Child and Family Services (CAFS) Ballarat is developing plans for a therapy farm at The Tangle Maze near Creswick, after purchasing the site at auction on Friday.
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The community service organisation purchased the Springmount wedding venue and tourist attraction for just over $1 million, after searching for the ‘perfect property’ for their clients.
CAFS CEO Allan Joy said the organisation had thoroughly researched the benefits of providing therapeutic support in a natural environment.
“Our aim is to re-engage young people, individuals and their families by providing a dynamic, experiential opportunity with a strong emphasis on healing through nature as well as animal therapies,” Mr Joy said.
“Having now acquired this wonderful property, the CAFS team will work together to plan our service offerings as well as how the community will continue to have access to it.”
CAFS will develop a therapeutic model for children who have suffered severe trauma to work with animals in a setting that is safe and comfortable.
Research shows people can gain trust and overcome their anxieties working with animals. CAFS workers have seen the results of working with animals first-hand during the Healing Equine Assisted Learning program, where people of all ages learn about themselves by spending time with horses.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time and we’re proud to be at the forefront of innovative practice in the sector,” Mr Joy said.
CAFS relied on farming sites during their inception over 153 years ago to fund operations.
The organisation is once again hoping to increase financial self-sufficiency by establishing a social enterprise model at the new therapy farm site.
The board will consider continuing tourist and wedding operations as an opportunity to fund services.
Infrastructure at the former Tangled Maze site is well established, with the capacity to host up to 200 guests, an 18-hole mini golf course, bocce courts, outdoor entertainment options, and an indoor ice skating rink within landscaped gardens.
“The opportunities are endless,” a CAFS spokesperson said.
“We will develop the farm based on the needs of our clients.”
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