Festival of food
and farming
20th-23rd august 2025

Festival of Food and Farming
ONLY 50 SPOTS AVAILABLE
LOCATION
Changing Habits Farm – 314 Reesville South East Queensland (5 mins west of Maleny, Sunshine Coast)
Get ready to immerse yourself in all things Food and Farming. Cyndi O’Meara purchased the Changing Habits Farm a decade ago. As a nutritionist, she was concerned about the quality of food. Since the purchase, she and her family’s learning curve has been steep, being the custodian of the land that, in turn, produces food for family and community.
Cyndi wants to give 50 people the opportunity to fast-track and learn what she has taken years to amass by trial and error. Her farm now works as a well-managed ecosystem providing abundance for all who visit. She uses Biodynamics, Natural Sequence Farming, Syntropics, Cell grazing, poultry husbandry, multi-species pastures, worm farming, mycoregen, soil ecology and composting, to name a few. Whether you want to learn one of these modalities or soak in everything, this festival is for you. Learn from the experts who have been instrumental in transforming a chemically farmed land into what it is today.
Festival of Food and Farming
20-23 October 2025
$997.00
Includes
- 4 Days of education (see details below)
- Tea, coffee – morning & afternoon Tea
Does not include
- Lunch
- Friday night dinner – optional extra – see details below

What you will learn
- Insights into Syntropic farming and its benefits for soil health.
- Soil health as it relates to plant, human, animal and planet health.
- Effective Cell Grazing and poultry husbandry strategies.
- Real-world applications of holistic farm management.
- Skills in worm farming and composting for enhanced soil fertility.
- Preparing and utilising natural farming preparations.
- Mycoregen methods using fungi to eradicate woody primaries including privet and camphor laurel.
- Techniques in Natural Sequence Farming for land restoration.
- Low Stress Stock Handling.
- Being a farmer without owning land but successfully leasing for profit.
- Changing your profession to passionate successful farmer, creating a new lifestyle.
Future of Farming
Immerse yourself in the world of regenerative agriculture and leave with a profound understanding of innovative farming techniques. You’ll discover how to restore and revitalise degraded land, creating an harmonious ecosystem. Enhance your farm’s productivity while reducing its environmental impact through expert guidance and hands-on experience. Join a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to ethical and regenerative farming practices. Transform your approach to food production and develop the skills needed to grow high-quality, nutritious food regeneratively. Embrace the future of farming and become a leader in agricultural innovation.


About Mycoregen
Mycoregen is the process of regeneration through the use of mycelium. Participants will cover the theory behind creating disturbance in an ecosystem and what happens thereafter. See the results on the Changing Habits Farm through the riparian area with privet. Not only will you learn the theory but apply practically through ringbarking and inoculating woody weeds with endemic strains of mycelium. Mycoregen addresses how to effectively phase out woody weed (namely Camphor Laurel & Privet species) while at the same time providing food, medicine and a local economy.

About Syntropics
Syntropic farming offers a sustainable and regenerative approach to agriculture, which can help to address issues such as soil degradation and food security. Syntropic farming involves creating a balanced and resilient agro-ecosystem, where each plant species interacts with others to create mutually beneficial relationships. This leads to a reduction in the need for pesticides and fertilisers and improves the overall health of the soil, improving the nutrition of the plant.
The method has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its ability to produce high yields while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.
About Syntropics
Syntropic farming offers a sustainable and regenerative approach to agriculture, which can help to address issues such as soil degradation and food security. Syntropic farming involves creating a balanced and resilient agro-ecosystem, where each plant species interacts with others to create mutually beneficial relationships. This leads to a reduction in the need for pesticides and fertilisers and improves the overall health of the soil, improving the nutrition of the plant.
The method has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its ability to produce high yields while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.


