Australia
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We are Mel, Penny and Naty and we run a vegan, multi-species, intentional community. We are a community of around 100 individuals including cows, pigs, sheep, roosters, geese, horses, dogs, cats and humans. As a community we do not prioritise the needs of human residents. Instead the needs of all members of the community, including other animal species and the environment, are given equal consideration. All decisions and actions are made within this framework.
COVID NOTES: Our doors are still open to Workawayers and we are currently applying to be able to offer travel permits for potential helpers. So if you are interstate and in need of a permit, please do get in touch as we might be able to help. All potential helpers are required to provide proof of vaccination in order to be eligible to stay with us.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We are a completely VEGAN community which means that we do not allow any animal products to be consumed on-site. You are not required to be vegan to stay with us but you must to commit to being vegan while on-site, for the duration of your stay.
Workawayers are asked to help out for 5 hours per day, 5 days per week in exchange for accommodation and meals.
We ask for a minimum stay of two weeks for interstate or overseas visitors and a maximum of four weeks (negotiable).
We have a variety of accommodation options for our volunteers to choose from depending on availability. These are listed below under “type of accommodation”.
If you choose to stay in the main house, you will share the space with three dogs, six cats and up to four other humans. Couples are welcome and we are LGBTIQA+ and SW friendly. We are open communicators and would like you to be open with us also.
We are located in farming country and the closest train from Melbourne is 20 minutes away, in Warragul (Traralgon country V-Line train). We are happy to provide pick up and drop off at the Warragul station.
You can find out more by messaging us.
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
The cultural exchange is about learning how to live within a small, emerging self-sufficient community along with non-human animals. You will learn all of the practical skill associated with animal care both physical and psycho-social. You will learn about the philosophy of eco-feminism and the ethics of care, which underpin our social framework.
We hope to learn and grow from the experience and knowledge of travelers who may have much to contribute to said framework. We also provide an opportunity for language exchange. We are keen English teachers and always excited to learn new languages.
The help required is mostly hands on and can be physically challenging. Primarily, we need help with the day to day running of the animal sanctuary, which may include building projects, constructing and mending fencing, cleaning up after non-human residents and tending to their daily needs. There are also opportunities to help with other tasks depending on your skills. For example, website maintenance, blog writing, grant writing etc.
There are some set daily tasks that must be done and beyond that every day is different, depending on what is happening. We could be building a new shelter, mending fences or waiting out the rain indoors. Whatever the day brings, you can be sure there's never a dull moment.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
This 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.
We have a variety of accommodation options for our volunteers to choose from depending on availability. Within the main house there is the upstairs areas which is a whole mezzanine level (without a door) but with its own bathroom (with a door); or a 70's era caravan; and a separate, fully equipped 3 bedroom house.
We like to eat communally and encourage our guests to cook, if that is something they like to do. Otherwise, we generally eat dinners together but mostly fend for ourselves for breakfast and lunch.
We like to socialise and play board games in the evenings but are also just as happy to retire and have our own time after a hard day's work. Generally we are easy going.
There are many bush walking tracks in the local area and some lovely national parks a short drive away. This would benefit travelers who have their own vehicle. We are 20 minutes away from the nearest town but Penny works in town 3 days / week so is able to pick up supplies on those trips. There is no public transport that services the community, however, there is possibility to borrow a vehicle if you have a driver's license.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
We can discuss options with potential Workawayers and are open to this idea.
More than two
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
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