On The Land
30 November, 2023
On farm fun for all to enjoy
Colourful and unique animals from all corners of Australia live together in Harmony at Hectic Valley Farm, where the owners are welcoming visitors to come meet and feed their friendly “family”.
Home to a family of happy camels, cheeky water buffalo, quick-running geese, very vocal sheep and a peacock as white as snow, owners Kirsty and Anne Weir’s passion is to create a loving and safe environment where people can interact and learn about animals.
Kirsty has always been in love with animals, and when she moved to Mutchilba, she knew she wanted them all around her.
“We have always had a love for animals, and they all sort of have their place on the farm – not gimmicks by any means,” she said.
“We absolutely love them all, and the more, the merrier. We have always had the Clydesdale, and then we got the sheep, which are purebred dorpers, and they thrive in this country.
“And then we have the cattle and some calves and now the camels, which are great weed control and the sweetest animals.”
The idea of opening Hectic Valley Farm to the public came after a discussion about the growing popularity in Hipcamping.
Hipcamp allows property owners to host people on their property to camp.
“Someone mentioned it, and we thought we had to do it when the season was right,” Kirsty said.
“There was a lot of interest from people wanting to see the animals and help feed them and stuff like that, even from locals in Dimbulah.”
While hosting young families, Anne and Kirsty quickly noticed a sense of anxiety when children were meeting unusual animals.
They believe due to housing situations, families are unable to expose their children to animals, and they want to help them gain confidence and learn to be safe around any creature.
“There’s a shortage of places where kids can come and interact with animals,” Anne said.
“Kids just aren’t getting the contact they need, and we would like to see them not afraid of animals.
“They can be cautious, and that is completely fine, but not scared, and that is the main thing. Nobody here on the farm will hurt them, they are all very polite and enjoy the company.
“So, I guess the main aim at the moment is to help people get that experience and exposure to animals.”
Their approach on animal “therapy” has already benefitted many children and their parents who have come onto the farm.
Going from anxious and scared to touch a horse to cuddling up close with their water buffaloes, the growth within each visitor is what makes the Weir family feel proud of what they have created.
The future of Hectic Valley Farm is looking bright, with a few more things left to do to make the farm experience better for everyone.
Besides upgrading the farm, Kirsty hopes she can start looking at ways to educate visitors on the animals, passing her passion and knowledge down to the next generations.
“I guess the vision is to give it more of a professional look,” Kirsty said.
“We have a few more things to tidy up and to grow. We still want to keep it small and not go overboard, but I am thinking of adding a bit of shade and some information cards and do some open days.”
Those wanting to feed the animals are invited to their farm on 50 Springmount Road this Saturday from 9.30am and 4pm and Sunday 9.30am. These times are subject to change depending on the weather, so keep an eye on the Hectic Valley Farm Facebook page for more information.
