Nimbin Servo From the mayor’s desk 02 6675-7906 by Cr Isaac Smith Lismore City Council

• Fuel, oils, automotive needs, ice, gas refills & Swap’n’Go So I’m not into New Year’s resolutions. • Nimbin Bakery pies & sausage rolls, drinks, icecreams I can’t remember any I’ve made in the past and who knows they could be just support this at the December meeting, • Bread & milk, newspapers, cigarettes, Nabropure water as good this year as they were when I so I am hopeful that it will get up at • Stock food, horse & cattle food, lucerne, pet food & bones made them. Especially if it’s the one the next opportunity we have to vote. about exercising more. I am also hopeful that by the time NIMBIN SERVO SHOP But I do believe in fresh starts. I do you read this there has been work Open 7 days: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, W/E 8am-5pm, Pub Hols 8am-4pm believe in finding new opportunities to on the remaining land slips that are help people and to me the Christmas around the Northern parts of our / New Year time is about finding a LGA. We finally received disaster better way... next year. money from the state government at That’s one of the reasons I love our the end of last year, so we were able recycled Christmas tree in Lismore. It to bring in engineers to work on what shares the tradition of a community will be a few significant projects. The tree that brings people together, but amount of work required is a little with a twist. In making it recycled it I am really looking forward to seeing scary, but we don’t want these land also sends another message that what the missing piece of the Nimbin main slips to occur again, so it has to be we do matters. That we can make a street filled in 2018, with proposals done right. difference. That is a pretty traditional and DA’s finally firming up. I know These flood impacts and others are message even in the original Christian the community is wanting to see this still with us after the event last year sense of the celebration. healing take place and it will happen and a reminder that not everyone or Speaking of opportunities to gather, in a way that is very sensitive to the everything is back to the way it was. I am so pleased that the Allsopp community’s needs. It will be a part of I have been using the word hope a lot Park mural is being officially unveiled Nimbin for a long time to come, so it in my column this month, so I think on the 12th. Council was glad to has to be right. that is the theme. Hoping that the year be a part of this project and I am Unfortunately, due to the length of ahead is better than the one that has really proud of the hard work done debate at our December meeting, we passed. by the Nimbin Advisory Group on were unable to debate the development Hope is important and we need behalf of the community. Each of in Nimbin at 4 Blue Knob Road, just to make sure as a community that our community panels plays a vital out of town. I have heard concerns everyone has their hope reservoir role in highlighting community need. expressed about it, but also some topped up over the break. So make In a time of Facebook and instant positive comments from locals. sure that Christmas and New Year Four cosy one-bedroom timber cabins nestled on 33 opinions, gathering together in person, Expanding a village is always a difficult means something significant to those acres of natural bushland with abundant wildlife, on community, has never been more call, but in terms of sustainability we you meet and spread the love for a within easy walking distance of restaurants and shops. important. So see you all there on the need to focus growth around centres happy and sustainable 2018. From my Overnight or weekly – wheelchair access 12th at 11am! with services. I was prepared to family to yours... Happy New Year! TERETRE Retreat – NIMBIN 5 High Street, Nimbin NSW 2480 Ph: (02) 66 891 908 - Mob: 0427 891 626 Bus trial of coast run to Lismore underway Email: [email protected] - Web Site www.teretre.com.au A new commuter bus trial at 7.20am and picks up at started in December for Lennox Head (Beachfront commuters to Lismore from Bus Zone) at 7.40am and – FLOOR SANDING – Ballina, Lennox Head and Ballina (Tamar Street) at New & old floors, verandahs, decks Byron Bay. 8am, arriving at the Lismore Social Futures’ Transport Transit Centre at 8.40am, commuters, the weekly Byron Bay. • Free quotes & advice Development Officer Alex stopping at Goonellabah, pass equates to $3.60 per For more information and Lewers said the trial was Lismore Base Hospital and trip, that’s much cheaper to view the timetable visit: • Prompt service put forward by the Lismore Lismore Square along the than using the car for the www.goingplaces.org.au/ Sustainable Transport Group way and terminating at same trip,” said Mr Lewers. new-commuter-bus-service- • Quality work and championed by Lismore Southern Cross University. “What’s more, you can read lismore or contact Blanch’s assured MP Thomas George. The return trip departs a book, answer emails, catch Bus Company on (02) 6686- The new service is being from Lismore Transit Centre up on Facebook and while 2144. • All areas serviced delivered by Blanch’s Bus at 5.15pm and follows the you’re doing it save mileage Whether the trial is Rob Clark ph 6632-3342 or 0410-016-694 Company, and is running on same route. on your car.” extended or not will depend ABN 93 105 831 192 a six-month trial. The commuter bus costs In addition to the on patronage, so it’s use it or “This is a great win for $6.60 for a single adult fare commuter service, a new lose it. commuters,” Mr Lewers outside of Lismore, with direct route from Lismore to For anyone wishing to said. “A cheap and direct usual concessions applying. Byron Bay and return is also discuss public transport service taking in the major Regular commuters can available, via Bexhill, Clunes, and interested in joining a employers and education also purchase an unlimited and Bangalow. transport working group institutions at a time that is travel, daily pass for $12 or This service departs the in their area, contact Alex convenient for commuting.” a weekly unlimited travel Lismore Transit Centre at Lewers on 0402-134-311 The service departs from Freedom Pass for $36. 8.40am every weekday and or email: alex.lewers@ Jonson Street, Byron Bay “For five-day-a-week returns at 3.55pm from socialfutures.org.au Chamber Chat by Teresa Biscoe, president or interest groups who have contacted Council with traffic and parking This fresh New Year brings with it a concerns. The document is available number of great projects. The Light from LCC for anyone wanting to look at showed how important this response Up Nimbin under awning and mural and comment on this draft document. is. In that incident it was the quick lighting project will be installed and The Chamber is engaging with thinking of neighbours that prevented completed. We hope that once the initial Council, local, state and federal members this fire from destroying more of our infrastructure and lighting is installed to support the reinvigorated Rainbow lovely old town. we can in the future extend the project Walking Trail project for funding. We are working towards organising a on both sides of the streets. We are also working with local public meeting with all the stakeholders Lismore Council has released a draft emergency services to understand to give the community the chance to of the Nimbin Parking Strategy. Many how our services work to support contribute to this important issue. of the ideas expressed in the paper are a emergencies in our area and how we as We are also working on getting some result of councils consultation with the a community can support and develop great special guests to our next general Chambers General Meeting in February our own emergency responses when an meeting in March. Watch this space last year as well as feedback from the emergency occurs. and I’ll have a lot more detail in the next Nimbin Advisory Group (NAG) and The devastating fire that destroyed two GoodTimes. individual Nimbin village members totally iconic buildings in the town heart Happy and successful New Year to all.

