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ECOVILLAGE
An eco-village is a community that integrates social, cultural, sustainability economic, and ecological through locally owned,participatory processes. These communities aim to regenerate their natural environments and reduce their ecological footprint while fostering a high quality of life. Creating an eco-village in inner urban Sydney has been a vision for Sydney Cohousing since it’s inception. Our co-founder David created a presentation that wonderfully sums up our vision for what an eco-village is and how it could work. We highly recommend that you check it out. You can find the video by clicking on out Eco-Village page here.
To summarise what David has said, Sydney Cohousing seeks to establish an eco-village in the inner parts of Sydney that draw on inspiration from other established eco-villages in other parts of Australia, Canada, and France. Sydney Cohousing propose that the eco-village be built upon three pillars:
- Communal – A communal living model brings 15–40 diverse households together to share space, resources, and decision‑making. Residents co‑design the neighbourhood, set their own rules, and take collective responsibility for gardens, compost, shared meals, and common facilities. Tools, bikes, cars, and other resources are pooled, and ground‑floor spaces such as repair workshops, food co‑operatives, childcare, co-working areas, or garden lounges.
- Sustainable – Sustainability is embedded in every layer of the design process. Water and energy are generated on‑site, reducing reliance on external systems and lowering environmental impact. Food production through gardens and chickens supports local, regenerative living while showcasing what urban sustainability can look like in practice. Buildings are designed for climate resilience and constructed with low‑carbon materials such as hempcrete and mycelium, complemented by vertical gardens and green infrastructure.
- Affordable – As a non‑for‑profit initiative, the project would focus on building at cost, ensuring that homes remain financially accessible rather than profit‑driven. By embracing a lifestyle centered on shared resources (such as communal spaces, tools, and amenities) residents can significantly reduce individual living expenses. This model naturally supports the integration of dedicated affordable housing options, creating a community that is inclusive, equitable, and economically resilient.
MODEL OF ECO-VILLAGE
The likely model for the eco-village would be a rental co-operative where people join the community as renters, while the co‑operative collectively owns and manages the housing, ensuring long‑term stability and affordability.
HOUSING SIZES
The eco-village would exhibit a mix of studio‑style units and shared houses provides flexible, efficient living options that support affordability, sustainability, and community connection.
NARARA ECO-VILLAGE
Narara Eco-village is real example of a thriving, community‑led demonstration of sustainable living. It brings our vision of an eco-village where innovative design, shared resources, and ecological thinking come together in a real‑world village setting. Check out the case study on Narara found below!
We’re looking at organise a group tour to for interested readers. It would be an opportunity to ask questions, speak to other interested people and have a first-hand experience on how eco-villages run day-to-day. If you would like to organise a group attendance with us, email us at hello@sydneycohousing.au
The cost for attendance is $15.
For those who prefer to visit independently, the next two open days are on
- February 28, 2026 at 10am
- March 28, 2026 at 10am
PLANNING DAYS 2026
DAY ONE
Over two consecutive Sunday’s in late January, the committee members and one of our wonderful community members participated in planning days, with the goal to provide direction for Sydney Cohousing in 2026. Day one set the tone for a clearer, more focused year for Sydney Cohousing, with the group refining it’s purpose, priorities, and commitments for 2026. The day opened with a collective check‑in and a review of last year’s planning notes. This helped everyone recognise how much had actually been achieved in 2025, while also naming areas that hadn’t progressed, particularly website development. We reflected on the committee’s role, with strong alignment around focusing on strategic direction, advocacy, community building, and supporting working groups without spreading resources too thin.
The eco-village project received particular attention and everyone agreed it remains a priority for Sydney Cohousing in 2026.
A major part of the afternoon was spent refining the organisation’s vision and mission. The group revisited last year’s vision statement and the constitution, identifying gaps, particularly around articulating the “why” and “how” of Sydney Cohousing.
