Our ‘Kutamulluamee’ Permaculture Journey at Crystal Waters by Renata and Thais

For the last 4 years, back in our home country Brazil, we decided to go on a journey of reconnection to the land and holistic way of living, that was when we discovered permaculture.

Each of us fell in love with it in our own ways, “For me (Renata), coming back to the land and learning about permaculture helped me make sense of and connect my passion for food, local systems, and community living.”; “And for me (Thais), Permaculture ethics aligned with my values not just with the practical tools it provided for caring for the land but also on the social aspect, because I am amazed by the power of achievement that arises when people come together towards the same dream”.

The goal of coming to Australia was to get to know a different culture and to continue to live on the Permaculture path we started, thus, there wouldn’t be anywhere better to do that if not in the country where it was formally born.

We arrived in Crystal Waters and were welcomed by Robin, amongst other caring and open-hearted people, in which we were presented with a space for creativity, in a well-cared land and preserved forest.

We get to start our week with a nourishing shared dinner among the small group of residents of our lot (named Kutamullamee and meaning ‘Many Hands’), followed by a sacred sharing circle around the fire. Our days have always been shared and accompanied by Robin and her captivating passion for caring for the land and its beings. Either in the garden, the kitchen, or learning different ways of composting, planting, harvesting, and processing native foods.

What stands out for us is the love and care of the people for native plants and other beings, as well as always showing their connection and respect for the ancestors and custodians of the land. We also find it special to be welcomed at social activities within the CW community, such as music nights, markets, working bees, and other gatherings. We had the pleasure to take part in an important time of the year in the Queensland region, called the Bunya Dreaming Gathering, which was held on sacred land with people from different regions showing their respect and celebrating the abundance and love for the country.

Our gratitude for the moments and knowledge shared with the people and beings of this land is beyond words. It is an honor to give our energy and time to this place that has been feeling like home. We’re especially thankful for Robin, the trust she has accredited on us, and the friendship received in this journey.

In love and gratitude,

Renata & Thais

About Robin Clayfield

Robin Clayfield is an international teacher, facilitator and author who is passionate about healthy groups, organisations and communities, their structures and governance and most importantly, their facilitation and group dynamics. She presents and consults all around the world to support global health, well-being and whole systems change through using Permaculture, Social Permaculture and ‘Dynamic Groups’ methodology. Robin is a Permaculture Pioneer and Elder who has lived at Crystal Waters Permaculture Eco-Village in SE Queensland, Australia since 1988. Her books and resources include ‘You Can Have Your Permaculture and Eat It Too’, ‘The New Permaculture Principles Card Game’, ‘The Creative Community Governance and Decision Making Resource Kit’ and the ‘Creative Process Wild Cards’. She is also the co-auther (with Skye in 1995) of ‘The Manual for Teaching Permaculture Creatively’ plus several resources and card games for teachers and facilitators.

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