FARM YARNS Summer 2013
175 years from 1838
of farming to 2013
We would like to acknowledge generous support from the following organisations:
The Collingwood Children’s Farm are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri of the Kulin Federation as the traditional owners of the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the land we respect, care for and farm on behalf of all Victorians. The Farm thanks all Wurundjeri Elders past and present, for their guardianship of these lands.
Farm Patron - Mrs Elizabeth Chernov, Government House
2013-14 Committee of Management Cheryl Cameron
Mikyla Hart
Netta McArthur (Pres.)
Helen Semmler (Sec.)
Lachlan Fitch
Lily O’Neill
Jessica Gillespe
Greg Sparks (V.Pres.)
Richard Ginsburg (Treas.)
Jane Ogilvie
Lachlan Turner
Cr Stephen Jolly
Alex Walker (Farm Manager) Farm Yarns is a quarterly publication from the Collingwood Children’s Farm (CCF). The CCF, a not-for-profit, educational small-holding city farm was established in 1979 as a “country experience for city folk”. The Farm is sited on the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands, the oldest continually farmed land in Victoria (since 1836). The CCF is guided by a Committee of Management, elected annually. Front Cover photo - Poppies are not only for rememberance—sweet nectar provides a tasty snack for one of the Farm bees. Rear Cover photo - Celebrating 175 years of farming ends with a blast!
175 years
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of farming
Farm Manager
Alex Walker
Managers Report As manager I am lucky to enjoy observing the many different ways the Farm forms a positive part of the community it serves. It is something I am always mindful off, that what happens here occurs only because of the deep support that the Farm receives from the community that engages with it on a daily basis. You are the Farm, and the Farm is you. Most recently the community and Farm has come together to celebrate the amazing farming history of the area. A history that extends well beyond the Farm starting in 1979, the foundation of the Abbotsford Convent in
Above: Farm Patron Mrs Elizabeth Chernov shares her thoughts on 175 years of farming.
1863 or the first European settlers arriving in
living
history
1836. It’s a profound history of 40,000 years of
uninterrupted farming activity on this land, is
this spot being farmed and cared for by the
truly remarkable. And in continuing to farm
Wurundjeri people. On both a physical and
the land today, we pay respect to and
spiritual level the land sustained, developed
recognise
and supported their community. That this
connection to country.
Below: Farm Patron Mrs Elizabeth Chernov (far left) taking in a tour.
continues
Wurundjeri
today
people’s
in
the
ongoing
Our “Celebrating Farming” event ran for almost an entire week! It was a chock-full of different activities and commenced with a launch event on
a
sunny
Saturday
23rd
November. Along with our Farm Patron,
Mrs
Elizabeth
Chernov,
everyone who spoke echoed the important community asset that all the heritage farmlands we care for today provides. The “Welcome to Country” and smoking ceremony by Wurundjeri elder Bill Nicholson succinctly expressed a desire for recognition and acceptance of the past in order to build a positive
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175 years
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future for everyone. And local band “The
ran educational tours for several schools.
Orbweavers” provided an excellent closing to
Thanks to City of Yarra for their support.
what had been a fantastic day of celebrating The Young Farmers are about to head off for a
this unique place.
break over the Summer holidays. For those The rest of the celebration week saw a Family
who commenced the program this year, I hope
Day with storytelling, large draught horses,
you have enjoyed yourselves and are planning
singing, shearing, performances and our first
to return. For our “old hands” a big thanks for
“Back to Beanie” competition. There was also a
taking on extra responsibilities and looking
visit by Tubby the Robot, musical acts, scone-
after any newcomers. Have a safe holiday.
