Zac goes commercial Nimbin District ANZAC Day 2016 by Paul Le Bars

The 2016 ANZAC Day dawn service was well attended with some 80 people turning up. It was an intimate and moving service. The commemorative address given by RAAF WAC Elaina Elder-Robinson Artwork mastered by local spray-can artist Zac Price has was deep and heartfelt. This was the rejuvenated an ugly fence facing Nimbin’s western carpark. second dawn service in living memory, Lifestyle Real Estate agent Peter Robinson said, “A big thank and given the increased attendance on you to Zac for his creative spirit!” last year, I see it as a permanent fixture Other exemplary works by Zac include the eye-catching for future ANZAC Days. exterior walls of Nimbin’s public toilet block. The ANZAC march and Zac can produce murals and large-scale designs on demand. commemorative service attracted over Phone him on 0456-043-818 to discuss your project. 300, and even though we had few veterans, many marched with the medals of their kin from WWI though to the almost present day. The parade was led by RAAF WAC Elaina Elder-Robinson followed by the flag bearers from Nimbin RFS, and representation from Nimbin 52 Cullen Street Central School, Coffee Camp Public School and Trinity Catholic College with • Nimbin’s own Aquarius Loaf baked fresh daily many other joining on their kin’s behalf. • Sourdough bread and rolls including organic Rev. Grant Andrews from the white and bio-dynamic spelt Salvation Army gave some heartfelt and • Huge range of pies and pastries, including sobering words of sacrifice, remembrance vegetarian varieties and respect followed by the prayer of • Salad rolls, sandwiches and hamburgers made remembrance, then followed by Taita Thaiday-Shinn with the poem For fresh all day the Fallen. This year’s stirring and • Quality Botero coffee served all day, every day thoughtful commemorative address • Loads of cakes, slices and treats was given by Darren Butcher from the • Order your birthday and special occasion cakes Nimbin Chamber of Commerce. Making our own “Hippie Bread” from local, Wreaths and flowers were laid This annual event grows in numbers James Alexander who regularly heads bio-dynamic wheat, baked within hours of being followed by a reading by Nimbin and respect, and it is our wonderful the parade with his haunting melodic ground at the Nimbin Community Grain Mill. Central School-School Captain, Nathan community that makes each ANZAC bagpipes and performs the Pipers Ruggery. The Last Post and Reveille Day a memorable event. This year a new Lament at the service. Thank James for OPEN SUNDAY 9am – 3pm was beautifully played by Petria Dean. battery-powered PA donated by Peter help in finding a pre-recorded lament, but Light refreshments were provided by the and Janet Robinson was used, and it you beat them hands down. We all wish Nimbin Hotel and two-up followed, with works a treat. you all the best in your recovery. Phone 6689 1769 some big wins. Missing this year was our resident piper, “Lest We Forget”

legislations and how this affects you as Veterans Info Day a veteran and ex serving member of the A Veterans’ Information Outreach Day will Defence Force, be held at Nimbin Bowling Club from 10am • Access to medical and service documents to 12pm on Friday 20th May. through Department of Defence, Members of Lismore RSL Sub-branch will • Welfare needs: VVCS, DefenceCare, be informing the wider veteran community on: treatment cards for certain mental • The role of the RSL and volunteering, conditions, referrals to psychiatrists and • Pension entitlements across three home care requirements. Save energy, save money by Theresa Biscoe variation administered by be a commitment from the LCC, funds can be applied chamber if we supported The Chamber of Commerce for via the Chamber, and this project, and so we are had its first general meeting discussion centred around examiningthe options and with members on 16th March the most effective use of the would love some feedback at the Rainbow Power funding. from the community. The Company in Alternative Way. Stakeholders from the Chamber recognises that if it Paul from Rainbow Power various major upcoming is to achieve the aspirations Company opened the evening developments in Nimbin, of the Action Plan it will take with a brief discussion of his (Supermarket, Cubes Motel, the participation of the whole organisation, and then how Rainbow & Museum), gave a community in the process, the Nimbin Sustainability brief on the current stage of so we would like to see the Plan related to local members. the development. A number formation of action groups A large part of this discussion of members present expressed of interested parties from the was focussed on how an considerable concern and wider community. energy audit could not frustration about the lack Please contact the Chamber only reduce energy use and of community consultation if you have interest in improve energy efficiency. It in the planning process and becoming part of a focus could also create substantial the increasing pressure this group. Local members savings in energy costs as a will create on infrastructure of the chamber will also result. Paul then informed already at capacity with have the resources of the the group that Rainbow current local and visitor use. NSW Chamber as part Power Company offered a free The chamber is considering of our membership. There energy use audit for all local a request from Nimbin is lots of information and businesses and organisations. Community Centre to resources available to support The various chamber support a project to provide businesses. committee members solar powered under-awning The next general meeting then presented aspects lighting and lighting to will be in June and advertised of the Chamber Action illuminate our beautiful via the GoodTimes. Please join Plan as developed via the murals beginning with the us if you are an organisation Sustainability Forum with an school side of Cullen Street. or business in our community. overview from the Chamber The costs are substantial, It is our collective efforts that President. Of considerable but government funding have made Nimbin such a interest to the meeting was may be available to offset the special place and will continue the special business rate levy costs. There would have to to do so.

Page 2 The Nimbin GoodTimes May 2016 [email protected] Aquarius folk wanted for soundtrail POT A’ GOLD CAFE Lismore City Council is calling on people who attended or were involved in the 1973 Aquarius Festival to be part of the new Nimbin Aquarius Soundtrail audio walk being launched this year. Audio documentary producer Jeanti St Open 7 days Clair (pictured) is currently interviewing ’til 8.30pm and recording the stories of people who attended the festival, and is inviting anyone she has not yet spoken with to 6689-1199 get in touch. 1/45 Cullen Street, Nimbin “We want the Soundtrail audio walk to be a rich and varied audio experience, and for that we need lots of voices and people with different memories of the time, and how the festival affected them and the village,” said Jeanti, who also works a journalism lecturer at Southern of its legacy, of how it transformed created using original compositions and Cross University, said. Nimbin,” she said. local voices, bringing to life the history “We’d love people to participate and Accessed via the Soundtrails app, of the village and its transformation tell us their stories and memories of the immersive audio walk will tell the during and since the Aquarius Festival. the Aquarius Festival, an event that story of Nimbin, and is enabled by GPS Lismore City Council hopes is unique to the time and the political technology. to launch the Nimbin Aquarius environment of the day.” Visitors will download the Nimbin Soundtrail in October. To get involved Open 7 days Jeanti is also interviewing Nimbin Aquarius Soundtrail to their or find out more, visit the Nimbin 8am - 5pm weekdays locals, Indigenous elders and New smartphone or iPad, and then follow the Soundtrail Facebook page, phone 11am - 4pm weekends Settlers about life in Nimbin for the map to different sites within the village, the Nimbin Visitor Information Soundtrail audio walk. as a rich soundtrack of memories, Centre on 6689- 1388 or email: Ph: 6689-1010 fax: 6689-1210 email: [email protected] “The Aquarius Festival was a seminal voices, myths and archival footage plays [email protected] moment in the alternative movement of through their headphones. Other Soundtrail walks can be heard the 70s, so we also want to hear stories The Soundtrail content is being at: soundtrails.com.au Connected seniors

Demolition work in progress inside the Bush Theatre in April

In early April, local over-50s were offered the chance to try something new for free in the Stay Active, Stay Connected program of activities delivered by local tutors and trainers as Theatre renovations an initiative of Nimbin Aged Care & Respite Services. Folks who attended the recent film and music events at A variety of activities have been trialled by nearly a hundred the Bush Theatre will have seen for themselves some of the participants: Exploring Art with Carole Barrett, Tai chi for transformation that’s currently taking place there. Beginners with Melissa, 50+ Gentle Exercise with Cassandra Venue Manager, David Hyett has visions for the iconic Bush Jeffreys and Music & Mindfulness with Arne from B-Well. Theatre that he’s in the midst of realising. In order to improve The free Future Planning Seminar was well attended. the overall capacity of the venue for a wider range of events, The Skype School class and the 1-2-1 Device Advice sessions the old tiered seating has been temporarily removed. are fully booked and will roll out in May, helping to build Once the Theatre has been painted and decorated, the I PAINT HOUSES digital capacity amongst our seniors. seating arrangement will be rejuvenated, including the possibility of foldable ‘bleachers’ for cinema and tables for NIMBIN & theatre restaurant reviews. David thanks everyone for their patience. SURROUNDS

