Over the past few months at the Australian Agricultural Centre, a poddy lamb called Lily has provided an
important service, providing students motivation, companionship and stress relief. CEO, Jo Marshall says she
had stolen the hearts of many who visited Wharekarori.

The orphaned Lily could be found accompanying the CEO of the AAC Jo Marshall everywhere at the AAC farm,
and the little lamb had even learned her name. Lily the Lamb was an important part of the team, and
unfortunately, as happens with the challenge of raising poddy lambs, she passed.
Jo has had experience caring for poddy lambs and says her companion animal had a “profound impact” at the
AAC. People who visited pet and fed her, and she was an “icebreaker for anyone who hadn’t been around
livestock.

Lily was similar to a therapy or assistance animal. She was able to provide that little bit of extra comfort or support
to students experiencing difficulties in learning, or adjusting to time away from their guardians.
“The primary school programs at the AAC may be attended by special needs students, or students who have had
injuries, anxiety, or it is their first overnight stay away from home, and they needed extra comfort,” Jo says.
“As well as providing comfort, Lily was able to break the ice for otherwise disengaged students.”

A 2022 Australia-wide survey conducted by Animal Medicines Australia found that over 85% of companion animal
owners reported that their animals positively impacted their lives and were promoters of human health.
They can be used for animal-assisted therapy to help people with mental illness, autism, and developmental
disorders, as well as emotional work, practical work and biographical work, according to a report by RSPCA.
“In young people, the presence of a companion animal can fulfil attachment needs, ease anxiety and loneliness,
improve self-esteem, facilitate emotional regulation, help build resilience and foster empathy. The presence of a
companion animal has been associated with improved learning outcomes as animals may stimulate curiosity,
reduce stress, and provide a source of non-judgemental and unconditional support”

Educational facilities are not alone in using companion animals to support mental health; in courtrooms,
courthouse facility dogs are used to support vulnerable witnesses and victims of crime. This is already occurring
in the United States, Canada and Chile. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that an Australian court made the decision
to allow a dog - as a disability assistance animal - into the courtroom.

Jo described Lily as unique, “she had a special personality, making teenagers and adults weak at the knees.”
Lily has left a lasting impression, and Jo is preparing for a new poddy to continue carrying on the numerous
benefits of having a companion animal.

ENDS -

MEDIA RELEASE

About the Australian Agricultural Centre
The AAC supports innovation and demonstration in agriculture in the Southern Tablelands between Crookwell
and Goulburn. The AAC’s core purpose is to improve the understanding of agricultural activity and its importance
worldwide. Creating a next generation of people to enter, build and promote agriculture and agricultural activity.
Read more at Agritourism | Australian Agricultural Centre | Crookwell

Media enquiries
Jo Marshall | info@australianagriculturalcentre.com | 0408 976 070
Clare McCabe | clare.scoutcommunications@gmail.com | 0427 428 426