Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
31 Mar 2025
Reply rate
60.0 %
Usually responds within 19 days
Feedback
48
Email verified
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
No taking helpers in 2025
Looking for helpers - a couple or travel mates are welcome - to help with gardening, cleaning, painting.
It's a great location an 8 minute walk from Maroubra beach and on the bus stop to Circular Quay.
Living in the house is myself (Olivia), and my parents Margaret and Michael. My Mum is a good cook and we are very friendly and social.
We have already hosted about 100 workaways where we used to live on the Central Coast.
Let us know if you have a driving licence.
Thanks
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Help with learning English, and conversation from hosts who are well travelled and tertiary educated
Help
Gardening and general maintenance around the house
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Accommodation
You will have your own bedroom and all meals provided in return for 5hrs per day 8am - 1pm help Monday - Friday.
What else ...
Maroubra is a lovely beachside suburb. The beach is very popular with surfers.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 918771447682
Feedback (24)
13 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Edward & Sonya)
Sonya and Eddie were fantastic workawayers! They helped us greatly when we really needed help and they were very trustworthy and happy to do whatever we needed.
They both seem far more mature than their age.
I would highly recommend them.
They both seem far more mature than their age.
I would highly recommend them.
(Excellent
)
10 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Edward & Sonya) for host
Thank you so much for this nice time.
We spent 3 weeks with Olivia and her parents and it was amazing. They are so kind and we had some nice conversations. We had always a full fridge with yummy and healthy food. And to visit the city is an unbelievable experience:)
We can totally recommend Olivia…
We spent 3 weeks with Olivia and her parents and it was amazing. They are so kind and we had some nice conversations. We had always a full fridge with yummy and healthy food. And to visit the city is an unbelievable experience:)
We can totally recommend Olivia…
21 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Luca & Anna)
Anna and luca were fantastic workawayers! We really couldn't have asked for more. They would jump into any job I needed and help with it. Even when they were put under pressure.
Anna washed lots of costumes and Luca made props for my studio ballet concert. They also did handyman jobs and cleaned up our garden.
It was a pleasure hosting them!
Anna washed lots of costumes and Luca made props for my studio ballet concert. They also did handyman jobs and cleaned up our garden.
It was a pleasure hosting them!
(Excellent
)
21 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Luca & Anna) for host
Olivia and her parents hosted us for a long time. We did various jobs such as gardening, painting, fixing things and built the probs for the ballet show organised by her dance school.
They are great and kind people, always ready to help and with them we discovered this fantastic country and especially the city of Sydney.
As soon as we arrived… read more
They are great and kind people, always ready to help and with them we discovered this fantastic country and especially the city of Sydney.
As soon as we arrived… read more
13 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Bernard & Elliot) for host
We had a great time with Olivia and her parents in Woy Woy and Sydney!
The little tasks we were able to do were very enjoyable. We were lucky enough to be able to help Olivia during one of her students' dance performances in Sydney.
We could go to the gym and also to different beaches close to the house! You can have realy good surf in Woy woy… read more
The little tasks we were able to do were very enjoyable. We were lucky enough to be able to help Olivia during one of her students' dance performances in Sydney.
We could go to the gym and also to different beaches close to the house! You can have realy good surf in Woy woy… read more
13 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Bernard & Elliot)
Jean-Christophe and Elliot were fantastic workaways. They put a ceiling up in our shed and put mosquito nets on the windows along with many other small jobs. They were open to do any type of work we needed and did it with no fuss or difficulty.
They also spoke excellent English and were very respectful and friendly. They cooked a delicious French… read more
They also spoke excellent English and were very respectful and friendly. They cooked a delicious French… read more
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
13 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Edward & Sonya)
Sonya and Eddie were fantastic workawayers! They helped us greatly when we really needed help and they were very trustworthy and happy to do whatever we needed.
They both seem far more mature than their age.
I would highly recommend them.
They both seem far more mature than their age.
I would highly recommend them.
(Excellent)
10 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Edward & Sonya) for host
Thank you so much for this nice time.
