Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
7 Jan 2025
Reply rate
94.4 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
37
Email verified
Badges (2)
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Details
Description
A retiree with a youthful attitude and an easy going nature, but getting stuffed doing the physical stuff. Philosophical and health orientated - happy to share hard gained knowledge to those who chose to listen. I have a spacious home enclosed by colourful scented flower gardens, populated by birds, (one lazy cat) , frogs, butterflies and bugs! This is the tropics, so its lovely warm days, balmy evenings, and has more than its share of beautiful streams, waterfalls, crater lakes, and hills that provide opportunities for swimming, bush walking, exploring and fantastic photography. There are one or more markets locally every weekend and the selection of fresh organic and homegrown produce proliferates even along the sides of the highways.
What makes this part of the world a true Paradise is the lack of humidity as my "beach" is 752 m. above sea level. I wanted to retire at the beach and I decided to bring the beach to me. I haven't had anyone trying to 'dive' in my ocean as they will only butt head with concrete or wood...and my 'guard dog shark' has not bitten anyone's foot yet, so my ocean is free of stingers..sand lice...mosquitoes...crocs and surrounded by fresh water lakes and waterfalls to wash off after a day at the Beach!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I am a philosopher by nature and love to share my knowledge on colour therapy and how its aids good health. I garden and produce much of my own food from my gardens and can pass on a wealth of knowledge about health and how to keep it. I have previously travelled the world and experienced many cultures and enjoy being host to short term overseas visitors.
Help
I need a creative soul wanting to help create a painted "beach-side' scene on my house as many workawayers have recently done and as well I need help with a shovel and wheelbarrow. Anyone of general fitness should be capable of this task and accepting that this will be dusty and dirty work. If you have some talent with computers and internet, then that would be handy as well as knowing which end of a hammer to hit with. I have self sufficiency projects of solar and aqua culture that could use input from someone skilled and electrical knowledge would be worth sharing.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Large house, three bedroomed, kitchen available for personal meals. A walk to town, shops and foods. Many fresh garden foods may be available. Vegetarians are well catered for from my productive gardens and the carnivores have close shop access to source their own proteins. There is plenty of space for kitchen cooking or a large outdoor BBQ at the "beach". You'll get the picture if you look at the pictures!
What else ...
The Atherton Tablelands is Paradise on a stick! So much to see, tons of natural beauty and rainforests. Wildlife, waterfalls, forest walks, bike trails, 4WD tracks, lakes, craters, lots of food farms, and away from the 'rat race'!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 973657574468
Feedback (17)
7 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Orin)
What a beee-autiful surprise this workawayer turned out to Bee! Yes, this honey combed her way through my garden weeds, made meals that tasted like nectar, flew through jobs and tasks, used her hive mind to anticipate my needs and kept my ‘brood’ of one cat fed and happy in my extended absence from the hive/home. Orin was a pleasure to host and… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Bethany) for host
Doug is super friendly and nice! He is an interesting guy with an extremely diverse, well kept veggie garden and an amazingly artistic and vibrant house! I had so much fun staying there, he made sure we got a chance to see some cool stuff in the area and had fun whilst we were staying with him. He has some cool ideas for the house so gave us an… read more
11 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Bethany)
You will squeal with delight having this workawayer create such scenery in such a short time. Beth braved the heatwave sun and left me with smiles each pass of her art. Now she has painted herself at my beach, she can claim a hammock anytime passing. Beth teamed with a home country mate and they achieved a heap in helping me catch up on my… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Katarzyna)
I took time to smell the roses...Thats what I got from the assistance of this English Rose Kash! My busy workload was so ably assisted by Kash, who tamed my gardens and painted my walls. Kash's travel of exploration took her away too soon, but the impression she left with me makes me offer a second hosting or a visit anytime.
