Yes definitely would be interested when I get my campervan as I love that area and wish to stay around there for some time. Not sure about any legalities though, others might know. I mean in as much as you would be charging a fee. Will watch this spot with interest.

Maybe instead of charging a fee it could be a donation of time / food or whatever need for the care of the animals

Hey, Thank you so much for your answer.  Think legalities would be covered in that all property is insured  for guests in guest house (bottom house) but great question and I will find out the answer. Lilly has a great idea re donation re cost of food for rescue animals so will answer her next.  Thanks heaps.

I would be in on that, love animals and if can be of some help with rescue animals all the better.

I  would be more then happy to give some time to you cause   ..... Hope lots of other do to.....  I would say u will be flooded with offers

Aaaahhh you guys make my heart sing.  I have struggled on my own for-ever (30 yrs)!!!!  OK a bit more info if anyone is interested. I am now semi-retired.  My guest house - Eumundi Range Get-Away house - is let as a holiday house (half price of any other house or B&B in vacinity)  plus I donate free 'holiday time' for various people/charities in need - ie Black Saturday Bush Fire Survivors & folks facing life threatening illness. Paying guests allow me to pay my mortgage.
I struggle supporting the cost of the rescue animals. - currently I have 4 rescue ponies/horses (one of whom was famous but was bound for the 'doggers'), blind rescue poodle, rescue kitty plus another toy poodle, cat & miniture cow!!!!  Tend to also have assorted kids here as well.  The animals are a great therapy for kids.  3 of the rescue ponies had to have 2 teeth each pulled out a couple of months ago so you can imagine the cost plus then feeding them 'porridge' for 2 months.  Poor old 'Penny' only has 2 front stubbles to start with so was a challenge for her!!!!  We now call her 'Hoover' as she sucks up her food.  All the little kids have a ride on Penny (30 yrs old and she is definately a 'cougar')  Keep telling her about menopause!!!!
Due to my physical disabilities I have built a caretakers cabin as I need daily assistance.  Current caretakers intend to travel around Australia when they settle and then get organised from their trip from SA.
So at this stage, any extra physical assistance is greatly appreciated, and my biggest priority is being able to continue to feed and care for the rescue animals plus thereby give attention to kids in need ie free accomodation, lessons in animal care/riding etc.
I thought that offering to share my home/property/life style would offer a win/win situation for all.  Travellers get to enjoy a 'safe haven' in a glorious part of our beautiful country and I get to continue my life calling.
Best wishes,
Lois

Your place seems interesting. Why not post it in the budget campsites section as this will be lost in the general forum. if in the campsite section people will find the page easier in the future. Call your topic something easy to identify your place eg Eumundi camping or something. How far are yo from Bald Hills in Bris?

SafeSite wrote:

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Aaaahhh you guys make my heart sing.  I have struggled on my own for-ever (30 yrs)!!!!  OK a bit more info if anyone is interested. I am now semi-retired.  My guest house - Eumundi Range Get-Away house - is let as a holiday house (half price of any other house or B&B in vacinity)  plus I donate free 'holiday time' for various people/charities in need - ie Black Saturday Bush Fire Survivors & folks facing life threatening illness. Paying guests allow me to pay my mortgage.
I struggle supporting the cost of the rescue animals. - currently I have 4 rescue ponies/horses (one of whom was famous but was bound for the 'doggers'), blind rescue poodle, rescue kitty plus another toy poodle, cat & miniture cow!!!!  Tend to also have assorted kids here as well.  The animals are a great therapy for kids.  3 of the rescue ponies had to have 2 teeth each pulled out a couple of months ago so you can imagine the cost plus then feeding them 'porridge' for 2 months.  Poor old 'Penny' only has 2 front stubbles to start with so was a challenge for her!!!!  We now call her 'Hoover' as she sucks up her food.  All the little kids have a ride on Penny (30 yrs old and she is definately a 'cougar')  Keep telling her about menopause!!!!
Due to my physical disabilities I have built a caretakers cabin as I need daily assistance.  Current caretakers intend to travel around Australia when they settle and then get organised from their trip from SA.
So at this stage, any extra physical assistance is greatly appreciated, and my biggest priority is being able to continue to feed and care for the rescue animals plus thereby give attention to kids in need ie free accomodation, lessons in animal care/riding etc.
I thought that offering to share my home/property/life style would offer a win/win situation for all.  Travellers get to enjoy a 'safe haven' in a glorious part of our beautiful country and I get to continue my life calling.
Best wishes,
Lois