We spent 3 weeks with Olivia and her parents and it was amazing. They are so kind and we had some nice conversations. We had always a full fridge with yummy and healthy food. And to visit the city is an unbelievable experience:)
We can totally recommend Olivia…
We spent 3 weeks with Olivia and her parents and it was amazing. They are so kind and we had some nice conversations. We had always a full fridge with yummy and healthy food. And to visit the city is an unbelievable experience:)
We can totally recommend Olivia…
21 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Luca & Anna)
Anna and luca were fantastic workawayers! We really couldn't have asked for more. They would jump into any job I needed and help with it. Even when they were put under pressure.
Anna washed lots of costumes and Luca made props for my studio ballet concert. They also did handyman jobs and cleaned up our garden.
It was a pleasure hosting them!
Anna washed lots of costumes and Luca made props for my studio ballet concert. They also did handyman jobs and cleaned up our garden.
It was a pleasure hosting them!
(Excellent)
21 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Luca & Anna) for host
Olivia and her parents hosted us for a long time. We did various jobs such as gardening, painting, fixing things and built the probs for the ballet show organised by her dance school.
They are great and kind people, always ready to help and with them we discovered this fantastic country and especially the city of Sydney.
As soon as we arrived… read more
They are great and kind people, always ready to help and with them we discovered this fantastic country and especially the city of Sydney.
As soon as we arrived… read more
13 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Bernard & Elliot) for host
We had a great time with Olivia and her parents in Woy Woy and Sydney!
The little tasks we were able to do were very enjoyable. We were lucky enough to be able to help Olivia during one of her students' dance performances in Sydney.
We could go to the gym and also to different beaches close to the house! You can have realy good surf in Woy woy… read more
The little tasks we were able to do were very enjoyable. We were lucky enough to be able to help Olivia during one of her students' dance performances in Sydney.
We could go to the gym and also to different beaches close to the house! You can have realy good surf in Woy woy… read more
13 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Bernard & Elliot)
Jean-Christophe and Elliot were fantastic workaways. They put a ceiling up in our shed and put mosquito nets on the windows along with many other small jobs. They were open to do any type of work we needed and did it with no fuss or difficulty.
They also spoke excellent English and were very respectful and friendly. They cooked a delicious French… read more
They also spoke excellent English and were very respectful and friendly. They cooked a delicious French… read more
(Excellent)
14 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Gregory & Lisiane) for host
We spent nice ten days with Michael in Woy woy. The place is wonderful close to many trails and beaches. The work was nice as we had things to do and free organisation of time. We enjoyed meeting Olivia and her mother on week end, talking about projects and life. We had good time enjoying a dinner at the restaurant and cycling around. Would… read more
14 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Gregory & Lisiane)
Greg is very skilled and in a short amount of time he and Lisane fixed a step, fixed a water leak, fixed some broken chairs, clean and sealed a rusty chair base, and he also built from scratch a handrail to help my parents walk up some stairs. They also helped cleared out the underneath of the house and did a huge amount of gardening.
They get a… read more
They get a… read more
(Excellent)
13 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Maximilian-Frederik)
Max was a brilliant workaway to have stay. He was very willing to help with everything we asked. He was also clever and could work things out on his own. He took charge of some of the work and ensured it was done properly and to the finish.
He was also very interesting to talk to as he has a broad knowledge for his age and he is curious to learn… read more
He was also very interesting to talk to as he has a broad knowledge for his age and he is curious to learn… read more
(Excellent)
12 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Maximilian-Frederik) for host
I spent three weeks at Margaret’s, Michael’s and Olivia’s place and I can just say that it was really wonderful.
The work was not too complicated and totally satisfying!
Margaret cooks really good food and has no problem to cook vegeterian for me.
Everything was so uncomplicated and easy-going; I had my own bicycle and also the option to drive to… read more
The work was not too complicated and totally satisfying!
Margaret cooks really good food and has no problem to cook vegeterian for me.
Everything was so uncomplicated and easy-going; I had my own bicycle and also the option to drive to… read more
16 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Templar) for host
Had a wonderful time with Michael and Margo both had amazing stories and cooked tasty food. really looked after me. Anyone staying here is going to be well looked after
17 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Adrian)
Adrian is a great Workawayer. He is strong and fit and has lots of common sense, so was able to think of ways to make a quite difficult job of putting in a drainage system much easier. He is self directing and didn't need supervision.
