Sustainable living, land restoration and community life in the Dandenong Ranges, Australia

Details

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  Description

  I am running an ongoing land restoring project. This involves removing invasive weeds and planting indigenous grasses and sub story trees. The property is managed following ecological and permaculture practices. Water and green waste is managed on site, being put back into/onto the land through grey water, solarisation of weeds (seeds removed) and using cardboard, bark, gum leaves and fern fronds to keep weeds at bay. There are 30 fruit trees in the meadow, planted amongst 1,000 native grasses. Six large gums and some sub story trees in the forest.
  
  During Autumn, the land commences its preparation for the hibernation of winter, leaves fall from deciduous species, being put onto the garden beds underneath as mulch, fruit trees are pruned, weeds are harvested and disposed of. Winter is a time of rest, gathering of gum tree litter for mulch and preparing garden beds for planting in spring. Spring is the time of year where everything grows vigorously, weeds sprout, seedlings and tube stock are planted and more mulch is applied. Summer is protecting the plants and the critters from the heat, watering and more mulching.
  
  Located on the eastern escarpment of the Mt Dandenong Range in Victoria, Australia, with views towards the Great Dividing Range. The property boasts an abundance of native fauna species. It is quiet and serene.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Events & social

  

  Sustainability

  

  Culture

  

  Charity work

  

  Music

  

  Art & design

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Performing arts

  

  Camping

  

  Nature

  

  Fitness

  

  Dancing

  

  Mountain

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Outdoor activities
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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

  At our place, cultural exchange is woven into the revitalisation of land and community. Visitors are invited to participate in real, hands-on work restoring the property to ecological and biological viability through permaculture principles and land restoration practices, including those informed by indigenous elders. This includes soil regeneration, weed management, erosion control, habitat creation and water-sensitive design, all grounded in sustainable and environmentally responsible techniques.
  
  We also offer opportunities to engage with the broader local landscape by participating in site assessments of neighbouring properties. Through these shared experiences, knowledge about land care, regeneration and sustainable living is exchanged in a practical, collaborative way. A strong focus is placed on the promotion and planting of indigenous flora species, fostering a deeper understanding of local ecosystems, biodiversity and culturally significant plants.
  
  Cultural exchange here goes beyond land care. Guests are encouraged to connect with community by visiting community food markets, participating in local events and gatherings, and engaging with residents. These experiences provide insight into regional traditions, seasonal food systems and the social fabric of the community. The Yarra Ranges in Victoria Australia is an agricultural area, food production includes berries, stone and orchard fruits, dairy production, egg production and cattle raising.
  
  Overall, the exchange offers an immersive experience that blends ecological restoration with community connection, supporting both environmental stewardship and meaningful cross-cultural learning.

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  Help

  Between 3-4 hours a day, 5 days a week
  
  Help with weed management (removal and supression), and planting of tube stock. You need to be fit and able bodied as the land is sloping. I am a local native gardens for wildlife consultant and love sharing knowledge and experiences of land restoration, indigenous flora and creating native habitat with interested others.
  
  There are also a variety of general tasks: chopping wood, cleaning gutters, painting the cedar weatherboards, clearing pathways and decobwebbing, watering the plants around the house in hot weather, reducing leaf litter, collecting bark for weed supression, laying cardboard, turning compost.
  
  Inside the house there are tasks such a cleaning, help with cooking, cleaning the deck, and cleaning the pergola area.
  
  We welcome those who are motivated, able to self manage, and willing to fully commit to the labour exchange agreement. What does that mean? If you suspect that 3-4 hours a day may be too much work physically, or if your priority is to seek paid employment in the area, or if you have never lived indepdendently, then this exchange may not be for you. While preference is given to those with Workaway experience, where unavailable, we may ask for references to be provided to ensure all those interested in being part of this project have an opportunity to do so.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Beginner
  French: Beginner
  Italian: Beginner

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  Accommodation

  An onsite caravan, with a double bed, kitchen, fridge and wardrobe. Fully fitted out with cookware and crockery, cutlery and bedding. Overlooking the front garden. It is quiet and picturesque. Continental breakfast is provided along with ingredients for lunch. Dinner is prepared by me with help from guests each night, 5 days a week and is served at 6pm.

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  What else ...

  Built in 1956, the property sits on an acre on the hill overlooking the great dividing range in the bush surrounded by mountain ash, tree ferns, camellias and rhododendrons. It is a quiet, serene, kind space. There is a food forest in progress in the backyard, a grotto under the deck and a variety of sculptures and flora and fauna at your doorstep.
  
  Bus stop into Monbulk or Olinda a five min walk away. Nearby there are delicious forest walks, cafes, supermarkets, post office, two opp shops (😊) and then more in Kallista and Belgrave which are a 4 minute and 8 minute drive away respectively. Olinda and Sassafras are similar distances and offer a variety of options to entertain and delight your senses.
  
  Our home is communal and environmentally minded and all workaway guests are required to participate fully. Training will be provided.
  
  Supermarket, post office, chemist, cafes are all available in Monbulk or a short drive/bus ride gets you into any one of the local tourist areas of Sassafras, Olinda, Kalista and Belgrave.
  
  There are over 1,000 bush walks in the area and it is popular with cyclists because of the areas natural beauty.
  
  If you are considering other stays, we’d appreciate you letting us know when you get in touch, as it helps everyone plan with care and consideration. Please be aware that late cancellations can affect your profile, including the possibility of negative feedback or a report to Workaway.

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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

  I welcome campervans but the driveway access can only accomodate vans up to 5mtrs long.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Mischief

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