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Trudy Juriansz

Exciting collaboration with GEN Australia & Cohousing Australia

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GEN Australia is the Australian chapter of the global organisation that has built strong links and gatherings internationally between diverse rural and urban ecovillages over three decades to share knowledge and resources among regenerative villages.

Cohousing Australia is a national association developed over a decade from passionate residents, professionals and communitarians that practice the cohousing lifestyle like cohousing communities and associations throughout the world. The primary focus of CoHA is accelerating a shift towards housing that is developed and governed through community-led, participatory processes.

Recently, long term Ambassador circle member of GEN Australia, passionate PhD

researcher of communities, and regenerative village practitioner, Jason Hilder, took on the Co-chair role of CoHA with the intention to lead the organisation through the next phase of the strategic plan and foster relationships between the organisations.

‘The benefits of collaborative housing in communities and villages are multifaceted yet it istaking time for Australian policy makers, governments, planners and developers to come on board. It is good sense to collaborate our efforts to share the positive solutions through our networks and generate the ground swell of change needed’ Jason Hilder PhD.

GEN Au and CoHA will be featured together at ‘The Off Grid Living Festival’ and ‘Woven communities conference’ both in Victoria in April this year.

Bringing ecovillage design to Rainforest Aboriginal communities

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Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) held the Rainforest Aboriginal People’s Forum, 23-25 July 2021 where Jumbun representatives, Nicole Huxley, Uncle Abe and Aunty Phyllis attended. Jumbun were invited to not only attend the conference but also to have a stall to share about their work to transition to a regenerative resilient community and to showcase the ecovillage design framework and cards.

Nicole printed stand up banners with all the areas of regeneration and principles and displayed the GEN Ecovillage Cards packs at the table, and facilitated many conversations about ecovillage transition and design at the conference, with other rainforest Aboriginal communities, NGOs and government bodies.

Nicole is stepping up as a GEN Ambassador and hopes to facilitate ecovillage workshops with other Aboriginal communities in Queensland. Together with GEN Australia, she hopes that many more indigenous communities can transition to be regenerative communities, becoming self-reliant and creating abundant pathways for future generations.

Uncle Abe, Aunty Phyllis and Nicole Huxley at the WTMA Rainforest Aboriginal People’s Forum

Journey to Jumbun and Murray Falls

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A small team from GEN Australia travelled to up to far north Queensland in June 2021, to visit Jumbun Community and to facilitate a 3-day ecovillage workshop for Jumbun community members, their stakeholders and surrounding Indigenous communities.

3-day ecovillage workshop, held at the Murray Falls National Park near Jumbun Community

We explored the ecovillage framework and 32 principles of social, ecological, culture and economy, integrating into whole systems design, which helps to create pathways to transition to being a thriving community. We had space not only to learn about a design system that aligns with indigenous culture and values, but also to hear Jumbun’s story from the eyes of elders, to listen to each other and the current issues we are facing and how we can address them collaboratively into the future. An important aspect that became visible is that Jumbun is rich in land and culture and the possibilities to regenerate their community are vast. 

The Jumbun elders and GEN Australia team also visited the local school, Murray Upper State School before the workshop, so the elders could engage the children and form stronger bonds with them. The elders shared openly and lovingly, their knowledge and wisdom with the children, of tree and plant species that have both medicinal values and are and have been bush tucker for many generations before. 

Jumbun Elders, Aunty Phyllis & Uncle Abe with children from Murray Upper State School

We had the opportunity to have a representative from Permayouth, a youth-led network and the founder of AI.AM Naturals, an ecological and ethical enterprise making home and self care products, hold mini-workshops with the students and teachers from Murray Upper State School at the Murray Falls National Park, where the workshop was held, a few kilometers away from the Jumbun community.

Maia Raymond sharing about Permayouth & Sion Zivetz doing a soap making demonstration

Next steps & broadening outreach

Through this workshop, many opportunities have emerged for Jumbun and the network. A few key projects have emerged from the process and Jumbun, GEN Australia, Permayouth and other stakeholders are exploring the next steps and are co-designing the initiatives.

The ecovillage design framework is a broad design system that can be applied to any type of community, as it is diverse yet easily adapted to any local context or country. The framework and design principles have been distilled over 25 years from thousands of communities (intentional, traditional and indigenous) worldwide and are constantly informed by the people and communities who choose to use it as a guiding tool. The approach we take in the workshop is interactive, yet intimate, sitting in circle, listening and sharing stories, while allowing the space also to connect to the broader global systems and issues and the state of the world. 

