Western Australia self catering accommodation
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Buildings
Our aim is to continue to build sensibly, suited to local conditions and environment. We strive to keep up with latest technology and products available, and also used recycled, or renewable products as much as possible. Our passive solar designed home reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling; and the rain water collection, total water recycling system allows us to be fully self sufficient with this precious resource. We have also installed water saving devices throughout.
The home is oriented to the north (being south of the equator) to maximise winter heating and minimise summer sun; we have used double glazing and insulation throughout the home. We have converted a freezer to be used as a fridge - reportedly using 1/20th the amount of energy as a standard fridge. Produce from the fruit trees, herbs and seasonal vegetables will be available for guests. The home is furnished with second hand, recycled or fair trade products as much as possible. All bedding and towels are made from organic cotton. We wanted to demonstrate that a home can still be beautiful without having to spend enormous amounts of money on new products.
Wildlife
Our property is a "Land For Wildlife" property, registered with the government's Department for Environment and Conservation. This means we promise to maintain and enhance our existing bushland, providing habitat for local wildlife and the support of wildlife corridors to adjoining properties. We have kangaroos, possums, microbats, potentially bandicotts and other native marsupials, abundant birdlife (wedgetail eagles, kestrels, kites, magpies, ravens, pink and grey galahs, Australian ringneck parrots, redcapped parrots, wood ducks, pacific black ducks, mountain ducks, wattle birds, thornbills, honeyeaters, weebils, owls and potentially the endangered Carnaby's cockatoo (although we have not sighted them). Frogs and yabbies live in the dam and we have sighted goannas and lizards. We assume snakes are present (dugites, gwada and/or tiger snakes could live here), as well as the common but rarely seen carpet and stimson's pythons. Bordering our property is a railway reserve (no longer used as a railway) which has protected rare orchids; and a large bush reserve which guests can explore. We have provided guests with information about the local flora and fauna, and walks available in the area in which they can explore and learn.
Community
Friends and Neighbours
This is an easy one as there are so many wonderful people and places to explore locally. We have lived in the area all our lives so many of the places we recommend are to people we know very well. We provide guests who stay for 3 nights or more a complimentary hamper which includes local produce - wine, olive oil, olives, dukkah, soap, jams (this may vary according to what is available at the time) and their tourism brochures. We provide an extensive list of all the eating places in the area, crafts and art galleries, wineries and activities (hot air ballooning, horse riding, archery, bushwalking, kayaking on the Avon River, etc).
Our local tourist bureau provided us with a box full of local brochures that we provide for guests. We also encourage people to stay and enjoy local events such as the internationally renowned Avon Descent (white water event), Toodyay's Moondyne Festival, York Photographic Festival and numerous other music and cultural events that may occur in the area.
Volunteering & Charity
As a local business we have supported many local causes over the years. For example - donating our time and staff to the Avon Valley Environmental Society to plant trees and revegetate along the Avon River; supporting sporting groups, Scouts, Girl Guides with donations; materials for the local medical helicopter evacuation site.
I am a past member and my husband is current member of the local Volunteer Fire Brigade. Two years ago I was secretary for the Earth Solutions Expo - which was an event that ran speakers throughout the day and had stall holders participate in all matters environmental. We are members of the Permaculture Association of Western Australia and Organic Growers Association of Western Australia. I also hold a Permaculture Design Certificate.
I have been a member of our children's school Parents and Citizen's group for 6 years, of which I was secretary for 3 years. We have many fundraising events throughout the year which directly support the development of the school - past projects being new playgroup equipment, covered areas, library resources, sporting equipment and end of year graduation awards.
As a family we have participated in the past two World Wildlife Fund "Bioblitzes", which involves a weekend of biological surveys in native reserves. We help locate/trap, identify and count species of both flora and fauna.
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