It proposes mandatory direct measurement of emissions from CSG Congratulations well completions and workovers, and Janelle’s Page foreshadows further changes including MardiGrass research into methods for estimating CSG emissions beyond gas wellheads and from decommissioned CSG wells. The discussion paper can be found online at: www.climatechange.gov.au/ government/submissions/coal-seam-gas- discussion-paper.aspx Carbon farming grants I encourage farmers and land managers to get their grant applications in for a share of $30 million under the next round of the Australian Government’s Carbon Farming Futures Action on the Ground program. Individual grants of up to $775,000 are available to farmers, land managers, by Janelle Saffin MP Research and Tertiary Education non-government organisations and (DIICCSRTE) has been reviewing research and industry sectors. Member for Richmond Justine Elliot MP The Australian Government has existing methods for measuring CSG The grants will support innovative with Rad Anonima at the 2013 Nimbin MardiGrass released proposals to improve emissions for several months. projects that reduce methane emissions measurement and reporting of In particular, I commend Dr Isaac in livestock production systems, reduce greenhouse gases from coal seam gas Santos and Dr Damien Maher from Nimbin’s federal all those people who signed nitrous oxide emissions or increase (CSG) exploration and production. Southern Cross University for their representative Justine Elliot the petition at MardiGrass. carbon sequestration in soils. In April it released a discussion paper study of methane emission levels at MP was in Lismore during Overwhelmingly, our Farmers and landholders are setting out proposals to introduce Queensland CSG fields, which they MardiGrass, collecting community is united in responsible land managers on the front CSG-specific measurement and submitted to the Department’s review. signatures for an anti-CSG stopping Coal Seam Gas line of climate change and this program estimation methods into Australia’s Their research challenged CSG petition. She had such an mining in our area. will help them find new methods to greenhouse gas reporting framework. industry claims that it was a clean overwhelming response “Locals tell me they’re very reduce their emissions. This follows expert and community energy source and that emissions were that she had to decline an concerned about the impact The program supports trials and lobbying about the need to measure ‘negligible’. invitation to participate in Coal Seam Gas mining demonstrations that can reduce on- ‘fugitive’ emissions of methane released I reiterate my commitment to a CSG- the Hemp Olympix ‘Tug of would have upon the North farm greenhouse gas emissions or during CSG extraction and production. free Northern Rivers region, and welcome Peace” event between police Coast. Together we can stop increase soil carbon, while maintaining Methane is one of the most potent today’s announcement as yet another and polite. the National party’s plan to or improving farm productivity and greenhouse gasses building up in the step towards investigating the full Justine said that she expand harmful Coal Seam sustainability. atmosphere. environmental impact of these activities. recognises that, now in Gas Mining and fracking in Applications for funding under round Our local community has pushed for The discussion paper, its 21st year, the Nimbin our area,” Justine said. Coal Seam Gas: two of Carbon Farming Futures Action this, as CSG activities should not be Enhanced Estimation and Reporting of on the Ground close on 23 May 2013. MardiGrass attracts visitors “If you haven’t signed the exempt from greenhouse gas reporting. from across our region and Petition yet, call my office Fugitive Greenhouse Gas Emissions under More information is at: www.daff.gov. The Department of Industry, , from all around the world. on 1300-720-675 and we’ll the NGER Measurement Determination au/climatechange/carbonfarmingfutures/ Innovation, Climate Change, Science, has been released for comment. “Nimbin MardiGrass is an gladly email you a copy.” action-on-the-ground iconic event for our region “Congratulations to that our State and Federal impacts of mining and the and I congratulate everyone the all involved with this governments are not expansion of the fossil fuel involved with making the fantastic event and Happy Green scene representing, or acting on industry. We are listening event a great success. 21st Birthday, Nimbin the very real concerns of to, and building partnerships “I’d especially like to thank MardiGrass,” Ms Elliot said. by Desley Banks, Greens for Country local people. I believe our with, our primary producers Candidate for Page democratic principles and to protect our water, lands Broadband Plan will be slower and more expensive rights are being eroded. and rural communities. Tony Abbott and the National Party’s broadband plan I am the fourth generation The governments are We have the right to live means that families and businesses on the North Coast will of my family to live in the failing to protect our local in a healthy prosperous pay more for slower internet. Northern Rivers; my great communities, our lands, air community with clean water “Let’s be very clear, under the National Party families and grandfather arrived in and water. to drink and nutritious food small businesses will be slugged up to $5000 for access to 1901. He cleared the land The Greens support to eat. We want to see more super fast broadband,” Justine Elliot said. “That’s bad for to provide for his family farmers because they are investment in renewable our local economy – it’s bad for local jobs and bad for local and began dairy farming. really important to the energy to protect our local businesses who will have to pay more for an inferior service. I was born and bred in economy and we want to and global environments. “Labor believes that everyone has the right to be well Murwillumbah and feel very committee of the Big Scrub keep farmers on the land The Greens are looking connected to affordable high speed broadband,” Justine said. fortunate to have grown up Environment Centre. in sustainable agriculture. to the future and are not in such a diverse, naturally I am a proud supporter We want farmers to get a interested in short term beautiful and productive of Public Education, and fair price for their produce. profits of CSG mining. We farming area with a strong for the past 25 years I have We are concerned that need sustainable agriculture Nimbin Tax and Accounting sense of community spirit. worked as a teacher in Moree young people leave the rural and industries to provide PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS I moved to Lismore in 1987 (two years), Coraki (seven communities and head for for our future generations. Income Tax Returns – Individuals, Partnerships, to commence my teacher years) and Coffee Camp (16 the city and never come back. Our future health and food Companies, Trusts and Primary Producers training at Southern Cross years) public schools. I am a We support the growth of security is at great risk. BAS & Bookkeeping Services University. As a mature dedicated and enthusiastic healthy rural communities I feel a true connection age student and a mother Business Software, Business Advice, Grant Acquittals teacher, and have always been and locally owned business. to the Northern Rivers of two children, I worked actively involved in my local We are concerned that our communities and feel a need Weekdays 9am - 5pm, Saturdays by appointment. hard to complete my studies school and community. farming lands are being sold to speak up for local rural Discount for Centrelink recipients and be involved in the For the past two-and-a- off to overseas buyers. Multi- residents, primary producers local community. I was the half years I have been very national companies are – the stakeholders of the Tel/Fax 6689-0470 Mobile 0427-855-077 Northern Rivers Rep for the active in fighting to keep controlling the future of our past, present and future Old Bank Building, 39 Cullen Street, Nimbin State Country Children’s the Northern Rivers free of nation. – to stop this destructive, (Next to Post Office – parking available) Services Association and CSG and unconventional gas The Greens are the party dangerous CSG industry PO Box 645 Nimbin 2480 Email: [email protected] was on the Management fields. I have great concerns most concerned with the destroying our way of life.

