......."a respite to build skills, reconnect with nature and make friends"
Welcome
We are fortunate to live in the beautiful Yarra Valley on a serene and tranquil 50 acre property, and would like to welcome adults with additional and complex needs, to immerse themselves in our piece of nature.
Whilst here on respite, we hope to provide an environment that is catered to each person’s needs and interests with a focus on skill building, social interaction, communication and new experiences.
We aim to achieve person centered goals, working with a 1:4 ratio for low or a 1:2 ratio for medium care, all supported in a farm house setting.
The farmstay runs from 4pm Friday to 4pm on the Sunday and our 2025 available dates are listed below:
(Please contact us via email below if additional dates are required.)
January -Booked
February -Booked
March -Booked
April -Booked
May -Booked (Friday the 2nd to Sunday the 4th)
June -Friday the 27th to Sunday the 29th
July -Friday the 25th to Sunday the 27th
August -Friday the 1st to Sunday the 3rd
September -Friday the 19th to Sunday the 21st
October -Friday the 17th to Sunday the 19th
November -Friday the 14th to Sunday the 16th
December -Friday the 12th to Sunday the 14th
Our mission is: To facilitate an experience which creates opportunities and above all promises to be fun, with all guests being treated with dignity, respect and compassion.
We hope to meet your smiling faces and see you “shine” in your own individual way, here at “Open Gate”
Your excited host,
Caz
OUR ROOMS
We have two rooms on offer, both are shared accommodation with two single beds and two king singles.
About Us
Coming from a background of nursing and working in the industry for the past 30 years, it was by luck that I was introduced to the disability sector, an opportunity I will always be grateful for.
Having worked in nursing for such a long time, I found I was able to offer much needed medical input whilst supporting clients. Also working with associated allied services, my understanding of many ongoing health issues and complex needs was appreciated.
It didn’t take long for me to realise how truly blessed and privileged I was to have made this transition, to be able to work in an industry that requires more than just “showing up” and one that just keeps on giving back.
Getting to know people's needs and goals in life and assisting them to work towards these while helping to overcome barriers, is incredibly satisfying. Forming relationships with clients, families and carer's is also a special part of the job.
Over the past 10 years in this sector, I have studied, drawn knowledge and skills from others and aimed to provide the best support and care that I can for each and every person. Allowing individuality, offering support, but leaving space for all to have choice and control is vital.
That’s where “Open Gate Farmstay and Respite” comes in!! Now living on a 50 acre property in the beautiful "Yarra Valley" Melbourne, I wanted to offer a respite whereby those who may not have had the opportunity to experience something like this, could come and enjoy a release from anxiety and tension as well as build skills, work towards new challenges and adventures; all in the fresh outdoors.
I want people to come and stay, fully supported 24/7 and have their visit tailored to their own interests, goals and dreams. A place to stay safely, where families can know their loved ones will be cared for and that they can also have a much deserved break with peace of mind.
All staff and/or volunteers are Police and Working with Children checked to access our farm.
People with additional and complex needs should be able to have an authentic experience, a place to make friends and do the things they love, all whilst staying on a real farm, in a homely, caring environment....Opengate.
I look forward to meeting you and your loved ones and having the opportunity to facilitate a special time away that will build lasting memories, fun times and friends.
Your host,
Caz
Gallery
Experiences
Games
Build social skills and hand/eye co-ordination with giant Jenga,
pick up sticks, Bocce and more!
Karaoke
Step out of your comfort zone and try something new, or just enjoy the music.
Outdoor Cinema
Pull up a deck chair, relax and enjoy the show!
(Weather Permitting)
Animal Therapy
Come and handle the Chooks, Ducks, Guinea Pigs and Horses.
The therapeutic element is enormous!
Crafts / Woodwork / Farm-skills
Try your hand at some new skills,
we offer many crafts, basic woodworking (Bird feeder for example) and perhaps learn how to fix a fence
Cooking
Experience and learn skills from bush cooking to devonshire tea
GUEST REVIEW
