The Farm Crew
Projects & Maintenance Program
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Farm Crew Program is a practical, hands‑on initiative where NDIS participants take part in real farm projects that build skills, confidence, independence, and community connection. Participants engage in activities such as building and maintaining garden spaces, repairing and improving animal shelters, creating farm infrastructure, and completing seasonal farm tasks.
The program is designed to be inclusive for all genders, with a focus on teamwork, problem‑solving, and learning practical skills in a supportive environment. Each project is guided by staff who provide step‑by‑step instruction, safety support, and opportunities for participants to take the lead.
The Farm Crew Program is offered as both 1:1 support and group sessions, giving participants the flexibility to learn in the way that suits them best.
1:1 sessions allow participants to work at their own pace, receive personalised guidance, and focus on individual skill development.
Group sessions provide a social, team‑based environment where participants collaborate, communicate, and build shared achievements together.
Through meaningful farm work, participants develop independence, physical capability, vocational skills, social connection, and a sense of achievement as they contribute to the ongoing development of J & J Farm. The Farm Crew Program encourages participants to try new tasks, build confidence, and enjoy being part of a positive, community‑focused farm team.
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Autistic participants who benefit from structure, predictability, and sensory‑friendly outdoor environments
Participants with psychosocial disability who need calm spaces, gentle pacing, and confidence‑building activities
Individuals with intellectual disability who thrive with modelling, repetition, and hands‑on learning
Anyone who enjoys animals, nature, and practical activities
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Daily Living
Social & Communication
Health & Wellbeing
Community Participation
Emotional & Sensory Regulation
Confidence & Independence
Routine & Responsibility
Vocational Skills Development
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All sessions are fully supervised by trained Support Workers experienced in disability support and animal care. Activities are adapted to ensure safety, comfort, and success for every participant.
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Participants build real‑world skills, confidence, and independence while forming meaningful connections with animals, nature, and supportive staff. Each visit contributes to measurable progress toward NDIS goals in a positive, engaging environment.
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On The Move Allied Health & Support are NDIS Registered
What Participants learn
Emotional & Sensory Regulation
Using calm, repetitive farm tasks to support regulation
Engaging in grounding, hands‑on activities
Learning to recognise emotions and use coping strategies
Managing sensory input in a structured outdoor environment
Daily Living Skills
Following structured routines and step‑by‑step instructions
Sequencing tasks from start to finish
Organising tools, materials, and workspaces
Building independence through practical daily farm responsibilities
Health & Wellbeing
Building physical capability through gentle movement and outdoor activity
Learning safe body mechanics and pacing
Developing awareness of hydration, rest, and safe participation
Supporting mental wellbeing through meaningful, purposeful tasks
Social & Communication Skills
Working alongside staff and peers in shared tasks
Practising clear communication and asking for help
Building teamwork skills through group projects
Developing confidence in social interactions
Vocational Exposure
Learning basic farm, garden, and maintenance skills
Practising safe tool handling and simple construction tasks
Following workplace routines and project goals
Building readiness for future training, volunteering, or supported employment
Session Structure
Group Size: 1:1 or up to 8 participants
Duration: 3 hours
Times: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
Frequency: Weekly or fortnightly, as per Participant’s plan and goals. You choose your days.
Support Ratio: Group support 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3
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Greeting and settling in
PPE check (boots, gloves, hats, hydration)
Quick safety briefing for the day’s tasks
Overview of the project or farm tasks planned
Participants choose roles (1:1 or group‑based)
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Walk through the farm areas relevant to the day’s project
Identify what needs attention (garden beds, shelters, fencing, tools, materials)
Discuss task sequencing and responsibilities
Sensory and emotional check‑ins before starting work
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Hands‑on work begins, tailored to 1:1 or group delivery:
Building or repairing garden spaces
Maintaining animal shelters or farm structures
Preparing materials and tools
Following step‑by‑step instructions
Practising safe tool use and teamwork
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Water break and rest
Quick discussion about progress
Adjust tasks if needed for pacing, sensory needs, or safety
Opportunity for participants to switch roles if desired
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Continuation of the project:
Completing the main task
Problem‑solving challenges
Collaborative work for group sessions
Independent skill practice for 1:1 sessions
Checking quality, safety, and completion steps
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Cleaning tools and returning equipment
Tidying work areas
Practising routine, sequencing, and responsibility
Reviewing safety and proper storage
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Discuss what was completed
Identify skills used (communication, problem‑solving, physical capability, teamwork)
Emotional and sensory regulation check‑out
Set goals or ideas for the next session
Celebrate achievements and contributions to the farm
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Calm wind‑down
Support with transitions off the farm
Final hydration and wellbeing check
