What is The Dunmoochin Foundation? The Dunmoochin Foundation is an Arts and Environment based Foundation, located in two hundred acres of bushland approximately thirty-five kilometres north east of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Who established the foundation? The eminent Australian artist, Clifton Pugh, established The Dunmoochin Foundation with Trust for Nature - formally known as The Victorian Conservation Trust - and LaTrobe University in nineteen-ninety. Upon his death he left his extensive properties and art collection to the people of Australia to be developed and maintained by the foundation. Top Who runs the foundation and what is it for? The foundation has a voluntary board of directors. The objectives of the Dunmoochin Foundation are: · To protect and foster the natural environment of an area of bushland on the   edge of Melbourne's urban sprawl. · To provide and maintain residential spaces, studios and community art   facilities. · To give Australian and overseas artists, environmentalists and researchers in   related fields the opportunity of working in and experiencing a unique area of   Australia. Top Where does the rental money go? The Dunmoochin Foundation is a non-profit organisation and the rentals are a major means of supporting a maintenance program for the buildings and grounds. Top How long can I stay at Dunmoochin? Residencies are usually for a period of twelve months to allow for the experience of a full cycle of seasons but shorter residencies are available. Top What are the studios and residences like? The studios and residential spaces have been creatively structured by Clifton Pugh and friends using recycled as well as new materials and mud bricks. They have been built with a sense of harmony with the surrounding natural environment. Painted walls and sculpted figures are featured within the main courtyard. All residential spaces have electricity, telephone, bottled gas, tank water and are comfortably / basically furnished and equipped. There is also a pool and a croquet area available for use by residents. Top Where are the nearest services and public transport to Dunmoochin? The nearest services, town and public transport are located approximately 6 kilometres away at Hurstbridge. Top Is Dunmoochin in a conservation area? The Dunmoochin property is protected by conservation covenants through Trust for Nature as are the properties surrounding Dunmoochin. These covenants protect the natural environment by preventing undesirable activities such as, grazing, further subdivision or dwellings, firewood collection or the keeping of domestic pets. Top What is the land actually like in the Dunmoochin area? The bushland in the Dunmoochin area is fairly dry and open with an annual rainfall of approximately 690mm. The land is basically a ridge system, which affords some beautiful views and a varying ecosystem. Quartz and clay based soils, eucalypt trees, over fifty species of orchids in season, wild kangaroos and a diverse bird life are just a few aspects of this area that make it so appealing. Top When will my application be reviewed? Directors of the Dunmoochin Foundation review applications for residency shortly before studios / residences become available. Top How do I know the status of my application? Successful applicants will be notified by the Dunmoochin Foundation by e-mail or by surface mail. Unsuccessful applications will be held for twelve months. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by e-mail or surface mail if another studio / residency becomes available. Top Will I have to sign a lease agreement? Successful applicants are required to sign a Residential Tenancy Lease Agreement.