Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
26 Mar 2025
Reply rate
55.2 %
Usually responds within 11 days
Feedback
44
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
We are a small, friendly family with one dog living in a quiet, picturesque part of Sydney, 5 minutes walk to the beach. We are non smokers and expect that you are too. The city of Sydney is a 40 minute bus ride away.
Mother is a retired school teacher, husband is a retired plumber. Our daughter and her partner and their baby live downstairs. We are well travelled and enjoy hosting interesting and helpful guests. We are happy to host travellers who are neat and tidy and are able to work unsupervised on a job. We are especially interested in taking anyone who can garden, clean, iron etc We are NOT vegetarians so we don't host anyone with a special diet.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Those who choose to stay with us enjoy sharing lots of conversation learning about each other's culture. Cooking together in our large modern kitchen. Long walks along the coast, meeting our neighbours and joining family activities if you choose. Sharing family time each evening over dinner. We know Australia very well so we are happy to advise on activities and make suggestions on how to spend your free time.
Help
Would enjoy hosting someone who is tidy and loves to garden and keep the house clean.
Help with washing and ironing .
We ask that you help us for 5 hours per day 5 days per week.
In exchange you will receive full board in a beautiful home walking distance to a local beach where you can swim and relax. We eat really lovely meals together most nights.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Comfortable single bed in a private room in a four bedroom, two storey home. The house is walking distance to a local beach where you can enjoy your leisure time.
What else ...
One dog lives in the house with us so you MUST love dogs.
We are non smokers and expect our guests to be as well.
We are NOT vegetarians so we do not provide a vegetarian diet, best not to apply if vegetarian.
Please include a good photo of yourself in your profile. A photo that clearly shows your face so we recognise you when you arrive.
You must be a neat tidy person who can do a job WELL.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Host ref number: 846966148667
Feedback (24)
29 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Linda) for host
Thanks Joanne and Ross for hosting me so beautifully in lovely little Malabar. Your house is at such a lovely distance to the beach and you even have an ocean view from the house! Working for you was a bliss although of course some of the garden work was a bit physically demanding but it was fine nonetheless. Joanne cooked very nice dishes and… read more
5 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Dawid)
Dawid stayed with us for about 10 days as that was the only available time we could offer. We had been away from our home for 6 months so the garden needed a major overhaul. I choose the right person to tend our garden. Dawid worked really hard to achieve excellent results. His eye for detail and perfection was quickly apparent. The garden now… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Dawid) for host
I had an amazing experience staying with Joanne and Ross in Sydney. They were genuinely kind and always made sure I felt comfortable throughout my stay. My main responsibility was taking care of the garden, and I really enjoyed working outdoors in such a peaceful and lovely environment. It was rewarding to see the results of my work while… read more
9 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jerry)
Jerry worked well to complete all jobs on her list. She worded particularly hard on our back garden which was very overgrown. Jerry also house sat for 1 week while we were away. Very happy to recommend Jerry to future hosts.
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
29 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Linda) for host
Thanks Joanne and Ross for hosting me so beautifully in lovely little Malabar. Your house is at such a lovely distance to the beach and you even have an ocean view from the house! Working for you was a bliss although of course some of the garden work was a bit physically demanding but it was fine nonetheless. Joanne cooked very nice dishes and… read more
5 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Dawid)
Dawid stayed with us for about 10 days as that was the only available time we could offer. We had been away from our home for 6 months so the garden needed a major overhaul. I choose the right person to tend our garden. Dawid worked really hard to achieve excellent results. His eye for detail and perfection was quickly apparent. The garden now… read more
(Excellent)
30 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Dawid) for host
I had an amazing experience staying with Joanne and Ross in Sydney. They were genuinely kind and always made sure I felt comfortable throughout my stay. My main responsibility was taking care of the garden, and I really enjoyed working outdoors in such a peaceful and lovely environment. It was rewarding to see the results of my work while… read more
9 Jul 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Jerry)
Jerry worked well to complete all jobs on her list. She worded particularly hard on our back garden which was very overgrown. Jerry also house sat for 1 week while we were away. Very happy to recommend Jerry to future hosts.
(Excellent)
11 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Isabella)
Bella arrived to us directly from the USA. It was Bella's first workaway experience. We found Bella to be hard working and friendly. Jobs were done well. I would recommend Bella to future hosts.
(Excellent)
27 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Isabella) for host
As my first Workaway experience I can't have imagined anything better. Joanne and Ross were some of the most welcoming people I have ever encountered.
