The King of Hearts passes by Benny Zable

On Saturday morning 22nd August, CAREER GUIDANCE throngs of people lined the road from Experienced Vocational Psychologist offering Lismore to Koonorigan to say goodbye expert counselling, assessment and coaching to the King of Hearts, Peter Jackson aka for people of all ages. Roa Dart, aka Pothole Pete, who died in a tree-felling accident on his farm in Suitable for: Koonorigan. rECTGGTYQTMVTCPUKVKQP It is always a joy to see all those heart rCFWNVUTGVWTPKPIVQYQTMQTUVWF[ installations and potholes creatively rUVWFGPVUCPFUEJQQNNGCXGTU decorated on the road from Nimbin to Contact Peter Curry at Pathwise Careers: Lismore, for which Roa Dart Pete would pathwisecareers.com.au risk his life and limb to save the tyres and axles of vehicles for our safety’s sake. Phone: 0407-811-484 The Bentley Blockade Angel made a rare appearance as the cavalcade passed, for the first time since the Bentley Blockade in 2014. At the Bentley Blockade, one of Pete’s hearts was installed at the apex of the giant tripod where the Angel Peter Jackson and his legendary road art. Photo: would appear at dawn, and others were Gwilym Summers. installed along the cliff face across the road from Gate A. Pete’s Picnic Craft Market on Sunday 13th His artistic metal workmanship was by Robyn Kelly September, 11am-1pm. prolific. He also reshaped some currency Bring your own picnic rug, buy into hearts which would be exchanged On behalf of the Jackson family, thank your lunch at the markets and and circulated among friends. you to the community for the support join the family for a picnic on the When approaching Nimbin from the and kind gestures that have been oval. Wear your hearts and dress Lismore side, his art installations greet offered. This love has enabled them to brightly, bring your own sanitiser and and welcome us to the Nimbin village. grieve as they process his passing. practise physical distancing as per Jayne E. Alleman Peter was buried at a private The streets were alive with people recommendations. Adv.Dip.Acc., Dip.Acc., Tax Agent 98777003 celebration and joined his dearly loved whose hearts had been touched by This will be a time to reflect together Mother Earth, surrounded by love and Pete. Under the current circumstances, and be inspired by a man who walked 12 years colour. this is what we could do to show his talk and adored the markets experience A mural to remember him is now in respect. atmosphere; a space for us to hold for the pipeline to grace the rooftops of Come and celebrate with Pete’s the community to share their stories BAS electronically Nimbin. He will be sadly missed. family and friends at The Channon and reminisce. lodged with MYOB/ Quickbooks By country women, for country women (including cloud-based versions) by Linnet Pike, president Phone 0457-497-011 Nimbin CWA Email: [email protected] ur CWA Nimbin Branch room, in Othe old Industrial Arts building on the former Nimbin Central School site, is a wonderful light space with exposed trusses. When we rented the room early this year, our world was untouched by the pandemic. As a branch that had re-formed in March 2019, we planned a year of consolidation and working with community. And then CWA stall at the Nimbin Community Markets. the world turned. Photo: Sue Stock The purpose of the CWA is to support all rural people. We raise funds so which will allow CWA free, grain-free (almond is impacting our world in we can offer service to the members to work together, meal) low carb lemon profound ways. Linda’s novel community, particularly to teach, hold workshops, and drizzle cakes – that’s quite a is available at the Nimbin women and children. serve food from our room. mouthful. Environment Centre. The CWA is a grassroots We’ve spent much of the The CWA slogan is ‘More Nimbin is not that different organisation and has been so year under lockdown, and than tea and scones’. Come from many other small rural from its foundation nearly then developing our strict and have a yarn with us at the villages, however we do have a century ago. Part of the Covid guidelines (following Farmers’ Market, community a unique blend of diverse traditional CWA motto state, CWA and Community markets or when we have a beliefs, customs, practices, states: “Through country Centre guidelines). pop-up stall on the street. occupations and gifts. women. By country women. When able, we have worked With Covid restrictions Differing worlds collide and For country women.” at fundraising to establish in place, we have been able co-exist here. There are as We are embedded in our our CWA room, and our to engage on some cultural many Nimbins as there are communities, living here, branch members have and environmental fronts. folks who live here. working here, playing here. worked above and beyond – Ashoka Joblin, our branch Our community holds We are truly humbled cleaning, painting, cobbling agriculture and environment each other up. In this new by the encouragement we together gifted furniture, officer, recently put a motion world we now live in, we need have received from our and establishing our CWA to the FNC CWA Group mutual acceptance, self-help Highly competitive rates 50C Cullen St. beloved community. We stall at the weekly Farmers for a moratorium on logging and community solidarity Extensive experience in Nimbin 2480 applied for an Essential Market. of koala habitat. This is now more than ever to raise each (at rear) Energy Community Choices The Cooking Women are under discussion by branches other up. many areas, including: Ph: 02 6689-1003 Programme Grant which astounding, turning out at our regional level. CWA Nimbin Branch • Conveyancing, Property & Family Law required people to vote every all the old-school CWA We also hosted the meets on the second Monday • Wills, Estates, Probate day for about two weeks. We favourites plus vegan and Nimbin book launch of of the month at the Figtree won, thanks to your votes. gluten-free treats. The Linda Woodrow’s book 470, Building in the Community Web: www.nimbinlaw.com.au Our grant will go towards latest customer request has set 10 years into a future Centre (behind the Fire Email: [email protected] installing a small kitchen produced a new item: sugar- where climate change chaos Station on Sibley Street).