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.6)
7 Dec 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Orin)
What a beee-autiful surprise this workawayer turned out to Bee! Yes, this honey combed her way through my garden weeds, made meals that tasted like nectar, flew through jobs and tasks, used her hive mind to anticipate my needs and kept my ‘brood’ of one cat fed and happy in my extended absence from the hive/home. Orin was a pleasure to host and… read more
(Excellent)
23 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Bethany) for host
Doug is super friendly and nice! He is an interesting guy with an extremely diverse, well kept veggie garden and an amazingly artistic and vibrant house! I had so much fun staying there, he made sure we got a chance to see some cool stuff in the area and had fun whilst we were staying with him. He has some cool ideas for the house so gave us an… read more
11 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Bethany)
You will squeal with delight having this workawayer create such scenery in such a short time. Beth braved the heatwave sun and left me with smiles each pass of her art. Now she has painted herself at my beach, she can claim a hammock anytime passing. Beth teamed with a home country mate and they achieved a heap in helping me catch up on my… read more
(Excellent)
11 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Katarzyna)
I took time to smell the roses...Thats what I got from the assistance of this English Rose Kash! My busy workload was so ably assisted by Kash, who tamed my gardens and painted my walls. Kash's travel of exploration took her away too soon, but the impression she left with me makes me offer a second hosting or a visit anytime.
(Excellent)
25 Oct 2024
Left by Workawayer (Róbert) for host
Doug was a cool, flexible and mad man, it was a great experiance staying with him. He tought us how to cook and showed us everything the Atherton tablelands has to offer. He let us have long rests. The work was doable and fun a lot of the times. We managed to defeat him in his evil game called "Bugga". We've had a great time with him.
23 Oct 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Róbert)
After surviving on Sydney sandwiches for some time, these two hungry Hungarians were happy to hoe into huge home-cooked meals. They went hiking, went swimming, went caving, went sightseeing, and went underground to work hard! A lot was accomplished by these likeable lads who made my beach look lovely! I enjoyed their company and efforts, but….blow… read more
(Excellent)
17 Aug 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Vlada)
Danka for being my First Mate and holding a watch over me. My wounds received below deck have healed...got a new one today! When I scope my backyard I can spy a Golden egg or more!. Going to take a night of shore leave in Cairns for fitting an eye patch in a few days so I expect to be one-eyed about all things I see. :) I can see clearly how much… read more
(Excellent)
12 Aug 2024
Left by Workawayer (Vlada) for host
Grandpa Doug, what can I say. After a 40-hour journey, Doug welcomed me warmly, so I had a great start in Australia. Doug is a generous, very kind and attentive host. I helped him with the housework and garden. Together we started to build his new chicken barn. We got on very well and were a really good team. The work was always fun. Doug showed… read more
10 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Emily)
Emily and Andrea, were an enthusiastic couple who willingly tackled any task set for them. The weather prevented much work and explorations, but in the gaps of sunshine, they achieved much for me. Emily's art work was appreciated as was Andrea's cooking and they became the ultimate winners in my favourite dice game. Any host would also be a winner… read more
(Excellent)
9 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Emily) for host
Doug was a very welcoming host, happily catering to my dietary needs and always up for a chat about anything and everything! He's very compassionate and tries to find work that suits everyone who is visiting. We were unfortunate with the weather we had for the week which really limited what we could achieve.. I still managed to get outside to… read more
22 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Marja)
Thank you Marja. This independent workawayer worked tirelessly alongside me, helping me in gardens, domestics, building, painting, animal and fish feeding, lifting and moving heavy shit and preparing kitchen feeds that were yummy. Many things were accomplished that I could not have managed on my own and I would have welcomed her to lengthen her… read more
(Excellent)
20 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Marja) for host
Doug mate, what can I say. You are one of a kind! A multi-talented 'crazy' guy who is up for anything. Doesn't matter what the subject is, his interest ranges from early history and the power of magnets to aliens and everything else that goes on between heaven and earth. He is full of energy and full of plans and there is always something to do in… read more
13 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucile & Ronan)
Lucille and Ronan appear as tech addicts, but they are both very willing to put their phones aside to help out with any tasks at hand. Lucille is adept in making meals and Ronan takes to the cleaning up - right to his plate.! There were no 'Grapes of Wrath' with their stay with me and they were fundamental in gaining the dominance over the growth… read more
(Excellent)
12 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Lucile & Ronan) for host
Doug is a peculiar as lovely. He is a nice and energetic man. He is an early bird and a night owl at the same time. He lives in a calm and comfortable place and he was very welcoming to us. He provided us with great organic food from his garden. We stayed for a bit more than 2 weeks and we could have stayed longer for sure. Doug is very flexible… read more
1 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Brooke) for host
24 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Sabrina) for host
I've had such a wonderful time at Doug's☀️😊Doug is such a kind, chill, welcoming and caring person - I already miss him. I cried when we left and was really sad that I couldn't stay for longer at his wonderful, colerful and artsy "beach". There we had fun game nights, delicious food and lots of interesting conversations.I got really cought in his… read more
17 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Sabrina)
Imagine "Heidi" of movie fame, then imagine Sabrina, a pure joyful person to have help from when I was "laid up" with an injury. Along with her countrywoman - I was nurtured with fine care. The world is in the good hands of these angels.
