Crystal Waters Ecovillage Doco Launch

Please join us for the global launch screening of a new documentary "Crystal Waters – 30 Years On" celebrating the past, present and future of the world's first permaculture ecovillage. We will also have a discussion on "Building Community and Permaculture in Practice". Special guest speakers are Permaculture Education Institute author and educator, Morag Gamble and social permaculture specialist, Robin Clayfield—moderated by filmmaker, Michael Ney. Held at a community garden, Northey Street City Farm, Brisbane.

This feature documentary "Crystal Waters – 30 Years On" takes a look at the varied community activities and arts, and also explores behind the scenes with some notable gardens, planted forests and much loved regeneration areas, as well as successful cash crops and a variety of businesses. "It is a wonderful experiment," says Bernard O'Scanaill.

Agricultural use of the land has been limited so far, but as Max Lindegger, one of the original designers and ongoing Permaculture Design Course teachers says, "It's not too late", and the rich soil setting is ready for productive use. Permaculture related education is a highlight with Morag Gamble. Her family and other teachers such as Robin Clayfield, and long time resident Barry O'Connell conduct tours of Crystal Waters for the public. Courses in permaculture are also available online and in person. In the documentary, builder, Jan Freyee also introduces some alternative building methods used in the village.

Given a UN Habitat Award in 1996, Crystal Waters is known worldwide for its permaculture setting and educational courses. Author and facilitator, Robin Clayfield, holds regular dynamic group workshops as well as teacher trainings and also importantly, Social Permaculture, applying permaculture principles towards social change. Amy Jansen, land manager at Crystal Waters, and Morag Gamble explore the importance of riparian zones, and Graeme Harpley shows us a bush regeneration project on the property which he manages.

In 2018, Crystal Waters, the world's first permaculture designed settlement, celebrated their 30th Anniversary of establishing the community in a legal sense. The diverse community of Crystal Waters EcoVillage has many successes to rejoice about, and some lessons from the past to learn from... they openly acknowledge the village may not have achieved their initial vision of permaculture abundance as yet, and there are some challenges still to be resolved.

Reviews"

"This portrait of Crystal Waters is full of genuine people and reflects the diverse things we can all offer in community life. I really enjoyed seeing the range of ages and people from all different countries who are brought together through their passion for Crystal Waters. The historical footage was a great addition. This film is thoughtfully balanced and provides a window into a unique community. I recommend it!" - Claire Ogden, Eco Villages Australia

"The Crystal Waters documentary is amazing, world-class. I was incredibly inspired by the people who made this place a reality, and to be reminded how many special things we have here." - Kirsty Saint, Crystal Waters Resident

"Incredible, captivating, informative, endearing...an honest overview of the establishment of the famous World-First permaculture village Crystal Waters established on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in 1977. How an older generation are now passing over the reigns to a younger generation to help grow a real trend for conscious cities of the future." - JimmyZ