Who doesn't love the idea of free accommodation while exploring some of Australia's remote hidden gems?
The Kimba Community Development Group offers the Grey Nomad Volunteer Program, where people can volunteer in exchange for a free camp.
Kimba, located on Highway One in SA's Eyre Peninsula region, is one of the state's major wheat producing areas. It's home to The Big Galah, a fantastic nature trail with animal sculptures made with recycled steel, and exquisite murals and mosaic showing the flora, fauna and people of the land. All this makes it a great place to stop by while travelling towards the Nullarbor Plain, or exploring the "EP" further.
Program chair Heather Baldock said the town actively welcomes grey nomads, whether it's to join the volunteer program, check out the attractions, or simply to stay a night or two at the free camping area.
The program, run by the Kimba Community Development Group, was developed about 15 years ago and it's something the locals love as well.
"Our community has enjoyed the company and skills of many people who want a break from the road and learn about our small agricultural community," Heather said.
"Some have come for a few days of volunteering and ended up staying months. Some have returned several times over. Many have formed great friendships with locals. And not all our grey nomad volunteers are grey."
What do you get?
In return for the equivalent of two full days per week of volunteering per person, grey nomads will have access to power in the free camping area for a week and coins for the showers.
Heather said there is plenty to see and do: Workshop26 with its barista coffee and inhouse artisans; the awesome silo art is particularly impressive under the solar lights at night; the fun mosaic with local threatened species celebrating the demise of the feral fox and cat; the mighty sculptures on top of Whites Knob; the Big Galah; and more natural environments such as Secret Rocks, Lake Gilles and the Gawler Ranges.
The program was recognised in the National Grey Nomads Awards as the best grey nomad volunteer program or project in 2019.
"Anyone interested can contact the visitor information outlet at the district council office to be put in touch with a local who will welcome them, talk through the program, help them settle into the campgrounds, and introduce the locals they will be volunteering alongside," Heather said.
For more information, phone Heather on 0428-101-416 or visit www.kimba.sa.gov.au and search for "Grey Nomad Program".
This article was supplied by the Kimba Community Development Group.
