Learn about different ways of living off-grid and sustainably in Harlin, Australia

Details

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  Description

  We live on a rural property in South East Queensland. Our house is fully-off grid and we try to live as self-sufficiently as we possibly can. We have over 15 years experience in working to develop our property and our lifestyle. We combine ideas from permaculture, regenerative agriculture, soil science, and organic farming. We have various vegetable gardens, a medicinal herb garden, goats, and chickens. We also use biogas to produce our cooking, lights and hot water. Paul is the main gardener and ideas man for the various projects. He also loves spending time building antennas and talking to others on his amateur radio set-up. Kerrie is a medicinal herbalist - operating a community managed herbal clinic and part of a community cooperative looking at sustainable and affordable local healthcare.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Our place is a chance to learn about different ways of managing and living off-grid and sustainably. Our area is a farming community which gives people a chance to find out more about agricultural life in small communities in Australia.

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  Help

  Generally, we are looking for help with maintaining the gardens and property, and looking after the animals. As a rural property, there can be times when fences need maintaining, and every day can be different. The work can be physical but is not too heavy. Usually, the work involves spending some time with Paul as he looks after the gardens and does maintenance around the main part of the farm. This also includes making and managing the compost piles which are used for soil improvement around the gardens. At times, there is a need to establish a new garden bed or create a new wicking system. Other times, gardens need watering and some basic weed management. And when the vegetables are ready, there is harvesting and helping get them ready for use or storage. We have a small number of animals - 2 miniature horses, 4 goats, 9 chickens - and they get fed twice a day. When the goats have their kids, there can also be time spent milking and making cheese. It is good to have a flexible attitude to each day. We do not operate a business and all that we produce is for us to live a self-sufficiently as we can. Workawayers will share in the food that we produce.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  I am happy to try to learn the languages that workawayers speak - although I am a very slow learner. I know that I can generally manage to "hear" the language, but find speaking it harder.
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  Accommodation

  Accommodation is provided in a separate self-contained trailer or shed. While meals can be shared, we are happy for workawayers to prepare their own meals if they wish. There is internet connection, electricity is provided through a shared solar system, and biogas or solar is used for cooking and hotwater.

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  What else ...

  Ideally, workawayers will have access to a vehicle of their own - although there is a farm vehicle which can be used if necessary. We live close to the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, and there are numerous small villages and towns with a range of attractions.

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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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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have some space for parking vans, however it is easier if they are smaller vans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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