Andrew

Australia
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100.0 %
Travel information

I am currently

Travelling

Activities i am interested in:

I am currently in Raymond Island near Paynesville in Victoria for a second time, doing repairs, construction and house maintenance.
Currently in Australia.

My next destination:
Spain - from May 2026 until May 2027
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Description

A retired educator, with 20 years teaching building and construction to the pre- apprenticeship level (year 11 and 12) in Australia. I am 74, and single. As a DIY handyman, I have bought, renovated, and sold 13 houses in the past 33 years. I love to travel, and have a self built campervan at home in Australia. Though I own my own house, I am rarely at home. During lockdown, over 2 years I circumnavigated Australia, some 25,000 kilometres, in my van. I also love to laugh, meet new people, and am happy to help. Since arriving in Europe in May 2022, I have visited Spain, Portugal, France, England, Scotland, Wales, Belgium, Nederlands, Germany, Denmark, and Luxembourg. I had a car to help get me around. I am very healthy, non-smoker. Loving the diversity of wines in Spain and Portugal. I have returned to Spain 6 times since 2016. I have completed 6 Caminos over about 2,500 kilometres. I am currently back in Australia due to Shengen rules. I have completed Workaways in Townsville, Magnetic Island, Crabbes Creek, Goonengerry, Mullumbimby, Woy Woy, Sutton Forest, Nar Nar Goon North, Inverloch, Nalangil, and Mount Duneed and Raymond Island. I have recently bought a new home in Victoria, Australia, to be closer to my family. In 2025 I returned to Spain to complete a kitchen building project in Almoradi, and complete a new project in Galapagar, near Madrid, creating a plunge pool. Finished the Camino Inglès in March. I am back in Australia again until mid 2026. I have a large range of tools that I normally bring with me (in Australia) to use if the host can not provide them.
I have done a bit of house sitting in Spain, and pet sitting in both countries. It is something I have agreed to do, but it can be a bit boring if there are no projects to keep me occupied.
Please note # I am not a gardener in any shape or form.
I am not keen on horses either.
Interests

Animals

Cycling

Movies & TV

Sustainability

Van life

Self development

Photography

Hiking

DIY & crafts

Carpentry

Camping

Books

Architecture
Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner

More details about my language interests
A teacher ( not of languages) for 20 years, I speak English. I have a smattering of Spanish, enough to make myself understood over 6 Caminos. I would like to improve my Spanish.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:

Languages

House & pet sitting

Some knowledge of:

Eco Projects

Life at a Farmstay

Able to teach about:

Creative DIY projects

Light maintenance

Teaching
More details about your skills

I am not a gardener at all. Hopeless. I taught building and construction, including carpentry, plumbing, drainage, electrical, painting and tiling. Background is in engineering, so taught and examined students in pre- apprenticeship training to year 12 level. As a DIY renovator, I have skills in all aspects of house renovations. As an Australian I speak mainly English, with a smattering of conversational Spanish.
Age

74
What else ...

I am a walker / hiker with special interest in Spain's Caminos. I completed my 6th Camino in late March, 2025, aged 72. I have hiked with the Runcorn Ramblers and climbed Ben Nevis in Scotland. I have completed 8 hikes in the Sierras north of Madrid. I am capable of working alone, and also enjoy teamwork. Love talking about, and consuming local wines. I have completed Workaways in Alella near Barcelona, Logrono, Barcenilla in northern Cantabria, Galapagar near Madrid, Vejer de la Frontera in Cadiż, Almoradi near Alicante, and again in Madrid.
I am a retired building and construction educator from Australia. My work has included carpentry, construction, plastering, plumbing, painting and landscaping, to name a variety of skills. I also spent 40 days repairing a flood damaged farm house in Tabbimoble, south of Lismore, Australia. Since my return in December 2023, I have completed 10 Workaways on the East Coast of Australia in Queensland, NSW and Victoria. In 2025 I returned to Spain to complete 2 outstanding projects in Almoradi and Galapagar. Now back in Australia until April 2026, I am doing Workaways along the east coast of Australia, heading north from a very cold Victoria. Lastly in Mullumbimby, northern rivers, NSW, but now home in Wonthaggi, Victoria for a while. December 25 saw me in Nalangil, near Colac, and January I am in Belgrave, Victoria.
Some more information
- Smoker
- Driver's licence
- Allergies
  No allergies
- Special dietary requirements
  Prefer Lactose free milk, but not essential.

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30 Jul 2026

Left by host (Help with projects and share ...) for Workawayer ()

We are so grateful to Andrew for what he has done to help us here in the last 5 weeks. What he has achieved for us is far beyond what we would have imagined in our wildest dreams.
We also really admire Andrew for his life choices to pursue doing the things he loves, i.e. building and all things related to this, in a way that allows him to explore … read more

(Excellent )

29 Jul 2026

Left by Workawayer () for host (Help with projects and share ...)