Page 10 The Nimbin GoodTimes January 2018 [email protected] Collective experiences are good news On the same PAGE

Word of the Bird Lismore every year, with people from all over by Kevin Hogan MP, Member for Page the community. At the same time, this by Cr Elly Bird the country. I’m sure the party was epic. Wherever your New Year found you, I legislation very much protects the religious hope it was a good one, and if you chose At the start of 2018 I wish everyone all the institutions and freedoms in our country. ’m writing this sitting in my camp at to spend it quietly at home I hope it was best for the New Year. It is a good time From July 1 last year, some of the toughest IWoodford. It’s been a great festival so far, restful and relaxing. I’m sure that 2018 will to recap on some of the things we have laws against multinational tax avoidance and the opening ceremony went really well. bring its share of challenges, as well as times achieved together in 2017. in the world were introduced, allowing the It’s a real honour to bring it all together and of happiness, and I’m looking forward to Soon our region will become one of the government to crack down on multinational create an opening ceremony with the Jinibara whatever comes our way. largest growers of Medicinal Cannabis. tax avoidance. traditional owners, community ambassadors Recently I found a great resource for finding PUF Ventures Australia is investing $50 This legislation aimed to claw back from the local community, beautiful lanterns hope called Future Crunch which I really million in our region to cultivate and about $2 billion in tax this financial year. made by Lismore’s own LightnUp, fiery recommend following, if you are on Facebook. process medicinal cannabis. It quickly took effect with the Federal sculptures, and Bob Hawke singing Waltzing It’s important to remember the good news I am looking at ways to assist them to Government recouping $340 million in Matilda (yes, really). As usual there is in amongst all the bad news that we are fast track the project that will create 300 taxes owed by US-based giant Chevron. incredible music, circus, cabaret, activism, art constantly exposed to. I don’t usually do New local jobs and, importantly, help reduce Any large multinational corporation and food around every corner. Year’s resolutions, but this year I think I will the suffering of many ill people in our that attempts to move undeclared profits I’ve always been fascinated by events, and endeavour to watch less news. community. overseas will be hit with the new 40% the human desire to gather in large numbers Future Crunch have just published ‘99 We also announced the legalisation of Diverted Profits Tax. and have collective experiences. Our ability Reasons Why 2017 Was a Good Year’, and hemp seeds and hemp seed products. This It is only fair that if a company makes to come together to create environments and here are a couple of my favourites: is wonderful news for our region. Hemp money in Australia, it should be taxed in moments that are purely about celebration, • Women now occupy 23% of parliamentary seed products will now be legal to purchase Australia. The additional tax collected dance, beauty and movement. seats around the world, up from 12% in 1997 including hemp chocolate, hemp beer and will be used to provide services for our Our social need to celebrate, and to be • In July, 1.5 million people in the Indian hemp oil. Hemp products will boost our community. We need to ensure that multi- together collectively which we honour at this state of Madhya Pradesh set a new region’s economy and provide even more nationals pay their fair share of tax here in time of year. Guinness record for reforestation by jobs for our region. Australia so that we can continue to afford There is more that could be said about that, planting more than 67 million trees in a 12- The return of the postal plebiscite on same vital infrastructure and services. but I’m no academic and I’m sure others have hour period sex marriage returned an overwhelming We have also seen near record job creation said it more eloquently than I can right here • In 2017, the ozone hole shrunk to its ‘yes’ result which means same sex couples in the last 12 months. Over 380,000 jobs right now in camp at Woodford. smallest size since 1988, the year Bobby can now marry. Across the country, 7.8 were created over the last year, which means Besides, I’m feeling a need to celebrate McFerrin topped the charts with ‘Don’t million people voted for a yes result and on average, around 1,000 new jobs created and get into the festival and get amongst it. Worry Be Happy’ in our electorate of Page almost 60% of a day. What I think I am trying to say is that when • New figures at the beginning of the year we work together it is amazing what we can showed that the global coal industry is continents announced the largest ever country to legalise same sex marriage. A achieve, and that celebration and collective taking a hammering with a 48% drop in religious divestment from fossil fuels wonderful victory, hard fought for by so community moments are important for pre-construction activity, a 62% drop in • China will have installed 54GW of solar many brave people. About bloody time. all of us to rebalance ourselves, and to stay construction starts and a 19% drop in by the end of 2017, more than any country All the best to all of you for 2018. As connected to our place and our people. ongoing construction has ever previously deployed in a single year, always, I can be contacted for Council or I’ve been loving seeing the photos from • On the eve of one of their major feast days, and doubled their 2020 goal to 213 GW community matters on 0418-639-927 or: elly. Tropical Fruits, an equally iconic event held in 40 Catholic institutions on five different • In December, Australia became the 26th [email protected] Greens lash Liberal-Nationals ‘heartless’ disability advocacy cuts