He would make a great permanent employee.
Adrian was a lovely guy to have socially. He was easy to get on with… read more
He would make a great permanent employee.
Adrian was a lovely guy to have socially. He was easy to get on with… read more
(Excellent)
8 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Adrian) for host
I had a great experience in this house with Michael and Margaret. I spent 1 month and i felt like in my own house. They are a lovely couple who made me feel very confortable helping me with everything, specially with the english language, sharing interesting conversations about our lifes and our travels experiences. I helped them with the proyect… read more
18 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Luca & Luzie ) for host
I spent about 1,5 weeks with Olivia. Right after my arrival, she gave me the opportunity to arrive in Australian everyday life. She has been a very caring host and can help with insider tips in Sydney. Both the beautiful house in Woy Woy, with fantastic views over the Central Coast, and their home in Enmore/Sydney, were very comfortable. The work… read more
27 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Benjamin & Laura)
Bennie and Laura were all you could wish for in a Workaway couple. They were self-directing when I was too busy to be involved and their work was A1. Bennie is really skilled at joinery/carpentry and Laura was a great organiser and general helper. Highly recommended.
(Excellent)
28 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Benjamin & Laura) for host
We stayed at Olivia’s lovely little house in Newtown and had an awesome time there. Olivia and Margarete were great hosts. They were very welcoming right from the start. The let us use the car and made sure that we had a good time in Sydney. Bennie built little things around the house and Laura did some light housekeeping work and watched some of… read more
18 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Sid) for host
This was my first proper workaway experience, and in truth it couldn't have been better. Olivia was a kind and considerate host, always making sure I was okay and had all that I needed. I worked five hours a day, five days a week doing up a little house in a suburb close to the apartment in Sydney. The work entailed mostly painting, but also other… read more
3 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Théo) for host
I spent several very good weeks with Olivia, Margaret and Michael, at doing some construction and gardening tasks. I really enjoyed my time with the Jenkins family, I mainly liked the very interestings conversations with Michael ! I hope to see you again at Woy Woy or Sydney !!
Theo
Theo
10 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Quentin)
You couldn't ask for more in a Workawayer than Quentin. He did a really professional set of drawings for us of a major house renovation on his computer. He was cooperative and able to negotiate difficult issues in a way that was really outstanding for someone still at college. He was great socially also - quiet, but always pleasant and willing to… read more
(Excellent)
10 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Quentin) for host
I spend 3 weeks with Olivia, Margaret and Michael, and it was a really great time :D
I really enjoy the job they gave me to do during those 3 weeks, which consist of drawing house with computer.
Margaret is a really good cook ! Woy woy is a really pecefull place and esay to go to sydney from there.
Thank you Olivia, Michael and Margaret for… read more
I really enjoy the job they gave me to do during those 3 weeks, which consist of drawing house with computer.
Margaret is a really good cook ! Woy woy is a really pecefull place and esay to go to sydney from there.
Thank you Olivia, Michael and Margaret for… read more
11 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Pierre)
Pierre was an excellent helper. He was skilled in building some stairs at the back of our house. He was diligent and hardworking. Always being careful not to damage anything, and to make sure he fully understood his work. He was also very sociable and friendly! He speaks very good English.
Recommended!
Recommended!
(Excellent)
5 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Pierre) for host
I spent 5 weeks with the family and it were wonderful ! I liked the work and mainly the construction of the stairs with Daniel ! The house is really nice with a fantastic view over the sea.
It's really easy to go to Sydney and discover it. Woy woy is a beautiful city too !
It was my first workaway experience and it was fabulous : thank you… read more
It's really easy to go to Sydney and discover it. Woy woy is a beautiful city too !
It was my first workaway experience and it was fabulous : thank you… read more
3 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Lukas)
Anyone hosting Lukas will be very fortunate! He is an adaptable, willing and a conscientious worker. He is friendly and fits in with whatever is on the program. He goes the second mile with his work and is very strong with anything manual. Great company to have around. His cooking is delicious too! I recommend him to all hosts.