Page 2 The Nimbin GoodTimes September 2020 [email protected] Bushfire danger period begins by Marcus Mantscheff, Captain, Nimbin Rural Fire Brigade, NSW RFS The Bush Fire Danger Period began on 1st September and extends until 1st April 2021. Open 7 days This means you need a written permit for all outdoor 8am - 5pm weekdays fires (excluding small fires for 11am - 4pm weekends heating and cooking). But Ph: 6689-1010 fax: 6689-1210 email: [email protected] don’t worry, getting a permit is free, quick and easy. Newly-minted Nimbin Brigade members Photo: Rom Pike If you live within about 10kms of Nimbin, call • For Stony Chute, contact Richmond Valley Shires, above. Nimbin RFB or text: “Fire Ron on 0428-891-291. contact Northern Rivers Once a permit is obtained, Permit”, your name, and the • For Goolmangar/ Fire Control Centre on 02 you will need to notify address of the proposed burn. Koonorigan, contact 6663-0000 to find your neighbours 24 hours before • For Nimbin, SMS 0428- Shannon on 0429-891-571. nearest permit officer. and lodge it online at the 221-210. We’ll put you • For The Channon, contact Remember, even with a RFS website at: www.rfs. in touch with the closest John on 0428-886-480. permit you need to check nsw.gov.au/fire-information/ Permit Officer. • For Jiggi Valley, contact the daily Fire Danger Rating fire-permits/burn-notifications • For Blue Knob/ Lillian Jerry on 0416-182-222. prior to ignition. All permits to prevent unnecessary 000 Rock, contact Ken on For all other localities will be suspended for a calls. Have your permit 0429-024-594. within Kyogle, Lismore or rating of Very High and number handy. Nimbin Advisory Group issues considered by Megan James a community group to replace services developing a Covid-19 response strategy of the now defunct Visitor Info Centre for business. Nimbin Advisory Group met with three and if successful, Council will conduct an Council’s response was that focus is on Council staff and two councillors on EOI for a community group to offer the delivering the Economic Development 27th August via Zoom and discussed a services. Nimbin Chamber of Commerce Strategy which includes a Business raft of issues affecting Nimbin. is doing a survey of how people would Activation Plan. The feedback about The group strongly expressed that any like visitor services provided, and this post-Covid business needs will be LCC Disaster Response and Recovery will be provided to staff. consolidated and included in this plans and grants require greater Council received $1.3 million from plan, which will focus on Nimbin and communication and collaboration with the National Bushfire Recovery Agency Lismore town centres. the existing Nimbin Disaster Recovery to upgrade evacuation centre facilities NAG also wanted more lobbying by Committee, to identify community- at Lismore and Nimbin Showground LCC and staff to include Nimbin in specific needs and appropriate outcomes. and install a static water supply station the current Covid bubble of the Qld/ The group also recommended for Nimbin and surrounds and improve NSW border, as it is currently unfairly that the review of the Nimbin Local truck turnaround areas on narrow, impacting local residents and businesses. Environment Plan and Development bushfire-affected roads in the Nimbin There is a small sum available from Control Plan include the needs of area (Wallace and Young Roads). ‘Streets as Shared Spaces’ funding pedestrians and cyclists; revised land use Council needs to consult with the to assist with Covid-safe footpath zoning; planning for social cohesion and Rural Fire Brigade before proceeding markings, and the group suggested LCC for Section 94 funds to be used locally. further. Council has also received supply stencils that the community I PAINT HOUSES A draft will be circulated to NAG and $100,000 in funding from the NSW could use. Marking could well be used to the Chamber of Commerce before Government to employ a Rural help the Post Office queues. NIMBIN & community consultation. Emergency Planning Officer. Membership of the current Nimbin SURROUNDS The dangerous hole and lack of The group expressed great Advisory Group will be extended until provision for pedestrians over a 30m disappointment that LCC has been very next Council elections in September stretch between the Nimbin Bowlo and urban-focused and tends to ignore its 2021, with three current long-term Alternative Way will be reported to the rural communities in applying for funds. visitors becoming temporary members. RING BEN’S PAINTING: traffic committee. Likewise, there is frustration with the The next NAG meeting will be held on LCC staff support funds being given to lack of communication and action on 26th November. 0409 352 102 Marshalls wanted for Nimbin Pool Lismore Council has advised that new Health Orders require the presence of a Covid marshall during opening hours at the swimming pool. Their budget has not allowed for this, so they are actively seeking a co- ordinated group of volunteers to keep the pool open through the summer. On-line Covid marshall training is available, and volunteers Nimbin pool was painted bright blue would be covered by existing in August by John, Glenn and Chris. insurance. If interested, email to: Photo: Sue Edmondss [email protected]

0403-721-876 [email protected] www.digwise.com.au

• Rural roads & driveways • Underground services • Stump grinding • Rollers • Dam building & clean outs • Horse arenas • 3 x Excavators • Water truck • Wastewater systems • Turf prep • Posi tracks (bobcats) • Tippers • House & shed cuts • Trenching and drainage • 2 x graders • Float and more

