Growing Dreams, Growing Together
Raven Place Farm began as a dream — a vision of a north-facing hill, a creek flowing through the property, and bamboo lining the entrance like an ancient welcome. It was the kind of place where my passions could take root:
Japanese food, chickens, homegrown vegetables, and most importantly, the idea of building a community where we could grow together — sharing produce, talents, and a love for good, wholesome food.
After 22 years as an international flight attendant with Qantas, I took a leap of faith in 2021 and made that dream a reality by purchasing Raven Place. It was a fresh start, a return to my roots, and a commitment to honoring the traditions I had learned in Japan, where I spent four years. In Japan, I learned the art of cooking and fermenting, passed down through my late mother-in-law. Her meals always included a variety of fermented or pickled dishes, each made from scratch, each dish planned to carry over into the next meal — a beautiful act of resourcefulness and love.
But Raven Place was more than just a personal dream. It was a place where I wanted to contribute something meaningful, where food could be more than just something you eat. It could be a way to connect, to restore, and to heal. As I began expanding my veggie patch and growing my flock of chickens, I attended a screening of Rachel’s Farm, a documentary directed by actress Rachel Ward.
Rachel’s journey struck a chord with me. She began her exploration unaware of the environmental toll conventional agriculture was taking, but as she delved deeper, she became a passionate advocate for a movement aimed at restoring the health of our farmland, soil, and food systems. The film painted a picture of the incredible need to support sustainable farming practices and the farmers who are dedicated to making it happen. What resonated most with me, however, was the message that followed the documentary, delivered by a Byron Shire Council's Agricultural Extension Officer: #farmlessfarmers and the urgent need to #growthegrowers.
That moment was a turning point. The words “#growthegrowers” sparked something deep within me. Here I was, with a piece of farmland and a desire to see it thrive — but I needed someone with the knowledge, skill, and dedication to farm it. I needed a farmer, someone who could take the vision I had for Raven Place and help it grow in a way that honored the land and nurtured the community.
So, my next mission was clear: to find a farmer to work my land and join me on this journey.
It wasn’t just about growing food; it was about growing people, supporting a movement that restored both the environment and the community around it. I wanted Raven Place to be a place where people could come to experience the peaceful, rejuvenating atmosphere I first felt when I stepped foot on the property. A place where the food was grown with care and the community was built on shared values.
With my veggie patch already flourishing and my chickens expanding, I was ready to take this next step. Raven Place wasn’t just a dream anymore — it was becoming a place where passion, hard work, and a deep respect for nature could come together to create something meaningful for everyone.
As I look ahead, I envision Raven Place Farm not just as a farm, but as a sanctuary — a place to slow down, breathe in the fresh country air, and experience food that has been lovingly grown and prepared. A place where the community can come together to share, to learn, and to grow — and where, hopefully, future generations will one day be able to taste the flavours of Raven Place and say, "Ofukuro-no-aji," the taste of home.