(Excellent)
2 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Lukas) for host
For about 10 days i stayed with family Jenkins in Blackwall. I felt really comfortable in their household and was happy to give them a hand in the garden and house. The area around Woy Woy has some beautiful beaches to offer and Sydney is in reachable distance for a day trip.
Over all a wonderful place to stay and help, thank you Olivia, Margo… read more
Over all a wonderful place to stay and help, thank you Olivia, Margo… read more
3 Jul 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Ghassen)
We are so so glad we had Ghassen stay with us. It would be near impossible to find a better helper than him. He not only works hard, he also took responsibility and helped solve problems, going beyond what he needed to.
But even better - he is incredibly intelligent and informed so every evening we had great conversation. He's very curious about… read more
But even better - he is incredibly intelligent and informed so every evening we had great conversation. He's very curious about… read more
(Excellent)
26 Jun 2016
Left by Workawayer (Ghassen) for host
These were truly a wonderful two weeks I have spent in Woy Woy with the lovely Jenkins family. As a first time "workawayer", I didn't know what to expect, standing at the train station as I rang up Olivia to tell her I had arrived. In the end, I couldn't have hoped for a better experience and I believe, as do all helpers who have had the chance to… read more
13 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Fidan & Benjamin)
Benjamin was an excellent helper. He helped in the house with cleaning, remaking beds, gardening and general maintenance. Very social and clean. He will be sure to do his best to help any host!
(Excellent)
2 May 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexandre)
You'd be very lucky to have Alex as a helper. He is polite and pleasant to be around. He has a lot of technical and problem solving ability - able to turn his hand to almost anything whether it be technical or mechanical.
He can also cook some delicious meals including lemon crepes!
He can also cook some delicious meals including lemon crepes!
(Excellent)
29 Jan 2016
Left by Workawayer (Samir) for host
I totally love that family.
From the First day i coldn't believe, how they treat, me.
All the family was nice!
The job was not that difficult, and margaret's meals were delicious.
I miss them, and hope to see them soon.
Thank you:
Mike, margaret, Olivia, Daniel and the small william.
This was Such a great experience!!
See u in morocco.
From the First day i coldn't believe, how they treat, me.
All the family was nice!
The job was not that difficult, and margaret's meals were delicious.
I miss them, and hope to see them soon.
Thank you:
Mike, margaret, Olivia, Daniel and the small william.
This was Such a great experience!!
See u in morocco.
28 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Samir)
Samir was an exceptional helper - not only did he work very hard assisting to build a retaining wall he helped without being asked around the house whenever he noticed something he could do. And, he is a truly good cook - give him the opportunity to make delicious pizzas and other Italian specialities!
I would recommend Samir as a polite,… read more
I would recommend Samir as a polite,… read more
(Excellent)
23 Nov 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Bettina)
Betty was lovely to have stay, and a great worker. She got on with things herself with skill and care. She did a lot of painting - both external and internal. Betty was very relaxed to be around and calm, she fitted in to the household really well.
(Excellent)
30 Oct 2015
Left by Workawayer (chinatony) for host
Thank you all,Margo's gourmet cooking and foods, Micheal's understandable and philosophic talks,Olivia's concentration on her projects.The best host of 2015 on my list so far.
Bon Appetit!
Bon Appetit!
15 Oct 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (chinatony)
Ren was a fantastic helper! He fitted in very well with the family. He's a very social curious person but also kept himself entertained when we were stressed/busy. The best thing about Ren was that he got to work and persevered without needing much guidance, he instinctively knew what to do in the garden.
The work he did was excellent turning… read more
The work he did was excellent turning… read more
(Excellent)
3 Sep 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Oddin)
Oddin was a fantastic helper. He did whatever we asked and cooked some absolutely delicious meals!!! Have a great voyage!!
(Excellent)
2 Sep 2015
Left by Workawayer (Oddin) for host
Absolutely great family!
That was my first workaway experience, and that was absolutely great. They make me feel confortable. They was understanding and really interessting. A real pleasure for me to try to help them.
That was my first workaway experience, and that was absolutely great. They make me feel confortable. They was understanding and really interessting. A real pleasure for me to try to help them.
