About AEON

Building Australia's Connected Future for Intentional Communities
 

The Australian Ecoliving Organisations Network (AEON) is Australia's national peak body for intentional communities, ecovillages, cohousing, community land trusts, land-sharing initiatives and other collaborative living models.

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We exist to connect people, organisations, professionals, industry and government to help create thriving, resilient and sustainable communities across Australia.

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As a not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee, AEON provides a national voice for a rapidly growing sector while supporting the people and organisations working within it.

 

Our Purpose

Australia is experiencing unprecedented challenges in housing affordability, environmental sustainability, social isolation and regional resilience.

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Intentional communities have demonstrated practical solutions to many of these challenges for decades. However, until now, Australia has lacked a single organisation dedicated to representing, supporting and connecting this diverse sector.

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AEON was established to change that.

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We bring together communities, professionals, researchers, businesses, government agencies and supporters to build a stronger, more connected movement capable of delivering lasting social, environmental and economic outcomes.

 

Our Vision

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An Australia where intentional communities are recognised as an essential part of a resilient, sustainable and connected society.

 

Our Mission

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To strengthen Australia's intentional community sector through advocacy, research, collaboration, education and professional support.

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We work to make it easier for communities to form, thrive and contribute to Australia's future.

 

What We Do

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AEON operates as the national hub for Australia's intentional community movement by:

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• Advocating for policy and regulatory reform.

• Supporting existing communities through shared resources and expertise.

• Assisting new communities to establish successfully.

• Building partnerships between communities, government and industry.

• Conducting national sector mapping and research.

• Promoting best practice governance and management.

• Delivering education, professional development and accreditation programs.

• Facilitating collaboration across Australia's diverse community models.

• Connecting Australians seeking community living opportunities.

• Raising public awareness of intentional communities and their benefits.

 

Who We Represent

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AEON welcomes participation from organisations and individuals across the entire Australian ecoliving sector, including:

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• Ecovillages

• Intentional communities

• Urban and regional cohousing

• Community land trusts

• Land-sharing initiatives

• Tiny home communities

• Cooperative housing

• Rural community developments

• Indigenous community initiatives

• Regenerative and sustainable developments

• Professional consultants and practitioners

• Industry partners

• Researchers and educational institutions

• Government agencies

• Supporters interested in community-led solutions

 

Our National Network

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AEON brings together expertise from across Australia through specialist leadership panels covering:

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• Research & Data

• Resources & Support

• Industry & Business

• Legal, Financial & Advocacy

• Cultural, Spiritual, Wellbeing & Arts

 

These panels provide knowledge and leadership to an Advisory Council, which in turn appoints an independent Governance Board responsible for the strategic management and legal stewardship of the organisation.

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This governance model combines grassroots participation with professional governance, ensuring that AEON remains both community-led and organisationally robust.

 

Why AEON Matters

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Intentional communities offer practical responses to some of Australia's greatest challenges, including:

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• Housing affordability

• Climate resilience

• Ageing populations

• Social isolation

• Regional revitalisation

• Environmental restoration

• Sustainable land management

• Resource sharing

• Community wellbeing

 

By connecting knowledge, people and organisations nationally, AEON helps accelerate the development of successful communities while reducing the barriers faced by those wishing to create or join them.

 

Our Values​

 

Everything we do is guided by six core values.
 

Collaboration

We believe stronger outcomes are achieved by working together across communities, sectors and disciplines.

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Integrity

We operate with transparency, accountability and respect for good governance.
 

Sustainability

We promote environmental, social and economic sustainability in everything we do.
 

Diversity

We celebrate the diversity of people, cultures, communities and approaches that enrich Australia's intentional community movement.
 

Innovation

We encourage new ideas, practical solutions and evidence-based approaches to community development.
 

Service

We exist to support our members, strengthen the sector and contribute to the public good.

 

Looking Forward

 

AEON is building the national infrastructure needed to support Australia's growing intentional community movement.

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Through research, advocacy, education, partnerships and collaboration, we aim to ensure that intentional communities become an increasingly recognised and accessible part of Australia's housing, environmental and community landscape.

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Whether you represent an established community, are planning a new project, work professionally within the sector, or simply believe in a more connected future, AEON invites you to become part of Australia's growing national network.

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Together, we're building stronger communities for generations to come.