Overview:
There is a growing and desperate need for more designers with a good grounding and hands-on experience both for paid consultancy and to assist in the voluntary NGO sector. It is for these types of postings that we are aiming the training for in this Ecovillage Design Education Intensive.
The 2009 Ecovillage Design Education here at Crystal Waters was a success! The small group of participants bonded exceptionally well, and learnt many practical skills complementing the theory. The 2010 programme at Crystal Waters will again be offered as a six week residential, (30 March - 8th May 2010) and will contain a similar balance of theory, practical, hands-on aspects, community involvement and tours. The main focus of this programme will be on food localisation, design and economics. STOP PRESS! $500 DISCOUNT OFF FULL COURSE PRICE EXTENDED TO FEB 28!! ENROL TODAY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OFFER AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM ONE OF THE LEADING ECOVILLAGE DESIGNERS! CALL MAX TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR PLACE ON THIS UNIQUE PROGRAM!
The course will be limited to 8 - 10 people to allow for personalised learning and mentoring. This will be a rare and unique opportunity to live “as a resident” within Crystal Waters, offering a first hand experience of community village lifestyle and learning valuable practical and life skills from people who have unparalleled experience-based expertise in sustainable design and project implementation. This course is for people who would like to make sustainability and design as part of their career. Completion of a permaculture course is not essential to attendance, but some prior understanding would be an advantage.
Participants will reside on private property, within Crystal Waters Ecovillage, located in the upper Mary Valley, SE Queensland, Australia. Crystal Waters won the UN Habitat Award in 1996, and is one of the very first settlements designed according to permaculture principles. Founded in 1987, this is an established village with over 250 permanent residents on 640 acres (259 hectares) of land. The settlement is a wildlife haven where native animals and birds live in harmony with their human neighbours.
The nearest main town is Maleny (25km away) a short 30minutes drive away, which has a variety of shops and services. The very popular beaches of the Sunshine Coast are about 1 hours’ drive away. Crystal Waters enjoys a subtropical climate and average annual rainfall of 1300mm.
Classes will be held in the award-winning Crystal Waters EcoCentre, and practical sessions will include implementing projects throughout the property. Participants will have access to an extensive library, games facilities (table tennis, table soccer) and DVD/video facilities.
Expected Learning Outcomes: subject to availability of materials and weather conditions
Ø Full EDE Curriculum – Ecology, Economy, World View, Social
Ø Community Immersion – Participation and organising community activities
Ø Conflict avoidance and resolution
Ø Daily spiritual activity, working meditation
Ø Developing of secret/sacred site
Ø Participation in Cooperative meetings, learning/understanding of Cooperatives, decision making processes
Ø Participation in Body Corporate meetings, learning/understanding of Body Corporate
Ø Preparation of a festivity, ritual for the community
Ø Establishment and day to day management of gardens
Ø Water – dams, swales, domestic, irrigation. Working in a low water economy
Ø Management of orchards and forestry (harvesting, planting, fertilizing, pruning)
Ø Management of animals (cattle, sheep, bees, poultry) in a PC system
Ø Introduction to construction techniques and maintenance.
Ø Development of a local business (including business plan)
Ø Use and maintenance of tools (including small motors)
Ø Design and construction of dams
Ø Fencing
Ø Food processing (yoghurt making, bread, beer, cordial, tea, medicines, candles, freezing, cosmetics, vinegar, mead) and more, to fill the needs of participants…
Course Leaders: Max O Lindegger & guests
Cost: Full price: AUD $5000 ($4,500 if paid before 28th February 2010) The course fee includes all accommodation, food, tuition, tours and all materials. Please contact us at max@ecologicalsolutions.com.au to join this satisfying and holistic educational experience.
A former student's 1 mile experience.
A former student's diary of their experience.
