The family who own a beautiful 26-hectare property in Jervois plan to share their farm with children, schools and families to help young people from falling through the cracks.
Lisa, and Darren Henly their children Olly, Charleigh and Harry, sold everything, forsaking their city lifestyle, to develop a dream in an old dairy in South Australia.
Naming their 26-hectare dream ‘EGO Farm’ (an abbreviation of ‘Everyone’s Got an Olly’) the family aimed to help Olly by providing respite in a country environment away from sterile hospital surroundings and a chance to be with nature, a chance to experience the freedom and healthy lifestyle of living on a farm.
Identifying as transgender male, Olly was born in Nottinghamshire, England before migrating with his family at the age of four to Australia.
“I never really fitted into school, I was constantly in trouble, I was having problems with my schoolwork, I was continuously in fights and constantly having arguments with the other kids and teachers – all of that,” Olly said.
Olly was then diagnosed with Aspergers, or Autism Level One, in 2013, giving Olly and the family more understanding of his neurodivergent way of thinking.
EGO Farm’s Kiosk, situated at 2776 Jervois Road, Jervois, is raising funds and building awareness of autism in the community.
“Our farm provides guests with a chance to discover who they really are and allow them to be comfortable in their own skin,” Olly said.
Away from his family, Olly also has the support of his team at Genuine Support Services Australia.
Olly, Lisa, and Darren Henly have joined ARN’s Adam Connelly and Jennie Lenman in the studio to share their story and their future plans for the property. Listen below via the audio play button:
