The Farm at Galong will host its twice-yearly Family Day on 30 May, welcoming families, supporters and visitors to tour the facility and learn more about its long-term recovery program. Photo: The Snow Foundation.
Families, supporters and curious locals will be invited through the gates of The Farm in Galong later this month for a rare glimpse inside the not-for-profit organisation helping women break free from addiction and reconnect with family.
The opportunity comes as The Farm prepares to host its twice-yearly Family Day, an open day that has become an important part of life at the Galong facility, in the Hilltops region, over the past four years.
The event gives families and visitors the chance to see firsthand the progress clients are making while also opening the doors to members of the public interested in learning more about the program and its work.
The Farm operates as a long-term residential aftercare program for women who have already completed rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction, with a strong focus on family reunification and restoring children to their mothers where possible.
Since opening in 2019, the Galong-based organisation has supported around 80 women and children through a therapeutic community model combining counselling, study, parenting support, vocational training and shared responsibilities.
Residents take part in the day-to-day running of the property through cooking, gardening, caring for animals and manual work, while also engaging in regular study and reflection designed to help build confidence, routine and independent living skills.
Operating from the village’s former convent and boarding school, the organisation has attracted growing statewide recognition in recent years, with founder Kate Cleary named NSW Volunteer of the Year in 2024 before later earning finalist status in the NSW Woman of the Year Awards.
Kate says the Family Day gives families a chance to better understand both the program itself and the community residents they become part of during their time at The Farm.
Visitors will hear directly from clients through presentations outlining elements of the program and the changes they have experienced during their time at the facility.
Guided tours of the property will also give guests a closer look at the accommodation, shared spaces and day-to-day life at The Farm.
A barbecue lunch will be provided, while morning tea will feature baked goods prepared by the clients themselves.
Organisers say the Family Days have become an important milestone for many residents, offering an opportunity for families to reconnect in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Supporters of the organisation, including NSW Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, are expected to attend alongside board members, donors and volunteers.
The event follows a successful gala fundraiser held recently for the organisation, helping raise awareness of the work being undertaken at the Galong facility.
Organisers say community backing remains critical to the operation of The Farm and its programs, with donations helping cover accommodation, support services and day-to-day operations.
The Farm’s biannual Family Day will be held on Saturday 30 May from 11 am to 3 pm at the rural rehabilitation and recovery facility at 37 Ryan Street in Galong, around 40 minutes from Yass and about 90 minutes from Canberra.
Those attending are encouraged to RSVP by Monday 25 May.
Further information is available through The Farm Galong or by contacting Kate Cleary on 02 6386 7275 or 0404 112 428.
Original Article published by Edwina Mason on About Regional.
