Experiential Education Programme January Permaculture Design Certificate Course Crystal Waters Permaculture Village, Australia .

Global Ecovillage Network Oceania & Asia Inc. (GENOA)

Course Location

In conjunction with the Pacific Lutheran University, the Global Ecovillage Network Oceania and Asia Inc. (GENOA) has been holding January Permaculture Design Certificate 'J-term' courses at Crystal Waters Permaculture Village over the last 3 years. 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.

About 200 people live at Crystal Waters. Many examples of appropriate building technology are to be found here, and many residents are willing for their homes to be shown to the students. Students get exposed to homes constructed from various techniques using earth and timber. We practice some of the most advanced methods of wastewater re-use available. Farming is by organic means and we collect and use rainwater.

Crystal Waters is becoming famous for its wildlife. A complete ban on cats and dogs has brought the wildlife back from the deeper recesses of the forest to our doorsteps. You will meet kangaroos and wallabies, many species of rainforest frogs, and colourful tropical birds during your stay with us.

The river and ponds are favourites with the students for early morning and lunch-time swims.

The students are always 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.

Course Curriculum

The J-term includes the full Permaculture curriculum. During the stay at Crystal Waters students fulfil the requirements for a Permaculture Certificate. Some students will earn credits towards their course. Please check with your supervising Professor.

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.

The course curriculum includes themes related to :

• land
• ethics
• zone and sector planning
• understanding of natural systems
• food growing and you
• water and wastewater - the cycle of life
• sustainable forestry
• nursery practice
• an introduction to soils
• environmental strategies for urban environments
• animal systems
• communities and co-operation
• healthy shelter design
• village design and community building
• understanding energy cycles
• those who came before us and a glimpse at life of indigenous peoples

Throughout the course students are treated to wholesome organically grown food prepared to a special menu. Where possible, produce actually grown in Crystal Waters soil is used. Meals are taken at the rustic 'kitchen' building with an outdoors tropical setting.

Download and read the full course program from the PLU January 2000 course in Adobe Acrobat .pdf format here: PLU_CW.pdf (25kB).

See what previous students have said about their stay at Crystal Waters. See PLU student photos from J Term 2001... See PLU student photos from J Term 2002...

See our photograph archive here.

Find out more about the couse from PLU students and faculty staff here.

Recreation and Excursions

There is plenty of time to swim in the crystal clear Mary River or lovely warm lakes around Crystal Waters. Or 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.

A number of excursions form part of the course. During the course we visit an established permaculture farm and taste wonderful organic tropical food. Trips to mature rainforest ecosystems are awesome. Jumping into a rock pool under a massive waterfall one day and watching a famous Crocodile Hunter wrestle with big reptiles the next has been described as ‘absolutely amazing’ by previous students.

There are also opportunities for side trips on days off. In previous years, students have gone to one of the fabulous Sunshine Coast beaches, horse riding on Australian trail horses, rainforest bush walking… the many opportunities are only limited by your imagination.

Fraser Island

The visit to Down Under culminates with a visit to the World Heritage listed Fraser Island and Noosa Heads. Fraser Island, situated adjacent to Hervey Bay, Queensland is the largest sand island in the world.

See our Fraser Island page with links to external sites here.

Further Reading

Students will find links to websites here which focus on the Sunshine Coast region, the environment and nature, Australian culture and tourism.

Discover some odd Australian sayings on our Aussie Lingo page.

Explore the GEN website for a wealth of information and links relating to permaculture.

Visit the Crystal Water Permaculture Village website for some background info and an overview of the village prior to your arrival.

Co-ordinated by the Global Ecovillage Network Oceania & Asia Inc. (GENOA) Crystal Waters, MS 16, Maleny, Queensland, Australia 4552 E-mail GENOA