RING BEN’S PAINTING:

DJ Club at Djanbung 0409 352 102

After a few small gatherings about events, listen to some Cilla the Shepherd returns and a lot of interest, we are good music and have some launching the monthly DJ fun! club at Djanbung Gardens If you’re not a DJ but love by Peter O’Loughlin leaving with Lorna in it. as an Open DJ Night, with to listen, then come for some While Lorna was in Cairns decks open from 5pm and dinner, to dance and enjoy Cilla, a 12 year old female for a family wedding, her Abundance Café open from – and bring your fire toys to German Shepherd belonging niece rang to say that Cilla 5.30-8pm. twirl on the meadow. to 90-year old Lorna Benson had been found safe and well We are inviting all DJs and Also the Djanbung Gardens has returned safely to her by Greg Mathes of Gabal dance music lovers to this fun annual Open Day is coming owner after being lost for five Road, Lillian Rock, on his event the 4th Friday of every up on Saturday 11th June weeks. porch when he returned from month, starting on Friday with lots of workshops, tours, Newly arrived from the a six-week vacation. She was 27th May. displays and live music. Central Coast, Cilla left skinny but otherwise in good DJs are welcome to come Abundance Café and her bushland home near health. and play a set of their music of Djanbung Gardens are located Cawongla without her collar Lorna returned from Cairns choice, original or just what’s at 74 Cecil St Nimbin, just and ID tag when she chased and was happily reunited with really hitting your grove at 300m past the showground. a car which she thought was Cilla. the moment, swap music, talk Phone 6689-1755.

www.nimbingoodtimes.com May 2016 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 3 Harness the power of your preferences

In the coming federal election there are a few things you can do to amplify your political voice, and one of those is being smart with your preferences. Thanks to the recent senate voting reforms, it is you the individual voter (not backroom party officials) who now gets to decide where your preferences go whether you vote above or below the line, and in the lower house issues, voters need to stir up In a close election the more by Aidan Ricketts contests of Richmond and politics by voting for smaller Greens and independents NextMarket Page preferences will hold parties and independents. that gain lower house seats secondary choice as to which the key to who actually gets These are all issues that the the more numerically likely major party they prefer if it 8th May elected. Greens and independents it becomes that whoever comes down to that. In Page, 8.30am – 4pm But first to the issues. like Andrew Wilkie and forms government (Labor your preferences very much The two-party system has Cathy McGowan have strong or LNP) will need to rely count as well, and there is no Band of the Day: provided us with a revolving policies on. on the support of Greens doubting that the seat will be door of governments and The preferential voting and independents to form decided on Green preferences. Manoa local members from the two system allows you to vote for government and pass Any way you look at it, using major political parties (LNP a smaller party, and then if legislation. This happened your preferences wisely Busker: Andy Holm and Labor). Whilst there they aren’t elected, your vote during the Gillard years allows you to make more Charity of the Day: are significant differences carries through to the major and that parliament had an than one statement about the Dunoon Public School P&C between LNP and Labor on party you prefer with exactly impressive legislative record changes you want and the some issues, (health, welfare, the same numerical value on issues like climate change; outcome you prefer. A second “Make It, Bake It, Grow It” Enquiries: 6688-6433 education, workplace rights it would have had as a first National Disability Insurance preference is worth just as and emissions trading to preference vote. That is to Scheme (NDIS) and Gonski much as a first preference Fresh local produce for name a few big ones) there are say, your vote will be worth school funding to name a few. once it’s passed along so you a sustainable future other issues where the more exactly ‘one’ when it is finally Having crossbenchers holding really don’t have to vote for • Self-suffiency the governments change, the distributed to a successful the balance of power enlivens a major party unless that is workshops more things stay the same. candidate. So there’s no the parliament and holds the genuinely your personal first • Community Grain Neither major party will danger in putting smaller big parties to account. It’s choice. Mill commit to establishing parties ahead. actually how our parliament In the lower house make • Local & visiting musicians a Federal Independent There is a big potential was designed to work before sure you number every square; Commission Against benefit though in voting the advent of major parties. in the senate you can list 6 or Corner of Blue Knob & Lillian Corruption (ICAC), neither for smaller parties. This There are already several more preferences above the Rock Roads major party will support election is looking like being independents in the federal line or 12 or more below the Only 8km North ending the corrupting practice close and we all know how parliament who are likely to line. Check to make sure you of Nimbin of taking political donations important it is, that whoever be returned, and the Greens are still enrolled as well, as the Enquiries contact Ian from fossil fuel companies forms government does not already have one seat and rolls will close very soon. 0433-551-436 or email: or from the pharmaceutical, gain control of the Senate. are a good chance at gaining Big shifts can happen if the [email protected] gambling and alcohol With the new Senate voting several more. The Northern smaller parties gain balance of industries. Both major parties reforms, you can vote for Rivers seat of Richmond is power in both houses, and it have had their successive the smaller party or parties one of those seats where the is becoming more and more a turns at government and of your choice in the order Greens stand a decent chance realistic possibility. A federal neither has seriously tackled of your choice and you can of winning the seat, and ICAC would be a good reform multinational corporate tax leave the major party that you potentially gaining a voice in for years to come, but it can avoidance, or tax minimising loathe the most completely a balance of power situation. only happen if the major millionaires and both support off your preference list. This Richmond voters can use their parties don’t run the show offshore detention of refugees. will ensure that party simply preferences to vote for historic after the federal election. It’s To get movement on these big cannot benefit from your vote. change whilst still making a up to you. Google’s 259 ranking signals explained by Russell Lean So what are the “ranking signals”? Brand signals – does your business There are ten categories and I will have a LinkedIn profile, has business So what is Web 2? mention a couple from each. address been verified with Google My The best way to explain is this. Prior to There are domain signals – including Business and have an active Google+ 2006 we were in a Web 1 environment. your website age, if in Australia do you page. The internet was still static and not have a .com.au, domain name, does your Then there are other signals broken up Grey Gum Lodge interactive. In 2006 a lot happened. main keyword appear in your domain into – onsite and offsite webspam signals YouTube started and was purchased by name. and special algorithm signals. You 2 High Street Nimbin Google. Facebook and Twitter launched Page level signals – do your page titles can read the whole list on our website in 2006 and social media skyrocketed. and descriptions meet Google best on the “First page in Google” page at: Tumblr launched in 2007. Instagram practice, are images optimized properly www.convert-web2mobile.com.au/-1-in- and Pinterest launched in 2010, making to appear in Google image search, do google Just scroll down until you see the photo sharing social, and Snapchat titles and descriptions contain relevant ranking factors infographic. launched in 2011. Tinder (social dating) industry keywords. It’s a lot to take in. This is search www.greygumlodge.com and Vine launched in 2012. We are now Site level signals – Is the site mobile engine optimization (SEO). These in a completely interactive and social ready, does it have good navigation, do things need to be addressed over time [email protected] internet where we can share pictures, you have a video on your site, does the if you want to be number one in your sound, video and text socially and site have social media capabilities. niche. If you are the only business in 02 6689 1713 – 0408 663 475 seamlessly from any device – voila Web Backlink signals – who links to your your industry in your town it won’t 2. In fact we are probably in about Web site, how authoritative are those sources, matter much, because you will probably 4 by now. how well set up are the websites that be number one in Google. However, In Web 1 days, you published a link to yours. if you have competition, whichever website with relevant keywords and User interaction signals – do people business addresses these signals fully information, and you ranked in Google. leave your site after visiting the home over time will dominate Google Page 1 It was simple. Today, Google do not page without navigating further, do for local business search. rely totally on what you say about your people visit again and again, have they I will be conducting seminars in website or business. Rather, they rely bookmarked your site and come directly online best practice through LEXSA Four cosy one-bedroom timber cabins nestled on 33 on what other people say about you. If from that bookmark or favourited site at Southern Cross University in the acres of natural bushland with abundant wildlife, people online like you, Google will too, (this is called direct traffic). coming months at the Gold Coast within easy walking distance of restaurants and shops. and will rank you accordingly. Google Social signals – number of Facebook and Lismore campuses and I will Overnight or weekly – wheelchair access rely on over 250 “ranking signals” likes your Facebook page has, number publish those dates in this space as the TERETRE Retreat – NIMBIN from all over the internet to determine of Pinterest PINS (photos from your dates get closer. If we can assist your 5 High Street, Nimbin NSW 2480 AUSTRALIA your authority in your business niche, website that are shared socially), business to dominate your niche in Ph: (02) 66 891 908 - Mob: 0427 891 626 and then place you in search results Number of times Facebook users shared Google, call 0468-382-600, or email: Email: [email protected] - Web Site www.teretre.com.au accordingly. information from your Facebook page. [email protected] Page 4 The Nimbin GoodTimes May 2016 [email protected] Women’s voices our feminine sensitivity as we Stall space will also be available May is the 2nd anniversary of masters and indigenous elders Dana Mynard invites you to connect to the earth, and how to non-residents for a $10 fee. our community-run and owned along the way, who speak about the a six-week journey of sound, that connection can offer peaceful Anyone wishing to book a space film society. For two years we’ve urgency for peace on earth and the healing, relaxation, meditation strength to our throat chakra can phone Peter on 6689-7404 or been bringing quality films to the need to care for our environment. and movement to explore your and the softness of self-love. And email: [email protected] wonderful Nimbin community. The film is documenting a familys individual voice and sound, and each week, we’ll enjoy some deep Get in quickly as spaces will go This also means that life and the alternative community how you meet with the world relaxation. fast, especially the indoor ones. memberships are due for renewal around them, taking us to home through the unique flavour of your The circle will run from Tuesday There will be a coffee and cake this month. $50 for the year, for a birthing in a cave, protests at peace resonance. 7th June to 12th July from 7-9pm shop open on the day. Funds raised year’s worth of movies, is fabulous rallies, rainbow gatherings and No matter how you use your voice at Birth & Beyond in Nimbin. will go towards improvements for value. swimming with whales. in life, professionally or otherwise, Exchange is $80 if paid at once, the Lillifield Community Centre. “We are making this film because it’s supportive to connect with your or $15/week. Commitment to the Crowdfunding campaign of a deep concern for our future self-expression. six weeks is essential, as each week Nimbin Flix The Art of Being is a documentary generations,” Shraddha Star said. During the six weeks, we’ll will build on from the week prior. 99 Homes is a tense drama about filmed over two decades by a family The Art of Being team is now cover essential vocal anatomy Please contact DanaLee on 0428- the 2008 global financial crisis. living in the Nimbin Rainbow calling for support to raise funds for and practise specific techniques 539-232 for info. A desperate construction worker Region. post-production and to finish this that support opening the voice reluctantly accepts a job with the Director Shraddha Star followed unique documentary so it can be and connection with the body, Trash or treasure ruthless real-estate broker who a vision to make a film about peace, edited and screened at international developing an intimate relationship A trash or treasure sale will be held evicted him and his family from community and family. Combining film festivals and to share this with an embodied voice connection. on Saturday, 21st May from 9am their home. these themes into what became an message for peace around the world. As a group, we’ll support each to 1pm at the Lillifield Community 99 Homes screens Saturday 14th epic pilgrimage, Shraddha, Gito Go to: www.indiegogo.com/projects/ other’s deepening understanding Centre (next door to Barkers Vale May. Doors open 6pm for a 6.30pm and their three children travel from the-art-of-being-movie to watch the of how our sound resonates with Public School), 4505 Kyogle Road, start at Birth & Beyond. Food and their home in the rainforest around campaign video, which also gives the world around us. We explore Wadeville. drink available as usual. the world, meeting many spiritual you glimpses of the film.

