Brigitte Ryan

Upon arriving in Australia from Budapest in 1949, Erwin Berney set up Berney Studios, a commercial photographic studio on Liverpool Street in Sydney, which later became the site for the first “Orientation Course” in anthroposophy becoming Parsifal College for Adult Education (now known as Sydney Rudolf Steiner College) where he lectured until his mid 70’s. From there a number of organizations separated out, finding their own paths and development.

Erwin had a great interest in the science of producing food and medicine. His research was based on the science of anthroposophy and he had an ability to communicate and develop the findings for integration in practical life. Erwin founded Demeter Biodynamic Bakery which later became Helios Enterprises. The bakery was a hub for bread workshops, ongoing research, as well as commercial production of biodynamic, Demeter certified bread. Erwin also created the Goethean Science Research Centre for Agricultural, Food, and  Medical Testing and Research which, along with Helios, was the first producer and distributor of WALA anthroposophical medicines in Australia. One of the many outcomes of his research and experiments was the production of commercial-size, chemical-free storage facilities for grains, which was endorsed by the CSIRO and are now used widely in Australia. True to character, Erwin did not patent the outcomes of his research, but rather ensured that they could be used widely.

Erwin also formed Hermes Trilance Ltd, a bank-like organisation to  support anthroposophical initiatives around the world.

It was during his many years lecturing at Parsifal College in Sydney, that Erwin was asked by prospective students if there was a distance education version of the first year (Foundation Year) of the Parsifal Certificate. When Erwin retired from full-time lecturing in the early 2000’s (Erwin being in his late 70’s), he devoted himself to answering the call from these many people, and the work of the Goethean Science Research Institute became the foundation of EduCareDo Ltd as it is known today. He tutored students until his late 80’s and prepared the way for subsequent EduCareDo courses which he imagined would be offered to students.

While writing these courses he continued to pursue individual research in food production and the possibilities of biodynamic agriculture towards improving climate change. Erwin then presented the findings to the Australian government.

In 2011 Erwin passed away. He was 90 years old.

Foundations in Anthroposophy