I can't recommend them more. The work was manageable and easily accomplished. They wanted me to have a real Aussie experience and that's exactly what happened. Being in Australia with such a great… read more
I can't recommend them more. The work was manageable and easily accomplished. They wanted me to have a real Aussie experience and that's exactly what happened. Being in Australia with such a great… read more
4 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Yui) for host
I'm really late reply. Sorry about this.
It was my first workaway experience.
This experience was great than I expected.I had never been in trouble in there.It was rather comfortable!!
I appreciate not only Joanne,Ross,Brianna and Decline but also their relatives.
They took me some nice place everyday!! That made me more excited in Sydney… read more
It was my first workaway experience.
This experience was great than I expected.I had never been in trouble in there.It was rather comfortable!!
I appreciate not only Joanne,Ross,Brianna and Decline but also their relatives.
They took me some nice place everyday!! That made me more excited in Sydney… read more
5 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Karine)
Karine had her first Workaway experience with my family. She made herself at home and was friendly and relaxed. All jobs were completed well.
We enjoyed having Karine stay with us and would recommend her to future hosts.
We enjoyed having Karine stay with us and would recommend her to future hosts.
(Excellent)
31 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Karine) for host
I spent two weeks with Ross and Joanne and their daughter's family and I really enjoyed my stay. The place is great, you feel at home like member of the family and you can chat to them of everything and discover Aussie life. That was my first Workoway with a family and I'll have good memories ! Thank you very much for your welcome :)
13 May 2020
Left by Workawayer (Julieta) for host
I went for two weeks and stayed for two months. Due to Covid 19 I decided to stay longer at their house. All of them, Joanne, Ross and their daughters Allyce and Briana always cared about me and my family in Argentina. I was very lucky to be safe with them. It was also my first experience doing workaway and they made me feel like a part of the… read more
28 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Matias Emanuel) for host
It was my most beautiful days in Australia living in this home. It is a very close and affectionate family. Rosse is a very fellow man, he was a friend and a father at the same time. He took me to the airport at dawn the day I had to take my plane without compromise, a wonderful person. Joanne is a very correct, delicate and tasteful lady in the… read more
25 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Belen)
Belen is a Workaway you never want to leave! Not only is she fun and lovely to have in your home, she is also an excellent worker who completes every job to perfection and a trained chef who will take over the kitchen and cook the most wonderful food. Every job done with a smile on her face. We would have been happy for Belen to stay forever but… read more
(Excellent)
14 Jan 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Martyna)
Martyna is a beautiful, intelligent young lady. We loved having her stay with us over the holiday season. She worked both independently and diligently and all work was completed to a high standard. Her lovely nature and conversation made her a great addition to our household. I highly recommend Martyna to future hosts. We miss you Martyna!
(Excellent)
14 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Martyna) for host
Thank you so much family, I’m so great full that our paths crossed.
I’ve spend with the family 4 weeks. It was during the Christmas time and New Year’s Eve, thanks to them I felt like part of the family, I got to know other relatives and Ross mother (amazing woman),even the Santa man reached me there.
I loved the atmosphere in the house, they are… read more
I’ve spend with the family 4 weeks. It was during the Christmas time and New Year’s Eve, thanks to them I felt like part of the family, I got to know other relatives and Ross mother (amazing woman),even the Santa man reached me there.
I loved the atmosphere in the house, they are… read more
13 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Victoria)
Tori was one of those gorgeous people who came into our lives at a fairly stressful time and worked with us to pack up our house while we made plans to move interstate for the winter. Tori worked very hard completing all jobs well. Tori was delightful and fit in with the family becoming friends with my youngest daughter. We look forward to… read more
(Excellent)
12 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Victoria) for host
(Sorry I'm very late in writing this...) Can't say enough enough good things about this family! I ended up staying for much longer than the intended two weeks and had an amazing time getting to know them. I was treated as part of the family from the beginning, getting to experience holidays, meals and activities like trivia with their neighborhood… read more
23 Jun 2017
Left by Workawayer (Martina) for host
I'm really late but I'm pleased to write something nice about this family who hosted me for six weeks at my arrival in Australia. They've made me feel at home from the beginning of my adventure and they've always been kind and friendly. I really enjoyed to celebrate Easter with the whole family, to help them to do houseworks and to prepare some… read more
21 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Alice & Joseph) for host
Joanne and Ross were wonderful hosts. They made me feel so welcome in their lovely home. Their daughters Briana and Allyce, and Mikey the dog, were also all great. The work was clearly communicated and flexible, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.
I would definitely recommend staying with the family.
I would definitely recommend staying with the family.