Four cosy one-bedroom timber cabins nestled on 33 acres of natural bushland with abundant wildlife, within easy walking distance of local restaurants and shops. Overnight or Weekly – Wheelchair Access TERETRE Retreat – NIMBIN 5 High Street, Nimbin NSW 2480 AUSTRALIA Ph: (02) 66 891 908 - Mob: 0427 891 626 Email: [email protected] - Web Site www.teretre.com.au Tina Fuller (B. AppSc - Optometry) At Nimbin Community Centre Page 8 The Nimbin GoodTimes May 2013 [email protected] Imagine Lismore, our ten year fiscal responsibilities so again, I see HSR become the reality in From the Mayor’s desk Community Strategic Plan, has stress the changes you will see in Australia that I experienced in attracted considerable attention what we do. In simple terms, we Japan in 1975. basis between Roads & Maritime from groups such as New are like a home owner who needs Services and Council. Works Democracy and from Councils to our money aside for structural Anzac Day – Men’s soccer will include the re-construction throughout NSW and interstate. improvements. In order to ensure As I write this, the men of the of the road and the inclusion of On April 26 I visited Fraser Coast our ‘house’ lasts another 50 years, Nimbin Headers football club will a dedicated footpath which will Regional Council to share our CSP we need to plan and pay for some be gearing up for their B Division extend the existing footpath to experiences as that Council goes re-stumping, replace some plumbing Anzac Cup final against Bangalow at High Street. Additionally, the through its Imagine Maryborough and wiring and forego some non- Oakes Oval on April 25 at 12.15pm. formalisation of the bus pick up- community engagement. On essentials for the next 10 years. I hope to be there for the start of drop off area adjacent to High May 13, Council will hold an the game before I go to another by Cr. Jenny Dowell Street has also been included within Extraordinary meeting to consider Autumn Arts Anzac Day Service at Caroona. Go the scope of works. These works are the Draft CSP and place it on As usual, the Autumn Arts Headers! (See report p.31) Council meeting expected to take six to eight weeks public exhibition for your comment. Extravaganza met all expectations Rural Landsharing Communities to complete, weather permitting. On May 18, our original Citizens’ for high quality works in all The Future of Local Government (RLC) used to be called Jury formed last year, reconvenes to media. The works were exhibited As the deadline for this edition Multiple Occupancies or, by NBN consultation consider the report too. beautifully and gave locals and closes, I am reading the latest some, . They are Residents will be aware that the The draft CSP is being drafted visitors alike a greater appreciation report from the Independent Local synonymous with the Lismore Local roll out of the National Broadband with input from our six place- of the talents and diversity of our Government Review Panel. While Government Area (LGA) and often Network and its required additional based forums, numerous specific local artists. Again I found two most media attention will be on provide the opportunity for low transmission towers is under consultations with community works to grace my office walls and the recommendation to reduce the cost home ownership. In this, the discussion. Council has advised groups and our 500 surveys and the hope that all artists made some number of Councils from 42 40th anniversary year of Nimbin NBN Co to undertake community workshops held in Council with sales. to 16, there are also huge changes Aquarius Festival that gave rise consultations especially in Nimbin Councillors and staff. The CSP will proposed for rural and regional to this new form of community, where two towers have been include some significant changes to Trains Councils. The paper recognises Council debated an application for proposed. Council’s activities so please take Many readers will be disappointed Lismore as the Regional City at the an RLC in Fox Road, Rosebank. Council, like residents, can make the opportunity to look at it. with the latest report on the centre of a new Northern Rivers On this occasion, Council was suggestions and provide feedback, viability of a re-opened Casino- County Council involving Tweed, unanimous in its refusal of the but there is no provision for a T Corp Murwillumbah rail line. The report Byron, Ballina, Lismore and an application in-line with the staff development application to come to NSW Treasury (T Corp) has, for estimates the cost of restoring amalgamated Kyogle and Richmond recommendation. The reasons for Council for approval or rejection. the first time released comparative rail services art $900 million Valley Council. refusal related to its likely negative Nimbin Advisory Group financial reports on all Councils in and concludes that improved bus There are many other impact on the rural environment Readers of the April GoodTimes will NSW. The outlook is not positive. services is the better option. The recommendations included in the through tree removal and its impact have seen reference to the Nimbin More that 1⁄4 of all Councils in report makes interesting reading paper ‘Future Directions for NSW on flora and fauna, inadequate Advisory Group in my column and NSW including four on the North and is available at: www.transport. Local Government – Twenty sewerage management and because the separate report from the NAG Coast are in a Weak or Very Weak nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/ Essential Steps’ including on roles it was not in the public interest. written by Diana Roberts. category. Lismore Council has projects/c2m-transport-study-low-res- of Councillors, strong regions, In that edition, there was a call for been assessed as in the Moderate version.pdf financial sustainability and the Roadworks group but our Financial Outlook On another train matter, I am relationship between local and state Following the rain we have nominations for vacant positions with a closing date of April 22. is rated as Negative. In order to pleased to have been appointed government. I encourage anyone experienced recently, the improve that Outlook, we have been to the High Speed Rail (NSR) with an interest to read the report reconstruction of Nimbin Rd into There was meeting of the NAG is May 2, and I expect Council will working to increase our investment Advisory Committee formed by the and watch out for the planned the village is now due to commence in our existing assets in order to Federal Government to progress community hearings. by the end of May. These works endorse new members at our May 14 Council meeting. fund their replacement. That also plans for a very fast train from Read the report at: www. are being undertaken under the means cutting costs elsewhere. The to Brisbane. With an localgovernmentreview.nsw.gov.au/ Regional Road Repair Program Imagine Lismore CSP process has involved balancing expected 40 year time frame, I documents/LGR/Future%20Directio and are funded on a 50:50 share Lismore Council’s process for community expectations with our hope younger GoodTimes readers ns%20Paper.pdf

Not Quite Square exhibition successful in attracting a the community in the early viability of councils and their placement of roads and at the Lismore Art Gallery. major grant to refurbish C stages of drafting a strategy good points made about other structures with little It was an exhibition of Block and build a new gallery. plan and from then on the supporting local government reference to anyone else. photos and drawings of You can make your pledge community will have no altogether. However, it is Lismore Council is about owner-built houses, mostly by calling into the Gallery in rights to object and in fact, quite unclear about the role to get serious about its built on local communities. Molesworth Street. Councils will have limited of new expanded county budget for this year. We are There was a large gathering The new gallery is proposed rights to object because any councils, which in our case looking at redirecting over of people and it was great to for the quadrangle at the issues will be resolved by would include Tweed, Byron, $1-million, with most of it see some amazing builders rear of the library with the expert planing panels, which Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle and going to road funding. There honoured for their work. Conservatorium and C ‘will remove the politics from Richmond Valley. will be cutbacks in some The exhibition is part of Block. The plans envisage planning decisions’. There has been some talk services, which I’m sure will the Aquarius Festival 40th a major civic square to be I’ve seen these experts that the county councils cause community concerns. anniversary celebrations. come the heart of Lismore at work before and have will take on more of the Unfortunately, if Council The festival and the influx of with the opportunity for live been far from impressed. infrastructure role currently is to seriously challenge its Simon ‘new settlers’ to the Northern performances of music and If you want to follow up done by local councils. I financial situation, we have Rivers and the changes they drama. All we need is your this critical issue have a would not favour this idea, to both reduce our debts and says... brought to this area is an pledge and a grant to create look at the Better Planning as it