Here is a space for those views, so that we can begin to better understand both our commonality and our diversity as a cohesive shared vision evolves.
You are invited to send in your own vision statement for posting on this page. It can be as short as you like, encompass just a few or many features of community life, and encompass any scale from your own home and neighbourhood to the whole Village and beyond.
Send your statement in by email - with your name and any specific comments you would like posted with it.
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Elizabeth Heij’s Vision [Posted 11/02/10]
We're a very individualistic society here in Australia. Everything revolves around individual rights and individual decisions. We are taught from earliest childhood to compete - “me against others” - for status, rights and resources. We are, in fact, a “me” society, emphasising “me” unequally over “we”, the collective group. This is impacts our desire to live in community.
My vision is for a Village Community in which the balance between “ME” and “WE” has shifted to equality.
Individual rights, needs, wants and objectives are now no more (but no less) important to individuals than the rights, needs, desires and objectives of the Community as a whole.
In this vision, we are living by our By-Laws, including their philosophical statements, because, while some of the specifics may be personally inconvenient, we recognise them as both fair to individuals and also in the best interests of the community. Civil disobedience and the “pocket veto” have disappeared (and with them a host of small irritations such as roaming cats, barking dogs, dog droppings and litter on common land, and the taking more than a fair share of common space or produce, etc).
In this vision we have come to recognise that collective decision making is inherently slow because every individual needs always to be brought, without coercion or criticism, to a level of comfortable consent. We have let go of the frustration that initially came from trying to apply individual decision timescales to moving forward as a group. We no longer push each other for rapid conformity, seeking rather to listen, understand, learn, explain and adjust within our own minds throughout the process. As our understanding has grown, our collective decision-making is becoming easier, and the natural process of “evolution” within the Community has lost its frustration and become comfortable to us.
In this vision we naturally care about, and care for, other members of the Community because they are vital components of the “we” that has become important to us. We are now much better at practicing the principles of “do-as-you-would-be-done-by” and The Four Agreements. While acknowledging a diversity of social preferences and compatibilities among us, we are comfortable with working together for the common good, and with caring for other Community members in genuine need, regardless of their expressed social grouping.
We now gladly prioritise “me” and “we” tasks together as equally important and beneficial to our wellbeing within the Community; we set them equal in organising our scarce time resources. Now that we better understand the group's collective needs and objectives, we spend more of our precious time actually doing community tasks as opposed to talking about doing them. Meetings have become shorter and doing times longer. Gatherings are predominantly either social or for shared hands-on work and creative pursuits.
And because we gladly give time, energy, and resources to the Community, for both big initiatives as well as all the little low-profile maintenance tasks, our Village thrives in all the ways others have described so well on this page, and contributes greatly to our individual wellbeing in return.
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Vision of the Arts & Culture Playspaces Sub-committee [Posted 2/02/10]
Imagine playing…
The Playgroup committee is working on an integrated story that is told from one Village playspace to the next. The story will incorporate all the concepts that the Village represents – art, water, edibles, indigenous, planet care, learning, feeling, smelling, listening, seeing. The intention is for playspaces to be for teenagers and older people too, not just children. I think it’s worth reproducing the playspace group brainstorming outcomes …...
