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Trudy Juriansz

Ongo: Bringing Nonviolence into daily life

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By Anne Wilson

Ongo (short for Ongoing practice) is a 12-week journey for individuals, couples, and groups to embody nonviolence in daily life — at home, at work, and in community. The course is participant-led, guided step-by-step by The Ongo Book by Catherine Cadden and Jesse Chu. Drawing on decades of teaching mindfulness, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and nonviolent direct action across six continents, the authors created a resource to help people bring peace, compassion, and wisdom into the messiness of everyday life. As they put it:

“At the end of the day, everyone wants to know how to do it at home, at work, or in their community. We know from our own experience that it’s not easy. Life is messier outside of the workshop or retreat. Without some form of ongoing inspiration, guidance, and support for practicing peace, wisdom, and compassion, most of us default to ways of being that we don’t enjoy.”

The book offers inspiration from nonviolent leaders past and present, practical exercises, and a clear framework for companions and groups to support one another through 12 weeks of practice.

I was first introduced to NVC while living at Goolawah Land-sharing Co-operative near Crescent Head, NSW, where we formed a practice group around Marshall Rosenberg’s book and recordings. Later, my friend and mentor Wendy Haynes gave me The Ongo Book, and in 2020, just before moving to Moora Moora, a close friend and I began the 12-week journey together via phone and video calls. It became a lifeline during the pandemic — helping us connect deeply and providing a supportive framework to meet challenges with more peace and growth.

Like many others, I had found it easy to fall back into habits of judgment and control, even when using the “right words” of NVC. What made Ongo different was the mindfulness element: calming the nervous system before engaging with others, focusing on intention to connect, and building peaceful responses through daily practice. Over time, I found that peaceful communication became more natural and less effortful.

At Moora Moora, interest soon grew into a group of eight people meeting in person and online during lockdowns. To our surprise, the online sessions were just as deep and connective when everyone could see and hear each other clearly. Since then, we’ve completed the 12-week program twice more, and now continue with fortnightly sessions, weaving in related practices and addressing live issues. This ongoing practice has shifted how we meet conflict — moving us from blame and shame toward observing, naming feelings and needs, and building understanding. It’s gradual work, but it gives me hope.

Another gift of Ongo is its accessibility: because the book is so well structured, you don’t need an expert trainer. All it takes is one person to initiate and a few others willing to join, each with a copy of the book. I shared this at the Woven Intentional Communities Conference earlier this year, where members of Narara Ecovillage became curious. When visiting friends there recently, I offered an evening workshop with an Empathy Circle, a core Ongo practice. I was touched by how quickly the group — some of whom had never met — could connect authentically and listen deeply simply by following the guidance in the book. I left heartened that Narara may soon begin their own group.

That experience has inspired me to share Ongo more widely. I’ll be running a free 3-week online introduction to Ongo in the coming months. If you’d like to take part, please reach out at [email protected]To learn more about Moora Moora https://mooramoora.org.au/

Afterlee’s next chapter

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Afterlee Ecovillage has now commenced Round 2 of land sales as key infrastructure works begin to take shape. This next stage of development marks an exciting milestone for the community, with several homesites currently available for new members.

One of the unique features of Afterlee is its connection to the old primary school on-site, which the community envisions slowly transforming into a vibrant new learning space. The village is particularly seeking young families who are inspired to help co-create this school, weaving education with regenerative living, creativity, and community values.

As the project evolves, governance is also shifting. With the support of co-founder Shane Sylvanspring (Planning Regenerative Communities) gradually stepping back, the community is preparing to take on greater responsibility for self-governing and decision-making. This marks an important step in the long-term resilience and autonomy of the village.

On the ground, the focus for 2025 is on developing essential infrastructure to support the incoming homesites. Works are underway to build roads, install a microgrid for renewable energy, and establish sustainable wastewater systems. These foundations are paving the way for a thriving, low-impact community that is deeply connected to the land.

