Help us create permaculture sanctuary in the native bush in Melbourne, Australia

Details

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  Description

  We are a family of 4 living on a 42-acre hobby farm on the outskirts of Melbourne - rated one of the most livable, exciting, culturally diverse cities in the world. We are at the gateway of the Grampians which is renowned for its wine and food. We are only 1.5 hrs from the Great Ocean Road. To explore this wonderful place, you will need a car with a license.
  
  Our 42 acres (17 hectares) comprise pasture and Australian native bushland with a creek. We share this with 2 horses, 2 Australian Shepherds, a cat, chickens, a goldfish, a mob of kangaroos, a shy koala or 2, and the odd wombat here and there. We have laughing kookaburras and diving kingfishers. We are a family of 4. My husband and I live in a small house on the property, and our 2 adult children live in the big stone house where you are invited to stay.
  
  Our vision is to create a permaculture sanctuary where our family and friends can find harmony and a haven in these crazy times. We invite people who want to be part of building this vision, and who bring enthusiasm, practical farm skills, and motivation to get things done.
  
  Some of the projects we will work on include fencing; creating wicking beds and swales; mowing and wiper snipping, veggie gardening, and painting, to name a few.
  
  A good-sized bedroom with a double bed, shared bathroom, large modern kitchen, and communal areas. Good internet and streaming. We are right near the Wombat State Forest (oh yes – there are wombats as well).
  Ideally, we would like a couple. However, we have 2 bedrooms for 2 work aways at once.

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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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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are building a permaculture property and adjusting to living according to permacultural principles so you'd have plenty of opportunities to learn this with us.
  
  You would have a terrific Australian cultural immersion living with our family and meeting our friends. Depending on when you come, you could learn how to sail with us.

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  Help

  We are improving our hobby farm by fencing, building vegetable gardens and wicking beds, and a real variety of other projects involving gardening, building and farming skills.
  
  You would be working along side us and our local tradie for some projects that might involve more skilled trade work like setting up our tiny house project.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  You get your own room with a double bed and a built-in wardrobe. You share the bathroom facilities. You have full access to the kitchen, 3 large living areas, laundry, and any part of the property. We can provide food for the main meals that you can prepare yourself and some cooked meals. If you have special dietary options or drinks, and treats, then you need to manage yourself. No drugs or smoking of any sort are allowed on our property.

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  What else ...

  You will need a license to get around and it is preferable to have your own car although we can drive you to the local shops and train/bus.
  
  You get a bit of everything here. We are at the gateway to the Grampians region, near Daylesford. It is a beautiful wine-growing region, with lots to do - horse riding, trekking, rock climbing, and lots of little townships with lovely food and places to explore. You are only 1.5 hours away from the Great Ocean Road where you can go surfing and exploring the Otway Ranges. And you can easily get into Melbourne either on the train or by driving and check out the entertainment and great sites and food of Melbourne.
  
  We have Australian bush on our place and are surrounded by a huge Australian forest so you'd see kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, parrots or all sorts, and all sorts of other Australian wildlife.
  
  Our place is about 15 km away from the local shopping centre and train, and 50 minutes away from Melbourne.

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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 good internet and plenty of lovely spaces in the house to work from and overlook the property. Gary and I work from home most of the time but live in a separate dwelling from the big house where you will be. This means we are there when you need us - but not in your face when you don't.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have plenty of room for a campervan or motorhome and can plug you into electricity if you want to stay in your own van. You can even work on your own van if you want to convert it!!

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

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

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