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 a diverse background in aged care, disability support, youth work, and mental health, with a strong focus on creating meaningful, inclusive programs for people of all ages and abilities.
She has extensive experience facilitating group-based programs across a wide range of ages and diverse groups, supporting participants to build confidence, develop social skills, and feel a sense of belonging.
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 holds current First Aid and CPR, an NDIS Worker Screening Check, and has completed training in Aboriginal cultural awareness to support inclusive and respectful program delivery.
Steph genuinely enjoys watching people grow in confidence and build friendships, and seeing them connect with others in a supportive environment. She is passionate about creating calm, welcoming spaces where participants feel safe to try new things, engage at their own pace, and be themselves.
Combining her professional experience with a love for animals and the outdoors, Steph has created a hands-on farm environment where learning, connection, and wellbeing naturally come together.
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
Term-Based Adult Animal-Assisted Sessions
Macleay Valley Farm – Adult Animal-Assisted Sessions
At Macleay Valley Farm, our termly adult programs provide participants with a relaxed, hands-on opportunity to connect with animals, peers, and their community in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Program Details:
Age Group:
Adults
Session Length:
1.5 hours per session
Frequency:
Weekly, 10 sessions per term (charged on a term basis)
Cost:
$45 per session, $450 per term
Program Activities:
Hands-on interaction with farm animals including sheep, goats, calves, poultry, and rabbits 🐑
Group-based social connection activities
Craft-based activities such as clay products, painting, and making animal toys
Creative and collaborative sessions designed to encourage participation and engagement
NDIS-Relevant Outcomes:
Supports social interaction and connection with peers
Builds confidence and self-esteem in a relaxed group setting
Encourages creativity and skill development
Promotes calm, structured engagement in a supportive environment
Supports participants’ goals for social participation and connection
Safety & Support:
Support workers are warmly welcome to attend; 2:1 participant-to-staff ratio supported
Small group structure to ensure safety and positive engagement
Sessions are supervised and structured for participant comfort
Why Join:
Connect with animals and peers in a hands-on, supportive environment
Develop confidence, creativity, and social skills
Participate in meaningful activities that promote wellbeing and engagement
NDIS Claim Information:
Tax invoices/receipts provided including participant name, session dates, service description, total cost, and ABN for claiming purposes
Macleay Valley Farm – One-on-One & Small Group Animal-Assisted Sessions
At Macleay Valley Farm, our animal-assisted sessions provide a calm, hands-on and supportive environment for children, young people, and adults of all abilities to connect with animals, build confidence, and work towards their individual goals.
Sessions are tailored to each participant and are designed to support NDIS goals such as confidence building, emotional regulation, anxiety support, social skills, communication, and community participation. Family-based participation and shared activities can also be included where appropriate to support connection and engagement.
These sessions are flexible and participant-led, allowing each person to engage at their own pace in a safe and supportive farm environment.
Session Length:
Sessions run between 1 to 2 hours, depending on individual needs, goals, and engagement on the day.
Pricing:
Sessions are charged at the current NDIS Price Guide maximum rates for Core Supports – Assistance with Social and Community Participation:
Weekdays: $70 per hour
Saturdays: $98 per hour
Sundays: $121 per hour
What Sessions May Include:
One-on-one or small group animal-assisted support
Hands-on interaction with farm animals (sheep, goats, calves, poultry, rabbits 🐑)
Confidence building and emotional regulation support
Anxiety reduction through calm, nature-based engagement
Family participation or shared activity sessions where appropriate
Practical, goal-based activities such as feeding systems, enrichment building, care tasks, and craft-based activities
NDIS-Relevant Outcomes:
Supports social and community participation
Builds confidence, independence, and emotional regulation
Encourages communication, connection, and relationship building
Promotes calm, structured engagement in a natural environment
Supports individualised NDIS goals in a practical, meaningful way
Safety & Support:
Flexible support ratios depending on participant needs
Support workers and family members welcome to attend
Sessions are structured, supervised, and adapted to ensure comfort and safety
Why Farm-Based Support Works:
The farm environment provides a calm, non-clinical space where participants can regulate, connect, and engage more naturally. Animals and hands-on experiences often reduce anxiety, increase engagement, and support genuine connection, learning, and emotional wellbeing.
NDIS Documentation:
Full tax invoices/receipts provided including participant name, dates, hours delivered, service description, and ABN for claiming purposes.
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