Belisi
From a former cattle farm to a space of serenity. Belisi, just outside Wagga Wagga, is becoming a sought-after destination for wellness and calm. Below, Jenni, owner of Belisi, shares their grassroots story.
Q. How did your grassroots story start?
A. We purchased a small cattle farm just outside of Wagga Wagga in 2007, which had two large paddocks and two cattle yards. We named our farm ‘Belisi’, which means "peaceful man" in Tok Pisin. At the time our eldest daughter was nine and was loving her riding. Being on a hill there wasn't a lot of flat ground so we decided to put in an arena. Her riding coach at the time said "this property would be perfect for horse agistment and a riding school". So, from 2011 Belisi evolved into what we have today. Over the years we have added paddocks, horse shelters, riding and wellbeing facilities, school horses, safety equipment, a luxury farmstay and planted over 1,000 trees! We are blessed with a wonderful team who have a genuine love of horses and possess the gift of imparting their knowledge and support onto our clients. For this reason, in 2018 Belisi expanded to include a range of wellbeing programs using equine therapy suitable for children, adults, schools, workplaces and many others, including those with physical or mental challenges. It brings me such joy to see our wellbeing programs playing a pivotal role in the health and wellbeing of members of our community across the Riverina.
Q. How would you define your business/service as local?
A. Having called Wagga Wagga home for close to 30 years, it’s such a pleasure to provide a service within the community of a place I love. Situated in the heart of the Riverina in a picturesque rural setting, Belisi exists to provide equine-related services and luxury farm stay accommodation to better the physical and emotional wellbeing of Australians. We pride ourselves on providing a safe, non-judgemental, compassionate approach with skills for a healthier, more community-centred, environmentally friendly lifestyle. Through community engagement and the development of new programs, we aim to continually evolve our practices in a way that ensures we are providing our clients with the best and most unique wellbeing services, while supporting and promoting the local businesses that compliment ours. Providing services to support and enrich the local community forms the basis of what we stand for and strive for daily.
Q. How have you pivoted during this time of Covid-19? And, have you experienced an increase in ‘shopping local?’
A. Since Belisi’s opening in 2011, we have held true to the value of always opting to support local businesses. This comes not from a place of compromise, but because we strongly believe that we have some of the best produce and services right here in our backyard. We have engaged in local trades throughout the construction of our new Wellbeing and Equestrian Centre, as we did successfully in the building of Belisi Farmstay and continue to offer an abundance of local produce to guests. With visitors escaping their city on the back of the first COVID wave and opting for regional stays, we have seen an increase in the Personal Pantry service through Belisi Farmstay. We believe this is due to the coverage of local business, guest services and activities and our value in shopping local that is promoted on our website and social channels. Aligning with our Belisi Sustainability Goals, we hope to continue to encourage guests to see the importance in shopping/rooting for local.
Q. Why is it important for consumers to shop/root for local?
A. Investing locally - whether in the form of produce, services, products, or accommodation - is undoubtedly doing fantastic things for the local economy and prosperity of small businesses, through keeping money circulating within the community. I think in Wagga Wagga, we are particularly lucky because a lot of local business providers often support other local businesses in delivering their own product or service, so the flow-on effect within our community is strong and admirable. While there is a lot to say for the economic benefits of shopping locally, the is also an important cultural element, which I believe adds to a greater connection to our local community and its uniqueness. In my opinion, you can’t visit Wagga Wagga without staying at Belisi and ordering a food hamper from Knights filled with our favourite local treats, while enjoying a glass of Borambola Wine within an environment created with love by the people of the Riverina.
Q. What’s next for your business/service?
A. There has been a lot happening at Belisi of late. We utilised the shift in business functioning during COVID to start construction of our new Wellbeing and Equestrian Centre, which is due to open at the end of September. As the centre continues to take shape, we cannot wait to be able to serve the Riverina and beyond in delivering unique mental health support and services to new and existing clients. With the opening of the centre will also come some incredible new faces and equine-assisted programs tailored towards individuals, school groups, corporate team building and beyond. This is just the beginning of a lot to come at Belisi so keep an eye out on our socials and book in to visit Belisi today.