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2 Apr 2024
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Description
Hi, I'm Cindy, and I invite you to join me in beautiful Central Victoria, Dja Dja Warung country.
My home is 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Melbourne's bustling CBD.
Having left behind a hectic corporate life, I embarked on a one-year sabbatical to finally enjoy my weekend country retreat. Nine years on and I haven't left.
I've developed a profound connection with the land, embracing the principles of permaculture, which has been a slow and enriching journey but not without its challenges.
I'm thrilled to welcome fellow nature enthusiasts and mission-driven individuals as volunteers. Together, we can engage in a range of creative projects aimed at enhancing the beauty of this landscape. Projects might include planting trees, converting a shipping container into a versatile tool shed, crafting a tranquil teepee space amidst the forest, or learning about rural irrigation systems. It may also include organising tools and setting up an on-property recycling system so I can be responsible for all that I consume.
I also run a leadership business from home. My vision is to humanise the workplace. You can contribute to this vision through your expertise in graphic design, web design, or any other skills you feel to offer.
My commitment revolves around leading a nourishing life that champions well-being in nature while striving to make a positive impact on the land and the world.
I invite you to experience life in Dja Dja Warung country. The experience requires that you love being physical and getting things done. Rarely are 2 days the same. And I do my best to play to your strengths, where possible.
I have 2 tiny homes/spaces. 1 at the top of the hill with a tiny kitchen and bathroom. The other 1 is nestled in the forest, akin to comfortable camping - no electricity. Both spaces provide you with the privacy you need during your downtime.
I look forward to hearing from you if this experience resonates with you.
Warmly
Cindy
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteers will be living in an authentic rural setting waking up kangaroos outside their window.
They will have an opportunity to enjoy stunning views across the forests. They have access to nearby Kyneton, Castlemaine and Bendigo cultural experiences.
Help
PROJECTS:
Painting shipping containers
Organising tools
Research on the best way to set up a workshop
Building windbreaks in various ways - to be decided at the time
Stone walls: I have a stonemason
Planting trees
Establishing a nutrient-dense veggie garden (includes building the beds)
Beautifying along the creekside
GENERAL MAINTENANCE:
Keeping the property fire safe
Cutting wood
Odd Jobs: cleaning the windows, clearing the gutters, weeding (usually weeds are burned to avoid chemicals)
Decluttering the house
BUSINESS RELATED TASKS (less often if I am in land mode):
Graphic Design
Web Design
Digital declutter
IT set up
Thought partnership
A GOOD FIT:
I'm looking for mature volunteers who manage their time well, have great follow-through and give energy.
MEALS:
I ensure your food preferences are properly catered for. So before arrival (1 week) please send me preferences for breakfast and other important ingredients or snacks you need.
Apart from the work mentioned above volunteers help prepare their meals. Most volunteers I've hosted love cooking and have enjoyed leading the way with meal prep. It is not my preferred job. But eating healthy is!
Dinner in particular is communal time. At times it is nice to have your own rhythm regarding breakfast and lunch. But we figure that out day by day as we get to know each other.
*Time spent cooking meals is not considered part of volunteering.
My commitment is to make your stay as enjoyable as possible be it silent time or a day trip you might enjoy.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Choice of accommodation, converted shipping container with a stunning view which is near the main house or, a cosy room nestled near the forest with no electricity - I'm looking at various options for solar power - this could be a project in and of itself. But candles seriously add to the experience :)
What else ...
Work hours tend to be flexible given the heat or rain or levels of energy from day to day. For example, in summer it can make sense to work in the early evening when it is cooler or get up early before the heat kicks in. Sometimes we all need a slow morning. Sometimes a project requires a few more hours.
And if you are keen to do a particular activity we can figure out the best time to get jobs done so you can get space in the afternoon.
ABOUT ELPHINSTONE: Elphinstone is a small town in the Central Victoria Goldfields region. It has an eclectic mix of locals with a pub and a post office.
Castlemaine is 15 km away. It is a culturally rich town with artists and environmentally sustainable communities. Permaculture was born in this region!
Kyneton is 25 km away with its own personality.
HOW TO GET HERE:
The closest Train Stations to Elphinstone are Malmsbury (closest but not all trains stop here) Castlemaine (very convenient, all trains stop here) or Kyneton (I don't always go in that direction but all trains stop here).
All trains leave from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne's CBD.
The train trip is around 1 and 1/2 hours.
I pick up my volunteers from Castlemaine or Malmsbury.
We usually go shopping for food and then head home.
The best arrival days are from Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon.
LOCAL TRANSPORT:
There is a local bus during the week between Elphinstone and Castlemaine.
Bendigo is 40 minutes away and can be accessed by train as well.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I understand that some people love to work and travel. I have very good internet coverage here however my wifi does not extend to the tiny home. You are welcome to work from my home, however, if you need to make calls you will need to buy a sim card with data so you can do so from the privacy of your own space. My home is small making it difficult to have 2 people on calls at the same time. Regardless, I am committed to finding a way to support you in any way I can as I know the importance of remote work.
Space for parking camper vans
I live on 10 acres so there is plenty of room for a camper van or motorhome. But I can't hook you up to electricity unless you are parked closer to the house.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week