- Low shrub grottos
- Mellow chimes, xylophones, bells – flat rock stations around trees
- Living seats
- Swings and shade
- Raised stump path, Tyre path
- Balance beams
- Tree enclosed picnic space with garden beds
- Humpies – three facing into each other – in or near one of the mounds
- Raised platforms-stage/picnic/jetty, stepped seating
- Lightweight building space movable objects
- Sound scapes, bells/car rims/bike wheels/
- Musical fence, musical humpy, musical grotto
- Sandpit with tipi shelter
- Sunflower spiral
- Roth web rig, circus rig
- Bocci court, Basketball court
- Tyre swings
- Shed or storage for teen building materials
- Outdoor lounge for teens including carseats/kombi
- Slab for teens to build and skate and ride on
- Stardomes
- Hexadomes
- Water play
And some play concepts that have suggested locations identified:
- Under 10’s bike track around perimeter of Hakea Common space
- Over 10’s bike track: Bumps and slides, ramps, a safe internal track linking common spaces, safe places to cross roads
- Stepping stone poles on linear path behind amphitheatre
- Dragon/lizard stone seat /wall near sharing shed
- Iconic sound sculpture wall – Farm
- Balance stumps, beams, platform – stage 3 rock - could have a geology theme
- Labyrinth in the Hakea Common Space
- Rocky outcrop for climbing (behind amphitheatre)
- Water play – ship hull, water bike pump, tank collection, surfboard spring - somewhere north side of top part Yacca Way with planting around for neighbour privacy
- Assorted crazy swings north west of Dianella-Clematis corner
- Climbing wall, sheltered picnic and garden space – linear path beside amphitheatre all the way to rock island
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Tricia O’Donovan’s Vision Contribution [Posted 19/12/09]
It’s inspiring to read the visions already stated. I agree and support what has already been said. My contribution is a bit closer and pragmatic – perhaps short-sighted vision!? Or some of the stepping stones that may help us to achieve the longer term visions....
I think our physical environment is critical to achieving some of our aims and would like to see us invest all available funds for the next three years into our environment. Extend irrigation via our wastewater to all orchards and each large common space; landscape the ponds; plant out all common spaces so we spend less resources mowing weeds; provision of shade trees and wind breaks in each of the common spaces and along the roads; use of the recycled timber to create arbours, pergolas, bridges, play apparatus etc.
How might this work get done? It will only get done if we do it ourselves! A focus on one-off projects which need short-term focus rather than long term and ongoing commitment may suit our busy lives better. A relatively small investment in plants plus a lot of volunteer effort to put them in the ground will reap significant benefits in the years to come while we work towards some of the longer term visions. Let’s not see another ten years go by with the common spaces left barren, windswept, dusty and weed infested. We may have a chance of turning the dreams into reality if we create environment that we can all enjoy today!
I think we should also lay electrical and water infrastructure through Market St so we can start using the spaces there as art studios. And perhaps get Food Forest to host a series of straw-bale workshops to clad the Round House. That way it will be easier to hold markets and festivals.
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Chris Worsman’s Vision - AAEV 201? [Posted 11/12/09]
The village is full! Exemplary dwellings and shops are nestled in nourishing gardens. A network of paths carries constant people traffic. It’s the lifeblood of a thriving, dynamic community.
The village is a living work of art. Beauty and abundance are tangible. People have worked with nature and nature’s response to nurture is aesthetically uplifting.
Some roads have been given over to gardens and play areas. To ride and walk is the norm. People live localised lives, sharing a pool of vehicles, travelling infrequently and in groups.
Villagers are active, purposeful and focussed on the common good. The intention is to inspire a wider community to live sustainably in peace and harmony.
There are many opportunities for business, income ventures and employment in the village. (described in other visions) Volunteering is at the heart of progress.
Children have a vital role. The joy and playfulness of the “littlies” keep us all young. Their many diverse play areas are favourite places to meet. Home schooling parents have rich surroundings for their children’s education. The older children have many life skills developed under the guidance of elders. They have won several government grants to work creatively on projects with a “youth futures” focus. They have brought other young people into the village with their enterprises. Their work is highly valued.
The heart of the village is complete. It’s a showcase of what can be done when everyone pulls together to create for the common good. It exemplifies the principles of sustainability and oozes artistry. (Bridget’s vision incorporated)
There is a cellar for surplus seasonal food storage. People gather here weekly to prepare produce baskets ordered by village residents. Excess produce goes on sale to wider community.
The wetlands development project draws abundant wildlife. Domestic pets have decreased and a variety of domesticated animals aid permaculture practices.
It’s rare for anyone to sell and leave the village. Visitors are inspired to begin similar projects elsewhere.
In an innovative and award winning co-housing project, several young families selected from the public housing list, have been settled in the village. The council, developers and community volunteers worked to provide low cost properties with life-long leases to these young people. There is an additional public house for single people.
