From Vision to Reality of Building a Thriving Ecovillage: Interview with founder Lyndall Parris
Me (Zola) with Lyndall near her home in the village
In the latest episode of Homefullness, I interview Lyndall Parris, the visionary and founder of Narara Ecovillage in Australia. Lyndall and I met in person at Narara in September 2024 where I was warmly welcomed in and even invited to participate in one of their community strategy sessions, exploring the many financial opportunities for funding and income-generation for the ecovillage. Her passion for sustainable living left a lasting impression on me. During our interview, Lyndall shared her insights into creating an environmentally-friendly, intentional community from the ground up—a journey of over two decades.
The Vision Behind Narara Ecovillage
Narara Ecovillage, located on the central coast of New South Wales (about an hour from Sydney), Australia, embodies the concept of community living with a commitment to sustainability and kindness. The vision took root in 2006 as a cooperative to bring people together around the idea of creating an intergenerational, purpose-driven residential community.
The community went from members meeting on what would be the future site, discussing their dreams and strategies, to now being a fully developed neighbourhood with over 50 homes, with plans to develop further. The village is set on 56 hectares, of a former horticultural research station, with dedicated spaces for community buildings, residential areas, agriculture, and preserved native bushland.
View of Narara Ecovillage
The ecovillage operates as a cooperative where membership costs $30,000 and requires a commitment to contribute to the community's asset protection initiatives—6 hours of work on site a year. Members adhere to shared ecological building standards and have the opportunity to buy land and build a home. Narara actively encourages diversity and affordability, welcoming younger families and individuals who may not typically have access to such a lifestyle.
Some earthen homes at Narara
Navigating Challenges and Building Community
Lyndall is a testament to perseverance and vision. She openly discussed the challenges faced during the development of Narara Ecovillage, from financial hurdles to securing land. Her story of resilience and dedication is a powerful message to anyone interested in community development and sustainable living.
Building Narara was not without its setbacks—especially during the global financial crisis—but Lyndall and her team persevered. Despite dark times, they maintained their focus and, through determination, secured the property in 2012 and started with development in 2013. Today, Narara thrives as a model of sustainability, with a focus on economic, ecological, and social integration.
Living the Dream: Daily Life at Narara Ecovillage
Life at Narara is described as dynamic and engaging. The village offers communal amenities, vibrant social activities, and the warmth of a tight-knit community. Residents are involved in lot of varied initiatives, from getting together for socials around the coffee cart, to dance events, to yoga and meditation, to environmental projects like buying food from the local cooperative shop. The ecovillage stands as a testament to what can be achieved with a shared vision and commitment to intentional, sustainable living as well as a professional and remunerated team with the skills and expertise needed for property development.
Narara’s strategic objectives to increase positive outcomes in the realms of biodiversity, food, social cohesion, carbon reduction, eduction, and economy.
Sustainability at its Core
Narara Ecovillage’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its infrastructure and daily operations. The community boasts a smart grid that produces more energy than needed (bought with a grant from the Australian government), innovative water management systems, and agricultural initiatives that aim to provide organic produce to residents. These efforts are supported by the Narara Eco Living Network, a registered charity that facilitates donations to further the community’s ecological goals beyond the ecovillage.
Tips for Aspiring Founders
For those inspired by Narara’s story to develop their own intentional community, Lyndall emphasizes the importance of patience, optimism, and a community-driven approach. She recommends taking time to build trust and a support network, as these elements have been crucial in developing Narara particularly in the income-raising early stages. Lyndall also shares her experiences through workshops and the book she wrote, encouraging others to learn from Narara’s journey.
I highly recommend visiting their website and, if possible, experiencing the village firsthand. They have a monthly tour of the site and presentation about the village so best to coincide your visit with that tour.