After the meeting, most of the residents moved off to their homes for a relaxed evening at home and some to return to the Village Center later that night for either the yoga class with Muriel or Rosie’s book club session. There is much or little to do in the village and the residents and visitors enjoy plenty of choice.

Life in the village is a little microcosm of the boarder world. Each week there are dramas to report. I was told that only yesterday, one of the residents went into premature labour and was taken to the local hospital and one of the children had come off his bike and broken his arm, but in the true spirit of the village, both families were supported in the manner they requested.And to balance the dramas, there are many celebrations and only last week some member’s gathered around the big screen to watch a resident’s son featuring in his first mini-series.

During the morning, I attended one of the workshops being held for intending residents and any other interested members. The topic for today’s focus is Conflict Resolution. There exists a healthy realism in this community that conflict will happen, but these residents see it as constructive and wish to develop ways to handle such situations when they arise.

My visit to the cafeteria at lunchtime was memorable. The self-service area comes off the kitchen and is very simply laid out. There are two lunch payment options, a smaller plate for $10 and a larger plate for $15. I understand that members who sign up for lunch regularly receive a discount and there is provision for working off part of your cost by helping in the kitchen a day every now and then. The feeling coming from the kitchen was jovial and friendly, no wonder they had little problem getting helpers. The vegetarian food was well laid out and visitors could take a plate and help themselves to an array of fresh organic dishes some hot, some cold. There was also a help-yourself herbal tea trolley and I was pleased to order a cappuccino as well.
It was a warm sunny winter’s day so I took my plate of food out to the Piazza and lapped up the relaxed pace and friendly ambiance.
I enjoyed watching one of the members swimming his laps in the heated pool and four other residents playing in the regular Thursday tennis competition. In the far distance, I could see a kangaroo grazing, with her joey at foot. Nature and wildlife is actively encouraged in the village. After lunch I spent some time reading the comprehensive notice board. There were things for sale and exchange and items to give away. But I was particularly impressed with the daily activity sheet. I asked for a copy to share with my readers and have reproduced it for you at the end of this article.

The village has a healthy mix of people with varying ages; interests and finances but all have a commitment to taking responsibility for their health and well being, environment and mutual caring.
Apart from the Guesthouse, accommodation is comprised of attached apartments and townhouses and freestanding homes. People either buy their own homes or rent homes and the common land is shared.
Each quarter residential members pay an amount for maintenance and into the sinking fund which covers agreed capital expenditures. What is of interest, however, is that people have several options and choices.
They may choose to pay this monthly amount outright, work it off by offering their services in a commonly agreed upon way or, what seems to be popular is some mix of the two methods of payment.
There is an enormous sense of community in this village and an acceptance that whatever choices people make (which can be varied at any time) is totally OK.
There is an architect responsible for the overall village design and function. Residents choosing to buy land and build their home are offered numerous ecologically friendly alternatives that will save them money into the future. Alternatively, owners can work with the village architect using their own research and ideas. Our architect’s charter is to maintain the overall integrity of our village.
In line with the building philosophy, one of the village businesses’ encompasses well-researched, world best-practice building possibilities. They have set up a very clever display area where visitors can interactively learn as much about environmentally friendly design, building and materials.

I was interested to hear about the work in progress of another village building. It will serve as a multi-purpose space. Activities and celebrations of all descriptions will happen here and the venue can be booked externally or from within the village. This journalist is already thinking of booking it next year for her 40th birthday celebrations with guests booking into both the Guesthouse and one of the pampering programs. Guess whose 40th will never be forgotten?!

Many of the members do a combination of work inside and outside the village. I met Samantha who is a trainer/facilitator. She worked in Sydney two days a week and did her preparation and follow up either at home or from the Business Center. There are quite a number of members with variations on this pattern of life and work and I was told that at the last monthly meeting, one of the proposals asked that the possibility of communally purchasing an apartment in Sydney be considered. I also met Jane who wrote books for children. When she was inspired and writing well, she was at home embedded in that activity but when she wanted to take a break, she engaged in some of the regular yoga classes, had a coffee in the Piazza with friends or took time out for reflection on one of the silent paths.
With the openness, flexibility and lateral thought demonstrated by members in this village, I feel that almost anything is possible here.

As I drove away from this village, I knew that my life and work would fit well into this scene and I wonder whether you might feel the same dear reader.