RIP John Kaye ADVERTISEMENT by Sue Stock

Dr John Kaye, a much loved and respected Greens NSW MALCOLM TURNBULL MP, died on 2nd May, aged 60, from an aggressive cancer. John was a tireless champion for public education, a pioneer on renewable energy, a widely respected member of parliament, and a highly ALL-TALK principled member of the Greens. He was elected to the NSW Upper House in March 2007 where his portfolios have included education, energy, consumer affairs, water and racing and gaming. Before entering parliament, John taught and researched electrical engineering at the University of NSW where he specialised in sustainable energy and greenhouse issues. John NO-ACTION obtained his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. John came to Nimbin on a number of occasions, speaking at Mardi Grass in the past on drug law reform and visiting the Rainbow Power Company, discussing renewable energy issues. He worked closely with local communities against HELD CAPTIVE BY the building of a dam at Byrill Creek. David Shoebridge MP said, “Public schools and TAFE colleges in this State are stronger, better resourced and more CLIMATE DENYING NATIONALS prominent in the national debate due to the work of Dr Kaye. We have lost a brave tireless activist, and a wise fearless mind.” Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon said, “John’s death is IN A DIRTY DEAL TO BE PM a blow for the Greens and the broader progressive movement. “The depth of his commitment to public education, climate action and strengthening democracy was reflected in his tireless work. His strong policy work and ability to turn political analysis into broad based campaigns was outstanding,” she said. “Nationals deputy leader Fiona Nash has joined her cabinet colleague Attorney-General George Brandis in claiming the science of climate change is not yet settled.”

22nd April 2016

IT’S MORE THAN DISAPPOINTING IT’S A BETRAYAL

Authorised by I Stainlay 60 Condong Street Murwillumbah 2484

www.nimbingoodtimes.com May 2016 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 5 including its description, and the Rangers will incorporate locating the dog into their patrols. From the mayor’s desk It is advisable though, if an issue has arisen with a dog, to speak to the recommendation to the General produced by the NSW Planning of larger items such as fridges. owner first and make them aware Manager regarding determination with little consultation and has of the matter. This gives them the of the Development Application. raised the ire of many, particularly Election opportunity to address the concerns those communities and Councils Lismore City Council and other NR before Council becomes involved. Nimbin water supply inland from the coast. Lismore is Councils will go to an election on If you encounter an aggressive dog Council has been planning for particularly affected in an apparent 10 September. It is important that and report it to Council with some an upgrade of the Nimbin water downgrading of our city’s regional potential new Councillors plan for information to ensure action can be supply for several years. The status. We will be presenting a your election bid now. With only taken. Please make note of the date, main concern was fluctuating combined submission with Kyogle four Council meetings before the time and location, a description of water quality for rural customers, and Richmond Valley Councils. election, I encourage you to attend the dog and distinguishing features particularly after rain. Various meetings and briefings that take e.g. red collar, white face. Please tell options and cost estimates were Black spot funding place every Tuesday to familiarise the Council if you know where the by Cr Jenny Dowell considered along with their relative Last month the latest list of Federal yourself with Council matters. dog comes from and if there were Lismore City Council benefits. The design and schedule funded road safety projects was Council is particularly in need of witnesses to the incident. of works is expected to be finalised announced and Lismore secured younger people, women and those All this information will assist Cubes by the end of June. To ensure there eight of the 13 for the Page from other under-represented Council Officers to investigate and The Cubes development in are adequate funds set aside in the electorate. While five projects groups. To stand for Council in consider legal action where deemed Cullen Street continues to cause coming financial year, Councillors are in the urban area, one is on Lismore, you need at least five appropriate. It is also important some angst in the community, have endorsed a revised budget Stony Chute Road between West candidates on your ‘ticket’ and a for a dog owner to pick up after the so I thought an update would be allocation of $3.5 million for Road and Greens Bridge and will good support team. Please contact dog and protect our environment helpful. Following a report to the the works. Work is expected to involve line marking, guideposts me if you have any questions. from pollution. Council meeting in December commence by the end of this year and reflectors, safety barriers and last year, the applicant submitted and be complete by the end of 2017. new advisory signage. At this stage Dogs Leash-free area amended plans and additional I cannot provide a date by which There has been a spirited discussion Staff have suggested that people information in response to the Community grants work might commence but all are on the Nimbin Hook-Ups interested in a leash-free area for Council Resolution requiring Applications for the coming expected to be done by July 2017. Facebook page about roaming dogs, dogs in Nimbin should contact amendments to the proposal. The financial year’s Annual Community off-leash dogs and incidents of dogs Matt Kelly, Council’s Compliance amended plans and additional Grant Scheme close on May 16. If Transfer station biting people or other dogs. Co-ordinator. Finding a suitable information were put on public you did not make the information Several months ago the days of It is the responsibility of all dog open space and appropriate funding exhibition during March, including session last month, please read the operation at the Nimbin Transfer owners to ensure their dogs are is often a challenge, but Council letters to adjoining owners and guidelines on the website carefully Station changed to Tuesday, kept on a leash at all times, other staff would be happy to be part of previous objectors, Council’s so you can maximise your chances Thursday and Saturday, 9am - 3pm. than in approved leash free areas. exploring options if there is someone Local Matters publication and an of success. Applications must The previous contractor has been There are penalties of $160 or more willing to make contact with Matt. on-site sign. As a result of this re- identify a theme from Imagine replaced with a council employee for not having your dog on a leash notification of the amended plans, Lismore that reflects the intention effective in March, following a and allowing it to roam. It is also MardiGrass 25 further submissions have been of the project. Grants range from hand-over period. There has been important to check your fences to This year’s MardiGrass is bound to received by Council. Council staff $500 to $10,000 with increased an upgrade to the site with a “saw ensure your dog cannot escape, have a different tone, with news that are now reviewing the submissions, reporting requirements for larger tooth” bin arrangement installed to thus also preventing it from getting some Australian states have approved amended plans and additional amounts. Access the forms via improve safety and allow additional injured or sick. cannabis for medical use and are information submitted by the ‘Community Grants’ in the search bins on site. This also improves If you see a dog roaming establishing farms and protocols. applicant. Council staff have also bar on the Council website. traffic movements and Council unattended and it can be contained, Last year, Michael Balderstone loaned requested further information from is now accepting similar recovery Council Rangers will pick up me the book Chasing the Scream by the applicant in relation to the Draft NC Regional Plan streams as in Lismore. We are also the dog and ensure it is safe and Johann Hari. It’s a fascinating read submitted Arboricultural Report Readers may have noticed in the process of improving security returned to its owner. This service that examines the history and impact and Landscape Plan. Once this recent publicity about the Draft at the site and customers now get is offered between the hours of of the “war on drugs”. It’s well worth additional information has been North Coast Strategic Plan that a receipt for their payments. In the 8.30am and 3pm Monday to Friday. the read. To everyone in Nimbin for received, Council staff will finalise is currently on exhibition for near future we will have a forklift Alternatively, please ring 1300- this year’s MardiGrass, I hope you their assessment and forward their comment. The Draft plan has been on site to assist with the handling 878-387 and report the animal had a great time.

