INTRODUCTION
The Global Ecovillage Network Oceania and Asia Inc. (GENOA) in conjunction with the Kyushu Lutheran College, of Komomoto, Japan, offers each year a cross-cultural practicum at Crystal Waters Permaculture Village, Australia.
Crystal Waters is located about 70 miles north west of the city of Brisbane on the East Coast of Australia. Our climate is subtropical - mild winters and warm to hot (at times humid) summers. We are located about one hour from some of the best beaches in the world and close to awe inspiring old growth sub-tropical rainforest.
Crystal Waters is becoming almost as famous for its wildlife as for its ecological design. A complete ban on cats and dogs on the property has brought the wildlife back from the deeper recesses of the forest right to resident's doorsteps. Students meet kangaroos and wallabies, bandicoots and echidnas, many species of rainforest frogs, and colourful tropical birds during their stay.
Students also meet many of the residents of the village, either in training situations or during the `community days' scheduled for them each week. About 200 people live here, and they are generally a friendly and welcoming bunch. Several students from the inaugural KLC group made firm friends here, and all are remembered fondly.
The extraordinary brightness of the night sky, free of obscuring city lights, is always a pleasant surprise to visitors.
Many examples of appropriate building technology are to be found here, and many residents allow their homes to be shown to the students. Students see homes constructed from various techniques using earth and timber. We use some of the most advanced methods of waste water re-use available. Farming is by organic means and we collect and use rainwater for drinking.
The students are warmly welcomed by the friendly residents of all ages in Crystal Waters community - which offers an excellent environment for cultural exchanges. Crystal Waters offers a safe, clean and healthy environment for young people to explore exciting ideas and discover a new country.
CURRICULUM
During the stay at Crystal Waters students do some theoretical and some light physical work. The course provides a good grounding in Permaculture, ecology and community studies.
We use a highly interactive method of teaching/learning. Classes are often held outdoors and students work in groups and benefit from hands on experience. Comprehensive learning material minimises the need for extensive note taking and this allows participants to concentrate fully on subjects being discussed.
The maximum of 4.5 hours of contact time a day is a mixture of class time, group work, field experience and exchanges with residents. “Community days” each week ensure that students meet residents and their families, and get involved in community life.
The course curriculum includes themes related to:
We also include sessions on humarimba (a xylophone-style instrument) making and playing, and students will have the opportunity to play their humarimbas alongside community musicians.
Throughout the course students are treated to wholesome organically grown food prepared to a special menu. Wherever possible, produce actually grown at Crystal Waters is used. Meals are taken at the commercial kitchen building in an outdoor tropical setting.
During the course students get lots of opportunity to meet residents of the village and learn about their lifestyles. Each week students spend a day with residents at their homes, working alongside them and sharing experiences.
Permaculture Themes 1-18.
Introduction to Crystal Waters
Familiarisation - introductions to people
1. Introduction to Permaculture
2. Zone and sector planning
3. Natural systems
4. Mulch gardening (practical)
5. Water/wastewater
6. Forestry - hands on
7. Nursery - hands on
8 Soils
9. Urban Strategies
10. Communities
11. Animals in Permaculture
12. The small garden
13. Orchards
14. Shelter
15. Village design
16. 70,000 Years
17. Energy
18-21. Design exercise
Also included: full day tour of natural systems and established permaculture properties.
Other possibilities (extra curricular activities)
Extra Extras (extra costs)
Recreation and Excursions
There is plenty of time to relax by the crystal clear Mary River or the beautiful lakes around Crystal Waters (our winter days are often quite warm). Or to do some bush-walking and watch the birds and wildlife. Perhaps go for a jog with the kangaroos, or sit around the campfire listening to stories and join in a sing-along. Take a night-time bush walk to see the many nocturnal creatures. (It is totally safe here to wander around at night.)
There are also opportunities for side trips on days off. In previous years, students have sunbathed on one of the fabulous Sunshine Coast beaches, gone horse riding on Australian trail horses, visited the world famous Australia Zoo (and seen the Crocodile Man's show there), cuddled koalas in a deer sanctuary, visited Underwater World and walked underneath sharks in a giant overhead aquarium, shopped in the Eumundi markets and gone rainforest bush walking. There are many wonderful shopping opportunities during your visit. This area is full of interesting places and things to do, and faculty staff are happy to help students enjoy themselves.
We are very much looking forward to meeting you all and showing you Crystal Waters.
A few points to make your stay even more comfortable.
What to bring
The nearest town is half an hour’s drive away and it will not be easy to get supplies for personal needs.
Crystal Waters
You’ve seen the video, now you will experience the real thing! Expect clean air, open spaces, real darkness (no street lights here!), water without chemicals, a chance to walk in safety at night, lots of birds and wildlife, meeting many new people talking with a funny accent, new food/taste experiences - a different culture. You won’t find dogs or cats here (they would chase the birds away) .
Communications
Have mail addressed to yourself:
c/- Max O Lindegger, PLU Course, 59 Crystal Waters, 65 Kilcoy Lane, Conondale, Qld 4552, Australia.
URGENT phone messages can be left at +61 7 5494 4741.
Faxes should be sent to +61 7 5494 4578, (your name should be clearly stated).
E-mail: lindegger@gen-oceania.org (again, your name should be clearly stated).
We have facilities for you to send and receive e-mail using hotmail or similar web-based e-mail services from two computers located in the EcoCentre.
You may use our fax at cost.
There is an international coin operated phone available, which can also be used with prepaid cards available from course administrators.
Accommodation
Course participants will be accommodated in cabins or in a bunkhouse (4 beds per room) in our Visitors Camping Area which is nestled among tall trees and is a short walk from the Kitchen and Classroom. All rooms are fitted with screens (to keep insects out). There is a modern amenities block with toilets and showers (solar). Coin operated washing machines and dryer are available.
The Course
The course is a mix of theory and varied hands-on learning. We follow a curriculum which has evolved over the last 17 years. We believe that most people learn best through experience after the facts are understood. We encourage students to work in teams.
Experienced resource people, an extensive subject library and unique surrounds combine to make this course a valuable academic as well as a life experience.
Visits to a number of projects create a balance between study and observation, and allows students to see a little of the general bioregion.
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Page last updated: Thursday, 24th August 2000