making by the Country Women’s Association and a comedy/performance/discussion panel
The Farm enjoyed a bit of television coverage
night to close out the week. Thanks for all
recently on the Channel 9 weather crossovers
COM members, farm staff, volunteers and 175
with Emma Freedman during the October
Celebrations Co-ordinator Carla Bruce-Lee for
Farmers Market. Emma always does a fantastic
producing and supporting such a positive
job in quickly learning about the Farm and
experience for the community to share. Our membership of the European Federation
Below: Emma Freedman and Nala sharing the limelight. (image Sam Imbrogno)
of City Farms (EFCF) appears to have provided inspiration for other local and international groups to consider founding city farms for their own community. Recently we have hosted study groups from Canberra (the Rivendell group) and from Shenyang, China. The Chinese seem keen to establish a formal “Sister Farm” relationship; if this becomes a reality then it could be the very first time the Farm
has
embraced
such
an
exciting
opportunity. The Farm is now definitely part of the world stage! Children’s Week happened in October and was once again supported by the Farm (working with City of Yarra and Department of Education) across the week. Children and parents got to enjoy a free day of entry and we
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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sharing that with viewers in a fun and informative way. Although our very cute Dogs for Kids with Disabilities (DKD) farm dog Nala almost stole the show when sharing the screen (I’m sure Emma didn’t mind)! And speaking of DKD, they also had their launch event at the Farm in early October. It was great to see all dogs and kids enjoying themselves. We were selling the “DKD Superdogs” calendar from Reception but they have proven very popular and sold out. You might still be able to purchase them and find out more about the work that DKD supports at www.dogsforkidswithdisabilities.com. The Farm continues to become an ever-more popular
venue
for
wedding
couples
to
celebrate their special day. And with the better weather settling in, it is definitely wedding season! Regardless if it just a simple ceremony, the reception only or an entire wedding (with all glitter and excitement that you might expect) we thank all our couples for choosing the Farm to host such a significant moment. Over Christmas and New Year is a great time to visit the Farm. It’s usually a bit quieter and all the usual fun activities still happen daily. Plus we don’t want all the animals getting lonely—they like people (and the snacks they bring). Don’t forget there is no Family Day in January (the next one is in February 2014). I would like to wish all our members, visitors, staff and Committee of Management a happy, enjoyable and safe holiday period. We look forward to seeing you all at the Farm again in the New Year.
Above: Working dogs during the “Working Dogs” book launch. The Farm’s Indian Runner ducks were very pleased not to be a part of this activity!
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175 CELEBRATION WEEK PHOTOS Tubby the Robot making plenty of friends with Farm visitors Tubby and his baby make another friend Yummy Country Women’s Association scones fresh from the wood oven—yum! Knit one, pearl one ... Fisherman’s Rib flying out in a row during the Back to Beanie
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COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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of farming Bridget Bainbridge/ Nick Karavokiros
Team Leaders To refresh the memory of what has been
Kids Teaching Kids - their conference day
happening on the Farm in the last few months,
was held at the Farm with school students
we had a quick look through the diary. This is
from all over Victoria coming to take part.
the list that eventuated:
Education teams from Melbourne Water,
Filming - Giaan Rooney doing the Channel
Parks Victoria, Yarra City Council, Lend
9 Weather Forecast
Lease
Birthday parties - two hosted parties each
provided hands-on interactive activities
day happen on most weekends. The kids do
learning about fish ladders and migration,
either pony or tractor rides and feed the
nesting-box building for native animals, tree
animals. We are fully booked up twelve
planting, water-smart cities, how to build a
months ahead.
raingarden and sustainable farming.
and
Manningham
City
Council
School groups - we have between 1-4 groups each morning coming through the Farm, learning about food and animals.
Below: Fun and games on Kids Teaching Kids day (image Toni Phillips)
There are three themes to choose from: Paddock to Plate, Meet the Animals and Sustainability. 175 Years of Farming - We are recognising it has been 175 years since the first land sales in the district, and acknowledging that this time bought to an end the traditional farming practices of the local Wurundjeri people, who for the previous 40,000 years had farmed the land. Above: Possum boxes getting made en masse as one of the Kids Teaching Kids day activities (image Toni Phillips)
School Project Groups - we have a number of schools that come weekly for a term or semester and undertake a project. Some of of these projects include Heatherwood School building a usable track along the riverbank, Caulfield Community School doing general farm duties and Sophia Mundi
Steiner
School
helping
with
vegetable gardening and cooking. Young Farmers Program - is still alive and well
with
the
kids doing gardening,
cooking, cleaning up after animals and this
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175 years
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term teaching the horses to play soccer! School Holiday Program – ran through the last school holidays, with the kids riding and looking after the horses, gardening, helping with the chooks, guinea pigs and other animals in the mornings. Corporate Groups have been coming along twice a week and helping in lots of different ways including gardening in the orchards, building fences, replacing gates, pruning, cleaning and setting up for the Farmer’s Market and harvesting. RDA - are riding again this term, usually three
days
a
week
with
about
40
participants over the three days. Dog walking - we are puppy walking two dogs for a group called “Dogs for Kids with Disabilities”. Ivy will be ready to go onto further training in February next year, and Nala will be ready after Easter. We hope they will become useful assistance dogs for children in the near future. Working dogs - as part of a book launch we had dogs herding ducks (not ours in case you are worried) one day in the Barn Paddock. It was very popular and amazing to watch the skill of the working dogs both young and old! Sheep shearing - was done in two batches, the first batch took care of the bulk of the sheep. We left three who were shorn by Brian Harker as part of the “Back to Beanie” Competition (organised as part of the 175 Farming Celebrations). Many thanks to all the volunteers who made this happen. WISE guys - we are blessed to have six men from WISE Employment working with us at the moment, with skills ranging from bricklaying to graphic art, and positive
Above: Young Farmers made us! Fantastic new colour garden bed signs look just great in the Early and Late Orchards; and help show where tasks need to happen.
