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Wake up to kangaroos as you retreat to country living in Central Victoria, Australia

Verfügbarkeit

  2025 

 Geforderte Mindest-Aufenthaltsdauer:  mindestens 1 Woche

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  • Beschreibung

    Beschreibung

    Hi, I'm Cindy, and I’d love to invite you to join me in the stunning landscapes of Central Victoria, on Dja Dja Wurrung country.

    My home is one hour and thirty minutes away from Melbourne's bustling city.

    Having left behind a hectic corporate life, I embarked on a one-year sabbatical to finally enjoy my weekend country retreat. That was over ten years ago, and I never looked back. My little weekender is now my full-time home office and at one point, it felt like a full-time shed, given the pile of new power tools I was slowly learning to use.

    Over the years, I’ve embraced a steep learning curve. During COVID lockdowns, I found myself tackling tasks I’d never imagined – begrudgingly at first, but later with pride as I discovered my own competence. These experiences have made me fitter, more resourceful, and more empowered than ever.


    What We’ll Work On:
    --------------------
    There’s always something to do on this 10-acre property, so bring your energy and stamina! Some of the key projects include:

    Tool and material organisation: Efficiently storing and accessing tools to keep projects running smoothly (and to make life easier for the next volunteer!).

    Fire safety preparation: A vital task for living in rural Victoria.

    Improving irrigation systems: Enhancing water management across the property.

    Landscaping and gardening: Building a sustainable, beautiful outdoor space.

    General maintenance: Cleaning windows, clearing gutters, and helping with light housework.

    In addition, I run a leadership consultancy from home with a vision to humanize workplaces. If you have expertise in graphic design, web development, or other creative areas, there may be opportunities to contribute to this side of my work – but the land always comes first.


    What I’m Looking For:
    ---------------------
    I welcome volunteers who love working with their hands, being in nature, and learning new skills. Whether you’re an experienced DIY-er or eager to try something new, this space is perfect for those who are self-directed, proactive, and adaptable. While I’ll guide and support you, I also encourage autonomy.

    Living and working closely can sometimes bring challenges, and I believe open communication is key to navigating any upsets or disagreements that arise. I value kindness, honesty, and respect in all interactions and appreciate those who approach situations with a willingness to listen and resolve differences collaboratively. This helps create a positive, harmonious environment where we can all thrive.

    No two days here are the same, and I do my best to match projects to your strengths whenever possible. I value a collaborative spirit and am often out there working alongside you – sharing ideas, tips, and plenty of laughs along the way.


    Why Join Me?
    ------------
    This is more than just a volunteer opportunity. It’s a chance to experience rural Australian life, gain hands-on skills, and share knowledge in a welcoming, supportive environment. Together, we can care for the land, tackle meaningful projects, and create a lasting impact.

    Warmly,
    Cindy

  • Arten von Hilfe und Lernmöglichkeiten

    Arten von Hilfe und Lernmöglichkeiten

    Hilfe bei Ökoprojekten
    Gartenarbeiten
    Heimwerker- und Bauarbeiten
    Mithilfe auf einem Bauernhof
    Hausarbeiten
    Handwerkliche Arbeiten
    Hilfe mit Computer /Internet
  • Kultureller Austausch und Lernmöglichkeiten

    Kultureller Austausch und Lernmöglichkeiten

    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. There are many hikes you can take from my place and if you know how to fix a bike you are welcome to use one of the 2 that I have.

  • Arbeit

    Arbeit

    KEY PROJECTS
    ----------
    Here are some of the key projects we’ll work on together:

    Fireproofing the property: Essential for rural living.
    Organising tools: Ensuring easy access and efficiency for all tasks.
    Landscaping: Creating a sustainable and beautiful outdoor environment.
    Workshop setup research: Exploring the best ways to establish a functional workshop.
    Building windbreaks: Various methods to be decided when the time comes
    Stone wall construction: Adding structure and charm to the property.
    Planting trees: Contributing to the environment and property improvement.
    Creekside beautification: Enhancing the natural surroundings.
    Painting pipes and similar tasks: Keeping things well maintained.


    GENERAL MAINTENANCE
    ------------------------
    These regular tasks help keep everything running smoothly:

    Fire safety upkeep: Staying prepared and protected.
    Wood cutting: Essential for off-grid living.
    Odd jobs: Cleaning windows, clearing gutters, and weeding.
    Decluttering: Keeping the house and sheds organised and functional.


    DIGITAL-RELATED TASKS
    --------------------------
    (less frequent, as land projects take priority)
    If your skills align, you may also assist with:

    Graphic design
    Web design
    Digital decluttering: Organizing digital files and systems.
    IT setup
    Thought partnership: Helping brainstorm and refine ideas.


    A GOOD FIT
    ------------
    What makes a good fit from my perspective?

    You’re mature, manage your time well, and have great follow-through.
    You bring positive energy and contribute more than you take.
    You keep me updated on progress, and we stay on the same page – I’ll do the same for you.
    You respect my home and help maintain a clean and tidy space.
    You’re open to negotiating time spent together versus time apart.
    You speak up if something isn’t working – I want this to be a great experience for both of us.


    MEALS
    ------
    I ensure your food preferences are catered to, so please let me know your likes and dislikes upfront. There are no shops nearby, so we’ll stock up before your stay.

