Announcing a new 90 minute documentary

produced and directed by Michael Ney,

Eagle Spirit Media; in collaboration with
Crystal Waters Cooperative Ltd. about
the world’s first Permaculture EcoVillage.
www.crystalwaters.org.au
Crystal Waters
30 Years On
The Crystal Waters 30th Anniversary Documentary
Produced and directed by Michael Ney
In 2018, Crystal Waters, the world’s first permaculture
designed settlement, celebrated their 30th Anniversary
of gaining legal recognition of their community.
The diverse community of Crystal Waters
Permaculture Village has many successes to rejoice, and
some lessons from the past to learn from. While the
community enjoys sharing seasonal abundances, many
acknowledge that greater use could be made of people’s
diverse skills and the land, and some challenges have
yet to be resolved. “It is a wonderful experiment”, says
Bernard O’Scanaill, a musician who runs Music Nights.
Bordering the Mary River, near Maleny, South East
Queensland, the 640 acre property was donated by
Bob Sample to enable pioneers to experiment with
permaculture. Bob Sample, the original land owner
in 1977, and Robin Clayfield, an early settler of the
new community 1988, uncover the story of the village
unfolding, aided by recollections from early residents,
Annie Wall, Regine Ruppelt and others. Dean Cameron
introduces the initial site works and shaping of the
land with roads and dams according to a village scale
permaculture design. Jan Freyee, a builder since the start
of the community, introduces some alternative building
methods used in the village.
This feature documentary takes a look behind the
scenes exploring some notable gardens, planted forests
and much loved regen areas, as well as successful cash
crops and a variety of businesses. Amy Jansen, Crystal
Waters land manager and Morag Gamble, resident and
permaculture educator, explore the importance of riparian
zones. Graeme Harpley introduces us to Dooja Dell - a
bush regeneration project he’s managed for many years.
Living a healthy lifestyle in a nature reserve over 200
residents enjoy clean water, air, soil, abundant nature,
luscious dams and the opportunity to participate in
many diverse activities to enrich their lives.
Artistic expression of all sorts, especially music, is
also a highlight. Visitors have a choice of camping or
caravan sites, bunkhouse or a cabin at The EcoPark. Other
accommodation is available at The Dream Plant and a
few homes too, and many WWOOFERS stay for weeks or
even months.
Recipient of a UN Habitat Award in 1996, Crystal
Waters is known worldwide for its permaculture setting
and educational courses. Author and facilitator, Robin
Clayfield, holds regular Dynamic Group workshops,
Teacher Trainings and importantly, Social Permaculture,
applying permaculture principles towards social change.
Max Lindegger, one of the original designers of the
village, leads the teaching team for the Permaculture
Design Course held over two weeks at Crystal Waters. Max
points out that while agricultural use of the land has been
limited so far, muses... “It’s not too late”, and the rich soil,
especially around the dams, is ready for productive use.
Permaculture related education is prominent. For
example Morag Gamble and her family conduct tours
of Crystal Waters and offers permaculture courses.
These courses are available both online and in person,
in various locations locally and globally. Also, Barry
O’Connell, Robin Clayfield, and Tom Nealson each do
tours focusing on different aspects of Crystal Waters.
This feature documentary celebrates the past, present
and future of Crystal Waters Permaculture EcoVillage
- but such a brief presentation is merely a behind-the-
scenes snapshot of Crystal Waters and cannot investigate
the many complexities in the life of a continually
changing and growing community such as this.
Some highlights are Robin Clayfield and Bob Sample’s
discussion... “We’re still in our infancy,” explains Robin,
“but it is evolving...” adds Bob. Amber, an early resident,
says Crystal Waters is “...gentle, female and nurturing”.
Continued overleaf...
Crystal Waters
30 Years On
The Crystal Waters 30th Anniversary Documentary
Produced and directed by Michael Ney
... Luciano Giangiordano says, “What Crystal Waters has
achieved in 30 years has been phenomenal”. Jane Brouet
and Gaby Gottselig in conversation lead us to Robin
Harpley and Sandra Ferguson explaining the activities
of the Body Corporate and the Community Co-op.
Po Mei who led the Wellness Festivals says... “We are
on a journey”. Teacher, musician, Sybil MacLure says
“I’m sure it has a really strong future” and her partner Tom
Nealson states an often cited sentiment... “I look forward
to the next 30 years of being part of Crystal Waters”. Max
Lindegger concludes with “We had a dream and a vision.
It was big!”
Other notable participants in Crystal Waters include
original residents, Barry O’Connell and Hans Erken,
who ran the first permaculture conference in 1984 in
Pappinburra, NSW; where the filmmaker, Michael Ney,
first met Hans, Max and Robin along with Bill Mollison
and took photos of them for Simply Living magazine.
Remembering the early days leading up to 1988, Hans
visits the bamboo plantation, Earthcare Farm, which
is also 30 years old. Others such as “Green Warrior”,
Steve Cran, along with caterer Yoav Handelsman,
“food is a medicine”... and a team of weekly gardeners,
are revitalising the community garden to share food,
learning, growing together with the spirit of community.
Lastly, a musical segment underscoring highlights
from the famous Crystal Waters Monthly Markets features
Crystalimba, the Marimba Band, led by Ronda Lee.
Many other community members also share their
insights, experience and aspirations...
educator Richard Mochelle;
astrologer and cemetery manager Richard Giles;
Greg Roughsedge and Ayca from the EcoPark;
sisters musician/artists Sara Yael & Gabriella Cohen and
dance teacher Lisa Racquel;
health retreat owner Izabella Siodmak;
guest house manager Scott Dunbar;
musician/performers Kim Kirkman, Steve Langton,
Malcolm Fielding, Bernard O’Scanaill;
belly dancers Katherine Osborne, along with
Sonja, Rob, Veronica, Jo and Rovielle;
Susie Foster introduces the Fun-tusy arts and craft group;
dairy group folk Rhea Phelan and Flow Oakley;
early residents Sam & Jazmin;
the Freyee family Jan, Jory, Troy and ex-wife Lottie;
new tiny house residents Alli, Sam and Jude;
permaculture teacher Annaliese Hordern;
avid gardener and first Co-op chair-person Peter Searle;
Global EcoVilage Networker Jillian Hovey;
and from the woodfired bakery Les Bartlett, Bernard
Devos and Peter Vanderduys;
plus indigenous artist/dancer Wiruungga Dunggiirr and
If you are either not familiar, or on the other hand,
wild foods caterer Sabine Wienand; extremely passionate about ecovillages, permaculture
plus many others... Kentaro Yamaki, Jimmy Halliday, and growing a community with the intention of
Kathryn Blackburn, Ally and Flynn from The Flowerpot making the world a better place through appropriate,
Coffee Shop and the list goes on! Digging into the sustainable and regenerative methods there will be
archives we revisit Lois Tarling and Chris Gwin interviews. much in this documentary to excite your interest.

