Mandala Farm Day Program - Calmsley Hill (Abbotsbury)
A limitless future for diversability.
🌿 Join Mandala's Farm Work & Wellness Day Program! 🌿
Looking for an NDIS day program or community access that feels like a farm stay? Mandala's Farm Day Program offers a hands-on boutique experience located within the beautiful grounds of Calmsley Hill City Farm, set on 400-acres in Abbotsbury (Western Sydney), just one hour from Sydney's Northern Beaches. Our program blends work tasks, wellness, social and life skills in a nature-filled environment.
With koalas just outside our hub office, Team Members (Participants) engage in meaningful work tasks, have an opportunity to milk cows, maintain the veggie patch and lavender garden, interact with stingless bee hives, watch sheep sheering, carry out animal enrichment work tasks and contribute to micro-businesses, earning shared remuneration based on their contributions.
The farm is home to a variety of animals, including horses, donkeys, goats, chickens, peacocks, koalas, cows, sheep, camels, emus, kangaroos and much more!
With limited spots available, our boutique program ensures a personal, tailored experience to help Team Members grow, thrive, and connect with nature.
If you'd like to book a call to discuss the program, please click BOOK A CALL
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Develop Work, Social & Life Skills
Our Micro-Businesses
ACTIVITIES
Farm Hub
Our Farm Hub is located within the beautiful grounds of Calmsley Hill City Farm (Abbotsbury). It is the base for Mandala's Farm Day Program, situated next to the koala sanctuary makes it all the more special with koala's at our doorstep!
The Farm Hub operates Monday to Friday, 9am -3pm and accommodates a small group of participants per day, along with support workers.
Activities in the Farm Hub include:
- Making Products: Participants will have an opportunity to learn how to make products using farm inspired ingredients such as honey, lavender and goats milk.
- Packaging Products: Labelling and packaging will be completed by participants to ensure products are ready for sale.
- Inventory Management: Participants will be involved in managing the inventory of ingredients, products and packaging.
- Preparing for Market Day: The hub will house the products for market day and allow participants to prepare stock for the markets.
ACTIVITIES
Animal Enrichment
Our Team Members have the important daily role of Farm Animal Enrichment - enriching the lives of various farm animals.
Enrichment activities are important in keeping animals both mentally and physically fit. These activities go beyond an animal’s basic needs, prompting sensory experiences, mental stimulation, and positive social engagement.
Animal Enrichment tasks include:
- Sensory Enrichment: Gives animals safe stimulation (smell, touch, sight, sound). Gentle, predictable sounds/visuals lower stress and support relaxed rumination/rest.
- Physical Enrichment: Encourages movement for joint health, gut motility, and healthy weight; channels energy into safe, purposeful activity.
- Social Enrichment: Animals thrive on positive social contact; structured sessions reduce stress and support stable group dynamics.
- Environmental Enrichment: Small, regular changes in spaces, prevents boredom and promotes exploration.
- Cognitive Enrichment: Encourages problem-solving and curiosity, which reduces frustration and builds confident, adaptable animals.
Activities
Daily Shows & Education
At Mandala, we believe in offering a dynamic and engaging experience that combines learning with farm activities. Daily Shows & Education are designed to educate, entertain, and immerse our participants in the rich, diverse world of farm life.
Throughout the day, participants have the opportunity to join in interactive, educational shows that bring the farm to life. Whether you're a lover of animals, nature, or simply curious about how things work on a farm, the shows are a great way to discover new things and enjoy the beauty of rural life.
- Animal Interaction Shows: Watch demonstrations of animal care routines and farming practices. Get up close with the friendly animals, including cows, sheep, koalas, working dogs and more!
- Cow Milking: Learn the art of milking cows from experienced farmers. Get involved in the process, and discover how fresh milk goes from cow to cup.
- Sheep Shearing: Experience live sheep shearing demonstrations, where you can learn about the process, the importance of wool, and how it's prepared for use.
- Animal Feeding Sessions: Participate in feeding sessions for various farm animals. See how each animal has unique feeding habits and gain insights into their daily care routines.
These shows are not only educational but also interactive, allowing participants to take part in a hands-on learning experience that is both fun and informative.
ACTIVITIES
Fruit & Veggie Patch
The Fruit & Veggie Patch is the heart of our sustainable garden. In this hands-on program, Team Members will learn the essentials of growing vegetables, from planting seeds to harvesting their efforts. It’s a chance to connect with nature, learn valuable gardening skills, and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of their labour.
- Ingredients for Products: Learn how to utilise ingredients from the garden to make products such as farm fresh pet treats.
- Plant & Harvest: Learn how to plant, nurture, and harvest a variety of vegetables. Understand the growth cycles of different plants and how to ensure they flourish.
- Garden Maintenance: Develop skills in garden care, including weeding, watering, and mulching. Team Members will learn how to create and maintain healthy soil and grow organic produce.
- Understand Seasonal Gardening: Gain knowledge about seasonal planting and the best vegetables to grow throughout the year.
MICRO BUSINESS
Farm Entrepreneur
The Farm offers Team Members the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of business through hands-on experience. Here, Team Members will learn how to create and market products using the Farm inspired ingredients such as honey, lavender, and goat milk. This dynamic hub is designed to teach essential business skills while also providing a chance to earn from the Farm's micro businesses.
- Create Handmade Products: Learn to develop products like pet treats, pet grooming products, honey & lavender soaps, lip balms, bath salts and other special items using farm inspired ingredients: honey, lavender, and goats milk.
- Learn Sales Techniques: Develop sales skills through hands-on experience in selling products at the local markets. Engage with customers, handle transactions, and manage customer feedback.
- Build Business Skills: Develop a strong foundation in business essentials, such as pricing, budgeting, inventory management, and understanding profit margins. Team Members will gain insights into managing the daily operations of a small business and contribute to the success of the micro-businesses.
MICRO BUSINESS
Farmers Market
The Farmers Market offers a unique opportunity to experience the business side of producing products. Every week, Team Members prepare products to sell at the local Farmers Market. It’s an opportunity to be hands-on, creative, and develop business and social skills.
- Prepare Market Stock: Organise products such as pet treats, pet grooming, honey & lavender soaps, lotion bars and lip balms for the weekly market. This includes packaging, labelling, and ensuring products are market-ready.
- Customer Service & Sales: Develop skills in marketing and customer interaction. Team Members will be involved in creating display setups, engaging with customers, and managing sales transactions.
- Manage Inventory: Keep track of stock levels, ensure products are well-organised, and assess sales to determine product demand.
- Prepare for Market Day: Get everything ready, from checking the EFTPOS machines and cash float to ensuring promotional materials are available. This gives Team Members a real understanding of how to run a small business.
Wellness & Social
WELLNESS & SOCIAL
Outdoor Sensory
Our Outdoor Sensory Experiences engage the senses in meaningful ways, allowing Team Members to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of the Farm. Participants have access to the farm nursery where they can pat a variety of animals, providing a calming sensory experience. The Farm's environment helps to stimulate creativity, encourage mindfulness, and promote emotional well-being while fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.
WELLNESS & SOCIAL
Camping & Nature Tours
Explore the natural beauty of The Basin & other nature inspired local areas through nature tours and camping experiences. Spend time in the great outdoors, enjoying peaceful walks, observing wildlife, and connecting with nature on a deeper level. These experiences offer a sense of adventure and exploration in a safe and supportive environment.