Network News May 2025 Events and an article

 in front page by (updated 11 days ago)

Sat May 24  NSW Community Gardens Gathering, 2025

  • When: May 24, 2025 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Where: Narara Ecovillage Hall, 33 Gugandi Rd 2250
  • Cost: $40
  • More details and registration here

Fri May 30 – Sun June 1: Deep Ecology Immersion at Narara Ecovillage

-Hosted by John Seed, Niamh Murray & friends

“The modern psyche is radically alienated from the air, water and soil which underpin life and this is reflected in the rapid shredding of all-natural systems in the name of economic development. Deep ecology reminds us that the world is not a pyramid with humans on top, but a web. We, humans, are but one strand in that web”

This transformative workshop allows us to become aware of our rootedness in the living Earth and the renewal, empowerment and vision that invariably ensue

  • When: 4pm Friday 30 May to 4pm Sunday 1 June 2025
  • Where: Narara Ecovillage Hall, 33 Gugandi Rd 2250
  • Cost: $150 TO $600 according to your means. 25% of proceeds go to rainforest conservation. 10% discount for NELN members
  • More info & Registration here

Other Deep Ecology workshops around Australia in 2025. Reviews from previous participants.

Sat May 31 MORNING: Narara Ecovillage May Open Day Tour and Talk

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

  • When May 31 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Where: Narara Ecovillage Hall, 33 Gugandi Rd 2250
  • Cost: Talk & Tour tickets: $15 contribution per adult; NELN (Narara EcoLiving Network) members free; Under 18s free
  • More information and Registration HERE

Sat May 31 AFTERNOON: Conflict to Connection – an introduction to Nonviolent Communication

  • 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

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.

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?

  • When: Sat 31 May 1.30-3.30pm
  • Where: Narara Ecovillage Hall, 33 Gugandi Rd 2250
  • Cost: $20-69
  • More info & registration: Tickets here 

Sun June 15: David Holmgren, Permaculture talk, plus more 

  • 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
  • A chance to connect with like-minded individuals, shape the conversation, and gain insights into the future of regenerative living!

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!

  • When: Sun 15 Jun, 10am – 4pm
  • Where: Narara Ecovillage Hall, 33 Gugandi Rd 2250
  • Cost: $30-50 
  • More info and tickets here

Sat June 21-Sun 22: Learn Compassionate Communication- Non-Violent Communication (NVC) Weekend 

  • 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

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.

  • When:June 21, 2025 @ 9:00 am – June 22, 2025 @ 5:30 pm
  • Where:Narara Ecovillage Hall, 30 Gugandi Rd 2250
  • Cost:$398-$530
  • More info and tickets 

Sat June 28: The Joy of Purpose

Inspiration, Stories and Tips for connecting to yours

  • Ignite Your Inner Spark: Saying “yes” to purpose can transform your life.
  • Navigate Challenges with Courage: Missteps, miracles, and the power of collaboration to bring a vision to life.
  • Manifest Your Unique Path: Equip yourself with practical tools and insights to uncover, and joyfully live your own sense of purpose.

Narara Ecovillage Founder Lyndall Parris offers inspiration for bringing purpose and joy to fruition in your life, 

  • When: June 28th 2025 1.30 to 3.30pm
  • Where: Narara Ecovillage Hall, 30 Gugandi Rd 2250
  • Cost: By donation to Narara Ecovillage Education (NEV Ed)

Sat June 28 Foraging local edibles

Every Friday: Zumba Gold

Zumba Gold is a fun, low-impact dance class for those new to dance or fitness, post-pregnancy, active older adults, people with an injury, neurodiversity or disability – we cater to all levels of ability. Come along and have a boogie with some great friends. 

  • When: Every Friday, 11am-noon
  • Where: Narara Ecovillage Hall, 30 Gugandi Rd 2250
  • Cost: $15 per session: first session free!
  • How: Just turn up. Queries: Carin: brightdiets@gmail.com. Further details at this link (Scroll down for dates)

ARTICLE: What is Compassionate Communication — and Why Do We Need It?

By Alex Norman, Certified NVC Trainer & Narara Local

Ever wished you could say what’s really on your mind — without making things worse?

Communication is at the heart of every relationship, but when tensions rise, it’s easy to shut down or say things we later regret. Most of us simply weren’t given the tools to express ourselves honestly and compassionately at the same time.

That’s where Nonviolent Communication (NVC) comes in.

A Pathway to Connection

Also known as Compassionate Communication, NVC is a powerful framework for expressing ourselves with clarity, listening with empathy, and navigating the inevitable challenges of human relationships — without blame, shame, or defensiveness.

Developed by psychologist and peacemaker Dr. Marshall Rosenberg (1934-2015),  NVC is now practiced in schools, workplaces, and communities across more than 65 countries.

“What I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.”
 — Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, Founder of NVC

Why NVC Matters

Despite our natural inclination toward care and cooperation, many of us have absorbed communication habits that create disconnection. We’ve learned to:

  • Label and diagnose others
  • Use blame or shame to express distress
  • Deny our own needs or project them onto others

These patterns often leave us feeling unheard, misunderstood, or reactive.

NVC offers a radical shift — one that prioritises connection first, and trusts that sustainable solutions can emerge from that space.

The Four Key Ingredients

The NVC process is simple, (though not always easy). It centres on four core components:

  • Observations – What did I see or hear, without interpretation or judgment?
  • Feelings – How did that affect me emotionally?
  • Needs – What human values or longings are alive in me right now?
  • Requests – What specific, doable action might support connection or resolution?

These elements help transform even the most difficult conversations into opportunities for clarity, compassion, and collaboration.

“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
 — Viktor Frankl

Beyond a Communication Tool

NVC is often described as a language of the heart. But it’s also a deep inner practice. As we learn to name our feelings and needs with more precision and compassion, we develop emotional clarity, resilience, and self-responsibility.

Alex Norman, a local resident of the Central Coast, is a certified NVC trainer and Emotionally Focused Therapist with a passion for helping people break free from unhelpful patterns and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. A performer-turned-practitioner, she brings warmth, creativity, and grounded insight to her work.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re curious about NVC you’re warmly invited to one of the following: 

Accommodation at Narara Ecovillage

Paperbark House: in the heart of the village

Zen House: a secluded getaway

  • This fully-equipped artisanal tiny house on the edge of Strickland Forest suits singles or couples, but can sleep up to 4 if required
  • Choose between complete privacy, adventuring through renowned forest trails, or experience one of Australia’s leading Ecovillages, chatting with the members, taking part in a workshop or working bee.
  • More info, pictures and booking link here 

Meet Neville, the coffee cart at Narara Ecovillage

  • Fresh, local and wholesome food
  • A place to connect
  • Joy in every bite!