Reviews
From preview screenings...
“The Crystal Waters documentary is a terrific film
about the beginnings of the world’s first permaculture
ecovillage to the present day - 30 years on. Informative,
colourful, inspirational, and sensitively filmed, capturing
the beauty, joy and advantages of community living. I
thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Christabel Wilson, ex-resident, Maleny QLD
“We were fortunate enough to see a preview screening
of the whole documentary, and it is AMAZING. Your
work is world-class, Michael, and I’m sure we’ll end up
seeing it screened in international movie festivals as well.
I was incredibly inspired by the people who made this
place a reality, and to be reminded just how many
special things we have here.”
Kirsty Saint, Crystal Waters Resident
“This portrait of Crystal Waters is full of genuine people
and reflects the diverse things we can all offer in
community life. I really enjoyed seeing the range of ages
and people from all different countries who are brought
together through their passion for Crystal Waters. The
historical footage was a great addition. This film is
thoughtfully balanced and provides a window into a
unique community. I recommend it!”
- Claire Ogden, Eco Villages Australia
www.ecovillages.com.au
“INCREDIBLE, captivating, informative, endearing...
an honest overview of the establishment of the
famous World-First permaculture village Crystal Waters
established on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in 1977.
How an older generation are now passing over the
reigns to a younger generation to help grow a
real trend for conscious cities of the future.”
JimmyZ – www.polkadot.org.au
Michael Ney
t/a Eagle Spirit Media
PO Box 956
Maleny QLD 4552
Tel: +61 418 965 517
michael@eaglespiritmedia.com
ABN 97 948 032 868
Websites & Social Media
Crystal Waters Website - http://crystalwaters.org.au
Crystal Waters YouTube - http://bit.ly/cw-qld-utube
Crystal Waters Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/
Crystal-Waters-Permaculture-Living/1788677431401328
Promotional Clips
Crystal Waters Markets 2019 - https://youtu.be/1EJvhIhIbaE
Sound Immersion - https://youtu.be/eFWQ7ErS-Ds
Kim Kirkman plays Harp - https://youtu.be/IlsfZiQVees
Malcolm Fielding N’goni - https://youtu.be/wMx_RI33vHo
Bob Sample - 30 June 2018 - https://youtu.be/wZ7ScgSLITI
Kathy Osborne & Rubatuba - https://youtu.be/ycV63_6c4v8
Give Bees A Chance - https://youtu.be/foKS-J8PuEg
Crystal Waters Bakery - https://youtu.be/v8MANXC5FwY
Crystal Healing Hub - https://youtu.be/og0-V1uIlP8
You can click on these links in the PDF to go to the websites.
Director’s Statement Michael Ney
t/a Eagle Spirit Media
PO Box 956
Maleny QLD 4552
Tel: +61 418 965 517
michael@eaglespiritmedia.com
ABN 97 948 032 868

