Securing the Future of Collingwood Children’s Farm

Visitor & Public FAQs

1. What’s changing at the Farm?  

Collingwood Children’s Farm is entering a strategic merger with Wallara Australia Ltd. This change is designed to secure the Farm’s long-term future and strengthen its community and social impact.   

2. Is the Farm closing?  

No. The Farm remains open and will continue operating as usual.  

3. Will my visit be affected?  

No. There are no changes to visitor access, animals, activities, school programs or events as a result of this announcement.  

4. Will there be changes to ticket prices or memberships?  

No changes are being made at this time. Existing tickets, memberships and passes remain valid.  

5. Will my event/wedding/photoshoot be affected?  

All existing bookings will be honored and remain valid.  

6. Why was this merger needed?  

Like many community organisations, the Farm has faced rising costs and financial pressure. The merger provides stability and ensures the Farm can continue welcoming visitors and serving the community into the future.   

7. Will the Farm’s identity change?  

No. The Farm will continue to operate as Collingwood Children’s Farm, with the same focus on community connection, animals, nature-based experiences and education.  

8. Is the government involved?  

Yes. Because the Farm is located on Crown land, the Victorian Government has appointed Wallara as the new Committee of Management to support the site’s long-term viability.   

9. Who is Wallara Australia Ltd?  

Wallara (www.wallara.com.au) is a well-established Victorian not-for-profit disability service provider. They operate a range of inclusive enterprises across Melbourne, including cafés, land management services and Sages Cottage, a 38-acre inclusive farm on the Mornington Peninsula (www.sagescottage.com.au).   

As part of their commitment, Wallara will invest up to $1M over the next 18 months in the Farm.  

10. What does this mean for the community?  

The merger helps ensure the Farm remains a much-loved community place into the future, while creating opportunities for expanded community programs, increased accessibility and inclusive employment.  

11. Where can I find more information?  

Updates will be shared through the Farm’s website, social media, and on-site communications. Staff are also available to assist with general questions during your visit. 

12. Is the Farm being sold for $1? 

No, Collingwood Children’s Farm is not being sold for $1. Collingwood Children’s Farm is a Crown Land reserve and it belongs to the public and it will remain open to the public.

The exchange of the assets from the current Incorporated Association to the newly appointed Crown Land Managers for $1 is simply a legal convention. The current Committee of Management endorses the transfer of management and assets to Wallara. The assets are for the betterment of the Farm and its purpose, it would be unethical for the current Committee to charge any more than $1 for the exchange of assets.

13. Is Collingwood Children’s Farm going to change its mission and what it does?

No, the Farm's mission will remain the same. 

14. Is the Farm being sold to a private company? 

No, the Farm is not being sold to a private company. Wallara Australia have been appointed by the State Government as the new managers of the Crown Land Reserve.  Wallara is a charity and a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving lives of people with disability.

15. Will Wallara respect and protect the history of Collingwood Children’s Farm? 

Yes, Wallara will work hard to make sure the history and local knowledge of the Farm is preserved. Wallara has engaged a heritage consultant, who is a longtime local, and will be appointing a new Farm Manager, Adriano Pilati to oversee the Farm’s operations. Adriano has lived near the Farm for the last 40 years and holds a deep connection and understanding of the site.  

Furthermore, Wallara have committed to making a new documentary film showcasing the rich history of the Collingwood Children's Farm within their first 18 months. Through that process, Wallara will gain a deep understanding of the cultural significance of the Farm to the local community and embed that understanding in its future decision-making.

Here is a video that Wallara produced to tell the story of Sages Cottage Farm and its rich history and what the Sages Farm is doing today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5Iy17qBc1M

 Wallara’s aim is to preserve what makes Collingwood Children’s Farm unique whilst rebuilding the facilities and infrastructure and creating new opportunities for an even more diverse and inclusive community.

16. Will The Farm remain open and accessible to everyone?

Yes! There are many programs that run at the Farm, including school groups and disability volunteer groups, all while the public are welcomed to share the space and enjoy the Farm side by side.

17. Is Wallara a community organisation?

Yes, Wallara is an Incorporated Not For Profit community organisation and registered charity and is governed by a board of volunteers.

18. Is the Farm being sold off? Is the Farm being 'privatised'? 

No! The Farm sits on Crown Land, which means it cannot be sold. It is 'owned' by the Crown, and the State appoints Land Managers on behalf of the Crown. The Farm also sits in a flood zone, and within the riverine zone which means that there are significant restrictions on how the land can be used. 

19. Does the Farm belong to Yarra City Council?

No. While, back in 1979, City of Collingwood Councillors were instrumental in the establishment of the Collingwood Children's Farm, being Crown Land, the Farm belongs to all Victorians. Postcode data shows us that many people from within Yarra and across the State regularly visit the Farm. Collingwood Children's Farm Incorporated's constitution has never specifically focused on Collingwood or Yarra residents and instead states that its purpose is to "improve the lives of children, the disadvantaged, disabled, unemployed and marginalised persons within the Victorian community (Children and Disadvantaged Persons) by providing inclusive services and support to build independence and quality of life for Children and Disadvantaged Persons". Wallara is perfectly placed to deliver on this purpose.