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attitudes that mean they are willing to try just about anything! The Compost Hub is up and running. Run in
conjunction
with
Cultivating
Communities, we are now providing not only good quality compost for ourselves but many other community gardening projects across Melbourne. Corrections - come in several times each
2
month and help us with jobs like filling skips, chopping firewood, weeding and chopping up fallen trees etc. So it’s a busy place this farm! We are doing lots of things on lots of levels for a very wide audience, yet somehow it all melds, blends and retains (or is that generates?) an intrinsic
PHOTOS 1 Food waste will feed the compost mounds, which will then help to feed us! 2 Gary and Sam helping each other—great conductors of the human spirit in action 3 Sheep shearing getting three bags full (images 1-2 Toni Phillips, image 3 Sam Imbrogno)
sense of family/community which is so valuable in society today. Like most farms, this Farm produces food but it produces something even more valuable and in greater abundance; that is community spirit. Many thanks to all the staff (paid and unpaid) this year for keeping up with all that is going on and for your patience, commitment, resilience and good humour, without which we would be lost. For lending us yourselves as conductors of the orchestra of human spirits, we team leaders say a huge and humble thank you.
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Recent Farm Weddings
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Plant News
Toni Phillips
In praise of Tussie Mussies and those that
common
knowledge: red rose
for
love,
make them
rosemary for remembrance, laurel for victory
Tussie Mussies are documented since 1440 and
and sage for wisdom. Tussie mussies have
is the French name given to fragrant bouquets
now become very sought after and are a
of mainly aromatic leaves (with some flowers)
regular and looked forward to treat for many.
for ladies and gentleman to carry about so they didn’t have to smell the unpleasant streets
A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful
(bathing was infrequent as well). Disease was
volunteers who make tussie mussies for the
also thought to come from “mal odour”, so
Farm. Sue Love started at the Farm as a
pungent and strong herbs were thought to
volunteer, became a Committee Member for
prevent illness and promote health.
five years and then at the very first Farmers Market in 2002 began the tussie mussies at the Farm Stall. Eleven years later, she has a band of merry makers (mostly from The Herb Society of Victoria) that have become one the most important features of this Farmers Market. These members also contribute greatly with extra flowers, expertise, their vast knowledge, energy and most importantly commitment. They have made literally thousands of tussies
Above: Tussie mussie components ready for assembling (image Toni Phillips)
In England they were also called nose-gays
over the past ten years (at least one hundred per market); at $3 each that is a lot of money for the Farm and a lot of happy people.
and during Elizabethan times, judges carried them into their courtrooms to protect against "gaol fever". Today, judges at England's
Below: Even starting in the dark of Winter doesn’t stop Sue Love and Nick Karavokiros from laughing (image Toni Phillips)
highest court, the Old Bailey, celebrate this tradition by carrying a tussie mussie into court six times a year. Tussie mussies evolved to an elaborate messaging system with particular flowers having specific meanings: lilies meant purity, honeysuckle represented love that was sweet and secret, and jonquil a hope for return of affection. Some of the meanings are still
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Patricia Down is a faithful regular for the last nine years, and is quite a famous tusssie mussie maker for the shop “Ring of Roses” in Canterbury. Pat is originally from a dairy farm in Gippsland and has a great love of animals gardening and conservation, combined with a great desire to influence everyone to become a passionate conservationist.
