Calendar

In this interactive day course, learn practical skills of Sociocracy to help make your meetings more effective.  You are also welcome to register for the other events on this quarterly Open Weekend, and to stay in our accommodation on Friday and/or Saturday night (CLICK HERE FOR STAY DETAILS).  Sunday starts with a Tour and Talk around the village, and in the afternoon you are invited to register for an ‘Energy-Efficient Buildings – Designing for Sustainability’ session (details in the two entries below this post).

Sociocracy is a method of inclusive decision-making used around the world in organisations and groups of all shapes and sizes – even individual families or households.
In this hands-on workshop you will learn about and apply some of the key tools of sociocracy, helping you to: Tap the ‘wisdom of the group’, Develop practical aims, and Make decisions effectively

Are you interested in Narara Ecovillage or perhaps already considering living here?  Make a weekend of it, with a variety of accomodation options for Friday and/or Saturday evenings – CLICK HERE to see options – or drop in on Saturday or Sunday – or both days.

The quarterly Open Weekend of activities give you a more in depth opportunity to engage with the village and its members.

On Saturday 26th, 9.00-2.30, we’re running our popular session ‘Introduction to Sociocracy’, the non-hierarchical and participative system of governance we use across our structure, and from which it is easy to take ideas and features to incorporate into your own groups, or work, or possibly even your own life practices.

This weekend, the open Morning Talk & Tour is on Sunday 27th April and shows what Narara Ecovillage is all about, and how we are putting our ideas around ecological, social and economic potential into action:
* shared food growing, natural retreats and Permaculture spaces
* shared community and workplaces
* examples of highly efficient low-carbon homes now and in the next stage

There will be several tours in small groups, departing from 10.30am

On Sunday 27th afternoon, 1.30-3.30, we have a seminar on Energy Efficient Buildings – Designing for Sustainability (see next event) – we’ve got possibly the best and most varied collection in one place anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere and you’ll get to learn about and visit a number of them, with performance of up to 9 stars (we now require a minimum standard of 7.5 stars.  You’ll find out what this means and feels like in practice).

Half day Talk & Tour tickets
* $15 contribution per adult
* NELN (Narara EcoLiving Network) members free
* Under 18s free

Booking $15 per person – please book at https://april-open-day-2025.lilregie.com
Kids free!

MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT!  A UNIQUE WORKSHOP. Looking forward to welcoming you to Narara Ecovillage!

This film follows a group of young people grappling with the climate crisis that turn to regenerative ecosystem design in communities, villages, and regions for answers.

Understand how water makes climate
Why we need to focus on water
Join facilitated discussion with ecovillagers, following the film

Through inspiring stories from successful projects in India, Kenya, and Portugal, we aim to spark conversations and actions that contribute to a regenerative and resilient world. As we’re facing both the growing devastating impacts of climate disruption and the failure of governments to act, this film points to an often overlooked need and possibility: community-driven decentralized water management as a critical key for surviving – and thriving in — this century.

Make a weekend of it – this wonderful film is just one of the varied activities in our quarterly Open Weekend.

You’ll find the other events on the calendar and at the booking link.  If you’d like to stay on Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday evenings, see our accomodation options by clicking here. 

This month our popular introductor Tour and Talk is on Sunday morning 27th – and is part of a complete Open Weekend for you to have an extended set of experiences in our wonderful ecovillage.  Reviewing the Calendar or clicking the booking link will show you the various options.

Make a weekend of it – and if you are local, drop in as much as you want – or if travelling, see our accomodation options to stay Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday evenings.

This workshop is part of our quarterly Open Weekend – why not make a weekend of it?  We have a range of accommodation options for you to stay on Friday and or Saturday evening – CLICK HERE – or drop in for the Saturday or Sunday – or for both days!

• Learn the principles of passive solar design
• Gain an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of a range of natural building materials and construction methods including rammed earth, straw bale, hempcrete and earth bag.
• Hear from first-hand experience the lessons of doing owner-builder from design, to DA approval, to construction (including natural building workshops) and certification.
• See practical examples of passive solar design and carbon neutral living.
• Learn how the village runs on its own solar energy 24/7 and the role that EVs will play in powering our future homes.