could too easily lead service our infrastructure extraordinary story and one in a vibrant physical heart our Network website and make a back to the ‘bad old days’ better. which many of us have shared. community and artists so submission. when engineers essentially Hope to see you at the by Cr. Simon Clough, The Regional Art Gallery, urgently need. The second major area determined most things by Aquarius celebrations. Lismore Council which is literally falling One way or another there of change proposed is to down and is way too small, is going to be massive change the Local Government he beautiful autumn has launched a major fund in local government in the Act itself. There has been Tweather of the last two raising initiative. The gallery next few years. First is the a local government review weeks has nearly made up is asking for pledges of White Paper on the new process going on for almost for the months of rain. I’ve money. In fact there was an planning act. I have grave a year and the results are been on my bike regularly, anonymous pledge of $50,000 concerns about the proposed contained in a White Paper avoiding potholes with gay on the day of the exhibition. changes to this act. My released last week. There abandon! The pledges will be called understanding is that the are lots of great proposals Trish and I attended the on should the gallery be proposed act will only involve for improving the financial We are open! Do you have an instrument that needs repair or a little TLC? Are you looking for a second hand guitar? Need a set of strings? • Bookkeeping Come in and have a chat – MYOB, Quickbooks • Tax Preparation We also have some second-hand books • Business Activity Statements We can also do photographic printing up to A3 and can – Electronically lodged BAS Agent: 98777003 enhance or repair your photos • Tax returns lodged for Centrelink recipients None of the above? – No receipts, no invoices: $25.00 Then just drop in and chill for a while Phone Jayne 0457-497-011 Email: [email protected] We’re on the verandah at 45 Cullen Street, Nimbin www.nimbingoodtimes.com May 2013 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 9 Page 10 The Nimbin GoodTimes May 2013 [email protected] Local activists in gas badlands Doubtful brings certainty by Binnah Pownall People found their various site. niches around camp. There We gratefully took this as The Doubtful Creek Coal was always room for people re-assurance and verification Seam Gas blockade near to involve and empower that we were being supported Kyogle was a real first in themselves, from lock-ons from the “other side” by those modern Australian history to kitchen duties to banner- who had passed through. – black, white and brindle, making and music. Gratitude must be extended conservatives and Greens, Others worked diligently to the Githabul Originies – standing together in defence at the profile we put out to particularly Jarmb’je for such of the Earth and in opposition the mainstream world and beautiful and deep sharing. to CSG. defined to the media what the Deep, ongoing and lasting There was a lot of sacrifice point was. The local farmers’ links have been made. Some John Pene Fonmosa, Jarmbi’je Githabul, Ingo Medek, Ash experienced at the time by support for the camp was are planting food with the Grunwald, Peter Stackhouse and Dayne Pratzky a number of particularly integral to its success. farmers now, others put on the responsive people. A number of warriors from ‘No Fracking Way’ Cabaret in Besides leaving personal the Githabul tribe were at the Nimbin. The Doubtful Creek campaign persuaded by Nick Hanlon business unattended and front and active from day one Talking closely and resolving Megasco and Dart Energy that resistance to the grass left growing on the of the DC blockade. When social issues in small circles A convoy of Northern Rivers activists recently CSG mining would continue to drive share home front, those at the front they see white people put their has always worked. There’s returned from a pilgrimage to the Kenya prices down and was closely watched by the line found that standing on a bodies on the line at blockades hope for community yet – if Gasland of central-western Queensland. international community. plastic-tape line in all weathers to confront the white laws we can get beyond the things This is a vast gasfield known as the Surat Most of those who once lived on the country discussing “argy-bargy issues” they see us being real, and of that, in the past, we have Basin in the Western Darling Downs. block estates of the Kenya Gaslands have with police all day was a very our word. This seemed to be chosen to let limit us. You head west from Brisbane for four hours left. The health impacts on the community taxing and tense situation. acknowledged in the way the The lesson is to keep moving through the Lockyer valley. It is vast country, are alarming – nosebleeds that last 48 hours, What else was found was Githabul were willing to take forward and wholly focussed the Queensland heartland, and was once a rashes, headaches. There are reports of that we were involved in the us into simple, but powerful, to the positive outcome – as major food bowl. The main industry in this seizures and neurological damage in children. birth of some sort of post-2012 ceremony. was achieved at Doubtful region now is gas mining. Marion Palmer and her husband can’t leave; community. Unlike in the The birds always seemed to Creek. Whatever it was, As you enter the gaslands you notice the they have seven children and a mortgage on a past, people didn’t allow the appear during or after these let’s have some more of it. impact that the infrastructure that delivers property that has lost a third of its value and bitterness and grudge energy ceremonies. Yellow-tailed Thinking outside the square gas has had on the environment. Huge new is unsaleable. Marion has contacted every to be so present, people now black cockatoos were constant takes a lot of bravery – as well roads have been created for this industry; most government agency she can to get help to leave, pushed on through, or left. companions in the pines. as imagination. vehicles you encounter are mining trucks and to get support for the children’s health, for some It was quite a sovereign camp They would sit with us every All you have to do is throw cars. Swathes of forest have been torn down kind of acknowledgement of their struggle. at Doubtful Creek – everyone afternoon. At other times, fear aside, put your body for pipelines. There is surveillance everywhere, “The government has abandoned us,” she said. took responsibility for their around ceremonies or talk on the line and be heart- and very little wildlife. There has been very limited independent actions, and no harm was circles when thoughts were determined to stay peaceful at Huge earth walls have been built to hide testing of the impact of CSG mining on its done. focussed, eagles flew over the all cost. the holding ponds which hold the toxic water immediate environment. Most reports in the waste from CSG mining. These walls can be public domain have been organised by the kilometres long. mining lobby, who continue to deny that this Call to cancel local Petroleum Exploration Licences The industry is undecided how to dispose of industry has any impact on health. by Scott Sledge, safeguards. We need whole regions protected this water waste safely. In the meantime they As the Northern Rivers group entered the President, Northern Rivers Guardians as a prelude to a total ban on mining fossil are emptying it onto the local roads in the Kenya Gaslands, the first remarks began to be fuels. The waterways are all connected and no name of “dust suppression”. made of a strange metallic taste. By the first The Northern Rivers Guardians has called on one has any way of cleaning a polluted aquifer. Dayne Pratzky lives on a 250-acre farm bang night at Dayne’s property, eyes were watering, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell to cancel the The Northern Rivers population has in the middle of the Kenya Gasfield. With skin was itching and many had headaches. region’s Petrol Exploration Licences (PELs) voted against CSG (87% in Lismore LG Google Earth you can observe his farm as an Scott Collins, a Tara local, said: “They claim which are used by private companies to elections and around 90% by Lock The Gate untouched island in the middle of a vast field that the CSG industry creates 27,000 jobs, but prospect for Coal Seam Gas and other fossil neighbourhood surveys) and has blockaded dotted with CSG wells. Dayne is one of a that is not a good enough justification for this fuels. drilling operations for more than 100 days small group who remains in the area to oppose destructive industry. The same could be said The political climate has changed in NSW, near Grafton and Kyogle. We won’t let CSG CSG mining and document the expansion of about the asbestos industry. That also created and we want the government’s attitude to mining happen here anyway, so why prolong this industrial juggernaut. jobs. If that is all the justification you need why change with it. the agony? Dayne offered to take a group of local don’t we start up the asbestos industry again?” We welcome the announcements by Northern Rivers Guardians Inc is open to Northern River activists on a tour of the Dayne will be hosting a private party of Metgasco and Dart Energy