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Permaculture

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Volunteer Programme

 

Zaytuna Farm is looking for flexible, dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who have a positive attitude and are ready to dedicate some of their time to one of the worlds leading Permaculture demonstration sites.

 

If you are looking for an unique experience, would like to contribute to the practical development of Zaytuna Farm and do not shy away from hard work then we may be able to offer you a unique experience full of mutual reward, learning and joy.

 

Zaytuna Farm’s wide range of earthworks, its diversity of plant species, its mix of domestic livestock and native wild animals, all make for a stimulating and enjoyable stay, especially for those who relish life in beautiful and interesting surrounds.

 

Are you eager to help us create a better world for all? Then please keep reading.

I love volunteering at Zaytuna Farm, watching the sun raise whilst working in the main crop makes for a very special morning.

The Farm

 

No two days are ever the same at Zaytuna Farm. As you can imagine, as a world leading Permaculture education and demonstration site, our days can be busy, challenging, exciting, frustrating and rewarding all at the same time.

 

Zaytuna farm is a dynamic working farm. It is family orientated and host to a permanent community of international Permaculture students.

 

The living systems at Zaytuna farm have been carefully designed and integrated to maximise outputs, these systems continue to be enhanced as new systems are designed, tried and tested.

 

At any one time, there can be up to ten Apprentices on site, who develop and manage the various Permaculture systems under the guidance and Instruction of the Zaytuna Farm management team. In addition to this, Zaytuna Farm hosts various courses and events. At times there can be up to 50 students, staying for periods of around two weeks (sometimes longer) to study and or gain hands-on experience in Permaculture. On the odd occasion, Zaytuna farm opens its gates for guest visits and tours.

DURATION:

1 month minimum. 6 months max*

SPACES LEFT:
 SUPPORT DOCUMENT:
Check Calendar For Availability
1

Spaces Available

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR THIS MONTH

This month we have our Winter Farm Tour.  Helping the staff to prepare for this event in addition to the general daily tasks would be greatly appreciated.  We are also looking for someone to assist our head chef Gary in the kitchen.

3

Spaces Available

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR THIS MONTH

In July we will be running a PDC so we expect 35+ students to be on site.  Help with organising the PDC, cleaning the communal areas and assisting the head chef would be greatly appreciated.

3

Spaces Available

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR THIS MONTH

General tasks only this month.

3

Spaces Available

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR THIS MONTH

This month we have our Spring Farm Tour.  Helping the staff to prepare for this event in addition to the general daily tasks would be greatly appreciated.

3

Spaces Available

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR THIS MONTH

General tasks only this month.

3

Spaces Available

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR THIS MONTH

In November we will be running a PDC so we expect 35+ students to be on site.  Help with organising the PDC, cleaning the communal areas and assisting the head chef would be greatly appreciated.

3

Spaces Available

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR THIS MONTH

This month we have our Summer Farm Tour.  Helping the staff to prepare for this event in addition to the general daily tasks would be greatly appreciated.

3

Spaces Available

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR THIS MONTH

General tasks only this month.

5

Spaces Available

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR THIS MONTH

General tasks only this month.

5

Spaces Available

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR THIS MONTH

General tasks only this month.

5

Spaces Available

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR THIS MONTH

General tasks only this month.

5

Spaces Available

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR THIS MONTH

General tasks only this month.

Where we need help
DAILY TASKS

  • Kitchen Hand – Assist our Head Chef Gary

 

  • Daily cleaning of communal areas

 

  • Maintenance/repairs & odd jobs at the Lawton’s Homestead

 

  • Housekeeping at the Lawton’s Homestead

 

  • Grounds Keeping

 

  • Weeding & Harvesting

 

  • Assisting the Apprentices in their daily tasks (Animal & Cropping Systems
PROJECTS

Currently we have no scheduled projects.  If you have a specific skill set or are interested in running a project, please provide full details in your application.

Volunteering Hours Expected

We must let you know that our Volunteers work quite hard most days. So be prepared for that. However the work is rewarding and social and a great opportunity to live and learn permaculture, hands on.

Work hours on the farm vary depending on the time of year and individual circumstance. But generally working hours are from Sunrise to sunset (with all meal & tea breaks of course) Monday to Friday. Fridays will be a slightly shorter day if you are able to finish all work required and complete a deep clean in the common areas.

Weekends is your time to explore the local area or just relax, However, a team will work the weekend completing the light duties needed to keep the farm running. This is done in a rotation and is a short easy day.

What we provide in exchange

HEALTHY MEALS

 

Monday – Friday (NB Fri Nights, Sat & Sun is self catered)
Breakfast: 8/8:30am

 

Lunch: 12:30pm

 

Dinner: 5.30/6:00pm

A FEW HOME
COMFORTS

 

A spot for your tent or camper*

 

Hot Showers

 

Internet access and phone/laptop charging stations

 

Use of the common kitchen

 

Access to the learning library

 

Washing machine ($4 per wash)

 

 

* Please note only 10 camping shelters are available and students have priority for occupancy.  Plenty of ground space is available.

What You'll Need to Bring
In the Suitcase

Be prepared for all weather & check the forecast before you leave.

We recommend the following as a minimum:

High quality wet weather gear

Long working pants

Long-sleeve lightweight close weave cotton or other protective material shirts to avoid sun damage – it is very warm between October and April in NSW with extreme levels of UV

Warm clothes

Good pair of gloves

Good working boots to work in and casual shoes for weekends.

