AN OPEN day with a difference will be held to raise money to make improvements to Bicentennial Park in Campbell Town.
Llama Farma, a unique farm experience based around alpacas, has moved to Ross with new owners Kim Peart and Jennifer Bolton excited to upscale their current flock of five alpacas. Located near Deloraine for many years, the owners of Llama Farma are moving interstate and needed to sell their business, including all 18 llamas.
Kim and Jennifer were looking to buy more alpacas, and three llamas to train to pull a cart, but are now adopting the lot to live at Midgard, their 20 acres of land just east of Ross.
“They are beautiful animals and much loved, trained for people to take them for a walk, and other farm experiences,” Kim said.
“We held an open day on our land, with displays of our future plans, where people could meet the llamas, including a new addition only a couple of weeks old, named Tuart.
“We still look toward adopting more alpacas, with all the colours of fleece that can be found.
“They all have names, including Otto who can jump fences, so some of our fencing will need to be a little higher, especially around the lady llamas, as Otto is a full male.”
Northern Midlands Council recently halted its plan to sell Bicentennial Park, agreeing with community sentiment that the park, set in a historic quarry, could be improved and better utilised.
Located next to the memorial for Harold Gatty, who was born in Campbell Town, and in 1931 was the navigator for pilot Wiley Post in the first round-the-world flight by a fixed wing aircraft, it is now being proposed that the aviation theme of the Harold Gatty Memorial Park be extended over Glenelg Street to Bicentennial Park, to feature the story of aviation.
Kim and Jennifer, who are both currently standing for council (Kim also for mayor and Jennifer for deputy mayor), will be suggesting that the Council match what they fundraise dollar for dollar to improve the park, as well as actively seek state and federal government grants.
A future open day will raise funds to create an interpretation installation on public land near the Ross Bridge.