Bentley Building Group Tiny Homes is a family owned and operated building company run by Scott and Prue Bentley and based in Ballarat.
In 2023, Bentley Building Group entered the world of building Tiny Homes with excitement. It had been a dream of Scott’s for a few years. Taking over a factory for this very reason, Bentley Building Group has a project purpose set-up where the Tiny Homes are becoming a reality.
The Tiny Home movement is rapidly gaining momentum, offering a fresh, flexible approach to both everyday living and holidaying.
With the rising cost of living and a tight, often unaffordable rental market, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for people of all ages to break into — or remain in — the housing market. For many, the dream of buying or building a traditional home is out of reach, leading to longer stays with family just to save for a deposit.
That’s where tiny homes come in.
“Our custom-built tiny homes are constructed on trailers, making them fully transportable — just like a caravan,” Scott said. “Each one complies with Australian Vehicle Standards, offering the freedom to move without compromising on comfort or quality.
“At Bentley Building Group, we’re more than just builders—we’re a blended family with six kids of our own.
“The thought of our children struggling to afford their first home is what inspired us to start our tiny home journey.
“We’re passionate about creating real, affordable housing solutions that empower people to live independently, affordably and sustainably.
“We offer six unique standard designs, each with its own distinct features — but we’re also happy to work with you to create a fully customised tiny home that suits your lifestyle and needs.”
Scott said it was exciting that Mount Alexander Shire now allowed tiny homes on wheels.
“We’re not far away and can offer personalised service,” he said.
“It’s a good solution for people who can’t get a mortgage or don’t want a large mortgage, and also for teenagers and young adults who can’t get into the rental market and/or housing market.
“We’ve also supplied a couple of clients who have wineries or farms to provide accommodation for their staff and guests.”
Tiny Homes can be used for:
Call Scott and the team at Bentley Building Group Tiny Homes to find out more.
Castlemaine’s iconic foundry Flowserve TKL is turning 150 years old.
To commemorate this fantastic achievement, the local foundry at 5 Parker Street, Castlemaine will be holding an Open Day this Saturday October 18 and invites members of the community to take a look behind the factory door, enjoy a trip back to yesteryear, and tour the facility and its modern operations as they are today.
The open day will run from 10am to 2pm. The well-known ‘whistle’ will sound across the town at 10am to coincide with the raising of flags on the Parker Street site and the gates will open.
Thompsons Foundry Band will be performing and there will be historical displays, a plaque unveiling at 10.30am by Bendigo Federal MP Lisa Chesters, and barbecue.
Guests can also enjoy a power point presentation by long-time former employee and noted local historian George Milford.
The topic of George’s presentation is: ‘The fantastic gold finds by David and James Thompson and how the Thompson Bros went on to open the engineering works and then, with plenty of capital and a can-do attitude to become Australia’s pre-eminent engineers’.
The presentation session times will take place at 11am and 1pm in the lunchroom.
To coincide with the Flowserve TKL Open Day, a number of other local organisations with a connection to the historic foundry will open their days to offer tours, displays and demonstrations.
Local business Billmans Foundry at 5-7 Langslow St will also open its doors between 10am and 2pm.
View some of Billmans current projects and see a live pour. This will allow visitors to witness Billmans heritage metal casting craftsmanship firsthand, offering a chance to see the creation of a unique Australian-made product in action.
Join members at the Castlemaine Historical Society Inc at the Former Court House at 7 Goldsmith Crescent for a special Open Day as they showcase highlights from their archives, with a spotlight on Thompsons Foundry – celebrating 150 years since its founding.Explore a fascinating collection on historical films, photographs and employee records, offering a unique glimpse into one of Castlemaine’s iconic industries. CHSI will be open between 1pm and 4pm. Entry: Gold coin donation.
Community members are also encouraged to take the time to visit a number of other significant sites in around Castlemaine. These include:
– Quartz Hill: Take a self-drive tour to Quartz Hill, off North St, Chewton, the scene of the Thompson Bros gold discovery that would today amount to millions of dollars.
– Maldon Vintage Machinery Museum: The Thompsons Display at MVMM was awarded an Engineering Excellence award. Open 9.30am to 6pm.
– View the Castlemaine Pioneers and Old Residents Association shop front display at 81 Mostyn Street, Castlemaine.
– Pay a visit to the Mount Alexander Vintage Engine Club, Muckleford (alongside the Muckleford Station), which has a Thompsons Stamper battery on site.
Maldon Racecourse Reserve is the place to be on Sunday October 19 as the region gears up for the 161st Maldon & Baringhup Agricul-
tural Show.
This family friendly event, running from 9am-4pm promises a delightful day out for families, friends and visitors alike at minimal
cost to families.
Upon entry all children’s activities are free. Including Jumping castles, face painting, laser tag, rock climbing, Fizzics Education & Fun
Farm 2U, Quirky Tales puppet show and more. The free children’s activities will run from 10am-3pm.
Entertainment for all provided by the Maldon Brass Band and Martini Set.
There will also be horse events, a sheep show and shearing, wool fleece display, dog competitions, gum boot throwing,
sheaf toss as well as a packed pavilion full of art, craft, horticulture, cooking, photography from all ages and abilities.
Schedules are available from Belle Property, Maldon Newsagency and online.
Entry is just $15 for Adults, $35 Families (2 Adults and 2 children under 14), $7.50 for Pensioners/Students and $5 children (Under 14).
