Site Map

Announcements

Please use Coothallie Road to access SomerVille.

The Ash Road entrance to SomerVille has been temporarily closed until we install a new entrace so please use Coothallie Road, which has now been graded and is safe to drive on without loosing your teeth.

Radio Interview on SomerVille

On Friday the 27 April Paul Antonelli conducted an interview on SomerVille for the South Street program on Radio Gumbo / Murdoch radio 4pm – 5pm Broadcasting on Radio Fremantle 107.9FM.

For those of you who missed the Interview you can now view it online at:

http://www.radio.murdoch.edu.au/southstreet.html located under Friday 4 - 5 (Listen) - simply click on the link and your media player should come up automatically and play the show. The interview is about 35 minutes into the show.

The Newsletter team is Getting Proactive.

Based on recent feedback and in an effort to get regular contributions the newsletter team is going to get proactive, and contact members individually to ask them personally if they would like to submit an article for the next edition.

Each edition we will ask three people to submit something, whether it be a recipie , favourite poem etc. You don't have to wait for us to call you, get proactive yourself and submit something first.

SomerVille Ecovillage™ Online Forum

This is a reminder to encourage everyone to use the Online Forum. It’s ready and available for you to use and share ideas.

We would like to encourage everyone to log in and have a look, post a comment etc. This is a valuable tool we have here so let’s use it.

Requests

Come and Attend a Steering Team or a Core Group Meeting

In an effort to expand the community interface and be as transparent as possible we wish to invite community members (“intending residents”) to attend the meetings as observers.

A list of meeting dates and contact people can be found online in the Residents only section located online at:

http://www.somervilleecovillage.com.au/members/core_groups.htm

Submit an Article for SomerVille Scoop

The Newsletter team is putting out a request for articles, points of interest, etc. Have your say and share your knowledge.

If you are interested in making a contribution please email your article etc... to newsletter@sev.net.au by the 20th of each second month.

If you have any queries about the structure or content please visit http://www.somervilleecovillage.com.au/newsletters and read the Newsletter Structure, Content and Submission Guidelines.

Additionally if you know of any coming events that you believe other members of the community may be interested in please email the details through to newsletter@sev.net.au.

< Rainbows Over SomerVille (Photo complements of Paul Antonelli) I know you seen this before but I just love this photo.

We Need Champions for 2007 Outcomes

The list below outlines what we said we would like to do (as a community) in 2007 (SS 4^th Feb – outcomes for 2007). Now here is your opportunity to get involved!! Support will happily be provided where required; but what we really need are some “drivers”.

If you would like to be the champion of a particular event/s please contact Paul Moes at paul.m@greenedge.org

Project Updates

Environment / Place

Update provided by Dominic Carlino

Rezoning

Rezoning is still on the agenda. It's a little like watching grass grow, and then die, and then grow again, as the seasons and years pass! Through the assistance of our planners (Planning Solutions) and our planning lawyers (Minter Ellison) it seems we have managed to strike an agreement in the wording of our scheme amendment that will now allow us to achieve the 104 lots we originally set out to get. Great news! From a timing perspective it could still be a couple of months until the rezoning is actually gazetted (a term for the announcement in writing).

< Some of the Local Residents at SomerVille (Picture compliments of Neil Robinson)

LSIP

Our Local Subdivision and Infrastructure Plan (LSIP) is currently being advertised and the period for public comment has now 'unofficially' been extended until 9th May. Watch out for correspondence asking for help with this. A meeting was held at the Chidlow Fire Hall on Monday 23rd April to discuss “High Density Subdivision” in Chidlow. This was organised by Chidlow residents and was in response to the advertising of the LSIP. The title of the meeting was a little sensational and probably designed to attract as many residentsd along as possible – 399 acres and 104 lots = just under 1 lot per 4 acres. Not exactly high density!