From this, the committee agreed on five core objectives for 2026:
- Strengthening membership
- Educating the public
- Building relationships with allies and partners
- Advocacy and activism
- Resourcing and supporting cohousing projects
The group generated a long list of potential activities that Sydney Cohousing could focus on and rated each of the tasks based on priority, whether they align with these down for a more realistic outcome. for the year before the group reviewed every proposed activity, rated its priority, and decided which ones the committee could realistically take on.
Some key goals we have this year are holding three information sessions throughout the year, streamlining our membership process, lobbying City of Sydney for funding and of course, Run a Collaborative Housing Week in September. An exciting year to come!
DAY TWO
Our second day focused on three areas: partnerships and planning for our September 2026 Conference.
Partnerships & Councils
We reflected on our early work with Common Equity NSW (CENSW). Their limited land holdings mean they can’t drive development, but they remain a useful partner, especially for projects requiring a Community Housing Provider (CHP), like our work with the City of Sydney (CoS). Work with the CoS has centered on the Booler Centre site, which has been identified as a potential location for approximately 14 dwellings. The CoS is motivated and has the resources to set a precedent for other councils. Other councils such as the Inner West Council have renewed interest in cohousing, particularly as they review council‑owned sites. Progress is slow due to planning processes, but opportunities remain if councilors broaden the scope of their site audits and adopt a clear definition of cohousing.
2026 Conference
The group revisited updates on the 2026 Conference and confirm that planning is underway.
Sydney Cohousing plans to strengthen our relationships with councils through councilor introductions and follow‑up meetings and, we are consider forming an Inner West working group to coordinate advocacy. We also plan to work with CENSW to clarify their role in supporting the Booler Centre proposal.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
While the committee has outlined some initial goals for 2026, it’s just as important that your voice shapes our direction. We invite you to email us any ideas, thoughts, or concerns as your input helps make this a genuine conversation. Sydney Cohousing exists because of the incredible volunteers, members, and wider community who form its foundation, and we’re grateful for everything you bring.
CASE STUDY OF THE MONTH
WHAT IS NARARA?
Narara Eco-village, located on the NSW Central Coast, is one of Australia’s most established intentional communities. It brings together people who want to live more sustainably, share resources, and build strong social connections. The village blends private homes with shared facilities, community projects, and a deep commitment to environmental design.
A MODEL THAT WORKS
Narara operates as a member‑owned, strata‑titled eco-village with a strong co-operative culture. Key features include:
- Private dwellings with shared infrastructure, such as a common house, gardens, workshop spaces, and community facilities.
- Environmentally focused design, including passive‑solar homes, water harvesting, and regenerative land management.
- A governance model that combines sociocracy, working groups, and community agreements to keep decision‑making transparent and collaborative.
- A staged development approach, allowing the community to grow steadily while refining its systems and culture.
WHY NARARA MATTERS
Narara is one of the clearest Australian examples of what’s possible when community, sustainability, and long‑term planning come together. It demonstrates that cohousing‑style living can work at scale, that sustainable design can be embedded into everyday life, not just individual homes and that a community can successfully manage its own infrastructure, culture, and growth.
Narara’s strong governance and shared values shows that it can reduce conflict and support resilience. For councils, policymakers, and emerging groups, Narara shows that intentional communities can deliver social, environmental, and economic benefits far beyond conventional development.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN
Narara offers several lessons for Sydney Cohousing and anyone interested in eco-villages. Start with clear values and governance, it is clear that culture is as important as construction. Shared spaces matter; they build connection and reduce the need for private duplication. Long‑term planning pays off, especially when navigating approvals, infrastructure, and financing. Community‑led development is possible, but it requires persistence, structure, and a willingness to learn together.
Narara stands as a living example of what a thriving, sustainable, people‑centred neighbourhood could look like.
RESOURCES
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
When you get to the end of the week and realize your bread loaf is stale, don’t throw it out! Instead, make these delicious French toast muffin cups. The bread soaks up the custard mixture and you end up with an easy, fluffy, and mouthwatering treat.
Best part is you can make it even easier by skipping the muffin tray all together and just use an oven proof dish to avoid the hassle of dividing portions.
They’re great for making ahead and freeze really well, so you can use up all your stale bread without worrying that the muffins will go to waste.