www.nimbingoodtimes.com September 2020 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 3 Kerry O’Brien to host Big Scrub panel This year, Big Scrub Rainforest Day has a new and exciting format, in response to Covid-19 constraints, providing even greater opportunity for people to get involved. To celebrate the 22nd annual event on Sunday, 20th September, Big Scrub Landcare is switching to an online format, This year’s theme is ‘Saving our Rainforests from Fire’. The feature of this year’s event is two panel discussions facilitated by * ABC journalists Kerry O’Brien and Mick O’Regan. The panels will discuss important issues related to the recent (wildlife ecologist). More information significant Gondwanan rainforests, bushfires in and around Nightcap on panel members can be found at: rather than fires on a broader regional, National Park. www.bigscrubrainforest.org state or national scale. *a.k.a. Sindhu Panel members include Dr Robert Big Scrub Landcare’s president Dr Big Scrub Landcare is working with Kooyman (rainforest botanist-ecologist, Tony Parkes said, “Big Scrub Landcare long-term partners Rous County Macquarie University); Matthew is delighted to have such high-calibre, Council and Envite Environment and Wiseman (NSW National Parks and skilled, locally experienced panel valued supporters Saving Our Species www.johnadams.com.au Wildlife Service); Oliver Costello members to discuss these contentious Program and the NSW Environmental (Firesticks Alliance Indigenous issues.” Trust to deliver this event and its Corporation); Dave Kelly (NSW Big Scrub Landcare is specifically unique format for 2020. NPWS/Saving Our Species Program); focusing on the recent bushfires in All updates including registration Andy Baker (researcher, Southern our local area in and around Nightcap details for this free on-line event are Cross University); and David Milledge National Park, with emphasis on our published at: www.bigscrubrainforest.org Avoiding the abyss of conspiracy theories by Aidan Ricketts consensus. Now the genie is runs counter to the hyper- individualism like the most out of the bottle and climate individualist culture that we precious possession of all. It’s ormally we hope denial has become wholesale have grown up in. all they have left, so any threat that crisis brings the science denial. Hyper-individualism is a to it seems all-encompassing. Nbest out in people: It is normal for individuals disease of the mind. It suits The reason we are seeing co-operation, mutual aid to engage in some sort of corporations to divide us into good friends sucked into the and empathy. This seems denial at first when they get singular units of consumption abyss is probably that they are to be true of bushfires and diagnoses of life-threatening and seduce us with the false suffering from disconnection. floods but something about illness and so on; no-one utopia of endless personal If we ourselves feel ourselves this pandemic is driving a wants to have to accept these choice, but the reality of life being sucked into the abyss divisiveness that is making things and we scramble on this planet is that we are in of fear and suspicion and our lives feel more unhinged around for anything that can this together. the upside down world of and conflicted than ever. take the fear away and allow How can it be that suddenly conspiracy theories, the Social media has begun things to return to normal. we are witnessing people antidote is connection. to feel like a crowded street At times like these, a person’s who previously seemed Go for a walk in nature, full of mad people yelling community is their lifeline; to embrace ethical social hold a baby and look into its at everyone else. I have individualism cannot save and environmental values innocent eyes and feel how had friends contacting me them from the isolation and being suddenly turned to deeply it relies on connection expressing their sadness at fear. tacit Trump supporters? and care from its community. watching friends and family Sadly when you are in At first it looks like a major No-one has ever been born get sucked into the rabbit- denial, reality and objective transformation, but on closer alone. None has ever grown to hole of conspiracy theories, information starts to appear examination we might start illusory ‘self-mastery’ without Lic. No. L5971 and like some macabre as a dark and threatening to see the common threads being supported every step of Supply – Installation – Service – Roofing recycling machine, popping voice. It can be tempting to between those who are the way by others. out the other end as tacit shoot the messenger: to blame susceptible to the right-wing We are all in this together. Trump (fascism) supporters, and doubt the doctor, the conspiracy theories that are If your friends are being sceptical of science and expert climate scientist or even the jamming the airwaves at sucked into the abyss of Ashley Knights consensus on a whole range mechanic who tries to tell you present. conspiracy theory, don’t Phone 0414-664-664 of issues. your car needs a $2000 repair. Hyper-individualism is belittle them (even though Once we fall into the But when this denial of a psychological condition they may belittle you), don’t abyss of believing that all reality occurs on a society- that has been fostered by tell them they are crazy, or opinions are equal, we have wide scale, we have a real corporate culture. It is stupid (even though they may already given