There is a focus on teaching, learning and progress in all areas of village life (the farm, conflict resolution etc.). It incorporates the wisdom of the past with current best practice.
In this place of peace and plenty the rhythms of nature are celebrated. There is a cultural heartbeat in tune with the wider community. The village plays a part in staging events and villagers support local events in the wider community.
It’s a life less ordinary, and, full of possibilities, lived here. Aren’t we blessed?
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Jacqui Good’s “Vision Wish List” [Posted 3/12/09]
The following is no order at all - more may follow as inspiration comes:
I would love to see a mass of trees and shrubs filling many most of the common land, with as many fruit trees that we can water and eat.
I would love to see more animals in the village, goats, alpacas, pigs, sheep, ducks, geese etc for food, wool, milk and the sheer joy of having animals around.
I would love to see the roads used less for cars and see serious traffic slowing measures, perhaps paintings on the roads and intersections?
I would love to have 'tourists' parking their cars in the car park at the start of the village and be asked not to drive through, and that they will stop treating us like we are a safari park. I would also like to see them give a gold coin donation and be very respectful of us and not 'gawp' at us!
I would love to see play spaces for kids and adults throughout the village, with shade so that we can hang out together safely.
I would love to see most residents take an active part in the community, however small. This would certainly build on everyone's sense of community.
I would love to see a shared caravan, mini bus, campervan that could be hired by residents.
I would love to see the village preserving food together.
I would love to see a 'walking school bus' going to Galilee School.
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Bridget O’Donnell’s EcoVillage Vision Statement [Posted 30/11/09]
It is the year 2015 and the EcoVillage is a thriving, dynamic community. The markets are running on a weekly basis with a focus on local food and art, bringing a healthy regular income for residents (like the Willunga Farmer’s Market). There are seasonal festivals, drawing crowds from SA, interstate, and overseas, with attendances exceeding all expectations. Tours of the EcoVillage are run regularly hosting international and interstate visitors as well as school and university groups. The EcoVillage amphitheatre holds regular performances and films. The EcoVillage homes are fully constructed, with all 180 dwellings and commercial buildings occupied. The community buildings are all completed and host functions on a regular basis including art exhibitions and workshops. The Village is world famous for innovative Eco-Business models and it’s ability to link with the wider business community and inspire others. The seasonal festivals and weekly markets win environmental awards for their zero waste and local produce policies. The surrounding suburbs are taking on a character of Eco-friendliness, with the township of Aldinga hosting the first Eco-Pub in Australia, selling organic beer, and wine, and promoting no-smoking and no-pokies policies. Government agencies seek guidance from the EcoVillage to develop similar projects in other states. The EcoVillage is a famous destination, interstate and overseas. There is strong demand for accommodation within the Village - both short and long term. Those who had the vision and trust to invest in the EcoVillage in it’s infancy, are now reaping the benefits of their investment. Re-sales are rare, mostly occurring by word of mouth, via the village waiting list. (as in Village Homes- Davis California).
The Markets and Festivals
The Markets and Festivals are vibrant, diverse, quality, celebratory, zero waste events. They provide an outlet for local artists, crafts-people, and environmentalists to sell their homemade, home-grown, and recycled wares (like the St Andrew’s Market, Victoria). The market is a demonstration site for products and concepts, including Permaculture and solar passive housing. We sell delicious organic food including organic gourmet pizzas and bread cooked in our own wood-fired oven, and host family friendly entertainment, providing an income for stallholders, the ongoing running of the market, and the EcoVillage. We build community cohesion and promote environmental sustainability through great workshops, activities, and atmosphere. We attract thousands of people of all ages, and host a wide variety of ethical and innovative stalls, including solar powered food stalls, and a pedal powered juice stall. The entertainers provide unique and engaging performances, which encourage audience participation and donations towards the market. Our insurance is affordable and adequately covers organizers, visitors, and stallholders. The market receives regular funding, is well organized, and well supported by volunteers and villagers, all having well defined roles and tasks, which are equitably shared. Sponsorships and collaborative enterprises with local businesses ensure the longevity and sustainability of the markets and festivals. Annually the EcoVillage hosts a Bike Expo where a variety of solar assisted bikes, recumbents, bike trailers, unicycles, rickshaws, and all manner of people-powered vehicles and machines are displayed and demonstrated. These festivals are now major events, attracting substantial funding from large sponsors and grant providers.The markets and festivals promote the Ecovillage as an inspiring, sustainable choice of lifestyle to the wider community, encouraging healthy connections and stimulating economic partnerships and innovations.
