Homestay in Rossville, QLD, Australia

Details

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  Description

  Hello!
  
  Thank you for reading our profile. Guy, myself and our dog Ava would love to welcome you to our home and community up here in Far North Queensland. A place like no other.
  
  On the edge of the rainforest, across the road from pristine waters of Wallaby Creek (croc-free swimming) and some amazing bush walks: there is so much to see and do around here. The Lions Den pub is only a few km to the north (with live bands playing throughout the tourist season) and is an experience in itself. The southerly route towards the Daintree is currently inaccessible following the recent flooding.
  
  Situated on over an acre of land, surrounded by national forest and stunning views across the hills - we feel we have found our little spot in paradise. Our Home was termed a 'Renovators Delight' when we bought it in June 2023 so there prospective projects everywhere you look (and we dream big!) - We have already pulled down the lines of fencing that surrounded the house, bringing in light and the most amazing views, put on a new roof, guttering, installed a water tank and gone completely off-grid with our stand alone solar system, have also planted over 100 native trees and created food gardens from bare pieces of land... and .... in only a few months. Upcoming projects include: Building of a shade house, renovating the campers ablution block as well as lots of gardening, tidying and dismantling the back veranda. I also seek help with admin/website/social media as a part of my volunteering positions.
  
  We are passionate about Biodynamic and Regenerative Agricultural practices, (currently planting out a syntropic food forest and bringing the land back into balance) as well as nutritious food, stimulating conversation and optimising wellbeing both individually and as community. The land cannot be called 'Organic' as we have been here since June 23, however we care for our land using principles of Biodynamics and Regenerative agriculture.
  
  In December 2023 our entire area was heavily impacted following our biggest regional flooding event in recorded history, Many homes, possessions and land was lost after water as high as 14 metres swept across our land only a few months ago. Our population is still in shock and in the process of recovery, yet the camaraderie and support for each other is heart warming.
  
  On a hill, luckily our home was safe, however, as a close community, we don't sit back, instead, we help each other, and there has been (and will continue to be), much to do. Guy and I are active volunteers within our local community, both of us part of the initial Rossville emergency response and recovery team, the local markets, Landcare and Wallaby Creek Festival. I am a member of the Rural Fire Brigade and the overall Volunteer Coordinator for Wallaby Creek Festival (with Guy the Set-Up Coordinator). Both of us also manage the annual Wallaby Re-Gen event in July. We encourage our helpers to join us in our volunteer pursuits as part of their hours and (temporary) members of our community.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Guy holds a wealth of knowledge and experience in Regenerative farming methods, Biodynamics, Permaculture and growing tropical foods and is always happy to share with our visitors.
  
  My background in health, from nursing, body massage, hypnotherapy and wellbeing practices including community drumming and social dancing. ALl of this aids us in remaining focused on the creation of a better world.
  
  I am also an Ex-ESL teacher who has travelled extensively over the years and enjoys helping to improve your english language skills.

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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

  We started renovating mid June 23 and have already made some major changes with our gardens starting to grow and a new roof in place. We would love help with everything from gardening to building, carpentry, painting and cooking shared meals.
  
  We love meeting new people and enjoy hosting those who contribute towards creating our dream. I spent many years overseas traveling and wish to give back for all the wonderful times I had. Come stay, we have lots of fun! Would love to have help with everything from

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  I lived in Germany in the 90"s and would love to brush up on the language again
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  Accommodation

  In exchange for 4 - 5 hrs a day, 5 days per week (helping us with everything from cooking and gardening to some building projects such as carpentry, painting and plastering), we offer 3 meals a day, (Special diets including Gluten free, vegan and vegetarian meals can be accommodated) a space to camp out on the land below our home -if you have your own accommodation - van/caravan or tent where there is power and running water available from the separate ablutions block (one of our current renovation projects). Otherwise we have a bedroom with double bed on offer. Our house is basic, but comfortable, it is after all an ever evolving project!!

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  What else ...

  This is the Tropics. It’s hot and humid and we live in amongst the natural environment. There are things that bite, sting and can potentially kill you. This is merely a required awareness. It’s just part of living in this amazing ecosystem.
  
  If you don't have transport we can arrange to pick you up from Cooktown or the Lions Den and if you are here for more than a few days will take you exploring to areas now mentioned in the guide books. We look forward to meeting you on your journey through Far North Queensland

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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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  Can host digital nomads

  We have unlimited internet that is available for you to use and a quiet space to study/work from.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We encourage those who have their own accommodation to camp with us

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Our dog Ava is very friendly, we welcome pets if they are well behaved.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week