Some 30 people attended the meeting, which turned out to be a bit of an explanation of some of the detail around the what and how we are doing things at SomerVille. As it turns out the major concern was our intended use of Ash Road for our main entry, rather than Coothallie Road. There was also some concern around the size of our water tanks, with people thinking we were going to use bores to access the difference between our 60,000 litre tanks and the 120,000 litre tanks required by other residents in the Shire. When it was explained that we are simply reducing our water use, this concern mostly went away. However, the concern with our use of Ash Road is as yet unresolved. It revolves around the additional traffic that will be generated, with residents living north of Ash Road wanting the “quiet nature” of their road to remain. There were some concerns relating to the safety of Ash Road, but this will be a question to be answered by the road safety engineers of the Shire. In general though, there was strong support from the locals for the SomerVille Ecovillage™. Good news!

Community House

On Friday 27th April the Steering Team were treated to presentations from the potential architects for the Community House. Submissions were made by Fiona Hogg of Paradigm Architects and Phil Gresley of Gresly Abas. The third architect Ken Bezant from Environs Design Group was layed flat in bed with a viral infection so will present on Tuesday. Some great concepts were put forward and it certainly looks like we are up for a great “Wow Factor” multi purpose, community building. The final decision will be made week ending Friday 4th May, by the Steering Team, in consultation with our builder Geoff Britton of Econstruct.

Site Surveys

Our surveyors, RM Surveys have carried out a detailed feature survey which picks up all the features (derr!) of our site. It also includes levels of the site at 0.5m intervals (within the ring road) which produces very useful contours of the area. This takes us to the next detailed design stage for our infrastructure – roads and services.

Enviromental Management Plan

Andrew Hemsley has completed the Environmental Management Plan which will be presented to the Statutory Authorities in the coming month. It is very comprehensive and will be available for Intending Residents once the current peer review is completed. This will form the basis for our own Environmental Management Plan, which will look at things from a slightly different perspective. A lot of work has gone into this plan and as you will see this has turned into another job well done – thanks Andrew (and Dave Moore)!

Building Guidlines

The Building Guidelines have been dusted off and are currently being given a bit of a polish in preparation for the launch of the assessment tool on the website. The idea is that we can get the assessment tool up and Intending Residents can have a go at entering data from any designs they may currently have for their SomerVille Home. We can then get some of the bugs ironed out in preparation for the real thing, which is not really that far away. Time to start thinking home design!

SomerVille Organic Farm

You will notice the SomerVille Farm has kicked off next time you visit. You will see fences up and some pine trees down. From an environmental perspective the trees were a liabilty. Not only do they compete greatly with the indigenous species for water, let alone our fresh vegies we are going to grow, but they also present a potential problem by attracting the European Wood Borer. You may remember last year one fell over in the front yard at Walnut Cottage, almost taking out the carport (oh no, not the Barina!). It could have been worse though.

Project Timeline

The Project Timeline was recently updated. Rezoning hasn't gone to plan – again, but we are still tracking nicely for our LSIP approval from council in the month of June. This may not necessarily mean a delay, and the big picture still looks like a start on infrastructure in September/October this year, which means titles for individual lots and commencement of house construction about first quarter to mid next year. A busy year ahead!

Enterprise & Economics

Update provided by Paul Antonelli

< Some of the Greenedge Projects Team – GEP Team Meeting 4 April 2007 (Picture compliments of Christophe Bouyac)

The Economics and Enterprise creation and development process linked in to SomerVille is moving along into the next phase of start up and kick off for many of the enterprises. The process is on track to deliver the anticpated level of employment opportuntites and economic activity within and around SomerVille. Below is an update of some of these enterprises.

Greenedge Projects

Greenedge Projects is rapidly developing a reputation as a leader in ecovillage and sustainable development throughout Australia. As a result of this Greenedge is now currently working on a number of ecovillage projects around Australia. These include ecovillages in Sydney, Melbourne, Urban Ecovillage project in Perth, and an Urban Ecovillage project in Geraldton. Discussions are currently taking place with groups in Cairns and Byron Bay about potential ecovillage development projects in these locations.