up on the problem. Looked at from the probably embedded in us all, be yelling at you to “Wake up idea of knowledge itself. standpoint of fearful denial of but its opposite pole is being sheeple”). Specialisation of knowledge the problem, reality starts to communitarian: being aware Try to connect, validate and respect for each person’s look like a conspiracy, purely of our place in the whole, in their fear and scepticism hard-earned expertise in because so many people nature and in society. about the world. Take them their field of knowledge is the seem to still believe in it. For If we lose this awareness for a walk in nature. foundation of our ability to Trump’s fascists, reality itself we may feel ‘liberated’ and Hyper-individualism leads survive and thrive as a society. appears to have a left-wing ‘autonomous’ for a while, to isolation, and isolation We go to a surgeon to set bias. but ultimately what we will leads to fear and paranoia. We a broken bone, a mechanic The pandemic is another become is isolated and after are facing not just one crisis to fix our car, we take our example of news that people that possibly paranoid. There’s but a series of impending computer to a tech expert to don’t want to hear, of expert plenty of hyper-individualism crises as we walk into the be repaired. We go to doctors opinion that keeps affirming within new age spiritual climate future that capitalism as well a range of expert allied something they don’t want culture, and this is where the has delivered. We are all in health professionals like to accept, and worse still, cross over is taking place. this together, with nature. osteopaths, acupuncturists of precautionary measures Trump’s political machine However insane the world of and physio-therapists to help that they find frustrating, is deliberately targetting the humans seems right now, the with ailments. inconvenient or in some fringes of new age culture to stars are still sane, the earth is Sadly, when climate change cases financially and socially recruit people to their upside- still sane, the animals are still began to be identified as an ruinous. down white supremacist sane. Connect to these things emerging existential threat to The other thing about worldview. for our mental health. We are our planet and our collective crises, and none more so Individualism is like the going to need each other. survival, it didn’t suit the than a pandemic, is that they consolation prize, the scraps We are also going to need fossil fuel industries and so a require a community response that are left after we have lost all the experts in their various deliberate and disingenuous if we are to successfully our vital empathic connection fields to help us find solutions. campaign of climate denial contain them. This means to others, to our communities Let’s respect each other’s fields began. It was the first that as individuals we and to nature. In the of expert knowledge and find major departure from our may have to take a hit for advanced stage of hyper- humility in that. That’s what collective respect for scientific the greater good and this individualism, victims to their being open-minded really is. Page 4 The Nimbin GoodTimes September 2020 [email protected] Father’s Day support for dads in distress This Fathers Day, Sunday 6th predictors of children later failing to An exclusive preview of the report September, sees the 21st Anniversary thrive in a myriad of ways. It’s not just shows over 50% of separated fathers of Dads in Distress, Australia’s first and the dads we need to worry about. Its feeling suicidal, and a shockingly low only national suicide prevention support also the kids and that seems to get level of trust by separated fathers for separating dads. lost in the “fog of the gender wars”. It’s in official support agencies and As promised last Fathers Day on our about the kids. organisations. 20th anniversary, this year has been one This last year has seen Dads in It’s a wake-up call when taxpayer of campaigning to raise awareness of the Distress launch its DadsAlive campaign dollars are going into services that issues that separating fathers face after which will be reported on by parent struggling dads just don’t see as helpful family breakdown. charity, Parents Beyond Breakup (www. at all. The challenges are unique and pbb.org.au) on or just after Fathers Day In the meantime, be aware that extreme, resulting in post-separation this year. Part of the campaign was to Aussie dads everywhere will be needing dads being one of the most at risk of share lived experience stories to allow support on this most difficult of days. suicide groups in Australia today, yet the public to understand what really Dads in Distress offers free support simultaneously and strangely, one of goes on. which can be accessed via telephone Tired, sore and stiff? Get moving and book in with Nimbin’s new the least well known, recognised or This Fathers Day also sees a unique helpline 1300-853-437 and regular Osteopathic clinic! supported. Why is that? and hard-hitting national report on on-line and (Covid permitting) in- Osteopathy is a holistic form of “hands-on” manual therapy which It’s especially troubling when one the plight of separated fathers being person support group meetings primarily focuses on the muscles, joints and bones to improve considers that father absence after published by Dads in Distress; watch across Australia. Details at: www. their function and overall health. family breakup is one of the best out for it at: www.pbb.news parentsbeyondbreakup.com/dids Guided by the osteopathic philosophy which considers the body- mind-spirit as a unit, we aim to empower people to regain control of their health and get back to doing the things they love. NIMBIN Thrive Health Care Nimbin provides affordable osteopathic care to the whole family. SMS or call 0421 178 269 today to book your next appointment, or visit us online at: ENVIRONMENT NEWS www.thrivehealthcarenimbin.com CENTRE by Scott Sledge, president