11 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Belén)
Belen is a gorgeous, warm, fun lady who we were absolutely delighted to host in our home. Everything she did was done to perfection and she also happens to be an amazing cook. We will miss he happy presence but hope to see this lovely lady somewhere in the future. Belen is definitely a five star helper so don't hesitate if she applies to become… read more
(Excellent)
10 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Belén) for host
I am very happy and grateful for the treatment and the welcome of this charming family. Despite my English they always did everything possible because I felt like in my own home. Generous and very cordial. It really has been a fantastic time shared with the whole family. Thank you very much
20 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ilana)
We really enjoyed having Ilana spend time with our family. She is a kind and respectful young lady who always did her jobs well. We really enjoyed the delicious meals she prepared for us. Ilana was an absolute delight and I am happy to highly recommend her to future hosts.
(Excellent)
20 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Ilana) for host
I spent a lovely three and a half weeks with the McD family in Sydney! Joanne and Ross are very kind and welcoming hosts and I really appreciated the quality of communication, clarity of tasks, and consideration for my preferred chores. Their daughters were both lovely as well and I especially liked bonding with Briana over horses and getting to… read more
11 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Hong)
Hong arrived and quickly became our friend. Hong is very respectful and was willing to share her skills with us. She did her chores diligently and was an excellent cook. She happily spent time getting to know each of us and was happy to assist whenever we needed a helping hand. My daughter enjoyed Hong's help with her makeup as she prepared… read more
(Excellent)
30 Jan 2017
Left by Workawayer (Hong) for host
Joanne, Ross, Bree, Allyce, Mikey and Lulu were an absolute pleasure to stay and work with. They are all very insightful and helpful hosts and made me feel welcome immediately.
They are all great cooks, accommodating and very inclusive when partaking in activities.
It was a great learning curve and would highly recommend working with… read more
They are all great cooks, accommodating and very inclusive when partaking in activities.
It was a great learning curve and would highly recommend working with… read more
26 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Abbey )
Abbey was an excellent helper who was attentive and organised and always got the job done well. Abbey fit in well with our family working hard by day and busy of an evening visiting the city and playing her sport. We very much appreciated her friendly, positive personality. Hope to see you soon x
(Excellent)
25 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (Abbey ) for host
I cannot even explain how wonderful this family is. I was immediately welcomed by Joanne and Ross when I arrived. Their daughters Briana and Allyce are so kind a make you feel very comfortable in their home. Joanne and Ross are both fabulous cooks as well. I very much appreciated how healthy they were too. The pups Mikey and LuLu are just the… read more
26 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Bernadette)
Bernadette spent 2.5 weeks with my family in Malabar, Sydney. She has been gone just a few days and we miss her already! Bernadette is a 5 star helper. Every job she did was done to perfection. She was able to anticipate what needed to be done and would meticulously complete the various jobs. Bernadette is also a wonderful cook which was a bonus… read more
(Excellent)
26 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Bernadette) for host
What an amazing welcome ! Joanne and Ross treated me as a full member of their family as soon as I arrived and we became rapidly very good friends.
I was given a very nice and comfortable room, overlooking the garden and next door to the bathroom. There is a beach 5 minutes away (you can see it from the terrace) and a bus stop nearby.
The work… read more
I was given a very nice and comfortable room, overlooking the garden and next door to the bathroom. There is a beach 5 minutes away (you can see it from the terrace) and a bus stop nearby.
The work… read more
22 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Sandra)
Sandra stayed with us for 2 months. She was the angel that came to help us prepare for Christmas and see the new year in. Sandra worked hard each day to complete the list of jobs I set. Everything was always done well and to a high standard. I have no hesitation in recommending Sandra to future hosts. Sandra was great fun and speaks English very… read more
(Excellent)
15 Aug 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (RonanD)
Ronan stayed for just a week but I can say he was a delightful guest. Very friendly, helpful and trustworthy. All jobs were done well and completed quickly. I can recommend Ronan to any future host. :)
(Excellent)
4 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (RonanD) for host
Joanne, Ross and family were really great hosts. I had the pleasure of spending a week with his lovely family in Sydney during what was probably the most difficult of weeks but they still agreed to host me. Location is fantastic, about 40 minutes from downtown Sydney and only a short walk from the golf courses and beaches. I also got to spend time… read more
11 May 2015
Left by Workawayer (Lina) for host
I spent a nice time with this family in sydney! They are a very active family and they are living in a beautiful area near the beach. The dogs are lovely and I had some really nice talks with Bree and with Ross and Joanne as well.
