ABOUT US
Today in Australia almost a quarter (23%) of all young people (11-17) experience poor social and emotional wellbeing, which leads to a range of physical and social impairments, as well as stigma and discrimination.
The Good Life Farm aims to give every troubled young person a fresh chance by instilling life skills, confidence, hope and resilience.
Many of our young people are people whom no other organisation or schools will take. We work with them to make positive changes to their lives through guided experiences with animals and nature on a small farm.
It’s a big call and a challenging commitment but we know, after 15 years, we can make a difference.
We want to make that difference for many more young people, so we are on a growth journey.
You can be a part of this journey by supporting the Good Life Farm today.
Our vision and strategy
Vision
A community in which our young people feel safe, reconnect and look forward with optimism to a good life.
Purpose
We provide programs that empower young people to develop emotional resilience and life skills, realise their potential and embrace opportunities to experience a good life.
We apply an evidence-informed therapeutic model founded in:
Our team
Board of Directors
Lesley PORTER
Founder & CEO
Lesley opened the Good Life Farm in Chum Creek in 2005. She is strongly committed to educating people on environmental, social and life skill programs, as well as the benefits of animals interacting with at-risk youth, special needs and celebrating all differences. In 2012, Lesley received the Pride of Australia Medial in recognition of her work.
Michael ROBERTSON
Chair, Treasurer
Michael has worked in corporate ASX listed companies and private family held business for over 25 years and specializes in franchising and small business coaching. He has a deep connection with the land, environment and animals being a land owner in the Yarra Valley. He is passionate about community, in particular our youth and their development.
Susan BOND
Deputy Chair
Susan has worked in government communications and non-profit governance for over 15 years. She is passionate about working with services that provide benefit to the community, especially to our youth.
Richard MEREDITH
Secretary
Richard has been in governance as a board director and a specialist committee member with not for profit, tourism and arts organisations for more than 25 years. In an eclectic career he has worked as a small business owner, marketing and public relations executive, editor, journalist, educator, facilitator, creative practitioner and theatre director.
Tracy-Lynne GEYSEN
Director
Tracy has been a family lawyer since her admission in July 2002.
Since then she has acted for clients from all walks of life.
She was one of the founding members of BLEATS a pro bono group set up to prosecute animal cruelty and neglect cases for the RSPCA in Queensland.
She started her own law firm in August 2009 and was the first animal lawyer in Australia.
She is is now only taking independent children’s lawyer’s matters (a role appointed by the court to assist the court to make an order in children’s best interests) and some animal law matters
She is a passionate advocate for ending cruelty and neglect to children and animals.
She is a “mum” to a Doll Face Persian kitten, Kennedy, who is her pride and joy.
Tania PARKER
Director
Tania has worked in the Natural Health Sector for over 20 years, specialising in Kinesiology and Homeopathy. She has supported people of all ages, from babies to the elderly, and their animals to live happy, healthy, natural lives. She believes in the power of connection whether through good role models, nature and plants, or animals. She loves to work with people to get the most out of their lives.
Tennille PORTER
Director & Psychologist
Tennille is a qualified psychologist with a passion for working with children and youth. Her experiences outside of psychological studies include equestrian performance and environmental care.
Pat TYERS
Director
With a passion for empowering businesses for growth, Pat's experience and expertise span marketing, communications, branding, campaign implementation and creative design. Pat has worked with businesses and organisations both large and small and he specialises in finding creative ways to share their stories, connect with their audiences and achieve their goals. Pat also has broad experience working with charities, not-for-profit organisations, community groups and sporting clubs.
Staff and volunteers
Bronwyn PITMAN
Business Manager
Bron brings to her multiple roles a flair for keeping the organisation running smoothly and doing it with a wonderful sense of humour. Her responsibilities cover everything from managing the office administration and finance to navigating often-sensitive dealings with families, clients, staff and directors and a wide range of government authorities.
While most of her time is spent in the office, she can also work alongside and support our Youth Workers and young people in the program, getting her hands dirty and interacting with our animal friends.
David RING
Youth Worker
Dave came to The Good Life Farm in 2014, after 15 years of working within the construction industry. An electrician by trade, Dave has trained many apprentices in his time.
He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and hands on trades experience as well as a genuine passion to support young people leading him to undertake and successfully complete a Diploma of Community Services.
Dave loves the great outdoors, the environment, permaculture, nature and of course all creatures great and small, hence cementing his position as “part of the furniture” at the Good Life Farm.
Jesse RODIER
Youth worker
"I want to help people"
What started off as a non-committal answer to the question "What do you want to do as a job?", soon saw Jesse completing a Diploma and undergoing his student placement at The Good Life Farm.
Fast forward 8 years, Jesse is proud to call himself a Youth Worker and see the positive impact that The Good Life Farm makes to the lives of many young people.
Sarah MCKENZIE
Youth worker
Sarah is a Youth Worker at the Good Life Farm. Her previous roles have been in disability inclusion, international development, environmental programs and prevention of violence against women.
She is passionate about supporting young people to find things in life that bring them joy. Sarah loves seeing Good Life Farm participants flourish as they develop positive connections with each other and with nature.
Cassandra GUENTHER
Youth worker
Cass has been working in the youth work sector for the past 10 years. With experience in outdoor education, she is passionate about experiential and nature based learning.
When not working with young people, you can find Cass camping, hiking or running!
Olivia ROMANIEX
Youth worker
Olivia's passion is working with kids and youth who have experienced family violence. She believes in providing an alternative approach to supporting children through the arts and nature. Olivia's work focuses on meeting children at their own level to provide child-centred therapeutic support.
Olivia grew up on a biodynamic vegetable farm so feels most at home exploring nature and getting down into the dirt and mud.
Julie DON
Youth worker
Julie has been part of the Good Life Farm team since 2019. With a varied professional background, Julie brings a holistic approach to the program. She has a genuine passion for helping young people, and approaches all situations in a friendly, genuine and kind manner.
Julie has a strong interest in nature, permaculture, animals and helping others. Singing with a local band in her downtime, we are lucky enough at times to enjoy Julie’s lovely voice!
Ray HARGRAVE
Youth worker
Registered Nurse / Certificate 111 Horticulture / CPR and Advanced Life Support Accreditation
The Good LIfe Farm welcomed Ray to the team in 2021.
Ray has worked in many different health care settings, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as a youth worker.
Ray has a genuine love of the bush and a keen interest in growing food. He is passionate about our envirionment, sustainability and permaculture.
The Good Life Farm is a perfect fit for Ray as a place where he is able to combine his skills and experiencein caring for young people with care for the envirionment.
Amber DALGLEISH
Animal Care Assistant / Trainee Youth worker
Having particpated in the Life & Social Skills Program when she was younger, Amber has a deep understanding of The Good Life Farm's ethos and operations.
Engaged to ensure that our animal friends recieve the best care available to them, Amber displays a natural abilty within her role.
Amber also volunteers her time to work alongside our team of youth workers to support young people particpating in the program - her empathy and understanding provide a great base for this work as she contributes to all facets of the operation.
In the press
The Australian Women's Weekly - 31 October 2019