orestry Corporation’s operational plan for logging in Myrtle State FForest on FC’s website said logging would commence on 24th August. Several people concerned about the parlous state of our environment camped overnight at the entrance to a track off Summerland Way about 40km south of Casino. Others arrived early on the day to confront the loggers. As we waited in the pre-dawn chill, I was impressed by two things: the number of birds now active in the re- growing forest, and the commitment collection, re-use of treated water, of people from all over the Northern de-sal powered by renewable energy, Rivers to forest protection. and, most importantly, reducing waste After a quiet morning, we got word through leakage. All this would cost that the Environment Protection less and be more ecological. Authority (EPA) had told FC they The area proposed to be inundated is need better planning and will need to only 700m from The Channon Reserve go through the coupe area with EPA (where the Markets are held) and officers to ensure compliance with would have a concrete wall 40m high. rules. I suspect Rous is calling it The Dunoon Dailan Pugh reported, “The EPA Dam to divert attention from the high state they are reviewing the Forestry conservation value in The Channon Corporation’s identification of logging gorge. exclusion areas to ensure compliance We have until 9th September to lobby Did you know? with the rules (which will require major Rous Water before the proposal goes to All our links are clickable in the web edition. changes) and that logging won’t start NSW state government in December. Visit www.nimbingoodtimes.com and click away! until this process is complete.” This comes from plantation trees. For info: https://bit.ly/3grwH4G would take several weeks. We need to shift away from the Some members of the NSW We celebrated this delay, and many “frontier mentality” whereby we take parliament have recently advocated drifted away after pledging to return to what we want regardless of negative overturning a 30-year ban on mining prevent a logging start. consequences. uranium in order to establish a nuclear Prime News (Channel 7) showed NEFA has proposed establishing a power industry here, despite the high up and ran a good segment on their Sandy Creek Koala Park in the area costs and high risks. In fact, we have evening bulletin. Someone asked: between Leeville and Rappville south plenty of scope for cheap renewable “Where are all the Nimbin people?” of Casino, where about 80% of the energy that would create more jobs. Actually, the Nimbin CWA, NEC, Banyabba Koala population died in Seems like madness. Knitting Nannas, XR and many the devastating fires last year. The I am glad that climate activists led by individual activists with Nimbin remaining koalas have a good chance Nature Conservation Council (NCC) connections have been involved in the of eventual recovery should their feed have reacted strongly against this public demonstrations here. trees be left to thrive in a protected proposal. The Northern Rivers Guardians zone. On the very local level, cost-cutting (NRG) have mobilised under the Proposal for a Great Koala National by Lismore Council resulted in the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) Park is advocated for the state forest closure of the visitor information shop banner to pressure government to stop areas around Coffs Harbour, but the in Nimbin. Some of the info and goods logging public native forests. If you Banyabba population is separated for sale have gone to the NEC shop want to know more go to their web or from that area, so will need special at 54 Cullen Street. The NEC shop FB sites. consideration. also has a new stock of local honey and Like many issues, saving forests is Another issue of concern is the water NEC-logo t-shirts for men and women not just a Nimbin thing. With forest storage dam proposed by Rous Water. in various attractive colours. Check destruction worldwide, we risk not only If adopted, the new dam would store them out. species extinction due to habitat loss 3x the water currently in Rocky Creek NEC sponsored a Plant ID workshop but also devastation due to extreme dam at a cost to their “customers.” of at Gungas Road in August led by John weather resulting from climate change. 4x current water rates. The water will Blatch and Tristan Mules. Thanks to We need more trees, not fewer! be “needed” for future development our Secretary Triny Roe for securing Forest workers have considerable within the four Council areas: Lismore, Federal Government grant funding. I knowledge that could be put to better Ballina, Byron, Richmond River. learned a lot. use clearing weeds, maintaining fire We need to demand Rous undertake The next workshop is to be held on trails and assisting healthy tree growth. a more detailed audit of other options, Sunday 18th October. Registrations are Most of the timber we need already including mandating roof water open now on 6689-1441. www.nimbingoodtimes.com September 2020 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 5 In your neighbourhood...