Afterlee Ecovillage is more than a housing project, it is an opportunity to be part of a pioneering community that values cooperation, ecological design, and intergenerational connection. Whether you are a family, an individual, or a couple looking to live more regeneratively, Afterlee offers a chance to co-create a future together.For those interested in learning more, the community welcomes visitors for site tours and conversations about membership. To find out more or to book a visit, please go to: www.afterleevillage.au

Living the vision: Narara Ecovillage’s perfectly imperfect path to regenerative living 

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By Tanya Mottl

We’re a group of neighbours on the Central Coast who decided to try something different – to build a place where people, land and future generations can thrive together. Guided by a shared Vision and Mission rather than rigid rules, we use Sociocracy for consent-based decision-making, practise circularity and regeneration, and align our projects with One Planet Living and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our monthly Open Days, John Seed’s Deep Ecology workshops and hands-on natural-build, bushfire hazard protection and garden sessions are where new ideas move quickly from conversation to practice.

Because we organise ourselves around inclusion and shared responsibility, things get done without sidelining quieter voices. Sociocracy keeps our meetings practical and respectful; it means decisions reflect the community, not a handful of personalities. When we design homes or run community projects, we aim for solutions that lower waste and long-term costs, support re-localised supply chains, and grow everyone’s skills so resilience isn’t just a word but a day-to-day reality.

That daily reality looks like families playing together, volunteers learning straw-bale or earth-building techniques, and neighbours co-designing emergency plans with lessons from the GEN Resilience Project 2.5 and Keystone Communities. For us, the real benefit is the lived outcome: people belonging to something larger than their household, sharing knowledge and resources, and having practical capacities to cope with shocks – from storm damage to supply disruptions.

We’re still growing – Stage 2 is largely sold and new homes are going up fast – and that momentum matters. More households means a broader mix of ages, skills and perspectives, which strengthens our intergenerational foundation and makes it easier for newcomers to find support and shared infrastructure as soon as they arrive. We welcome prospective families who want to learn, contribute and be part of a practical experiment.

Volunteers come to help on natural builds and in the gardens, taking home skills they can use elsewhere. At the same time, we’re seeking a committed CSA farmer to anchor local food production, enrich our food security, and run educational programs that get kids and adults into the soil. Rising building costs since COVID have made labour-based, community-supported approaches even more important for affordability and training.

We keep track of what we’re learning – impact data, lessons from projects, and the networks we’re part of like AlterCOP and GEN.  We’re taking the momentum from Moora Moora’s Woven Intentional Community Conference into our Nov Before the Tide gathering. Sharing our wins and failures helps other communities adapt faster than we did. We’re not perfect; we’re perfectly imperfect – trying, failing, adjusting and celebrating small wins that add up.

We invite visitors to come to an Open Day, join a workshop, or listen to one of our members’ podcasts. Meet people who are doing the hands-on work of building resilient, connected living. Find upcoming events and more at www.nararaecovillage.com or on Facebook.

Gulpa Creek Community Farm

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Where the bush breathes, history whispers, and the river sings

By Alex Schoeffel

Tucked beneath the wide skies of southern New South Wales, Gulpa Creek Community Farm (GCCF) is more than just a farm – it’s a living, breathing expression of connection to land, people, and place. Located near the historic Cobb Highway, between Deniliquin and Mathoura, GCCF is part of a powerful local movement to regenerate country, honour cultural and ecological heritage, and live cooperatively in harmony with nature.

Visitors and members alike often speak of falling in love with the unique spirit of this place. It’s in the dappled morning light filtering through towering river red gums, in the meandering waters of Gulpa Creek, and in the quiet companionship of shared work and seasonal rhythms. There’s a romance here – of the bush, of story, of stillness – that seeps into the soul.

The romance of the bush

At Gulpa Creek, the bush is not a backdrop – it’s a participant. The farm nestles within a landscape of shifting light, rich birdlife, and native forest that holds deep cultural significance for the Traditional Custodians of the land. Daily life here is shaped by the forest’s moods: the scent of eucalyptus after rain, the chorus of frogs, the rustle of echidnas in the undergrowth. People come to rest, reset, and reconnect – with themselves, with each other, and with Country.

Cobb highway: Thread of living history

Running past the region, the Cobb Highway still carries the echoes of old stagecoaches and drovers, linking remote communities across the Riverina. For many, the road is more than asphalt – it’s a living ribbon of Australian history, threading through pastoral lands, wetlands, and red gum forests. Members of GCCF often describe the drive to the farm as a kind of transition – leaving behind the rush, entering into something older, slower, and sacred.

