Tinker's Farm

22/02/2026

Last week I had the privilege of hosting Mel Shanahan, a blind horsewoman, at the farm — and I’m still reflecting on how much I learned from the experience.

She’s an incredibly skilled and thoughtful horse person who is exploring how to create an equine therapy space for other blind and low-vision people back in Victoria. Watching her work with the horses was a powerful reminder that good horsemanship is about feel, timing, and relationship — not just sight.

She shared practical techniques like using a metronome for navigation, and subtle handling approaches that emphasise clear communication and trust. It was fascinating to see these in action, and it challenged some of my own assumptions about what’s possible.

Moments like this are why I love this work — the exchange of knowledge goes both ways.

Wishing her every success as she brings this idea to life. The horses — and the people who will benefit — are lucky to have her.

20/02/2026

A unique professional development program.

Healthcare and community teams don’t struggle because they lack knowledge.

They struggle because of communication breakdowns.
- Unclear boundaries.
- Stress that leaks sideways.
- Teams working hard — but not always working well together.

Last week I ran the 3rd pilot of The Feedback Field here at Tinkers Farm 🌿🐴

It was designed specifically for healthcare and community teams who want to strengthen communication and cohesion — not just sit through another PD session.

Here’s some of what participants shared:

“Normally PD really drags… but this flew by because we were actually having fun.”

“I didn’t think our team could be any closer — but I was wrong.”

“It provided great reflection regarding working with others and working with self.”

“Definitely quite relevant and showed a good understanding of our industry and challenges.”

That’s exactly what this program is about.

How we show up:
• For our clients
• For our colleagues
• For ourselves

Working with horses makes communication patterns visible very quickly. They respond to clarity, congruence and emotional regulation — not job titles.

Teams get to:
– Practise real-time communication
– Explore boundaries and leadership
– Strengthen trust
– Reflect on how stress shows up in their work

It’s experiential, practical, outdoors — and yes, genuinely enjoyable.

The Feedback Field can be delivered here at Tinkers Farm or I can travel anywhere in Australia.

If you manage or are part of a healthcare, mental health, allied health or education team and this sounds like something your team could benefit from, send me a message.

Stronger teams mean better care.

18/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BQ2DV3mHu/

01/02/2026

We finished our final session of Growing as a Family today.

Over the course of eight sessions, we planted a wide variety of crops — some didn’t survive the wallabies, but today we shared a harvest of field peas, snap peas, blueberries, and raspberries.

Together we learned how to make traditional lye soap, worked with hand tools in simple woodwork projects, ground our own flour from wheat, churned butter from cream, and enjoyed pancakes made from what we’d created.

We spent time learning how to be around horses safely and respectfully, and even drove a pony in harness.

Alongside the practical skills, we built connections with one another and explored self-care and emotional regulation — learning through doing, being outdoors, and sharing experiences as families.

A heartfelt thank you to the families who joined us for this pilot program. We’re deeply grateful for your trust, curiosity, and willingness to be part of something new. We’re very much looking forward to running more programs like this in the future and continuing to grow, learn, and connect together.

31/01/2026

Assessment and ongoing support for ADHD, Autism, and related neurodivergent needs.

Nurse Practitioner consultations at Wynyard Medical Centre for adolescents and adults, including:

• ADHD and Autism assessment and diagnostic support
• Ongoing care and treatment planning
• Functional capacity assessments and reports
• Support accessing education, workplace and community adjustments and services
• Screening and referral for co-occurring conditions, including POTS, EDS, MCAS and related concerns
• Health coaching and psychoeducation to support long-term wellbeing

Appointments can be booked online:
http://halaxy.com/profile/mrs-sefronia-oakes/nurse-practitioner/1043841?clinic=1314569

For enquiries, please contact:
admin@redivivus.com.au

More information is available at:
tinkersfarm.com.au

30/01/2026

The Feedback Field – pilot session reflections

This week we ran the first pilot of The Feedback Field — a horse-led approach to reflective practice for frontline professionals, focused on communication, boundaries and team dynamics.

Working in the paddock (not a classroom), participants explored how they show up under pressure, how they give and receive feedback, how boundaries are held or blurred and what that means for their work with colleagues and clients. The horses provide immediate, honest feedback that makes these patterns visible in a way discussion alone often can’t.