WOOLY WINTER STOCK IN STORE Nimbin Neighbourhood and Information Centre News

Covid-19 – NNIC opening hours email: [email protected] and we will NNIC is open as usual available for send you an invite. This session will face to face services, PC and copier be held via Zoom and participants access, support services and food will need access to a PC or tablet with relief Monday-Friday 10am to 4pm. speakers and microphone and preferably Centrelink: Monday-Thursday 10am- a webcam (webcam is optional). 2.30pm, Friday 10am-2pm. Physical distancing, hygiene and other DV and child safety risks safety measures will continue to be in Please keep your eyes and ears alert to place at the Centre. See our website for everyone around you. Now is the time other Covid-19 updates and community to make sure everyone is safe, including info: www.nnic.org.au men, women and children from abuse If you need NNIC services and and violence. support but you are in compulsory self- Covid-19 has increased the risks to isolation, OR feeling unwell, OR feeling victims of abuse and violence who may nervous and wanting to maintain social be trapped behind closed doors. If you isolation, then you can call us on 6689- have any concerns or worries for yourself 1692 and we can arrange a telephone or anyone else, call NNIC on 6689-1692 appointment for you, so you do not have for support and guidance, or call: to come in personally. • 1800 RESPECT 1800-732-732; • Domestic Violence Helpline 1800-65- Free online workshop 64-63; SPECIALISING IN UNWANTED CARS Writing job applications and CVs with • Mensline 1300-789-978; Nat, 23rd September at 11am. • NSW Ageing and Disability Abuse Nat has been on many selection Hotline 1800-628-221. panels for various organisations over the past 30 years and will share her best Wanted: Front Desk Assistant tips on how to write a competitive job volunteers CDAT members Nat and Captain application and CV and explain how Must have min Cert II in relevant Competent spreading the word on 52 Cullen Street employers deal with the applications field (e.g. Welfare, Community International Overdose Awareness Day process. Development) or be currently • Nimbin’s own Aquarius Loaf baked fresh daily To register for this free workshop undertaking Cert II or higher We do lots of fun and creative stuff email Nat at: [email protected] qualification. and we need input from people with • Sourdough bread and rolls including white This workshop will be held virtually Must be reliable and able to do at least diverse experiences. • A range of spelt breads baked daily using Zoom, so participants will need one day per week (6-hour shift). A great To join, contact Nat on: admin@nnic. access to a PC or tablet with speakers way to gain experience in the sector, and we can invite you to the next • Huge range of pies and pastries, including org.au and microphone and preferably a connect with the Nimbin community meeting. vegetarian varieties webcam (webcam is optional). and contribute to NNIC and Nimbin. • Salad rolls, sandwiches and hamburgers made Please send CV to The Manager, Sibley Street updates fresh all day Take home Naloxone program NNIC: [email protected] (or drop it Thanks a million to those of you Free on-line Community Information in). For more info, contact Kath at our who donated towards the public rock • Quality Botero coffee served all day, every day Session, Thursday 15th October at 2pm front desk. circle, and we hope to see our rocks in • Loads of cakes, slices and treats with Darren Smyth, our new NIS Drug place within a few weeks. An opening and Alcohol worker. Mental Health and the NDIS ceremony has been suggested and in the • Order your birthday and special occasion cakes This session is for opioid users and If you have long term mental health future, perhaps carvings of inspirational their friends and family members or issues and have been wondering if you thoughts. OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY at 6am anyone who may be in the position might be eligible for NDIS, or how the Thanks also to Andrew who has set of being a first responder if an opioid NDIS works and what types of supports up a new greenhouse on site. And to the Phone 6689 1769 overdose occurs. This includes people might be available, or need help working crew who created the new wishing well. who are legitimately using opioids on out how to apply for the NDIS, drop Workshops are back up and running… prescription. by or call us on 6689-1692 to book an check our facebook page for latest info. It is easy to accidentally overdose, appointment with Peter. We are looking for someone to rebuild especially if you are taking multiple our website, which has been lost to medications and possibly lose track of Nimbin Community Drug Action cyber land. Contact Steph if you can what you have taken. Naloxone saves Team (CDAT) help on: [email protected] lives and should be in the first aid kit of Check out our new video on the anyone who is around opioid users on a NNIC website (

Page 6 The Nimbin GoodTimes September 2020 [email protected] Rail myths and realities by Lydia Kindred, Northern Rivers Railway Action Group