1
2 Above: Tussie mussie expert Patricia Down (image Toni Phillips)
Her knowledge of plants and their uses is extensive. Pat’s daughter, Gillian Down is a teacher with a love of creative pursuits and seeing the pleasure the tussie mussies brings to people who buy them. Thanks for the Garden Volunteers Thank you all the Garden Volunteers who have worked hard to encourage the beauty at the Farm.
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PHOTOS (Pages 12 and 13) 1 Sue enlisted grand-daughter Amy Montebelli to the ranks of regular tussie mussie star 2 Sue and plotholder Anne Halliwell 3 Sue, her cousin Jenny Brunton (waving) and Gillian Down busy at the market stall 4 WWOOFER Gift Munkung came from Thailand to make tussies 5 Herb Society of Victoria members Graeme and Marion Bond bring flowers from their garden 6 Biddy checking out the plants for sale at the stall 7 Plotholder Margot Maule and YFP parent Sharon Frigerio fulfil their commitment to the programs by helping to sell the Farm’s produce 8 Extraordinary Tuesday Volunteers Chai, Jenny, Marlo, Amir, Shannon, Elizabeth, Isabelle and Charlie (all images Toni Phillips)
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PHOTOS Young Farmers feeding the harvest of wild food (weeds) to the grateful sheep Young Farmers watering seedlings Volunteer Stephanie Kramer feeding the goats (images Toni Phillips)
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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of farming
Plant News
Toni Phillips
Being a good neighbour The Plotholders at the Farm are not only contributing
to
the
biodiversity
and
community of the area; they are also good neighbours to each other.
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2
3
PHOTOS 1-5 Plotholders being good neighbours and the positive results (images Toni Phillips)
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Grow it local
have recently moved to Melbourne and held
Grow It Local is an initiative for supporting
an inaugural dinner at the Queen Victoria
local food growing, in any form (from acres to
Market to encourage others and source locally
plants in a pot) and to showcase what they are
grown produce. The dinner was largely
doing on their website (you can check it at
supplied from crowd farming, and the Plots
www.growitlocal.com.au).
supplied
This
group
encourages community engagement and they
some
very
appreciated
vegetables, herbs and flowers.
Above: Healthy produce for the Grow it Local Melbourne launch dinner Right: Plotholders Beth, Mikyla, Danella and Erica all dressed up and ready to eat and network and it was great
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
fresh
175 years
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of farming Andrew Phillips
The big and small picture
Above: The big picture
Why is the Collingwood Children’s Farm
Farm is not a petting zoo, not a park, but a real
important? Is it actually relevant? Why keep
working farm where animals are bred and
farming this land and not use it for another
food is grown. Does this replace the experience
purpose? The answers might be obvious for
of going to the country? Of course not! But as
those that feel strongly about the Farm,
most Australian farmers are found in rural
however what happens at this unique location
areas
should never be taken for granted. An
unannounced callers) the Farm presents an
exploration
will
important and unique opportunity for all city
(hopefully) flesh out a well-rounded response
residents and visitors to engage with those
to these three questions.
who care for farmland. So as Victorians we
of
potential
answers
(and
generally
don’t
welcome
should be very proud to have this incredible Some answers are practical and easy to pin
community asset remain available for all to
down; for example – a genuine pride in what
enjoy and benefit from.
the Farm does with the land. No other Australian State or Territory has a working
Preserving a strong and ongoing cultural
farm located less than 4km’s from its CBD (or
heritage. The Farm maintains the important
anywhere near its CBD for that matter). The
connection to the local area producing food
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175 years
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and sustaining community that dates back
Sisters did. ‘Australia grew on the sheep’s
over 40,000 years. Wurundjeri people farmed
back’ is a statement many will be familiar
the
the
with; our rare breed English Leicester sheep
surrounding landscape to produce a variety of
were one of the breeds that helped achieve
desired
take
this. Then there’s us – we are Australia’s oldest
seriously our responsibility to acknowledge
children’s farm! This diverse and ongoing
the ongoing connection Wurundjeri have to
agricultural history is unparalleled in the story
country, and by farming it today respect their
of modern Australia.
land
with
fire
agricultural
and
modified
outcomes.
We
use of it to support, build and sustain community through food production.
Protecting genetic diversity to secure food production.
