White Ridge Farm — Attraction in Greater Brisbane

This is what my sister posted to someone asking after WRF and volunteering and i feel it was important to share with the public:

My experience volunteering at White Ridge Farm was unfortunately marred by serious issues that need to be addressed. During my time there, I endured emotional abuse from the owner, which led to me crying every single day I volunteered. As a 13-year-old, I was placed deliberately in unsafe situations, such as being left alone to care for a camel on my very first day without any guidance or support.

Adding to my concerns was the requirement to pay $50 for a mandatory t-shirt. This expense should have been covered by the farm, considering I was providing my time and effort as a volunteer. The concept of charging volunteers for something that likely cost them very little to produce seems ethically questionable.

Furthermore, the promise of returning my money when I returned the shirt was broken, leaving me feeling frustrated and taken advantage of. The practice of mistreating volunteers is deeply troubling and indicates a lack of appreciation for the valuable work they contribute.

It's true that having a volunteer experience can enhance a resume, but I cannot in good conscience recommend White Ridge Farm to others. The abusive treatment I endured, along with the overwork and abuse thrown at volunteers, creates an environment that is both unhealthy and unfair. Kindness should be extended to volunteers, not cruelty.

On my very first day, I was left unattended in a potentially risky situation with Gypsy in her enclosure. Later, I experienced being yelled at by the owner in front of a customer for not knowing I needed to sanitize golf clubs. This sort of behavior is not conducive to a positive volunteer experience.

While the farm may present a pleasant image to customers, the reality behind the scenes is disheartening. It's clear why they struggle to retain volunteers. As time has passed since my involvement, I sincerely hope that the farm's management has taken steps to address these concerns and create a healthier and more supportive environment for future volunteers. I tried reaching out to express my dissatisfaction, but unfortunately, the response I received was minimal and insufficient.

In summary, I strongly discourage anyone from volunteering at White Ridge Farm. It's important to spend your time and effort where you will be appreciated and respected, rather than subjected to mistreatment and abuse. I hope that changes have been made to prevent others from going through what I...

Today I met a new friend named Cérge. Going out can be very hit and miss, this can cause an enormous amount of anxiety, which can often lead to my not leaving home, at all. Having very recently mastered the art of taking my children on holiday (first holiday in 10+ years), with a support worker, I was quietly confident that we could be successful on this outing because I had Cérge on my team.

On said holiday, I found that there are people and places out there, that were interested in helping families, like mine, to enjoy their facilities and would make accommodations, as necessary. Having said that, I’m a realist and I know that things can go sideways very quickly and for a multitude of reasons. Cérge has completely changed my thought process on this. Now, I wouldn’t second guess visiting anywhere that uses Cérge, because I know that I can trust that we will be successful. The peace of mind that Cérge, and the providers, gives me is invaluable.

The other day we visited White Ridge Farm. We are an Autistic & ADHD, solo parent family, with 2 children (8 & 9), with some added extras which can impede our mobility and endurance. Just for fun, I also brought a friend and her daughter who is visually impaired and uses a white cane.

We were beautifully welcomed on arrival. My children were already in a heightened state and so my anxiety was beginning to kick in, so I was having a little trouble processing what was being said, but I was reassured by the staff member, who took on the decision making for me and set us on our way. She also was sure to let us know that all staff were available at any time during our visit, should we need any assistance. This turned out to be the case in almost all incidences.

All in all, we had a wonderful time. Their animals are just beautiful, and I LOVE that you get a cup of food on the way in. It was particularly special to be able to hang with a bunny, given that they’re illegal to keep as a pet in QLD. Also, the horses had such beautiful demeanours, my son was coming to the end of his capacity when one walked up to him and nudged him for a cuddle.

Good facilities, excellent staff, mini golf, we will be...

We recently visited White Ridge Farm, and it was an absolutely delightful experience for the whole family. Here's what made our visit so special:

Exceptional Staff: Led by the ever-smiling Farmer David, the staff were incredibly friendly and engaging. They went out of their way to ensure our kids had a fantastic time, especially during the animal feeding sessions. It's not every day you see a team so dedicated to their visitors' enjoyment.

Kid-Friendly Adventures: Our kids were thrilled with the wide variety of animals they got to feed. The farm has done a remarkable job in creating an environment where children can safely interact with and learn about different animals.

Fun Rides: The tractor and small train rides were a hit, particularly with the younger children. These rides provided a gentle thrill and a great way to see the farm.

Engaging Activities for All Ages: The mini-golf course was a pleasant surprise, offering a fun challenge for older kids and adults. It's a great way to take a break from the animals and enjoy some light-hearted competition.

Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere: The overall vibe of this family-run business is incredibly welcoming. We spent a fantastic 3 hours here, feeling more like guests than customers.

A Perfect City Escape: For those living in the city, White Ridge Farm is the perfect escape. It offers a wonderful opportunity for city kids to connect with nature and experience farm life.

White Ridge Farm is a gem of a place, offering fun, education, and relaxation in equal measure. It's a must-visit for families looking to create lasting memories. Thank you, Farmer David and team, for such a...