that they have all the community. People can support their Kenya Gaslands. supporters at his farm for his birthday on July suspended all activity in the Northern Rivers lifestyles and protect the environment by The Northern Rivers group included 13, where there will be musical guests, including and I believe that now is the right time to joining NRG or donating through our web musician Ash Grunwald, Githabul activist John Williamson and Ash Grunwald. Dayne declare this area to be a frack-free zone. The site: northernriversguardians.org Jarmbi’je Githabul, Doubtful Creek farmer hopes many of his friends and supporters from Northern Rivers is one of the world’s most The Coalition government believes that Peter Stackhouse, journalist Mick Daley, the Northern Rivers will make the journey up diverse ecological communities and our the current CSG problem was created by the promoter Nick Hanlon and Ingo Medek, to his farm come July to bear witness to the future depends on careful management. We previous ALP government which gave out a “Simmo” (a person who has locked their destructive effects of CSG Mining. don’t want to be overrun by a ‘gas rush’ that licences ‘like confetti’ according to NSW body onto machinery at one of the many “It is too late for this area,” said Dayne. will destroy tourism and agriculture and Planning Minister Brad Hazzard. protests and blockades against CSG mining “Once this destruction is done it’s done our wonderful rural lifestyles for the sake of I challenge the current government to come nationwide). Ingo was representing those who forever. We need the rest of Australia to wake short-term profits for a few big investors. into the new era of sustainable practices. had locked-on at Doubtful Creek near Kyogle. up and learn from our misfortune.” In March, the NSW Government Cancel the petroleum exploration licences and announced it would protect urban areas and invest in renewable energy. Now. Four out of five anti-CSG in South Casino canvassed almost 500 homes, gathering responses from certain industries (horse breeding and grape According to BHP, we have plenty of There is widespread mining than those who do. over 600 residents. Where growing) from mining. It could easily protect conventional gas for the foreseeable future, so uncertainty in Richmond These findings are the first residents were not home, our marvellous region. This month, the I hope the government will stop listening to Valley about the safety and strong indication that the leaflets were left inviting them NSW Government redefined its proposal to panic-merchants who say the lights will go out wisdom of unconventional gas claim by Metgasco and its to phone-in or email their rule out mining on prime agricultural land, in NSW. If we switch now to safe renewable mining. supporters that there is a responses, enabling every by requiring landowners to submit proof energy that is generated from solar and ocean This was confirmed by last ‘massive silent majority in resident to have their say. that their property qualifies on a 10-point wave action we may save ourselves from some week’s door-to-door survey of Casino in favour of gas mining’ Richmond Valley Group criterion. of the disasters which are increasing due to South Casino residents. is an unsubstantiated myth. Against Gas thanks all This means that no areas will be safe and pollution and climate change. The results also show that four The survey, conducted by respondents for their valued mining can proceed just about anywhere, Be part of the solution, not part of the times more residents don’t want a team of trained volunteers, opinions. despite the government spin about new problem. Grey Gum Lodge 2 High Street Nimbin

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www.nimbingoodtimes.com May 2013 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 11 thrilling entertainment. Julie Metcalfe on violin. attire, any sort of costume or Feature acts include Mic Wonderful food will be served fancy dress, anything outrageous, Conway (of Captain Matchbox), by the Radical Faeries, there is a colourful or even just something Maireid Sullivan, Andrea Soler, secure area to leave bags and coats, nice that will put you into a Paul Joseph, Renee English, prizes will be awarded for the celebratory mood. Janie Conway-Herron, the Silly best costumes and a professional Tickets are $30 and must be Sisters, the Tap Bitches and Tribal photographer will be on-hand. pre-purchased at Nimbin Artists’ Monsoon. Gaia Films will be filming the Gallery (open seven days 10am to The dance band will be Blue event and producing a DVD that 5pm) and Caddies Coffee And Tea, Skies, which is re-forming can be ordered for $20, with half Lismore. Blitz the Ball! especially for the ball . The original the proceeds going to the Nimbin The ball is not yet sold out and members made magic at Blue Knob Aquarius Foundation. all tickets must be sold to be able Paul Joseph 1978, Smiling Ruth 1978, Mick Diggles 2013 and Mic Conway 2013 and other country hall dances in A word about costume: to stage this special event – so it by Ruth Miller chance to kick up your heels and the 1970s. They are “Smiling” The idea is to recreate the will help the organisers if you get dance the night away. Ruth Miller, Brent Fredberg, Mick exuberant 1970s fancy dress vibe your tickets now. The Aquarius Masquerade Ball will This one-off gala 40th anniversary Diggles, Hugh Morris, Alan Shaw and bring a lot of colour and Now get to work on your be a fitting culmination to a busy event will be held on the full moon and Harry Freeman, and they’ll be pizzazz to this celebration. You costumes, see you at this not-to-be- and merry month of May, and a on 25th May, with fun, colour and joined by Ben Cox on drums and can wear ballgowns, masquerade missed occasion!

companies have closed with punch, playful dance icture this: Nimbin, on a doors, NORPA is still from internationally re- PSat’dy night. The streets are going strong – it is one of known choreographers quiet, there’s a chill in the air only a handful companies and contemporary circus. and the deep pulse of a people in remaining that creates There will be lucky door celebration can be heard coming its own works as well prizes and a raffle at the from the Nimbin Bush Theatre at as presenting the work party, nibbles from Raw the No Fracking Way Cabaret... of other high-profile Experiences and grazing everyone coming together that Australian companies. platters of local delicacies, night to perform, laugh and “NORPA continues to wines from De Bortoli and breathe a collective sigh of relief work on that vital thread Watershed Wines, beer for a well-earned victory. that connects us to our from Coopers and groovy Big thanks to Neil Pike, Tim audience and community,” tunes from DJ Crucial D. Tonkin, Bee Gonos, the one who Julian says. “Touring Subscription shall remain nameless (you know Picture Let the good times roll! companies repeatedly tell packages and tickets who you are), David Highet, NORPA, the region’s crazies jumping from the us how much they love to all NORPA’s 2013 Alan Roberts, Nat Meyer, this! leading theatre company, roof of the Lismore City performing to a NORPA shows will be on sale Daniel Soler... and the rest of you is throwing a party for the Hall for The Cars That audience – they sense a on the night. Early fracking awesome creatures who community at the Lismore Ate Paris, or thousands palpable energy in the bird subscribers will supported performed promoted Skating Rink on Friday walking through the room, and a willingness automatically go in the and rocked up, to stand together 17th May to celebrate streets of Lismore for The to get on board with new running to win tickets to once more... its 20th anniversary and Flood? Or, more recently, ideas. the Writers Over $2500 was fun-raised launch its 2013 season. sitting on the tracks for “Without doubt, our Festival, Mullum Music that night to contribute to the It runs from 5pm to Railway Wonderland? audience is the inspiration Festival, Sample Food post-blockade legal costs of Wanda Vaya Con Dios onstage 7.30pm, and while guests NORPA’s artistic driving us forward – Festival events and Byron all those who were arrested at Photo: Marie Cameron won’t be on skates, the director Julian Louis will always brave, ready to take Bay Film Festival in 2014. Glenugie and Doubtful creek, Northern Rivers Roller also give a sneak preview an imaginative leap, and to Place are limited, so and a contribution was made to Bush Theatre with drums and Derby gals certainly will of the shows NORPA is embrace the new over the reservations are essential the Githabul-Ngarakbul people’s fire at sunset, is to gather again be. Key figures from bringing to the stage of the formulaic.” – call the NORPA box project at the newly established and reflect upon the resistance NORPA’s colourful newly renovated Lismore Planned for this office on 1300-066-772 or Grevillia school. that has thus far let all CSG history will share their City Hall in 2013. year are classic theatre email: [email protected] IMAGINE, an Aquarian Arts companies know that our region highlight moments. At a time when many performances with well- to grab a spot. More info Happening... coming up on 19th and waters are sacred and will be Anyone remember the other regional theatre known actors, cabaret at: www.norpa.org.au May, on the old bridge by the protection... see you there!

