Sine Cera revived - Subud World News

in the nineties, is located at Grady’s Creek and
adjoins the World Heritage Listed Border Ranges
National Park. During the first years it was
After spending a couple of days in Brisbane I
Labasir and Munarowah English with many
drove down to the lush and beautiful northern
supporters who worked to build the large and
part of New South Wales, where I was
delightfully hosted by Peter Jenkins at Gunnebah significant Rainforest Retreat.
near Murwillumbah. Peter and his wife Isti, along
with a number of other Subud members,
purchased the property some years ago, running it
successfully as a Retreat Centre.
Sine Cera revived
Fahr House, where the higher end accommodation is located.
Mediterranean feel on the front porch at Gunnebah
The group has now decided to sell up and move
on to other adventures, and it seems like they
have a potential buyer to take over quite soon. In
the meantime, however, it was a lovely place to
spend a few days and from where I could explore
the area.
The next morning I met up with Irwan Wyllie and The pleasant lounge area in Fahr House
Bruce Ray to drive up to the Sine Cera project,
into which a small number of dedicated members
are trying to inject new life.
The spacious dining area with large kitchen facilities in the main building
Stunning scenery on the drive up to Sine Cera
The project is run by Morningside CARE, a
charitable foundation started by Brisbane Subud
members around thirty years ago. One of the
foundation's key objectives is to provide support
for the aged, infirm, youth and low income
families and opportunities for education,
recreation and healing. The property, purchased
Plenty of pleasantly shaded porches surrounding Fahr House
Sine Cera can accommodate over 100 people in towel and are ready to look at all possibilities to
housed accommodation, with plenty of extra
make the place everything it can be.
space to pitch tents. Fahr House has very pleasant
two-bed rooms, with modern bathrooms and a
spacious lounge area. Another building holds
seven sleeping rooms with ten bunk beds each, a
large hall for latihan and other activities, and
even a small sauna.
The first large building at the entrance to the
complex houses a large dining area, bathrooms
and a fully equipped kitchen, with a laundry and
small apartment at the back. Up the hill from Fahr
House is a house which is currently empty, but is
used to lodge staff, such as a much-needed handy A deep but safe swimming hole a short walk from the houses
man! Further up again is Lyndals home. Lyndal is
the 'house mother', who I understand is an
excellent cook and host for the groups coming to
use the retreat.
The picnic area by the stream
One of the friendly neighbours
Bruce preparing to cut back the weeds
Of course, the setting is beautiful and peaceful,
surrounded by lush nature full of wildlife – the
perfect place to fulfill Morningside's key aims;
but, it is remote, and that is one of the major
challenges the project faces.
To say that Sine Cera is struggling is an
understatement, yet the potential is so obvious
that those involved are reluctant to throw in the
During a Board meeting that took place while I
was there, we heard of interesting developments
with Conservation Volunteers Australia and other
entities enthusiastic about collaborating with the
prject; and the local First Nation people have also
been very supportive helping with clearing the
overgrown areas around the building. There is no
doubt that everyone who has been up at Sine Cera
has felt how special the place is, and is eager to
see it succeed.
I'll be keeping an eye on developments.