---

People like yourself are a credit to the human race, you are the type of person that should be reconised as australian of the year in my humble opinion. My wife and I are hitting the road in January and onto WA for a start but rest asured that if humanly possible we will look you up to stay awhile, help a bit and donate what we can.
Thanks again for caring for those that are most often overlook
cheers
blaze

 

I agree with Blaze, Good on you!
We wont be there till 2012, but you are definitely on our list, and we are honoured at your invitation.

Cheers, Gert.

I agree totaly with you blaze .. if more of us were like lois there would be some much more understanding in this world ..i not on road yet but will be doing my best to get up to help her out even if only for feW days .. you r a special person lois ....KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

Hey Lois, I think you are on to a winner. A safe place to stay in return for assistance with the animals. You certainly are a great person to offer such a proposal. I will look you up when I get the chance to move your way and would be honoured to assist in any way. Regards Peter

Any thing away from caravan parks has to be good for all. will keep this one in mind.
Good luck.

Here is todays story of 'life on the funny farm'  if anyone is interested. I often say to arriving guests/visitors  "Welcome to my Madness"  Joke OK!!!  We think 'Penny' (the Hoover) is nolonger able to graze - no teeth tends to be a problem for an aged pony.  The 'assorted kids' tell me she is making funny movements with her mouth. Tomorrow we are thinking of putting Penny in with 'Rosie d Ranga' (miniture red Dexter cow) (Rosie when she is nice - Ranga when she is being a 'red head' - I should know my daughter is a red head - indisguise cause she dies her hair). The grass in Rosies day paddock is longer than grass in pony paddock so Penny may be able to eat it. But Rosie likes to lick Penny - Penny doesn't like being licked by a cow. Penny kicks Rosie - Rosie head butts Penny.  Could be an interesting morning!!!!  Then of course Penny (the cougar aspect) will be in paddock next to Mr TDH (Mr Tall Dark Handsome who was headed to the dog food tin) the 'famous' Rambunctious Boy (now called Rambo & currently my Granddaughters greatest love).  Poor Dandy (grey pony gelding with crippled back leg) will once again experience the fickleness of females!!! hahahahha
Thats the story for todays 'sundowners on the verandah'.  Peyton Place eat your heart out!!!!  Life is meant to be laughed 'at' and 'with'.
Best wishes to all, Lois
PS. Any feed-back on the idea re 'SafeSite' in return for donations (Lilly's idea) for food/care for the rescue animals would be greatly appreciated.

Safesite, sounds like you might have to set up a roster of willing greynomad helpers. You could also try posting your site of Help wanted column of the Grey Nomad website. Good luck with your venture

 WOW !!! you are onto a winner there, I feel like hooking up the van and heading up there right now. to be able to spend a week or two in such a lovely area, and to be able to interact with the animals, and assist in any way required, would be a dream holiday, just imagine, looking around the places of interest one day, then lazing around camp the next day, interacting with the animals on the third day, then start off with day one again, and so on, and so on !!! and to enjoy the company of other vanners, and someone who seems to be a friendly and caring host. I am positive that you will be overwhelmed with heaps of nomads and others, may i suggest that you keep the fee/donation at a reasonable sum as you will be incuring unforseen overheads, and i do not agree with the suggested, discount for work around the place, or assistance with the animals, as anyone who has ever worked with under priveledged animals will be well aware of the personal satisfaction one gets from I know you are well aware of that feeling, because of the sacrifices you make
Hence I will be following this thread with interest, and I will be there. See you then and good luck. Regards Daryl and Renata.

