Founded in 2021 by Taryn Bankier, the Tasmanian Support Collective is a family-owned and operated business with a mission to enhance the lives of Tasmanian NDIS participants.

Based in the Huon Valley, the Collective's cornerstone is The Grounded Goat, a small, inclusive hobby farm in Mountain River, that offers a unique space for people with disabilities to engage in skill-building activities connected to nature and community.

"My reason for starting Tasmanian Support Collective was inspired by both my late father's legacy and the desire to create an inclusive space and environment that my daughter, a young person with autism, could benefit from," said Taryn.

Taryn's personal experience growing up with her father, a wheelchair user with significant physical disabilities, shaped her vision.

She witnessed the daily challenges he faced but also the sense of inclusion fostered by their family, friends, and neighbours.

"Inclusiveness is extremely important to myself and my team at Tasmanian Support Collective because we recognise that options are limited for people with disabilities and we want to have a leading role in changing the way people see, value and include other people."

The Grounded Goat offers participants hands-on learning experiences in gardening, sustainability, and animal care, helping them build resilience, reduce anxiety, and foster social connections.

The farm's programs are tailored to individuals with psycho, social, and physical disabilities in a safe and accessible environment.

Taryn highlights the importance of nature and human connection in achieving participant goals, citing her 30-year career in the disability services industry as revealing many gaps in systemic service provider approaches.

"We identified that key elements such as connection to people and nature are key to our participant's progress."

As part of her broader mission, Taryn aims to ignite a meaningful discussion within the Tasmanian community about inclusiveness, respect, and valuing every member of society.

"Our mission is large and extremely complex," she noted, "but we are determined to lead this change."

Tasmanian Support Collective invites members of the community to visit The Grounded Goat and witness the transformative work firsthand.

To learn more about their programs and vision, visit their website at tasmaniansupportcollective.com