Announcing a new 90 minute documentary about the world’s first Permaculture EcoVillage, directed by Michael Ney, produced by Eagle Spirit Media, in collaboration with Crystal Waters Community Cooperative Ltd.
www.crystalwaters.org.au
Crystal Waters 30 Years On The Crystal Waters 30th Anniversary Documentary Produced and directed by Michael Ney
In 2018, Crystal Waters, the world’s first permaculture designed settlement, celebrated their 30th Anniversary of gaining legal recognition of their community. The diverse community of Crystal Waters Permaculture Village has many successes to rejoice, and some lessons from the past to learn from. While the community enjoys sharing seasonal abundances, many acknowledge that greater use could be made of people’s diverse skills and the land, and some challenges have yet to be resolved. “It is a wonderful experiment”, says Bernard O’Scanaill, a musician who runs Music Nights. Bordering the Mary River, near Maleny, South East Queensland, the 640 acre property was donated by Bob Sample to enable pioneers to experiment with permaculture. Bob Sample, the original land owner in 1977, and Robin Clayfield, an early settler of the new community 1988, uncover the story of the village unfolding, aided by recollections from early residents, Annie Wall, Regine Ruppelt and others. Dean Cameron introduces the initial site works and shaping of the land with roads and dams according to a village scale permaculture design. Jan Freyee, a builder since the start of the community, introduces some alternative building methods used in the village.
This feature documentary takes a look behind the scenes exploring some notable gardens, planted forests and much loved regen areas, as well as successful cash crops and a variety of businesses. Amy Jansen, Crystal Waters land manager and Morag Gamble, resident and permaculture educator, explore the importance of riparian zones. Graeme Harpley introduces us to Dooja Dell - a bush regeneration project he’s managed for many years. Living a healthy lifestyle in a nature reserve over 200 residents enjoy clean water, air, soil, abundant nature, luscious dams and the opportunity to participate in many diverse activities to enrich their lives. Artistic expression of all sorts, especially music, is also a highlight. Visitors have a choice of camping or caravan sites, bunkhouse or a cabin at The EcoPark. Other accommodation is available at The Dream Plant (Lot 66) and a few homes too, and many WWOOFERS stay for weeks or even months. Recipient of 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, Teacher Trainings and importantly, Social Permaculture, applying permaculture principles towards social change.
Max Lindegger, one of the original designers of the village, leads the teaching team for the Permaculture Design Course held over two weeks at Crystal Waters. Max points out that while agricultural use of the land has been limited so far, muses... “It’s not too late”, and the rich soil, especially around the dams, is ready for productive use. Permaculture related education is prominent. For example Morag Gamble and her family conduct tours of Crystal Waters and offers permaculture courses. These courses are available both online and in person, in various locations locally and globally. Also, Barry O’Connell, Robin Clayfield, and Tom Nealson each do tours focusing on different aspects of Crystal Waters. This feature documentary celebrates the past, present and future of Crystal Waters Permaculture EcoVillage - but such a brief presentation is merely a behind-thescenes snapshot of Crystal Waters and cannot investigate the many complexities in the life of a continually changing and growing community such as this. Some highlights are discussions of Robin Clayfield and Bob Sample... “We’re still in our infancy,” explains Robin, “but it’s evolving...” adds Bob. Amber, an early resident, says it is “...a gentle, female and nurturing place”. Continued overleaf...
Crystal Waters 30 Years On The Crystal Waters 30th Anniversary Documentary Produced and directed by Michael Ney ... Luciano Giangiordano says, “What Crystal Waters has achieved in 30 years has been phenomenal”. Jane Brouet and Gaby Gottselig in conversation lead us to Robin Harpley and Sandra Ferguson explaining the activities of the Body Corporate and the Community Co-op. Po Mei who led the Wellness Festivals says... “We are on a journey”. Teacher, musician, Sybil MacLure says “I’m sure it has a really strong future” and her partner Tom Nealson states an often cited sentiment... “I look forward to the next 30 years of being part of Crystal Waters”. Permaculture designer Max Lindegger concludes with “We had a dream and a vision. It was big!” Other notable participants in Crystal Waters include original residents, Barry O’Connell and Hans Erken, who ran the first permaculture conference in 1984 in Pappinburra, NSW; where the filmmaker, Michael Ney, first met Hans, Max and Robin along with Bill Mollison and took photos of them for Simply Living magazine. Remembering the early days leading up to 1988, Hans visits the bamboo plantation, Earthcare Farm, which is also 30 years old. Others such as “Green Warrior”, Steve Cran, along with caterer Yoav Handelsman, “food is a medicine”... and a team of weekly gardeners, are revitalising the community garden to share food, learning, growing together with the spirit of community. Lastly, a musical segment underscoring highlights from the famous Crystal Waters Monthly Markets features Crystalimba, the Marimba Band, led by Ronda Lee.