I felt welcome from the very first day. Woz is a excellent cook; dinners were a great opportunity to chat and share experiences. Lots of laughter as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed my 40 days in Bellbrae.
My main task was to complete accommodation for future Workaways. What was a shed for a caravan is now ready to paint, and move in.
Both Woz and Chele … read more

(Excellent )

9 May 2026

Left by host (Learn new skills at a lovely ...) for Workawayer ()

Andrew was and is an Angel who landed here at exactly the time I needed him. Andrew is very skilled in building and can turn his hand to any job. He has incredible energy and starts his day early. He loves to to be part of the family and we enjoyed shared dinners every night and some fun movie/TV nights. Andrew shared his love of music videos and … read more

(Excellent )

7 May 2026

Left by Workawayer () for host (Learn new skills at a lovely ...)

For me, not a cultural exchange as such, I am Australian and only live 250 kilometres away. Raymond Island is perfect as a retreat from the hectic city lifestyles. Peaceful, populated with as many koalas as people. Kangaroos are everywhere. Having said that, there is a sense of isolation if you do not have your own transport, as it is about 4 … read more

(Excellent )

15 Mar 2026

Left by Workawayer () for host (Handy active folk needed on ...)

Somewhat isolated location some 10 kilometres up a single lane road in a mountain range out from Mullumbimby. Accomodation was a bit of an issue; solved by using my own van. Lucinda is working on Workaway accomodation even now.
Lucinda herself was amazing. Works full time, is involved in community everywhwere, and still has time to develop and … read more

(Excellent )

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Communication:
(4.9)

Skills:
(5.0)

Observed house rules:
(5.0)

30 Jul 2026

Left by host (Help with projects and share ...) for Workawayer

(Excellent)

29 Jul 2026

Left by Workawayer for host (Help with projects and share ...)

(Excellent)

9 May 2026

Left by host (Learn new skills at a lovely ...) for Workawayer

(Excellent)

7 May 2026

Left by Workawayer for host (Learn new skills at a lovely ...)

(Excellent)

15 Mar 2026

Left by Workawayer for host (Handy active folk needed on ...)

(Excellent)

18 Dec 2025

Left by Workawayer for host (Join us with creative art ...)

Though I wasn't there very long (under 2 weeks) I felt very welcome there. An interesting and diverse group in Nalangil, I enjoyed building the stairs and shelving, and rebuilding and completing the laundry/shower block.
I hope to return in February or March, 2026. A very different experience from most of my many Workaways, similar to Mullumbimby … read more

(Excellent)

16 Nov 2025

Left by host (Welcoming volunteers to help ...) for Workawayer

Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute

(Member cancelled stay at the last minute)

8 Oct 2025

Left by Workawayer for host (Join us at our home in ...)

Lovely family (and dog). Great atmosphere and location in the middle of Mullumbimby.
Lots of unfinished tasks to keep my sort of Workaway (repair, building stuff, and maintenance) busy.
Accommodation was excellent. Food was excellent too. Definitely a great position to find myself in.

(Excellent)

15 Nov 2024

Left by host for Workawayer

Andrew Porteous became my retired 'neighbour' and friend after an unusual but productive stay . . . He had just moved to a nearby town and then agreed to do our Workaway at our place - this is very unusual scenario (as Andrew writes here) Andrew chose to mostly use his nearby new house rather than sleep at ours (his choice - I had a perfect double … read more

(Very good)

13 Nov 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Gain sustainable living ...)

Probably the strangest Workaway position I have encountered. Though from Oct 18th to November 11th, I only worked 8 days and stayed 2 nights.
The stay was interrupted by the host holidaying on the Gold Coast for 10 days, my own appointments and interruptions, and the proximity of my own house (11 kilometres away).
I definitely not choose a … read more

(Very good)

30 Aug 2024

Left by host (Creating a sustainable ...) for Workawayer

Andrew was great to host. He is practical & highly skilled & brings a lifetime of experience & stories to share. His skills & abilities are variable & adaptable. Nothing was too hard for him. He is self motivated & just got on with it, without needing direction or supervision. We are so grateful for his contribution. We had a large group here, … read more

(Excellent)

25 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Creating a sustainable ...)

Magnetic Island has it's pros and cons.
the best of the Island is that it is 75% National Park. Lots of hiking trails.
The cons are all related to cost. Food and drink are overly expensive. There are limited shopping places, and help with technology is non existent.
The Workaway was good. Plenty to do. They have many projects either under way or … read more

(Very good)

25 Aug 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Assistance with general house ...)

The only downside, if you could call it a downside, was the steepness of the property.
A lot of the materials were carted up a very steep drive.
The projects were varied and fun. My host was excellent. She made me feel immediately comfortable in the house, even assisting with the work when she could. The environment in and around Woy Woy is … read more

(Excellent)

17 May 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Join our family on the farm ...)

Miranda and John were kind, generous and welcoming.
The stay was cut short to a week due to constant inclement weather, the rain hindering the repair and painting of external doors and window frames. May is not the time to be in the Southern Highlands is you need to work outside.

