Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
10 Apr 2024
Reply rate
95.2 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
47
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Come help in the beautiful gardens of our property in Taradale.
We live on a 5.5 acre hobby farm in Central Victoria, where we grow all our own organic food. After leaving a frantic city life 10 years ago (incl London and Melbourne) we are living a sustainable life, contributing to the building of our ethical and healthy local community. Jane is a yoga teacher and Glenn a Shiatsu Practitioner and disability worker.
Particular skills we are after:
- gardening, or an interest in learning and getting your hands dirty!
- admin and organisational skills to assist in garden projects including seed collection, labelling and sorting etc
- labouring learning and helping with small farm building projects
We love to sharing the cooking of the main meals with volunteers. There is plenty of garden produce to inspire your cooking.
This role would suit someone or a couple who are autonomous, likes to have quiet time alone, and also enjoys working together collaboratively with others living on the property.
We ask that volunteers have insurance that covers volunteering.
Please get in touch if you are interested, and please let us know what interests you in volunteering with us.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Experience and learn about permaculture-inspired organic gardening. How to grow food. How to preserve food.
Help
There are a variety of tasks on our permaculture inspired garden and around the house.
In the Spring, the main ones include weeding and maintenance of the vegetable and fruit trees and berry beds, propagation and planting of vegetables, making compost, mowing etc.
In the Late Summer Autumn, the main task is harvesting and preserving the abundance from the garden as well as propagation and making compost. All year round there is the care of the chickens, ducks and sheep.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Volunteer(s) sleep in very cosy Tiny House which is located in the back paddock of the property.
Food is provided, One main meal per day is shared in the evening. Self-catering, with food provided, for breakfast and lunch. We eat as much as we can from the garden and local seasonal produce. We enjoy multicultural food and welcome volunteers to share cooking and recipes!
Please note we are omnivores, and eat meat and eggs from the smallhodling.. But also love vegetarian and vegan cooking.
WIFI is not available in the Tiny House. Although good mobile reception. Unlimited WIFI is available at the main house, in many of the seating areas around the house.
What else ...
About Taradale : it is a small town in Central Victoria. We are 15 km from Castlemaine which is a thriving and culturally rich town (including artist and environmental sustainable communitiies) in Central Victoria Goldfields region. There is limited but very connected public transport with a local bus during the week between Taradale and Castlemaine; and a train line with easy access to Melbourne (approx 1 hour away) and Bendigo 1/2 hour away.
Taradale itself has an eclectic mix of locals, with many interesting social events and has its own local Wine and Produce store that serves coffees, wines and pizzas. There is also the monthly Taradale Produce Swap which we go to and take excess produce and plants from the garden to swap with other avid gardeners and cooks.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 day a week. Not including breaks.
Host ref number: 482286779114
Feedback (23)
19 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Camille & Chloé)
We hosted Camille and Chloe for two weeks on our small permaculture farm. Despite language challenges (as we don't speak French) we managed to communicate well. They were excellent workers in the garden, having come from farm experience in France. They helped us get on top of many garden tasks, as well as were really helpful in cleaning windows.… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (John & Joanna)
John and Jo were such a pleasure to host and we will welcome them back anytime! We instantly got on, as they are very easy to be with, are lots of fun and great communicators. Their work ethic is impeccable: always on time, showed great initiative and their knowledge of gardens and life was deeply appreciated. They were quick learners and helped… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (John & Joanna) for host
This is a workaway dream. We spent a wonderful two weeks here.
We instantly felt like we were welcomed into a warm environment at Tara Springs, Jane and Glenn are so lovely and organised and fun to spend time with. We instantly felt like we had clear information and guidance to settle in smoothly.
We spent many evenings having inspiring and… read more
We instantly felt like we were welcomed into a warm environment at Tara Springs, Jane and Glenn are so lovely and organised and fun to spend time with. We instantly felt like we had clear information and guidance to settle in smoothly.
