It is there that Tim Francis runs A Taste of Paradise permaculture and organic farm.

The 100-acre farm helps heal disadvantaged youth by introducing them to the everyday miracles of farm life.

And it’s all done on a shoestring budget, an inspiring vision and lots of prayers.

The idea of the farm is to change the lives of young disadvantaged people and those suffering with a disability by helping them to re-establish trust and gain confidence in both themselves and others.

With the support of his family and the local community Tim started the farm 15 years ago.

He was inspired by a vision he had received a decade before.

With no government funding available for the project, Tim and his wife Andrea borrowed the money to start, with friends and family chipping in.

“It was a big commitment,” Tim said.

“It really has been a walk of faith but we are well-provided for.

“We live week-to-week and sometimes day-by-day but it means we get our priorities right.

“What’s happening out here - there are so many success stories.

“The biggest thing is to see the young people build their self-confidence and self-esteem.

“It gives them an opportunity to love something unconditionally, to help things grow, to nurture things,” he said.

Most of those attending the day programs at the farm are aged between 12 and 20 and their circumstances are varied.

“We are often referred the most challenging cases. It really is a place of new beginnings and people can come here from one month to six years,” he said.

Colin Agar from Berry is on the farm’s board of directors and has known Tim and his family for around 25 years.

“I am in awe of his passion and dedication,” Colin said.

“The farm has gone from just a concept to something that is amazing and powerful and achieves so much.

“Tim is probably one of the most amazing people I’ve ever come across.

“He has an amazing faith in God and his dedication to what he is doing is way beyond what most people could do.

“As a farmer, it’s impressive to me that he has been able to diversify the farm so much too,” Colin said.

The farm is run as a mixed organic farm with a fruit and nut orchard, a range of livestock including beef cattle, goats, horses and poultry, a conservation area, and the beginnings of a timber plantation. 

The farm takes on up to 20 young people a week, who come to do different tasks and courses depending on their confidence and abilities.

Even though Tim is happier to be a behind-the-scenes person he often speaks at local organisations that are keen to know more about the work he is doing.

“We always put the needs of the young people first though,” Tim said.

And that philosophy is what guides Tim and his family.

“Miracles happen out here every day and I feel so privileged to be included in that story,” he said.

For more information on the farm or to make a tax-deductible donation visit www.atasteofparadise.com.au.