Dynamic Groups, Dynamic Learning Dynamic Courses, Books, Resources and Tours for Healthy Groups, People and Culture with Robin Clayfield
A new documentary celebrating the past, present and future of Crystal Waters is just being released. It is possibly the most extensive exploration of an ecovillage in a documentary yet produced… I’d love to hear of other examples.
In 2018, Crystal Waters, a world-first permaculture settlement and wildlife sanctuary, is now 30 years old – located near Maleny, South East Queensland. Given a UN Habitat Award in 1996, Crystal Waters is known worldwide for its permaculture related educational courses. Community members run monthly markets, bakery and cafes, bamboo and timber plantations, a fire brigade, cinema, even a cemetery. A visitor park offers cabins, caravan sites and tent sites. Over 100 dwellings and community buildings showcase diverse building methods – rammed earth, mud brick, straw bale and pole construction.
The flow of the program entwines history and present views in a colourful and engaging manner. It may not answer all your questions – or go to the depths of issues it brings to light but certainly provides an entertaining overview.
Some highlights are Robin Clayfield and Bob Sample discussing how… “We’re still in our infancy,” says Robin, “but it is evolving…” says Bob. Amber, an early resident, says Crystal Waters is “…gentle, female and nurturing”. Luciano Giangiordano says, “What Crystal Waters has achieved in 30 years has been phenomenal”. Jane Brouet and Gaby Gottselig in conversation lead us to Robin Harpley and Sandra Ferguson explaining the activities of the Body Corporate and the Community Co-op. Po Mei who helped organise the Wellness Festivals says… “We are on a journey”.
The 90 minute documentary, along with extensive video and text extras which will appear on social media channels covers a lot of fertile ground. here are the chapters:
1. Welcome
2. Grounding the Vision
3. Growing Pains
– Earthcare Farm
– The Fire Brigade
4. The Dream Takes Root
– The EcoPark
– Restoration
– The Cemetery
5. Educational Aspirations
6. Spirit of Community
– Coop & Body Corp
– The Bakery
– The Spindleshop
– The Dairy
– Flowerpot Coffee Shop
7. Soul Food and The Arts
8. Human Habitat
9. Embracing the Future
– The Markets
– End Credits