We spent many evenings having inspiring and… read more
9 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
It was wonderful to host Emma, Johnathan and Jackie. They were very responsible, great communicators and showed great initiative, weeding and mulching the garden, cleaning the chicken coup, and even fixing the nesting box! It was sad that their stay was cut short. You are welcome back anytime. Many thanks Jane and Glenn
(Excellent
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.9)
19 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Camille & Chloé)
We hosted Camille and Chloe for two weeks on our small permaculture farm. Despite language challenges (as we don't speak French) we managed to communicate well. They were excellent workers in the garden, having come from farm experience in France. They helped us get on top of many garden tasks, as well as were really helpful in cleaning windows.… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (John & Joanna)
John and Jo were such a pleasure to host and we will welcome them back anytime! We instantly got on, as they are very easy to be with, are lots of fun and great communicators. Their work ethic is impeccable: always on time, showed great initiative and their knowledge of gardens and life was deeply appreciated. They were quick learners and helped… read more
(Excellent
)
30 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (John & Joanna) for host
This is a workaway dream. We spent a wonderful two weeks here.
We instantly felt like we were welcomed into a warm environment at Tara Springs, Jane and Glenn are so lovely and organised and fun to spend time with. We instantly felt like we had clear information and guidance to settle in smoothly.
We spent many evenings having inspiring and… read more
We instantly felt like we were welcomed into a warm environment at Tara Springs, Jane and Glenn are so lovely and organised and fun to spend time with. We instantly felt like we had clear information and guidance to settle in smoothly.
We spent many evenings having inspiring and… read more
9 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
It was wonderful to host Emma, Johnathan and Jackie. They were very responsible, great communicators and showed great initiative, weeding and mulching the garden, cleaning the chicken coup, and even fixing the nesting box! It was sad that their stay was cut short. You are welcome back anytime. Many thanks Jane and Glenn
(Excellent
)
3 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Brian & Karen) for host
Excellent stay in the tiny home, it worked out really well. Good food and generous hosts. Good luck in the future.
17 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Elise & Axel) for host
We spent two amazing weeks with Jane, Glenn and their son Miles. We mainly did weeding in their beautiful gardens, but we were also able to contribute to building fences and a visual wall which was a lot of fun. We enjoyed the atmosphere of Jane and Glenn's place, their sense of humour and their company in general. Glenn and Jane are very good… read more
8 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Elise & Axel)
It was such a pleasure to host Elise and Axel. They were incredible workers, got so much done with great ease and fun! They built a wall, weeded many gardens, dug many holes, looked after the chickens and ducks. They also cleaned some windows which now look amazing for us to look out at the spring garden. Thank you, and you are welcome to come… read more
(Excellent
)
8 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexander & Brianna)
Thank you Alex and Brie for your hard work and contribution you made here. We really appreciated your strength and willingness to take on some challenging projects. And thanks Brie for your help in clearing out clutter, we are much lighter for it! Enjoy the rest of your travels wherever they take you.
(Excellent
)
21 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Alexander & Brianna) for host
This was our first work away and it was a great introduction into this world. Jane and Glenn were super accommodating, Jane picked us up from the train station and helped us figure out the best route to get out there. They are so easy to chat with and can talk about all sorts of topics. We were excited to experience staying in a tiny house as we… read more
1 Oct 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mija)
Mija was a true joy to welcome to our home. She was with us for one week and helped us greatly in the garden and around the home. She was a quick learner and was a quick and thorough worker. She was great with the camera and helped capture some photos and videos of our projects. We loved our conversations and learning about Slovenia and she was… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mija) for host
During my one-week stay with Jane, Glenn, and their son Miles, I had an amazing experience. This family welcomed me with open arms, immediately making me feel like part of their household. I assisted Jane with a variety of tasks, such as gardening, caring for their animals, and even participating in her enlightening yoga workshops. I also provided… read more
19 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Katja) for host
I spent almost two weeks at Jane's and Glenn's beautiful home in Taradale and it was a truly special time. I really felt at home from the start. The accommodation in the Tiny House was so comfortable and food-wise they have everything the heart desires. Working in the garden and greenhouse was a lot of fun and just what I needed after noisy, busy… read more
17 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Katja)
Katya was a lovely volunteer to host. She was a quick learner and helped us weeding the spring garden and on rainy cold days she spring cleaned out glass house, which is now so wonderful to sit in and enjoy. We had many wonderful conversations and the joy of language and culture. Best of luck in your travels Katya, and do come and visit again when… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Helena) for host
I was just 10 days with Glenn and Jane, but what a great time!!!
the accomodation was amazing in their tiny house, very comfortable! I think the most comfortable accomodation I ever got in a workaway!
