Care for injured and orphaned Australian wildlife in East Trentham, VIC, Australia

Details

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  Description

  Hello everybody, I'm Manfred. I operate a government-licensed Wildlife Shelter where I rehabilitate all types of Australian animals and specialise in kangaroos. I look after little joeys in pouches, right through to large adult animals. My purpose is to rescue sick, injured or orphaned animals and raise them until they are able to return to the wild and live a normal, natural life. It can be heart-breaking work, but it also gives the most rewarding and satisfying lifestyle imaginable.
  
  I purchased my beautiful 8 Ha (20 acre) forest property in a secluded location especially for this purpose and it is surrounded by the Wombat State Forest on 3 sides. The property is located in central Victoria, in southeast Australia, but is only a one-hour drive from our capital city, Melbourne. I live in a lovely hand-built mudbrick house where the animals often share my home and lay beside the fireplace. I even have a medical triage clinic in the loungeroom.
  
  I have vast experience in the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of many wildlife species, and I'm considered one of Victoria's leading animal rescuers and trainers in this field. Most days include attending an animal rescue, or 2, or more. Every day ends with many of our precious rehabilitated animals coming home for a visit, a treat or two, or to shelter in a familiar shed.
  
  My property is beautiful and serene. There are bushwalking trails from the back door leading into natural forest, and the area boasts freshwater creeks, valley and mountain terrain, and a wealth of wildlife. There are incredible bird watching opportunities where you'll witness gang-gang cockatoos, king parrots, kookaburras, and rosellas living their best life. We also have periodic visits by koalas, echidnas, and grey-headed flying foxes, and night walks are particularly rewarding when you can observe even more species such as three varieties of possums, the tawny frogmouth, wallabies, and wombats.
  
  I try to minimise negative impacts on this earth. My home is solar powered, I hate waste, love to recycle and reuse, and strive to live a sustainable life. I seek to be inclusive and provide a safe place for animals and people to exist. Therefore, misogynists, trans-bigots, homophobes, racists and hunters are not welcome here. I really enjoy people that are open minded, forward thinking, and adventurous, but most of all, who respect animals. I welcome singles or couples who can stay for a minimum of 3 weeks but, if we're the right fit, I'd love to have you stay for several weeks or even months.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house
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  Interests

  

  LGBTQ

  

  Events & social

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Sustainability

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Plant care

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Architecture

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Carpentry

  

  Animals

  

  Camping

  

  Mountain

  

  Nature

  

  Outdoor activities
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You can learn about our native wildlife, eco-projects, how to rescue animals, and the magic of the Australian flora. I love having conversations about life, culture, and what's going on in the world. I am vegetarian, so you can learn about cooking vegetarian meals or jump in the kitchen and share your cooking skills and ideas! We surely don't go hungry in this house lol
  
  In the early evening, I like to enjoy a glass of wine down at the "feed bungalow" and watch all of the "kids" come home for the night. The kangaroos that we have soft-released come back to visit (and our friendly wombats, too). They return to have a bite to eat, a soothing bottle, or to seek shelter for the night. Many will come up and ask for scratch or a bit of love. This also gives us an opportunity to check on them and make sure they're still healthy and thriving. It's one of the many reasons this property is so precious.

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  Help

  I invite volunteers who are passionate about animal welfare and are committed to wildlife conservation. Most of the help I need relates to looking after the wildlife in my care. The work can be hard and dirty so you will need old clothes that you don't mind getting ruined. You may well end up smelling like kangaroo pee, but there is a good shower, lots of towels, and great laundry equipment available. During cold and wet months, warm jackets and boots are essential. Wildlife can be vulnerable and fragile and there is much heartbreak when rescuing and caring for wild animals, so be prepared for times of sadness.
  
