Outdoor life in East Gippsland, Australia

Details

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  Description

  My place is on an intentional 230ha community in Far East Gippsland, Vic. I have rebuilt my off-grid home after bush fire loss in 2020 and am still finishing the job. I am a 78 years old male and quite fit. My place consists of a tiny house and three sheds with three caravans for visitor accommodation. Power supply is all off-grid solar. / battery.
  
  I speak fluent German and welcome a chance to use it.
  
  There are lots of Kangaroos and other wildlife - I do not allow hunting on my part of the property. Most other locals share that preference and signs are up on road sides around our land to discourage shooting into our land.
  
  I live alone at this time as my children and partner have moved into other places not far away - 2 daughters (36 & 41 y.o.) are with partners and new family commitments. They come to see me quite often - love it.
  
  My household is alcohol and drug-free.
  
  I charge an electric car and other electric vehicles and tools, etc., including bikes and trikes off 4 separate solar systems designed and installed with younger help by yours truly. I am also working on a hydrogen on-demand production system using solar power feeding an experimental (small at this stage) circuit of transformers, voltage boosters and miniature water pumping system. This is not intended as a commercial venture - home use only. Intended to replace LPG gas if possible.
  
  Great swimming, cycling and bush walking is available in between spells of property maintenance, etc.. There is a train / bus service from Melbourne to Bairnsdale and I can also pick up and deliver from / to Bairnsdale, Vic. 100km from here.
  
  We have a local mobile / internet signal which gives excellent service.
  
  I tend to eat very simple, natural food with a growing emphasis on vegetarian diet. We have a local food co-op and we eat local if we can.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Light maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Technology

  

  Writing

  

  Cooking & food

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Books

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Nature

  

  Cycling

  

  Gardening
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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

  I speak fluent German and also have a great local history record of video, photography etc., and there is a lot going on at Lakes Entrance, and then there are the famous Buchan caves and spelunking if cave exploration (supervised and guided) is your thing, as well as the Orbost Art Centre about 60km away with monthly music events. And there are those places in the bush that are an adventure in nature, swimming, etc. with the Snowy River National Park just over the hill. And the coast is close with great outings such as Marlo, Metung, and the Snowy estuary only an hours or so away. I also have some very interesting neighbors who do lots of things which they would gladly share. There is a Buddhist Retreat nearby also.

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  Help

  I am glad to get help from younger, stronger hands and minds here. I am keen to share the off-grid systems and the freedom and challenges of an off-grid rural lifestyle. Skills in solar system setup and wiring, etc., are always welcome - and so is wood-splitting for the Rayburn Stove, and a hand with general maintenance. This place is different and innovative systems are in use. Plenty to see and learn. Also interesting neighbors. We have an ageing population and are looking at facilitating tiny house sites for long-term new settlers. I am looking into that at this time.
  
  I am still keen to learn and share what I have learned. I have lived on a small income for over 40 years and I have improvised so much for so long to make life here possible. It has been a fantastic voyage so far, and there is still a way to go and share. Little chance of boredom or lack of exercise.

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  Initially there is a caravan in a shed with single / double bed, toilet and shower nearby. 12V lighting and USB outlets - soon also 240V - just rewiring it all soonest. Tank / rain water and 12V fridge also. By January there should also be a more luxurious caravan available with air con. and internal shower and toilet. There is also another caravan which needs quite some restoration - it is an office space setup at present with drawing board, etc., for my work use - it has a single bed in it but facilities outside shared with other van. Meals to be taken in my little house and veranda set up with outdoor kitchen with cafe-type tables and chairs for larger gatherings - and seating for 4 for indoor meals.

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  What else ...

  If ebikes are your thing, there is some local transport available via these. The secondary roads here are used by trucks and farmers in a hurry, so great effort must be made to stay safe when using these roads. I can carry three passengers in my Hyundai Kona Electric to go on local outings, etc. We also have the Gippsland Lakes here and I have a small dinghy / sail boat and access to a fishing boat when I get a boat license. Fishing is on!
  
  I am a very quiet and drug / alcohol free person, so I will not tolerate bad behaviour of drug use, etc., here.

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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