They provide me food, all I wanted to eat, I could just go to their pantry and get it... and every 18h we have dinner together... they always… read more
the accomodation was amazing in their tiny house, very comfortable! I think the most comfortable accomodation I ever got in a workaway!
They provide me food, all I wanted to eat, I could just go to their pantry and get it... and every 18h we have dinner together... they always… read more
27 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Anika & Germán)
Anika stayed with us for a month. She was helpful in all aspects of our projects in the home and the garden. She is a natural gardener and helped us harvest the autumn produce and prepare the beds for winter, weeding and making composte. She is a great cook and was very creative in her use of all our seasonal produce from the garden. She was also… read more
(Excellent
)
27 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Freyacw)
Freya was a delight to host on our small permaculture farm. She was easygoing and interested and quick to learn. She fitted in with everyone here in our growing community. We wish you well in your travels and all your endeavours into the future.
(Excellent
)
7 Dec 2022
Left by Workawayer (Mirte) for host
This was my first workaway experience, and I could not wish for anything better!
From the first minute they would make me feel part of the family. Jane is such a lovely person, who makes you feel at home immidiately. Glenn is really funny and knows so much about the nature in the surroundings! We went on a lot of walks togheter, which were really… read more
From the first minute they would make me feel part of the family. Jane is such a lovely person, who makes you feel at home immidiately. Glenn is really funny and knows so much about the nature in the surroundings! We went on a lot of walks togheter, which were really… read more
26 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Piper)
Piper was a pleasure to host here on the farm. She worked well under clear instruction and also asked questions to clarify. She was a thorough weeder, loving to complete the jobs. She was helpful with cleaning jobs around the home when it was raining in the garden. She also enjoyed cooking for the family which was yummy.
(Excellent
)
26 Oct 2022
Left by Workawayer (Piper) for host
I spent a week with Jane and Glen up in Taradale and it was a fantastic week! I had enough free time to get what I wanted done but also helped out around the house and learned loads about plants in the garden. They have the most friendly dog and cute cats as well as ducks, chooks and sheep.
The workaway cabin was so cozy and private and it was… read more
The workaway cabin was so cozy and private and it was… read more
4 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Marie)
Marie was an absolute pleasure to host. She is a wonderful cook, where we enjoyed many fabulous meals from the garden produce, both Japanese and Italian. She also helped weeding and mulching in the garden, and is a very steady worker, making the garden looking picture perfect. Marie, you are welcome back any time! Thank you.
(Excellent
)
30 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jakub & Marcelina) for host
We enjoyed our time spent helping Jane and Glenn on their hobby farm. The area is surrounded by tranquil fields and forests with lots of wildlife around and plenty to explore. The work was quite straightforward, with clear instructions on what to do and fair working hours. We just wish we could get along better with the hosts in our off time.
20 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jakub & Marcelina)
Jakub and Marcelina were with us for 10 days. They worked well with clear instructions: weeding, composting and mulching in the garden; and spring cleaning the living area. Their English was good in comprehension but spoke very little. They demonstrated no interest in the cultural exchange part of the Workaway program and kept very much to… read more
(Good
)
2 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Diane) for host
This was my first Workaway experience in Australia and I highly recommend it. Jane and Glenn are wonderful people and watching them everyday trying to achieve their goals makes you want to try the impossible. I spent three weeks at their place, mainly working on communication strategy and multimedia contents production. During my working times, it… read more
10 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jake) for host
i stayed at this lovely farm for 1 week actually.it was so precious and meaningful time.