GEN Australia uses a set of ecovillage cards (areas of regeneration and principles) and mat that are laid out on the floor so you can see the principles (words and pictures) and reflect on how that relates to our community. Jumbun is currently in discussion with GEN Australia about developing a project to adapt the cards with pictures and words that could be more relatable to Aboriginal communities.

If other Aboriginal communities are able to step into ownership of their pathways to self-reliance and sustainability, the opportunities for peer-to-peer exchange, knowledge transfer and collaborative work grows immensely. 

We will share more stories like this as our connection and relationship deepens with Jumbun and other indigenous communities in Australia

Ecovillage Design Intro

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The GEN Australia team organised and facilitated a 1-day workshop at the Quaker House in Brisbane on 17 July 2021. A group of 20 participants came together from various disciplines, representing different new and emerging communities and organisations, with enthusiasm and openness for collaboration and learning and cross-pollination.

The facilitators, Shane Sylvanspring and JJ Blake, use the GEN Ecovillage Design Cards, to take participants on a journey through the ecovillage principles and shared how these principles could be used to enhance their projects and communities. The workshop also introduced the Global Ecovillage Network, the movement and the ecovillages on the ground, as well as tips and guidelines on how to start ecovillages and navigate and set up appropriate legal and financial systems.

Sharing hearts at Renew Fest

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The Renew Fest was a beautiful space set at Mullumbimby Showgrounds, 7-9 May 2021. It was a relaxed family atmosphere with hundreds of people from near and far buzzing with excitement to meet each other but also with concerns about the multiple crises, such as the affordable housing and bushfire, we are currently facing here in Australia.

Our small team, Shane Sylvanspring, Trudy Juriansz and Sion Zivetz, set up an information stall so we could share about ecovillages and the movement both in Australia and globally. We displayed the ecovillage design cards and shared stories and insights from communities and community led projects. We were also joined by familiar faces from the GEN network who are ecovillagers themselves, have done GEN education programs or are ecovillage advocates.

Some key insights that came for some of us was about processing conflict in our own communities, how to deal with different levels of conflict and how to create a safety net for people dealing with conflict in communities.Judy Atkinson shared trauma stories from indigenous and non-indigenous people and creating safe space and the need to learn how to create safe spaces. 

I was so excited to run the stall and chat with people but it was also tiring as I had to also take care of my daughter, Maia. The one session I was only able to attend fully was on anti-racism by Erfan Daliri. For a person of colour, an immigrant to Australia and someone who has been affected by racism at various points in my life, I was immensely touched and felt very vulnerable.  If nothing else, this was cutting edge for me – to have the conversation so openly on race/ethnicity in this type of space.  I truly appreciated that this piece was held at the festival.  It reminded me that the heart of ecovillage is culture – looking at the dominant worldview and understanding how and why we have come to be here. And how might we rethink and reshift these structures so we can embrace each other fully. 

Ecovillage & Permaculture

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We were so excited to gather at the Australia Permaculture Convergence (APC) in the Redlands on 13 April 2021. Not only were we grateful that the gathering could go ahead with Covid-19 was looming over our heads, but because we had the opportunity to explore ecovillage principles and how they correlate with the permaculture ethics and principles. Both these design tools are so critical at this moment in time and we need to find ways to use them together and integrate the learnings and techniques.

A wonderful group of about 25 people turned up to our workshop. We used the GEN ecovillage design cards, all laid out and we spent time going through the areas of regeneration (social, culture, ecological, economy) and how they integrated into whole systems design. We explored the principles, discussing issues and examples/solutions of how we see them in action. One of the things I love about this process is that we come back to simplicity of connecting and sharing, going a little deeper into dialogue the more time we have together.

I’m grateful for Northey St City Farm (NSCF) for organising and hosting this event and for inviting us to hold this important space.

Look out for our next ecovillage workshop coming up this July 2021!

Future Plans for GEN Australia 2020

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A group of volunteers at the Emergence Convergence in 2019 were keen to bring about steps forward for GEN Australia. Several action groups formed early in 2020 and the Sociocratic governance style was used by a small highly experienced ecovillage team forming the General Circle to create an organisational structure with connected circles as shown in the diagram below. Since then, three have evolved: the Management Circle, Education Circle and Communications Circle. Diving in with these wonderful people helped me better understand more about GEN, sociocracy, ecovillages, the connection with GAIA Education and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the educational programs offered.

2019 Emergence Convergence Maleny, Queensland, Australia
GEN Australia Emergence Convergence, Maleny 2019

In March 2020, I took my vision of participating in a social media program for not for profits to the GEN Australia Management Circle because the Education circle had plans for an Australian flavoured Ecovillage Design Education program. So, then the Management and Communications circles trundled through COVID lockdown to kindle GEN Australia’s evolving vision.