    Breakfast and lunch: Self-serve.
    Dinner: We take turns cooking and sometimes share the preparation. Dinner is communal time.
    Important: Basic cooking skills are expected – if you’re unsure, there’s always YouTube! 😊

    Note: Time spent cooking and cleaning up is not considered part of volunteering.


    WORK HOURS
    --------------
    Work hours are flexible and adapt to the weather and energy levels each day. For instance, during summer, it often makes sense to work early in the morning and again in the cooler hours of the early evening.

    If you’re feeling tired or need rest, please let me know – sometimes we all need a slower morning after a busy day. Similarly, certain projects may require a bit more effort on one day, and we can balance that with a lighter workload the next.


    DAYS OFF
    ---------
    Your days off are your opportunity to enjoy full autonomy while giving me a chance to step back from task management and household activity.

    If you’re heading out for the day, you’re welcome to pack a light snack or lunch to take with you the night before.


    APPLYING TO STAY
    ------------------
    When applying, please provide the following details:

    - Arrival /Departure date &time - telling me you can come anytime and stay for as long as I need is not helpful to me :) so please be specific
    - Length of stay (minimum 10 days preferred given the settling in and packing up).
    - Why you’ve chosen my place – what interests you the most?
    - Specific jobs you can help with from my profile.
    - Food preferences: If you have specific food needs please let me know upon applying - e.g. vegetarian.
    - What would make you feel supported?

    Travel Tips: It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by train from Melbourne City to my house, and I’ll pick you up from the station. Please arrive well-rested – adjusting to the timezone can take a toll.

    NOTES:
    - The first 3 days are a trial period to ensure we’re a good fit. No hard feelings if it doesn’t work out!
    - Please only apply if you’re genuinely interested in the experience. Workaway is not a time filler or a way to avoid paying for a hostel.

  • Gesprochene Sprachen

    Englisch: Fließend
    Französisch: Gute Kenntnisse

  • Unterkunft

    Unterkunft

    ACCOMMODATION
    -------------------
    I currently have two spaces available, with plans to create more in the future:

    Converted Shipping Container:
    This space is located near the main house and offers a stunning view. It features a tiny kitchen and a lovely bathroom. When there’s more than one volunteer, the bathroom will need to be shared, so keeping it clean and tidy for others is essential.

    - Shower times can be respectfully agreed upon to ensure everyone has access.

    Note: Over time, I plan to convert this into a shared communal space for everyone to enjoy.


    Cosy Forest Room:
    This charming little room is nestled near the forest and boasts a wonderful yet different view. While it doesn’t have electricity, candles are provided, which add to the atmosphere. Battery-powered lighting is also available if needed.
    I’m currently exploring options for solar power – this could even become a project for the right volunteer!

    Bedding and Blankets
    Both spaces come with appropriate bedding and blankets to keep you comfortable.

    Privacy
    Each space is designed to provide you with the privacy you need during your downtime. As I work on creating new spaces, a degree of flexibility will be required, but my aim is always to ensure your comfort.

    Water Consciousness
    Being off-grid, water conservation is critical, especially during dry spells. This means short showers may be necessary to help preserve our resources.


    INTERNET
    ---------
    I have reliable internet access at the house, including 5G coverage, for times when you need to download large amounts of data. Many volunteers bring SIM cards with sufficient data, which allows for communication from anywhere on the property.

  • Was noch ...

    Was noch ...

    ABOUT ELPHINSTONE
    ---------------------
    I live in Elphinstone. It is a charming small town in the Central Victorian Goldfields region. It has a laid-back vibe with an eclectic mix of locals and a couple of key landmarks: a pub and a post office. Yes, that is it!

    Nearby towns:
    - Castlemaine (15 km away): A culturally rich town with a vibrant arts scene and environmentally sustainable communities. Fun fact: permaculture was born in this region!

    - Kyneton (25 km away): A town with its own unique personality, offering boutique shops, great cafés, and more.



    HOW TO GET HERE
    ------------------
    The closest train stations to Elphinstone are:

    Malmsbury: The nearest station, although not all trains stop here.
    Castlemaine: A very convenient option, with all trains stopping here.
    Kyneton: Also on the main train line, but I don’t travel in that direction as often.

    Trains to these stations depart from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

    I typically pick up volunteers from Castlemaine or Malmsbury, and we’ll usually stop for food shopping on the way home.

    Best Arrival Times:
    I recommend arriving either Friday or Saturday early afternoon for the smoothest transition.

    LOCAL TRANSPORT
    -------------------
    There’s a local bus service on weekdays between Elphinstone and Castlemaine.
    If you’d like to visit Bendigo, it’s about a 40-minute journey and can be accessed by train from Castlemaine.
    There is no bus to Kyneton.

  • Etwas mehr Information

    Etwas mehr Information

    • Internet Zugang

    • Eingeschränkter Internet Zugang

      Eingeschränkter Internet Zugang

    • Wir besitzen Tiere

    • Wir sind Raucher

    • Familien möglich

  • Platz zum Abstellen von Camper Vans

    Platz zum Abstellen von Camper Vans

    INTERNET --------- I have reliable internet access at the house, including 5G coverage, for times when you need to download large amounts of data. Many volunteers bring SIM cards with sufficient data, which allows for communication from anywhere on the property. CAMPERVANS -------------- 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.

  • Kapazität - wie viele Workawayer maximal

    Kapazität - wie viele Workawayer maximal

    zwei

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