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Requests Meeting Facilitators We invite members to contact Grace on grace.minton@sev.net.au should you like to volunteer as facilitator for the meetings. Childcare Roster We invite members to contact Robyn on robyn@greenedge.org should you like to volunteer for the childcare roster. SomerVille Library We invite people to get in touch with Christophe at christophe@greenedge.org should you have any thoughts/ideas on the SomerVille Library. Products and Services Listing Hello all, after some feedback, the newsletter team has decided to add a new section to SomerVille Scoop called “Products and Services Available” this is basically an extension of the Chidlow Business Directory which is currently online and can be viewed at http://www.chidlow.com.au/ The idea of this section is to promote products or services provided by SomerVille Residents. So if you have a product or service that you would like to promote in SomerVille Scoop then please email the details through to newsletter@sev.net.au. Please Note this is strictly for SomerVille Residents only (well future SomerVille Residents) and for products or services you provide directly or for which you a distributor for. Newsletter Team The Newsletter team is putting out a request for articles, points of interest etc, have your say, share your knowledge. If you are interested in making a contribution, or have any queries about the structure or content please visit www.somervilleecovillage.com.au/newsletters and read the Newsletter Structure, Content and Submission Guidelines, then send any newsletter contributions to newsletter@sev.net.au If you are interested in sending in an article but not sure what to write about you may like to write a short article for the section My Story, that is an article explaining who you are and how you become involved in SomerVille . Project Updates Environment / Place Update provided by Dave Moore
The Orchard in bloom out at SomerVille
As reported last month, the Shire had requested considerable additional information to support the SomerVille LSIP (Local Subdivision and Infrastructure Plan). As a result of this process we have compiled a revised document addressing all of the issues that had been raised. This document was lodged with Shire officers at a meeting on 11 August. We hope that it will be submitted to Council in September and that we’ll be granted permission to advertise our project. Lot selection has been halted briefly in order that we could decide which lots were to be earmarked for community owned (affordable/rental) housing. This has now been done and the website has been updated accordingly. Later this month we will resume lot selection and at least six lenders will join the 47 who have already selected a lot. With regards to the community house, two companies have been selected from the four originally short listed. During the coming month we expect to develop a design and build contract with one of them. The design would be based around that developed for us by Fiona Hogg and Griff Morris. The Building Guidelines group have received a draft of the building guidelines and building evaluation procedures from consultants EcoSmart. These have been reviewed by the group and will be discussed in detail at a meeting with the community on 19 August. Our water management group continues to develop a comprehensive and coordinated water management strategy, and water levels and flows are being monitored on a regular basis. Further works are planned for late August. The E&P Core Group will be considering other aspects of surface design and layout for SomerVille during the coming month, and intend to do a report-back to the community on the outcomes of their deliberations. Development of on-site facilities (ablution block) has not progressed as quickly as had been hoped. It is intended that it will be available for use by the end of September. Enterprise & Economics Update provided by Paul Antonelli We have had an excellent response to the SomerVille resident’s survey. This information will provide valuable insights into the communities’ preferences and expectations in relation to making SomerVille their home. We will be finalising the analysis of this and providing feedback as to the findings and learning’s. As part of the requirements for approvals we have engaged Macroplan Australia to provide an Economics Impact Assessment in relation to SomerVille and the surrounding area. This “hot of the press” report confirms our previous findings and expectations. An extract from the executive summary of this report is below: Outcome of this assessment is that expenditure resulting from the project over the 20 year assessment period is summarised as follows: A total of $344 million ($185 in Net Present Value (NPV) terms or $9 million per annum over the 20 year assessment period), comprised of:
Employment generated by the SomerVille Ecovillage™ development is likely to result in approximately: A total of 816 long term jobs, with:
The expenditure impact and employment generation benefits will promote the longer term viability of Chidlow, providing the Shire of Mundaring with the opportunity to expand services to the community as the population grows in the future. A number of the enterprises are moving through the research phase with feasibility being the next step. It is anticipated that recommendations for a number of enterprises will be developed over the next month. This will provide the foundation for the next post rezoning phase of the project. We are currently in the process of compiling an update summary of where the various enterprises are at in order to assist is in planning the resources and activity required in the next phase of the project. This will tie in with updating the overall SomerVille Ecovillage™ project budget and the funds and finance required in the near future. As always we are still interested in hearing from anyone who is considering an enterprise/business at SomerVille and how it may fit into what is being planned. Even early stage preliminary ideas are welcome. So please contact the Enterprise Action Group by email to either Paul Antonelli paul@greenedge.org or Helmut Hilz helmut@greenedge.org. Social / Cultural Update provided by Karen Moore & Christophe Bouyac