The Commercial Properties
The 10 commercial lots all host inspiring commercial enterprises with ecological and social goals. These businesses supplement their incomes by renting out their top floors as accommodation; encouraging diversity within the EcoVillage community (similar to the Walk to Work concept at Earthsong EcoNeighbourhood, Auckland).
The businesses include:
1. Bike sales/repair/hire shop: Specializing in solar assisted bikes, and innovative pedal and electric transport.
2. Recycled clothing shop: Selling only natural fibre clothing, washed in non-toxic detergent, and wooden toys.
3. Business incubator: Enabling small-scale eco-businesses to access training and expert advice, while sharing the use of a serviced office space.
4. Real estate office: Selling eco-property, and sustainable housing developments, and also encouraging landlords to retro-fit their homes to provide eco-rental properties.
5. Green shop: Selling all manner of eco-products from bio-paint to organic washable nappies and sanitary products.
6. Organic café’ and bakery: With organic bread mix, wheat and non-wheat, and gluten free breads and products.
7. Art/Craft shop: Run by an artist’s co-operative. (like Artel in McLarenVale)
8. Therapy centre: Providing massage, osteopathy, homeopathy, shiatsu, and many other natural therapies.
9. Organic food co-op: Selling produce grown on the farm as well as produce from resident’s gardens and eggs, as well as dry foods, seedlings, and cleaning products.(ie Singing Cricket Food Co-op Willunga)
10. Backpackers Hostel: At the entrance to the EcoVillage, hosting budget travelers, WWOOFers, and volunteers working in the Village. There are special arrangements for WWOOFers and volunteers allowing essential, labour intensive, menial work to be done at low cost, with a good exchange of education and accommodation. The hostel also acts as an information centre, as there is a staff member at the desk for most of the day, allowing access to information by the many visitors who drop into the EcoVillage on a daily basis. The hostel takes bookings for tours of the EcoVillage, and is where the tours begin. There are brochures on the EcoVillage; tour information; sales information; general information on eco-activities in the region; other eco-accommodation; and eco-tourism. Other tourism providers pay the EcoVillage a good price to hold their brochures and promote their businesses, and many organic wineries pay handsomely to be promoted by the EcoVillage. There are also opportunities to promote other eco-products in the hostel, as we use them exclusively throughout the building, and demonstration is the best way to sell products.
11. Wine bar/restaurant: With leading chefs providing a la carte menus sought after by clientele statewide, featuring organic produce sourced from the Fleurieu Peninsula including wines and beers.
Local businesses see the benefits of being involved in the EcoVillage and actively seek out joint ventures and mutually beneficial relationships.
The Cluster Housing Project
Providing rental accommodation for low income families; introducing much welcomed diversity into the EcoVillage. The development is of low cost solar passive designed dwellings on a small footprint with no private gardens but access to common space, with a common car parking space, and walking access to the homes. The increase seen in land values within the EcoVillage had the potential to create an ageing, white, “middle-class” community, with few opportunities for younger families to join the community - this development offers alternatives.
The Community Facilities
Community centre: A large building that houses a commercial kitchen, an office with computer, printer, fax machine, scanner, a library, a meeting space/dining hall, a crèche’, a guest bunk room, and a shop selling books on permaculture, organic gardening, community living, greeting cards and calendars, postcards, jams, preserves, and t-shirts all made within the EcoVillage to raise money for the community. Community Kitchen: Operating within the community building’s commercial kitchen. A co-operative business runs the community kitchen, which allows small food producers to use the facilities on an hourly basis, with the money raised paying rental to the EcoVillage for the use of the facility (similar to the Willunga community kitchen).
