away camps are offered for groups of University/TAFE students during the year. Tertiary students can also volunteer to help supervise camps for high school students (subject to possession of a NSW Working with Children Check).
Contact persons for University/TAFE students
Coordinator, University/TAFE students: Francis Gonzaga
Director, Nairana Study Centre: Sebastian James