SomerVille Sunday – 6 August The day started with the usual updates, followed by yet another wonderfully plentiful lunch. Paul Moes took us through a Creative Conflict exercise in the afternoon; putting into practice the techniques learned from Brendan McKeague. Paul M and Mike then shared their key findings from their role as elders. It was decided to extend the term to 12 months, with staggered elections and continuing with a 6 monthly review. The day ended sipping mulled wine around a massive bonfire (we forgot the marshmallows though!), A reminder that the next event is SATURDAY 2 September where we will Rejoice in Each Others Company and Celebrate Our Wins from 1pm and enjoy an Asian themed dinner. Education Forum Please note that this will not be happening on Wednesday 30 August as mentioned last SomerVille Sunday. However, Robyn will be sending an e-mail shortly with the revised details. Interested educationalists – watch this space! Values and Principles Document As mentioned last SomerVille Sunday we would appreciate your feedback (especially if there are any gaps) on the Values and Principles document which can be downloaded from http://www.somervilleecovillage.com.au/info/somerville.htm. Please remember we would like to encourage a culture of prevention rather than punishment. Please send comments to karen@greenedge.org by Monday the 4th September. An update will be provided in October. Useful Members Link Christophe has collated a number of useful documents in one spot on the web, primarily for new members. Given some of the questions received last SomerVille Sunday we thought it useful to remind all members of this link so that you can refresh your memory of some of our key documents. This page can be found at http://www.somervilleecovillage.com.au/info/new.htm We should also mention that Christophe is in the process of setting up a SomerVille Residents Section on the website (some of you may have already noticed the link) and eventually all the information and documents provided in the info section on the SomerVille website will be located here. Unfortunately we have had a few unexpected technical issues preventing us from launching this site. However once this section is operational an email will go out. Personal Responsibility In order for us to make the most of SomerVille Sundays and other workshop days please ensure that you have read the background information provided. This is a service that is provided with a lot of effort and it is disappointing when members have not taken the time to come prepared. Should you have computer difficulties etc you can use the libraries or get in touch with a “buddy” in your area. Christophe maintains the database and he can be contacted during office hours on 9572-3672. Current Conflict Resolution Process During the Creative Conflict exercise last SomerVille Sunday there was some confusion about our current conflict resolution process. This can be found on pages 23 to 25 in the document SomerVille Interim Governance Model with page 25 detailing the actual steps to be taken. This Document can be downloaded from http://www.somervilleecovillage.com.au/info/somerville.htm. Re-evaluation of Core Groups As mentioned last SomerVille Sunday the role/function of the core groups is being re-evaluated. Responses to the questionnaire have been received and are being collated. An update will be provided in October. Soft Skills Training Research has shown that it is very important for us to obtain soft skills training as well as being educated about environmental and economic sustainability. Soft Skills are a set of skills that influence how we interact with each other. The goal of soft skill training is to give students opportunity to learn and practice new patterns of behaviour and in so doing to enhance human relations. To this end should you have any ideas on what soft skills training you would like please send them to Vida or Karen at vida@greenedge.org or karen@greenedge.org. For example, one topic that came up last SomerVille Sunday when we were discussing Creative Conflict was assertiveness training. SomerVille Open Day The Open Day will take place on Sunday 8 October. Planning is underway. If you have any ideas for stalls, speakers, children’s events or would like to volunteer your services please contact Jean at jean@greenedge.org . Young Adults Group On Saturday the 12th August Christophe organised a Young Adults Group meeting. Unfortunately this had a very poor turnout, never the less we prevailed and the main outcomes from the day is that:
Coming Events Sunday 10th September 2006 Sustainable House Day
Friday 15th to Sunday 17th September 2006 Earthdance
SomerVille Calendar of events
Please note that events in this calendar are
tentative. We will try to adhere to advertised dates but they
may change depending upon circumstances. We will email you in
advance of events if we have your email address, alternatively
please check the calendar located at: Saturday 2nd September 2006
Sunday 1st October 2006
Sunday 8th October 2006
Sunday 5th November 2006
Sunday 31st December 2006
Note: Chidlow Markets occur on the last Saturday of every month For the latest list of all the coming events please visit http://www.greenedge.org/calendar_of_events.htm. Products and Services Available Avon Fibretech Anything in Fibreglass. Fibreglass materials, products (tanks, children's slides etc) and repairs - Peter and Kathie Weatherly trading as Avon Fibretech – Northam Peter Weatherly Phone: 08 9622 1453
email1:
fibretec@bigpond.net.au
Flower Essence
Consults Consults can go for up to an hour and a half and I am available most days Friday to Sunday and some evenings. West Australian Flower Essence consults for a donation price.
