Bishop’s Parlour

The Bishop's Parlour is rich in history and decorative appeal. Recently refurbished with funding from the Trust Company of Australia, this room can accommodate 40 seated or 80 standing. The room features original soft furnishings, beautiful leadlighting, ornate timber-work and views of the formal garden. In addition, use of the Bishops Forecourt is offered by negotiation.

History of the Bishop's Parlour

This is the most ornate and decorative room in the entire Convent precinct. Located next to the original formal entry doorway into the Convent building, the Bishop's Parlour was where the Mother Superior received her VIP guests and the women who were entering the Order. A sister who joined the Good Shepherd Order in 1952, vividly recalls the rich carpet and formal curtains that are still in situ today.

Entry to this Convent building and the Bishop's Parlour was monitored by the Sister who looked after the main gate at the Clarke Street entry point. A long timber hallway ran from the main entry to the building all the way to the gate and anyone seeking entry was first ‘approved’ by the Sister on duty. A frequent visitor to the Bishop's Parlour was Archbishop Mannix who often stopped in en route between his home at Raheen and the city.

The ornately decorated fire places in the Bishop's Parlour and in the foyer area are done in an art form known as poker wood. Three of Good Shepherd’s Sisters were accomplished in the art form and one of them based at Abbotsford lovingly adorned the two mantles in this area with this intricate decorative art style .

The stair case behind the Bishop's Parlour is the most ornate one in the whole building and it was always referred to by the Sisters as the Grand Staircase. The stained glass in the foyer area is also the most decorative and formal glass work in the Convent building – all indicating how special this area of the Convent was.  

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