We have an incredibly efficient r our recycling system fo of sy te ur co s, garden ats hens, worms and go er ov d te and have plan e 200 flowering nativ and es be s, rd bi r fo plants .” other pollinators
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traction while four wheel driving up the side of an icy volcano filming on Escape, living out of a suitcase and ironing my own shirts, being a heartbeat away from death from a wild buffalo attack while filming a documentary for the ABC in Arnhem Land, and having to decline the offer of several beautiful wives from a Zulu chief in South Africa! How does this work fit in with being a wilderness adventurer and environmentalist? Seeing and experiencing much of the world as I have, has opened my eyes to the many different ways people live and how humans as a species engage with the natural environment. I choose an adventurous life, so I can keep learning and sourcing inspiration from this amazing planet and all of its life forms. Nature provides us with the life-sustaining ingredients we need and because of this, I believe we must always seek to work in harmony with nature and each other. As my scientist wife, Sandi, says, and I totally agree with: “It is the duty of all people to make good, long-term decisions wherever
possible, and this begins at home with teaching our children the importance of understanding and respecting our natural world and caring for one another”. We developed the Eco Media Production Group and more recently, Wild Guy Productions, through which we can facilitate visual media and wellbeing initiatives that promote and showcase amazing stories and positive outcomes for people and the planet. We have always been about sharing adventure and experience through stories, songs, and more so our latest venture, Wild Guy Station, could be seen as a very natural progression - albeit a huge project with considerable challenges. Can you tell us more about Wild Guy Station? Nestled amongst vast forests and close to magnificent coastal rainforests and extensive marine sanctuaries, Wild Guy Station is a wonderland for wildlife. While it’s close to the Nana Glen Township, and just 20 minutes from Moonee Beach, it feels like you have entered in to hidden oasis.
Sandi and I both share a love for simple, no fuss lifestyles, that encompass family, good friends, healthy living and minimal impact on the environment wherever possible. We wanted to live comfortably, yet in harmony with nature, so together we embarked on an owner-build on 115 acres, ultimately establishing a fully solar powered home, 100% off the grid. We have toiled relentlessly over the past four years on Wild Guy Station to turn our home into an eco-paradise. It has its own water, spring fed dam, crystal clear creek, orchard, vegetable gardens, chickens and goats. The sun heats all our hot water and a 6 kW system provides uncomplicated, ample power for the home, shed and outdoor living areas. The well insulated home itself is perfectly positioned, facing north, and maximises passive solar-thermal energy through its dense, recycled brick finish, which was sourced for us by one of our dearest friends. The Coffs Coast region offers an excellent climate for solar power and heating, as well as abundant rainfall. We have an incredibly efficient recycling system for our gardens, courtesy of hens, worms and goats and have planted over 200 flowering native plants for birds, bees and other pollinators. Fencing is minimal, so the views are uninterrupted, and native animals can come and go as they please, and 100 of the 115 acres remains in its natural state, with existing and proposed trails weaving through a stunning variety of terrain. What is your favourite thing to do there? Our favourite pastime here is sharing with others the serenity and abundance that Wild Guy Station offers. Sandi and I have always had a fairly open-house approach, extending a warm welcome to good people we have met on our travels to visit and share our Australian lifestyle. Since being on the property, even in its infancy development wise, the immense happiness and good energy our family and visitors have experienced here is amazing. We also love visiting and supporting our local township of Nana Glen, with its cafés, general store, winery, accommodation and ultra-friendly people. Nana Glen is also home to Synchronicity
Farm, where another local is sharing farm life and fresh produce with the greater community. Can you tell us about your recent trip to New Zealand? The Wild Guy is so intriguing and worthy, we were very recently invited to New Zealand by 100% Pure New Zealand www.NewZealand. com to gather content and discuss Wild Guy - NZ collaborative opportunities. The New Zealanders have immense proactive and forward thinking people and models, and they are seeing The Wild Guy as strong brand and link to their Aussie neighbours. The New Zealand Government’s valuable support, and the support of a number of likeminded businesses and tourism groups, made our recent trip one of the most amazing expeditions I have ever had; especially so, because my family was with me. This is how I want to do all my travel from here forward, for we are a great team, and their input into all things Wild Guy is invaluable. What’s next for Wild Guy Station? We will be looking at all aspects of providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and families of all abilities and walks of life. On a property of this size, this will take some effort and a variety of expertise, so we will be working closely with local authorities, businesses and organisations. With my television and media background, I am used to working in partnerships to achieve great results, and we are currently considering select partnering opportunities for Wild Guy Station. At this stage, in between taking Samuel to the wonderful Nana Glen School, caring for my 93 year old father, Cliff Guy Senior, who still “oversees” our vegetable gardens and henhouse, we are meeting with a range of great people to discuss the best ways forward for Wild Guy Station, developing the exciting new Wild Guy website and refining the nuts and bolts of future Wild Guy operations. Anyone interested in knowing more can contact us via our website www.ecomedia.com.au Thanks Cliff. Coffs Coast focus 17