budgets that lock in the trajectory been holding back renewable energy be cursing under their toward that target, and to develop four- investment while continuing to support breath, “Why hasn’t that Green Scene year greenhouse gas emissions and more coal and gas in NSW. The ALP money from Ethiopia climate change adaptation plans that wanted an inquiry into the impacts, as if been deposited into my by Jan Barham MLC provide certainty to the community we don’t already know the urgency of the bank account? Why hasn’t and business leaders. These laws would action required, which is reinforced by Nadia from Moscow been provide judicial review for the public the Paris Agreement. returning my emails, I sent Climate issues to challenge decisions that would Global warming is a growing her the price of a plane New South Wales has just experienced a undermine climate action. emergency for our natural environment ticket? Why have we only got record-breaking heatwave and we’re not The Paris Agreement delivered a and biodiversity, and a threat to the a two-party system?” alone, with global temperature records strong statement and is an important health and wellbeing of our communities. Only one thing remains tumbling in recent years. Climate change step toward the urgent action that is It poses a foreseeable risk, but a risk true: if it sounds too good has been talked about as a major issue for required. For the first time it endorses that we can address if we act to reduce Return of the Loon to be true, it isn’t true and decades, yet vested interests and major the need to make efforts to limit global emissions and plan for the impacts. We by Laurence Axtens no amount of self-hypnosis, political parties have held back the action warming to 1.5 degrees above pre- should recognise the opportunity and pranic balancing, reiki or we need. Now it really is an emergency. industrial levels and keep warming well benefits to future generations that will “One man and his forklift went, head sand burial will make I remember in 1992, not long after below 2 degrees, acknowledging that 2 come from making the transition to They went to lift Clive Palmer.” your dreams a reality. the Rio Earth Summit, when 1700 degrees isn’t a magic threshold below clean energy and developing a sustainable When Clive proclaimed of the world’s leading scientists which the world is safe. and resilient society. Otherwise, those Or so the Australian football himself the future PM including a majority of Nobel Governments and elected generations to come will be entitled to hymn goes, and soccer didn’t you think, nice joke Laureates issued a warning that representatives owe a duty of care feel outraged that for decades after the did lift his profile. And a but I’d prefer the people “human beings and the natural world to their citizens. As a Greens MP, I scientific warnings became loud and significant minority of the running the country to live are on a collision course” and that know and respect the responsibility clear, we failed in our responsibility to Australian populous were somewhere outside their own fundamental changes were required. that is placed upon us to represent safeguard the future. alienated enough to turn off rectum? No. That warning has stayed with me. the interests of our communities If we’re going to deal with global their personal shit meters So what will our fellow In my time as Mayor of Byron Shire and protect future generations from warming, we need governments whose and elect him and his party citizens do this election? Council, I pursued action on climate inheriting the consequences of our actions match their rhetoric on climate into parliament. Will they return cap-in-hand change. In 2007 after the IPCC’s fourth mistakes and failures to act. change. You can’t be credible about Since then, his meteoric to the big parties that long report predicting the impacts of climate But fulfilling the Paris goals requires climate action while continuing to rise has been perfectly since deserted them? Will change I proposed a policy for council to dedicated action from all levels of approve new coal mines and keeping the mirrored by his meteoric they vote informally under direct strategic planning that embedded government. Unfortunately, on 23 March door open to the gas industry. And you descent and the loose bowel the impression that Clive was those risks. We also developed a the Liberal, National and Labor Parties can’t be taken seriously about fulfilling splatter of his political career. the great white hope – now Greenhouse Action Strategy to guide a all voted against our Climate Change your duty to future generations if you’re It is said that a fool and lost? Would they vote 1 Clive whole of council response to the issue. Bill, which would have made every not willing to support strong laws that their money are easily parted, again? As a member of NSW Parliament, I public authority a responsible partner will ensure all governments, now and it seems the same can be said I recommend that you introduced climate change legislation last in climate action, ensuring a whole-of- into the future, are required to reduce of the demoralised voter and volunteer your time and take year, just before the Paris Conference government, all-of-society approach to emissions and prepare for the impacts of their vote. Almost 800,000 part in the election and in the on Climate Change. The Greens’ addressing climate change with clear climate change. It’s time to ensure that Australians voted for him... community – be part of our Climate Change Bill would require public accountability. The Coalition all politicians and governments are living 800,000? democracy – don’t just buy the Government to achieve net zero sought to assure the Parliament they are up to their requirements to protect the As you walk the street any wooden nickels from the emissions by 2040 and set annual carbon taking action, despite the fact that they’ve wellbeing of future generations. you’ll see them, they politician in the biggest suit. Page 6 The Nimbin GoodTimes May 2016 [email protected] developing ‘service centres’ investment in infrastructure is produced for state roads, but by decades of inadequate for the Pacific Highway than a revival of the bizarre idea to the interpretation of ‘transport’ infrastructure planning for the Regional issues there is about public transport. rip up rails for a walking trail as roads only is problematic. region. When it is mentioned, the and call it public transport. Several years ago I successfully referencing coal seam gas. Rail Elsewhere vapid gestures fill best we can hope for is that the moved that Byron Council ageing and inactive Northern Roads adopt a definition as all Tinkering with the Sydney- the voids around grandly Brisbane rail line north of stated ‘goals’ and ‘directions’. Rivers Regional Transport Plan Unsurprisingly, the Pacific forms of human movement. (NRRTP) is to be dusted off Highway dominates as a A corridor strategy based on Casino, as suggested by the That’s partly the nature of Plan, will prove too little too a long term ‘regional’ plan with ‘plans to implement’ it route of ‘state and national’ such a definition would be far ‘being developed ’. significance. Its role in local more effective in planning for late for any meaningful lift in where detail will be thin, the amount of freight being however the draft skips over We are told that the transport networks is not the transport needs of all in NRRTP ‘recognises the acknowledged. The Bruxner the community. carried by rail through the key items like transport with region. Despite incremental only the barest references importance of investing in and Gwydir highways are at Drill down further and it is public transport and services’, least identified as key east- clear that ‘corridor strategies’ improvements over the last to its vital role in our local ten years, the share of freight communities. even though it proposes only west ‘corridors’ and the idea are all about ensuring ‘freight marginal recommendations for that regional movement access’ onto local streets. Yes, handled by rail has dropped by Cr Basil Cameron Industry voices trump infrastructure (eg bus shelters). patterns are dispersed has this reflects a reality that road from 14% to 10%. Major Byron Shire Council public transport Nothing further can be been dumped in favour of based freight is increasing investment is needed and Voices of the road freight and gleaned from a range of actions reflecting reality. However, the fifty percent faster along the putting it off for the life of this The Draft North Coast aviation industries dominate that amount to prodding relationship with north-south Pacific Highway corridor Plan will only exacerbate the Regional Plan (‘the Plan’) at the expense of local voices Councils and bus operators to routes, local networks and than elsewhere in the country. current problems. has been raising eyebrows and interests. There is more make service improvements. tourism is not explored. However, it also reflects Comments on the Plan can with its high level ‘direction’ discussion in the plan about The single suggestion for Corridor strategies are to be a situation brought about be made up until 2 June. Simon says... Fixing dangerous black spots Last month I announced almost our community. by Simon Clough, Glen Turner was ambushed $3 million in Federal