Volunteer

Have a great holiday that has meaning and doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket!

We are looking for enthusiastic people who want a “break with a difference”.

Unfortunately we are not able to offer any paid work.

We often need trade skills (e.g. building, plumbing, electrical, house painting, carpentry etc) so if you have a trade skill that you are willing to offer and are interested in volunteering at Bellbunya but can’t spare two weeks, please contact us anyway.

Experience the Sunshine Coast with locals, as part of a community, whilst building a more sustainable world.

We are building a community that grows food together, works together on projects, eats together and shares resources and tasks. We have a well-stocked library and pantry, we’re friendly and non-sectarian.

If you would like to visit, please complete our online application form.

Volunteering Networks

WWOOF – Willing Workers on Organic Farms: is a form of cultural exchange in which WWOOFers live and work as family with host farms, and learn about the skills of organic growing and the area they are visiting. WWOOF Australia and their hosts make travelling in Australia easy, safe and more fun for both Australian and Overseas Visitors. (To find out more about WWOOFing and how to become a WWOOFer, go to www.wwoof.com.au). Bellbunya is a host farm in the WWOOF network (WWOOF host number QN179).

HelpX is an online network (www.helpx.net) that provides a broad range of volunteering opportunities. We are a HelpX host (HelpX host ID: 13478).

Workaway (www.workaway.info) is a site set up to promote non-monetary exchange between budget travellers, language learners or culture seekers and families, individuals or organizations who are looking for help with a range of varied and interesting activities. You may wish to check out the possibilities for full time hosts with Workaway. Bellbunya is not a member because we offer the option of making a monetary contribution and working fewer hours.

“Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you. Working together, yoga, dinners, hugs, friends and nature are highlights of the short time we shared. With love, gratitude, awe and inspiration.”

Lauren, France

In the shared accommodation there are bunks for 3 males and 3 females. Private rooms can be booked for an additioanl $80 per week.

No illegal drugs, smoking, alcohol or pets.

The work needing some loving care is varied. Some jobs are organic gardening, building maintenance and renovation, lawn mowing. There is also cooking, cleaning and projects such as conference set ups, social media and website, administration etc.

Community skills/interests include sustainability, music, alternative health, BioDynamics, Permaculture and organic farming, syntopic gardening, cooking, green building, information technology, community development, spirituality, yoga, meditation. Come and learn and share your skills with us.

On our lovely rural property we have vegetable gardens and chickens, wildlife corridors, a creek and lagoon, a conference hall and commercial kitchen/dining and accommodation for about a dozen guests. The property runs on 100% renewable energy. We have internet access and telephones for use in the community house. Other facilities include a large toolshed/workshop, community house with shared office space, library, hall with cinema.

Apart from the beauty of Bellbunya itself, we are close to some of the most beautiful parts of the Sunshine Coast – the stunning beaches and national parks of Noosa, the world-famous Eumundi markets and charming hinterland villages such as Kenilworth, Pomona, Eumundi and Cooroy. Click here to take a look at things you can do and see in and around Bellbunya.

* For day visits, we have fortnightly Open Days garden sessions where you can learn some gardening and garden along side Ian Trew and other gardeners. Please see the events page with details which are also an opportunity to meet community members in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. For visits outside of this time, a personal tour can be arranged from $50

Please give several days notice by email before you plan to come.

• For a volunteer position we ask for a minimum 4 week commitment.
• Stays with no volunteering requirement are possible.
• Part time volunteer options are available, with a $95 pw financial contribution toward household expenses.
  • plus flexible 18 hours/ week
• Stays longer than 28 days require an invitation from all community members.

Please note that Bellbunya upholds a vegetarian, drug-free environment, including smoking and alcohol.

We can pick you up from Eumundi (which is 13 kilometres away) for a $15 fee.

Testimonials

“I really enjoyed my stay as a WWOOFer. I rarely see people so welcoming. After having some time on other communities, I can say that Bellbunya can be taken as an example. You have so much positive energies. I’m also very impressed about your communication. Your place is great and you are all amazing cooks!”

Kathy

“Thank-you for your warm and enthusiastic welcome. I really enjoyed my stay and was happy to help you as a wwoofer. A community to watch, I reckon, as you seem pretty well sorted in many ways and most importantly you have a great bunch of members.”

Rob, UK

“It’s a good feeling to be in an environment where people care about each other and their home. We have really enjoyed the work (especially the large mulch pile – Mal!) and it has given us some real inspiration for our home when we get back home to England. It has been great to spend time with you all. Thank-you. Thanks for a wonderful inspiring experience.”

Charlotte and Jamie, UK