HI Daryl & Renata & all other people who have replied (especially Lilly who came up with the great suggestion of donations re rescue animals).  I really appreciate your support and it confirms my belief in the people of Australia.
My current live-in caretakers (great people) currently take care of most of the day to day care (feeding/rugging etc) of the rescue animals etc but all assistance is greatly appreciated and everyone enjoys the interaction and entertaining foibles of all the critters.  Poor Dede (blind dog) keeps finding things to run into!!!!  But she is also always able to find the kids/people that need her!!!!
Basically all I need is to cover the extra cost of electricity/water etc plus some funds toward the care/feeding of the rescue animals.  I do not know how to calculate this so any suggestions would be appreciated.
Sundowners on the verandah (sharing everyones events of the day) is always fun & entertaining!!!!
Best wishes, Lois

Perhaps go with a donation plus some help while staying there. Or a fee of similiar to the camping sites plus some help. I know I will be coming when I get my van and helping plus pay a fee, most happy to do so. Maybe soemwhere between 5 and 10 dollars a night.

 Hello happy wonderer, i feel 5 - 10 dollars is not really enough!! there will be overheads incured in providing services to the campers, and just look at the setting of the property, and the pictures of the facilities, incl swimming pool, i have stayed in registered caravan parks no where near as good, and paid 25 - 30 $ I to try to travel as economicaly as possible, however in my opinion, I think to be fair the fee/donation should be varied depending on length of time stayed, and level of assistance offered, this will be open to discussion, but personally I think are fairer rate would be $20 - 25 per night if only staying a couple of nights, and it could reduce from that, depending on length of time stayed and level of assistance offered, lets not forget the reason for the offer. and we don't want it to work out with no profit left for the unfortunate [ but now lucky ] animals, and we are also being in a good safe area, with plenty to do and see around the area,
LETS MAKE THIS WORK, IT'S A BL--DY GOOD OFFER SO LETS MAKE THIS FAIR FOR ALL CONCERNED,                Regards Daryl [ dazren ]

It was just a suggestion as Lois had no idea how much to charge. I know when I get my van I will be free camping where ever I can being a pensioner I have no other way to fund my travels. I only know from enquiries last time I was in Bundy, one of the camping grounds there was charging about 12.00. a night which about all I could afford. My thought was a bit of both, charges and help as Lois mentioned earlier the suggestion help instead of charges where I think both would be more to the point.

 No problem Happy wanderer, i know where you are coming from, a lot of us have to watch our $$$$, My real concern is that i do not know how many sites Louis can cater for and this could cause a back-up of people wanting to stay, pay, and assist. and my thourght's are that if it was only $5-10 then some people may stay for longer periods, as 50 to 100 dollars a week is cheap rent. and if sites are limited, this may not generate enough profit for Louis to maintain the property and continue her wonderful work with the animals,, However if someone is committed to assist Louis long term, i am sure they will work out a mutually benifical arrangement, but for the short term stayers, offering less assistance, i feel they could pay more [ min 15 - 20 dollars ]that way they are also assisting the shelter [ it is not to expensive for whats on offer, !!!!
                                                                                Happy travels daryl.

I think Happy Wanderer has got it right.  . . . Say $10 a night to cover any expenses of electricity and water AND SafeSite will need to determine a minimum no of hours of work added on.