WOODSTOCK DOWNUNDER 2013 at The Bush Theatre in Nimbin Australia Aquarius events in May Suggested donation: $10 per session Throughout May. Not Quite Square. An exhibition at Lismore Regional Gallery showcasing a history of unique owner-built Tuesday May 7th, 2pm & 5pm housing in the region. Nimbin Aquarius Festival: Recycling 7th, 10th, 14th, 17th, 19th & 21st May, at 2pm & 5pm; 24th May at 7pm of the Town, Mardi Grass & Cannabis Downunder film. Parts 1 to 6 at Nimbin Bush Theatre. Culture, Drugs & the Nimbin Community 9th to 12th May. Aquarius in Lovemore at Star Court Theatre, Lismore. 2hrs4min 12th May. Channon Market celebrates the Aquarius 40th Anniversary Friday May 10th, 2pm & 5pm as well as Mothers’ Day and the 32nd birthday of the Rainbow Chai Tent. Sister Villages: Nimbin & Woodstock Benny Zable, Powerhouse Museum & 13th to 20th May. Nimbinovations – Living the Dream 18-panel Aquarian Archives display at A screening of the new 10-hour International Environmental Actions Southern Cross University Library. documentary series work-in-progress 2hrs45min 17th, 18th & 19th May. Spirit of Nimbin A weekend of festival events: on the 1973 Nimbin Aquarius Festival Tuesday May 14th, 2pm & 5pm 17th May. followed by street drumming. Café open in Nimbin Town Hall. and beyond, that traces the impact Tuntable School & Nimbin Walkabout Band playing at Nimbin Hotel, cafes open, chai tent. of the festival on the Northern Happy High Herbs, Basket Weavers, 18th May. 9am to 5pm. Circus Arts and Crafts Fair in Nimbin Community Centre grounds. A circus- Rivers region of NSW, and draws Birth & Beyond, Nimbin Family Centre themed event with fun and entertainment for all ages. Food and craft stalls and craft demonstrations comparisons between Nimbin and Biskit at the Oasis, Celebration & and participatory workshops. Featuring the fabulous “Nylon Zoo”, Tuntable Circus and React Woodstock, the art colony that Lantern Ceremony at the Bush Factory Circus, Sista Gurl, bands, buskers, flash dancers, choirs, hoops, fire twirlers, face painters, balloon exploded in the aftermath of the 1969 1hr45min sculpture, and a fantasy kids (of all ages) parade. Hosted by Nimbin Aquarius Foundation Inc. Woodstock Festival in the U.S. Friday May 17th, 2pm & 5pm 18th May. 7pm. Aquarius Folk , featuring Nimbin singers of past, present & future, in While Woodstock was best known as a COMMUNITIES: Tuntable Falls, Nimbin School of Arts. A fundraiser for the 7 Sibley St. Sustainable House. festival of sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll, Dharmananda & Woodstock Buddhist 19th May. 12 noon to 12 midnight. IMAGINE: An Aquarian Arts Happening. Dedication ceremony Nimbin expanded the concept to create Wisdom, Yolunga for Nimbin’s IMAGINE PEACE mandala site at the Bush Theatre. Bands, feat. Fantuzzi, choirs, a community based on rural, alternative 1h57m dance, art installations, lanterns, light shows, childrens activities, interactive art. Elders ceremony lifestyles founded on peace, love and and fire dancers at sundown. Film screenings, Rainbow Dreaming Exhibition and book launch cooperation. How well the 40-year social Sunday May 19th, 2pm & 5pm experiment succeeded is part of this Repeat of Introductory episode 20th to 26th May. Rainbow Dreaming Exhibition. Tales from the Age of Aquarius: a multimedia tale of Australia’s least traditional town. Nimbin Aquarius Festival: Recycling exhibition and photo-documentary. Presbyterian Church, Nimbin. of the Town, Mardi Grass & Cannabis 21st to 31st May. Nimbinovations – Living the Dream 18-panel display in Nimbin shopfronts. Filmmakers and founders of Culture, Drugs & the Nimbin Community 23rd & 24th May. 10am to 5pm. Aquarius and Beyond: 40 Years On. A two-day market of ideas Woodstock Museum in upstate New 2hrs4min York, Nathan Koenig and Shelli Lipton, to reflect on the events that together became the Nimbin Aquarius Festival of May 1973. will be on hand to discuss the film, Tuesday May 21st, 2pm & 5pm Presentations, forums, films, displays. Thursday evening, 24th May there will be a dinner, which is being screened in six parts COMMUNITIES: Djanbung, Jarlanbah music and films. Hosted by Southern Cross University. with a special repeat of Part 1. & Moondani, Lillian Rock 25th May. 6:30pm to 11.55pm. Aquarius Masquerade Ball. Come in fancy/fantasy dress, wear a 1hr18min mask if you like.Travel back to 1974 and dance the night away to the band that started it all, Friday May 24th, 7pm only Blue Skies Orchestra, Mic Conway and many other exciting performances. Communities Conference at Djanbung 26th May. 8am to 5pm. Nimbin Market. Great food, great music, great community, then Nimbin CONCLUSION Goes Classic at 4pm in Nimbin School of Arts. 1hr35min Web: www.aquarius2013.nimbin.nsw.au Email: [email protected] Page 12 The Nimbin GoodTimes May 2013 [email protected] Nimbin has developed as a hot-bed of folk singers since the 1973 Aquarian Folk Celebration Aquarius Festival. As part of this year’s anniversary celebrations, the Aquarius 40th Anniversary Folk Concert of Peace, Love and Protest will This one’s a Classic be held at the Nimbin School of Arts on Saturday 18th May. separated by a 30-minute The evening will feature a line-up of Nimbin singers past, present and interval, with coffee and future, including Andrea Soler and James Ross (pictured), Paul Joseph, refreshments on the deck. Neil Pike, Diana Anaid, Essie Thomas, Phil Levy and Ruth Miller, The aim of these is Doug and Biskit, Vasudha and Jem, Kitty Solomon, Michael Fairley, to provide accessible classical Gracie Hughes and many, many more. music and culture, with the The show will be hosted by David Hallett and S Sorrensen. entrance fee set at $15. All the performers are contributing their talents for free and Tony Coiffet, organiser all proceeds from the concert will be going to the 7 Sibley Street of these musical events, Sustainability Project. is putting all his energy Doors open at 7pm, the verandah cafe will be open, there’ll be a lovely towards providing two raffle and tickets are only $10 at the door. concerts each year, one in This will be an amazing anniversary show featuring 25 different acts, Margaret Curtis pianist/harpist Autumn, the second in and it’s a great way to assist Nimbin’s major community project. (left) and Lecia Robertson, Spring – though the Spring soprano concert for 2013 remains uncertain. 