funding to In preparation for the next bushfire Deputy mayor, LCC and murdered by a farmer fix dangerous blackspots across the season, I recently announced two found guilty of large scale land Northern Rivers. $40,000 grants to our regional Rural CSG and the Draft North Coast clearing. This is not the role local As you know, Stony Chute Road Fire Service to install new water Regional Plan government employee should be from West Road to Green’s Bridge is tanks. I put my motion to Council taking. a dangerous blackspot. Money will be These tanks hold 250,000 litres of calling for the removal of This would be a totally new spent to mark barrier lines and install water each, and enable 80 aircraft all reference to CSG in the role for Local Councils requiring guideposts with reflectors, a barrier loads to help fight fires from the air. Draft Regional Plan and the many more resources and on the roadside and new curve and I would like to acknowledge the implementation of legislative skills. But needless to say the advisory speed signs. members of our Rural Fire Service protection for the North Coast government has not given any The money to fix these blackspots who keeps our community safe. Region against unconventional assurances about how it intends is on top of the tripling of funds the I would like to thank everyone who mining. It was passed by Council to support local government to Federal Government gives to local by Kevin Hogan, MP for Page dropped by the Nimbin Bowling Club councils to fix and maintain our local last month when I held a ‘Politics in with Councillors Marks, fulfil these added responsibilities. to announce a $13.8 million program Scheibel and Meineke voting Last year the NSW government roads. Last year Lismore City Council the Bowlo’. It was great to catch up received about $913,000. This year, that will strengthen Co-ops around with so many people. against the motion. It is worth shifted over $600 million worth the country, leading to better returns remembering those names, of expenses to local councils the council received $2.52 million MardiGrass is a unique festival for under the expanded programme. The for our farmers and more jobs. a unique community and it seems because the local government (LGNSW figures) and it seems The program will be based at elections will be happening on biodiversity responsibilities will decision about which roads to repair appropriate that this year it was held is left to the council. Southern Cross University and after the Federal Government passed 10th September this year. add hugely to this figure. draw on the expertise of our local Two years ago, the Queensland We have the best Co-ops in the legislation allowing for the medicinal country in our region. cooperatives, including Norco, use of cannabis. Biodiversity, land clearing and local government all but removed the Casino meatworks, Ballina government native vegetation protection rules, The great thing about Co-operatives I have had numerous conversations is that all the benefits are returned to Fishermens Co-Op, Oz Group about the need for medicinal use of Late last year the report of the resulting in the doubling of land Co-op Limited and NSW Sugar NSW Biodiversity Legislation clearing, the removal of almost the members, not shareholders, which cannabis with many constituents, is why Co-ops like Norco have been Milling Co-Operative as well as including Michael Balderstone from Review was tabled. The Baird 300,000 hectares of bushland. Regional Development Australia – government has since announced Not surprisingly, there has been around for more than 120 years. the Hemp Embassy. Last month, I was joined by the Northern Rivers. I would like to thank all of them for that it intends to implement all of an upsurge in sick and injured Bushfires are a constant threat to the recommendations in the review. native animals. RSPCA figures acting Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce their input into the decision. The review proposes to for sick and injured animals have abolish the Native Vegetation gone from about 8,000 in 2011 to Act 2003, remove the 22,000 in the past year. requirement to improve or When bushland is bulldozed, Renewables key to sustainability maintain environmental many animals are killed initially. There is a Native American scale renewable energy fall and the Labor party has a outcomes and expand the Those that survive are on proverb that says we do not 88% while 15% of jobs in plan to do it. flawed biodiversity offsetting borrowed time. The refugees inherit the earth from our the sector have vanished Importantly, if we are scheme. The biodiversity offset scramble to find new homes and ancestors, we borrow it from altogether. borrowing this land from scheme is supposed to guarantee on the way get hit by cars or our children. We as a community our children, we must also the protection of identical killed by dogs or cats. Even if It’s a saying that I am often cannot afford to stand by protect it from CSG. environments, allowing others they are lucky enough to reach reminded of when people and let the Kevin Hogan I first opposed CSG to be destroyed. The scheme new habitat, they soon come into ask me what my position and the Nationals continue mining in our region early in is regularly rorted by the conflict with the animals already on climate change or coal to cower to the city Liberals 2010, when I became aware mining/development industry there. The stress gets to them seam gas is and something on environmental issues. how harmful it was and which often substitutes vastly and they succumb. all of our politicians should The time of sacrificing the would be to our water, our less significant land for high The impacts don’t stop at consider when making environment for short-term lands, our way of life and decisions that impact our political and economic gain remain totally opposed to it quality environments which are habitat destruction. Carbon by Janelle Saffin destroyed. Scrapping the Native pollution released by tree clearing environment. must come to an end. now. I am also working to Veg Act will lead to an increase in in Queensland in 2013-14 was the When I left office in Despite what some from include all unconventional land clearing and further loss of equivalent of putting an extra 8 2013, we had Federal the Liberal National parties in terms of rooftop solar, I gas in the legislation. native vegetation million cars on the road for a year. legislation to protect the will tell you, climate change want to continue to see more I was proud to stand The review recommends new The extra pollution undid North Coast and the rest is not a theoretical issue and more solar panels being next to Bill Shorten on his agricultural developments the work of carbon abatement of Australia from harmful – it’s happening now and installed on homes and recent trip to the Northern would require consent from the and tree planting, from the CSG mining with the it’s accelerating and the businesses, until solar panels Rivers where he reaffirmed appropriate authorities (often Abbott Government’s Emissions Federal water trigger, only way to address it is are the norm everywhere in State and Federal Labor’s local government), as occurs for Reduction Fund, worth hundreds increasing investment in through stronger sustainable our community. commitment to keeping the any other change in land use. of millions of taxpayer dollars. It’s renewable technologies environmental policies. I want to see battery North Coast CSG free. This will mean local government pointless to spend public funds to and meaningful action on That’s why Labor has technology continue to Our environment is too will have significant additional combat global warming and then climate change through the committed to ensuring that improve so that electricity important to trust Kevin responsibilities, including de allow the gains to be nullified by emissions trading scheme. 50% of our electricity is from solar panels can be Hogan and the Nationals facto responsibility for enforcing lax tree clearing controls. Now, sadly, all these generated from renewable stored in most homes and with. We deserve better, our various provisions of the proposed Please don’t forget to register initiatives have been scaled sources by 2030 and zero small businesses to lower children deserve better and new Biodiversity Conservation Act, to vote. It’s really important if back or scrapped altogether. net carbon emissions in power bills. importantly their children and any relevant parts of other you want a balanced, progressive And that’s just the tip of the Australian economy by I want to make sure that deserve better. state biodiversity legislation. It Council. the (now melting) ice-berg. 2050. investors in other renewable Janelle Saffin, Federal should also be remembered that Contact Simon on any Council Since Kevin Hogan’s Whilst here on the North energy generators can be Labor candidate for Page: an Office of Environment and matters on 0428-886-217 or at: time in parliament, we’ve Coast we are well ahead confident about investing. [email protected] or Heritage Compliance Officer [email protected] seen investment in large- of the rest of the country These are achievable goals phone 0418-664-001. www.nimbingoodtimes.com May 2016 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 7 Letters [email protected]