Gum boots (rubber boots/wellies)

Flipflop/Thongs

Wide brimmed hat – very important

Towel

Arnica, tea tree oil and/or other remedies for tick or insect bites

Tent or Camper

A good tent that will fit in a 4m x 2.5m area (if you wish to make use of the raised tent platforms) – ensure that the tent is waterproof

Sleeping Bag/Bedding

Air mattress if camping

Organic Toiletries

Sun Protection

Medication

Snacks

Water Bottle

Camera

Stationary

Torch/Headlamp

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ

1.  Before submitting your application please check the calendar to ensure there is availability for your dates.

 

2.  Please ensure you complete ALL sections of the application form. We will not review applications that have not been completed fully.

 

3.  Volunteer placements will start on a Monday and we ask that you arrive between 9am and 2pm on Sunday. If it is impossible for you to arrive on a Sunday, please provide details so we can try to accommodate you.

 

4.  You will be living communally on the campsite, as such you will be encouraged to participate in simple daily chores that ensure the health and hygiene of the farm and the camp area.

 

5.  You need to bring your own tent/camper, sleeping gear, mattress & towels. Please note, that we have 10 camping shelters. These are distributed to students in the first instance. If you miss out on a sheltered site, don’t worry, there is plenty of camping space.

 

6.  Please be aware that we provide catering for all meals five days a week – from Monday to Friday Lunch Time – but on the weekends and Friday night, you will need to cater for yourself. You can do this by taking a trip into the surrounding towns (i.e. Nimbin, Lismore, Bangalow, Byron Bay); by bringing some food supplies and snacks with you; by buying food at the nearby shop or The Channon market held every second Sunday. There is a general shop and a pub that provides meals, both are a 15-20 minute walk away from the farm. There is a simple camp kitchen with a fridge in the common room to store and cook meals.

 

7.  If you have any special dietary concerns, please let us know prior to arrival and we will do our best to cater for you. However, please be aware that while we will do our best to accommodate dietary needs we operate with limited human resources and therefore we cannot promise to cater for anything other than vegetarians and those who have a standard diet (i.e. we cannot commit to catering for vegans, gluten free diets etc). For your interest, much of our food is grown on site and all drinking water is harvested rainwater.

8.  It is important that you adhere to Zaytuna Farm’s Etiquette policy at all times whilst on the farm, failure to do so will result in you being asked to leave the farm.

 

9.  Before applying please ensure you are happy to comply with all of the terms in the MOU. You will be asked to sign and accept these terms prior to commencing the placement.

 

10.  Zaytuna Farm is a demonstration site. We are continuously evolving systems and researching new systems. Zaytuna Farm is not a Permaculture paradise site as many may think, we are always refining the system.

 

11.   Zaytuna farm is in a remote location and is not well serviced by public transport. If you don’t have a vehicle you may find it difficult to get too and from the farm. However the Zaytuna Farm Team do carpool so this can help you to get into town and/or to visit the local areas.

 

12.  International applicants; Please note that we are unfortunately unable to provide any assistance in obtaining an Australian visa. Please take the time to consider all your visa options and feasibilities prior to submitting an application.

 

13.  Finally please take some time to read through our FAQ’s which will provide you will lots of important information in connection to Zaytuna Farm, how best to reach us and points/places of interest in the surrounding area.

ZAYTUNA FARM

ABOUT THE LOCATION

Zaytuna Farm, is one of the worlds leading Permaculture demonstration sites.  Zaytuna Farm has a range of functioning systems including; water harvesting, food production, and a very productive animal husbandry.  In close proximity to some of the most visited places in New South Wales your days spent both on and off the farm are bound to be rememerable.

What our volunteers say

ZAYTUNA CHANGED MY IDEA OF WHAT IS POSSIBLE .

 

When I decided to seriously study Permaculture I moved to Zaytuna Farm.
As an agronomist, working and living at Zaytuna changed my idea of what is possible on a farm and in a community. People were everywhere, all running around doing something, learning, practicing, and making mistakes. All together bound by the same ethics and desire to make a change, a connection that I will always carry with me. Today, Permaculture is a part of everything I do and I hope to be able to inspire people in that same way. Thank you Geoff for the unforgettable experience!

– IGNAZIO SCHETTINI

ZAYTUNA FARM WAS A KEY SELLING POINT FOR MOVING TO THE AREA.

 

I have recently moved to The Channon from Melbourne. One of the key selling points for moving to this area was Zaytuna Farm. I’m a qualified Horticulturist and already have my PDC. Volunteering at Zaytuna Farm enables me to put everything I have learned into practice. I truly love Zaytuna Farm, working the main crop early morning, planting and harvesting as the sun starts to raise is simply amazing. I’m passionate about propagating and an avid seed saver so if I had a choice I would opt to work in the nursery everyday.

– DAMA RODENBURG

darma-zaytuna-volunteer

I GOT SO MUCH MORE OUT OF THE EXPERIENCE THAN I EVER COULD HAVE HOPE.

I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to spend a month at the PRI. Coming in, I wasn’t fully sure what to expect beyond the fact that, as a volunteer, I would be helping with permaculture-related activities. I got so much more out of the experience than I ever could have hoped, and definitely plan on coming back. I would love to have the chance to go back to Zaytuna in the future, or possibly help with some of the Lawtons’ projects in other parts of the world.

Donate your time and skills to help us create a better world for all.

ZAYTUNA FARM

LOCATION

Zaytuna Farm, is located 1 kilometre from the village of the Channon, 20km outside of Lismore in New South Wales, Australia.

Nearest Airport

Regional: Lismore, Coolangatta, Ballina
International: Brisbane

Nearest Train Station

Casino (with bus service on to Lismore)

Nearest Bus Stop

The Channon
NB: A limited service that runs Mon-Fri