The feedback from the group was genuinely excellent — thoughtful, grounded, and very encouraging.

We already have a couple more teams booked in to help us continue refining the program.

As part of this refinement phase, we’re offering introductory pricing for the next three teams who are willing to provide honest feedback on the program and consent to a small number of photos being taken.

If you work in frontline roles — doctors, nurses, police, educators, allied health or similar — and you’d like to know more, feel free to get in touch.

10/12/2025

It’s Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week!
This week celebrates the work of Nurse Practitioners across Australia — clinicians who combine advanced training with the heart of nursing to improve access, safety and continuity of care.

NPs work in hospitals, clinics, community health, telehealth, mental health, rural and remote settings, disability, aged care and more.
They assess, diagnose, prescribe, support recovery, and walk alongside people through complex health journeys.

NP Week is a chance to acknowledge the role NPs play in strengthening our health system and improving care for individuals, families, and communities.

08/12/2025

SPARK End-of-Year Reflection Post

The final SPARK gathering for the year was a slow, nourishing close to 2025 surrounded by good food, laughter, gentle sound bathing and the kind of company that reminds you why community matters.

SPARK exists so professionals can grow together rather than alone — to share ideas, reflect on practice, offer support, and strengthen the work we do in the world. Sitting together felt like a beautiful embodiment of that purpose.

I’m grateful for this group of thoughtful, skilled practitioners who bring curiosity, compassion and authenticity into what they do. Looking ahead, I’m excited for more collaboration, shared learning, and steady support among colleagues who genuinely want to see each other flourish.

A soft landing at the end of the year — and a bright beginning for the next.

Here’s to growth, connection and meaningful work in 2026.

22/11/2025

A little Tinkers Farm update 💚

Today our lovely miniature horse Zephyr went to his new home.

Although he’s been very loved here, over time it became clear that he wasn’t suited to the changing faces that come with farm programs. Zephyr is the kind of horse who bonds deeply with one person, and he finds it hard to build trust when people come and go.

We’re really happy to share that he’s headed to a wonderful home where he can enjoy exactly what he needs — a calm environment, one dedicated human, and a steady, consistent relationship. He’ll be cherished and thoroughly spoilt, just the way he likes it.

We’ll miss his gentle little presence, but knowing he’s found the perfect match for his temperament makes this a very joyful transition. 🐴💛

07/11/2025

🏃‍♀️ Run for Autism… turned Walk (and Hobble) for Autism 💙

In true “me” fashion, I got a little too excited and went out for a 12 km run the day before Run for Autism officially started… and managed to tear a calf muscle. 🙃

So instead of running for autism, it became a walk/hobble for autism — but I still clocked up 81.7 km of activity in October and raised $760 for a fantastic cause.

A huge thank-you to everyone who donated and cheered me on. Your support means the world — and every step (or limp) was worth it. 💙

Why am I running 70km this October? Because 70% of Autistic people face mental health challenges. I’m running towards a more inclusive world where Autistic Australians have the opportunity to thrive. Please donate now and show your support to my fundraiser. You’ll be helping provide early diagno...

03/11/2025

Animal-Assisted Therapy is an Approved NDIS Support

There’s a lot of confusion in the current NDIS rules about “animal therapy” versus animal-assisted therapy.
While “animal therapy” is not recognised, animal-assisted therapy delivered by qualified health professionals (like counsellors, psychologists, and nurse practitioners) is an accepted therapeutic support.

At Tinkers Farm, we offer evidence-based, animal-assisted therapy as part of our NDIS-funded mental-health services.

Please take a moment to read and share this post from Animal Therapies Ltd — they’re working hard to ensure that legitimate, professional animal-assisted services remain protected under the NDIS.

🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/1DEVLHh4T4/

02/11/2025

It's been a big first week on the farm for Taz.

Born on 14 August, Taz is our newest arrival — a Friesian × Angus calf with a white marking on his forehead that looks just like a map of Tasmania if you squint.

He’s still finding his feet and learning the rhythms of life here — and like many of us, he’s discovering that change, even when it’s exciting, can be a little overwhelming at first.

We’re taking things slow, giving him gentle structure, familiar faces, and space to build confidence. It’s the same approach we take in therapy — recognising that growth happens best when we feel safe and supported. 💚