THE lease of farm land will provide opportunities for more people with disabilities to gain employment at award rates of pay.
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Vivability is embarking on a new social enterprise after entering a lease agreement for 3 Veg Farm, an established market garden in South Bathurst started by Cath Jackson five years ago.
The farm has a history of utilising sustainable, chemical-free methods for growing vegetables, with the produce largely staying in the region.
Like Vivability's cleaning company and café, Viva's 3 Veg Farm will employ people with disabilities, who will learn how to grow and harvest vegetables.
Ms Jackson will stay on as a consultant, while Peter Starkey - a familiar face at Vivability - has been appointed as the farm manager.
"I've seen firsthand how being outdoors and working with the soil can change someone's outlook," Mr Starkey said.
"This is a place where people can learn about growing cycles, nutrition, and sustainability, but also experience the joy and calm that comes from working in nature."
In addition to providing employment, Vivability will use 3 Veg Farm produce at Café Viva, and will sell produce to the wider community, starting with rhubarb.
There are plans to offer vegetable box subscriptions for local households, while also supplying produce to local restaurants.
The idea for Vivability to get involved with 3 Veg Farm was sparked by John Fry, a former Bathurst councillor, who helped to bring the two parties together.
After managing the property almost entirely on her own, and needing to take a break from it, Ms Jackson was delighted to welcome new blood to the farm.
"I'm just really excited to have it regenerated, rejuvenated, and I'm really looking forward to see where Vivability take it," she said.
Vivability chief executive officer Nick Packham said this is "a fantastic opportunity" for his organisation to build on the foundations laid by Ms Jackson, and he is looking forward to providing new employment options for clients.
"We've done really well in the hospitality space and the commercial cleaning area, so I'm always on the lookout for the next opportunity, because we want people with disabilities working and immersed in all sectors in the community so they have real opportunity for careers and experiences," he said.
In addition to employment, Mr Packham said the farm could also be incorporated into Vivability's day programs and used for vegetable-growing workshops.
"I think there's a whole range of different ways that we'll let people know what we're doing and to sell the produce," he said.
Already, excitement is building among Vivability clients, who are looking forward to being able to work in a completely different environment to the other opportunities already offered by the organisation.
Manager of social enterprises, April See, said it's not just about employment, but also the holistic health benefits of being outside and working with your hands.
"[The clients] are so excited about something new," she said.
"In terms of the hype around the farm, that's just starting to grow now and evolve, so we're already getting lots of people asking what's going on with it."
She said they hope to recruit "as soon as possible", with it likely people with disabilities will be working on the Bant Street property before the end of 2025.