Director’s Statement Next Steps Chapters

Soon after arriving at Crystal Waters a few years ago, I drove
over the hill and there was an idyllic landscape topped by a
softly translucent rainbow and some unusual housing barely
visible through the abundance of lush trees by the mystical
lake. I got out of my car, into the light rain and took this photo.
The grass was greener then. A few months later I ended up
renting a cabin near where the left white rooftop is seen. Now,
it’s one of my most favourite photos. I had no idea then that I
would spend a full year nearly totally dedicated to the task of
discussing, meeting everyone, shooting events, interviews and
scenery. I responded to a request by one of the Coop Directors,
Richard Giles, who was keen to have a documentary for the
30th Anniversary event on June 29, 2018.
So, I got busy shooting, editing, stressing, envisioning
what a presentation on an ecovillage could be like. Then, the
birthday event came and went... everyone was enthusiastic
with what they saw onscreen... BUT I knew that there was so
much more work to be done. I felt compelled to do justice to
this unusual story of a community and village undergoing
growing pains, visions for the future arising and dealing with
conflicts and attitudes. It was clear that so much of the life
within the community, and the arts especially had not yet been
captured... that led to another 6 months of shooting.
Previous filmmaking experiences should have warned
me that doing a documentary will take over your life. I got
blindsided again and worked countless hours in the edit suite
and held many community screenings to gauge reactions
and pain points and in the end I just had to plow on till it was
comfortable for me to let it go out in the world. It is often said
that films are never finished - just abandoned... It felt so true.
It has been an immense joy to get to know some of the leading 1. Welcome
permaculture teachers at Crystal Waters. Nearly everyone has 2. Grounding the Vision
been very generous with their time and I give a big THANK 3. Growing Pains
YOU to Max Lindegger, Robin Clayfield and Morag Gamble - Earthcare Farm
especially. This documentary I hope will lead to many other
- The Fire Brigade
projects along similar lines. If you are looking for people to help
4. The Dream Takes Root
with your projects - even though they are all busy - I know they
- The EcoPark
will be interested to hear from you and help if they can.
More info: https://crystalwaters.org.au/permaculture/
- Restoration
So, now production is finished, promotion and distribution - The Cemetery
can begin... and it can be seen globally via a video platform. I 5. Educational Aspirations
am hoping to meet many people in the process of promotions 6. Spirit of Community
and would love to hear from anyone interested in organising - Coop & Body Corp
screenings, or to be part of an event. Whenever possible I will - The Bakery
try to enlist the help of Crystal Waters residents and especially - The Spindleshop
permacuture teachers to be part of the discussions. - The Dairy
There will be various extensions to this main documentary - Flowerpot Coffee Shop
and you will hear about developments as they arise. For 7. Soul Food and The Arts
contacting me... just so you know... mobile phone reception is
8. Human Habitat
unreliable so email is always better.
9. Embracing the Future
Please join my mailing list for news on screening, etc at:
- The Markets
michael@eaglespiritmedia.com
- End Credits
If you wish to connect with me on social media - start here:
http://www.facebook.com/eaglespiritmedia/
posts/1978581928861560
You will find pointers to various other links there too.
Many thanks for your interest, and I hope you enjoy watching
as much as I enjoyed making this documentary.
– Michael Ney, Eagle Spirit Media, January 2019
Director’s Profile Michael Ney
t/a Eagle Spirit Media
PO Box 956
Maleny QLD 4552
Tel: +61 418 965 517
michael@eaglespiritmedia.com
ABN 97 948 032 868

