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Last replied
4 Nov 2023
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Description
This off-grid community is set on 160 acres of lush sub tropical rainforest and bushland and is in close proximity to a national park. We are located approximately 1 hour drive from Byron Bay, 40 minutes from Nimbin and Lismore, 10-15 minutes from a small town with a general store. Established more than 45 years ago, a strong sense of community has been maintained here amongst members and visitors.
Respect for each other and reverence for nature are some of our shared values. We take our role as caretakers of this land seriously and endeavour to live in harmony with nature and do our best to care for our native flora and fauna by engaging in bush regeneration projects and living as sustainably as we can. We utilise solar electricity, a spring fed water system, composting toilets and grow a portion of our fresh produce. We are not a business, we just grow food for our own consumption.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will have an authentic experience in an offgrid community. On our Saturday community workday you will have an opportunity to meet and connect with new people. You will learn about Australia's natural environment and wildlife.
You are welcome to use our meditation hall and attend Sunday morning meditation if you would like to. This is an opportunity to learn new skills and contribute to a long term sustainable living project and to spend your free time relaxing and connecting with nature.
Help
We ask 15-20 hours of help per week in exchange for accommodation and access to the community pantry/garden for food. We can be flexible with how these hours are arranged to suit your needs. We strongly encourage volunteers to attend our Saturday workday as this is a good opportunity to meet other residents. This will be counted towards your hours. There is always something to do on the property so we are happy to tailor your experience to your skillset and/or interests.
Help in the veggie garden and/or participation in bush regeneration projects are a helpful contribution and will make up most of your volunteer hours. However, if you have a special skill, please let us know. We are open to projects that make our home more beautiful and functional. Creative projects could be considered, if approved by residents. We would also really benefit from anyone with experience in a trade (construction, plumbing, etc) to assist improving our community facilities.
We have plans to make our volunteer accommodation more functional by adding a self-contained kitchenette and private toilet. If you can help with getting that process started, let us know.
We will ensure you have plenty or free time and a couple of free days to relax and explore.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
There are a few members on the farm who are trying to learn spanish currently
Accommodation
You are welcome to use our guest accommodation. It is a simple stand-alone building with a single bed. Double airbed can be arranged. There is no Aircon/heating system. We aim to improve this building and add more facilities to it with the aid of volunteers.
Currently, volunteers will need to use the community centre (very short walk) to access cooking/bathroom facilities. Volunteers are welcome to make use of the fireplace in the community centre. There is also an option to stay in room in the community centre if you prefer to be closer to things.
Initial stays are 7-14 days. Extensions of stay may be possible upon request, subject to availability and at the discretion of residents.
There will be cooked lunches provided on a few of the days and a community meal on Sundays. On the other days our community pantry and veggie garden has all basics needed to cook a meal (grains,legumes, vegetables, oats, fruit, baking stuff). Cereal and fruit provided for breakfast.
What else ...
Our site features:
- Beautiful running creek that many residents enjoy swimming in
- Abundance of wildlife
- Meditation Hall with stunning views to the surrounding forest
- Community centre
- Community pantry and vegetable garden (Volunteers are welcome to access these resources for food during their stay).
- Visitor accommodation
Transport:
If you do not have transport, we can organise to pick you up from Byron, Lismore or Ballina. We would also be happy to organise a day to take you to a local waterfall if you are interested in exploring the area. Many residents have jobs in town so lifts to the coast or Lismore could be organised if you let us know.
If this volunteer experience resonates with you, please send a message with your phone number and one of our visitor coordinators will organise to call you to answer any questions.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have phone service so if you are with Telstra you should get decent reception and can hotspot to a laptop.
Space for parking camper vans
Vans are ok, RVs or caravans would probably have trouble getting to our house due to the rocky road.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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