n 2004, both Price WaterhouseCoopers and Ithe Parliamentary Inquiry’s ‘Final Report on the Closure of the Casino to Murwillumbah Gyra pool Monkton pool Rail Services’ recommended the Casino-Murwillumbah service be reinstated. Swimming pool touring, part 2 The current route connects a bunch of local volunteers and ride’ service, for drivers to six of the major towns in the (NRRAG) to raise the kind get off the highway and ride by Sue Edmonds champions like Dawn Fraser and Ilsa Northern Rivers. There are only of money that the Rail Trail’s quickly and safely into Byron Konrads to emerge in 1956 when the a few bridges that require major Sourdough Group (comprising Bay, and onto Mullumbimby, Packing for swimming pool touring world came to Melbourne to swim, run, work, with most needing smaller developers, real estate agents and which Byron Shire Council starts with a costume (cossie)/togs/ catch and throw, wrestle and balance, upgrades. others) have mustered. has committed to supporting. bathers, or two. Earplugs are an and for the Russian and Hungarian The tunnels are mostly in It seems the NSW Government Extending it to Billinudgel, essential item to stop the sloshing noise waterpolo teams to fight under water, good condition, as they are not is very interested in taking away which would service the 7000 after your swim. Throw in a few towels. drawing blood in our fabulous new subjected to the weather. The the current protections over our people from Ocean Shores and A snorkel is option, it often depends swimming pool. ballast on most of the line is still rail corridor by changing the surrounds, and opening up the on your swimming style, and they’re The Armidale City Council bought in very good condition as noted by legislation (any time from mid- rail to Murwillumbah and west handy when retrieving treasures from the Monckton pool and its surrounding the Arcadis engineers in the 2019 September) so that it reverts to to Bangalow, Lismore and Casino the deep. There is a whole event at land. building another 50 metre pool, ‘Multi Use of Byron Shire Rail Crown Land – which has been would bring back the much loved the annual Nimbin Pool Olympics heated, and several kids and learners’ Corridor Report’. shown to be able to be sold and ‘surf train’ for travellers to and comprised of rescuing bits and pieces. pools. Arcadis surveyed most of the developed. from Byron Bay. Moving on from Glen Innes, the next The council excelled in its foresight, line in the Byron Shire, unlike The current large-bus services Why can’t we have both rail and pool is in Guyra. It’s indoor rather than and now the Armidale residents those who produced the dodgy do not suit many people in our trail? Surely we need to support al fresco, due of course to the bitter chill have room to move in the water, and ARUP desktop report, saying region, particularly the elderly and all the members of our Northern in the wind. We opted to touch rather manicured parkland to relax on. Early it would cost almost a billion disabled. However, on-demand Rivers communities, not just a few than immerse, despite it being heated. morning was too chilly for us to take dollars to reinstate the Casino- mini-bus connections from fit and able bodied ones. There’s a kids’ area outside – they breed the plunge, so we headed off to Uralla. Murwillumbah line. ARUP has villages to the rail would mean Our rail groups cannot support them tough up there. Uralla was dry and locked up… been convicted and fined for everyone could access the central losing the potential for re- Staying dry, we moved on to Armidale probably due to drought… so we’d been wrongfully reporting numbers for rail line throughout our region. establishing crucial rail services in where there is a complex to make your to three pools without getting wet. Brislink. Rail is what countries all return for a single bike path. mouth water. It’s named after John The tour had another purpose, to see a There is a lot of vegetation around the world are turning to. Most people think it would Monckton, an Armidale boy who fabric exhibition at Tamworth Gallery, over parts of the line, due to the Queensland and Victoria have be great to have passenger rail won Silver in backstroke at the 1956 a tri-annual event, so killing two big lack of oversight by the NSW reinstated many rail services, but services again. And we know this Melbourne Olympics. His parents built birds with one trip we headed into Government, who pay John NSW is lagging behind. can be achieved affordably. him his very own 50-metre pool on town, but we were one year early for the Holland (owned by the Chinese The Byron Solar Train All NSW MPs will be voting on their land. It paid off with Monckton exhibition. government) $750,000 a year to only currently runs for three the legislation soon. Please phone swimming in three Olympics and So much for Tamworth, but we knew keep the line maintained. kilometres, but it can be them, write or email. For more holding various world records. there were more pools to sample, so we It has been very difficult for extended to Tyagarah as a ‘park info, phone 0422-007-724. Monckton was just one of many set off with a light spirit.