On her first wway experience, I hope all hosts seek her skills and pleasurable interaction. I learnt new… read more
On her first wway experience, I hope all hosts seek her skills and pleasurable interaction. I learnt new… read more
(Excellent)
24 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Sophia) for host
Doug was my first Workaway host and I couldn’t have had a better experience. Doug is a colourful, wise, youthful and overall fun person. He showed me around Atherton on his motorbike, we went swimming in waterfall lakes and danced in the kitchen to 80s music while making delicious food. He has so much knowledge and experience to share. He will… read more
19 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophia)
I thought initially the generation gap between a modern young woman and an oldie like me would make for awkwardness, but NO....Sophie has the maturity, knowledge, capability and courage to take on any challenge that a host could present her with. While her youth and life has not presented her with many skill learning opportunities, she is willing… read more
(Excellent)
24 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Petrine)
I made a lot of comparisons to Jesus when I stood on a nail, (used his name lots!) but my true saviour was the angelic Danish heroine Petrine who in a last minute stay, made the effort to see me comfortable with foot elevation and busied about in my home to restore some cleanliness and order, while I hobbled from chair to bed! It was too wet for… read more
(Very good)
3 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Ai)
A lovely little Cherry Blossom from Japan presented herself at my place and Ai surprised me with sunny days of attitude during her whole stay. Ai was surprisingly strong despite a delicate and slim appearance and willingly laboured in the heat and sun, weeding, cleaning up trash and even mowing lawns in the heat. I observed and learned some… read more
(Excellent)
23 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Ai) for host
I enjoyed my summer vacation with Doug in Atherton.He's interesting and has a lot of knowledge about history.
We did gardening,helping his friend and family,playing the game,swimming,driving,and creating Volcano.He totally loves nature and puspus(his best friend).This area is super great and he is a good host so I definitely recommend! Thank you… read more
We did gardening,helping his friend and family,playing the game,swimming,driving,and creating Volcano.He totally loves nature and puspus(his best friend).This area is super great and he is a good host so I definitely recommend! Thank you… read more
2 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Megan) for host
Had a great time at Doug's colorful house in Atherton! The work balance was great with a reasonable amount of work in the mornings with plenty of time in the afternoons for various explorations, and Doug was great about showing me the sights of the Tablelands. We saw Kangaroos, went to a waterfall, and saw a really old tall Fig tree! He shared… read more
29 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Megan)
When the Angel left, Megan came right along. She got right into work mode and worked till there was nothing left to do. Right strong for a left hander...helped me lift left and right, around the beachouse and cut through weeds like a power cultivator! Pre season cyclone trim all done right too and a new tableau as well. When work was done, It was… read more
(Excellent)
23 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Angela) for host
I stayed at Doug's house for almost three weeks. we did lots of things and I had a lot of fun, Doug is a very active and very sociable person. I helped Doug with his daily chores, cleaning, plowing and putting fertilizer in the garden. we cooked together and many times he threw me the very fresh and delicious ingredients from his garden…. which… read more
5 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Angela)
And along came an Angel...by the name of Angela. A pint-sized powerhouse who blessed this house with her happy vibes. No task impossible and even worked with blisters to her hands. That was not a requirement of mine, but demonstrated to me how capable and diligent she was. It was teamwork in the kitchen and I also enjoyed times when I was evicted… read more
(Excellent)
5 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Alessandra ) for host
Doug is a great person, I spent 10 days at his place and our daily routine was lovely. the first rule is that you have to wake up when your body has to. therefore NO ALARM! after a good breakfast we did some job, like painting, gardening... i like drawing so i spent most of my time painting the kayak in the garden.
