Permaculture

The last PDC (Permaculture Design Certificate) Course at Crystal Waters in March was a hoot with 13 wonderful Participants, some of them with great senses of humour. We laughed a lot, learnt heaps and eat much delicious and nourishing food. The team that organizes the Co Op fundraiser did an awesome job and people were looked after really well. A highlight is always a field trip to ‘Green Harvest’ with Frances and Jeff Michaels. Also included was a site tour then Hands-on Hot Compost making, Fruit Tree Guild planting and Sheet Mulching at Regeneridge Permaculture Farm. The final design exercise, which was conducted in five stages over four afternoons and the final presentation morning. Each stage was a step in the process of designing for a real piece of land for one real and one hypothetical client. The results and effort put in by the Participants in their three groups …

Late April saw 350 Permaculture Folks converge on Mt Barker in South Australia for the 16th Australasian/Australian Convergence. The event had sold out quickly so live streaming of a few of the sessions was made possible. So much great information was offered and shared and the most luscious and locally sourced food was a delight for all. The most commented on element was that of connection and catching up with old friends and new. A Chai Tent supported the social design of the space and the Waldolf school buildings and environment enhanced the whole experience.   ‘The three Robin’s’ shared a cabin together for the event and were together again for the first time in many years. Quite amusing really – Robyn Francis, Robina McCurdy (who was a Robyn) and Robin Clayfield, all wise ‘old’ Permaculture Elders. Robyn Francis and Robin Clayfield are celebrating 40 years since doing their PDC …

Robin had a comment pop up on FaceBook attached to a post promoting her Dynamic Groups Course. It was from John Champaign, a highly respected Permaculture elder and teacher. “Can’t recommend this learning highly enough. Lucky to attend this training with Robin Clayfield back in 2004 at Robyn Frances’ place in Nimbin registering for APT. Taught my first PDC soon after and used many of the techniques learnt in it……….and still do. Thanks Robin xx John Champaign John’s September PDC at The Crossing on the South Coast of NSW will be his 50th PDC. Yay! Congratulations on achieving such a great milestone and wonderful that Robin’s course helped you on the way. 

The Crystal Waters Community Cooperative hosts PDC’s in the village, traditionally once a year, but now twice a year, in Spring and in Autumn. Robin has hosted, programmed and coordinated the presenter’s team and the catering for the last two courses as well as presenting the majority of sessions. Many other Crystal Waters and Local presenters join her to form a dynamic teaching and facilitation team, including Max Lindegger, Annaliese Hordern, Conor Cran, Jess Steele, Richard Mochelle, Nigel Paratt and several other guest presenters. The course features many practical examples of Permaculture, hands on sessions, Crystal Waters and local permaculture garden tours, theory sessions and a culminating hands-on design exercise that brings all the learning from the intensive two week program to an exciting climax. Dates for the Spring course are 28th August to 11th September All information is on the website here   and have a look at the …

Robin and Erin are receiving great feedback from the Social Permaculture Weekends they’ve been running for the last few years. It has seemed like a wise decision to offer a second workshop for the year in October on the 8th and 9th given the extent of interest and encouragement. Once again ‘Social Permaculture – for Times of Change’ will be the theme and be explored through offing many creative processes, engauging sessions, immersion in the content in practical ways and an abundance of resources.Email Robin to express interest or to book

Crystal Waters Eco Village has established its reputation as an important centre for Permaculture here in South East Queensland with its history going back over 32 years. Robin Clayfield and Crystal Waters Community Cooperative will host a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) from 8th to 22nd August, 2021 with many Crystal Waters and other local Permaculture teachers, facilitators and guest presenters. Bruce Gibson is the Organiser of the overall logistics, website, bookings and admin for this annual course which is a fund raiser for the Community Cooperative and its village enhancing facilities. The 2021 Course will be the first one where Robin has organized the program, presenters and kitchen goodness, having been a Special Guest in past Co Op Courses led by Max Lindegger and Bruce. Max wanted to start his own courses again and Robin, having presented over 30 PDC some years ago, put her hand up to carry on …