Kair Country opens to NDIS participants

KAIR Country is set to open on the Bellarine Peninsula with the aim of teaching important life skills to those living with a disability.

The farm-stay run by Kirsty Beames and Karlene Murphy is a sustainable property designed to teach NDIS participants the ability to build independence and self confidence throughout different group activities.

During the pandemic Ms Beames reflected on how things were placed on hold and for many living with a disability, this was a particularly tough time.

“We want to give them an escape to the country, getting your hands dirty and learning how to grow your own food is a such a rewarding experience,” she said.

“We want to improve people’s independent life skills and with that improve self-esteem and self-confidence.”

Kristy, who has a background as a laboratory technician, teaching sustainability at TAFE and Karlene, who is an individual support worker for those living with a disability, came up with the concept for Kair Country just four months ago.

“We are bringing in all of our work experiences and education to create a holistic life experience,” Ms Beames said.

Kair Country will get participants involved with nature by offering safe camping experiences, day visits and guided walks.

Ms Beames said the idea came after talking with support workers and providers about the lack of safe camping facilities available for people living with a disability.

“We have organised a camping space set up next to the house, so we have all the elements of camping with that safety in mind.”

Through camping in the controlled environment of the farm-stay, the women are hoping to give participants the confidence to be able to go out on organised trips.

“It is all about choice and control. This is the starting point from here we will take them wherever they want to go,” she said

The services offered by Kair Country will be in line with teaching independent life skills as well as physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Some of the activities that will be offered include learning how to grow a garden, pick ripe in-season produce and make nutritious meals as well as learning about how to live in a lower power environment.

“People take advantage of the fact that the power gets turned on and the water is always there, so I wanted to show people a more natural way of living.”

Kair Country will begin hosting activities and short stays on January 4, 2021.

For more information contact: [email protected].