Michael Ney Range of skills Michael is terrific to work with.

Producer, Director, Camera, Editor He is creative, organised and
• video production: direction, camera, lighting, editing;
able to elicit the best from
As well as being an experienced filmmaker, I have a long history • creative and commercial photography, photojournalism;
talent. He has a great eye,
as a digital media producer. My career started in the theatre • theatre lighting and live multimedia event staging; understands light, and always
with stage management and later focused on lighting design • graphic design: books, magazines, brochures, ebooks; looks for the best in creating
and operation; working in many theatres in Sydney over several • web design: creative direction, writing, web content; the shooting environment.
years. Then broadening my horizon, I moved into television • multimedia presentations: Powerpoint and Keynote, Michael is resourceful,
production and studied for Television Certificate of Proficiency ...Final Cut Pro and HTML (web based); imaginative, persuasive.
and subsequently went on to work at Channel TEN, Sydney. • social media strategy and event management. He is liked and trusted by
crew and talent alike.
After a few years in television production, I started a Previous clients - Kris Wyld - Producer East West 101 (SBS)
commercial photography and audio-visual company called
Over the past 3 decades it has been my pleasure to work on Knapman Wyld Television
Midnite Stills. In 1990, my business grew into a multimedia
projects for The University of Sydney, SBS (East West 101),
company, Virtual Realm Xchange producing innovative
Sydney City Council, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Westpac, Michael Ney is a very
projects for educational and corporate clients. Then in 2001, I experienced multimedia and
OzDox, Popcorn Taxi, BupaCare, Bayer, Estplan, Realview,
returned to my first love, filmmaking, with a new entity called video producer, with a breadth
TAFE, Youth Matters, Dilanchian Lawyers, Andreyev Lawyers,
Sensory Image – recently changed to Eagle Spirit Media. of knowledge including theatre,
Australian Directors Guild, Publisher’s Australia... many others.
It was a joy to be involved with industry events such as OzDox, performance, documentary and
Popcorn Taxi, where I capture on video the many amazing Associates events. We’ve worked together
on several projects over the
guest filmmakers. It was an education in itself. I also have ongoing relationships with many prominent
years, and Michael’s ideas,
My portfolio includes pioneering ventures in website specialists in the areas of television production, web experience, professionalism and
development, photography, multimedia, video production, development, motion graphic animation, mobile application passion have been invaluable
social media, elearning and publishing. I have gained wide development, and also ipad/tablet document conversion, contributions which always helps
experience across many industries and types of projects by amongst other things. us achieve our goals successfully.
providing creative and project management services ranging - Cindi Drennan, Illuminart
from conceptualisation through to publishing.