Spend a weekend exploring edible gardens across the Central Coast. The event runs all weekend, but we are open 10-3pm on Saturday. Tickets are purchased through the Central Coast Edible Garden Trail. More info at their website: CLICK HERE

Make a Weekend of it right here!  On Sunday 4th May we are also one of the main destinations for Sustainable House Day, with a wonderful range of houses to visit and free talks (CLICK HERE FOR LINK).  Have a full and wonderful weekend and stay on Friday and or Saturday evenings in one of our accommodation options: CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Are you interested in Narara Ecovillage or perhaps already considering living here?

The Open Morning Talk & Tour shows what Narara Ecovillage is all about, and shows how we are putting our ideas around ecological, social and economic potential into action:
* shared food growing, natural retreats and Permaculture spaces
* shared community and workplaces
* examples of highly efficient low-carbon homes now and in the next stage

There will be several tours in small groups, departing from 10.30am

Talk & Tour tickets
* $15 contribution per adult
* NELN (Narara EcoLiving Network) members free
* Under 18s free

Booking

$15 per person – booking link to be added soon
Kids free!

MAKE A DAY OF IT!  A UNIQUE WORKSHOP.  From 1.30-3.30pm you can also register for a very special event – an introduction to Nonviolent Communication, led by Alex Norman, called Conflict to Connection (see next Calendar entry for details or click here for booking details).

You are also welcome to stay on Friday night and/or Saturday night, to experience more of village life and the peace and quiet!  Click here for accommodation details.

Looking forward to welcoming you to Narara Ecovillage!

Following on from our Open Morning Tour and talk, make a day of it with a practical and engaging introduction to Nonviolent Communication (NVC), offering simple tools to turn conflict into connection.

Gain tools to express yourself honestly—without blame or criticism
Uncover the hidden roots of conflict and what gets in the way of connection
Get a feel for how NVC can bring more ease, empathy, and understanding to your relationships

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling frustrated, unheard, or misunderstood? Or found yourself stuck in the same argument, wondering how things escalated so quickly?
This introductory workshop offers a practical and engaging overview of Nonviolent Communication (NVC)—a powerful framework for approaching difficult conversations with more clarity, calm, and compassion.
Originally developed by psychologist Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, NVC is now used around the world to improve communication, reduce conflict, and foster more authentic, empathetic relationships—whether at home, at work, or in community.
In this two-hour session, you’ll get a taste of the NVC model through real-life examples and interactive exploration. You’ll leave with fresh insights that can begin to shift the way you listen, speak, and relate.
In this workshop, you will:
Get an overview of the core principles behind Nonviolent Communication
Explore everyday examples of how conflict arises—and how empathy can shift it
Leave with simple, practical tools you can begin using right away
Whether you’re completely new to NVC or simply curious to learn more, this session offers a warm and accessible introduction. There will be space for reflection, discussion, and connection in a supportive, down-to-earth environment.
This workshop also serves as a gentle lead-in to the Weekend NVC Workshop at Narara Ecovillage on June 21–22, where we’ll explore the model in more depth.

If you wish to stay at the village on Friday or Saturday night, experience a bit more of village life and enjoy the quiet, click here for our accommodation options. 

Sunday June 15th.  Join us for an engaging and interactive day at Narara Ecovillage with David Holmgren, co-originator of the permaculture concept. This unique event offers a rare opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices in sustainable living—on a topic chosen by you!

• A chance to connect with like-minded individuals, shape the conversation, and gain insights into the future of regenerative living in the context of the thriving, peaceful Narara Ecovillage, surrounded by the Strickland State Forest!

Additional options:

• Enjoy a delicious vegetarian/vegan/gf meal, provided by Pachamama Catering

• Guided tour of Narara Ecovillage, where you’ll be able to see different materials and techniques of ecological homes

• You can also choose to stay a night or two at PaperBark House or the secluded Zen Tiny House.  Click here for details.
• Electric car charging available.

Communicate with confidence and authenticity.
Navigate conflict with clarity and compassion.
Build stronger, more connected relationships—with others and yourself.