by Dawn Walker MP, right across the North Coast for the NDIS as cover for these cuts, Greens Disability spokesperson almost 20 years will be forced to but other states like Victoria have massively decrease the number of stepped in to ensure that their The NSW Government’s planned people they support, lay-off staff disability advocacy funding will cuts to disability advocacy funding and possibly even close altogether. be maintained, despite the NDIS that will see a dramatic loss in Doug Hollingworth, Manager rollout. NSW must do the same. support for people with a disability Ability Advocacy, Alstonville, said, I’m calling on the NSW Premier on the North Coast and I call on “We employ six staff and support and National Party MP, Ben the NSW Premier and North approximately 120 people with Franklin to show some heart and Coast Nationals MP, Ben Franklin disabilities in the local area. These reverse these cruel cuts to ensure to urgently intervene. cuts would mean we would lose two DAISI and Ability Advocacy retain The looming cuts will take effect staff members and we’d be forced their funding beyond 2018 so they from June 2018 and threaten to to stop providing support to 40-50 can continue to support people wipe out local disability information people with disabilities who will with a disability from the Tweed services, DAISI based in Ballina and have nowhere else to turn. down to Grafton. Ability Advocacy in Alstonville. “We know how important our The looming funding cuts I’m appalled that NSW Liberal- services are to local families and have occurred because the State Nationals think it’s acceptable to people with disabilities across the Government will roll its disability cut core funding from our disability North Coast who will suffer as a advocacy services funding, worth advocacy services that assist some direct result of these cuts.” $13 million state-wide, into the of the most vulnerable people in Joanne Mclean, DAISI CEO, National Disability Insurance our community with a range of Ballina said, “We are facing a huge Scheme (NDIS). However, the everyday issues, including housing funding cliff due to these cuts, NDIS does not cover advocacy needs, service complaints and including a dramatic loss of staff services, leaving a major funding developing their NDIS applications and the closure of our shopfront in Dawn Walker with Greens MP Jenny Leong gap for NSW’s disability advocacy and plans. Ballina. We are applying for grants services that will impact nearly These heartless cuts mean and doing what we can to try and maintains disability advocacy to crow about budget surpluses, 50 disability advocacy services in organisations like DAISI and keep providing services to people funding, our organisation is on the but shows its true colours when it NSW, many in regional NSW. Ability Advocacy, which have been with disability, but the reality is edge of survival.” refuses to fund essential disability For more information, see: h t t p:// assisting people with a disability that unless the State Government This is a Government that likes services. They use the transition to standbyme.org.au