Debbi Tagart Miracle Wash Distributor for MIRACLE WASH® Laundry Balls: Environmentally Safe – cheaper than commercial detergents. Turn off your rinse cycle, save water and electricity. Excellent for Eczema sufferers and babies. Please contact me for more information about this excellent product (developed and distributed by a West Australian Mum).
Phone: 08 9299 6524 Mobile: 0412 412 098 email1: hilz@iinet.net.au
MYOB Accounting MYOB Accounting for starting businesses. Using MYOB in our own manufacturing business. “Let me mind your business – LMMYB”
Phone: 08 9299 6524 Mobile: 0412 412 098 email1: hilz@iinet.net.au
SomerVille School Farm
Enrol now to secure a place for your child! Jörg Unseld Phone: 08 9295 4053 email1: unseld@westnet.com.au web: www.somervilleecovillage.com.au/ssf
Thermomix
Healthy food fast. A must for busy and health conscious households. Call me for a demonstration Gabi Hilz Phone: 08 9299 6524 Mobile: 0412 412 098 Email: hilz@iinet.net.au Tread Gently Hemp Clothing, Stained Glass and IT Services Goddess cushions now available! We have reconditioned Dell desktops and notebooks in stock at unbelievably low prices!
Phone: 08 9572 3172 Mobile: 0414 491 459 email1: sarah.robertson@treadgently.com.au email2: neil.robertson@treadgently.com.au
Wormgirl
Catch me at the Chidlow Markets on the last Saturday of the month 9-1pm Stacey August Phone: 08 9572 3368 email1: wormgirl@sev.net.au
Xooma Worldwide Xtreme X2O is the premium fuel for the body's daily needs Take advantage of the low cost starter pack!
Phone: 08 9572 4550 Mobile: 0432 362 255 email1: mechtild@xooming-health.com Articles
I thought this extract might be of interest to Somervillians on how uninteresting and dull looking solar panels can be turned into a work of art. Sun City (Perth 2005)
Ironically, in its undesigned state the site
Generally this site is hot and empty, leading one to think the city should grow into it. There is money to be made. Attractive as that might seem now, in a century it might well be regretted. We propose to secure and maintain the site’s emptiness while simultaneously extracting higher social and economic value. The entire site is to be covered in solar panels set high on a forest of columns. This solar temple could provide up to one third of the energy requirements for the adjacent central business district, offer shade to increase activity, and simultaneously celebrate the culture of big, beautiful engineering solutions Western Australia is proud of. My Story
The Story of Brett & Adelheid Davies Adelheid Davies As Brett pointed out, it wasn’t him who had accepted Christophe’s invitation to write an article for the Scoop about our SomerVille connection. Wondering where to start I thought it might be easiest to go from the present back in time, a fair way back – we don’t belong to those “Young Ones”! Right now we’re happy and excited to be part of SomerVille . Most of all, we treasure the friends we have gained through our involvement. If I look at SomerVille - such a complex and multi-faceted undertaking by a group of amazing and capable people - friendship sticks out as one of the main ingredients! For us, SomerVille has got it just right, wherever we look: environment concerns, village planning/design and the whole open minded and common ‘sensical’ outlook and approach to economic, social, cultural and spiritual matters. Brett for example, has a slight problem with circles, they feel artificially round to him, but he doesn’t have to join to be part of SomerVille – the loose triangle around the wine vat works too! We hadn’t been on the lookout for an ecovillage at all, in fact we were quite ignorant of the whole concept, when we boarded the SomerVille train in mid-early 2002, before the land was secured I happened to attend a Chidlow Progress Association meeting, where a new Chidlow resident called Paul Antonelli stood up and talked about this very interesting village plan for an area not far from Chidlow. A few weeks later Brett and I checked out the first open day on the land and really liked what we saw and heard. SomerVille looked like a way of staying in our beloved Chidlow environment AND live in a whole community of people with whom we suspected - already on this first day of meeting - we would have a lot of common ground. A couple of days later Brett, as he frequently does, took off for a long