Collingwood Children’s Farm and Wallara Australia Ltd merger to create jobs for Melburnians with Disabilities Update - 29th January 2026
Collingwood Children's Farm (CCF) and leading disability services provider Wallara Australia Ltd have announced a merger that will see the beloved Farm become more inclusive with jobs to be created for Melburnians with disabilities.
Located on a Crown Land reserve along the Yarra River, Collingwood Children's Farm has served Victorian families for over 40 years and welcomes local and international visitors daily as a registered charity focused on educational and therapeutic farm experiences.
Being public land, the Farm will remain open and, to help facilitate this merger, the State Government has taken a decision to appoint Wallara Australia as the new managers for the site. Current members of the Farm fully support Wallara Australia becoming the new custodians of the Farm.
"This announcement ensures the community will be able to continue to enjoy the Farm and watch it evolve and grow for many more decades to come", Marija Maher, CEO of Collingwood Children's Farm says.
She says this move also aligns more closely with the social purpose of the Farm by creating more opportunities for people of all walks of life to enjoy, learn and explore the Farm that holds such a deep legacy in the local area. The core mission of the Farm - children and disadvantaged persons - will not change.
Wallara Australia Ltd is well-known across the city for their innovative and inclusive Sages Cottage and Farm on the Mornington Peninsula that welcomes tourists from across the country and creates employment opportunities for Melburnians living with disabilities.
The organisation is expected to rollout more community education programs, create more jobs, invest heavily in the growth of Farm and enhance the overall visitor experience.
Wallara employee Michael Mammone, who lives with an intellectual disability, has been working in land management at CCF the last few months.
He says being able to work outside has been transformational to his mental wellbeing and would love the opportunity to do more work at the site.
“While the geography might be different, both Collingwood Children's Farm and Wallara Australia Ltd are operating in an environment where it makes increasing sense to work together for mutual benefit, and the farms we both operate are remarkably similar in mission,” says Phil Hayes-Brown, CEO Wallara Australia Ltd.
He says the local community will be able to enjoy the space just as they have for generations - with the added bonus of being able to provide meaningful employment for Melburnians with disabilities. "This merger with CCF is a key component of our strategy to build Wallara’s inclusive and innovative programs in Melbourne’s north."
Securing the Future of Collingwood Children’s Farm Update - 7th January 2026
Collingwood Children’s Farm has announced today a new chapter to ensure it remains open, welcoming, and sustainable for generations to come.
Over the past year, the Farm has continued to deliver meaningful community impact: caring for animals, expanding accessible gardens, welcoming thousands of children through education programs, and providing a much-loved place for connection with nature.
At the same time, rising costs, unpredictable weather, and reliance on visitor income have highlighted the need for a more stable long-term operating model.
Earlier in 2025, these pressures placed the Farm at risk, prompting the Committee of Management to work closely with the Victorian Government to secure a sustainable future for the site.
As a result, the Victorian Government has appointed Wallara Australia as the new Committee of Management of the Collingwood Children’s Farm site under the Crown Land Reserve Act.
Importantly, the core purpose and mission of Collingwood Children’s Farm will not change.
The Farm will continue to operate as Collingwood Children’s Farm. A place of inclusion, learning, care for animals, and connection to nature.
What this means for the community
The Farm remains open and operating as usual
Animals, programs, events, school visits, and bookings continue unchanged
Staff employment is protected, with continuity of roles and conditions
The Farm’s identity, values, and community role are preserved
Wallara is a well-established Melbourne not-for-profit with experience in inclusive employment, land management, and community services. They have committed to investing up to $1 million over the next 18 months to strengthen staff capability, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability at the Farm.
This partnership provides the stability needed to protect the Farm’s legacy while supporting its growth as a place where everyone belongs.
For more information, please see the FAQ, below.
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.