About Biodynamic Farming
Biodynamic farming is a holistic and sustainable approach to agriculture that is based on the principles of Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher and scientist. Biodynamic farming emphasizes the interconnectedness of soil, plants, animals, and the cosmos, and seeks to create a self-sustaining and harmonious ecosystem. Biodynamic farmers use a variety of practices, such as composting, crop rotation, and the use of natural preparations, to improve soil fertility and plant health, while minimising the use of synthetic inputs. Biodynamic farming also involves following a planting and harvesting calendar based on lunar cycles and other astrological events. Proponents of biodynamic farming claim that it can produce healthier crops, higher yields, and more resilient ecosystems, while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.
About Regenerative Farming
Regenerative farming is an approach to agriculture that seeks to improve the health and vitality of soil, water, and ecosystems, while also producing food and fibre. It focuses on building soil health through practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, composting, reduced tillage, and the integration of livestock. These practices work together to improve soil structure, increase water retention, reduce erosion, and enhance nutrient cycling.
Regenerative farming also emphasises the use of natural pest management techniques and the preservation of biodiversity. By prioritising soil health, regenerative farming aims to create resilient and sustainable agricultural systems that can adapt to changing environmental conditions and support the long-term health of both people and the planet.


About Regenerative Farming
Regenerative farming is an approach to agriculture that seeks to improve the health and vitality of soil, water, and ecosystems, while also producing food and fibre. It focuses on building soil health through practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, composting, reduced tillage, and the integration of livestock. These practices work together to improve soil structure, increase water retention, reduce erosion, and enhance nutrient cycling.
Regenerative farming also emphasises the use of natural pest management techniques and the preservation of biodiversity. By prioritising soil health, regenerative farming aims to create resilient and sustainable agricultural systems that can adapt to changing environmental conditions and support the long-term health of both people and the planet.

About Low Stress Stock Handling
Low Stress Stock handling places the emphasis on mutually beneficial outcomes for stock and handlers regardless of yard design.
The foundation for Low Stress Stock Handling is 4 Basic Animal Instincts that explain what animals want and why they behave the way they do. In addition there are 7 Principles that guide how we can interact with the animals to work with those natural instincts and produce low stress outcomes. If the right methods are implemented, livestock will move with less stress through most facilities. Moving stock can be a low stress, painless activity for the livestock and the handlers.

About Human Health and Soil Ecology
Soil ecology is the study of how organisms in the soil interact with each other and their environment. It also examines how these interactions impact soil processes and properties. The benefits of a healthy soil ecology includes nutrient cycling, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water holding and filtration, pest control and habitat. Without a diverse ecology, plants lack health and strength. It is the microbes in the soil that make the vitamins, phytonutrients and antioxidants for the plants to take up as well as release the minerals for sequestration by plants which then in turn help with the health of the consumer be it animal or human. The link between soil health and human health are linked. With the increase in chronic disease across all sectors of the population an education in soil ecology is a must.
About Human Health and Soil Ecology
Soil ecology is the study of how organisms in the soil interact with each other and their environment. It also examines how these interactions impact soil processes and properties. The benefits of a healthy soil ecology includes nutrient cycling, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water holding and filtration, pest control and habitat. Without a diverse ecology, plants lack health and strength. It is the microbes in the soil that make the vitamins, phytonutrients and antioxidants for the plants to take up as well as release the minerals for sequestration by plants which then in turn help with the health of the consumer be it animal or human. The link between soil health and human health are linked. With the increase in chronic disease across all sectors of the population an education in soil ecology is a must.