Many community members also share their insights... • author, astrologer, cemetery manager Richard Giles; • Greg Roughsedge and Ayca from the EcoPark; • sisters musician/artists Sara Yael & Gabriella Cohen • dance teacher Lisa Racquel; • health retreat owner Izabella Siodmak; • guest house manager Scott Dunbar; • educator Richard Mochelle; • musician and choir master Kim Kirkman • and other performers Steve Langton, Malcolm Fielding • plus Music Night Organiser, Bernard O’Scanaill; • belly dance teacher Katherine Osborne • along with dancers Sonja, Veronica, Jo and Rovielle; • Susie Foster introduces the Fun-tusy arts & craft group; • dairy group folk Rhea Phelan and Flow Oakley; • early residents and gardeners Sam & Jazmin; • Ally and Flynn from The Flowerpot Coffee Shop; • the Freyee family Jan, Jory, Troy and ex-wife Lottie; • new tiny house residents Alli, Sam and Jude; • permaculture teacher Annaliese Hordern; • avid gardener and first Co-op chair-person Peter Searle; • Global EcoVilage Networker Jillian Hovey; • the woodfired bakery orginator Les Bartlett... • and the new owner Bernard Devos • helper Peter Vanderduys and many others; • indigenous artist/dancer Wiruungga Dunggiirr • wild foods caterer Sabine Wienand; • plus many others... Kentaro Yamaki, Kathryn Blackburn. From archival interviews by Lois Tarling and Chris Gwin.
If you are either not familiar, or on the other hand, extremely passionate about ecovillages, permaculture and growing a community with the intention of making the world a better place through appropriate, sustainable and regenerative methods there will be much in this documentary to excite your interest.
Reviews
Reviews from preview screenings... “The Crystal Waters documentary is a terrific film about the beginnings of the world’s first permaculture ecovillage to the present day - 30 years on. Informative, colourful, inspirational, and sensitively filmed, capturing the beauty, joy and advantages of community living. I thoroughly enjoyed it.” Christabel Wilson, ex-resident, Maleny QLD “We were fortunate enough to see a preview screening of the whole documentary, and it is AMAZING. Your work is world-class, Michael, and I’m sure we’ll end up seeing it screened in international movie festivals as well. I was incredibly inspired by the people who made this place a reality, and to be reminded just how many special things we have here.” Kirsty Saint, Crystal Waters Resident
“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, Maleny QLD www.ecovillages.com.au “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.” - Jimmy Hirst – www.polkadot.org.au
“Put together with such sensitivity, care, love and creative genius... I love the tempo and the way the Crystal Waters dwellers are presented... very pleasing to watch. I noticed the subtle changes in the appropriate musical accompaniment as the documentary rolled along.” - Ulli Hansen, Sydney NSW “What a rich and colourful His & Her story of a glorious land where common unity has, and does, flourish. The director weaves a tapestry of stories - told, and yet-to-be told - of a land that beckons enquiry through habitat, and defined as much by it’s humaness, as it is by it’s faery “folkiness”. It’s this mesh of beauty that enCOURAGES us to choose a path with gratitude for the simple freedoms that a bunch of folk living in the bush by a crystal brook are so very wealthy to share in. Thank you Michael for your technical skills, fresh perspective, and for the joy and inspiration your documentary shall certainly inspire..” - Hayley Buchanan, Crystal Waters Resident
Director’s Statement
Director’s Statement
Reflections on being at Crystal Waters
Soon after arriving at Crystal Waters in 2017, I drove over the hill and there was an idyllic landscape topped by a softly translucent rainbow and some unusual housing barely visible through the abundance of lush trees by the mystical lake. Stepping into the light rain I took this photo. The grass was greener then. A few months later I ended up renting a cabin near where the left white rooftop is seen. Now, it’s one of my most favourite photos. I had no idea then that I would spend a full year nearly totally dedicated to the task of discussing, meeting everyone, shooting events, interviews and scenery. I responded to a request by one of the Coop Directors, Richard Giles, who was keen to have a documentary for the 30th Anniversary event on June 29, 2018. So, I got busy shooting, editing, stressing, envisioning what a presentation about an ecovillage could be like. Then, the birthday event came and went... everyone was enthusiastic with what they saw in my video work... BUT I knew there was so much more work to be done. I felt compelled to do justice to this unusual story of a community and village undergoing growing pains, visions for the future arising and dealing with conflicts and attitudes. It was clear that so much of the life within the community, and the arts especially had not yet been captured... that led to another 6 months of shooting. Previous filmmaking experiences should have warned me that doing a documentary will take over your life. I got blindsided again and worked countless hours in the edit suite and held many community screenings to gauge reactions and in the end I just had to plow on till it was comfortable for me to let my baby go out in the world. It is often said that films are never finished - just abandoned. It felt so true.
