Few places better represent Sunraysia Residential Services Inc.’s (SRS) evolution over the past 50 years than Benetook Farm.
Today, visitors see a thriving community destination featuring numerous developments and day programs, activities, training opportunities, a café, general store, art spaces and recreational facilities.
But its beginnings in 2015 were far more modest.
Established as a social enterprise designed to create meaningful opportunities for people living with disability, Benetook Farm was developed to provide practical learning experiences in a real-world environment.
The farm’s growth mirrors the broader SRS story.
What started with just 49 hens has since grown into a bustling social enterprise with around 2000 hens, while also offering public events, accommodation and tourism experiences.
Originally offering farm-based training and educational learning experiences, the organisation incorporated essential independent living skills alongside opportunities to explore arts and crafts, customer service, retail operations, and all aspects of layer-hen production.
This unique combination quickly established the destination as one of the most popular attractions for tourists and locals alike, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities and experiences. Since then, it has continued to expand and develop each year.
The arrival of a W Class 830 Victorian Tram in 2019 – which spent 30 years in a dusty workshop at Newport, near Melbourne and now serves as a community café – and the opening of the Historic Café in 2022 have helped transform Benetook Farm into more than a training environment.
They’ve created a destination that actively connects participants with the wider community.
Today, school groups, families, tourists and local residents visit the farm, creating opportunities for genuine interaction, community participation and social inclusion.
The acquisition and development of 1028 Benetook Avenue has expanded the range of future opportunities that will support the next generation of participants.
The addition of Eli’s Place, a unique farm-style accommodation located at Benetook Farm, has also expanded the Farm’s tourism offerings, with the accommodation designed to offer an enjoyable farm holiday event while also providing life learning and educational experience for the participants.
Today, Benetook Farm continues to offer training and skill development opportunities to more than 50 participants across a wide range of activities, while more than 25,000 people on average visit the Farm each year, enjoying everything from market days to a playground, maze, mini golf, bike tracks and a pickleball court.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Benetook Farm is that it demonstrates what can be achieved when people are given opportunities that align with strength-based philosophies, rather than being confined to traditional educational and learning environments.
“Benetook Farm has always been about possibility. Every project, every program and every activity begins with the question: What can people achieve if given the opportunity?” SRS Projects and Benetook Farm Manager Michael Marks said.
“The farm has grown from a simple concept into one of the region’s most unique community assets.
“Benetook Farm succeeds because it creates genuine opportunities for participation rather than simulated experiences.”
As SRS approaches its 50th anniversary celebrations this October, Benetook Farm stands as a powerful reminder that inclusion is not simply about support. It is about creating environments where people can contribute, learn, connect and flourish.
Learn more about SRS’ upcoming 50th Celebrations by following our social media channels or by visiting https://tr.ee/SRS50event
Media Contact:
Vinnie Rodi – Marketing and Events Coordinator
Phone: 0439 364 781
Email: vrodi@srsinc.com.au