Across
modern
Western
Next is history. The Farm also represents the
agriculture we have seen the consolidation and
ongoing use of the land for (conventional)
simplification of the gene pool utilised for
farming for over 175 years. As Melbourne
domestic farm animals. For example did you
developed from ‘a good place for a village’ to
know that 90% of cattle in industrialised
today’s city of over 4 million residents, all of
countries are now limited to six tightly defined
its original 19th century inner-city agricultural
breeds? Or than in Australia about 85% of
landscape has been lost under the suburbs. But
commercially farmed pigs are the Large
not in Abbotsford - the local farmland is the
White/Landrace variety? This consolidation
only part left for everyone to enjoy, interpret
presents a serious risk to food production
and understand. We continue the unique
should a breed-specific disease present itself.
agricultural legacy of the Sisters of the Good
By farming our Rare Breeds animals we are
Shepherd, who for 112 years utilised farmland
part of an ongoing, positive world-wide
for a positive social purpose. When they
movement whose aim is to preserve and
settled here in 1863 one of the first things they
protect our modern food supply.
were given was a dairy cow. The Farm continues to milk a cow daily, just as the Below: And the small ...
Then potential answers become more reflective and complex. In his ground-breaking ‘A Theory of Human Motivation’, Abraham Maslow ascribed that there exists a powerful, ingrained ‘Hierarchy of Needs’ in all human beings. To paraphrase: only once our most basic needs are met eg food, shelter etc can we begin the process of self-actualisation. Feeding ourselves is a foundation, cornerstone human need. In Western Society we have almost completely handed this responsibility over to others. Our food comes from a variety of
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
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of farming
external sources (generally supermarkets) over
By farming this land we actively protect it
which we have no control and so we have
from inappropriate development. It is an
traded the ability to directly feed ourselves.
absolute fluke of history and cultural activity
However slumbering in the subconscious
that this unique heritage farmland site has
remain our deep-seated core needs. Or more
been preserved in the manner it is today. The
simply we still need to know where our food
local and wider Victorian community is
comes from, to in some way maintain this
blessed with a world-quality public asset
powerful primal connection. By visiting the
instead of soul-destroying concrete boxes as
Farm and engaging with the cycles of nature
envisaged by various developers. This same
and food production, children and adults
community fought to preserve both the
receive
heritage farmlands and buildings of the former
that
profound
connection
that
actualises their humanity.
Abbotsford Convent. These elements are inseparable.
Today’s
remaining
heritage
Consumption is power. Knowledge is power.
farmlands in their entirety provide for us to be
Therefore it is deeply concerning that the
a vital and actual working farm. Any loss of
actual cycles of nature and real production of
the Farm’s vitality due to losing farmland
food have become a mystery for many adults
because of development will affect its ability to
and children. Today we rarely toil to grow our
continue the many socially-positive activities it
own food or directly produce what we
provides for community benefit. And may
consume. This is a dangerous disconnection;
surely tempt future governments to once again
because this freedom comes at a cost to the
view the remaining land for its development
future of the planet, its plants and animals that
potential. The ultimate consequences of this
sustain us. Out of sight, out of mind, has
are very sobering.
serious consequences - removed from public scrutiny, industry views plants and animals in
To summarise, the Farm has a broad and
pure profit-motive terms only. The rise of large
profound benefit on the ongoing physical and
-scale
the
psychological health and well-being of its
devaluing of domesticated farm animals as
membership, visitors, staff and the wider
creatures that have their own needs and
community. The simple act of gazing upon
environmental requirements. The Earth is
farm animals or admiring fruits and vegetables
more and more being treated as a simple
as they develop provides answers to a deep
commodity, not the inter-connected living
unspoken
organism it actually is. Visiting the Farm keeps
centimetre of unique farmland that underpins
animal’s needs, wants and desires in the
this ability to give to the local and wider
forefront of our thoughts and so we are more
community
demands
that
we
likely to demand their fair and ethical
permanent
protection
from
development.
treatment. Or it reminds us that the way we
Future generations of children and adults will
treat the Earth reflects how we treat ourselves.
thank us tomorrow for acting today.
industrial
farming
has
seen
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
humanity
in
everyone.
