INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS

Every program at The Stockyard Farm is shaped around the individual, designed to accommodate personal needs and support each participant in working toward their NDIS goals. Below is a taste of what we offer, but we're never limited to this list. If there's something else you'd love to explore, we're always more than happy to make it happen.

Respite (STA) & Holiday Camps

A farm stay at The Stockyard is more than a break away. It's a chance to build independence, try new things and feel right at home. Every stay includes:

• 1:1 support with flexible hours to suit each participant

• Supported overnight accommodation in our farm cottage, newly renovated self-contained cabin, or our 'safe space' caravan

• Fresh farmhouse meals including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, all catered to individual dietary requirements

• Eating out options for participants who love a café breakfast, a bakery stop or dinner at a local restaurant

• A strong focus on daily living skills, woven naturally into each stay

• A full day of farm activities, tailored to individual needs and interests

• Visual supports so those with communication barriers have autonomy, choice and control over their day

• Animal interactions, including our morning and evening farm routine of letting animals in and out of paddocks, feeding and grooming

• Community participation at local shops, beaches and parks, to name a few!

• Campfires, wood-fired pizza nights and so much more​

How our stays are billed

In line with the NDIS 2026–27 pricing arrangements, Short Term Accommodation is billed as separate components rather than one flat daily rate. This gives you full transparency on exactly what you're paying for:

• 1:1 support is billed hourly at the applicable NDIS time-band rates

• Accommodation is billed as a daily rate for both the participant and their support worker

• Meals, eating out and activities are charged at cost, with receipts provided. No markups, ever

• Farm experiences come at no additional charge. Animal interactions, farm routines, campfires and pizza nights are all part of staying with us

• Pick up and drop off is available at an additional charge

Every stay begins with a service agreement that sets out your individual costs clearly, so there are never any surprises. We're always happy to walk you and your family through the breakdown before you book.

WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS

- Experience in the daily running of a farm and what is required
- Animal husbandry/care
- Mowing lawns
- Weeding
- Harvesting produce 
- Collecting firewood
- Farm maintenance
- Maintaining plant and vegetable nursery. 
- Craft projects
- Cleaning and refilling water troughs, stables
- Composting
- Basic permaculture principles
- Recycling

 

-Arts and Crafts
-Karaoke, 
-Barn Dancing
-Games – Darts, Board games, Volleyball, sack races and more
-Baking and Cooking, 
-Campfire BBQ 
-Musical instruments
-And anything else we can create to accommodate individual needs/requests.

-Yoga/Pilates/Meditation 
-Dance exercise
-Physical farm work
-Physical activities
-Promote healthy eating and utalising fresh produce from the farm.

Animal husbandry, the practice of raising and caring for animals, can offer several benefits, especially for people with autism. Here are some ways in which animal husbandry can positively impact individuals on the autism spectrum:

1. Emotional well-being: Animals provide companionship and emotional support, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with autism who may struggle with social interactions. Caring for animals can enhance feelings of empathy, compassion, and responsibility, fostering emotional growth and a sense of connection.

2. Sensory stimulation: Many individuals with autism have sensory sensitivities, and interacting with animals can provide sensory stimulation in a controlled and predictable manner. Touching and petting animals can offer a calming effect, soothing anxiety, and promoting relaxation. The tactile feedback from grooming, stroking, or cuddling animals can be especially comforting.

3. Routine and structure: Animals require regular care and a consistent routine, which can be highly beneficial for individuals with autism who thrive in structured environments. The responsibilities associated with animal husbandry, such as feeding, grooming, and cleaning, can help establish a predictable routine and teach valuable life skills.

4. Improved social skills: Animals can act as a bridge between individuals with autism and others, facilitating social interactions. For example, engaging in activities such as dog walking or horseback riding can encourage communication and socialization with peers or instructors who share a common interest in animals.

5. Increased physical activity: Caring for animals often involves physical activity, such as walking dogs, cleaning stalls, or engaging in outdoor tasks. Regular physical exercise associated with animal husbandry can improve overall fitness, coordination, and motor skills.

6. Development of responsibility and self-esteem: Taking care of animals allows individuals with autism to develop a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Successfully meeting the needs of animals and seeing their positive response can boost self-esteem and confidence, promoting a sense of purpose and achievement.

7. Enhanced focus and attention: Working with animals can promote improved focus and attention. The presence of animals can provide a calming influence, allowing individuals with autism to concentrate on tasks and learn new skills more effectively