to the road, installation of solar-powered Council roadworks signs to encourage motorists to slow down, NEFA proposes koala park Lismore City Council is planning to and the removal and pruning of trees and undertake road safety works in the coming vegetation along the road. The North East Forest months on a section of Nimbin Road known While Council avoids tree removal Alliance (NEFA) is as The Cutting, just south of the village. wherever possible, in this case it is necessary proposing that 7000 ha of The site has been recognised as an to remove overhanging trees to increase public land south-west of Australian Government Black Spot site light penetration and reduce moisture on Casino, on the Richmond after a number of accidents and the tragic the road’s surface. River lowlands, become the death of Simone Rutley in 2016. The removal and pruning will also Sandy Creek Koala Park. Funded by the State Government, the allow the solar-powered signage to work This park would help works include applying a non-skid surface effectively and help slow traffic. restore koala numbers, hard hit by last year’s bushfire. It would also protect 39 September other threatened species, Workshops Program nectar yields, tree hollows, $10 unless otherwise noted carbon storage and stream Bookings: text 0475-135-764 flows. or email: [email protected] The proposal incorporates Royal Camp, Braemar, Mondays (starts 10.30am) ‘particle board’ panels with lantana, Carwong and Ellangowan devils fig and wild tobacco. $25. • 9th Sept: Wild Weavers. Basket and mat state forests, and remnant weaving techniques with natural ad • 24th Sept: Constructing a raised native vegetation on land recycled fibres. Day 2: Woven shoes ‘wicking’ garden bed with Cawdor Ross from Green Man gardens. purchased for plantations • 16th Sept: Slow Cloth Club. Spinning “The koalas were increasing yarns and knitting machines. Bring your Wednesdays as the forests recovered own or practise on ours, with Sue. • 2nd and 4th Wednesdays: Garment from past logging, with Sandy Creek survivor • 23rd Sept, 2-4pm: Harness Loom Weaving. Mending with Atelier Smith, 2-4pm. good future prospects as Beginners textile weaving with expert the larger trees preferred by “This reserve proposal the atmosphere. Stopping weaver Annie Mayo. Saturdays • 14th Sept: Make your own Moccasins. koalas grew,” said NEFA honours the community’s logging will enable the forest spokesperson Dailan Pugh. wishes and aspirations for to recover lost CO at a rate Tuesdays (starts 10.30am) Full day workshop, $100, all materials 2 provided, bookings essential. • 10th Sept: Crystal pendants. Learn “The koalas suffered a protection of koalas and of 44,200 tonnes per annum. • 28th Sept, 12pm: Nimbin Seed Exchange. macrame bindings with Krissy. Choose mortal blow when the public forests, and meets the “Protecting this forest Share rare seeds and cuttings. your crystal or bring a favourite. All Busby’s Flat fire swept 2018 NSW Koala Strategy offsets the CO2 emissions of materials provided. $20. Community tools library through these forests on promise to set aside large a medium-sized town such as • 17th Sept: Building with weeds. Make Mon, Tues, Wed, Sat, 10.30am-12pm. the night of 8th October, swathes of land where koalas Kyogle or Maclean. 2019, with the apparent loss can thrive and new habitats “This proposal can provide of 78-89% of koalas, which can be created,” he said. a major economic boost suggests 270-310 koalas died “This proposal protects to Casino and the region, as a result of the fires, and the inadequately reserved as each 10,000 visitors surviving population could be Richmond River lowland attracted generates $1.3 as low as 40-80 koalas.” forests and will restore their million per annum in Mr Pugh went on to say lost values. regional spending and 10.6 that if we continue “business “The biomass of this jobs,” Mr Pugh said. as usual” koalas in the wild forest has been reduced by The 212-page proposal for will be extinct by 2050, so 58%, releasing some 3.3 the Sandy Creek Koala Park

protection of habitat is vital. million tonnes of CO2 into is at: www.nefa.org.au/koalas

www.nimbingoodtimes.com September 2020 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 7