Give Where You Live Foundation buys The Paddock

THE Give Where You Live Foundation has successfully purchased The Paddock in Leopold, retaining the seven-acre farm as a community asset from previous owners Encompass Community Services.

The foundation will take over the property from Encompass Community Services, whose administrators applied to the Federal Court in February to seek consent to sell it to The Foundation.

Regarded as an important community resource for more than 15 years, The Paddock has been used as a base for disability support, employment, training and a range of community events and farmers’ markets.

Foundation acting chief executive officer Meg Price said acquiring The Paddock “strongly [aligned] with [their] goal to build community assets and support learning and employment pathway opportunities, particularly for people facing barriers.”

“The Give Where You Live Foundation exists to create a fairer community, where all people and all places thrive.

“The Paddock has been a much-loved community asset… providing a unique setting for people of all abilities to explore new experiences and learn new skills, in areas of horticulture, grounds maintenance and cooking.

“We’re proud that the time, money, effort and commitment the community has put into The Paddock will be retained and built upon.”

Mrs Price said the foundation would explore further models of operations and potential new opportunities for the space over the coming months.

In doing so, the foundation would seek to broaden connection with the community, local businesses and additional service providers to increase access and inclusion at the farm.

“We’re looking forward to engaging with a range of stakeholders… as we plan the next phase of The Paddock,” Mrs Price said.

“It has been wonderful to see so many of the people who were previously accessing The Paddock excited to be back, reconnecting and maintaining the property while the foundation works to explore all options for the future.

“The feedback we have received on our decision to purchase The Paddock has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re incredibly proud of this outcome.”

For more, head to givewhereyoulive.com.au