November was the time in 2020 that the AGM was held and new office bearers of GEN AU voted in. Then in December, Jason Hilder stepped up as Chair, Shane Sylvanspring continued as Treasurer, and I, Tanya Mottl, volunteered as Secretary, knowing that would be how I’d learn more. From that, monthly meetings have continued the momentum of regenerating our national network.

The GEN AU team has revised the strategy and clarified the Mission, Vision and Aims and are aligning with GENOA to co-ordinate the 2020 Regional Gathering Coming Home: A Gathering for Restoration and Renewal to be held on 27th & 28th November. Working interstate and internationally over Zoom has been wonderful. I’ve felt so privileged working with GEN Australia – Jason Hilder at Crystal Waters while he’s finished his PhD in Ecovillages; Shane Sylvanspring, Public Officer, as he’s been working with his own community, Sue Gilbey and her podcast The Adelaide Chronicles and JJ Blake, a font of wisdom and a Transformation Game facilitator. I’ve come to see what a critical role Trudy Juriansz has played in her role as Network Director in GEN, her volunteering in GENOA and in GEN Australia. We’ve been blessed to have all these people. I was thrilled to do Ambassador peer to peer support work aka “communities in practice” with Alice Güntert, Ambassador with GEN Africa and Amena Bal, winner of the Hildur Jackson Award, at TI Ecovillage in Bangladore, for their multifaceted ecovillage project and look forward to further great outcomes.

GEN Australia - workshop
GEN Ambassadors, Communities in Practice – Tanya, Amena, Alice

GEN Australia and GENOA recently put out a call for volunteers to help with the Regional Gathering. Next step will be funding and partnerships. We look forward to growing the network. I feel this an exciting and crucial time to be involved in ecovillages, sustainability and regenerative actions? Don’t you? There will be some great programs coming using the GEN and GAIA Education resources. If you feel that drive to take action, GEN AU and GENOA welcome your registration to volunteer.

There are many ways to participate. Being involved is a great way to learn about ecovillages, meet the people involved, build meaningful relationships and be part of the regenerative movement. I invite you to connect with our newsletter, Facebook page and other social media channels and websites listed here… it’s an exciting time!  

We’re all looking forward to celebrating GEN’s 25th anniversary on 5-11 February 2021 GEN International Online Summit ‘Ecovillages as Sanctuaries of Life’ – showcasing how ecovillages contribute to the mitigation of climate crisis in the face of multiple crises and function as resilient communities of practice under the conditions of environmental breakdown.

Register via email to: [email protected]

GEN Australia Convergence 2019

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GEN Australia hosted a 2-day Emergence Convergence in November 2019 at the Maleny Showgrounds. It was organised and facilitated by Claire Ogden and Andrew Maclean from Maleny Ecovillage. The convergence focused on solutions to address climate change and used the ecovillage design framework to guide the the two day process. The convergence brought together over 150 people from all walks of life to come together to support each other, learn skills and take away ideas and connections to build the social movement around regeneration.

  • Andrew Maclean, co-organiser
  • Claire Ogden, co-organer

The convergence was completely run on volunteer energy, from the organisation to the hosting, to the food preparation and workshop facilitation. Organisers and participants gifted their time, energy and passion into the event. Powerful connections were made and transformative conversations took place, while honouring the pain of the bushfires. We were blessed with the presence of our First Nations sisters from near and far, and importance of remembering the past and forging new ways into the future.

  • Food preparation in the kitchen by volunteers
  • Happy eaters!
  • Sharing by Aunty Dinnawan

During the last session facilitated by Robin Clayfield, we witnessed the emergence of solutions participants were passionate about and the convergence of energy through potential collaborations and individual commitments towards these solutions. There is no single “silver bullet” solution to tackle climate change. Everyone has a role in the regeneration. Finding our role, connecting with the support we need, making a commitment to taking the next step – these are the exciting things that we can share in the safe space of this group.

Robin Clayfield’s workshop, Empowerment & Action

Working with Indigenous Communities

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Australia is home to one of the world’s oldest, surviving cultures. Aboriginal and Torres Straiter Islander peoples were Australia’s first nations and have lived in balance with the land and each other for millennia. There are over 250 different and distinct groups today, each with their own culture, customs, language and laws. GEN Australia recognises and honours that indigenous communities were Australia’s first ecovillages, acknowledges the traditional custodians of land on which it is on, and pays respect to elders past, present and future.