www.nimbingoodtimes.com January 2018 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 11 Gilbert Laurie and Louis Walker Community Centre News Photo: Tor Davis by Teresa Biscoe and Inez Price, Co-ordinators of volunteers including Darren McElroy, Jeddah Bayles, Linda Roberts and Saskia End of year party Kouwenburg, who provided a fantastic feast Bologman Ngulingah Garimah: Belonging, for the whole community. Sharing and Respect. All who attended had a wonderful time and We had a fantastic day in Allsopp Park I know that visitors who were lucky enough at the end-of-year party for the Nimbin to attend the event were amazed at the Community Centre on 15th December, wealth of culture being shared so freely. hosted by the Aboriginal Cultural Centre. There was a wonderful opening, a Welcome Opening of Allsopp Park mural to Country from local custodian and elder We wish to invite the community to attend Uncle Cec Roberts, some fine storytelling the opening of the new mural in Allsopp and introductions from local artist Gilbert Park, Nimbin. This project was funded Laurie, traditional music, songs and dances by Lismore City Council and managed via from Steve Johnson, Louis Walker and the Nimbin Community Centre. The mural Indigenoise boys. structure was replaced by Council as it was We also enjoyed the golden tones of local corroded and potentially unsafe. legend Billie Smith and the culturally informed The surface of the mural was also badly original works of contemporary indigenous damaged, so local indigenous artists and artist Blakboi with his soulful songs and moves, culture men Gilbert Laurie, Louis Walker work will be opened with a smoking grooves and raps of Indigenoise. and Oral Roberts worked together in the ceremony at 11am on Friday 12th January. We would like to thank the Cultural Centre Cultural Centre to paint an important local We would like to thank Council for their for hosting this event and generously sharing dreamtime story, the fight between the commitment to culture in commissioning their hospitality and culture with us all. goanna and the two-headed serpent. this work. Thanks especially to their wonderful group This beautiful and culturally significant We look forward to seeing you there. Stop Adani movement gets a boost at Murwillumbah by Scott Sledge soil and water? These long- be decided by us. term assets are essential for a Here in the Northern The nation-wide Stop sustainable world where our Rivers we have already Adani campaign has grown children and grandchildren decided that we will not with a new group formed can thrive. Fossil fuels? That sacrifice our future for in the Tweed during an is so last century! handful of damaging jobs or a information-sharing night We are on the threshold fistful of dollars. at the Regent Cinema at of a future world that We stopped rainforest Murwillumbah on 13th technology promises to logging. We stood up against December. transform – probably at an damming the Oxley River Publicity from the ever-accelerating pace. We and Byrrill Creek. We said organisers spread by need to make a choice of how No to CSG mining, and now Northern Rivers Guardians MC Scott Sledge Tony Barry, Ben Pennings and Sue Higginson to use our human capacities: we say no more coal mining and Caldera Environment will we see a future when we which would damage the Centre brought about 175 Tony Barry, recently Qld and its existing industries remind our governments that share the planet wisely with Great Artesian Basin, and people together from Uki, retired CEO of NSW of tourism and farming. Australia has signed up to all other species or continue probably destroy the Great M’bah, Tyalgum, Lismore, Environmental Defenders The Queensland govt has this accord. to pollute and destroy? Barrier Reef. Nimbin, Tweed Coast, Office, Sue Higginson agreed to allow Adani access Recently I heard the We are second only to We need to tell our pollies Tweed Heads, Byron, and national Stop Adani to unlimited water for 60 Federal Minister for Energy Indonesia in the number of that the Reef is not theirs, Mullum and other places spokesperson Ben Penning. years! No other mine or and Environment, Josh species extinctions... and but belongs to all the world on the North Coast to There is global concern industry enjoys this privilege. Freydenberg, say on ABC these continue as habitat is and all its creatures. To watch the documentary film about the effects of fossil The effects on global radio that all states should cleared for mining, logging damage the Reef is vandalism Guarding the Galilee and put fuel pollution on the climate change may be hard follow the Queensland etc. If we continue down this of the worst sort. questions to an expert panel. world’s climate. This issue to quantify but it certainly example to mine CSG. He path, the Earth may soon only We need to be weaned off As MC, I directed pithy is our issue. The 28-minute won’t help to achieve the said the rest of Australia is be suitable as a launch pad for fossil fuels. Renewables are (not pissy) questions from film Guarding Galilee reduction in carbon pollution “crazy” not to do so. rockets to take our cancerous the answer. Our number one the audience to comedian demonstrated how more fossil agreed to at the Paris Climate What is crazy about greed to other planets across priority for 2018 must be to Mandy Nolan, “actorvist” fuel mining will affect Central talks. I think we need to wanting to protect our air, the universe. The future will Stop Adani! Passion in the Pilliga by Sharyn Munro The Pilliga is one of Australia’s biodiversity hotspots; at first passing glance it may look In December, about 300 people gathered from the same, but is actually diverse and rich, with far-flung parts of the east coast to show that around 30 distinct ecosystems, home to over they cared: about the unique Pilliga Forest and 1000 native plant species and 300 animals, its flora and fauna; about the Great Artesian including 15 threatened flora species and 35 Basin; about the farmers of the North West; threatened fauna species… at least so far as we and about the Santos CSG Narrabri Project know, since the Pilliga has not yet revealed all that threatens them all. its mysteries. Most camped at Barkala, home to the Those we do know, like the Pilliga Mouse, the – to the water sources on which they depend. gasfields. deservedly famous Pilliga Pottery, a creative Black-striped Wallaby and the Koala, cannot The Pilliga is a critical recharge area for the There is NO solution for dealing with the and conservation oasis built by Maria and her survive in the maze of an industrial gas field. Great Artesian Basin. Depletion and pollution vast amounts of this toxic material: it is not family over decades, on their beautiful Pilliga Workshops filled the afternoon, with of precious water for an uneconomic and ‘merely’ salt that comes up from the coal property, a birdwatcher’s paradise. planning forums and a fabulous indigenous unnecessary gas resource? Fire danger from seams in the water that must be extracted From Friday evening onwards, the cars rolled dance performance into the twillight before the tall gas flares, permitted even on total fire to release the pressure and let the gas flow. in from the dusty road, tents and signs popped dinner and music and song, then bed, as a 7am ban days in this dry forest, was another huge Radioactive elements are just some of the up, and volunteers manned information and start was planned for Sunday’s actions. concern. naturally occurring contaminants. (Note: kitchen tents. Amazingly, an early and bountiful breakfast Marshalls directed us to the letters drawn fracking is not currently the proposed The 200 or so campers spent Saturday awaited, plus snacks to take with us. A long in the sand; about 60 people per letter. All method of extraction here.) morning on walks and tours discovering the convoy of vehicles drove for about an hour, up ages were here, from the elderly on sticks to The People from the Plains were grateful Pilliga. I opted for Maria’s Walk, to her special the Newell Highway and into Pilliga State kids and dogs, with Knitting Nannas from for the outside support shown here; farms lookout, where we looked across one aspect of Forest to dry sandy Bohena Creek, site of the the Central Coast, Newcastle, Gloucester, the are large and scattered over great distances. the vast 500,000 ha of this largest temperate human NO CSG sign we were there to make. Manning and the Northern Rivers. They need us to keep up the passion felt this woodland west of the Great Dividing Range. Many more met us there: locals and farmers, Many of us then followed the innovative weekend and the pressure to say NO to the Maria pointed out to us and her small our numbers now being about 300 passionate Jo Holden and her two tiptrucks of bagged Narrabri project, which would be just the first grandson the distant Warrumbungles, with Pilliga Protectors. The Pilliga region is so vast paper symbolic ‘toxic waste’ to the gates at the of the Santos PEL empire. the dome of Sidings Springs Observatory just that even locals may have to drive several hours Leewood Facility, where they were piled up to The insanity of the Santos CSG project was visible. Their special Dark Sky status will be to get to another part, as today. the chant of ’We don’t want your toxic waste’, made crystal clear; there are no good reasons ruined if Santos proceed: science and tourism Several farmers spoke eloquently and amongst others. Narrabri CSG will be seven for it, only obvious reasons why it must not gone for gas. movingly about the grave risk – guaranteed? times as salty as that from the Queensland proceed. Page 12 The Nimbin GoodTimes January 2018 [email protected] Making an example of Dr Pot Blue Knob IT by John Jiggens Embassy disputes this: support for medicinal cannabis Over 15 years professional computer experience “We are in a position sky-rocketed, reaching over The latest casualty in the now in Australia where 90% in several polls. Friendly local advice since 2014 – No fix no fee war on the underground cannabis is sounding from Given this level of public Phone: 6689-7079 Email: [email protected] medical cannabis community the politicians like it’s legal support and the growing in Australia is Dr Andrew but in fact it’s now virtually international acceptance Katelaris, aka Dr Pot, a impossible to get it legally, of medicinal cannabis, medical cannabis pioneer, so a lot of people are risking Australia’s politicians who has been languishing in their necks to help people were forced to accept that various NSW prisons since access medical cannabis.” criminalising sick people for December 5, 2017. Maria Katelaris points out using a drug that eased their Dr Katelaris has been that governments haven’t suffering looked heartless, not more than thirty or charged with multiple legislated for a moratorium and many switched sides to forty patients are able to offences, including supplying for those who supplied support legalisation. access legal cannabis in commercial quantities medical cannabis before the However, the enemies New South Wales. Lucy of a prohibited drug and alleged legalisation and who of medicinal cannabis, Haslam estimates that the manufacturing and producing continue to supply it to tens the police and the health black market contains tens a commercial quantity of of thousands of patients who authorities, have shaped the of thousands of medical a prohibited drug, charges cannot obtain the extremely medical cannabis laws the cannabis users. which could see him jailed for scarce legal cannabis. politicians brought in and While access to medical decades. “Because there is no amnesty, these regulations, or rather cannabis is administered His wife, Maria Katelaris, Andrew’s fallen right between over-regulations, continue to in this highly-restricted, said, “Andrew has been the cracks,” she said. make legal medical cannabis bureaucratic manner, many of lobbying for decades to as unworkable as possible and the activists who campaigned decriminalise a plant, namely Suppressing the medical cannabis medicines almost for legalisation continue to cannabis, and in the process cannabis insurrection unobtainable from any other be arrested by the police and he’s become criminalised source besides the black their supplies and their plants himself.” Before 2016, all medicinal market. have been confiscated. She says that, for the crimes cannabis was illegal in Lucy Haslam of United in The names of those who of the compassionate use Australia and all supplies Compassion, spoke of the deep have been raided and arrested of cannabis and for being – whether for childhood shame she felt in politicians before Andrew Katelaris decades ahead of NSW laws epilepsy, for cancer patients, who had imposed a system include Jenny Hallam, Matt on medical cannabis, Dr or for those with intractable designed primarily for the and Elizabeth Pallett and Katelaris is being treated pain – were illegal and had pharmaceutical companies, Tony Bower, and reads by the NSW police and to be sourced from the black- which was bureaucratic, almost like an honours list for the Department of Public market. Medical cannabis convoluted, time-consuming, medicinal cannabis activism. Prosecutions (the DPP) as a was a crime. over-regulated and expensive, Maria Katelaris remarked: major criminal. The injustice of the where the overwhelming “Letting Andrew languish in Nimbin people are prohibition on medicinal majority of medical cannabis jail for the next 20 years over familiar with Dr Katelaris cannabis changed due to an users were still forced to the a principle that he has held who regularly speaks at extraordinary campaign of black market. dearly for several decades is Mardi Grass and at medical testimonies for the beneficial “I think that New South medieval.” cannabis workshops and they uses of cannabis that were Wales voters should realise Dr Katelaris will next know that he is not a big drug aired on the mainstream they have been duped at both appear in court on January dealer, as the police charges media between 2013 and the state level and the federal 24, when his bail application imply. Katelaris has been a 2016 by numerous champions level. Politicians have been will be debated. pioneer in the legalising of of medical cannabis including very quick to stand in front cannabis debate forever. Andrew Katelaris, Tony of the camera and to take Dr John Jiggens is a writer and Governments claim that Bower, Dan and Lucy the accolades for making journalist who has published since medicinal cannabis Haslam, Elizabeth and Matt medical cannabis available several books including has been legalised in Pallet, etc. when in fact they’ve done the Marijuana Australiana Australia, the black market As Australians learned opposite.” and Sir Joseph Banks and in cannabis medicines must about using cannabis for In practice, the laws the Question of Hemp. He be suppressed. Michael the treatment of childhood allowing access to medicinal currently works as a journalist 80 Cullen Street 6689-0199 Balderstone of the Hemp epilepsy and pain relief, cannabis are so strict that at Bay-FM in Byron Bay. A weekend of Medican workshops and seminars The medicinal uses and healing grow your own. advice. Sunday’s workshop also includes properties of the cannabis plant are The next Medican Workshop and Rayman on juicing raw cannabis, Radic many. Seminar will be held at the Nimbin Al on whole plant therapy and Andrew In the last decade this has been more Bush Theatre on Saturday 20th and Kavasilas on the government’s latest widely recognised by mainstream science Sunday 21st January from 11am to legal stances. and society. Governments worldwide are 4.20pm. Free entry. It’s free entry and the Nimbin Bush gradually implementing legislation to Speakers include MC Michael Theatre Cafe will be open serving great accommodate this. Balderstone, plus three Californian locally produced coffee and treats, Drug companies are also poised in Medican makers, who will demonstrate including some very delicious Hemp and the wings as there are big profits to be various methods of creating Medican Matcha cheesecake! made from selling a medical cannabis products, (with legal herbs) and talk At 6.30pm, Neil Pike from the Pagan Fin de siecle fantasies products. However these medicines are about their experiences in North Love Cult will perform on the outdoor easy and affordable to make for yourself. America. stage. Free entry. yantraseeds.com The Nimbin HEMP Embassy believes Saturday’s speakers include Dr. Deb Makers or users of medical cannabis that whatever legal framework is Waldren, Dr Teresa Towpik and CBD who want to share their stories, please arrived at regarding the uses of medical Luke on using medical cannabis in email: [email protected] or phone cannabis, it should include the right to today’s climate, plus Steve Bolt on legal 02 6689-1842.

