If the terms Permie and WWOOFers make a cartoon question mark appear above your head and you wonder if you dare look that up on Google as it could lead to something unsanitary turning up on your computer screen, don’t shut down the computer just yet. It’s perfectly normal and you are not alone.
What is WWOOF?
WWOOF stands for ‘World wide opportunities on organic farms’ (yes why WOULDN’T you shorten that title!) A term first used in the UK in the 70’s to describe a world wide organisation for people who wish to extend their learning experiences on organic farms in return for food and accommodation.
What is a Permie Farm?
A Permie is a cute name for a practicing Permaculturalist. Permaculture is a form of Environmental Science, and practises producing the world’s energy and food, whilst not depleting the earth’s natural ecosystems. But, the Urban Permie explains it better when she describes a city living Permie in her wicked blog, where she writes “An Urban Permie is someone who is considering 1. The Earth, 2. The people who live on the earth, and 3. Sharing the surplus (knowledge, tools, resources, etc.)”
WWOOFing at a Permie Farm on the Sunshine Coast
So right now, instead of a question mark, there should be a light bulb above your head. With these definitions you can get an idea of what this job within one of Queensland Sunshine Coasts most breathtaking rain forests, will entail. But the best thing is, you don’t have to already be a Permie or a WWOOFie to put your hand up for this spot. Maccca and Judgie who run the 12.6 acres at Raw Consciousness are more than happy to teach newbies who’s blood tingles with the thought of leaving their daily grind and are open to the design concepts and WWOOFie way of life.
There will be hard physical work, as the farm doesn’t stop in winter, but there is also lots of free time, self-sustainability education, organic meals three times a day, oh yes and you’ll be staying in your own your own double furnished room in a tree house overlooking the rain forest. Not too shabby!
With a minimum of a two-week stay, they are open to travellers, students and couples who don’t mind a bit of remote living. These guys have even had guests who have stayed up to 9 months! No phone reception people so leave your iPhones in the city and soak up living off the grid whilst being good to the planet, and good to yourselves.