Many indigenous communities, mainly northern QLD, Northern Territory, Northern WA and SA, still have family clans living together on ancestral land in line with their traditional ways, in close relationship with country and each other. GEN Australia seeks to engage with the indigenous communities in Australia, as there is strong alignment with regenerative culture and practices, both in intentional and indigenous communities.

GEN Australia Emergence Convergence, 2019 (Left: Dinnawan, Trudy, Aunty Phyllis, Nicole, Dominique)

With the vast amount of different tribes, cultures and languages, engagement with each indigenous community would be unique and not necessarily replicable throughout Australia, however, lessons and insights gained from working with one community, could be adapted to another. GEN Australia acknowledges that relationship with one indigenous group requires time and trust and therefore its unrealistic for GEN Australia to engage with the indigenous community of Australia as a whole. Therefore, we will aim build trust and relationship with one community, so we can support communities wishing to transition to be resilient thriving communities, using their traditional knowledge and wisdom, and ecovillage principles as guidance.

Map of Indigenous Australia | AIATSIS
Indigenous map of Australia. Courtesy of AIATSIS

Fiji Ecovillage Transition Project

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The Fiji Ecovillage Transition Project (ETP) is an initiative by GENOA and GEN Australia, to engage and activate the ecovillage network of Fiji and to assist traditional villages and informal settlements in the transition towards ecovillage. We acknowledge and respect that many Pacific Island communities are already strong in many aspects, and our role is to facilitate space for them to see and appreciate this, value their strengths, and find leverage points to improve their resilience in the face of climate change. 

The Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) and particularly the Global Ecovillage Network Oceania and Asia (GENOA)  recognizes traditional villages as ‘ecovillages’ alongside urban and intentional communities of the more developed world. GENOA has in the last fifteen years been working within several countries in using the ecovillage principles within traditional villages in their development to ensure that these villages remain ecovillages in times of rapid change. Ecovillage is a process not an outcome, with four areas of regeneration (social, ecology, culture and economy, integrating into a whole systems design) that guide the pathways to design, training and implementation.

By retaining practices that ensure the ecological, cultural and social fabric of the traditional village remain while embracing technology, economic markets and global connections the village can remain in balance with its natural environment and culture knowing they are resilient while entering into the global diverse culture with its many opportunities. 

Ecovillage workshop at Koroipita, Fiji, November 2019

Representatives from GEN Australia (Andrew Olivier and Shane Sylvanspring) and GENOA (Trudy Juriansz) traveled to Fiji at various times in 2019 to facilitate ecovillages workshops, network and develop relationships with various communities, businesses and local organisations, and to identify models of ‘ecovillage’ that already exist in the country. Through these visits, the team realised there is substantial enthusiasm in Ecovillage Transition in Fiji, from traditional villages, informal settlements, NGOs, government agencies, businesses and funders.

Dee (Fiji), Trudy (GENOA), Shane (GEN Australia), November 2019

Impact of climate change in Fiji

The entire region of Fiji is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The London School of Economics estimates that across the Pacific Islands, home to 10 million people, up to 1.7 million could be displaced due to climate change by 2050. Yet Fiji, like all Pacific Island states, faces challenges in fully implementing government policies due to limited technical, human resource and financial capacities.

Fiji’s volcanic islands include low-lying atolls, that are highly susceptible to cyclones and floods. Sea flooding is usually associated with the passage of tropical cyclones close to the coast. However, heavy swells, generated by deep depressions and/or intense high pressure systems some distance away from Fiji have also caused flooding to low-lying coastal areas.

Edible gardens at Koroipita, a social housing project that aligns with the ecovillage process

Next steps

Through the Fiji Ecovillage Transition Project, we have begun to engage and activate the ecovillage network of Fiji and to assist traditional villages and informal settlements in the transition towards ecovillage. The pilot communities identified are open and ready to learn, collaborate, design and implement. By collaborating with Fiji’s strong base of NGOs, projects and networks, there is a strong system of support for implementation. There is a strong need to engage and gain support from key government ministries, in order to address gaps between policy frameworks and implementation of solutions at the village level. With financial support, there is huge potential to scale up the Fiji Ecovillage Transition Project across the country and to other Pacific Islands. A key component is to have a local implementing partner who can ensure that ecovillage solutions continue to spread and have positive impact in the country. This is underway through partnerships that are being developed and strengthened, and with the emergence of a Fiji Ecovillage Network.

  • Ecovillage workshop at Togalevu Village, July 2019
  • Trudy (GENOA), holding an ecovillage session with Togalevu women, July 2019