40 years on Last December’s Nimbin The goal of the series is to Goes Classic concert was a reach as broad an audience Aquarius Festival organiser huge success, and another as possible, in the hope Johnny Allen and Graeme classical music concert will of attracting government Dunstan are among the be held at the Nimbin Town funding, which will keep keynote speakers at ‘Aquarius Hall on Sunday 26th May. the price of the concerts and Beyond: 40 years on’, a The guest artists will be low and offer guarantees to two-day conference convened the outstanding duo Aria performers. by Southern Cross University Johnny Allen at the 1973 festival Viva, comprised of soprano The concert will start at in Nimbin on May 23 and 24. Lecia Robertson and pianist 4.30pm, with the doors Often referred to as Festival rode the wave of Margaret Curtis. Other opening at 4pm. Stamp at Australia’s Woodstock and rural regeneration with an performers include Margaret the door, no concession. the birthplace of Australia’s explosion of energy and Curtis (solo harp), Trio Please join the Facebook hippy movement, the ideas,” Johnny Allen said. Continentale (piano, violin, page: Nimbin Goes Classic Aquarius Festival had no “Sadly, many of the insights Cutting a fine tune violoncello), and the Vox for updates and info on up- line-up of music industry and initiatives of the festival The Sydney-based Swingin’ Caldera choir from Lismore. coming events, or email: stars. Instead ‘survival’ was in terms of sustainable Blades will be the next great There will be two 40- NimbinGoesClassic@gmail. its theme and for 10 days ‘the lifestyles are even more gig for the Lismore Jazz Club minute performances com for special requests. people are the festival’ was its crucial now than they were on Sunday 26th May at the program. then. Lismore City Bowling Club. Dr Rob Garbutt from the Graeme Dunstan said the Formed over a few beers in Zoe Hauptmann, on bass, Channon Folk Club unplucked School of Arts and Social Aquarius Festival celebrated a Sydney pub, The Swingin’ has made a huge impact on Sciences said the conference a rare and precious moment Blades have been swinging the scene since moving to would revisit and critically in 1973: hard since 2009. Humorous Sydney in 2002. She has examine the Aquarius “Compared to Woodstock and always entertaining, performed nationally and Festival, its aftermath, and and the rock festivals that Sydney’s brat-pack stamps internationally with many the Australian counter- followed, Aquarius was small their individual style on jazz artists. culture then and now. in number and understated favourites. In her own band, Zoe “Aquarius has resonated in form. Yet deep was the Elana Stone is vocalist, has explored original music well beyond 1973. Its ideas discourse and many were songwriter, pianist, accordion called jazz-a-billy, influenced adapted and altered as time the ideas and fancies which player and band leader, and by Jerry Reed, Creedence went on, yet the Aquarius found shape and nurture in has been described as one of Clearwater Revival and The spirit – hope for the future its thrall.” the most impressive singing Mahavishnu Orchestra. After five years, The Channon support, those who helped – is still clearly alive. Nimbin The full two-day program voices in the country. Evan Mannell plays the Folk Club is folding. with the set up and pack down, became a place where ideas for ‘Aquarius and Beyond’ is In 2004, she was named Best drum set and is fair and Event co-ordinator Gail and especially The Channon mixed and morphed to create available at: sassevents.scu.edu. Jazz Artist at the MusicOz square on the hip list of Loader said, ”It’s been lots of Butterfactory Tavern for the something new.” Dr Garbutt. au/aquarius/program.html Awards and won a National Sydney drummers, forming fun, but now it’s time for the venue, and more. Johnny Allen (Kaptain Registrations are now Jazz Award at the 2005 the backbone of countless club to come to an end.” “We’d also like to thank Kultur) and Graeme open, at: sassevents.scu.edu. Wangaratta Jazz Festival. groups and artists on Gail and partner Steve, who The Channon community, Dunstan (Superfest) will be au/aquarius/registration.html Aaron Flower is appreciated the jazz, indie-rock and are not folding or passing along with The Terania in conversation with Lismore Tickets are $20 for a one- by musicians for his finesse, underground scenes. away, but will have more time Times, The Nimbin Mayor Cr Jenny Dowell on the day pass or $30 for a two-day and audiences love the With left-of-centre beats to pursue other stuff, said: GoodTimes, The Channon opening morning of ‘Aquarius pass. confidence and clarity with and furious improvising “We’d like to say a big Gallery, The Northern Rivers and Beyond’ on Thursday Find ‘Aquarius and Beyond’ which he creates melody. He talent, the music is always thanks to everyone who has and Byron Echoes for their 23rd May at 9.20am. on Facebook: www.facebook. is a guitarist and composer sidestepping convention been involved in making the support, and special thanks “In 1973, the Aquarius com/AquariusAndBeyond of intellect and beautiful and taking the listener to club happen: the performers, go to Paddy, George, Rayzor melodic qualities and that rare and valued place those who came to listen and and Joye.” blossoms when presenting his of excitement, emotion and original compositions. anticipation. Kim Lawson on saxophone Evan is also part of the Kerrianne for Mothers Day quickly emerged as one of Musica Viva in Schools Kerriane Cox has a beautiful voice and the top of the heap of up- programme and performs is a deeply spiritual woman who brings and-coming musicians on interactive concerts across us a message of love, unity and peace. completion of his studies. the country for primary Her songs touch the deepest part of After a stint in New York school children with the our being. and a few years of playing Glorious Sousaphonics. She will be appearing at Annie’s gigs around Sydney with The Swingin’ Blades Garden Cafe, Murwillumbah Road, several notable musicians play from 2pm to 5pm. Barkers Vale, on Mothers Day, 12th and bands, his playing has Admission is $10 for May, 11am to 3pm, $10 entry. Support developed an urgency and members / students, $15 for bands: Sisters Healing Earth and Mona breathless intensity. non-members. Lizard. Bookings: 6689-7369.

