Transcript of speech made on 27th February, 2021, by Mr Harry Simon, lawyer

Stina doesn’t want today to be about her. And that’s a testament to her humility. But I would like to pay tribute to a truly remarkable woman. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Stina professionally and socially for around 20 years and I’ve enjoyed being part of her Sun Villages project.
When you read her wonderful book, you’ll understand the journey she took as she pursued her dreams and passions. She describes how she was driven by the impulse of her many adventurous ancestors. But her vision of a new model of home ownership and home security was hers alone, conceived out of compassion for others. She nurtured and developed that vision for many, many decades.
And what a journey she’s had. She’s faced obstacles, setbacks, ridicule, injustices, even theft. She’s confronted government systems that discourage innovation. She’s had to deftly dance around laws that stifle creativity. And she’s been at the mercy of banks, property developers and big business who care more about profits than about humanity. She’s learnt to deal with what she graphically calls: “the swamp of leeches”.
Despite all that, here she is today with a smile, and a story to tell, and a vision to share. She’s persevered with enormous courage. The force is strong with this one.
Over the years I’ve witnessed many instances of her and Garry’s incredible generosity – in giving their time and money and support to those who need it. They’ve become a very powerful team and they truly care about helping people.
Stina could have abandoned her vision countless times, and probably made many millions of dollars for herself and Garry in doing so. But her focus has always been on the wellbeing of others, not profit for herself. Having said that, she’s not interested in creating a charity. She wants a housing system – a village model – that will stand solidly on its own, is financially profitable, and is equitable to all its participants.
So, here we are today: the land exists, the company exists, the legal structure exists and finally Stina’s book is launched. What an incredible achievement. Congratulations to Stina and her terrific editorial support. It took several years of determined effort for her to complete the book. It will be a great boost for spreading the message of her Sun Villages model.
We are living in extraordinary times. The world’s attention is focused on a biological pandemic that has destroyed many lives and livelihoods. But don’t let it distract you from another pandemic the world is facing – of fear, loneliness and hopelessness.
Australia now has a supercharged housing market. The population is increasing; there’s low wage growth; businesses are closing and profits are shrinking; poverty, suicides, depression, loneliness, anxiety and homelessness are increasing; the environment is under threat; and we are governed by a patriarchal culture that does not have the answers.
Stina’s book has appeared at such an opportune time. In it, Stina highlights the distress of those who don’t have control over their food, housing, finances and social connections. She examines the mainstream band-aid solutions and their deficiencies. And then she offers a new model. It’s founded in what she describes as a yin energy – the energy of love, care, compassion, belonging and support. This, she hopes, will be the driving energy for the 21st century.
Stina’s vision is not just an idealistic aim. Her model is well grounded. It’s very clever. It recognises that we are all wired for social connection. She’s spent many years moulding it so that it fits within the current legal and financial framework, but that hasn’t stopped her from agitating for legal reform. Her model incorporates innovative and practical architectural design; consistent financial profits for investors; and affordable and sustainable housing for those who need it. It replaces isolation with belonging, and offers a way to shrink our environmental footprint and our demand for energy.
She shows how people can move away from being dependent on centralised power to becoming empowered to create their own happiness. She presents facts, figures, graphs and narrative so that readers can make an informed decision.
This model is not dependent on her, although it’s inspired by her. Stina has created and planted the seed. She invites us to see the potential that this model has to change the fabric of society and she also invites us to find ways to develop it even further as a viable housing structure.
In her book, Stina eloquently encourages people to re-imagine their future through the lens of light rather than gloom. It’s a pathway of hope for many who struggle to believe that they could ever have a permanent home, a support network and financial stability.
This is the seed of a new yin movement. The power of the heart.
I hope you will be inspired by her book and you’ll encourage others to consider joining the Sun Villages movement.
Let’s toast Stina and her book. May it fuel a passion and belief in people for positive change and social reform. May it inspire us all to help create a happy and sustainable future. Well done Stina.