Thanks for hosting me! :)
Thanks for hosting me! :)
2 May 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Angela)
This lady is definitely a 5 star helper. Angela not only enjoys cleaning but does an amazing job. My home looks fabulous due to her hard work and 'eye for detail'. Angela is welcome to come back anytime and I highly recommend Angela to anyone needing a helper. :)
(Excellent)
17 Oct 2014
Left by Workawayer (Meredith) for host
I only spent one week with Joanne and her family but I wish I had stayed longer to spend more time with them !
They're a lovely family and gave me a taste of their everyday life, while letting me live my own life discovering Sydney.
It was a short stay but really nice, thank you Joanne, Ron, Brianna and Allyce, I hope I'll be able to catch up… read more
They're a lovely family and gave me a taste of their everyday life, while letting me live my own life discovering Sydney.
It was a short stay but really nice, thank you Joanne, Ron, Brianna and Allyce, I hope I'll be able to catch up… read more
22 Feb 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Yasmijn)
We shared a lovely week with Yasmin in our home in Sydney. Yasmin was very helpful to every member of my family. Her wonderful photographic skills produced some exceptional portraits of our family life which we will treasure always. She is kind, thoughful and generous with her time. Yasmin assisted my daughter by co-producing a video for her which… read more
(Excellent)
22 Feb 2013
Left by Workawayer (Yasmijn) for host
Maybe these feedbacks are getting a bit boring to read, but I also can only say that like the other workawayers I had a very good experience with Joanne and her family. They are very fun, open and easy going people. The 2 dogs are part of the family and are very lovely as well. I am happy I could stay with them and had a real Ozzy family… read more
18 Feb 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (mckenziebaird)
McKenzie and Macayla are the most beautiful sisters from country Texas, USA. We loved sharing a fun time with them. They worked well as a team and tackled many jobs I had for them around the house. My daughters enjoyed their company so much there are plans for another meet up in Texas. I can highly recommend this duo to future hosts. :)
(Excellent)
17 Feb 2013
Left by Workawayer (mckenziebaird) for host
What a wonderfully caring family to spend our first week in Sydney with! We cannot imagine starting our trip with anyone else. Ross, Joanne, and the girls were selfless hosts and showed the epitome of Aussie hospitality. The 5 minute walk to the beach was a treat, and they made the work a pleasure. We will always appreciate the opportunity to work… read more
31 Jan 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (EESPILIT)
We loved having Emily share time with us in our home. She is warm, friendly and fun. She works hard and completes an excellent job. We will miss her big happy smile and her wonderful French accent and of course her delicious crepes. Hope you will visit us again soon.
Much love xxxx All the family. :)
Much love xxxx All the family. :)
(Excellent)
31 Jan 2013
Left by Workawayer (EESPILIT) for host
I don't know where to start: so much to say...
The McD family hosted me for a long period, and helped me so much during my travel. It was a real pleasure to spend all this time together, living and enjoying a very joyfull family atmosphere. Ill always remember this unforgettable stay, the special moment were cooking with Joanne, who is always… read more
The McD family hosted me for a long period, and helped me so much during my travel. It was a real pleasure to spend all this time together, living and enjoying a very joyfull family atmosphere. Ill always remember this unforgettable stay, the special moment were cooking with Joanne, who is always… read more
27 Sep 2012
Left by Workawayer (KLC334) for host
Joanne, Ross and family open their hearts and their home to international travelers of all ages. They deserve to have only the best and most appreciative people to stay with them, as the experience is unsurpassed.
I appreciate the opportunity they have given me to enhance my travel adventure. Working for them is a pleasure as you are well… read more
I appreciate the opportunity they have given me to enhance my travel adventure. Working for them is a pleasure as you are well… read more
3 Sep 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (KLC334)
Karyl arrived and took control. She is incredibly hard working with a great sense of fun. She cleaned and scrubbed every corner of my house. Every job done to a high standard. She is an absolute delight to have around and fit into our family life and routine. I now have a Kiwi friend who is welcome at my place anytime. We look forward to… read more
(Excellent)
7 Jun 2012
Left by host for Workawayer (Emily)
We really enjoyed hosting Emily. She has wonderful stories to tell of her travels in Africa and lots of practical advice for travellers. Emily is incredible helpful and we appreciated her capable approach to jobs.
We hope she will return at some stage. We highly recommend Emily to anyone considering hosting her.
We hope she will return at some stage. We highly recommend Emily to anyone considering hosting her.
(Excellent)
6 Jun 2012
Left by Workawayer (Emily) for host
Joanne, Ross and their daughter, Brianna, are wonderful people! They made me feel really at home here and have a lovely house in a quiet corner of Sydney. They have hosted lots of travellers in the past and are always happy to help - plus the dogs are hilarious and soppy as hell!! I hope to stay in touch in the future :) xxx