overseas work trip and left me with some decision making. When Brett came back I told him that we have committed loan funds to SomerVille . He was a little surprised yet perfectly OK, thank goodness! Not long after that he started having fun mapping all of SomerVille and more recently he has had even more fun getting soaked in red wine, being one of the chief wine makers of the new “Chateaux SomerVille ” label, which is getting better every year (“can only get better” said only people, who know nothing about wine making and have ruined their palate drinking inferior wine from down south). We have lived on our 5.5 acres near Lake Leschenaultia since 1987, and both our children have grown up here. When we moved here, our son Tilman was 2 years old and a year later our daughter Olivia was born. Brett’s geological work has always taken him away from home a lot. Having no family and no real community nearby (SomerVille would have been perfect!) I always made a point of spending a lot of time meeting friends and worked only part time (as office geologist) until about 3 years ago. Then, in April 2003, a job offer (in my new field of IT, I had completed part-time external studies) came up and I started fulltime and fairly demanding work in the city, for the first time in more than 16 years - I seem to be doing things in reverse order to everybody else! Brett and I came to Perth in 1985, for Brett to start a job with the Geological Survey of WA after completing his PhD at Townsville (North Queensland) University. Tilman was 3 months old at the time and I had not completed my PhD when we moved from Townsville to Perth – I took all my rock samples with me, knowing full well that I would NOT complete that PhD! I had moved on somehow, took up recorder and flute and went to ‘Meet a Mum’ meetings. Brett and I have lived in Townsville from 1981 until 1985, both doing post grad studies in geology at Townsville Uni and also working as consulting geologists. When I first arrived in Australia from Germany as a post-graduate, my English was broken (having learnt really useful languages like Latin and classical Greek at high school) and I remember one occasion where I couldn’t understand all the funny jokes and stories filling the geological excursion minibus on the endless trip from Townsville to Central Australia, but luckily of one the guys (Brett!) seized the occasion and tried out his formidable school German skills on me to the extent of completely losing his voice the next day – and the rest is history! Brett has lived in Holland as a child for a few years and has completed his undergraduate geology studies in Aberdeen. I was in my 20’s when I left Germany (not permanently, I thought!) and had experienced many European countries through geology and through travels with friends. Brett and I share a love for nature and both have roots in Europe, its culture and history, and we find those ingredients in SomerVille . What draws us in has to do with where we are coming from and what we have done way back then. We’re closing a circle, one that Brett loves being part of!
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Misty
morning out on the SomerVille Ecovillage™ Land
Children
by the SomerVille sign / SomerVille Sunday 6th August
West
Australian Flower Essence consults for a donation price. Flower
essences has a powerful healing effect on our body and mind. It
helps with things such as stress, pain and emotional blockages,
bringing attention to the connection between our happiness and
our health.
Gabi Hilz
Gabi Hilz
School Farm for 9 to 12 year old
children
Thermomix consultant: smallest and smartest
kitchen in the world.
Sarah and Neil Robertson
Serving
in many realms: Worms &Castings, Water Saving Plants, Sign
Writing, Massage, Patterning 
Mechtild Moes
Submitted
by KT Lim (article sourced from RM 4.1.3 with authorisation from
the author Professor Richard Weller)
In
front of the central business district of Perth towards the
river is a flat strip of land approximately 2 kilometres long
and 150 meters wide. In 1991 a design competition was held for
this site, and as a result fights broke out and nothing
happened.
works
well to facilitate a range of ephemeral events. Its vast
emptiness is also strangely appropriate to this isolated,
underpopulated, and overengineered city on the edge of a desert.
Brett
& Adelheid Davies
