Host Profile
My Property
Property Name
Business Type
Farming methods
Short Property Description
Michael and I, (both 57 years old) and our friendly labrador Marley, live in our family home, on a private 5 acres, on the Blackall Range (about 425 m above sea level), Sunshine Coast Hinterland, 82 kilometres north of Brisbane. Two acres around the house are carefully managed, and the other 3 acres are rainforest, and weedy lantana and privet patches, down to Obi Obi Creek at the bottom of the property. Our spare bedroom within the main residence is offered as accommodation for our helper volunteers. There is a granny flat underneath the main house, where our 23 year old boarder Jonathon lives, and a separate cottage on the property where our 19 year old son and his partner live. We have recently purchased the property, and are keen to establish the veggie patch and orchard, and regenerate areas of rainforest, according to permaculture principles. I am a soil consultant, working with regenerative agriculture/organic farmers and market gardeners across Australia, but particularly in south east Queensland. A few times a year, I teach soil classes for organic farmers and market gardeners, and also teach the soil component of the permaculture course at Crystal Water Eco Village. My speciality is soil mineral balancing. I completed a permaculture design certificate 22 years ago, and this will be my third (and last) personal permaculture property set up, but I am only just beginning, so there is much to be done. In our spare time, Michael and I both enjoy time on the water, fishing, and snorkelling on the wrecks at Tangalooma.
Full Property Description
If you would be happy to help us with the veggie patch, (bed preparation, seed trays, propagation, planting out), making compost, planting fruit trees and rainforest trees, building a track down to the creek, or general acreage maintenance such as weeding, lawn mowing, edging, trimming, hedging, mulching etc, please contact me. During winter, I’m usually outside in the garden from 10.15 am until 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, with a break for lunch and afternoon tea. I am happy to pass on my soil knowledge, and also look forward to learning from you, as we work and chat together. In our local area there is lots for you to explore . Swim in Obi Obi Creek at Gardeners Falls, just a few kilometres away. Visit the Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, Eumundi Markets, Maleny Cheese, Australia Zoo, Mary Cairncross Rainforest Park, Maleny Dairies, local waterfalls and bushwalks, or play golf on the 18 hole golf course. The beautiful Sunshine Coast beaches are 30 minutes away.
Organic/Biological methods we use
A soil sample has been taken recently from the veggie patch, which was sent to the laboratory at Southern Cross University. Based on the analysis results, the soil is minerally balanced according to Albrecht principles. The minerals are mixed on site to prescription, and applied pre-plant. Veggies are grown from seed in trays, in home made medium, then potted up, grown on, and planted out as advanced seedlings. An active, hot, immature compost is made weekly on the property from home grown ingredients, and used as weed free mulch on the patch. A separate growing area is being built to grow permanent veg like asparagus, rhubarb, etc, and the orchard is eagerly anticipated but yet to begin.
Special Conditions
My husband and I are particularly concerned about minimising the risk of contracting COVID-19 due to our age, and consequently would prefer to host someone coming directly to us from a lower risk outback farming environment, rather than from a city hostel or boarding house. We will be very appreciative and understanding if you decide to cancel a planned visit should you be required to self isolate, suspect you may have come into contact with the virus, or have any symptoms.
This is a fragrance free property, so no fragrant under arm deodorants, soaps, shampoos, after shaves, perfumes etc. I’m sorry but for health reasons, (multiple chemical sensitivities), we are not flexible on this matter. It is important.
Although I was advised by WWOOF Australia to list as a hobby farm, this is a private acreage residence, so probably not suitable for those seeking a true/genuine farming experience.
Skills WWOOFers can learn here
Organic practices & techniques, Permaculture design practices & techniques, Gardening, Composting, Propagating, Soil conservation, Mulching, Using & caring for tools
My Details
The Stay
Can Accommodate
Preferred length of Stay
3-7 days, Longer stays by negotiation
Accommodation
Other options
Meal Procedures
Languages spoken
Diets we cater for
Meat based meals, Gluten free meals
Why I became a WWOOF Host
We enjoy welcoming travellers from our global community, interacting with like minded new people with similar values and philosophies, and sharing our knowledge and vision of life. Willing volunteers can expect good organic food, cultural and educational exchange and experiences, while living and learning hands on, organic practices. Experience is not required, but happy hands, laughter, trust, cooperation and teamwork are essential while helping with our day to day tasks in the garden.