About Making a Profit – with or without owning Land
You will have the opportunity to not only see the Changing Habits Farm, but also Tin Shed Farm, a neighbouring farm producing eggs and cattle. Their motto “you can never produce too many eggs”. You will hear from farmers who own their land and those that lease their land both making a profit while feeding their community and being incredible custodians of the land. Age is no barrier, young couples, corporate retired couples all making a difference.
SCHEDULE
Please note: Schedule may change
DAY 1
Wednesday 20 August 2025
9am – 5pm
9.00am – 12.30pm – Tim and Hannah from The Food Farm First Generation Farmers Leasing Land for Profit
Lunch 12.30pm – 2.00pm – time for networking and eating. BYO picnic lunch
2.00pm – 5.00pm – Graham Sait – Soil Health and Human Nutrition
DAY 2
Thursday 21 August 2025
9am – 5pm
9.00am – 12.30pm – Pierre Loiseau – Mycoregen workshop
12.30pm – 2.00pm – Time for Networking and Eating
BYO picnic lunch
2.00pm – 5.00pm – Brogan O’Meara – Regenerative Farming
DAY 3
Friday 22 August 2025
9am – 3.30pm
9.00am – 12.30pm – Carl & Caron von Bardeleben – Tin Shed Farm Operations. From International Pilot to successful profitable farm providing food for a community.
Lunch 12.30pm to 1.30pm – time for networking and eating BYO picnic lunch
1.30pm – 3.30pm – Rob Wyborn – Syntropics on The Changing Habits Farm
DAY 4
Saturday 23 August 2025
9am – 5pm
9am – 12.30pm – Stuart Mc William from Black Bird and Beast – Natural Sequence Farming
Lunch 12.30pm – 1.30pm – time for networking and eating BYO picnic lunch
2.00pm – 5.00pm – Andrew Lewis – Low Stock Stress Handling
FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER
22 August 2025
5pm – 9pm
FARM TO TABLE DINNER – LIVING A REGENERATIVE LIFE
Dinner with Cyndi O’Meara and Michael Yeowart
Join us for a one-of-a-kind farm-to-plate dinner experience hosted by Cyndi O’Meara author, documentary maker, nutritionist and educator, founder of Changing Habits, Changing Habits Farm, the Nutrition Academy and co-founder of the Packing Company. Cyndi will be presenting on How to live a Regenerative Life.
Our talented chef, Mike Yeowart from Luvarlee and founder of The Gut Club has created a mouthwatering menu that celebrates the flavours of the season.
Each dish is carefully crafted using the highest quality ingredients sourced from Regenerative Farms in the local community. As you enjoy your meal, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the journey of the food from the farm to your plate and the importance of this way of eating for the universal health of humans, animals, plants and planet.
Cyndi and Mikey will all be on hand to share their insights and answer any questions you may have.
Dinner drinks will be supplied by Hilbilby (Fire Tonic), and the meal will finish by the fire, weather permitting.
We are so excited to host you and feed you the best and most nutritious food and drink.
BYO LUNCH AT THE FARM
For the four day event to keep our costs down and to make the event affordable for people we have decided NOT to provide lunch each day. We will provide organic coffee and a mixture of black, green and herbal teas throughout the day with some morning and afternoon tea.
Your options.
Lunch will be 90 minutes, you can go into Maleny 5 minutes from the farm or you can bring a picnic lunch each day and enjoy a patch of grass with stunning views in the sunshine and the company and networking opportunities of staying on the farm.
TICKETS
4 DAY PASS
20th August - 23rd August 2025- Day 1 – Leasing Land for Profit | Soil Health and Human Nutrition
- Day 2 – Mycoregen Workshop | Regenerative Farming
- Day 3 – Profiting from a small farm |Syntropics
- Day 4 – Natural Sequence Farming | Low Stock Stress Handing
- Snacks, tea & coffee each day
- Please see full itinerary above for more details
- Lunch is NOT included
Farm To Table Dinner
20th August - 5pm-9pm- Join us for an unforgettable Farm to Table Dinner hosted by Cyndi O’Meara, author, documentary maker, nutritionist and educator, founder of Changing Habits, Changing Habits Farm, the Nutrition Academy and co-founder of the Packing Company, as she presents How to Live a Regenerative Life. Enjoy a seasonal, locally sourced menu crafted by chef Mike Yeowart (Luvarlee, The Gut Club), featuring the finest ingredients from Regenerative Farms.
- Learn about the journey of your food and its impact on human, animal, and planetary health while sipping on Hibilby Fire Tonic and finishing the evening by the fire (weather permitting). Cyndi and Mikey will be there to share their insights and answer your questions—come nourish your body and mind!
- This is an optional extra. Purchase by following the link below.
MEET OUR SPEAKERS & INSTRUCTORS

Carl & Caron Von Bardeleben
From soaring the skies to nurturing the land, Carl traded his career as an international pilot for a life rooted in sustainability. In 2019, he and his wife Caron moved to undeveloped land in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, building Tin Shed Farm from the ground up—starting with a tin shed and a vision. Their mission? To regenerate soil, live simply, and serve the community through pasture-raised, whole foods. With each sunrise, Carl and Caron tend to their livestock and land, proving that a dream, fueled by passion and hard work, can transform not just a lifestyle, but health, land, and community.

ROB
WYBORN

STUART MCWILLIAM
Stuart and his wife, Amber, began their farming journey with a backyard chicken coop in suburban Wollongong, NSW. Today, they manage a small herd of Speckle Park cattle in Laggan, NSW, and are passionate advocates for regenerative agriculture. Both have studied Natural Sequence Farming with Tarwyn Park Training, equipping them to offer farm inspections, planning, and coaching across Australia. Together with their children, they travel the country, sharing their expertise to promote sustainable farming practices and landscape rehabilitation.

