Disability social enterprise Sages Cottage Farm is joining forces with Melbourne Event Group (MEG) to transform the 38-acre farm into a premier wedding venue.
Located on the Mornington Peninsula, Sages Cottage Farm is owned and managed by disability support service Wallara. It is run by 100 of Wallara’s clients with disability and provides them with educational opportunities and employment pathways.
Wallara CEO and father of a child with intellectual disability, Phil Hayes-Brown, told F2L Sages Cottage Farm is all about extending the skills of its clients.
He said the clients are “keen to develop skills in that large events, functions and weddings space”.
At the same time, Sages Cottage Farm aims to “reach, engage and help connect… people to become supporters of disability.
“It’s a win-win,” he said. “We want it to be Australia’s most inclusive farm, and the more people that use it in different ways, the better. We hope that the farm creates a place where we can normalise disability, especially for the cohort… with intellectual disability.”
The farm comprises meticulously restored 1850s heritage-protected buildings, a serene lake, the charming Sages Cottage, an enchanting rose garden, and the picturesque Avenue of Pines.
“We know the rustic farm is perfectly suited to weddings and events and so we really wanted a partner who gets our inclusion vision,” Hayes-Brown said.
“MEG is that partner and we are so excited to have one of the best event and catering teams in Melbourne partner with us.”
MEG Director, Eric Cohen said the organisation is pleased to partner with Wallara.
“Aligning with Wallara allows us to contribute to a vision where inclusivity and excellence coexist seamlessly. We are thrilled to introduce The Stables at Sages Cottage Farm to our portfolio of venues as an ideal for setting for rustic and unique weddings and events.”