Supporters of The Farm in Galong gathered in Canberra earlier this month for a gala fundraiser highlighting the impact of the women’s rehabilitation program and the growing need for long-term addiction recovery services.
Held at the Hellenic Club Woden on 2 May, the 2026 Gala Dinner brought together supporters, businesses and former residents of the program for an evening of fundraising, testimonies and community support.
The evening featured lucky dips, wine raffles, silent auctions and performances by the Hellenic Club’s Greek dancers.
Guests also received a connection to the rural rehabilitation centre through a lucky door prize of fruit, vegetables and eggs produced at The Farm itself.
Speakers included former ACT Director of Public Prosecutions and Supreme Court judge Richard Refshauge, who serves on the board of The Farm, founder Kate Cleary, and guest speaker Jade Neilson.
Neilson shared her experience of growing up in foster care and later having her own children removed from her care before rebuilding her life in recovery.
Organisers described her as a “success story,” having remained out of the child protection system for many years.
Former residents of The Farm also attended the event, including alumni from the program’s earliest years. One graduate in attendance had spent more than 20 years cycling through the court system before turning her life around.
Established in 2019, The Farm in Galong is a residential rehabilitation program for women recovering from alcohol and drug misuse, particularly women affected by trauma, family breakdown and the removal of children into care.
Located in southern NSW, the program provides long-term accommodation, counselling, parenting support and vocational training, with the aim of helping women rebuild their lives and restore family relationships.
Cleary said the gala dinner not only raised funds for the continuation of the program but also highlighted the importance of community support in helping women achieve lasting recovery.