As a result of this activity Greenedge Projects now has 19 staff, of which 9 live locally in Chidlow. It also has an additional 11 part time/contract staff of which 7 live locally in Chidlow.

It is anticipated that additional jobs will be created as various projects move into the construction and development phase.

Nexus Car Share

(Alex Hyndman)

Through its involvement and support with the SomerVille Ecovillage^TM ,Nexus Car Share has now commenced business in Chidlow. As of the 8th January the first vehicle is now based in Chidlow and in operation. It is envisaged that as more families move to Chidlow/SomerVille the business will expand to stay ahead of the required demand.

SOMA Design and Drafting

(Aaron Boultbee)

A design and drafting service focussing on sustainable building and design. Aaron is evolving his business through not only work on SomerVille and other Greenedge Projects but through other clients in related areas.

Green Energy Management Company (GemCo)

(Koon Tin Lim)

A company which provides the framework and services for the establishment and running of renewable energy systems. Currently engaged to design, supply and install the 100KW Solar Power system which will be utilised for the SomerVille Ecovillage^TM.

Also looking at a number of other projects which can assist the company in the kick off phase.

SomerVille Organic Farm

(Allan Werner)

A initial overview business plan has been developed and work has now commenced on site for the Organic Farm. A fence will be erected around the initial farm area in the next few weeks. Soil improvement acticity is currently in progress, with the aim of planting a green manure improvement crop in the next couple of months. A detailed business plan is currently being finalised for the next stage and implementation of this enterprise.

< Start of Agriculture on the SomerVille Land (photo compliments of Neil Robertson)

SomerVille IT & T Enterprise

(Neil Robertson)

Work is currently underway on finalising the business plan for the IT&T business at SomerVille. Initial meetings have been organised with Telstra to explore some of the possibilities and requirements relating to this enterprise.

Following further discussions decisions can be made on the best way forward, then planning can be finalised and detailed design will commence.

SomerVille Open Learning Enterprise

(Robyn Antonelli and Angela Williamson)

The initial overview has been developed and the next stage is the, you guessed it, survey phase. The survey has been compiled and is currently being finalised. It is anticipated that this survey will be released in the next few weeks to develop a better understanding of the community needs and expectations relating to this enterprise.

Health and Healing Enterprise

(Vida Carlino)

Research and still more research has been our main focus. We have conducted a comprehensive survey on Day Spas, Complementary and Alternative Healing Clinics in Perth and surrounding suburbs.

From this information we are identifying our point of difference in the market place. The idea is to create a one stop integrated mind body medicine clinic that offers not only resources and treatment but education and training.

This research will further be extended to investigate centres around Australia and overseas. If you are aware of any outstanding complementary clinics with a WOW factor please email Vida at vida@greenedge.org

We are investigating the possibility of joining forces with a reputable college that is an established Registered Training Organisations. This will allow qualifications to be issued for the relevant training.

The physical structure will need to satisfy the requirements of 4 building areas:

Building area 1

• Complementary clinic

• Purpose: Prevention and treatment of health complaints

Building area 2

• Healing space with indoor and outdoor facilities

• Purpose: Self investigation , evolution and awakening of individuals

Building area 3

• Retail shop

• Purpose: Supply of products and educational materials for heal management, maintenance and improvement

Building area 4

• Training and education centre

• Purpose: provide formal and informal training and education opportunities within the health and healing industry

We will investigate the requirements of each of the building areas in detail.

Summary

As you can see from above there has been much activity and evolution of the enterprise front. There are still a number of enterprise gaps that we are still working on. This includes procurement service, bakery, and finance provision. As has been the process to date we will be looking at how we may be able to attract appropriate enterprise champions to drive these potentials businesses.