www.nimbingoodtimes.com January 2018 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 13 Photos and text by Mel Williamson

Nimbin has a rich culture of live music that you can catch A year of music any day of the week, whether at one of the venues that puts on regular gigs every week; or at jam sessions at the Oasis Cafe and elsewhere; or the local and visitor busking that enlivens the street and our markets. These photos are just a small taste of the music and musicians that have added vibrancy to our village in 2017. Thank you to all who support live music, Australian and overseas touring artists who visit Nimbin, and especially, thanks to the many talented local musicians who regularly support the venues (and patrons) that support music.

All sorts of buskers..

The visiting manouche duo

Reuben Barkley Jolanda Moyle Freowin Harper

Fat Picnic

Tori Forsyth Hat Fitz & Cara Erin Sphere 2017 saw a great mix of buskers, local and touring performers Northern Rivers Dance in 2018! and Gumbo Massive Back by popular demand

Photo: Mel Williamson

The last Jazz and Gumbo night at the Nimbin Bush Fresh from extensive touring, to present his own solo Theatre in October was packed with smiling families and Tijuana Cartel (pictured) incarnation, Black Rabbit happy folk enjoying the yummy in-house gumbo and lively will bring their possė of George, where he explores New Orleans jazz as played by The Magnificence. passionate players to Nimbin further the acoustic guitar For many this was the first time to taste gumbo, and all for what promises to be an that lies at the heart of agreed it was delicious! They also agreed we should do it all Selki evening of ecstatic vibration. the Cartel, but this time again, so we have! They play a mix of more thoroughly rooted in Playing almost-traditional jazz and New Orleans-inspired The Northern Rivers Massive is an all-day, world-class youth Middle Eastern scales and the folk/roots genres that music for over a decade, The Magnificence (pictured festival welcoming home the prodigal children of music, dancebeats, with a general originally inspired him to performing last time), led by trumpeter and singer Cam showcasing some of our local talent who have travelled forth psychedelic approach. take up the instrument. Smith, create enthusiastic, fun-loving music that is played from the region and had great successes out in the world of Bound together by their As if these two acts alone with so much raw passion and commitment that audiences music in 2017. mutual love of instrumental, weren’t sufficient to create cannot help but feel uplifted and happy! Some of the brightest and fastest rising stars in the new trippy and mind-expanding a fine performance, they’ve New Orleans Jazz is informal street jazz, played by the generation of music will present an all-day extravaganza of music, producer-performers added DJ Future Roots to people as a defiant response to the hardships of the world talent, passion and musical vision, including Danika Smith, Paul George and Carey kick off proceedings. and in the process of creating a response transforming the Reilly Fitzalan AKA Lui, Vamasi, Selki, Art Pleasley, Teddy O’Sullivan have an uncanny This night of contemporary world into a better place. In the late 19th century, while the Lewis King, Angie Hudson and DJ Zac Schram. knack for blending layers world beats will be on at the rest of America were stomping along to military marches, Coming home to our area for holiday time means we of rich, atmospheric iconic Nimbin Bush Theatre New Orleans was dancing to Voodoo rhythms. get to see a showcase like this, ranging from rootsy folk to soundscapes with laidback auditorium on Sunday 7th Musicians took the sounds they heard in church and electronica, to hip hop. rhythms and luscious vocals January at 8pm, tickets created a new fun and rebellious form of jazz. Don’t miss this all-ages gig at the Nimbin Bush Theatre to form an electronic beats $25. The Cafe will be open Gumbo (veg and non-veg), red beans and rice will be on Auditorium and Outdoor Stage on Saturday 6th January, 1pm tapestry that gets feet serving meals, treats and the menu for this special evening celebration of all thing -11pm. Tickets are $10 on the door which will buy you 10 moving and people dancing. drinks. BYO OK. Book N’awlins. hours of the best local talent. This gig is also a chance tickets online at: www. Don’t miss this magical night of jazz under the stars at The Cafe will be open serving meals, drinks and treats. for cartelier, Paul George nimbinbushtheatre.com/events 7pm on Friday 2nd February. Entry by donation. Page 14 The Nimbin GoodTimes January 2018 [email protected] MOVIES AT THE BUSH THEATRE