(Excellent)

11 Apr 2024

Left by host (Join our busy family living ...) for Workawayer

Wow we really hit the jackpot with Andrew! As one of our first ever Workawayers Andrew has set the bar very high. His skills are excellent in all areas of construction and property maintenance. From the very first day Andrew arrived he got straight into working independently and diligently. We gave him a list of jobs we would love for him to … read more

(Excellent)

22 Mar 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Join our busy family living ...)

It is definitely a"full house" environment, offering the peace and tranquillity of rural NSW, combined with the comings and goings of this large family. It can, at the same time, be crowded and noisy. There are multiple projects on the wish list, so work is varied and interesting.
Tom and El are very much down to earth in their approach to life, … read more

(Excellent)

28 Mar 2024

Left by host (Stay with us and enjoy being ...) for Workawayer

Andrew was an absolute godsend for me. He turned up with his trailer, full of tools, and was able to fully waterproof tile and grout my New bathroom. He is incredibly capable and can do building, tiling, plumbing, fix electrical, and general carpentry. Not only is he incredibly skilled, but he is also incredibly generous and down to earth. He is … read more

(Excellent)

21 Mar 2024

Left by Workawayer for host (Stay with us and enjoy being ...)

It was my first time in a mountainous environment as a Workaway. I would advise, that if you don't have your own transport, this Workaway position is quite isolated.
Jude was an excellent, down to earth host, with an eclectic group of friends, helpers and Workaways. If you like the mountains, excellent walks, waterfalls, etc. this is the place to … read more

(Very good)

9 Nov 2023

Left by host (Join us and explore the ...) for Workawayer

We accommodate Andrew for about one month, and we were very pleased with his work and skills.
Andrew is very nice person, and we enjoyed food and drinks together.
Andrew is well organised, was always doing something, when we wanted and it been done in a blink of the eye.
Andrew need going back to Australia and promised us to come back as soon as … read more

(Excellent)

9 Nov 2023

Left by Workawayer for host (Join us and explore the ...)

I had a fantastic time, a month, with Henk and Yael.
Having never met a Dutch person before, I was very pleased with their friendliness, willness to help, and generally being fun to be around.
Yael is a fantastic cook.
I also managed day trips to a part of Spain I had never been to before. The coastal towns and villages were exceptionally good to … read more

(Excellent)

9 Oct 2023

Left by Workawayer for host (Handy-person at off-grid Eco ...)

Jane proved to be a wonderful, accommodating host. Over my one month stay, Jane was always willing to take experienced advice on how things could/should be done.
Though very much off-the-grid, with solar power, tank and bore water, no actual address, etc, the challenges this old, self built casa created were both quite challenging and yet exciting … read more

(Excellent)

14 Jun 2023

Left by host (Plant natives and enjoy the ...) for Workawayer

Andrew came at a difficult time for us, as we were recovering from the 2022 floods. He worked tirelessly for almost six weeks, pulling out and replacing the damaged walls, painting and renovating the bathroom, all while our family was still partially living in the house! Through it all he remained calm and relaxed, even during times of high stress … read more

(Excellent)

4 Apr 2023

Left by host for Workawayer

We were exceptionally fortunate to be joined by Andrew whose work on our house was outstanding. Andrew is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in building, carpentry, electrics etc. He is a true Australian with a relentless work ethic; up bright and early every morning and with plenty of enthusiasm to get the projects done and he always … read more

(Excellent)

30 Sep 2022

Left by Workawayer for host (Help us organise and refresh ...)

What a great first Workaway experience. I travelled from Cardiff, Wales, to Alella, Barcelona to start this renovation project. The hosts were fantastic. A total gambit of projects from getting doors to open and close, to realignment of locks, to cleaning, painting, design, construction and fitting of fly screens. Lots of cleaning. The 2 week stay … read more

(Excellent)

3 Apr 2023

Left by Workawayer for host (Help in renovating and ...)

From my first day I felt welcome and included in this large Spanish/ American family. Due to the incredible (to me) age of the country house, nothing was ever going to be straight forward and easy. As I fortunately had all the skills required to work, it was a " point-and-go" arrangement. Carolina was more the skilled in instruction, where Spanish … read more

(Excellent)

3 Apr 2023

Left by host for Workawayer

Andrew was wonderful. Hard working, responsible, motivated, a great addition to any project and most importantly a very good person. The whole family loved having him with us. He always had an idea to solve a problem, was skilled and knowledgeable.
He helped us out for 5 months…. And during that time transformed the house; stairs, doors, plumbing … read more

(Excellent)

27 Mar 2023

Left by Workawayer for host (Help around the house in ...)

My host was purely lovely. There was plenty to do that used my skill set.
I had the opportunity to hike in the mountains north of Madrid. Her entire group of friends made me feel extremely welcome.

(Excellent)

26 Mar 2023

Left by host for Workawayer

Andrew is surprisingly hardworking and knows his stuff in any field of construction. He works with enthusiasm and creativity. He's smarter than a squirrel. and this is the worst, that he has. As a person he is kind, very nice, polite and very independent. Coexistence is not only easy, but it is pleasant. With that said...he doesn't speak a word of … read more

(Excellent)