Doug has many hobbies. he likes… read more
Doug has many hobbies. he likes… read more
3 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Alessandra )
Allessandra arrived as a fill in for a cancellation wwayer and that fitted in nicely with my painting projects. She was easy to work with, tho I struggled a few times to understand her accent, it was in the most part my hearing and comprehension rather than her English. We accomplished much and she utilised her amazing skills to paint my 'rescue… read more
(Excellent)
8 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
Doug is a generous, funny, caring, wellspoken crazy old fart and we wouldn't want to have him any other way.
During your stay with this guy, you can expect:
- Fun/interesting tasks during the day that are tailored to your skills (or not!)
- Discussions in the evening that range from profound to interesting and silly to mindboggling
- Delicious,… read more
During your stay with this guy, you can expect:
- Fun/interesting tasks during the day that are tailored to your skills (or not!)
- Discussions in the evening that range from profound to interesting and silly to mindboggling
- Delicious,… read more
28 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
Kenny and Hannah were and enjoyable couple of workawayers that laboured hard for me at whatever task I set for them. New to the country and to some skill sets, they were eager to learn and willing to step up. Great communicators and fun company, they were a pleasure to have for the brief stop at Atherton Beach!
(Excellent)
6 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Carolyn)
Carolyn, was a huge help after a busy construction burst on the house, when a market order for a load of Turmeric was received. The digging, washing, bagging were all tedious tasks which she willingly engaged in, where both of us came away with saffron yellow hands! Then the same hands carefully painted outstanding tropical fish in beautiful… read more
(Excellent)
27 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Carolyn) for host
I enjoyed my week at Doug’s in Atherton. He’s a fun, interesting man, and he’s always ready to share his ideas. He was very generous and willingness to show me and tell me about the beautiful area. The work was fun for me - harvesting turmeric, other gardening and a fun painting project. His house is cool and comfortable, and the bedroom is… read more
2 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lea)
"Jumpinwillingness" A new English word for Austrian native! Never to be called into action as Lea was always alongside and ready to be hands on with any tasks. Good cook and capable, as well as company and conversation. Happy with her art skills to the added beauty to my "beach house", and my totem pole faces are all smiles....well my face is… read more
(Excellent)
2 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Greta)
Great Greta! This lass was a great help to me, fit and strong ( a fan of the gym) and willing to get into any of the work and tasks I had accumulating around. Mixed with others coming and going and contributed in assistance indoors as well as out. Happy to see her again if her travels bring her back this way. cheers D
(Excellent)
11 Dec 2019
Left by Workawayer (GalaGourdon) for host
Very welcome, very interesting work, culturally speaking I learned a lot, we eat very well and we see very pretty waterfalls, I felt like home, I ate well, good garden products. I highly recommend it's great!
11 Nov 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Astrid)
Astrid was a 'wonderful workawayer'; Became friends almost instantly; Communication was easy and fun; Did everything a host could ask for; Excellent at work without distress; Found fun in both the work and adventures; Great communicator and mindful; Had a mature attitude and outlook; Intelligent and mindful; Jumped into work each day; Keen to… read more
(Excellent)
10 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Astrid) for host
From the first moment I stepped into the "beach" I felt comfortable and at home. It was my first host and I felt very welcomed.
Doug is a men with a big heart, easy going and huge knowledge that he shared with me. He told me so much about gardening, health, colour therapy and lots more. I will miss the great and interesting talks and all the fun… read more
Doug is a men with a big heart, easy going and huge knowledge that he shared with me. He told me so much about gardening, health, colour therapy and lots more. I will miss the great and interesting talks and all the fun… read more
