The NRGC (Northern Rivers and Gold Coast) Trust is pleased to announce that land for a new permanent Vipassana Centre has been purchased at Rosebank in the Northern Rivers. The contract is unconditional and will settle on 25 May 2009.
The 135 acre property is very quiet and peaceful, and nestled in amongst forested ridgelines. There is a large, clear plateau running east/west where the main Centre buildings will be situated.
A master plan is being developed for the Centre which will eventually accommodate 80 students, subject to approvals. A number of old students with architectural, building and development expertise have volunteered to oversee the design and building of the new Centre.
The Trust has approved the long term location of building sites for the Dhamma Hall, meditation cells, Assistant Teacher residence, male and female accommodation, dining room and kitchen, and the driveway and car parking.
An initial centre layout has also been finalised, with the first building to include a dining room and a temporary meditation hall.
The next step after settlement will be to lodge a Development Application with the Lismore Shire Council. The building committee has commenced work on this project.The site will be prepared so that one day courses can be held as soon as possible after 25 May. This will include creating a temporary driveway, building temporary male and female toilets, and securing a marquee for meditation.
A Land Care Committee will also be developing a landscaping plan that will include managing invasive weeds and creating an orchard to grow food for the Centre.
If you would like offer service in any way, please contact the volunteer coordinator on 02 6672 2732 or gshearman@gmail.com
Generous offers of donations, loans and monthly pledges have enabled this purchase to proceed. However further funds will be needed for the initial development. For more information, please contact Ron Ranke on 02 6685 6616 or email: rranke@optusnet.com.au
May all beings be happy!
Northern Rivers Vipassana Charitable Trust PO BOX 828, Mullumbimby NSW 2482, Australia
Phone Garry and Diana: 6672 2732
E-mail:info@nrv.au.dhamma.org
Website: www.dhamma.org.au/nrv/