Every
offer
it
20
175 years
of farming
The year that was with YFP
Olivia Knowles
Well as usual, it feels as though the year has
something to be very proud of. The truly
flown by. Now that Christmas is only a month
exciting part is that it can only get better when
away, we can look back and really see how far
we start up again in the New Year.
all the Young Farmers have come in one year alone. When I first signed up for my
Towards the end of this year we have
Instructors Course I really didn’t know what
introduced free lunging and clicker training,
to expect, nor did I fully know how I was
both of which I believe have worked well with
planning to approach such a task. All I knew is
both Young Farmers and the horses. Clicker
that I wanted to make the Young Farmers love
training is a method of training in which you
and appreciate our horses as much as I do.
shape a desired behaviour using a clicker to pinpoint what action you would like the horse
Over the year I have seen all of our equine
to repeat. This encourages the horses to think
friends come a long way. It couldn’t have been
and explore their options, and workout what it
done without all of you, Young Farmers,
was they did that caused such a heap of fuss
putting your faith in them to help make it
over them. Horses love it, because it works in a
work. We now have Mickey taking people on
way that the trainer can always make a winner
trail rides around the Farm, Charlie discovered
out of them and uses no punishment or
his inner-passion for soccer, and Brandy and
negative reinforcement.
Harry are the new rising stars on the Farm (who I’m both sure are ready to take off and
Free lunging is much like regular lunging but
do great things in the new year), just to name a
without all the ropes and equipment. This
few positive results.
allows the horses to move a lot more freely. It’s a new concept to the horses, and they seem to
To me it is very important that people learn to
enjoy taking advantage of their new-found
see horses as a friend; and appreciate all of
invitation to burn some energy. That as well as
their unique personalities, the good, the
riding are some more things I’d like to
cheeky and the sometimes weird. It has really
incorporate along with any other new forms of
been wonderful to see how dedicated Young
horsemanship we can find that works for
Farmers are to their own horse and take pride
everyone. Gone are the days that you either
in everything it achieves. It’s the little things
simply rode English or Western!
like visiting them on the holidays, giving them a massage in your spare time, an extra hug or
I think we’ve made an awesome team of farm
an extra carrot that has made our horses so
staff, equine staff and Young Farmers. When
much happier (it can be pretty obvious who
we come back again next year, I want to
their favourites are sometimes). In return, I
amplify all the great things we have done
have seen everyone come a long way with
together in 2013. We have so much to build
their horsemanship, and all of you have
upon with our riding and our relationship
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of farming
with the horses. Anything the Young Farmers want to accomplish with their horsemanship next year, we will definitely try to do. I’m looking forward to working with all of you again but in the meantime, have a happy Christmas, New Year and Summer break!
1 2
3
4 PHOTOS Charlie Benson ponders the clicker ... “hmm, looks a bit like a remote car alarm for a horse” 2 Charlie then decides to investigate the clicker up close and personal ... still no “bleep bleep” yet! 3-4 A bit of up close details for us humans 1
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The Farm & the environment Some native species can benefit from the
surface (eg ground level or upending
activity of introduced animals (such as
themselves on water) rather than diving
domestic livestock). An example of this is the
below to feed.
Australian Wood Duck (Chenonetta jubata). Also known as the Maned Duck or Maned
Males and females are easy to distinguish,
Goose, these birds exhibit clever, playful and
the males having prominent dark-brown
endearing behaviours that visitors to the
head feathering. Both are around 45-51cms
Farm can get to enjoy observing.
in size and physically resemble a small goose. They have large areas of mottled
These ducks enjoy following the Farm’s
feathers, grey wings and black primaries.
various hooved animals as they graze in the paddocks. The reason is because as they
Preferring to forage on land rather than on
move along, the sheep, goats, cows and
water, Australian Wood Ducks are widely
horses disturb various insects. The ducks
distributed across the country. They can be
then simply dive on in and reap the rewards
found
of an easily-provided meal. Smart ducks!
wetlands, flooded pastures and along the
This is an important supplement to their
coast in inlets and bays. Dams and ponds are
main diet of grasses and herbs.
also supportive habitat, and so it has
in
grasslands,
open
woodlands,
benefited from agricultural developments They also enjoy the ability to hide amongst
such as dams and rice fields. They are
the long grass growth encouraged by the
accomplished flyers.
paddock-recovery aspect Integrated
Paddock
of
the
Management
Farm’s Plan
When breeding they form a close-knit team
(IPMP). Often a breeding pair will use long
to protect their ducklings. A clutch of
grass to keep their new ducklings hidden
between 9-11 eggs is laid on a down nest,
nearby while they hunt for food.
which will be carefully hidden in hollow logs or dense grass. Males play an important
For a small duck these birds have a lot of
part in securing the ducklings and the
pluck (pun intended). Most times the males
female. They will often aggressively chase or
will stand their ground when a human
distract intruders away from their flock. This
approaches (or the tractor runs by!) and send
is usually accompanied by a demonstration
a defensive, “back off” message by opening
of constant beak closing and opening. So
and closing their beaks widely. Or they
amongst our lovely domesticated farm
simply seem to ignore any human or other
animals, make sure you take time to enjoy
creature standing near them.
seeing some of the wild ones!