Fresh local produce for a sustainable future • Self-suffiency workshops • Community Grain Mill • Local & visiting musicians Corner of Blue Knob & Lillian Rock Roads Only 8km North of Nimbin Enquiries contact Peter 0403-408-087 or email: [email protected]

www.nimbingoodtimes.com May 2013 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 13 PINK ZINC DUO PLAY SPHINX From fronting the rock/ HITS with Antibodies pop covers band Pink Zinc comes Pink Zinc Duo. Built on a love for Blues, this duo is a blend of blues guitar and funky solos by Songwriters Cameron Spike-Porter with the Aretha Franklin meets Janice Joplin vocals pieces. on the Songline of Sarah Grant. Sarah performed at the Mixing it up with pop/ Byron Bay Blues Festival Two of the leading lights jazz-tinged vocal stylings and rock/blues/soul, this duo 2012 as backing vocalists in the NOrth Coast’s rising kirtan songs ooze pure class. is out for a good time for 70’s soul singer Candi devotional music scene are It’s an experience of and playing some of their Staton (‘Young hearts run sharing a bill for a soiree at exquisite intimacy when favorite cover tunes from free’, ‘You got the love’). the Uki Holy Trinity Church. holding space with Alissa artists such as the Rolling Pink Zinc Duo are doing a Songwriters on the Songline Nathaniel. She connects with Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie special Mothers Day gig at presents Mel Dobra (above) her audiences with open Wonder... the list goes on! the Sphinx Rock Café from and Alissa Nathaniel (above vulnerability and musical As well as a few original 1pm on Sunday 12th May. right) on Friday 10th May, authenticity, easing them into promising a dreamy autumnal a sense of unity to be swept articulate, evening in the company of the up into a heated, passionate sexy and light-hearted. divine feminine. crescendo of ecstatic bliss. Bring a brooch to They’re good, working Mel Dobra has recently Alissa uniquely blends Friday night 17th May, together like a sisterhood graced stages at Uplift, Byron high tempo original chants Nimbin Hotel will feature could, and the driving and Spirit and Bali Spirit festivals and songs, with an evocative, Mothers Day in Kyogle Brisbane band HITS, pumping rhythm section and her debut CD suggests soulful jazzy undertone that Kyo g l e C WA w i l l b e e ve ryone a bit of h i s to ry (duochrome pic above) who complement the guitars with a beautiful new presence in soothes and caresses the most hold i ng a Mot he r ’s Day a b out t he pa rt i c u l a r drop into our village after an a cohesion that the Labour the local music scene. She restless of souls. lu nc h a t t he Kyo g l e it e m . impressive year on the road. party would be envious of! has spent many years touring Live mix is from Rich Bell. Me mor i al Hal l, Eve ryone i s HITS add Nimbin to the To wrap up this Brisbane nationally and internationally, Mnister John Tyman will S upp e r Ro o m mo s t wel c o me . menu after a constant touring five-piece is the menacing supporting the sacred music welcome the congregation to on Tu e s d ay R SVP to Irene schedule with some of front man Evil Dick, of Kevin James Carroll. this most sacred of venues, 14 t h M ay a t O’ Ne i l l, Australia’s finest and hardest complete with humour, a Mel has recently been and chai and tasty treats will 11.3 0 a m for phone legendary bands, and this wicked stage presence and collaborating with Sun be available before the show no on lu nc h . 6 633-1352 gig follows a European tour lyrics to make Mommy melt... Hyland where she sang and during the intermission. C o s t $ 15. or Ba rbara that has certainly shaped the and the girls and boys to cry! harmonies in his band. She Doors open at 7pm, show B r i ng along Cl a rke on HITS as an underground Or dance... will be joined by three other at 7.30, $20/$15 (ukitopia a ne c kl a ce 6 633-1259. band that are a must-see. This one-off event will also musicians for Songwriters. members) advance tickets o r br o o c h HITS play no-nonsense feature Antibodies (pictured Opening the evening, from Uki Supermarket, online t h a t b e lon g e d P i c t u r e d : Vin t a g e Rock ’n’ Roll with a rock at top), who return home to from just over the border in at: www.trybooking.com/46890 to you r mot he r o r estate diamond habille revolution of sorts, an all-girl Nimbin to kick off the night, Currumbin, Alissa Nathaniel’s or on the door if not sold-out. gr a nd mot he r, a nd te l l s h e l l c a m e o p i n b r o o ch twin guitar attack that is wild, from 7.30pm.

The C ha nnon Marke t w i l l j oi n thi s month’s Aqua riu s Fe stiva l g athe ri ng for the Aqua ria n s a nd a place to ba r te r go o d s . Channon M arket 4 0 t h a nnive rsa r y celebration s w ith a n ex tra colour ful Aqua riu s “The y would l ive i n a hut, g row the i r ow n ve ge s and once a m a rke t o n Mothe r s Day, Sund ay 1 2 th May. month the y ’d ge t to ge the r for music a nd trade,” s a id ma rke t celebratesAquarian roots The e ve nt w i l l coi ncide w ith the ex ac t date of the fi rst day of ma na ge r Wi l l Cotte ri l l . the Aqua riu s Fe stiva l i n Ni mbi n 4 0 yea rs a go, May 1 2 , 1 9 7 3 . Si nce the n, the m a rke t h a s move d to Coronation Pa rk a nd As we l l a s its u sua l e cle c tic col le c tion of st a l l s , the ma rke t w i l l ha s g row n e normou sly (it now ha s more tha n 2 5 0 st a l l holde rs), host g ue st sp e a ke rs ; a photo g raphy e x h ibition do c ume nti ng but it conti nue s to b e a hub for a lte rnative c u lture a nd ide a s , the le g ac y of the Aqua riu s Fe stiva l ; l ive music f rom the Sa mba a nd a me e ti ng place for the com munity. Bl i sst a s a nd Juzzie Smith; a n ex tra long d r ummi ng ci rcle at the It ha s a l s o held strong to the pri nciple s of sust ai nabi l ity and C ha i Te nt, plu s a fe w sur pri s e s . the e tho s of ‘m a ke i t , b a ke i t , g row i t ’. The C ha nnon Marke t i s its e lf a le g ac y of the Aqua riu s The Aqu a r iu s Fe st ival ce le br at ion s w i l l be he ld at Coron at ion Fe stival: It be g an at The Channon Hal l in 1 9 7 6 a s a social Park , The Cha n non on Su nd ay 12 t h May from 8 .3 0 a m.

