Who We Are

Collingwood Children’s Farm respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands; the lands we respect, care for and farm on behalf of all Victorians. The Farm thanks all Wurundjeri Elders past and present for their guardianship of these lands.

Nestled on the banks of Birrarung and only four kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, Collingwood Children’s Farm was founded in 1979 to support and engage local children experiencing adversity. As a much loved not-for-profit organisation, the Farm’s reason for being remains true to its roots: community engagement, education and connection with nature, green space and animals.

  • Collingwood Children’s Farm is a haven for children and adults alike, with daily activities and acres of green space and gardens to explore.

    Engage with friendly farm animals, immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors, learn about food systems, participate in one of our programs, or sit back with a coffee and observe the goings on of a thriving community farm—there’s something for everyone!

    Collingwood Children’s Farm supports social inclusion through a range of community programs delivered on a working farm. These programs develop self-esteem, self-worth and connectedness, particularly of children and those experiencing adversity.

    The Farm facilitates the participation of children and their families in broader community life and encourages a connection to nature.

    Our school, volunteer and community programs provide enjoyable and educational opportunities around urban agriculture and offer knowledge, skills and connections that build pathways to further employment in the industry.

    Your entry, membership and venue fees help us to care for our animals, conserve the heritage farmland and fund inclusive programs to support those experiencing adversity.

    For more information about our constitution and the rules of our incorporated association, click here.

Wurundjeri

Collingwood Children’s Farm respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the Abbotsford Precinct Heritage Farmlands; the lands we respect, care for and farm on behalf of all Victorians. The Farm thanks all Wurundjeri Elders past and present for their guardianship of these lands.

Visit the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation’s website to learn more about cultural heritage work and find educational resources.

Funding

Collingwood Children’s Farm is largely self-funded through trade and uses this revenue to care for its animals, conserve the heritage farmland and fund inclusive programs to support those experiencing adversity.

  • No! We receive a small contribution from the Department of Education for our Early Years programs but otherwise, all funds are directly raised through entry fees, program fees, venue hire and grants.

  • While grants are a welcome addition to our budget, applying for them is a big task so we are trying to become more and more self-sufficient by raising funds ourselves through Donations and Memberships

  • By getting involved! Visit the Farm, book a school excursion, plan a birthday party, book a corporate experience, have your wedding here or come to one of our workshops.

  • Absolutely! The Farm welcomes donations of any amount.

Social Trader Certified

Collingwood Children’s Farm is a Social Traders certified social enterprise.

  1. Operates with a primary social, cultural or environmental purpose,

  2. Derives a substantial portion of revenue from trade, and

  3. Reinvests profits towards its purpose such that public benefit outweighs private benefit.

Our History

Nestled within the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia, our beloved farm has a rich and captivating past that spans over several decades. From humble beginnings as a local community project to becoming a cherished educational resource, the Farm has positively impacted the lives of countless children, adults and families throughout its history.

Join us on a journey back in time as we explore the origins, milestones and heartwarming stories that have shaped Collingwood Children's Farm into the beloved destination it is today.

Governance

Collingwood Children’s Farm is governed by a dedicated Committee of Management, comprising skilled and experienced volunteers, the Farm receives strategic direction and oversight from the CoM.

This arrangement allows management and staff to focus on day-to-day operations while ensuring transparency, accountability and community participation is maintained.

CoMs play a vital role in managing Crown Land reserves for the benefit of the community, with approximately 8000 volunteers serving on nearly 1200 committees across Victoria.

Have your say at Annual General Meetings

As a Farm member, you have the privilege of voting in the CoM elections during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held each year. Updates will be posted here when available.