I wake again to a gloriously beautiful day. The sun is shining, freshly squeezed milk from our generous cows is at my door, the bees are buzzing loudly, thankfully the vegetables are growing abundantly. I can’t see the elementals but I’m sure they are here. We are truly living in a paradise at Crystal Waters… with the birds, the kangaroos and all manner of wildlife let loose and free thanks to the sensible no cats and dogs policy… AND YET the polar ice caps are melting, the weather events locally and globally are increasing in frequency and severity, oceans are rising threatening the existence of entire islands and soon coastal cities, farmers struggling for many climate related reasons, the global decline in bees and insects, alarming rates of species extinction and that’s just the beginning! Cracks… or even gaping fissures... in society are appearing, while the greedy carry on with destruction in the name of progress. A cloud of bewilderment is growing, scorched black with a fear of what the future will bring, BUT in some folks I see a red hot desire burning… a deep yearning for a better outlook. This has been a long time coming. Yes, positive messages abound surely, as in new films like 2040 recently… and yet the ACTION for change in the REAL world, not on screens, seems to be just crawling reluctantly along - not galloping with exuberance as it should. Politicians say all the right things - but then make devastating decisions holding us back in the dark ages for the sake of short term economic wellbeing. It is with GREAT HOPE that I look to long term initiatives like Crystal Waters to “be a beacon” (as an overseas visitor said in the documentary) to explore different models and methods, such as permaculture, and show the way to a more positive future.
Seems to me the main message of the past 30+ years that this ecovillage is quietly screaming to the rest of the world is - “YES, we may have our problems. We are working through the challenges. We know we can work together, despite our differences in outlook and personalities. Let us keep on the path to sustainability, learn from the past and be an example in a humble but dedicated way.” Seems to me that more people in the cities might like to try a different way. Personally, I believe restructuring of the wider society into many ecovillage type communities will be very much needed. I first heard of ideas about creating sustainable villages, like Crystal Waters, at the first permaculture conference in 1984 led by Hans Erken, featuring guest speaker Bill Mollison. This conference gathered many folk who settled at Crystal Waters eventually - Robin Clayfield, Max Lindegger and others. After my 30 year adventures in the commercial world, and seeing the metropolis monstrosities of New York, London, Sydney even… to have come full circle back to Crystal Waters and be able to show it to the world is a dream come true.
Next Steps I’d love to hear from anyone wishing to organise screenings. Whenever possible I will try to enlist the help of Crystal Waters permacuture teachers to be part of the discussions. There will be various extensions to this main documentary and you will hear about developments as they arise. For contacting me... email is always best.
Please join my email list for news on screening events: eaglespiritmedia@gmail.com http://www.facebook.com/michaeleaglespirit/
Director’s Profile
Michael Ney Producer, Director, Camera, Editor As well as being an experienced filmmaker, I have a long history as a digital media producer. My career started in the theatre with stage management and later focused on lighting design and operation; working in many theatres in Sydney over several years. Then broadening my horizon, I moved into television production and studied for Television Certificate of Proficiency and subsequently went on to work at Channel TEN, Sydney.
Michael Ney t/a Eagle Spirit Media PO Box 956 Maleny QLD 4552 Tel: +61 418 965 517 eaglespiritmedia@gmail.com www. eaglespiritmedia.com ABN 97 948 032 868
Other recent documentaries Baba’s Birthday - produced by Michael Ney, and writer/director Peter Sumner. A creative look at Avatar Meher Baba with visits to sacred sites in India. https://youtu.be/EIDDrqQY6og “Peace Angels - first steps” - a spiritual theatre troupe creates a spectacular event in support of Peace One Day in 2011. https://youtu.be/zvZMMJqd4cU
Range of skills
After a few years in television production, I started a commercial photography and audio-visual company called Midnite Stills. In 1990, my business grew into a multimedia company, Virtual Realm Xchange producing innovative projects for educational and corporate clients. Then in 2001, I returned to my first love, filmmaking, with a new entity called Sensory Image – recently changed to Eagle Spirit Media.
