Heidi found the Ecovillage community a few years ago. The appeal to be surrounded by a village while raising children was strong. It was a way to live the homestead lifestyle without the isolation. There was a lot to consider with juggling finances, shared access for the boys and work commitments. Heidi dipped in and out for 2-3 years until things lined up which made it possible to join as a member.
“Being a part of the weekly CL@N Zoom meetings helped hugely in my decision to join the village.”
Heidi and her family travelled for many years on a yacht and were part of the transient community of cruising sailors. They experienced village life and different cultures in many communities along the way.
“As a single Mum, I was drawn to the idea of community, of truly knowing, supporting and being supported, by my neighbours. It was my dream to find a village, like those I had visited in my travels, and I have. We are home.”
Heidi wanted something more than the isolation and loneliness she found in modern life in the city. An off-grid life in nature but without the social and geographical isolation typical of that lifestyle.
“The people here are open and interested in learning about each other’s cultures and traditions; it creates a richness of living.”
Heidi’s family celebrate ‘Day of the Dead’ after many years living in Mexico. They have brought that festival with them and celebrated recently with the village. There are many wonderful community events such as Chinese New Year, Ceilidhs, Winter Solstice, Halloween, Thanksgiving and others that are shared and celebrated at NEV.
“In the city, you’re surrounded by so many people and yet everyone’s so busy you hardly even know your neighbours. Being a part of an inter-generational village provides so many opportunities for friendship and informal mentorship, for both myself and my boys. The children have this amazing piece of land to roam around in and it’s so good to see them outdoors playing. We can wander out our backdoor and into the rainforest and arboretum of the Strickland Forest and just feel connected. Chickens roam about the flood plain, bees hum in hives surrounded by flowering fruit and veggies, and people stop to chat, help each other and celebrate together. There’s a mum’s group, a parenting circle, so much support. It’s magic!”
The most unique thing about life at NEV is how it manages to be so quiet when it’s so close to everything. You hear birds singing, you’re surrounded on 3 sides by natural bushland and forest but in 15 minutes by bike or 5 mins in the car, you can be at local schools, 2 hospitals, medical professionals, shops, train stations. There’s a university and a Tafe less than 15 minutes away and a choice of at least 5 beaches only 20 mins away. It really is the homestead without the isolation.”
Heidi and her boys held a block party to celebrate the settlement of their lot .
“We invited friends and family, old neighbours and new. We planted a tree and officially put down roots in this wonderful place. It’s pretty special to be able to celebrate with your neighbours when you haven’t even built yet.”