him and guiding him onto worldwide Nina’s road back to the stage, assisted recognition as a mathematical genius. by Clifton who believes in her talent This is an inspiring story of adversity passionately and champions her cause. against racism and poverty and a deeply After many trials and tribulations, Nina moving film, both hopeful and tragic, performs in New York’s Central Park, and one that has been greatly admired crowds flock to see her perform, and for it’s revelations and celebration of the the concert goes down as a triumph in life of the great Srinivasa Ramanujan – musical history. the man who knew infinity. The film is moving and dramatic, it studies a remarkable talent, and the highs and lows of stardom and fame. Inside Out Nina remains a huge inspiration to 11am, Wednesday 10th January many: her performances are known as Rated G. $10 entry. Free popcorn with every a benchmark of excellence that many ticket! performers today can only aspire to. Inside Out is a 3D animation Her stance on human rights is still held psychological comedy-drama film as a high point of musical activism that produced by Pixar and released by inspire many artists and activists to Disney.The film is set in the mind of this day. Her musical interpretations a young girl named Riley Andersen, of others’ compositions are growing in where five personified emotions— esteem over the years, as with hindsight Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness, Anger, her talent is recognised as stellar, rare Fear and Disgust — try to lead her and beyond peer. Nina was a brave through life as her parents move from woman: she would not silence her Minnesota to San Francisco, and she The Empire Strikes Back politics to please the music industry, has to adjust to her new surroundings. 11am, Wednesday 17th January which cost her dearly. But Nina has the Docter first began developing Inside Rated PG. $10 entry. Dress-ups! Free last word, as one of the greatest singers Out in 2010, after noticing changes in popcorn with every ticket! of all time. Hear her music on the big his daughter’s personality as she grew The Empire Strikes Back – Star Wars: PA and get ready to get chills! BYO is older. The film’s producers consulted Episode V is a 1980 film – the second OK. numerous psychologists, who helped instalment in the original Star Wars revise the story by emphasising trilogy – and stars Mark Hamill, the neuropsychological findings Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Frank that human emotions affect Oz (as Yoda). relationships and can have a significant The film is set three years after Star impact on them. Wars, Episode IV. The Galactic Empire The film received several awards, under the leadership of the villainous including a BAFTA, Golden Globe, Darth Vader and the Emperor is in Critics choice award and the Academy pursuit of Like Skywalker and the rest Award for best animated feature. of the Rebel Alliance. While Vader A great fun film, with a few real relentlessly pursues the small band of insights that may guide a smaller person Luke’s friends across the galaxy, Luke to understand their own emotions, studies the Force under Jedi Master while enjoying classic laughs and some Yoda. When Vader captures Luke’s moving moments. The cafe will be open friends, Luke must decide whether to serving great kid-friendly meals, snacks complete his training and become a full and drinks, and award winning coffee Jedi Knight or to confront Vader and for the grown-ups. save them. The Empire Strikes Back received Spear mixed reviews from critics initially but 8pm, Friday 26th January has since grown in esteem, becoming Rated M. $10 entry. the most critically acclaimed chapter As part of The Nimbin Bush Theatre’s in the Star Wars saga. Come in your Survival Day Festival we present best Star Wars dress-ups and enjoy Artistic Director, Stephen Page’s the magic of the Force! Our last Star adaptation of the Bangarra Dance Wars dress-up was a great success, with Company’s own stage performance small Jedi, Leia’s and Storm Troopers piece, Spear (2015). Young indigenous enjoying the show. A Wookie may even actor Hunter Page-Lochard (Stephen appear! Page’s son, an incredible dancer, who has since gained fame as ‘Cleverman’) The Man Who Knew Infinity plays the central character of Djali – 8pm Friday 12th January a young Aboriginal man who is on a Rated PG. $10 entry. journey to understand what it means The Man Who Knew Infinity is the to become a man and, in particular, true story of a friendship that changed a man with ancient traditions living mathematics forever. In 1913, Srinivasa in a modern world. Djali’s journey Ramanujan (Dev Patel), a self-taught takes him from grimy city Indian mathematics genius, travelled streets to majestic Australian country to Trinity College, Cambridge, where landscapes such as northeast Arnhem over the course of five years he forged Land, all the while surrounded by the a bond with his mentor, the brilliant Bangarra dance team as they act out the and eccentric professor, G.H. Hardy expression of not only his journey, but (Jeremy Irons), and fought against that of many indigenous men who have prejudice to reveal his mathematical Nina struggled to survive in ‘white’ Australia. talent to the world. 8pm, Friday 19th January The film explores alcoholism, suicide, At the turn of the twentieth Rated M. $10 entry. spiritual redemption, celebration and century, Srinivasa Ramanujan is a Nina is an American biographical film survival. struggling citizen of Madras in India written and directed by Cynthia Mort. This is a contemporary fable, working at menial jobs at the edge of The film focuses on American musician told through movement and dance, poverty. His employers notice that and civil rights activist Nina Simone, underscored by an evocative soundtrack he seems to have exceptional skills at portrayed by Zoe Saldana. In 1988, composed by Stephen Page’s brother, mathematics and they begin to make world famous and highly regarded David Page (who sadly passed away in use of him for rudimentary accounting singer, Nina Simone is financially April 2015). This beautiful work of art tasks. It becomes increasingly clear unsound, mentally unstable and an deserves to be seen on a large screen to his employers that Ramanujan’s alcoholic. Her 1960’s heyday is far and through a professional PA. It is mathematical insights exceed the simple behind her. After threatening a lawyer an artistic immersion into some of the accounting tasks they are assigning with a gun, she is forcibly committed themes of modern day Australia from to him. They contact G.H. Hardy, a to a LA Psychiatric hospital for twenty- the viewpoint of a young Indigenous famous mathematician a Cambridge four hours. While in hospital, Nina man, and a testament to the power and College, who takes a special interest hires Orderly Clifton Henderson as an the survival of the worlds oldest living in Ramanujan, eventually mentoring assistant. What unfolds is the story of culture.

