Mentoring at the Farm

In partnership with Pearson’s Service

Our Mentoring at the Farm program offers clients the opportunity to spend time at our working farm, supported by one of our dedicated farm mentors. It’s a hands-on, flexible experience where every day brings something new.

Whether you’re caring for animals, gardening, cooking, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, you’ll be learning real-life skills in a relaxed, supportive environment. Each session is shaped around your personal goals, interests, and abilities – because this is your time to grow, learn, and enjoy.

And here’s what makes it even more meaningful – every dollar earned through the mentoring program goes straight back into the farm. This helps us care for our animals, improve our facilities, and keep this unique environment thriving for future visitors.

Activities You Can Enjoy at the Farm

 Farming & Animal Care

• Spend time with sheep, cows, alpacas, goats, chickens, ducks, and Kevin Bacon the pig.
• Feed, brush, and get to know the animals’ personalities.
• Learn safe animal handling techniques.
• Move animals between paddocks and check fencing.

Farm Tasks

• Clean enclosures and paddocks.
• Prepare feed and refill water troughs.
• Collect and stack hay bales.
• Repair and paint animal shelters.

Gardening & Horticulture

• Work in our 24 raised veggie beds – plant, water, weed, and harvest.
• Learn composting and worm farm care.
• Maintain fruit trees and herb gardens.
• Build and paint garden beds or trellises.

Garden to Plate

• Collect eggs from the hen house.
• Cook simple farm-to-table meals.
• Make jams or chutneys from seasonal produce.
• Bake bread or scones to share with the group.

Chickens & Incubating Eggs

• Care for hens and chicks.
• Learn egg grading and cleaning.
• Set up and monitor an incubator.

Feeding the Babies

• Bottle-feed orphaned kangaroo joeys.
• Feed and care for lambs and calves.
• Help socialise and comfort young animals.

Learn About Native Wildlife

• Meet kangaroos, swamp wallabies, bettongs, and pademelons.
• Identify local bird species on a guided walk.
• Learn wildlife rescue and first aid basics.

Seasonal Activities

• Toast marshmallows at the campfire (May–November).
• Make damper in the camp oven.
• Seasonal fruit picking (plums, figs, apricots).
• Build scarecrows for the garden.

Creative & Skill-Building Projects

• Paint signs for paddocks and gardens.
• Build birdhouses or insect hotels.
• Create animal enrichment toys.
• Photography sessions with the animals.

Outdoor Adventures

• Take nature walks to spot native plants and animals.
• Help maintain walking trails around the property.
• Enjoy tractor rides and farm tours.

Set Your Own Program

• Choose from a set program or customise your own activities.
• Focus on building skills that match your personal NDIS goals.

Horse Riding & Equine Care

Our horse riding sessions are designed to be safe, enjoyable, and confidence-building, whether you’re a complete beginner or already comfortable in the saddle. Supported by experienced staff, you’ll learn about horses from the ground up – developing trust, respect, and practical skills.

What You’ll Learn & Do:

1. Horse Care Basics

• How to approach and interact with horses safely.
• Understanding horse body language and what it means.
• Daily grooming – brushing, hoof cleaning, and checking for injuries.
• Feeding routines and what horses need to stay healthy.

2. Tack & Equipment

• Learn the names and uses of tack (saddles, bridles, halters).
• How to correctly saddle and bridle a horse.
• Checking tack for safety before riding.

3. Riding Skills

• Mounting and dismounting safely.
• Holding the reins and guiding your horse.
• Basic riding commands (walk, stop, turn).
• Building balance and posture in the saddle.
• Progressing to trotting for those who are ready.

4. Building Confidence

• Starting in a secure round yard before heading to open spaces.
• Leading horses on short walks around the property.
• Gentle trail rides through the farm’s paddocks and scenic areas (for capable riders).

5. Understanding Horse Behaviour

• Recognising signs of comfort, curiosity, or stress in horses.
• Learning how horses communicate with each other and with humans.
• Building a relationship based on trust and kindness.

6. Advanced Activities (Optional for Experienced Riders)

• Riding in different terrains and environments.
• Helping exercise horses to keep them healthy and fit.
• Participating in groundwork training sessions.

Why Our Horse Riding is Special:
Our horses split their time between the mentoring farm and our 450-acre Myponga property, where they live in large herds and enjoy a natural lifestyle. This means they are calm, happy, and well-socialised – perfect for building rider confidence.