Majesty of the river and red gums

The Gulpa Creek, a meandering anabranch of the Murray River, winds its way through a forest of ancient river red gums, forming one of the largest continuous stands of its kind in the world. These trees, centuries old, shape not just the ecosystem but the spiritual presence of the land. For the community, mornings on the creek’s edge are sacred: mist rising, birds wheeling overhead, and the deep silence that only forests can give.

Balaya Buyul Community – Regenerating land and culture in the Byron Shire

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By Shane Sylvanspring

The Balaya Buyul Community, located in the Byron Shire and part of the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN), is entering a significant new chapter. After years of visioning, collaboration, and persistence, the community is only weeks away from receiving final sign-off from council. This milestone will enable members to begin working directly with council on the design and construction of large homes on their homesites, creating the physical foundation for their shared future.

Yet the heart of Balaya Buyul lies not only in building homes, but in healing the land they are now custodians of. The community borders more than 2 kilometres of river frontage, an area heavily impacted by over 100 years of poor land management practices. Recognising both the responsibility and privilege of stewardship, Balaya Buyul has partnered with local Landcare groups to repair and regenerate this vital ecosystem.

Already, the community has achieved remarkable progress: more than 2,000 native trees have been planted, and 1 kilometre of riverbank has been carefully restored. These efforts are not only bringing back biodiversity and stabilising the river system, but are also renewing cultural and ecological connections that will benefit generations to come.

Balaya Buyul stands as a living example of what is possible when communities work together to regenerate land while building regenerative lives. Their journey reflects a balance of collaborative governance, ecological restoration, and deep respect for place. As homes rise and trees take root, Balaya Buyul is creating a thriving model of community-led regeneration in the Byron Shire and beyond.

Lessons from earlier multiple occupancies

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We are grateful for the article that Rob Doolan has written in the Nimbin Good Times in August this year. Rob’s reflections on the development of multiple occupancy (MO) housing in the Northern Rivers region of NSW during the 1980s offer valuable insights for modern communities seeking sustainable, affordable, and collaborative living arrangements. The early experiences of intentional communities, such as the rural MO at Whian Whian, highlight both the challenges and opportunities inherent in creating alternative housing models. Doolan’s dual role as a community developer and strategic planner at Byron Shire Council allowed him to observe firsthand the ways in which local regulations, community aspirations, and state policies intersected, often contentiously, in shaping living spaces.

One key lesson for contemporary communities is the importance of collaboration and relationship-building. Doolan’s work with like-minded individuals, local councils, and state authorities underscores how cooperation and shared vision can overcome initial resistance to innovative housing concepts. Early efforts, including feasibility studies, manuals, and advocacy, were essential in demonstrating the practical and social benefits of multiple occupancies, paving the way for the 1988 introduction of State Environmental Planning Policy 15, which legally recognised these communities despite local objections.

Modern communities can also draw lessons about strategic planning and documentation. By creating structured guides and manuals, early practitioners not only legitimised alternative living arrangements but also made the process replicable for future groups. Today, this emphasises the value of clear frameworks, accessible resources, and knowledge sharing, enabling new communities to navigate planning processes more efficiently.

Another lesson is the integration of social, ecological, and financial planning. Doolan’s experience shows that successful multiple occupancies were not just about housing but about building resilient social networks, shared stewardship of land, and sustainable livelihoods. Modern intentional communities can take inspiration from these holistic principles, combining cooperative governance, ecological restoration, and shared responsibility to create thriving, enduring communities.

Finally, Doolan’s reflections highlight the patience and persistence required to bring alternative housing into mainstream recognition. Change often unfolds slowly, and setbacks are inevitable. Yet with dedication, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving, communities can achieve lasting impact. For today’s generation, these lessons remain relevant: innovative, sustainable living requires vision, resilience, and a willingness to work across social and institutional boundaries.

By learning from the successes and challenges of the 1980s pioneers, modern communities can build on a foundation of practical experience, creating spaces that are socially connected, ecologically responsible, and adaptable to the needs of future generations.