Maybe we lost site of wot Lois is asking us to do if we could or can ...and that is help her with what she can not do herself ..help her out with some free time to tend to her beloved animals and her guests Who are not as lucky as us and can travel when and where they please ... maybe we could just pay what we all think is a fair thing with us and Lois and maybe ''''' donated some food for her animals as well as some time and laughter''' .... she is a lovely giving lady and i dont think she would want us to be in a disagreement about how much is a fair thing for the use of her shower ,toilet and lovely part of the world.....I think we all know what we can give in money and time and it would be differnet for all of us



-- Edited by lilly on Tuesday 13th of July 2010 09:08:04 PM

Hey Everyone.  I feel so humbled by the imput of all.  I am now a very simple living person (been there - done that - with most of life) who does what I can to contribute to society, both human & animal, within my limited abilities. I so appreciate all suggestions.
OK - some facts and figures - currently I can offer one or two sites (due to the lay of the land) that can have electricity, water, facilities etc. There is the possibility of further 'unpowered' sites if the situation should warrant.  The situ here allows for a very personal contact experience.  Also all the rescue animals have been traumatised in many aspects so they can not handle too much interaction at the same time.  They need to feel safe!!!
Currently the rescue ponies/horses alone cost me $40 per week each just for feeding/supplements plus all veterinary/medicinal requirements and hoof care/paddock maintenance are on top of this.
I am not looking to cover all these costs just some assistance with same - in return for a SafeSite - plus a happy site!!!!
Given the feed-back I have received thus far I am currently thinking that perhaps a set 'donation' per night for the elect, water, facilities etc plus then a 'donation' towards food/care of rescue animals dependant on what people can afford.
As Lilly points out my entire idea is to help to support the rescue animals.
Also I had a thought, if people are not yet ready to 'travel', then perhaps they may be interested in a 'visit' and staying in the 'back bedroom' of my home (great views/furnished/double bed/privacy).
Please remember my entire ideas are only to allow me to continue to feed/care for the rescue animals.
Best wishes to my newfound friends, Lois
PS  Didn't put Penny in with Rosie.  Thought the estrogen rush might be too much for a 100 yr old (human years) pony re Mr TDH plus the cow licking & pony kicking was a concern.  Bloody Rosie 'broke' through the electric fence and totally panicked in the 'horse paddock' so she had to be tied up again in her 'day' paddock so she could feel safe.  Dandy (crippled back leg) had to be 'pushed/helped' up the hill again for feed-up/rugging. Manch (extremely emotional old pony mare) is still in 'flight' mode (why??????) so is still cold at night as we can not put rug on her.  Dede (blind poodle - looks like a rastafarian brown dirty mop) couldn't find the door out to the spa area (where she gets fed) even though she could smell the warm freshly cooked dog food.  Ended up picking her up and putting her near her feed bowl.  Problem for Dede as she 'feels/knows' where she is through her feet - ah - paws.

I have an understanding of old dogs. About 18 years ago we picked up a little pup from the dogs home. She is now mostly blind (cataracts) and deaf as a post, add to that spoilt rotten. She has only been to the vets about 6 times in her life. That last time was at 16 yo for a fish hook removal (the hook fell out at the vets) and was told then she had rattly lungs and a heart murmer. She does a lap of the yard first thing in the morning, on a good day maybe 2 laps and spends the rest of the day snooring and eating (she eats one little bit of dry dog food at a time)
Well here she is
Smooch

Hello again Lois, now the situation is a lot clearer, you do have limited sites, so you will not be overloaded, with caravans, hence you need to make what you have cover costs and show a profit to assist you meet the running needs of the property.
i am sure that you will have a continual flow of nomads to assist you, seeing as you do have some non/pwr areas available, maybe it can be used as a SAFE,SITE, where people touring the area, can unhook the van, and leave it there for the day or longer while they explore the area, and pay a donation to leave the van somewhere  SAFE we would all like to do that at times, whatever you decide i wish you all the best of luck and health, and when i get up that way, we will pop-in if there is room to stay we will, and if no room, we will give a donation,wish you well, have a coffee on your verandah, and be on our way. GOOD LUCK,   Regards  Daryl + Renata