Letters to Mystery solved the editor NGT welcomes letters by email or post by deadline. Letters longer than 300 words may be cut. Letters already published elsewhere will usually not be considered. Include full name, address and phone number for verification purposes. Opinions expressed remain those of the author, and are not necessarily those of NGT.

Undemocratic laws I saw the photo of the little bug capsules by PAC in the Like the majority of Nimbin, April NGT, and whilst I don’t know what they are, I too I was horrified to read have photographed them shortly after hatching. I live at the front page story of the Drake, and saw these in February. Quite possibly a stink April edition of NGT. This bug or similar type of bug. I saw a similar bug in early definitely is not a democracy April which looks like a more grown-up version, its back is in action, and so I urge different but the antenna and legs are pretty much identical. everybody to ring, write I love your newspaper. or email the NSW Police Sandy Regan Association. Drake At the end of the day, it’s the police force who have to do the politicians’ dirty work a ramp so that they can sit on Non-flesh-eater torment and indignity on all Verse 46: “Then they will go J Poole (NGT Letters April for them, and they are the the roof and enjoy the view. Unlike Nola Sheridan other species. away to eternal punishment, 16). Or perhaps just a little ones who will be enforcing Rama, Mick and Zavier (Letters NGT April), I didn’t Not to mention in the but the righteous to eternal bored? this law. Nimbin Preschool read letter Azan Mann’s process causing immense life” “Art wank?” Really? Scott Weber is head of the letter on veganism, but it environmental degradation The verses in between I have found no frantic NSW Police Association, All You Need Is Love seems to have touched a few of which the factory farming indicate the basis for this attempt to conceal skill or and I have emailed him It was the shiny happy people raw nerves. Let me prod a few of animals, according to the separation into two groups: it matter. Viewer tastes varies, asking if he intends to and the breakfast cooked by more. UN, constitutes the single is the individuals’ kind actions artist skills develop. uphold such a law and to give sweethearts and awesome I consider myself an ethical sector of modern life that (or failure to act) during life, Again you elude to me justification for doing so. coffee that created the non-flesh-eating vegetarian, produces more greenhouse which determine who are not having a meaningful How can any government atmosphere at the Rainbow as in our current society we gases, uses and in the process the “sheep” and who are the connection to an artist. consider protesting a graver Cafe. To pay outsiders for no longer need to imprison pollutes more water and “goats”. There is no mention You want them to tell you offence than illegal mining. designs and drawings is and slaughter sentient land, and consumes more of foreignness or religious about themselves and what Many people won’t sketchy to say the least. The creatures for our sustenance. grain than the earth’s human conviction etc. emotional journey they are on. be surprised, but it’s an Lane Way Boys had vision Whatever the paleoliths population to little return in For Jesus’ attitude towards Surely venting your own indication of how much when they opened up the consumed, it was mostly actual food value. foreigners, Vyvyan Stott may emotional baggage in the power these mining front, and put a ramp at the wild, on the hoof and there And I haven’t yet wish to read the Parable of paper, instead of approaching companies have over our back for wheelchairs. You were no supermarkets within mentioned the harm a the Good Samaritan (Luke an actual artist for a personal governments and political could see through a tunnel easy walking distance, and primary animal-food based 10: 25-37). Samaria was an experience, is showing your parties. Please take the time of love out to the garden like Nav says, there was a diet, rich in antibiotics and autonomous region separated own “art wank”. to act on this because if this and over to Nimbin Rocks. gratitude and veneration of steroids, consumed often from Galilee by a mountain Yours is an opinionated, yet law goes unopposed it will be Almost standing on sacred the beasts that provided the at every meal, causes to range; Samaritans were far removed from a grassroots, the beginning of the demise ground that’s standing on sustenance. the consumer’s health (and despised by many as foreigners point of view of an authentic of democracy. solid rock. But that was the Not so today: meat is society’s health bill) in the because they were not Jews. human experience. No The email address for the sounds of then. The LWBs rarely killed by the consumer form of cancer, heart disease, Vyvyan may also wish to wonder you are continually NSW Police Association are still there waiting for these days with the animals, diabetes, obesity etc. look at 1 John 3: 11, and 1 let down. is: [email protected] someone to cook them up birds and fish reduced to I’ll bet my “passionate John 4: verses 8 and 16. The Art Writer Address: 4,154 Elizabeth some bacon and some beans. plastic wrapped saleable dedication to life” and There are people seeking Lismore Street, Sydney 2000, phone: The rest of them are on commodities (or parts making “friends with the asylum from persecution (Name supplied) (02) 9265-6777. holiday in Cambodia. I feel thereof) in the supermarket pain and despair for the because of their ethnicity Bernadine Schwartz like I’ve been to Echo Beach, refrigerators. Instead the world” (Joanna Macey) or religious beliefs. They Wi-fi risks safety Nimbin far away in time. creatures are kept in rustic against your outrage any day. are “people just like us” Regarding ‘Free CBD wi-fi Others I know have been concentration camps (farms), Bless the beasts and the i.e., they want to live and creates buzz in Lismore’ Bandicoots crossing staying until midnight at the then moved to overcrowded children. earn an honest living and (Northern Star, 14th April), We are Rama, Mick and Oasis. At this point there’s barren grain-feeding feedlots, Bob Hopkins, raise their children in a we should be winding back Zavier from Nimbin a pot of gold at the end of then shipped under shitty New England safe place without risk of the WiFi infrastructure, not Preschool. We are writing the rainbow, but it’s on the conditions to the charnel being assaulted, tortured or expanding it. to tell everyone about the wrong side of the street. Not houses where they are Refugees and the Bible murdered. For wireless convenience, we bandicoots that live across on the right side of the road. slaughtered in inhumane What a pity Vyvyan Stott Fortunately, there are many are placing at risk the health the road at our preschool. A secret garden down the horror-ridden conditions. has misquoted the Bible in Christians (and others) who of generations of children! The bandicoots are getting backyard and a blister in the Or dredged from the sea in order to push an agenda of care and want to help. Microwave radiation was run over by the cars when the sun... and a wide open road immoral and unsustainable racial hatred (NGT Letters, Beverley Aspbury classed as a 2B carcinogen cars don’t see the bandicoots in front of us. All we do is numbers. April 16). For those unable to Kyogle by the World Health on the road. talk, talk. We do have the right to feel check for themselves, here is Organisation in 2011. Many We want the cars to go Build a big love shack with outraged for the creature’s what is written in Matthew Meaningful art connection independent scientists felt it slow. The bandicoots live a kitchen... in the middle on sake, just as other humans Chapter 5 verses 32 and 46 Looks like you are intrigued should have been classed as a next to the road near the the street. You’ll probably were outraged at slavery, (I quoted verbatim from the by the art world yet again, R 2A carcinogen. fence at our preschool. find me in the kitchen at child labour, environmental New International Version; Already two bandicoots have parties. They’re dancing on degradation et al. And so we the King James Version says Bookkeeper Martha Paitson been run over. We planted the ceiling... waiting for the condemn those who organise the same thing in more archaic About us Web www.nimbingoodtimes.com them in our garden. world to change. and fund these processes, English): And find us on Facebook We think that maybe we It was beautiful to see as the universe is pretty Verse 32: “All the nations Editor Bob Dooley could draw a little house for the love and the people dispassionate and doesn’t of shall be gathered before Assistant Editor Sue Stock NGT is auspiced by Nimbin Community School Co-op the bandicoots and make fill Mingle Park during its own volition take care of him, and he will separate the Layout Andy Gough, Bob Ltd., 81 Cullen Street, Nimbin it for them to live in. Then Mardi Grass... what a street this by the law of cause and people one from another as a Dooley, Peter Chaplin the cars and the trucks party, what a town. Thank effect or, if you like, what shepherd separates the sheep Photographers Sue Stock, NEXT DEADLINE: will see it and not run over you Nimbin. I love you. It goes around comes around. from the goats”. (Note that, Peter Chaplin, Brian Alexander Wednesday 25th May the bandicoots. The house brought tears to my eyes. It is just part of us human according to this verse, it is Distribution Peter, Coralie, Email nimbin.goodtimes @ would be called the Nimbin Live and love life. plague acting as though we the people, not the nations, Andrew, Sue, Bob, Rob and gmail.com or put stuff in our Preschool Bandicoots House, Ant have some God-given right to who will be separated into two Lisa, Dominique, Aengus, Soul pigeonhole at the Nimbin and have a slide, a ladder, and Nimbin plunder the earth and heap groups). Kindle (Bellingen) Community Centre.