20 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Luca) for host
What a great workaway experience! I've stayed in Woy Woy for about a week, in two times, with Olivia, Margo and Michael. Thank you Margo for the delicious food, Micheal for the interesting talks, Olivia for all the precious help you gave me in every occasion. Special family, wonderful place. More than simply 'host', they quickly became friends.… read more
27 Dec 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Luca)
Luca ticked every box. He fitted in with family life - helped without needing to with cooking and cleaning up...But most importantly he is competent and handy - able to paint, do basic carpentry, garden, fix things and all to a high standard. He has our full recommendation - you'd be lucky to have him as a Helper.
(Excellent)
22 Mar 2015
Left by Workawayer (Tobias & Simon) for host
sorry, for the late Feedback. I just thought about the good food +company with you. I had a great break from everything. I started working between 8-9am and finished for Lunch & spend all the afternoon at the Beach. Thank you for being a great Inspiration. All the best and may See you again.
27 Dec 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Tobias & Simon)
Tobias was a huge help to us when we were rushing to finish a renovation before
Tobias was a huge help when we were rushing to finish a renovation project before Christmas. He could turn his hand to almost anything and showed great initiative. He was always willing to go on to get a solution.… read more
Tobias was a huge help when we were rushing to finish a renovation project before Christmas. He could turn his hand to almost anything and showed great initiative. He was always willing to go on to get a solution.… read more
(Excellent)
11 Feb 2015
Left by Workawayer (Nico) for host
I had a great time with Olivia and her family and their house is really nice! Had some good walks at the beach and in the area and always enjoyed the tasty food :)
Highly recommended if you want some time away from the busy towns and some nice nature!
Highly recommended if you want some time away from the busy towns and some nice nature!
27 Dec 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Nico)
Nico's description of what he can do is no exaggeration. He is really capable and helped us with so many different things, including electrical work, difficult carpentry jobs etc. He was also very lovely to have around helping out willingly with household chores and giving advice about lots of things including computer tips. You'd be very happy… read more
(Excellent)
25 Oct 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Tom)
Thomas has been an absolutely amazing helper!! He has excellent skills in carpentry, electricity and plumbing and a wonderful can do attitude - coming up with solutions and going the second mile to get things done. Any host would be very lucky to have him stay!
(Excellent)
25 Apr 2014
Left by Workawayer (Alberto) for host
Olivia and her parents are very nice. I spent 4 weeks in blackwall with them and also with Kirran, such a good guy!!! My time there was just great, I was plumbing in a new kitchen and also helping around with another things. They have a lot different things to do in her house, they just move back from Europe few months ago so there is plenty of… read more
15 Apr 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Alberto)
Alberto did a great job in plumbing a new kitchen and installing a new vanity. We really appreciated his willingness to tackle difficult jobs with intelligence and application. It was a pleasure to him you stay.
(Excellent)
16 Apr 2014
Left by Workawayer (Kirran Sean) for host
My 3 weeks in Blackwall were fabulous! I had a good time with all of the family. If you want to improve your English this is the right place to go. Or if you rather want to practise your politician and historic skills you can ask Margaret and Michael for that.
Olivia (on the picture) is such a amicable person and she could give you a lift to… read more
Olivia (on the picture) is such a amicable person and she could give you a lift to… read more
15 Apr 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Kirran Sean)
Kirran is a great guy and we would recommend him to any host. He helped build stairs out of decking, weeding, help putting together an IKEA kitchen and much more. He is very polite and social so we enjoyed interesting conversations with him. We wish you well in your travels north and to New Zealand.
(Excellent)
4 Apr 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael & Sean)
Mike and Sean were our first helpers to stay. They were great and very willing to learn and take on new challenges. They painted my roof with rust protector and cleared large amounts of shrub and bush from very sloping land. They were cheerful, enthusiastic and I highly recommend them.
(Excellent)
12 Mar 2014
Left by Workawayer (Michael & Sean) for host
We had a fantastic time during our stay at the Jenkin's residence. This was our first stop in Austalia and highly recommended to any traveler. Olivia, Michael, and Margo all treated us as if we were part of the family and provided great food and even better nearby beaches. Thanks for having us Olivia! Best of luck with your property!