Gallery: Hosting exhibitions of EcoVillage artists as well as artists from the wider community.
Performance Space: Hosting performances from the Ecovillage, South Australia, interstate, and overseas.
Stables Studios/Workshops: Fully refurbished and fully functioning , hosting glass blowers, wood workers, a pottery, metal workers, as well as a shared painting studio which hosts a printing press. Lastly there is a textile studio housing weaving looms, dyeing vats, sewing machines, knitting machines, spinning wheels, and a washing machine. An Artists co-operative business runs the artists studios, and sells the artworks created by the resident artists, with the money raised paying rental to the EcoVillage for the use of the facility.
The Village Farm
Permaculture Education Centre and Native Nursery: A teaching venue for students, the wider public, WWOOFers and volunteers. This attracts funding for life-long learning, and schools-without-walls projects. The education sessions allow the EcoVillage to establish strawbale buildings and community gardens with volunteer labour from the course participants (as per the Food Forest, Gawler)
Power: The community owns a 100 kilowatt wind turbine that supplies 150% of the communal power needs, allowing the EcoVillage to sell the surplus 50% power to Origin Energy.
Demonstration site: With interpretative solar array with information on the wind turbine, and a display panel so that the public can make sense of the energy supplies, (like at Ceres, Melbourne). This interpretative centre is situated alongside the Permaculture Education Centre and Native Nursery,
Vehicle Share co-operative
Operating a SAFF tank and bowser, and running bio-diesel and bio-unleaded cars as well as electric cars and solar assisted bikes and rickshaws. These vehicles are hired by paying members of the village as well as the wider community. There are regular trips to the local train station, and we have an arrangement with the train station to have free, secure parking for our fleet cars and other vehicles.
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Adrian Oakey’s AAEV Vision Statement [Posted 30/11/09]
It is the year 2012 and the Arts Eco Village is a thriving, dynamic community that has minimal impact on the environment. It is a model of how to survive in a world of water, food and energy shortages, environmental degradation and sociological turmoil in a sustainable and caring manner.
The Arts Eco Village homes are fully constructed, with all 180 dwellings and commercial buildings occupied. Over 75% of the community work within the community or the immediate district. Car “miles” has been cut down considerably and car ownership is on average less than one per household, all which operate on “renewable fuels”. The community grows over 75% of its own food, is a net exporter of electricity and has substantially reduced the amount of waste per household to one “wheelie bin” a month. Imported water over the entire community is less than 75% of the state average, even including the food production. Crime is “zero”, everyone knows each other and no one ever worries about being “forgotten”. The community is self-funding and self-maintaining and a significant contributor to the local regional community.
Markets are running on a weekly basis with a focus on local food and art, bringing a healthy regular income for residents and the community. There are festivals on a seasonal basis displaying works from local artists and crafts people along with eco-products, and; running education programs on permaculture and sustainable housing. The festivals draw crowds from South Australia, interstate, and overseas, with attendances exceeding all expectations. Tours of the Arts Eco Village are run regularly hosting international and interstate visitors and school and university groups. The Arts Eco Village amphitheatre holds regular performances and films.
The community buildings are all completed and host functions on a regular basis including art exhibitions and workshops. The Arts Eco Village is world famous for innovative Eco-Business models and it’s ability to link with the wider business community and inspires others. The seasonal festivals and weekly markets win environmental awards for their zero waste and local produce policies.
The surrounding suburbs are taking on a character of Eco-friendliness, with the township of Aldinga hosting the first Eco-Pub in Australia, selling organic beer, and wine, and promoting no-smoking and no-pokies policies. Annually the Arts Eco Village hosts a Bike Expo where a variety of solar assisted bikes, recumbents, bike trailers, unicycles, rickshaws, and all manner of people-powered vehicles and machines are displayed. These festivals are now major events, attracting substantial funding from large sponsors and grant providers. Government agencies seek guidance from the Arts Eco Village to develop similar projects in other regions and states.