Commune plan riles Burringbar

Tweed Daily News, Australia/January 22, 2007
By Peter Caton

A mysterious group which promises "universal knowledge" to paying customers in the hills of Burringbar has upset surrounding residents with plans for a commune.

The anxious residents have organised a protest meeting at the Burringbar Hall from 7pm (NSW) tonight to voice concerns about a 10-lot community title subdivision.

One of the proprietors of the Burringbar General Store, Vicki Edwards, told the Daily News the proposal was the talk of the district.

She said it had upset residents who 11 years ago objected to the same group establishing a base for seminars on acreage on a ridge-top at the end of Hunter Street.

Natasha Lakaev and others associated with her company, Universal Knowledge Pty Ltd, have lodged an application with Tweed Shire Council for the community title subdivision through a local surveying firm.

The company's website says they offer courses costing up to $5500 on topics such as universal healing, freedom in relationships, children's awakening and "how to survive into the 21st century showing you clearly your connection to the earth, the stars and the universe."

Some of the programs are run from the Burringbar centre called Omaroo.