We are a healthy and active family of five. We have been in Melbourne for the last 3 years after a year in Canberra and 6 years in New York (where the two girls were born). We love to travel and explore the great outdoors. We encourage the children to involve themselves in domestic activities like cooking and cleaning, while they also love imaginative and creative play. They spend a lot of time with arts and crafts and creating stories with simple toys - they don't watch much TV and we try to follow a daily rhythm inspired by Waldorf principles.
Willow is a sensitive soul, very caring and creative. She loves to create art projects, and can spend a long time painting, drawing, and reading. She is very responsible and a fabulous big sister for her little siblings, always looking out for them and helping us keep them out of trouble!
Hazel is a big ball of energy, she wakes up 100% ready for every day and is always full of chit chat and songs. She loves imaginative play with her dolls, stuffed toys, and her rabbit Snowball. She will often take herself off by herself to look after them or read them a story. She is very active and loves to run, swim and ride.
Ash is shaping up to be fearless, curious and rather cheeky! He adores his big sisters and wants to involve himself in whatever they are doing, he also loves to emulate his parents by cleaning windows, cooking, mopping or sweeping (all very poorly, unfortunately). He is often smiling and loves to play silly games.
Marina is a scientist with a PhD in molecular biology, working at (Australia's government research organization) helping to study viruses that infect local animals. Andrew works in finance in the city, both of us are active - Marina does yoga every morning and Andrew tries to run as much as possible. We love to snowboard in the winter (although most of our ski trips these days are all about the kids, and we rarely get out ourselves), and swim at the beach or go for runs in summer.
We are hoping to find a like-minded au-pair who is caring, thoughtful, responsible and active. Someone who can be a friend and big sister for our little ones, but will also take good care of them and be responsible for their wellbeing.

We are looking for an Au-Pair to help out with our two beautiful daughters, aged 7 and 5 (Willow and Hazel) and their little brother Ash who is 3.
We are moving in to a lovely property in regional Victoria, close to the tourist town of Daylesford and about 1 hour from Melbourne. The property sits on 14hectares with beautiful gardens and lakes, and near to some large state forests.
We are an active family and spend most of our weekends out of the house; gardening and working on the property (or at our weekender in the forest on the other side of Daylesford), while the kids love to play games and explore outside.
We will be making regular trips on which you can join the family - we normally visit Byron Bay once a year, as well as trips to Canberra and Portsea or use those times to take a holiday of your own to see more of Australia.
The children attended a Steiner kindergarten and we follow a lot of similar principles at home; such as a focus on imaginative play with simple toys (not much plastic or battery operated) and very little screen time for the kids - we don't have a TV, although we do a movie night once a fortnight. We use creative and connected ways to discipline or teach children the best behaviors. The kids all love to get deeply involved in imaginative play, as well as physical activities out of the house, such as swimming, riding and of course playgrounds.
The girls will be attending primary school at Daylesford Mon-Fri, while Ash will be at daycare for 2-3 days per week. You will be in charge of getting the kids ready and dropping them all off at school/kindy each morning, and then picking them up in the afternoon. There may be some activities in Daylesford after school, such as music or swimming, otherwise you will bring them home to play or do homework for the rest of the afternoon. For the days Ash is not at daycare you will look after him during the day as well.
Both Marina and Andy work full time although one of us will likely be working at home most days, and we will ensure someone is around for the first few weeks as you get settled in to the role.
A drivers license is essential to get the kids to and from school, as there is no public transport.
We need someone who has good English. A second language - ideally Italian, French or Spanish would be desirable as well as being able to play the piano or other instrument.
You will work 35 hours a week; 10 hours on full days (likely Monday and Thursday), then 5 hours the other days, potentially a few evenings through the month as well. There will be some light housekeeping as you help the children clean up after themselves, as well as, as well as some meal preparation for Ash when he is home, and afternoon snacks for the girls.
You will have your own room, with a shared bathroom. We are in the process of planning a separate studio with bathroom and living area for you, however initially you will be in the house with the rest of the family.
You will have most weekends off, and the middle of the day 3 days a week if you would like to study while you are here, and we could arrange for a full day off if required (with additional hours on other days). You can take a train in to Melbourne on weekends if you wish to explore the city, or stay at our weekender, when it is vacant, if you want some peace and quiet.
Please get in touch if you would like to speak with us and find out more. Interviews in person if you're nearby otherwise we will arrange a video call.
Minimum 6-month term, we would be happy for the right person to stay longer-term.