A fresh year brings fresh opportunities for local youth. Farm owners Amanda and Chris are opening a new Pakenham hub to support young people, while continuing to offer the unique farm-based experiences at Karinya Farm Counselling. Gazette journalist Afraa Kori reports.
It’s a new year, and Amanda and Chris, owners Karinya Farm Counselling, are cultivating more than crops—they’re nurturing young lives.
From their sprawling Pakenham property, they’ve built a sanctuary where young people can connect, learn, and thrive, surrounded by animals, open paddocks, and the rhythms of farm life.
Now, NextGen Youth Services is taking the next step. The youth-focused program is moving into a new, dedicated building in Pakenham, providing a central, welcoming space for pre-teens through to young adults up to 25.
While the new shopfront will host structured programs like the NextGen Level Up initiative, participants will still have access to Karinya Farm Counselling, maintaining their connection to animals, gardens, and hands-on farm experiences.
Amanda and Chris’ journey began with their own experiences of instability, low self-esteem, and mental health challenges. Raising their three boys inspired them to break the cycles they had endured and create a supportive environment for others.
Amanda’s path was shaped by life-changing events. By her mid-twenties, she had masked her pain with forced smiles and unhealthy coping strategies, until a severe heart attack in 2019 forced her to reconsider her purpose.
“As I fought for survival, I realised my purpose wasn’t just about healing myself but about helping others,” she said.
This led her to a career as an equine behaviourist, working with traumatised horses, which taught her the power of connection, empathy, and healing.
When an injury ended her work with horses, Amanda asked herself a pivotal question: “If I could help horse owners work through their trauma, why not extend that support to young people?”
Chris, equally committed, shares her vision. Together, they have built Karinya Farm Counselling into a safe, inclusive space where both people and animals thrive.
Their farm spans 30 acres and hosts horses, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, sheep, and chickens, all playing a role in youth development programs.
The new Pakenham shopfront allows NextGen Youth Services to reach more young people while keeping the farm’s hands-on, agricultural experiences central to its programs.
“NextGen was created in response to a growing gap we were seeing for young people and young adults who don’t always fit into traditional programs,” Amanda said.
“We’re incredibly passionate about creating spaces where young people feel understood, accepted, and supported to be themselves, and we’re excited about what this next chapter will bring.
“Many of the participants we support are highly capable but struggle with social connection, confidence, emotional regulation, or transitioning into adulthood, work or further study.”
This year’s Level Up program blends technology, gaming, and creative digital projects with life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
“We use technology and gaming as an engagement tool, but the focus is much broader than gaming itself,” Amanda said.
Meanwhile farm life at Karinya Farm Counselling continues to provide structure and therapy.
NextGen welcomes both NDIS-funded and private participants, offering small group sessions with optional one-on-one counselling.
The affordable programs are tailored to each young person’s needs, focusing on abilities, growth, and connection rather than labels or diagnoses.
Looking ahead, Amanda and Chris envision a future where urban accessibility meets farm-based experiences, creating a nationally recognised hub for youth development and mental health.
“We want young people to feel seen, supported, and capable whether in our new Pakenham space or out in the paddocks at Karinya Farm Counselling.”
“NextGen Level Up provides a supportive space where young people can build confidence, connection, and everyday life skills through shared interests. The new space opens in Pakenham on 23 February 2026.”
