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Description
Mt Cotton is 30km South East of Brisbane, Queenland, Australia. We are on 40 Acres of mainly native bush land on the Eastern side of the mountain with great views over Moreton Bay. On the property we have 2 horses, 4 goats, and a dozen chickens as well as many native Australian animals, all are free to range. The property backs on to Venman National Park, so there are many miles of native bushland available for exploring. We are close to the Moreton Bay Islands including Stradbloke and Moreton.
We, Lesley and Ewen, are in our early 60's and retired. There are 3 houses on the property so others are involved also. It is a quiet pocket, in a generally rural community so everyone knows the people on the road.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Sustainability
Farming
Culture
Technology
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Plenty of opportunities to socialize with extended family and neighbours. Large family Sunday roast always on at Lesley's mothers just down the road. Drinks at the barn most afternoons after animal feeding time.
Sailing opportunities on the bay available on occasions.
Winery, Shopping centre, Lutheran church within 5 minutes down the road.
We are easy going and open to experiencing all aspects of other cultures, though not too quick on picking up new languages.
Help
We are not, and never will be, a commercial venue, we are just trying to improve the property to enhance the native vegetation and give the native animals the best chance they can have. We are off grid and are trying to make the property as eco friendly and self sustainable as possible.
There are many opportunities to work along side us and let us share our skills with you on the property. Some ongoing tasks and some project based.
Ongoing tasks, include gardening, weed removal, bush fire mitigation, machinery and general yard and household maintenance and repairs, household chores.
Current projects that I am completing with professional assistance include, renovating a century old cottage for use by workaway'ers and visitors and establishing an out door ablutions block . Other projects include creating a picnic area in the rain forest area, a camping ground for friends, family and visitors to enjoy, as well as walking trails to some of the natural features on the property.
Ewen is a highly skilled trades person with 45 years experience, a licenced electrical and a licenced owner builder on this property. He takes on the big jobs, generally on my own, but still engages others for specialist tasks like, tiling, plumbing, and cabinetry.
Workaways can learn by helping Ewen with the , we enjoy sharing and passing on the skills to the next generations.
Future projects include, expanding the rain forest area and establishing a native fruit grove as well as expanding the traditional orchard.
These projects are part of a continual improvement process that has been proceeding over the past decade. We have many skills that we can share, but we always welcome new and differing ways to achieve the outcomes.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Initially, accommodation will be provided as a separate bedroom and bathroom within our house. Normally you will get the bathroom to yourself unless the 2nd bedroom is also occupied.
Once the cottage is fully renovated, it will become available as an independent living space.
After the camp grounds are established then we will have many options for possible accommodation areas.
It is expected that you will join us at the table for most meals while you are on the property, and that you will contribute with the preparation and cooking on occasions. Food is one of the best opportunities for cultural exchanges. Depending on your expected time with us we can negotiate an equitable contribution to the weekly food supply.
What else ...
Mount Cotton is within Redland City that has plenty of variety of tourist activities. We are close to Daisy Hill Koala Reserve where you can get close up to our native icons. Wallabies are abundant on site as well as many other native animals including the elusive echidna if you are lucky. We are almost half way between Brisbane and The Gold Coast so easy day trips to all their highlights are available.
Unfortunately, as we are in a rural area, public transport is limited. We will make ourselves available for airport or train station pickups when required.
Often, we will have a spare vehicle available for your use, if you have the appropriate driving licence and care.
We are generally early risers. and early to bed, so all night party animals may not be appropriate. Smoking is not permitted in the house or immediate surrounds. Other than that we are quite easy going and flexible.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We are off grid and our internet is limited, but if you have your own mobile data, the reception is great. The best office view you will get is on the deck if the weather is ok. Otherwise small desk space available in your room.
Space for parking camper vans
As we are in the process of establishing a camp ground and ablutions block, our current facilities are limited. Power and water can be made available but we don't have facilities for waste disposal at this stage. Work in progress.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Photos
