Catherine Hardy's Highland cattle farm therapy program launches in Goulburn
Former sign language teacher Catherine Hardy is combining her passion for Highland cattle and disability support to create therapeutic farm experiences in rural NSW.
From city-based sign language teacher to cattle farmer, Catherine Hardy has spent decades helping those who need it most.
Now she’s developing a farm therapy program that bridges her experience in disability support with her love of Highland cattle on 80 hectares at Goulburn, NSW.
Her efforts have now seen her nominated for the 2025 Shine Awards - a partnership between The Weekly Times and Harvey Norman, showcasing the achievements of rural and regional women right across Australia.
“My son’s early diagnosis with a learning disability opened a door I never expected,” Catherine said.
Through a support group called Families First, she met a woman whose hearing-impaired daughter needed sign language support.
This connection sparked Catherine’s move to study sign language at TAFE and help children bridge the gap to communicate.
She went on to teach and train preschool teachers across NSW.
“We’d travel two to three nights a week to different preschools, teaching colours, alphabet and nursery rhymes,” she said.
“It was amazingly received - seeing how signing helped children communicate was incredible.”
Catherine’s transition from city life to farming came when she and partner Steve Wilson, who’d grown up on the land, bought a property together.
Her Highland cattle operation began five years ago as an impulse buy that evolved into serious breeding.
She’s now a NSW Highland Cattle Breeders Group member organising next year’s nationals in Bathurst.
“Highlands are like big puppy dogs - my five-year-old granddaughter can walk out and brush them,” she said.
The 60-head operation includes both Highland and Angus cattle but Catherine sees her Highlands as more than just breeding stock or pets.
She is currently consulting with the local council to establish regular educational farm days for adults and children, hoping to help those with disabilities.
Despite extensive management and safety requirements, Catherine said it was worth it to help those in need.
“My goal is to get schools involved so children can come down and just be with the cattle,“ she said.
“Highland cattle are healers - being with them really calms people.”
Catherine Hardy has been nominated for the 2025 Shine Awards. To nominate an outstanding rural woman you know, click here.
Shine Awards 2025: Meet the winners
