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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
12 Jan 2021
Feedback
21
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Welcome to our beautiful retreat centre nestled in the Snowy River Country of East Gippsland, halfway between Melbourne and Canberra. We are surrounded by state forest and abundant with wildlife (countless kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, native birds and the occasional koala!).
Our well established centre belongs to The Tibetan Buddhist Society of Canberra, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting peace, happiness and well-being. As such, here we host various retreats throughout the year, including meditation - both Buddhist and secular - yoga, tai chi, health and wellness, and family week. We also cater for visitors who seek personal retreat and rest.
There is a small community of volunteers who live and work here full-time and many, like yourselves, who may come and go, but leave a lasting impact. We need help around our big house and with maintaining our spectacular 108 acres of land, which includes vegetable and ornamental gardens.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
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
We accept volunteers from all faiths. As a retreat centre we are dedicated to holding a space where people can engage in peaceful meditation practice and further their knowledge and understanding of their own spirituality and of Buddhism (if interested). If you are interested in spirituality then we invite you to come and be immersed in the rich culture of Tibetan Buddhism and surrounded by people who are committed to meditation in daily life.
You can join our resident volunteers in:
-Green Tara puja (Tibetan Buddhist chanting ritual)
-mindfulness meditation
One to one and group yoga teaching is also available (on request).
Help
There are a handful of committed volunteers working to maintain this beautiful space. We welcome extra help at any time of the year, but particularly if we have a special project to work on.
During spring time there is a lot of work to be done in the garden. We have a veggie garden, fruit trees and large grounds so there is an abundance of outdoor work to get involved with.
People with skills in gardening, landscaping, outdoor maintenance or any farming or forestry background would be very warmly welcomed! Currently we especially need people with electrical or plumbing skills.
We have motel style and cabin accommodation for our guests and also welcome help with house keeping for these.
Over the spring, summer and autumn period we will host a retreat about once per month. There is a surge in business at these times as we focus our energy into hosting these events. Volunteers usually help with the cleaning before and after the event, and with maintaining cleanliness of communal spaces while the retreat is on. Retreats are really special, you'll get to interact with a huge variety of people and join in on some of the meditation, teaching or yoga sessions during the day!
CURRENT HELP URGENTLY REQUIRED:
- plumbing
- electrical work
- House keeping/cleaning motel style rooms/cabins in preparation for guest arrivals
- General maintenance including painting (must have some experience)
- Gardening: clearing small vegetable garden ready for planting, establishing herb garden also general gardening help
including maintenance of our orchard
- Forestry - assisting our environmental volunteer with forest clearing, fencing, wood cutting and associated jobs
- Admin support and help with our shop, experience of internet sales advantageous
We are also looking for longer term volunteer resident help including an experienced cook (vegetarian and vegan) and gardener. More details about these roles on application.
Languages spoken
Tibetan: Fluent
English: Fluent
Accommodation
When possible we offer private accommodation (usually in a cabin), but depending on numbers at times you may have to share. Cabins have log burners and basic but cozy facilities with stunning views. Showers and clothes washing facilities are conveniently located close by. During your stay we will if you wish we will provide groceries for you to use. this can be agreed on upon your enquiry / application. If you have complicated dietary requirements you may consider bringing your own food to supplement your diet while you are here.
What else ...
We are located half-way between Melbourne and Canberra and there is public transport available from both cities to reach us (though it's much simpler to come from Melbourne). Best days for arrival are Wednesday and Fridays due to transport availability however, other days may considered on request.
If you have your own car then there is lots to see in the local area, we are very near to the famous Buchan Caves as well as many other nature walks. We're only an hour from the 90-mile beach, an amazing stretch of Victorian coastline.
For those who do not drive we have a bus twice a week that will take you to town where shopping is available. On request we can also take you more local facilities in Buchan including restaurant/bar.
The property itself is filled with wildlife, we have 108 acres and plenty of spectacular sights.
In your time off you can also gain from our wealth of literature on Buddhist philosophy and practices, meditate in our beautiful temple or you are welcome to use our other spaces for your own practices, such as yoga etc.
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.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (9)
When outside retreat days, I helped clean the motel rooms and the main eating area, cleaned gutters, and hauled debris into the orchard for fire prevention. On retreat days, I had assigned tasks like setting out food for… read more
Work varied a lot - gardening, cleaning, painting, helping in the kitchen, moving chairs and tables, general maintenance work around the buildings and property, ... It was different every… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.8)
When outside retreat days, I helped clean the motel rooms and the main eating area, cleaned gutters, and hauled debris into the orchard for fire prevention. On retreat days, I had assigned tasks like setting out food for… read more
Work varied a lot - gardening, cleaning, painting, helping in the kitchen, moving chairs and tables, general maintenance work around the buildings and property, ... It was different every… read more
Thanks for all your effort, Alex. You're welcome back anytime.
Ps. we still haven't found that puzzle… read more
I wish I'd have had more time because I know I'll… read more
The location is beautiful and very rural (lots of wallabies and other wildlife) but we were lucky enough to catch a ride there with 2 of their community members.
There are only 5 permanent residents and everyone's is incredibly welcoming and friendly. Unfortunately we were only able to stay… read more
Thanks Carlos :)
Thanks for all your hard work Pierre!
If I didn't already have booked my flight out of Australia, I would have loved to stay a few more weeks.
I had the feeling I would have a good time here but it was even better than expected. :)
The people living here, as well as the other volunteers, were very friendly, helpful and interesting.
The property is gorgeous… read more
