Resources

Former client Kylie shares her transformative journey from the depths of substance abuse and domestic violence to reclaiming her life and reuniting with her children through the support and rehabilitation provided by The Farm, a not-for-profit organization in NSW dedicated to empowering women in recovery.

In the King v RR, Hunt DCJ of the District Court at Sydney, NSW, on 29 September 2023, sentenced an offender in respect of two groups of offences.

The first being, the counts of supply drug contrary to s.25A(l) of Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985(NSW). The second being, property contrary to s. 193C(1) of Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), and to aggravate, take and detain contrary to s.86(2) of Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).

RR was 39 years old at the time of sentencing and sadly, had a problematical upbringing. This involved her natural father, who was a chronic alcoholic, and her parents separating when she was very young.

New program helps women who have had few chances

Back in 2017 a tiny but daring seed of hope was planted to offer a new chance to struggling Australian women and their families.

The daring involved was great. The idea to create a wholistic rehabilitation centre called ‘The Farm at Galong’ in a neglected former Mercy convent on three hectares of rundown property in the diminutive NSW village of Galong all came from one Catholic woman.

A new live-in program to help women rebuild their lives after drug and alcohol addiction has accepted its first clients.

Reuniting the women with their children is one of the project’s main aims. The children are often removed from their mothers because they cannot care for them.

The first group of women moved into “The Farm”, about one and a half hours from Canberra, last November. They will stay for up to two years, developing skills to gain a job, a home and a support network. A second group of women will be welcomed in May.

"Let's restore the land, let's restore the building, let's restore the children to these women."

What's the concept behind The Farm, an hour outside of Canberra — a retreat started by social worker and former nun Kate Cleary.

She's long been an advocate for those usually ignored by society: women and mothers who've struggled with drug and alcohol addiction.

The Farm is its own small community that helps these women reconnect with their family as well as the wider community through rehabilitation.