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May 1pm start NIMBIN 12th Pink Zinc May Gigs Mixing it up on Mothers Day with pop, 25 Sibley Street rock, blues and soul. Thursday 9th 6pm V G r a n t Phone 6 6 8 9 -1250 Friday 10th 7.30pm Blackbird Hum BOWLO th 19 Mr Cassidy Saturday 11th 5pm TBA Sunday 12th 3.30pm K e o g h What ’s On in May? Smooth, Smokey, Saucy and Deadly..... dusty earth based tunes. Thursday 16th 6.30pm Surf Report Friday 17th 7.30pm H i t s p l u s An t i b o d i e s • Soc i a l B owl s – Eve ry Su n d ay f r o m 9.3 0 a m 26th Wall of Love & Elevene Saturday 18th 6pm Kellie Night Sunday 19th 3pm L e s K a r s k i • O pe n M i ke – We d n e s d ays 8 t h & 22 n d, f r o m 7. 3 0 p m It’s all about spreading the Love for these • B ig R a f fl e s – Fri d ay s a t 7. 3 0 p m local musos. Thursday 23rd 6pm A d a m B r o w n Friday 24th 7.30pm B r i a n Wat t s B a n d • Co u rte sy B u s – B oo k at B a r Saturday 25th 6pm M r Tr o y June Sunday 26th 3.30pm TBA

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Page 14 The Nimbin GoodTimes May 2013 [email protected] Jail for medi-pot hero Plantem Park: same message, fresh hope From Page 1 Campaigners for the use of medicinal cannabis Highlights that come are outraged over a one-year jail sentence given to mind were the Hemp to Mullaways medical pot grower Tony Bower. Olympix with S. and Mr Bower, 56, is being held in custody Alan Glover, with the new despite lodging an appeal against the sentence, Plantem Park slopes ideal which carries a nine-month non-parole period. for the Growers Iron Person Magistrate Wayne Evans refused bail on the event. Contestants showed grounds that Mr Bower was not remorseful everyone that stoners are as and would continue to give away the tincture. fit and athletic as anyone. An appeal date has been set down for 3rd June. Gary the plumber and Supporters say they will continue his Nic the hippy excelled work dispensing medicinal cannabis to themselves in Correct cancer sufferers and others with terminal or Weight competition, where debilitating illnesses. American parents in the same predicament contestants put what they Mr Bower was charged after a police raid were getting results with their own children estimate to be an ounce in on his Mullaway property last year, which since medical cannabis became available there. a baggie. The Hash Bowl netted around 200 hemp plants that he had Michael Balderstone said, “We desperately Stage music line-up by Essie earmarked for production of medical tincture need some decent politician to put medical Thomas was fantastic and to distribute, free of charge, to sufferers. cannabis on the agenda, confirming the the Mind Candy forums Mr Bower distributed his medical cannabis healing powers of this plant. and workshops organised tincture free to hundreds of sufferers. Many “It’s not just talking now, it’s on the by Miss Guidance enabled have cancer, others have conditions including internet and being embraced by people from a lot of knowledge to be Crohns disease. all walks of life. Now that half of America shared, especially on medical “For these people nothing else works,” HEMP has legal medical cannabis there are stories cannabis. Embassy president Michael Balderstone said. emerging daily of, not miracle cures, but The tincture-making “Many of his patients were crying outside the cannabis cures for a number of ailments.” workshops filled the tent court. It’s time the laws changed.” Every plant the police took from the and the imprisoning of Tony Mr Bower was sentenced on 23rd April Mullaways medical crop was labelled for a Bower from Mullaways in Kempsey Court and was sorely missed at patient, and every patient has a doctor’s letter. Medical Cannabis just Many thanks to the tiny hundreds of locals who every Nimbin’s 21st annual MardiGrass Cannabis Mr Bower has been trying for years to get before the big weekend was a Nimbin community for year appear as if by magic to law reform rally. Organisers say nothing has a hearing from the authorities. He promises constant reminder to all the tolerating such a total invasion play their part in our annual changed in the program, with his supporters his work will go on regardless, with more and protestors of why we gather over the weekend. What’s an protest, and a special big promising to continue his work. more people take advantage of information on every year. economic boon for one is total thank-you to all the Jungle Michael Balderstone said the news upset a the internet on making tincture. The rally and parade on interference for another. We Patrol volunteers. lot of people in the village. “Tony does nothing “Nimbin is home to hundreds of good people Sunday were sensational endeavour to minimise the By next year, I am confident but good for poor and sick people,” he said. “It who have been in jail or have criminal records and the delegation to the impact as best as we can, and there will be a crack in the has fired up the protest because we all know for loving this plant,” Michael Balderstone said. police station managed to appreciate the many locals wall that separates us from him personally, some of us for along time, and “For a long time Nimbin has been attracting get across the message: a who think for themselves and other medicine users, and he is such a genuine fellow. individuals who, one way or another, have request for police to support contribute to the weekend in a through that crack will be “Tony is a self-taught healer who American discovered cannabis is a medicine that works the recommendations multitude of ways. – as far as the eye can see and medical cannabis experts talk to for advice. for them.” from the NSW Senate Quite a few things need to in the not too distant future He is one in a million, a modern-day medicine Committee Inquiry into be tweaked in Plantem Park, – fields of green herb! man.” Donate to the Mullaway legal fund Medical Cannabis, due to be but it looks like Nimbin has Better protein than beef, Mr Bower was featured on television in An appeal has been lodged on Tony Bower’s announced on May 17. a terrific new outdoor venue, cleaner fuel than oil, stronger Queensland recently in a story showing that behalf, and a barrister has been retained. For too long, the police right in the middle of the fibre than cotton, safer his tincture had stopped a seven-year-old child Supporters are applying to the Supreme Court have been saying, “We’re just village. It has great potential, medicine than chemicals, from having Dravet Syndrome epileptic fits. for bail. doing our job”, or “We don’t and a big thanks to the and healthier recreation than Since the airing, the HEMP Embassy has For donations to Tony’s Legal Fund, make the rules.” Well, they owners of the land who gave alcohol. been receiving calls and people have been please deposit in this account: Alan Salt, have more influence over us virtually free rein to make It’ll be the number one driving for hours in the hope of getting some Summerland Credit Union, BSB 728-728, the laws than anyone else, it of it what we could. plant on the planet again in of the medicine. Account 22295366. seems. Many thanks also to the no time. parking fee and copping a $200 Pay the fine or lose your rego. Pay else?” For once I was stumped for fine instead, so I mentioned it at the fine or go to jail. Money rules, words, but not for long. the Sunday morning briefing at or that’s what they think, and so “There’s the Triple R”, I say. “The the Station and they turned on did I, before Pipe’s gold-top stews Revenue Raising Racket. Any STREETJournal of the North Coast’sSHUFFLE longest serving covert me like greyhounds on the rabbit. exposed the myth of the mortgage event anywhere in the country now “You do it then, smartarse. Not so precisely. has to have permission notes from by Undacuva there seemed to be a uniform everyone can be a drug dealer.” Or is it explaining my existence various authorities, just like back writing out a ticket. Blue or brown Ouch. to fellow derros that’s convinced at school. One copy of everything Undacuva pays the wages uniform, yellow tickets. Ticket No idea what got into me but I me that is who I am now? A goes to the RRR whose sole job is after ticket. agreed, so all day Sunday I’m in carefree homeless who lives in the to live up to its name. “There’s more than one way to ‘Yellow is for wisdom’, I kept a brown shirt writing out tickets moment and doesn’t care if my bag And your MardiGrass Mr Go, is skin a cat, Bethany,” says the thinking. One of Pipe’s pieces of for the wiper blades. Possibly the and all my possessions got stolen very easy pickings. Simply create snide little clerk in the back office “hippy crap”, as he calls them, ugliest day of my life. Never have the other night, which they did, some new no-parking zones and counting the parking, speeding deposited in my skull by him and I been so happy to get back Unda. from right beside me sleeping in send in the brown shirts. It’s pay- and defect fines collected over the now floating randomly around, Never before have I realised so Mingle Park around the fire. as-you-go these days, and almost MardiGrass weekend. leaping forward whenever it gets strongly what a perfect job I have. One has some extraordinary every department is out for I’d been playing Bethany, the the opportunity. I’d seen Pipe Smokin’ weed and hangin’ out with meetings in the homeless camps. themselves. If you want to keep homeless derro with a filthy earlier, in the crowd around the hippies has to be a heaven of sorts. I met a Mr Go the other night. your job, you have to work out how blanket and a port bottle full green magician, but of course he But as the clerk stubbornly Call me Letting he says, offering to pay your wages.” of Ribena. Sleeping rough and didn’t recognise me. argues, money is what they listen a warm hand. Letting Go is my How lucky am I in the Undaworld, hanging around the edges in the I was feeling bad for the Bin to these days and not much else. name and the name of my guru, selling weed rather than writing shadows, but wherever I went visitors dodging the ten dollar Pay the fine or lose your license. and her guru. Is there anything parking tickets or speeding fines?

www.nimbingoodtimes.com May 2013 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 15