Summerland Farm, one of Australia’s most successful disability enterprises, has unveiled a brand-new, purpose-built wheelchair-friendly trailer, designed for inclusive farm tours that the whole family can enjoy.
Set across 238 acres in the picturesque Ballina–Byron hinterland, Summerland Farm is a sustainable macadamia and avocado farm, a much-loved tourist destination and thriving social enterprise of leading disability service provider Aruma.
Celebrating a business built with purpose and inclusion, the attraction brings together agriculture, tourism and social enterprise, inviting visitors to sample local produce, meet farm animals, enjoy family-friendly experiences, all while supporting meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability.
Expanding its commitment to accessibility, the new inclusive farm tour launched this month features a brand new trailer, specially built to accommodate two wheelchairs each tour, and is designed to connect visitors with the land, the farm’s produce and the people behind it.
The tour offers a 45-minute guided, interactive experience for families and visitors of all ages and abilities, taking guests behind the scenes of this iconic working farm to explore orchards, paddocks and specialty crop areas, learn about farming practices and how avocados, macadamias and seasonal produce are grown and harvested, meet cute and friendly farm animals, crack fresh macadamias, and discover the rich story of the farm in a fun, engaging and memorable way.
Dylan O’Malley, General Manager of Summerland Farm said, ‘We’re incredibly proud and excited to launch our new purpose-built, wheelchair-friendly trailer, which allows more people to experience the heart of our farm behind the scenes.
‘Accessibility is a core part of our values, and this investment means guests of all abilities can comfortably join our tours, connect with the land, and share in the stories, produce and purpose that make our farm so special.’
Big operation
Each year Summerland Farm produces 120 tonnes of macadamia nuts and 35,000 trays of avocados, and provides macadamia dehusking, and fruit grading and packing services as a sustainable horticulture business and social enterprise.
Annually the farm dehusks 9,000 tonnes of macadamia nuts, and packs 120,000 trays of produce for more than 280 local farms that are then distributed to major markets and supermarkets. Summerland Farm is the largest distribution hub for Northern NSW farms.
The farm also hosts a vibrant calendar of fun events throughout the year, offers a number of relaxed farm dining choices, a retail hub for fresh local produce and souvenirs, adventure park and a picture-perfect venue for special occasions, weddings and events.
Established in 1972, Summerland Farm today employs more than 130 people with disability across its agricultural and hospitality operations.
The social enterprise provides safe, supportive, and meaningful employment opportunities, fostering empowering environments where Supported Employees feel valued, connected, and proud of what they do.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
