Join our busy family in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia

Details

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  Description

  We live on the northern outskirts of Melbourne near the edge of the Yarra Valley, where bush walking is a short stroll away. Lots of parks, kangaroos and local wineries.
  Melbourne City is easily accessible by public transport ( bus to train station is 2-3 mins walk ). We are also accessible from the airport.
  
  We are an open minded household of 4 ( 2 kids ( 5& 10) 2 adults and a whippet (3rd child?)
  As a family we are into music, nature/hiking, games, movies and the environment . The kids and myself love sitting down to draw or paint, often daily.
  There are plenty of parks close by to explore and you may end up with a ‘shows' the kids have made up. They also love skating and rollerblading in the house. ( They are loud so please be mindful if this is not for you.)
  
  I have an energy/stamina limiting disability, and require regular rest throughout the day. I can have days where I am not mentally or physically functional- others are ok. General upkeep has all built up over the last few years due to my condition. It has become too much for my husband working full time and I to keep up with whilst catering to the kids daily needs and our requirements for some rest.
  
  Both my kids are neurodivergent , emotional regulation and general behavior can sometimes be a challenge. So things can get loud, busy and hectic very quickly. Either singularly or between the 2 kids. They can be both funny and challenging.
  
  We generally need assistance with household needs -gardening , tidying, decluttering/organising, cleaning, sometimes cooking and house maintenance.
  
  
  Train to the city is approx 1hr trip, lots to see and do (botanic gardens, MCG /sports museum/AFL football/cricket ( seasonal) zoo, aquarium, Yarra river , immigration museum, shrine of remembrance etc ).
  Cafes/ bottle shop / fast food, are around 15-30 mins walk. From our place or a 2 min bus ride.
  Kinglake is a bus ride or short car trip away and Healesville sanctuary is around a 45 min drive.
  LGBTQIA+ friendly.
  Prefer non smoking

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  House sitting
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  Interests

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Books

  

  Languages

  

  LGBTQ

  

  Culture

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Plant care

  

  Nature

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Writing

  

  Pets

  

  Self development

  

  Sustainability

  

  Performing arts

  

  Music

  

  Gardening

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Art & design

  

  Animals

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking

  

  Dancing

  

  Camping
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are an English speaking Australian family with 2 kids aged 10 and 5.
  You will learn about the Australian schooling system [ though my kids attend a Waldorf (Rudolph Steiner) inspired school), after school activities. General shopping and more community minded shopping and markets. we are very close to 2 different styles of community living.
  
  If you are after seeing some wild life we are very close, with kangaroos often in our street.
  
  We are an environmentally conscious family, this has slid a bit with my health. we can share skills in, sewing, aquarium maintenance and fish keeping, art, gardening, low waste living, science/education information, hiking and Australian animal and plant information ( our front yard is mostly indigenous plants/some native). I have also got many years experience in karate and tai chi.
  
  I try to show all workaways local attractions.
  I have a background in environmental management so can teach about Australian ecology.
  
  We will also share lots of Australian food with you. Occasionally you maybe Lucky enough to experience other foods of the world too, depending on family gathering. ( usually a mix of food from the UK or Greece).
  
  My son is also involved in musical theater classes weekly, so be prepared to learn some songs and maybe a dance too.
  We have a piano,Violin, and guitars also if anyone is musically inclined.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We generally need assistance with household needs -gardening , tidying, decluttering/organising, cleaning, sometimes cooking and house maintenance.
  Occasionally helping with an aquarium water change or a dog walk may also be needed.
  If you feel up to some activity the kids will teach you how to play Aussie rules football and cricket - they love playing cricket, basketball, football( AFL and soccer)
  
  I do have a shower base that needs a few tiles replaced and some sawn logs from a tree we grew that have not yet made it into the seat it was going to be. Saving it from being mulched. These were task I had planned to do , but am no longer able.
  
  I can sometimes assist, however, it’s depending how I am on any given day. This can vary day to day. (Both mentally and physically some days can be better than others. so prefer someone who can problem solve and work independently without having to ask too many questions. We have a whiteboard system where you can choose tasks that may need doing, or add what you think needs to be done.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  German: Beginner
  Japanese: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  We are English speaking, with very basic german. Kids are just learning, I can exchange pleasantries in Japanese. And beginner Auslan ( australian sign language)
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  Accommodation

  We provide you with your own private room with a double bed. couples are welcome.
  We do have a trundle bed ( single) so may be suitable for a family with one child.
  
  The spare room has a bed side with lamp, clock/wireless phone charger and built in wardrobe to store items. Towels and linens all provided.
  Shared lounge area and Combined playroom/office/studio
  
  Shared Bathroom
  
  I am open to preferences on how you would like to work with food. We have found generally, that many prefer us to cook, but we do enjoy others cooking. Just advise me of the ingredients you require, and we will get them for you.
  we find most workawayers do a few hours work then head into the city to explore or search for employment.

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  What else ...

  we are close to public transport ( 2 min walk to bus, to train station and bus interchange, supermarket and shops) .
  Being on the edge of the Yarra valley means we are close to many wineries, artists and farming properties and more community minded regional towns. Despite not living in one.
  There is bus up to Kinglake to explore the mountain.
  cafes with in walking distance,
  The plenty gorge is 5 mins walk away ( bush walking ) and the river buried in the bushland is there to follow for a walk.
  And many local attractions I am happy to take you to, quarry hills park and Melbourne lookout, Blue lake, the local reservoir and many more.
  
  There is also options to get to the Vline ( country train/bus) services for longer rural day/ overnight trips.
  
  we are in the 'middle' of Victoria ( northern outskirts of Melbourne), so options to go exploring by hiring a camper van etc are also possibility. It’s approx 4 hr drive east or west to get to either side of Victoria. Around 3hrs north to get to the Murray River.
  
  Please be mindful my kids are loud! but they are at school during the day and home is very much quieter.
  
  They can often be up early from 5 30am-generally after 6 am. It can be exhausting but they will include you in the fun and games, and share their creativity too.
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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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  Can host digital nomads

  My husband works from home 2 days a week, so internet can be slow at certain times of the day. But that can be discussed and worked around.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  Kevin (3 years)

  Kevin is a friendly cuddly whippet, who’s very quiet and just wants to be near people.

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