Tuljun is a lifestyle eco-community that is oriented to social and cultural engagement with our hosts the 'Wirri Aboriginals'.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Employment, Self Sufficiency and Lifestyle (click link)

The Issue of income earning capacity while still being on the property has been raised more than once and needs addressing. Truth to tell it may not be practical for everyone. Tuljun is a long way from the centers of commerce. Working in the Mining industry might be an option for some. Shifts operate on a 10 days on 4 days off system and quarters are provided on the mine site for their workers. Another option is to work and reside in the Whitsundays or Mackay and commute on weekends. Having our own Internal Trading System also acts as an adjunct to normal financial arrangements

Home industry and agricultural enterprises are also a possibility and are focal points of the cooperatives aspirations anyway.The real question is why be on a semi-remote property in the first place? Lifestyle and social benefits should come first place in ones considerations. Spacial separation from population centers has its advantages as does the serenity of living in a pristine setting.

Contemporary world events such as employment, financial, political and environmental issues have highlighted the need for self resilience. Genuine self reliance(resilience) is not an intellectual exercise in an on and off, hot and cold series of non-commitments or talk fests; nor should it be based in a state of fear and negative attitude.

Tuljun is for positivists moving towards connection with a more organic way of life. It is contingent that families occupying Tuljun be able to provide for their own material welfare, for what may be an extended period without outside support. Simply put we have the option (if prepared) of living comfortably for weeks or months if necessary in the wake of some event that robs us of the means to obtain external material support. A home garden and chicken run are easy adjuncts. We would not be here today if not for our forebears prudence. A survivalist is simply someone who recognizes that we should take personal responsibility for some of these systems.

Our positive view is that an Intentional Community living cooperatively, in both the material and social context, can enjoy an energized, more secure lifestyle and able to ride out any bumps that life deals out. So much for the material aspects. Finally a Socially, physically and psychologically engaged lifestyle is not such a bad option. Oh yes and  it feels like freedom.