Nature refuge north east of Jericho in Central Queensland, Australia

Details

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  Description

  STOP PRESS-ONLY AFTER RAIN EVENTS
  Just letting you know in case you are about our way in CQ that we are looking for weeders for a few weeks. We had a lot of rain and weeding is required to keep the iconic native grassland in the good condition that makes it a refuge for wildlife year-round. The Nature Refuge is 1000 km north west of Brisbane in Qld. Return ticket by train or bus to Alpha, food and accommodation here or its sister property provided if you are volunteering for at least 2 weeks. THANKS!
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  The Nature Refuge (7912ha) is 60 km north-west of Alpha and 45 km north east of Jericho in Central Queensland, and is protected under the Nature Conservation Act. We are a small group of friends managing an environmentally-oriented, low density cattle property in an arid zone of the very peaceful Desert Uplands bioregion. There are large areas of uncleared bushland and you can enjoy long walks amongst the native flora and fauna, with plenty of birdwatching (163 bird species have been documented on the property).
  
  The refuge is run in conjunction with a sister property, Kerand station, 110 km to the east of our location. It is a different ecosystem but managed under the same principles. The day to day maintenance of both properties is undertaken by Ian and Paola, who the volunteers stay with.
  
  List of tasks according to the seasons
  
  o WEEDING! removing environmental weeds to retain native species is an ESSENTIAL task.
  o Working with cattle;
  o  Fence checking and repair;
  o  Irrigation system maintenance;
  o Feral animal trapping;
  o Cooking and cleaning, helping host an occasional visitor or groups of visitors;
  o Building repairs;
  o Chopping wood;
  o Vegetable garden and small orchard maintenance;
  o Odd jobs to support food preservation and other subsistence living tasks.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The core principles underpinning work here are conservation, sustainable grazing, and self-sufficiency in a semi arid environment. Volunteers will be able to learn about all of these things, as well as developing skills in practical bushcraft. Ian was born and raised on one of the properties and has much knowledge of the region. This is a no-frills outback experience where one can live in close connection with the land.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  Help needed can vary, including weeding, fencing, gardening, species retention, erosion control and/or the maintenance of the buildings and machineries. It is not a hand-holding volunteering experience, so some degree of self-direction and initiative will be required. Instruction is given, but competent volunteers may be left alone once settled into the work. It can be tough and repetitive (and hot in the summer!), but there is so much to be learned.
  We're engaged in a desperate attempt to save our indigenous plants from extinction as the native animals need those plants for their food. But biodiversity conservation doesn't make money and we work for the environment as volunteers ourselves because we bought the forest to protect it. We can promise you good food and a comfortable bed and yes, an opportunity to see the Real Australia. No tourists here!!

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Italian: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  We can help you to learn English.
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  Accommodation

  We lead simple, non-consumerist lives; simple food and comfortable accommodation is offered. There are demountables on one property and farm houses at the other, and sleeping outside is always an option in the warmer months. There is limited wifi and mobile Telstra phone reception, and no television.

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  What else ...

  Please notify us well in advance of your arrival. The minimum stay is 3 weeks due to remoteness and infrequent trips to Alpha for pickups. Isolation could be a problem for some - there are no entertainment services and the ecology seems raw and harsh to some people. If you have your own vehicle, it will need high clearance underneath, to travel on our access roads, or you can leave your car in the care of our friends in Alpha.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  High clearance is a must.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Pets are allowed as long as they leave the wildlife and domestic animals alone.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week (unless you are really keen-- there is always work to be done)

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