Read the full article, page 6 http://www.nimbingoodtimes.com/archive/pages2025/aug/NGT-0825-2-9.pdf

Crystal Waters: 37 Years of Living Permaculture

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By Robin Clayfield

Crystal Waters Permaculture Village has been thriving for over 37 years and is now home to around 250 residents, along with a steady flow of visitors, volunteers, course participants, family, and friends. In the life of a village, this makes us still a “toddler” — villages traditionally grow and evolve over centuries — yet Crystal Waters feels settled, dynamic, and very much alive. Many of the children who grew up here have returned, some now raising their own families or even home birthing in the very houses where they were born.

The village is supported by two key bodies: the Community Cooperative, which oversees social and financial benefits for members, and the Body Corporate, made up of 83 Lot owners who manage the common land and license areas for agricultural, commercial, hobby, and community purposes.

Much of the social life of the community centres around the Village Green, home to a thriving sourdough organic bakery on Saturdays, a lively pizza night on Fridays, and the Green Lotus Café, open five days a week. The Green also hosts functions, monthly markets, and is surrounded by a range of businesses, offices, and clinics that serve the village.

Visitors are warmly welcomed at the EcoPark Accommodations, which offers camping, family rooms, and bunkhouse lodging, along with access to the diverse courses, workshops, and events held at the purpose-built EcoCentre and other facilities.

The Village Green is open to the public, and guided tours of the wider ecovillage can be booked for a small fee. These tours share insights into Crystal Waters’ history, design, permaculture systems, community services, and business activities. As part of caring for our abundant wildlife, we ask visitors to please leave cats and dogs at home.

Find out more at www.crystalwaters.org.au

Check out upcoming events at Crystal Waters Ecovillage!

Events

Check out upcoming events at Crystal Waters – https://www.genaustralia.org.au/get-involved/events/

Afterlee Ecovillage Approved!

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After three years of planning, Kyogle Council has approved the Afterlee Ecovillage, a 700-hectare co-operative community with over 60 home sites. Chosen for its abundant water and historic village location, the ecovillage will blend sustainability, community living, and regenerative farming.

The first 31 flood-free plots sold in round one, funding the land purchase, while the next 30 plots will support infrastructure like roads, a community hall, work sheds, and recreational spaces. Homes will follow ecological design principles, with members recently completing permaculture and ecovillage design courses. 🌱🏡

“This is not an investment, it’s a lifestyle,” says town planner Shane Sylvanspring, who has lived in renowned ecovillages like Findhorn and Moora Moora. Future plans include a café, nursery, orchards, walking trails, and reopening the Afterlee school. New members are board-approved.

Check here for more information – https://afterleevillage.au/

Narara Ecovillage: Banksia Awards Finalist

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We’re thrilled that Narara Ecovillage was a finalist in the Placemaking Category of the 2024 NSW Banksia Awards, celebrating trailblazers in sustainability! 🎉 Honoured alongside leading projects across NSW, this recognition highlights our impact in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Narara Ecovillage team—Verena MacLean, Sam Parris, and Scout De Kalb (14-year-old future sustainability leader)—attended the inspiring ceremony. The Placemaking Award was shared by Central Station Metro and Glebe Aboriginal Women’s Housing, showcasing the diversity of sustainable initiatives.

Following this, we joined the Central Coast Eco-Tourism Industry Breakfast, leading to Talking up the Coast, where we celebrated eco-tourism achievements with Mayor Lawrie McKinna and Deputy Mayor Doug Eaton.

This momentum reinforces NEV as a leader in sustainability and placemaking, and we’re excited to continue sharing our journey— perhaps you might participate in 2025’s National awards!

WOVEN – Australian Intentional Communities Gathering 2025

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The GEN Australia team, who are a group of collaborators from different organisations and networks gathered at Woven, the Australian Intentional Communities Gathering 2025.

There were so many fascinating and important conversations between communities and individuals about connection, collaboration and conflict resolution.

We asked the questions: Where are we going? Who are we now? What does our community offer and how can we bring ourselves closer to our vision?

Through the conversations hosted, and offerings by elders, youth, change makers in the space, we addressed some of the realities we face today – housing, membership, conflict management and affordability.