You can drizzle them with a little maple syrup, but honestly, the streusel topping is so good that it’s hardly necessary.
For the full recipe instructions, click the link here.
INSPIRATION AROUND THE WORLD
Some inspiration stories and resources on cohousing:
- UK developer TOWN has lodged plans for 75 homes on the 5‑acre Westwick Row site, just east of Leverstock Green near Hemel Hempstead. Developed in collaboration with The Crown Estate, the proposal features a cohousing community of approximately 40 homes.
- Living Systems Development, based in New Zealand, are building 48 cohousing homes in an estate called Peachgrove East. These home are currently being built and are set to launch early this year!
LITERATURE
Cohousing for Life is Robin Allison’s firsthand account of creating Earthsong, New Zealand’s first cohousing eco‑neighbourhood. The book blends practical guidance with personal storytelling, tracing the project from its earliest vision through the challenges of design, financing, group decision‑making, and community building. Allison describes how a diverse group of people came together to create a sustainable, socially connected living environment, offering insights into co-operative processes, ecological design, and the emotional journey of turning an idealistic dream into a functioning neighbourhood. It’s part memoir, part how‑to manual, and part inspiration for anyone interested in intentional communities or sustainable living. Click the link for more information.
COMMUNITY REMINDERS
CITY OF SYDNEY
Happy Lunar New Year! The City of Sydney is ringing in Chinese New Year with a dazzling festival bursting with colour, culture, and celebration. Join in the festivities honouring the Year of the Fire Horse and enjoying vibrant feasts, breathtaking performances, and stunning artworks lighting up the city. Explore the full lineup by visiting the City of Sydney website or by clicking on the image above.
Open Feedback Forms
City of Sydney have consultation forms where you can provide your opinion on things like parks and playgrounds, maintenance, and future project for Sydney. The following forms are open now for you to give your opinion. You can click the title of the consultation to take you to the page.
| Consultation | Public Consultation Period |
|---|---|
| Your say on an automatic public toilet in Bicentennial Park | 11 FEB 2026 – 11 MAR 2026 |
| Have your say on walking and cycling improvements between South Eveleigh and Waterloo Metro | 4 FEB 2026 – 4 MAR 2026 |
| Your say on our updated grants policy and guidelines | 12 JAN 2026 – 2 MAR 2026 |
| Planning for outer Sydney Harbour | 19 JAN 2026 – 31 MAR 2026 |
| Your say on proposed changes to outdoor dining | 12 JAN 2026 – 12 MAR 2026 |
INNER WEST
A reminder that there is still time to have your say for the how the Inner West Council decides how more than $500 million should be invested in local infrastructure over the next 15 years. Survey closes 1st March 2026. Share your views here: SURVEY
UPCOMING EVENTS
We have some exciting plans for this year and we look forward to sharing them in the near future. Mark these dates in your calendar and stay tuned for any updates via email or this newsletter.
Committee meetings – We held our second committee meeting of the year on Monday 16th February. Our next committee meeting is on Monday 16th March at 7:30pm. If you would like to attend reach out to us and we an send you a link to the meeting.
Socials – We have not planned any social events as of yet, but once we do, you’ll be the first to know!
Education – We have some information sessions coming up in the near future where you, friends or family can come and learn about cohousing. Our ‘Introduction to Cohousing’ information night will be held in person on Sunday 22nd March, followed by an online session the following Wednesday 25th March. More news on this will be coming out shortly, so keep your eyes open for email on more information about location and how to participate.
SUBMISSION REQUESTS
We want this newsletter to reflect our whole community, not just one voice. Your perspective matters, and we love being able to share and celebrate the contributions of the people who live here. We especially love sharing stories about cohousing, sustainability, eco‑friendly living, and the everyday experiences that contribute to the impact.
If there’s something you’d like to see featured in an upcoming issue or would like more of something, please get in touch and we’ll do our best to include it.
Until next time,
Sydney Cohousing Team
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us on: E: hello@sydneycohousing.au W:http://sydneycohousing.au/ WhatsApp MeetUp Facebook