www.nimbingoodtimes.com January 2018 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 15 Survival Women Like Us Hall of Shame Tour It’s been two and a half years on the road for Women Like Us comedians Day event Ellen Briggs and Mandy Nolan who have chalked up an impressive 72 shows, in Nimbin performing to almost 20,000 people from Moree to Melbourne, Townsville to Tamworth, Bundaberg to Brisbane and Surfers to Sydney. The Nimbin Bush Theatre proudly presents a day to They call themselves “The bogan celebrate the survival of the world’s oldest living culture on woman’s thinking woman and the 26th January, 1pm to 10pm (entry by donation), featuring thinking woman’s bogan.” Indigenous performers and ceremony, and culminating in The show is two hours of stand- the epic masterpiece from Bangarra, the film Spear. up comedy, an hour a piece by these From 1pm to 4pm we present Craig Atkins, a proud powerful, no holes barred, tell it how Indigenous man from the Meru region of the SA Riverina. it is pin-up girls for what they call Real Craig is a passionate performer of rootsy blues, playing Women. “We want our comedy to guitar, a stomp box and didjeridoo. He will get your feet demystify a lot of the garbage that we’re tapping and body moving with his great blues played with fed about being women,” says Briggs. 100% commitment and a passionate verve. “We tell everyday stories about our At 4pm ’til 6pm we are very blessed to have Emily struggles, our failure to parent, the Wurrumarra (pictured), a rising star in the firmament of beauty industry, getting fatter, strange Australian music performance. Singing in both English surgeries, obsessions, frustrations, and and Anindilyakwa, the traditional language of her home at the end of the day who unpacks the on Groote Eylandt, NT, Wurramara says, “The language dishwasher.” songs are definitely a dedication to my grandmother.” The show sells out at nearly every stop. Wurramara wrote her first song at nine years of age, and Something that initially surprised the sings with heart and honesty. She will be launching her two comedians, but now reinforces what Women Like Us, the book! Stay in the car. new single on this day, so catch her while you can. As more they call “a need for truth.” Briggs and Nolan performed at Women Like Us guarantees two discover her incredible talent and honey-soaked vocals, “Sure we’re making jokes,” says Nolan, the sold out Up Front showcase hours of non-stop laughter with crowds she is highly in demand across the country. Her music is who’s known to push the bucket under at Melbourne Comedy Festival at declaring it the funniest show they’ve something very special. a few sacred cows and pull down Melbourne Town Hall last year, these seen. The most common refrain is: “I From 6.30pm to 7.30pm we will host a sunset Smoking hard, “but in the end if you laugh at two were clearly the comedy picks of the can’t believe you girls aren’t on TV!” Ceremony and cultural exchange with local Elders on something you disempower it. Women night. One reviewer raved: “Two totally TV wouldn’t handle Women Like Us. our gardens by the Mulgum Creek. These ceremonies are leaving our show thanking us not relatable ladies who hit the nail on the It has to be seen to be believed! are moving, educational and highly inspirational. All are just for how much they laughed, but head of charismatic female comedy. Catch Women Like Us when they welcome to share in this sacred moment and to be purified because they said we made them feel Prepare yourself to be hunched over in take their comedy to two local halls for in the smoke, language and ceremony of our local mob. normal!” hysterics!” their Hall of Shame Tour, on Friday Spear (rated M) will show in the auditorium from 8pm. Mandy Nolan is a columnist for the But this isn’t just a show for women 12th January at Pottsville Community This is a stunning film by the Bangarra Dance Company Byron Shire Echo, and writes regularly This is a show for men who love women. Hall and on Saturday 13th January at depicting a young indigenous man’s journey through the for Mamamia. She has appeared on Men who have mothers. Sisters. Wives. Uki Hall. landscape of modern Australia. $10 entry. ABC’s Q&A, SBS’s Mum’s The Word And Daughters. Men who work with At both shows, doors 7pm, show 8pm. The Cafe will be open serving gorgeous food, drink and and About Women, and is in demand as women. Food by Limezest with light dishes treats. Come along and celebrate the magic of Aboriginal a corporate and club performer around Women Like Us is an opportunity for and sweet treats. BYO. Tix $30 at: culture at the Nimbin Bush Theatre. the country. blokes to step inside the female psyche www.womenlikeus.com.au or at Dune in Ellen Briggs is a national Finalist for and get an insight into what we really Pottsville or at the Uki Supermarket, or RAW comedy and winner of Foxtel think. So often women leave the show at the door if not sold out. Comedy Channel’s Be A Comedian. The declaring, “I wish I had bought my “There’s something magic about a hall two women have well over 30 years of husband! He needed to hear this!” gig,” says Nolan. “They’re always our The Happy Africa Festival comedy experience between them, and Although the show does come with a favourite! And they’re wild!” in 2018 they look forward to launching warning for men who don’t like women. The Nimbin fashion Show is back!