Stay well and Ciao for now

Paul Antonelli on behalf of the Enterprise Team
 

Cultural / Social

Update provided by Kara Holt-Gragg

Coffee Shop (SomerVille Forum)

It has been a jam packed few months for those working on the social/cultural crew. A venue for the Coffee Shop forum has been decided with the intention of alternating between two days each month (Tuesday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday). We had a fabulous meeting there on 17 April with everyone describing the venue as nice, comfortable and central. For those who are unaware the venue is in Swan View (at the bottom of the hills near Midland) at a cute little family centre there. For those interested in having the Coffee Shop at their homes you will need to tell Kara at the coffee shop prior to the one you wish to host.

< Our Community – SomerVille Sunday 11 March 2007

SomerVille Sunday

SomerVille Sunday was an exciting and information filled day with a lot of interesting input from all participants involved. Some important wisdom was gathered regarding the protection of the SomerVille Organic farm from wildlife in the area (kangaroos, pigs and rabbits). This Sunday certainly highlighted the importance of SomerVille Sundays as a community consultation day where your voice can be heard. The next SomerVille Sunday on the 6 May will be even more important and exciting as we will be discussing and reviewing the SomerVille Vision with Micheal Velders as facilitator.
 

Social Cultural Action Group

The social cultural action group have also welcomed a new member to the Greenedge Projects team. Kara is the new community creation cultivator (or community development cadet) who will be involved in a variety of tasks from organising the Coffee Shop and SomerVille Sunday to conducting research regarding governance for SomerVille. She welcomes communication from all residents with questions or information about social or cultural topics relating to SomerVille.

History & Stories Project

The history and stories project has started and you will all be hearing from Faith Cruskall in the near future who will record your feelings and thoughts on the SomerVille journey thus far. This is an exciting project that will have several stages and will form an important part of the recorded history of SomerVille for future generations and as information for others wanting to become a part of an ecovillage. It is one of many projects that highlights how SomerVille is a fantastic example of the ingenuity and forward thinking that it takes to make an ecovillage possible. You are all pioneers in a world that craves change and your individual efforts here will have a ripple effect for generations to come.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead

Young Adults Group

Update provided by Christophe Bouyac

With the many tasks and duties currently on hand I have been unable to allocate much time or attention on developing this group further.

Additionally with the evolving nature of our community (and myself) I feel that maybe this group is possibly unnecessary or could be structured in a better way. It has concerned me a little (from feedback received) that the nature of this group excluded some community members (as this groups focus was on 18 to 35 year olds, even though people of any age could attend), and I have been unsure how to address this.

One of the primary objectives of this group was to attract more younger people (18 to 35) to SomerVille, as well as providing (this was a big one for me, as I love to shake my groove thing) events and activities that are more tailored to younger people (or young at heart), like dance parties / dance events.

What I have been thinking is changing the nature of the group altogether, and simply focus on the main aspect that I am passionate about, that is organising parties / celebrations (of which I have already done many). I am thinking of changing the name of the group to SomerVille Party People and open the group up for anyone who likes to be involved in organising and participating in a good party / celebration.

If you are interested in becoming more involved with this Group, have some ideas or just have some general feedback please contact me (Christophe) on christophe@greenedge.org I would very much appreciate any feedback or assistance.

< End of Year Celebration & Camp Over December 2006 (Photo compliments of Neil Robertson)
 

Coming Events

Editor Note : Please be aware that I will only advertise events that community members have made me aware of, so if you know of any events coming up that other community members might be interested in please email the details to newsletter@sev.net.au.

General Events

Bush Skills for the Hills

Bush Skills for the Hills is a series of free, hills-focused workshops for the community. To register or find out more information please visit http://www.emrc.org.au. The next two coming events are:

Bush & Water Birds

Saturday 19 May 2007 – 9am – 12pm – meet at Chidlow Sports Pavilion, Chidlow Recreation Reserve,

This workshop will commence with a short presentation on bush and water birds followed by a field walk at Lake Leschenaultia.

Animal Antics

Sunday 17 June 2007 – 9am – 12pm – Ledger Road, Gooseberry Hill.

