‘MAGICAL PLACE’ MADE TO WAIT
IF it wasn’t for the country being in lockdown, Katie-lee Yarrow would be putting the finishing touches on Townsville’s latest attraction.
Life of the Laughter is a 30-minute drive out of town and was scheduled to open at the end of June but that has now been delayed.
Ms Yarrow bought the 64ha family-run working farm 18 months ago and was creating a “magical place offering a range of activities and fun”.
Life of Laughter is about bringing joy to people and supporting their mental health and wellbeing while learning about the way of country life.
Ms Yarrow has dreamt about opening the farm for five years and said the hold up was shattering.
“It has been devastating really, especially now because this is where my service could really help the community,” she said.
“Everyone is feeling isolated and withdrawn from society and it is not good for people’s health and that is what I am all about.”
Life of Laughter is home to 200 animals ranging from birds, sheep, cows, pigs, a horse and a pony which collectively eat six wheelie bins of fruit and vegies a day. Life has not slowed down for Ms Yarrow over the past two months, as twin lambs arrived this week. She said she was building the farm as an all-inclusive, all-access facility for people of all abilities and ages to enjoy.
For now, Ms Yarrow is working on building an outdoor adult changeroom and upgrading the farm’s facilities after her team of volunteers had to stop work due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Ms Yarrow said she couldn’t wait until the farm could finally open.
“It is going to be wonderful and the amount of lives we are going to be able to change is incredible,” she said.