COLLINGWOOD CHILDRENS' FARM RARE BREEDS PROJECT

Rare Breeds of Australia Ltd was successful in 1999, in receiving a $25,000 grant under the Victorian Federation Grant Scheme, to put Rare Breeds of Domestic Livestock which were present and popular in Victoria in 1901, into a display at the Collingwood Childrens' Farm.

The Collingwood Childrens' Farm in the inner city suburb of Abbotsford in Melbourne is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and the land has been continuously farmed since European settlement. The convent purchased the site in 1863 with the main convent foundation stone being laid in 1901. The farm has operated as the Collingwood Childrens' Farm for twenty years.

To house the display of eight breeds, several new enclosures have been constructed and historically older ones renovated to suit the period of Federation.

The permanent displays will be a lasting legacy, with both children and adults being beneficiaries of an increased knowledge and understanding of Australia's past. Whilst many visitors to the Farm are city dwellers, farmers and backyard keepers will also be able to make use of the resources of Rare Breeds of Australia Ltd and the Collingwood Childrens' Farm.

Teaching notes on the breeds and their significance will be available for schools, teachers and students as part of the project.

Rare Breeds displayed are:

• Cattle: Ayrshire Cow - dehorned because of danger to the public
• Pigs: Berkshire - both sexes
• Sheep: Shropshire - ewes only
• Ducks:
  • Fawn & White Indian Runner - both sexes
  • Pekin - both sexes
• Poultry:
  • Favorelles - hens only
  • Black Orpingtons - both sexes
  • Brown Leghorn - both sexes
  • Black Leghorn - hens only, with rooster rotated with Brown Leghorn rooster

Dr Sue Corby, Mayor of Yarra City Council, opened the Rare Breeds enclosures on Sunday, 16th December, followed by Megg Miller presenting a brief outline of the historical significance of the breeds selected.

The new poultry display pens at Collingwood Children's Farm and Dr Sue Corby launches the project by “releasing” a Favorelles hen into her enclosure.

Last updated 19 February 2002