This workshop covers: Basic identification of native fauna including mamals, reptiles, birds of prey and marsupials. Protection of native fauna and how you can get involved.

The Dangers of Compulsory Vaccinations - DVD presentation by Barbara Loe Fisher
Wednesday 2 May 2007 - 6:30 - 10:15 Wollaston College Conference Centre, Wallaston Rd Mt Clairmont
Cost: $15 - more info can be found at http://www.awakeningevents.net/

Film – The Future of Food by Deborah Koon-Garcia
Wednesday 2 May 2007 From 7:30pm - Earthwise Hall, Subiaco, Theatre Lane, off Bagot Rd

Permaculture Association of WA invites you to the May Meeting with the film. A RIVETING documentary, exposing GENETICALLY ENGINEERED foods and investigating the disturbing truths behind unlabelled, patented and genetically engineered foods that have quietly filled grocery shelves for the past decade. (Running time 83 minutes) Entrance for non-members is $5. At the conclusion a light supper will be served.

Introductory Workshop in Biodynamic Agriculture (suitable for the Home Gardener)
Saturday 5 May 2007 - 9am to 5:30pm - $55 FERN members $75 Non members (Bookings Essential)

Full day Introductory workshop with John Priestly and Hamish Mackay, who will teach you how to put the life force back into your soil.

For more information Please contact Deanna Forster 9336 3881, deannaforster@yahoo.com.au or Louise Edmonds 0431 285 852. PTO for registration form or download registration from
http://www.biodynamics.net.au/events_workshops.htm .

Self Awareness / Personal Development Events

This is a list of courses and activities coming up that Intending SomerVille Residents have experienced and believe to have been a valuable contribution to their life journey, and recommend to others. More Details about these events can be found online in the SomerVille residents section at:
http://www.somervilleecovillage.com.au/members/self_awareness.htm

Currently there are no Self Awareness / personal development events coming up that I have been made aware of. If you know of such an event that you would recommend to other Intending Residents please email the details to newsletter@sev.net.au

< What a lovely couple – Dave and Karen on the Dance Floor - End of Year Celebration & Camp Over December 2006 (Photo compliments of Neil Robertson)

SomerVille Calendar of Events

The SomerVille Calendar of Events can be found online at:
http://www.somervilleecovillage.com.au/calendar.htm.

NOTE: We will endeavour to keep our events to the below schedule however due to unforeseen circumstances some events may be cancelled.

If you are on our mailing list we email you in advance of events or if an event is cancelled.

If you are not already receiving our emails you can subscribe here. The locations are not specified here, they will be advertised closer to the events via email.

Sunday 6 May 2007

• SomerVille Sunday

• 10am Sharp to 2pm please bring along a plate of food to share.

Wednesday 16 May 2007

• The Coffee Shop (SomerVille Forum)

• 6:30pm Sharp to 8:30pm please bring a plate of snacks to share.

Sunday 10 June 2007

• SomerVille Sunday

• 10am Sharp to 2pm please bring along a plate of food to share.

Tuesday 19 June 2007

• The Coffee Shop (SomerVille Forum)

• 6:30pm Sharp to 8:30pm please bring a plate of snacks to share.

Sunday 1 July 2007

• SomerVille Sunday

• 10am Sharp to 2pm please bring along a plate of food to share.

Wednesday 18 July 2007

• The Coffee Shop (SomerVille Forum)

• 6:30pm Sharp to 8:30pm please bring a plate of snacks to share.

Sunday 5 August 2007

• SomerVille Sunday

• 10am Sharp to 2pm please bring along a plate of food to share.

Tuesday 21 August 2007

• The Coffee Shop (SomerVille Forum)

• 6:30pm Sharp to 8:30pm please bring a plate of snacks to share.

Sunday 9 September 2007

• SomerVille Sunday

• 10am Sharp to 2pm please bring along a plate of food to share.

Wednesday 19 September 2007

• The Coffee Shop (SomerVille Forum)

• 6:30pm Sharp to 8:30pm please bring a plate of snacks to share.