For more than 25 years, The Nimbin Fashion Show has been a great opportunity for designers from the Nimbin region to showcase their original and unique sense of fashion. An all-day Festival of all Woodford and Splendour. Hundreds of people over the things Happy and African The Festival is comprised of years have worked hard to bring will be held at the Nimbin workshops and performances the community top level shows year Bush Theatre on Saturday for all ages with an evening after year. Shows that combine 13th January, from 10am to concert in the auditorium of our amazing local designs with 11.30pm. the Happy Africa Orchestra, the Nimbin community’s ability to Bring the whole family which is a collaboration of present a consistently professional and to this tasty day of music, high energy African rhythms, entertaining artistic show. dancing, story telling and Afro-beats into Afro-flow; In that time, the co-ordination of this celebration. showcasing an array of wonderful event has passed through The Festival will be hosted percussion on the djembes, different hands, but always with a by Gabriel Otu (pictured), doun doun’s, kick-bass, community base. who was born in Ghana, shakers, bells and asalato. This year on Saturday 24th February, West Africa, and began the spotlight shines again as our dancing at eight years of Program glamorous models take a stroll down age, taught by his mother, • 10am – 11am. Kids the catwalk. In a combination of the a traditional dancer of the Workshop. Dancing, present, the past and the future, it will Nungua tribe. drumming and storytelling, include new contemporary designers At 16 years of age he began $15 and several designers who have featured travelling the world dancing • 1pm – 2pm. Live African as far back as the early ‘90s and and drumming, and telling Music and Open Jam on the noughties, like Poppie Rose and Pol. stories of his traditions. Outdoor Stage. Free entry. Some of the contemporary and future- His mission statement is • 3pm – 4.30pm. Drumming primitive designers include Desert “lifting people through music Workshop in the Owl (utilizing innovative tanning and dance to a level of high Auditorium, $15 techniques), Von-We Felted Fashion energy and happiness”. • 4.30pm – 5.30pm. (hand-made felt clothes), Pangaia and Having played major Dancing workshop in the also Maya Krasna, Wylde Skye, Raquel, festivals all over the world, Auditorium. $15 Tree Rivaa and many more. Tickets will be available online and at including the famed • 8pm – 10.30pm. Happy Nimbin Fashion Designers is a the Green Bank, the Mad Hattery and Parmafest in Ghana, Gabriel Africa Orchestra Concert, collective of designers and creatives at Music Bizarre in Lismore. Otu now resides and teaches $15. All Ages. hoping to revive the classic Nimbin Any designers wishing to be involved, in Mullumbimby, and has Book online at: www. Fashion Shows of old, that brought joy contact Samara on 0429-806-288 or Pol performed at Womadelaide, nimbinbushtheatre.com/events to so many people. on 0419-210-074.

Page 16 The Nimbin GoodTimes January 2018 [email protected] Little Mermaid sure to hook in audiences Ballina Players is bringing Disney’s The Little Mermaid to life on stage during the school holidays. There is more to this classic tale than froth and bubbles. There is also wisdom, like loving someone how they are instead of how we want them, or not blaming all humans for a few wicked ones. This production is a directing debut for Jackie McCalman, who is a talented and seasoned performer on stage. The team of three choreographers, each specialising in different dance styles including ballet, contemporary, hip hop, tap and Latin, provide dynamic and exciting routines. Come and see the tap dancing seagulls and salsa dancing sea creatures – a delight not to be missed! The Little Mermaid runs at Ballina Players from 12th to 21st January. Details and booking information are on the website: www.ballinaplayers. 47 Cullen Street, Nimbin com.au or via Facebook. Tickets can also be purchased from Just Funkin Flounder (Lachlan Saul), Scuttle (Sebastian Gallagher) Music in River Street, Ballina. and baby seagull (Summer Barndon)

workshops on four continents, for the public, festivals, schools, churches, Rehearsing for Heaven organisations and corporate training events. He continues to record and arrange vocals with artists around the world, and lead tours to black churches and choirs in the USA bi-annually. He returns to Australia in January to teach at his 19th Summersong Music Camp, and inspire singers of all levels in his infamously fun and uplifting a cappella workshop, to be held at Byron Region Community College in Mullumbimby on Saturday 13th January, 1 – 4pm, admission from 12.40pm. New Zealand native Tony Backhouse directed for 21 years. No bookings necessary; cash founded Sydney’s foremost a cappella He also founded the Honeybees payment on arrival $35, or $30 for gospel choir, Cafe of the Gate of choir and has sung with the reclusive Summersong graduates. Salvation in 1986. male a cappella group, the Heavenly For more information, go to: He arranged, composed and still Light Quartet since 1996. www.tonybackhouse.com or: www. writes music for the choir he has Tony has run over 2000 vocal summersongmusiccamp.com Powerful Iraqi dance beats WomAdelaide favourites Assyrian language. Azzadoota are bringing Wearing costumes inspired their contemporary Assyrian by their royal ancestors, dance- music back Azadoota’s powerful horn to Nimbin. section heralds a renaissance Founder Robin Zirwanda of their ancient culture, while comes from Iraq, where the driving rhythm section the Assyrians trace their gives new life to traditional Nimbin Hotel ancestors back 7000 years. dance beats. & Backpackers Recognised throughout This is a band who play 53 Cullen Street, Nimbin. Ph: 6689-1246 the diaspora as a goodwill impeccable that ambassador for his little- will have your feet tapping at the Nimbin Bush Theatre 28th January, free entry. The known nation, Robin sings and your heart racing. Catch in the gardens by Mulgum cafe will be open, it’s kid- catchy originals in his native them on the outdoor stage Creek at 1pm on Sunday friendly and BYO is OK. NIMBIN BISTRO January Gigs – AND – TRIVIA NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY, 7pm Thursday 4th 7pm Surf Report Home of Friday 5th 7pm Brommers Band BOWLO the Big LOUNGE Saturday 6th 7pm TBA 25 Sibley Street Nimbin. Phone 6689-1250 Bowler 25 Sibley Street Nimbin. Phone 6689-1473 Thursday 11th 7pm Guy Katchel Friday 12th 7pm Mistram What’s On in January? LIVE ENTERTAINMENT THIS MONTH Saturday 13th 7pm David & Michael • Saturday 14th – Visiting Club: Cabarita Bowls Every Thursday, 6pm Joe Blow Thursday 18th 7pm Slim Pickens • Friday 26th – Australia Day – Bowls, Beer & BBQ • Friday 5th, 6pm Rob Cass Friday 19th 7pm Stu Hardcourt • Friday 12th, 6pm Dave Barbara • Open Mike Nights – Wednesdays 17th & 31st Saturday 20th 7pm TBA • Friday 19th, 6pm Khan • Friday Nights – Twilight Bowls, Raffles Thursday 25th 7pm TBA • Friday 26th, 6pm Freowin Harper • Social Bowls – Sundays, 9am Friday 26th 7pm Papa • Friday 2nd Feb, 6pm Brommers Saturday 27th 7pm TBA • Courtesy Bus – Enquire at Bar • Membership – $5 due in Jan Open for Lunch & Dinner JOKER POKER EVERY THURSDAY EVENING Wednesday to Sunday First-timers Catering for functions the mended drum and novice Open for Lunch & Dinner Daily Specials bowlers welcome of all budgets and tastes

www.nimbingoodtimes.com January 2018 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 17