Communication is at the Heart of Every Relationship

Yet, in moments of stress or disagreement, many of us struggle to express ourselves in ways that foster connection rather than conflict. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a powerful, evidence-based framework that empowers you to express yourself honestly, listen with empathy, and build relationships rooted in trust and understanding.

In partnership with Narara Ecovillage Education, this special weekend intensive offers a deep dive into the transformative principles of NVC. Whether you’re new to the model or looking to refresh your skills, this workshop provides practical tools to strengthen your communication in both personal and professional settings.

Alongside learning NVC, this weekend also offers a unique opportunity to experience—or reflect on—the dynamics of community life at Narara Ecovillage.

What You’ll Gain

✅ Practical tools to de-escalate conflicts and foster collaboration
✅ Skills to transform habits of blame, anger, or defensiveness
✅ Confidence to speak authentically—without being authoritarian or a pushover
✅ Enhanced empathy in interactions with family, friends, and colleagues
✅ The ability to assert yourself while maintaining deep connections
✅ Techniques to listen to challenging messages with greater compassion
✅ Clarity on your needs and effective ways to express them
✅ Overall proficiency in compassionate, conscious communication

Workshop Schedule

📅 Day One: Saturday, June 21st | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
📅 Day Two: Sunday, June 22nd | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

This immersive training covers all the foundational principles and practices of Nonviolent Communication as developed by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg. Through a blend of theory, group discussions, and practical exercises, you’ll have the chance to apply these skills to real-life situations in a supportive environment.

Each participant will receive a comprehensive workshop manual to support their learning.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the ticket price, but there are various options within Narara Ecovillage as well as nearby Airbnb stays. Please click here to explore options and make arrangements directly.

Food & Beverages

🥐 Saturday, June 21st – Morning & afternoon tea provided. The village coffee cart will be open for lunch, coffee, and treats (at your own expense).
🥗 Sunday, June 22nd – Morning & afternoon tea provided. A light lunch is included in your ticket price. (Please note: the coffee cart is closed on Sundays.)

Whether you are a visitor to the village or an existing member, this workshop offers a meaningful space to develop communication skills that enrich both personal relationships and community interactions.

For more information, feel free to contact Alex directly at +61 425 329 089 or visit www.healthyrelationships.life. (Please note: We are currently rebranding, so this web address may redirect to www.mindthegapnvc.com.

Are you interested in Narara Ecovillage or perhaps already considering living here?

The Open Morning Talk & Tour shows what Narara Ecovillage is all about, and shows how we are putting our ideas around ecological, social and economic potential into action:
* shared food growing, natural retreats and Permaculture spaces
* shared community and workplaces
* examples of highly efficient low-carbon homes now and in the next stage

There will be several tours in small groups, departing from 10.30am

Talk & Tour tickets
* $15 contribution per adult
* NELN (Narara EcoLiving Network) members free
* Under 18s free

Booking

$15 per person – booking link to be added soon
Kids free!

MAKE A DAY OF IT!  A UNIQUE WORKSHOP.  From 1.30-4pm you can also register for a very special event – More information to follow.

Looking forward to welcoming you to Narara Ecovillage!

Are you interested in Narara Ecovillage or perhaps already considering living here?  Make a weekend of it, with a variety of accomodation options for Friday and/or Saturday evenings – CLICK HERE to see options – or drop in on Saturday or Sunday – or both days.

The quarterly Open Weekend of activities give you a more in depth opportunity to engage with the village and its members.  On Saturday, we will have a tasty workshop on Bread Making.  More information to follow.

The open Morning Talk & Tour is on Sunday and shows what Narara Ecovillage is all about, and how we are putting our ideas around ecological, social and economic potential into action:
* shared food growing, natural retreats and Permaculture spaces
* shared community and workplaces
* examples of highly efficient low-carbon homes now and in the next stage

There will be several tours in small groups, departing from 10.30am

In the afternoon, we’re running our hands-on session ‘Herbal remedies and tinctures’.  More information to follow.

Half day Talk & Tour tickets
* $15 contribution per adult
* NELN (Narara EcoLiving Network) members free
* Under 18s free

Booking

$15 per person – booking link to be added soon
Kids free!

MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT!  A UNIQUE WORKSHOP.