Sunday 7 October 2007

• SomerVille Sunday

• 10am Sharp to 2pm please bring along a plate of food to share.

Tuesday 16 October 2007

• The Coffee Shop (SomerVille Forum)

• 6:30pm Sharp to 8:30pm please bring a plate of snacks to share.

Sunday 4 November 2007

• SomerVille Sunday

• 10am Sharp to 2pm please bring along a plate of food to share.

Wednesday 21 November 2007

• The Coffee Shop (SomerVille Forum)

• 6:30pm Sharp to 8:30pm please bring a plate of snacks to share.

Sunday 2 December 2007

• SomerVille Sunday

• 10am Sharp to 2pm please bring along a plate of food to share.

My Story

< Julia & Isaiah (photo compliments of Julia Humphries)

Julia's Story

Julia Humphries

I can still see it, a small boxed advertisement in the top right hand corner of the local paper; I don’t remember the wording, something along the lines of ‘are you looking for….’. It described my dream – village, community, sustainability….that others were wanting the same thing, that it might exist caught my breath - I was there at the first open day.

SomerVille land had been found but not purchased. The race to raise its price was on. In those days I would have qualified as a ‘young adult’; there were so many questions, if’s, buts and maybe’s – could I work up there, could I afford land and house, would it be too isolated from the rest of my world, would my partner to be want to be there…but something felt right about it and I threw my cap into the ring.

Years have passed. I no longer qualify for the ‘young adults’ group, I am my own boss, I am a mother, the value of my home has risen adequately, and I won’t give away my dreams for anyone so easily anymore. I still wonder sometimes if I’m on the right track, especially when I haven’t visited for a few months; but as soon as I drive down the driveway again, I breathe deeply, exhale fully, and know.

How beautiful to know that the sign at the entrance ‘drive carefully, free range children’ will apply to my boy as he grows up on 399 acres of village, community and forest. How awesome to picture my earthy home overlooking forest, whilst nestling back into neighbours and village. How heartwarming to anticipate the bushwalks, bush dances, bonfires, movie nights, labyrinths, shared meals, shared friends, shared lives. How satisfying to know that my child will grow up with a wholesome, sustainable, community driven life as a given – that he will be able to put his adult energy into the next realm of possibility. What a coming home it will be to live amongst people who share my values and vision, who dance to the same beat.

………and it’s oh so close!

Articles

< SomerVille Spirit Group Blessing Ceremony – Tuesday 10 April (photo taken by Christophe on Mike Fullers camera – thanks Mike)

SomerVille Spirit Group Blessing Ceremony

Christophe Bouyac

On Tuesday the 10 April we had a Blessing Ceremony for the land before the soil was turned for SomerVille Organic Farm. It was a fantastic ceremony in which I am most pleased to have attended. Without going into too much detail we started by honouring the elements and the directions, we also did a chant and offered a small prayer then while holding hands we each honoured the land in our own way within a healing circle. Then on Sunset Mike and Carol lit the Agni Fire (Agnihotra).

For those of you who are unaware the Agnihotra is an Ayurvedic healing fire that is usually performed at sunrise and sunset. At these times the earth is between drawing energy in (night) and radiating it out (day), and the pranic energy (Chi) is very high. The agnihotra, or agni fire, collects and concentrates this energy affecting a considerable area around the fire. The regular practice of Agnihotra results in purification and vitalization of the area, with the healing and enhancement of crops and the restoration of mental, emotional and physical health in humans and other animals

< Feel the love – Sarah & Carol after the Blessing Ceremony (Photo taken by Christophe on Mike Fullers Camera)

After the ceremony we all gathered together in the Yellow Shed and shared a quick meal, as it was so cold we even lit a fire, and gossiped for half the night.

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The SomerVille Vision:
"A vibrant village where community flourishes, in which every person is supported and contributes
in balance with a sustainable ecological ethic."

© Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved. SomerVille Ecovillage ™