TIM &
HANNAH
Tim’s passion for agriculture began as a child, running barefoot in the backyard with an egg in hand. Despite growing up in a peri-urban area with limited farming opportunities, he pursued conventional agriculture, earning a scholarship to the UK. A chance meeting with a farm owner and a challenging business experience reshaped his perspective. Tim and his wife Hannah realised the flaws in modern farming—degraded soil, unhealthy food, and disconnected consumers. This led them to establish The Food Farm, where regenerative practices create healthier soil, happier animals, and nutrient-dense food, reconnecting people with where their food comes from.

Graeme
Sait
Graeme Sait, CEO and co-founder of NTS, is a globally recognised educator, author, and speaker, specialising in the profound link between soil health and human health. With over 300 published articles and the popular book Nutrition Rules!, he has influenced farmers, consultants, and policymakers worldwide. His expertise extends from sustainable farming initiatives in South Africa and Vietnam to consulting for elite vineyards and iconic gardens. A TEDx speaker and advocate for planetary health, Graeme’s work highlights the critical role of soil in nourishing people and reversing climate change.

BROGAN O’MEARA

ANDREW
LEWIS
Andrew Lewis grew up on the Darling Downs, where his grandfather nurtured his passion for livestock and the rural industry. With over 20 years of experience managing livestock enterprises across Queensland, Andrew specialises in holistic land management and low-stress stock handling. His time working with Jim and Terry Lindsay in Hughenden refined his grazing and handling skills, reinforcing the value of continual self-improvement. Now, with years of training and extension work, Andrew is dedicated to supporting agricultural businesses and educating the next generation of farmers.

PIERRE
LOISEAU
Pierre is an organic bush regenerator and citizen mycologist dedicated to restoring ecosystems through fungi. He specialises in using endemic fungal strains as biological control agents to combat woody plant weeds, aiding in land regeneration. With years of experience in productive agroforestry systems, Pierre explores the role of mycelium in improving land management and ecosystem health. Passionate about ecological restoration, he continues to push the boundaries of creativity and sustainability in agriculture, blending traditional wisdom with innovative fungal applications.

MICHAEL YEOWART
Mikey, is the founder of Luvarlee and has been a Chef for over 13 years. Mikey has always been passionate about food and cooking. He began his Chef journey at the River House on the Noosa River at 15 years of age. He completed his apprenticeship by 18 and it has been his career ever since.
Mikey has worked in many countries and immersed himself in different cultures to learn new ways of cooking. Growing up in Noosa, Queensland meant that Mikey always had access to fresh, local, seasonal and organic produce. It is something he believes is a key ingredient when cooking the best quality and best tasting food.

CYNDI
O’MEARA
Cyndi O’Meara is an international nutritionist, speaker, author, and documentary maker, as well as the founder of Changing Habits. Passionate about challenging mainstream health claims, she advocates for real, nourishing ingredients from trusted, sustainable sources. Committed to community well-being, Cyndi also founded The Nutrition Academy and owns Changing Habits Farm, where she continues to educate and inspire people to take control of their health through informed, conscious food choices.
ACCOMMODATION
Cattleman’s Cottage
Located on The Changing Habits Farm www.thecattlemanscottage.com or call Monique for bookings 0447440072
Changing Habits Farm Fig Tree Caravan and Camping
limited spots book early – water and toilets available. Call Monique for bookings 0447440072
Maleny House
Newly renovated – 3 Queen Beds and a sofa bed – sleeps 8. Normally $450.00 per night but $900 for three nights over The Festival of Food and Farming (next door to Changing Habits Farm – 100 metres from the venue) – phone Alison 0408191030
Maleny Country Estate
https://www.malenycountryestate.com.au
Fig Trees on Watson
Cattleman’s Cottage
Located on The Changing Habits Farm www.thecattlemanscottage.com or call Monique for bookings 0447440072
Changing Habits Farm Fig Tree Caravan and Camping
limited spots book early – water and toilets available. Call Monique for bookings 0447440072
Maleny House
Newly renovated – 3 Queen Beds and a sofa bed – sleeps 8. Normally $450.00 per night but $900 for three nights over The Festival of Food and Farming (next door to Changing Habits Farm – 100 metres from the venue) – phone Alison 0408191030
Maleny Country Estate
https://www.malenycountryestate.com.au