Australian Wood Ducks are dabbling ducks,
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
which simply means they usually feed at the
Australian_Wood_Duck
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
175 years
of farming
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
21
24
175 years
of farming
The story of Farm Yarns
Andrew Phillips
It has been a privilege to produce the Farm
In 1983 Bob Hawke became leader of the
Yarns for almost three years now. Given that
Labor party (and then Prime Minister in the
we are celebrating an important anniversary
March elections). The
Ash
in 175 years of farming (which is really
bushfires
areas
40,000 years of farming), it was interesting to
Australia and Victoria. The final episode of
note that Farm Yarns will tick over 30 years
M*A*S*H aired and broke all previous
of publication with this edition.
viewing records. Dick Smith flew around
burnt
huge
Wednesday of
South
Australia in a helicopter. GPS became In Summer 1983 the first Farm Yarns (a scan
available for civilian use. And Australia won
of which is opposite) shared the important
the America’s Cup.
announcement that the state government had decided to support the Farm’s wages bill for
Over 30 years the technology used to create
two years. This critical financial support by
and produce Farm Yarns has changed
the Cain Government (both John and Nancy
dramatically. For a start the format—from a
Cain were great champions of the Farm)
simple black-and-white, paper newsletter
helped to stabilise its operations and future.
produced only for a limited readership, it is now a full colour, desktop-published article
It’s worth considering what sort of a world it
that can be read by anyone in the world with
was in 1983. The Farm had been going for
access to the internet.
four years. The immediate area was not the desirable latte and lifestyle inner-city locale it
Then there’s the tools of creation. Mechanical
is today. Abbotsford and Collingwood were
and electric typewriters yielded to early
low socio-economic areas, hit hard by the
computers.
demise of local medium and heavy industry.
computer towers then gave way to laptops
The area suffered from high unemployment,
and slimline screens. And they keep getting
high
smaller
crime
and
youth
disengagement.
Large
and
monitors
slimmer!
and
big
Reproduction
Consequently both these suburbs had a very
technology has also changed. Quite possibly
bad reputation. The Farm was started in
the first Farm Yarns were produced using a
response to address some of these issues.
Gestetener machine before moving onto early photocopiers. Dot-matrix printers then
In 1983, the internet only existed to serve the
took over before being replaced by toner,
military or a few higher-education campuses
then laser devices. So much change!
dotted around the world. Mobile phones (if you had one) were either fitted to cars or
What has not changed is the important
ridiculously huge and expensive status
sharing of all that happens on the Farm.
symbols, not the palm-sized devices almost
However it is enjoyed, may all our readers
everyone has today.
continue to benefit from its pages.
COLLINGWOOD CHILDREN’S FARM
175 years
of farming
FARMLAND SINCE 1838
23
FARM YARNS Next edition due out 1st day of Autumn
Collingwood Children’s Farm PO Box 80 Abbotsford 3067
PLACE STAMP HERE
Farmland since 1838
Farm phone: 9417 5806 Email: reception@farm.org.au Website: www.farm.org.au
Family Fun Days First Sunday of the month (no Family Fun Day in January)
Also enjoy hay rides and pony rides (when available), and other farm activities all for price of standard entry.
Farmer’s Market
Where to find us St Heliers Street, Abbotsford Melways Ref 44 G5 Open every day of the year Entry: $16 Family $8 Adult $4 Child
The concept of a supported held the second Saturday of volunteer program is unique to every month for beautiful our farm. Originally it was fresh,as quality produce. Proknown the Disability gram, but we prefer to focus on abilities rather than the lack of them … just like the renamed RDA riding program! You may ask why the program exists and what are the benefits of it to the participants and the farm. In the case of special school students, both in class groups