WHEELBARROWS, goats and guinea pigs are bringing joy to people with disabilities.
Dandenong disability support service Wallara will celebrate its new lease at Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter with an open day on 30 March.
The day will start with a welcome at 11am and family activities will run until 3pm.
Wallara special projects senior manager Sue Rolland said about 42 clients from Greater Dandenong spent time at the farm each week.
“They do a variety of things, from gardening with some assistance from our community volunteers, to caring for the animals which includes cleaning out their enclosures, feeding and grooming – and, of course, lots of cuddles,” she said.
“Some who are unable to do these things enjoy being outdoors, which feels like they are out in the country.”
Ms Rolland said it was “pretty amazing” to watch Wallara groups interact with the farm’s volunteers.
“We have one guy who loves pushing a wheelbarrow around, which the volunteers who do weeding just love,” she said.
“We have a number of people on the autism spectrum who love patting and brushing the goats, and others who love holding and patting rabbits and guinea pigs.”
Wallara is using eggs from the farm’s chickens in its cooking program Delicious Options.
“And there’s a cumquat tree where the seniors group use the fruit to add the extra zing in their marmalade,” she said.
“We have a volunteer qualified horticulturalist who helps to provide our people with some gardening skills.”
Sages Cottage Farm is at 85 Sages Road, Baxter.
