The Convent Experience | Meet the Owner
To meet the owner of the Convent Gallery, Tina Banitska, is an experience in itself. Her story is ledgendary, yet she remains humble. Tina is The Convent most days, meeting & greeting “her guests”. Many visitors are inspired by her story, her foresight, her courage… and most of all, her warmth.
Tina Banitska
Tina, the owner & director of the Convent Gallery, envisioned a “place to promote the arts and to expose beautiful things to everyone”. She was careful to maintain the history & spirituality lingering within the walls of the old convent, paying tribute to the legacy of the Presentation Sisters.
Tina had created a special place – where the old blends with the new – the traditional with the contemporary – the past with the present.
“Be her guest”
Since opening, The Convent has won numerous major awards, including the Australian Tourism Award for Retailing. The accolades were thrilling to receive but, to Tina, the real joy comes from people. She takes most pleasure from meeting & greeting visitors; seeing them engage with all aspects of The Convent; knowing that they felt comfortable and enriched by the experience.
The Convent has become a favourite destination for many. Visitors return again and again, not only to enjoy what the Convent has to offer, but also to catch up with Tina!
You will find Tina floating around the gallery most days, interacting with “her guests”. Her warmth, hospitality and passion, thirty years on, continues to inspire all.
…Immerse yourselves in the beauty and history surrounding you…the architecture, the art, the garden, the views, the food and most of all, the owner…she’s there, amongst it all…. what an amazing little pocket rocket! I was inspired by stories of her determination, resilience, and passion to make the convent what it is today and felt honoured to be able to hear her journey. Tina has preserved this amazing building, paying tribute to past occupiers of the building, promoting Australian art and most of all, making everyone feel welcome!
Tina, thank you for sharing this beautiful building, you should be proud of your amazing journey, it’s so obvious how much your staff love and respect you. Thank you for your kindness, generosity and setting an example to women out there to follow their dreams and ‘’just do it!’.
Phone +613 5348 3211
info@theconvent.com.au
7 Daly Street Daylesford 3460
Victoria Australia
Thursday to Monday 10am-4pm
(Closed Tuesday & Wednesday)
Gallery admission:
Adult: $10, Concession: $8,
Kids U12: $5, Kids U5: free.
The Convent acknowledges the traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung people, on whose land we meet, share & work.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present & emerging.