From 1942 to 1947 the BBM's executive council included Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley, who asked for proposals to be submitted to the government, so that it could be determined what specific assistance government could provide.

A comprehensive plan including the establishment of a training farm and a hostel for those seeking other than rural work ( see GUNNING HOUSE ) and the provision of employment, medical, dental, legal and welfare services was submitted.

In April 1947 the BBM council decided to buy a 600 acre property known as Karmsley Hills at Bossley Park near Liverpool , New South Wales , for £15,000. Karmsley Hills was dedicated as a memorial to the Little Brothers who lost their lives in the war.

Nearly 4,000 British lads were to pass through this establishment between 1947 and 1971 and many ex-Little Brothers will remember Mr Bob Girvan and his wife Jean who gave fine service as manager and matron for 11 years.

A visit to the City Farm today can be as busy or as relaxed as you want. The main farmyard is home to virtually every kind of farm animal imaginable. There are activity areas, tractor rides, daily demonstrations, a permaculture garden, places to eat, a souvenir shop and much else to do.

Surrounding the farmyard are grazing paddocks, barbeque areas and over 100 hectares of native bushland featuring well-marked walking tracks and superb views.

FAIRFIELD CITY FARM Opening Hours:
The City Farm is open from 9am until 4.30pm, 361 days of the year. Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Good Friday.

The Farmhouse Restaurant is open from 10am until 2pm daily. The take-away cafe section of the restaurant sells a range of hot foods, ice creams and drinks. Services are available for Meetings, Conferences, Parties and Weddings.

Entry Fees:

Discounts also available for groups Educational Programs: Educational programs linked to school curricula in topics such as agriculture, permaculture, the environment and soil conservation are conducted by the City Farm staff.

Telephone (02) 9823 3222 for more information.

How to get to the City Farm: (click here for map)

By Public Transport:
Bus No. 827 runs from Cabramatta and Fairfield Railway Sations to the front gate of the City Farm.  These buses connect with trains from Wynyard and Central railway stations. For accurate bus and train timetable information call 13 1500.

By car:
Turn south off the M4 Motorway onto Wallgrove Road, drive past Australia's Wonderland and follow the signs to Fairfield City Farm. The entrance to the City Farm is off Darling Street in the suburb of Abbotsbury.

Contact Details:
31 Darling Street,
ABBOTSBURY NSW 2176

Tel:  02 9823 3222
Fax:  02 9823 4067
e-mail:  cityfarm@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au