Global Gathering Space for Sustainable Earth
ReportLocation: Sidney, Australia
We're located on the northern edge of Sydney, in a classic 'bush hide-away' on 2.2 hectares surrounded by National Parks and wildlife. It's a very Aussie 'Surf Shack' kind of place (think 'camping' - only better) where you can hang out under the stars at night, enjoy nature - and all that comes with it. If you like the sound of this, then this is your kind of place.We are artists, film makers, forward thinkers and compost makers who champion sustainability, peace and humanitarian projects. We're full on into what we're doing. That means, without apology, we like to get the most possible work done in a day.
We very much enjoy welcoming independent, self sufficient and proactive people into our lives. You would need to also enjoy the raw physicality of working outdoors - including getting hot and sweaty, dirty and tired! You may have special skills to contribute (which we love!) but for the most part we need lots of help with the outdoor work (the getting 'hot and sweaty, dirty and tired' stuff! lol!) which enables us to focus on the projects and the economic base that supports them.
For accommodation, we have two 'BUSH CABINS' plus a small caravan. There is OUTDOOR DINING / KITCHEN AREA as well as an INDOOR KITCHEN available which are set up for SELF-CATERING.
There is a shared bathroom as well as room to park a car if you have one. There is a fire-pit for 'yarning' (fire season permitting) as well as games, videos, books and internet access.
With the 'natural outdoor setting' of our place, the cabins and kitchen areas may need your TLC on arrival to make it your 'home space' and remove any dust etc. The kitchens are stocked with just basic, non-perishable vegetarian items that you can use with food of your choice that you bring / buy.
Generally our minimum stay is three weeks and we like to have a flexible approach to work days (four days working / three days free) etc depending on how busy we are with projects.
On free days, chill or go bushwalking, waterfall swimming, beach trekking and city sightseeing. On working days, we work 8-5pm (lunch 12:30 - 1:30pm) expect outdoor work (shoveling compost, gardening, preparing and delivering compost samples, building, helping out with kids and odd jobs around the home and property etc), relaxed evenings, starry skies, occasional campfires, native animals (some invited, some not!) and shared meals with hosts (BYO alcohol) whenever we can. If you want to stay longer (many have stayed for several months) the working hours can be rearranged depending on your situation.
We can also help your travels in many ways - like if you are buying or selling a car, helping with paid work in the area, adding our local knowledge to your travel plans and much more.
There are village shops, public phones, a pub (play pool, darts and enjoy live music!) and transport to the city and beaches within 5 minutes walk. By car it's a ten (10) minute drive to the beach and 25 minutes to the centre of Sydney. Yet here we are, surrounded by bushland and national parks at our doorstep! Bliss!
Our other place is a 'stone cottage' in the central NSW village of Rylstone located three and half hours drive west from Sydney. It's being renovated and set up with organic veggie gardens and is surrounded by beautiful volcanic landscapes, national parks and waterways.
This is a small village but we always have lots of projects going on. We generally hang out together every day working on whatever needs to be done - which is usually plenty of... you guessed it!... outdoor, physical work. In wet weather we work inside the cottage sanding, painting etc. Helpers have their own little cabin with kitchenette stocked with breakfast and lunch foods and we share a meal each evening together.
We also include our Helpers when we head out to nearby swimming spots, towns and villages every so often for supplies and adventure. There are bicycles, bike tracks and a river with platypus. To get there, you can catch a lift with us or take the bus from Sydney which drops you directly in the village.
For everyone 'on the same page', we are so looking forward to meeting you!
Best regards,
Richard, Wendy and all our extended family and friends.
ps. You can also check these links on projects past and present!
www.ricfriar.com
www.hempxchange.com
http://vimeo.com/user23461622