  Even though some of the work is dirty, such as cleaning out enclosures and changing bedding straw, you will normally be surrounded by kangaroos or have joeys underfoot, that makes it a fun and magical experience. Feeders must be washed and sterilised daily. There is much washing to do with animal bedding so there is the task of hanging up and pulling down laundry as well. I need help washing and sterilising bottles, preparing special milk formulas and filling the bottles. There is always an opportunity to spend a few minutes to sweep up poo inside and outside of the house, any time. There are no strict hours, and the daily work takes about 3 hours to complete over the course of the day, equating to 15 hours per week over 5 days, with 2 days off. On most days, the bulk of the work is completed by midday, so the afternoon offers time for a wander, a read, or an afternoon nap. Even on days off, there is much to enjoy on and around the property. Volunteers are welcome to stay on site and contribute further if they want and help with other activities, such as late-night bottle feeds, or nursing a joey on the couch. The joy of giving bottles of special milk to little joeys in hand-made pouches, or to bigger joeys in enclosures, and also kangaroo kids that have already been released but come back for nightly visits is the highlight of living at my wildlife shelter.
  
  I could also use help with the everyday household chores like cleaning, cooking and doing the dishes, and again, we try to share the load. We enjoy intimate family meals around the table with fun discussion and tales of adventure. I like to share great food, great coffee and the occasional wine with dinner. As my location is remote, without nearby shops or public transport, it is easier for me to organise meals for everyone as a group, and I am happy to buy any special types of food or treats as requested by volunteers but note that my house is strictly vegetarian / preferential vegan. If you want to be part of the group meal experience, I ask for a contribution of AUS$15 per day which covers pretty much everything - breakfast, lunch and dinner (including sweets and snacks). Please understand that this is simply to help toward human food expenses, and I will not profit from it. I promise you will find it excellent value, however, if you prefer, I can organise weekly transport to shops for individuals to purchase food and cook their own meals instead. Of course, accommodation is supplied free.
  
  I aim to have three or four WorkAwayers at a time and have daytime local volunteers coming most days to help out and make it more fun. They are all wonderful and friendly people. I try to help with transport for days off as there is no public transport nearby, but having your own car would give you much greater options to get away and explore the district. Even without a car, there is much to enjoy in the surrounding environment. There may also be an opportunity for you to join me on rescues or relocations of wild animals if you're up for that. It can be a thrilling experience but could also feel heavy for some especially if the animal is severely injured or we're not able to save them in time.
  
  I love that I can help so many animals. I'm grateful for my life and I am grateful for volunteers, many of whom have become dear friends.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  I aim to have three or four WorkAway volunteers at a time to spread the work and make it enjoyable. Occasionally there is a short overlap with a fifth volunteer during changeovers.
  
  I have a funky cabin with some kitchen items (fridge, kettle, toaster and crockery) that is ideally suited to a couple but is used for single volunteers as well. It contains a queen-sized bed fitted with an electric blanket, and it has an air-conditioner unit. It adjoins a joey yard which connects to the house. I also have a cosy spare room/study inside the house with a double bed which is directly opposite the bathroom/toilet which I offer to volunteers staying the longest. There is a huge upstairs bedroom that contains two queen-sized beds fitted with electric blankets, and other comfy bedding for shared accommodation. The room normally has two or sometimes three volunteers at a time and is kept single sex unless used by a single couple. All beds are extremely comfortable and there is plenty of fresh and clean bedding for everyone.
  
  I have off-grid power and rainwater in tanks and use solar and generators with all the power you'll need to keep your devices charged. Internet and Wi-Fi are good in the house, and there is good signal into the cabin and across the property. I have a spare computer if anyone needs.
  
  The main house, and where we will enjoy our meals together is a place of warmth and openness and is filled with a myriad of unique and interesting artifacts. I include volunteers in all activities, and we live like one big family. I also often have friends, colleagues, and daytime local volunteers that come by regularly. The kitchen is often the hub of good coffee, good food, and great conversation.

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  What else ...

  There are fantastic cafes and bakeries within 15 minutes of us and a local pub about 5 minutes away with food trucks every Monday night (with incredible vegan food!). Vineyards, distilleries, and breweries are about 30 minutes away.
  
  The nearest train station is 20 minutes away and we're about an hour from the ocean.
  
  Daylesford, a popular tourist destination in the area is about 30 minutes away. It has numerous spas, restaurants, galleries, natural mineral springs, a cider house, charming gardens, and a popular Sunday Market.
  
  The area is known for its wellness industry with many spas and a focus on natural healing.
  
  There is no shortage of things to do on your days off-- on or off the property! But note there is no public transport so you will need your own car or hope that I will be able to give you a lift (no guarantees).

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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

  I can host digital nomads and access to the internet is good.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

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