Page 8 The Nimbin GoodTimes May 2016 [email protected] Opinion

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Respite foster carer wanted Reiki events Two days per fortnight, Nimbin area. • Thursday 12th May: Reiki Master Enquiries phone 0403-908-053. Course in Lismore. Preparation required. • Wednesday 18th May: Evolve event in Annual General Meetings Lismore, with Ocean Shensei and the • Nimbin Environment Centre Inc. AGM th Pineal Activation Light. $20 presale or Wednesday 18 May, 6pm at Community $25 at the door. Tickets limited. School Room, Nimbin Community Centre. All Welcome. • Thursday 2nd June: Reiki Circle in • Nimbin Community School Co-Op Ltd Lismore. For those who have completed AGM, Wednesday 25th May, 5.30pm at any Reiki level. $10 + bring a healthy 81 Cullen Street. plate. For information about all events, visit: Nimbin Hospital Auxiliary www.helenecollard.com or contact Helene fundraising day on 0405-656-797. Saturday 7th May, 9am to 1pm outside Medical Centre. Cake stall, sausage sizzle, Transport forum raffles. New members also wanted, contact NSW Greens will hold a transport forum Maureen on 6689-1080 or Marceliena on Saturday 4 June at 2pm at the Lismore 6689-1015. Workers Club to discuss and share ideas about transport priorities for NSW and Why the Bernie Sanders End of school term music night the region in particular, with the local NimbinTown Hall on Friday 1st July. community. Speakers include Senator Lee Nimbin Youth Music Collective is looking Rhiannon, NSW Upper House MP Dr campaign movement is for young bands, solo artists, and DJs to Mehreen Faruqi and the Secretary of the perform on the night. Anyone interested in Rail Tram and Bus Union. helping to organise the event or volunteer important for us here would be very welcome. Please contact Alcoholics Anonymous Kieron on 0429-012-008. Is your life being affected by someone In downtown Kingston, New York, Bernie attention for Aboriginal treaty and else’s drinking? Al-Anon may help. Sanders held a rally for “clean energy sovereignty here. What I have learnt most Mindfulness meditation Murwillumbah Al-Anon family group and safe climate” to build support for the from listening and witnessed from first A morning of Buddhist Mindfulness meets every Monday 10am at ConXions presidential candidate and mobilise the nations people is respect, connectedness Meditation & Teachings, with Jitindriya Church, 19 Prince Street. For enquiries and Hudson Valley, Catskills and Southern and care for country. The movement behind on Saturday 7th May, 9.15am – 12.30pm other meetings times, phone 1300-252-666 Tier to fight climate change, in advance of the Bernie Sanders campaign resonates at Kuan Yin Meditation Centre, Lismore. or go to: www.al-anon.alateen.org/australia New York’s Democratic primary election on the voices that have so long been ignored April 19. and marginalised by the exploitative Does that not sound familiar to the people establishment. We have a criminal situation Barry ignores experts these as endangered. campaigning for The Greens, following the The slogan of the climate movement is we where younger and younger At the April council meeting Cr Youngblutt agreed, even Bentley Blockade? It does to me, because need one another to change everything. The children are being exposed Cr Barry Longland stated after being shown photos of importantly the Bernie Sanders campaign Bernie Sanders run for president is gaining to this technology, and we that Dr Steve Phillips is the chlamydia affected koalas is a multicultural grassroots activist momentum as the dots are being connected have no idea what long term ecologist selectively quoted at Black Rocks at the April volunteer-run campaign. The questions and in this conversation of the culture of effects this exposure will have by the group who want community access session. solutions highlighted are of the same voices abuse of nature and encourage people to on them. In the medical field, to revegetate the oval. Yet Cr Longland said this in the peace and environment social justice campaign and vote for a candidate who you don’t come up with a new who does Longland go to issue is now decided, but movement here. has been taking on the greedy murderous chemical pill and give it to for advice about installing a it is not. Koala activists What I have witnessed as a peace corrupted in power. children without long term koala grid at Black Rocks? will never stand idle while ambassador from Nimbin to Woodstock, is What inspires me most about the Bernie research. Even after this, they Dr Phillips – not to council revegetation of the sports how that place and region is so similar to the Sanders campaign is how many leaders can get it wrong. Thalidomide ecologists. field could save these koalas Northern Rivers Region. Kingston city is of the peace, social justice, environment is a good example of this. Yet Longland chooses to which are threatened with the Woodstock village equivalent of Lismore (“alternative/activist”) movement, in all its There is no research on the ignore Dr Phillips’ advice to local extinction. Another to Nimbin. The Sanders campaign is a diversity, are coming on board to get Bernie long term effects of WiFi revegetate Black Rocks sports sports field can be established, people power run campaign. Bernie Sanders elected as the next president of the USA. radiation on children; this field, ignores his estimation if needed. One that is not has adopted and revitalised the Occupy Jane Sanders, Bernie Sanders’ partner, generation is the experiment. that koala numbers are surrounded by a wildlife Wall Street movement, calling on the 99% is also important to this campaign. The No government or health dwindling in the Pottsville reserve which would be more to take on the 1%. It is not since the 1960’s synergy between them is the listening to organisation will say that it is Wetlands/Black Rocks area, accessible to the public. that such a grassroots awakening has taken and working it out with the communities safe for children. A recently ignores his study linking Koalas, a keystone species, are place in US history, significantly amongstthe fighting the transnational corporate elites published statistic indicated human noise and disturbance dying at Black Rocks sports youth. and their political mates who are rapaciously that the incidence of brain with chlamydia and ignore his field, because of destructive Basically, Bernie Sanders is significantly destroying the fabric of life everywhere. tumours in under twenties call for a moratorium on all decisions supported by four listening to voices in the Native American Benny Zable was 4 to 8 times higher than development at Black Rocks. councillors (Longland, Byrne, community. It echoes the the call and Nimbin the rest of the population. Pottsville wetland / Black Youngblutt and Polglase). This is going to be a major Rocks koalas need to recover Scott Sledge, health catastrophe, like from the Xmas 2014 fire President. significantly reduced koala Phillips on his back verandah. This report revealed that a smoking and asbestos. It is which Dr Phillips has stated Northern Rivers Guardians, protection, has been rejected. However, on 26th January grid was the least effective in important to understand that is likely to have wiped out up Lillian Rock And what a debacle the whole 2015 Dr Phillips wrote: protecting koalas, had safety the industry runs interference to 60% of them. Furthermore, process has been! In January ‘There is always a danger issues if people walked over it, to confuse the public, by Longland has misrepresented Win for koalas 2015 his motion was passed that advice – when given – is and was mostly used in rural funding research. Denial, advice given to him by Dr Lobbying by the Threatened with the support of Crs Byrne, taken out of context and can areas or private driveways. It denial by the industry, until Phillips about replacing the Species Conservation Society Polglase and Youngblutt, often be misrepresented... was considered unsuitable for the numbers of people getting existing gate at the sports field Inc to retain koala protection voting against an amendment If effective closure of the the Black Rocks sportsfield sick and dying can’t be hidden with a grid. gates at the Black Rocks for staff to first provide a gates cannot be achieved/ entrance. any more! Then it’s too late for Tweed Council staff appear sports field entrance has been report into the suitability and maintained, or if indeed the Since this report was those who are already affected. to be comfortable with the successful. At the April 2016 efficacy of a grid at this site. In gates are removed completely, finalised, council staff were There is a free Microwave level of koala protection at council meeting a council October 2015 they voted then the results will likely presented with and are now Safety Guide provided by Black Rocks even though report was endorsed for these against a motion by Cr Milne be catastrophic for the few investigating a proposal that Sunshine Coast Computer the state has listed these gates to be replaced with solar- for the existing vehicle access remaining koalas’. would see the Black Rocks Club at: http://sccc.org.au/ as endangered. Longland powered automated gates. gates to be replaced with an After ongoing consultation sportsfield relocated to the wifi/microwave-safety-chart. chooses to believe that not a This increases the level of automated gate. between the Office of proposed Dunloe Park urban pdf It has informative video single koala died in the big koala protection by stopping He also has stated that he Environment & Heritage and development. The campaign links and a list of free practical fire, that noise at the Black koalas exiting and roaming had consulted with koala Council on the gate issue, Cr for revegetation is far from things people can do to reduce Rocks sports field is a minor unleashed dogs entering the expert and leading ecologist Longland finally called for a over. their family’s exposure to issue and he relies on claims site. Dr Steve Phillips about the council report into entrance Dave Norris WiFi radiation. that koala numbers in this Cr Barry Longland’s motion installation of a grid, and that options at the January 2016 President, Peter Daley koala cell are ‘stable’ even to replace the existing gates the koala grid motion was council meeting (one year Threatened Species Caloundra though the state has listed with a grid, which would have written by himself and Dr after he voted against it). Conservation Society Inc