the date that i stayed here was holiday season but they warmly welcome me.
i learned a lot of things from Jane and Glenn.i.e.garden plannning, varieties of tree/plants /sometimes snake and spider!! also,i did learn cycle of life.there were nothing useless… read more
the date that i stayed here was holiday season but they warmly welcome me.
i learned a lot of things from Jane and Glenn.i.e.garden plannning, varieties of tree/plants /sometimes snake and spider!! also,i did learn cycle of life.there were nothing useless… read more
8 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jake)
Jake was wonderful to host. He was very diligent working and learning tasks in the garden. He has a great sense of humour, is interested and very understanding about life. He cooked us some of the best Tempura we have ever had. Jake you are welcome back any time! Big thanks. Jane and Glenn
(Excellent
)
15 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Clara & Naemi ) for host
We loved staying with Jane and her family. Not only were they just extremely nice and welcoming people, but also was the way they lived and saw things enormously interesting.
We had huge opportunities to learn, Glenn took us on some of his morning walks through the near forest and explained every detail to us, he showed us the best places to… read more
We had huge opportunities to learn, Glenn took us on some of his morning walks through the near forest and explained every detail to us, he showed us the best places to… read more
15 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Clara & Naemi )
It was lovely to host Clara and Naemi. They were very willing and respectful in living with our family. The helped out on a range of tasks... weeding, cleaning windows, wheelbarrow compost and mulch, and cooking us yummy rhubarb crumble and banana bread! They were diligent and asked questions to ensure they understood all tasks expected. I would… read more
(Excellent
)
3 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Matt)
Matt was a pleasure to host on our small farm. He was eager to learn and put his hand to anything. He helped us build a whole new sheep run, which was a new experience for all of us. We wish you best with all your endeavours Matt.
(Excellent
)
3 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Emi & Ronald)
Emi and Ron were an pleasure to host on our small farm. They were good workers, and showed great initiative. They were very respectful of sharing our family house. We would welcome you back any time Emi and Ron. Thank you
(Excellent
)
24 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Antonnette)
Annie was an absolute pleasure to host. She has a very relaxed presence and joined in with our family with ease and fun. She is a good methodical focused worker, helping us on many of the varied things we had going on in the garden and the home including weeding, cleaning and clearing, and all the tasks for getting organised for a big party...… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Antonnette) for host
Staying at Jane's and Glenn's was a lovely Workaway experience - my first. I was picked up and introduced to the family upon arrival on the farm - everyone was welcoming. I felt comfortable and a apart of the family instantly. I was shown around the farm also; I have to say there growing bed is quite impressive with an array of fruits and… read more
2 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Mami) for host
I was very lucky that I had a chance to stay in their farm. The caravan was very comfortable and both Jane and Glenn are very good cook. But more than that they are very nice and kind family!!They are very busy always but never bad mood. I really had great time. Jane is very nice and cheerful and never gave me pressure. And Glenn is very friendly… read more
24 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Mami)
Mami was an absolute pleasure to host on our small hobby farm. Her english comprehension was excellent, understanding all instructions, and showed great initiative. For someone who has no gardening experience, she was a natural. She was a very hard worker, getting many jobs done, with a methodical application and consistency. She was a pleasure to… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Federico Gonzalo)
Federico was a wonderful volunteer to have join our family and help in the garden and the kitchen. Whilst he is learning English, we found it easy to understand eachother, and he was very quick to pick up on the nature of the jobs around the farm. He is a very hard working volunteer, and strong, so did a lot of the heavy digging and weeding, in… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Federico Gonzalo) for host
This was my first workaway experience, and the family was wonderfull! I travel without car, and they helped me to arrive and to leave the house, very easy for me. They joined me to diferent activities, to know two near cities, to assist an event in her country. I tried several meals, all was yummy (i learn this word here and a lot more!). The all… read more
28 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Ailise) for host
I loved my time with this gorgeous family. Jane, Glenn and their boys are wonderful, welcoming hosts and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them. The tasks are mainly out in the garden and involve weeding, pruning, feeding animals and some organising. You are rarely alone as Kosma the dog and Couscous the cat like to follow at a distance and… read more
19 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ailise)
Ailíse was a wonderful volunteer to host. She was a good worker doing a range of tasks from weeding, clearing out a very disorganised and mucky shed (with spiders and blue tongue lizards!) and showed great initiative. She was great company and fitted in very well to our family as well as the wider community. Thanks Ailíse!