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video production: direction, camera, lighting, editing; creative and commercial photography, photojournalism; theatre lighting and live multimedia event staging; graphic design: books, magazines, brochures, ebooks; web design: creative direction, writing, web content; multimedia presentations: Powerpoint, Keynote, FCP social media strategy and event management.
It was a joy to be involved with industry events such as OzDox - of which I was a co-founder, and Popcorn Taxi, for which I created an video archive of the many guest filmmakers. It was an education in itself. My portfolio includes pioneering ventures in website development, photography, multimedia, video production, social media, elearning and publishing. I have gained wide experience across many industries and types of projects by providing creative and project management services ranging from conceptualisation through to publishing.
Previous clients Over the past 3 decades Michael Ney has worked on projects for The University of Sydney, SBS (East West 101), Murray Fahey (Alex & Eve The Movie), Sydney City Council, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Westpac, OzDox, Popcorn Taxi, BupaCare, Bayer, Estplan, Realview, TAFE, Youth Matters, Dilanchian Lawyers, Andreyev Lawyers, Australian Directors Guild, Publisher’s Australia... and many others.
Michael is terrific to work with. He is creative, organised and able to elicit the best from talent. He has a great eye, understands light, and always looks for the best in creating the shooting environment. Michael is resourceful, imaginative, persuasive. He is liked and trusted by crew and talent alike. - Kris Wyld - Producer East West 101 (SBS) Knapman Wyld Television Michael Ney is a very experienced multimedia and video producer, with a breadth of knowledge including theatre, performance, documentary and events. We’ve worked together on several projects over the years, and Michael’s ideas, experience, professionalism and passion have been invaluable contributions which always helps us achieve our goals successfully. - Cindi Drennan, Illuminart
Crystal Waters
Michael Ney t/a Eagle Spirit Media
30 Years On
PO Box 956 Maleny QLD 4552 eaglespiritmedia@gmail.com
Purchase the documentary online at:
www. eaglespiritmedia.com
http://bit.ly/cwdoco01 Chapters
Crystal Waters - 30 Years On - Official Launch
1. Welcome
Held on Saturday 15 June 2019 at Northey Street City Farm,
2. Grounding the Vision
(Brisbane) 16 Victoria Street, Windsor, QLD 4101
3. Growing Pains
With Guest Speakers
- Earthcare Farm - The Fire Brigade 4. The Dream Takes Root - The EcoPark - Restoration - The Cemetery
Morag Gamble - Permaculture Education Institute https://permacultureeducationinstitute.org Robin Clayfield - Dynamic Groups http://dynamicgroups.com.au Trudy Juriasz - Global Ecovillage Network https://ecovillage.org/
5. Educational Aspirations
Websites & Social Media
6. Spirit of Community
Crystal Waters Website - https://crystalwaters.org.au
- Coop & Body Corp
Facebook - https://facebook.com/CrystalWatersEcoVillage/
- The Bakery
YouTube - http://bit.ly/cw-qld-utube
- The Spindleshop
Photo Gallery - http://bit.ly/cw-pix
- The Dairy - Flowerpot Coffee Shop 7. Soul Food and The Arts 8. Human Habitat
Promotional Clips Crystal Waters Markets 2019 - https://youtu.be/1EJvhIhIbaE Crystal Waters Bakery - https://youtu.be/v8MANXC5FwY Kim Kirkman plays Harp - https://youtu.be/IlsfZiQVees
9. Embracing the Future
Malcolm Fielding N’goni - https://youtu.be/wMx_RI33vHo
- The Markets
Bob Sample - 30 June 2018 - https://youtu.be/wZ7ScgSLITI
Other Contacts
- End Credits
Kathy Osborne & Rubatuba - https://youtu.be/ycV63_6c4v8
Eco Villages Australia – https://ecovillages.com.au
Give Bees A Chance - https://youtu.be/foKS-J8PuEg
Polkadot Tiny Houses & Ecovillages – https://polkadot.org.au
Sound Immersion - https://youtu.be/eFWQ7ErS-Ds