www.nimbingoodtimes.com May 2016 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 9 In your neighbourhood... Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre News www.nnic.org.au Reports now available NNIC Management Committee Changes at NNIC • The Sustainable Nimbin Community A couple of our MCers are off on If you have dropped into NNIC in the Plan 2016-2021 is now finalised and holidays for a few months and so we past two weeks you will have noticed available on our website (or hard copies are looking for some new members to some renovations going on. Many are available at NNIC). A fantastic help us keep NNIC running smoothly. thanks to Sam who spent hours filling effort by everyone who contributed to NNIC is a vibrant organisation doing all the gaps in the ceiling and walls the latest version of the SNCP, and to lots of interesting stuff and behind it all of the front office and our hallway. Conditions Apply. Bring this coupon to the store: all of you who have been involved in is the Management Committee. This Sorry for any inconvenience to all of 122 Walker Street Casino implementing the strategies under the involves a commitment of three hours a you. Hopefully we will back to normal SNCP since it was first developed in month for the regular meetings which ASAP. 2009. A Report on achievements from are usually on a Wednesday at 5.30pm. 2009 to 2015 is also available on our Plus there is plenty to do depending on OCD Awareness Week website. The SNCP and the Report your interest, availability and choice. The week May 22-28 aims to raise both highlight the commitment and If you are interested in any of the awareness of the illness and help foster determination of Nimbinites to work above positions, contact Nat or Guy at an understanding of what it is like • Book-keeping together to solve some of the wicked NNIC. for someone experiencing Obsessive – Mobile service avail. social, economic and environmental Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Tax Preparation problems arising from climate change, Nimbin Community Drug Action OCD is characterised by persistent • Business Activity Statements peak oil and the economic downturn. Team (NCDAT) thoughts, impulses, or images that are – Electronically lodged BAS Agent: 98777003 Good on you, Nimbinites! We are very This committee is also looking for new intrusive, inappropriate, and cause proud to be working with you. members to help us implement a variety distress or anxiety; and compulsions, • Tax returns lodged for • CDAT survey report of harm minimisation strategies arising which are repetitive behaviours (e.g. Centrelink recipients Is now available on our website and from the findings of the survey we did hand washing, checking) or mental Phone Jayne 0457-497-011 makes for some pretty interesting last year. At the moment meetings are rituals (e.g. counting, repeating words Email: [email protected] reading. generally once per month at NNIC for silently) that are performed to reduce • Northern Rivers Biohubs Social License about two hours on a Thursday at 1pm, anxiety, not because the person enjoys report is also available via our website. but this is flexible depending on the doing them. Check it out. needs of the members. For someone experiencing OCD, the Nimbin Optical anxiety around the obsessive thought Jobs, jobs and more jobs Life after the feed-in tariff and the repetitious actions they believe Are you looking for a way to contribute The 60c feed-in tariff ends in December are necessary, can be time consuming 6689 0081 to the community? Maybe you are 2016 and will no longer be paid as and distressing and may stop them retired and want to keep using your from 1st January 2017. What does this from leading a normal life. Tina Fuller skills, or maybe you are a young person mean for you? Well for a start, you will Eye disease can OPTOMETRIST looking to gain some new skills. Or revert to whatever FIT is offered by Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information perhaps you need to do work for the your electricity supplier, if they offer Centre (NNIC) is run by locals for locals sneak up on you. dole or fulfil a mutual obligation, one at all, which is likely to be in the and our job is to support people in need Have your eyes for Centrelink? We have quite a few range of around 0.06c per KWh. NNIC and the community in general to achieve volunteer positions available: and Rainbow Power Company will be their aspirations. checked regularly conducting a community information 66 Cullen Street Nimbin • Sustainability Alley 2016 Co-ordinator Everyone is welcome at NNIC. If we every 2 years. Next to Real Estate (Nimbin Annual Country Show): Perfect session (on a date yet to be set down) can’t help we probably know who can. for anyone who has done e.g. Events to assist you to understand the options You can also find lots of useful local Management and wants to build on available to you, the various costs and other info on our website. For their CV. involved and how best to manage your appointments call 6689-1692 or just drop • Sibley Street Fundraising Co-ordinator: PV array in a net metered situation. in between 10am and 4pm weekdays. nimbin building We are looking for someone to help us raise the $70,000 needed to rescue the May activities at Nimbin Aged Care & Respite Services materials old house. AT THE MILL FARM • Sibley Street gardener: For all elders and carers in our local communities For a broad range of new and new seconds at very competitive prices We are looking for someone to garden • The Channon Social Group: Thursday 18th May, 11.30am-2pm, the Civic • Hardwoods, flooring, decking, pine 50 Gungas Road, Hotel, Lismore for lunch, all welcome, phone for info. Nimbin at Sibley street at least once a month framing, weatherboards, lining boards, Open Mon- to conquer the evil weeds and start • Koonorigan Social Group: Monday 30th May, 11.30am-3pm, Bring a Plate architraves, skirting boards, doors Fri 8am-4pm, beautifying the site with some flower Lunch, Koonorigan Hall, theme ‘Soup & Bread’, all welcome. • Steel posts, roofing, guttering, windows Sat 8am-noon • Nimbin Social Groups every Tuesday and Wednesday, 9.30am-1.00pm at • Sand & gravel, roadbase, cement, gas gardens. • Art in the Park: Bottlebrush Studio, Nimbin, with morning tea and light lunch. • Polypipe and Philmac fittings & valves • Home visits for some company or giving carers a break, phone to find out more • Animal feeds, hay, garden supplies & plant nursery We are looking for some arty/crafty • Drop-In at Bottlebrush Studio, Nimbin, Monday-Friday 10am-2pm, for a Phone Ralph 6689-1206, 0429-048-808 people to join Gilbert in the park on Fridays to undertake arts and crafts cuppa, a chat, internet, computer, a quiet sit down. activities for the general public. Phone 6689-1709 for more info, or Facebook Nimbin Aged Care & Respite Services Debbie Guest Civil Marriage Nimbin Hospital Information Child immunisation clinic Nimbin NSP Celebrant For 0-5 year olds. Held on the second Opening hours Monday 9.15am-12pm; Phone: 02 6689-0089 Tuesday of every month. Next clinic Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.15am-12.30pm. 10th May. For appointments phone Mobile: 0427-975-650 6620-7687 (Lismore Community Cannabis clinic Cardiac, diabetic and stroke risk Confidential counselling, every email: [email protected] Health Centre). assessments, weight, blood pressure, Monday. Phone 1300-664-098. oxygen sats, blood sugar levels and www.debbieguest.com Early childhood nurse Drug and alcohol counsellor/ cholesterol levels. Referral to appropriate debbieguest.blogspot.com.au Every Tuesday. For appointments psychologist health professionals as required. phone 6620-7687 (Lismore Every Thursday, phone 6620-7634 or Contact me to discuss your requirements Community Health Centre). Health advice line mobile 0428-109-474. Phone 1800-022-222 if you have a Women’s health nurse services Free diabetic clinic health issue. It’s a 24-hour, seven days Third Thursday of the month, Every 3rd Thursday of the month. a week free service. A registered nurse Nimbin next clinic 19th May. Confidential Phone 6630-0488 for appointment. will speak to you and assess whether service, pap smears, breast checks, or not you need to go to the emergency contraceptive advice, post natal Free respiratory clinic department at your local MPS. Servo checks, general health information. With specialist respiratory nurse and Read more information about this • Fuel, oils, automotive needs, ice, gas refills & Swap’n’go Phone 6688-2401 to make an a nurse practitioner, Friday of every service at: www.healthdirect.org.au • Nimbin Bakery pies & sausage rolls, drinks, icecreams appointment. month. Next clinic 13th May. Phone • Bread & milk, newspapers, cigarettes, Nabropure water 6688-1401. Nimbin Hospital Auxiliary Nimbin community nurses • Stock food, horse & cattle food, lucerne, pet food & bones Meetings are held on Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm. Free health checks the second Friday of Open 7 days: Mon-Fri 7am - 7pm, W/E & Pub Hols 8am - 6pm For assessments, wound care, referrals, In front of the Nimbin Neighbourhood each month in the advocacy, provision of palliative care Centre 1st and 3rd Friday of the month hospital conference in the home and coordination of Aged 6th and 20th May. Run by Nurse room at 10am. Next Care packages. Phone 6689-1288. Practitioner and Registered Nurse. meeting: 13th May.

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