Farm-Based Social & Emotional Programs
A safe, supportive environment where young people build confidence, connection and life skills through structured small-group programs and animal-assisted experiences.
Meet the Team!
Steph Stevens
About Steph
Steph brings extensive experience supporting young people through structured group programs focused on connection, wellbeing and personal development. With a background in youth work, mental health and disability support, she has designed and facilitated programs that promote confidence, emotional regulation and positive social interaction.
Steph holds qualifications in Youth Work (Cert IV), Mental Health (Cert IV) and Aged Care (Cert III), along with certification in Animal Therapy practices. She also has training in Aboriginal cultural awareness, supporting inclusive and culturally respectful program delivery.
Combining professional experience with a passion for animals and community, Steph creates safe, calm and engaging environments where participants feel supported to learn, connect and grow at their own pace.
Merinda Kyle
About Merinda
Merinda brings extensive experience working across both primary and high school settings, supporting young people through one-on-one mentoring, small group facilitation, and case management. She has led culturally based high school programs and is deeply passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. With a strong farming background and hands-on experience with horses and cattle, Merinda understands the powerful role animals and land can play in building confidence, responsibility, and emotional regulation. Her practical knowledge of livestock, paired with her education experience, allows her to blend structured support with authentic, real-world connection. Merinda’s calm, grounded approach helps young people feel safe and capable. She builds respectful relationships while gently encouraging confidence, resilience, and personal growth through meaningful, farm-based experiences.
Term-Based Young People Programs
At Macleay Valley Farm, our termly programs provide young people with opportunities to connect with animals, peers, and the community in a safe, supportive environment.
Program Details:
Age Groups:
Lower Primary
Secondary
Lower High School
Session Length: 45 minutes
Frequency: 5 sessions per term (charged on a term basis)
Total Program Time: 3 hours 45 minutes per term
Cost: $45 per session, $225 per term
Program Activities:
Hands-on interaction with poultry, rabbits, guinea pigs, calves, goats, and sheep
Animal-related crafts and learning activities
Peer engagement and social skill development in small, supported groups
End-of-term celebration to recognise achievements
NDIS-Relevant Outcomes:
Encourages social and community participation
Develops communication, teamwork, and confidence
Supports connection with peers of the same age group
Promotes responsibility and empathy through animal care
Safety & Support:
Small group ratio: 1 staff member to 6 participants
Supervised and structured sessions to ensure safety and engagement
Why Join:
Build friendships and social skills
Explore creativity and problem-solving
Gain hands-on experience with animals and nature
Enjoy a fun, structured program that supports personal growth and engagement
Aussie Rock at the farm for January
Australia Day Weekend at the Farm
Sunday 25 January · 8am–12pm
Live Aussie rock music from 10am–12pm
Come celebrate the long weekend with a true-blue morning on the farm — filled with great tunes, Aussie treats, and good ol’ fashioned family fun!
🎸 Live Aussie rock music - BY Chili Factor
🍰 Tattoo’s and Hair Spray for the kids
🏏 Aussie-themed games for the whole family
🐑 Animal cuddles, farm play & sweet treats
Throw on your thongs, grab your hat, and head down for a relaxed and lively morning to celebrate what makes our community great.
🎟️ Entry:
$15 per adult · $10 per child
Free for kids aged 3 and under
Christmas at the Farm
🎅 Christmas at the Farm
Sunday in December · 8am–12pm
Live music & Santa visit from 10am–12pm
Kick off the holiday season with a magical morning on the farm — full of festive cheer, sweet treats, and unforgettable memories!
🎅 Free Santa photos for the kids
🎶 Live Christmas music - BY Chili Factor
🍬 Candy cane giveaways
📸 Festive farm photo ops
🐐 Animal cuddles, cupcakes & more
It’s the perfect way to start the most wonderful time of the year — and yes, Santa is making a special stop at the farm! 🎄
🎟️ Entry:
$15 per adult · $10 per child
Free for kids aged 3 and under
Sunday Funday – November Special
Sunday Funday – November Special
📅 Sunday in November · 8am–12pm
🎶 Live music from 10am–12pm by Chili Factor
Spend your Sunday morning at the farm with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe! We’ve got something for everyone:
🎨 Face painting for the kids
🎶 Live music from 10am–12pm
🐓 Fun farmyard activities & animal encounters
🌭 Snacks & drinks available
🎉 Family-friendly atmosphere full of laughs and good times
Bring the whole crew along for a Sunday Funday you won’t forget!
🎟️ Entry: $15 per adult · $10 per child
Free for kids aged 3 and under
October Halloween Sunday Fun Day
🎃 Halloween on the Farm – Sunday Special
Sunday 2 October · 8am–12pm
Get your costumes ready and join us for a spook-tacular morning on the farm! Our first Halloween-themed Sunday Funday is packed with fright-free family fun:
👻 Halloween decorations across the farm
🍬 Lollie giveaways for the kids
🎨 Face painting fun from 10am–12pm
🐐 Cuddle the animals & explore the farm
Whether you're a witch, superhero or little pumpkin, come dressed up and ready to enjoy a morning full of laughs and happy memories!
🎟️ Entry:
$15 per adult · $10 per child
Free for kids aged 3 and under
September Spring Sunday Fun Day
🎉 Sunday Funday – We’re Back!
This Sunday · 8am–12pm
Live music, face painting & sunflower planting from 10am–12pm
We’re so excited to welcome you back to the farm for our first Sunday Funday since the floods — and our first monthly event of the season!
Come help us celebrate this fresh start with a morning full of fun, connection, and farm magic:
🐐 Cuddle the animals
🎶 Enjoy free live music - BY Chili Factor
🎨 Face painting for the kids
🌻 Plant a sunflower to take home- With Trim Ops
🧁 Sweet treats, cold drinks & more
Let’s bring the farm back to life — together.
🎟️ Entry:
$15 per adult · $10 per child
Free for kids aged 3 and under