(Excellent
)
8 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Lauriane) for host
Lauriane and I had an amazing first workaway experience.
Jane and Glen have a lovely family and a really nice house and garden.
It's a perfect break from the city and Jane and Glen are more than happy to show you around and if you're interested to talk to you about Yoga/Chinese Medicine/Travel. They have a lot to teach you.
Plus the food from… read more
Jane and Glen have a lovely family and a really nice house and garden.
It's a perfect break from the city and Jane and Glen are more than happy to show you around and if you're interested to talk to you about Yoga/Chinese Medicine/Travel. They have a lot to teach you.
Plus the food from… read more
21 Sep 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Emily)
Emily was an absolute pleasure to host. She was a very hard worker, and very quick to understand tasks. She helped us get on top of all of our spring weeds and did a very thorough job, managing to identify which were plants to keep and weeds to go! She was very courageous in handling the sheep and was very adaptable and willing to do the odd… read more
(Excellent
)
13 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Emily) for host
A beautiful respite from the city, Jane and Glenn did a wonderful job of including me in their daily lives and clearly communicating throughout my stay. They helped me find a good balance of work, seeing the area, and learning about Australia, permaculture, and the goldfields area. As winter was coming to an end, I was the weeding machine during… read more
13 Dec 2015
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
Jane's family is just great, they are welcoming and helpful whatever you need.
Jane often works togheter with the workawayers in the garden, but she leaves them work on their own as well, always with Kosma the wonderful dog Jeeping company! Works are various, from digging weeds to picking berries or vegetables, feeding chickens and ducks, prepare… read more
Jane often works togheter with the workawayers in the garden, but she leaves them work on their own as well, always with Kosma the wonderful dog Jeeping company! Works are various, from digging weeds to picking berries or vegetables, feeding chickens and ducks, prepare… read more
11 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Anna)
It was so much fun hosting Anna. She was very easy going and fitted in very well to our family and farm. She mostly worked on my Yoga Business website. Her skills and her ability to troubleshoot the website were excellent. She took some great photos to be used now and into the future in my business. I now have a great website. She also helped… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (Anna) for host
First workaway experience for me, and a real special one! Even though I had to admit that at first it wasn't easy for me to feel comfortable crashing a family in their allday-routine! But they gave me directly the feeling of staying at home and always asked if everything is alright and if I need something special.
Jane is a really interesting… read more
Jane is a really interesting… read more
11 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (TANG)
Paola was a great worker. She was very mature and easy going so easy to host. She had a good grasp of English and was very keen to learn about everything including gardening and Australian culture. She always asked for clarification if things were not clear. Thanks Paola.
(Excellent
)
4 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (TANG) for host
Great experience as a first-time workawayer. I spent great time with Jane and Glenn. Taradale is a small and lovely town which has their own wine and is surrounded by woods, you can even see kangaroo paths if you take a small walk with boys and Glenn. Jane is organized and open minded, she taught me many things about permaculture and willing to… read more
10 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (Connie & Robert Marcus) for host
Absolutely brilliant first Workaway experience for us! Jane, Glen, Miles and Jude were really hospitable hosts. It was really fun working on their small hobby farm learning a bit about permaculture, weeding the vegetable beds and feeding chickens and ducks. Cosma the dog is really lovable and funny to watch rounding up his birds. We stayed in… read more
6 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Connie & Robert Marcus)
Rob and Connie were an absolute pleasure to host. They are great workers too - absolutely blitzed the spring weeds in the big veggie patch! Relaxed and easy going to have around. Come back anytime Rob and Connie!
(Excellent
)
