Yatras, ants and feedback Nimbin Servo Word of the Bird 02 6675-7906 by Cr Elly Bird

had a lovely mini-break in May, and went on a Yatra to Girraween and Bald Rock National Parks. A Yatra is a • Fuel, oils, automotive needs, ice, gas refills & Swap’n’Go I group retreat that involves meditation, nature immersion • Nimbin Bakery pies & sausage rolls, drinks, icecreams and silent mindful bushwalking. They are fantastic. • Bread & milk, newspapers, cigarettes, Nabropure water We did some really big walks and I had a nourishing time • Stock food, horse & cattle food, lucerne, pet food & bones offline and disconnected, giving myself much needed space to reconnect with myself and with our magical world. It’s so NIMBIN SERVO SHOP important that we take time out occasionally and after the covers most of Lismore. That means residents cannot move intensity of the last few months leading up to the budget it was these materials off their property, except to take them to the Open 7 days: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, W/E 8am-5pm, Pub Hols 8am-4pm much needed respite. Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre. If you haven’t heard about Yatras before and it sounds It is definitely OK to visit the CBD, but please check that interesting to you, have a look at: yatra.org.au They run a your vehicle, clothing and personal items are free of ants before couple a year locally, and they also run some in the NT and in you leave. If you find them, brush them off before leaving the Tasmania. They come highly recommended by me. area. Please immediately report any sightings to the DPI either I came back from the Yatra to the news that Yellow Crazy online at: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/antreport or to the Biosecurity Ants have been found in the Lismore CBD. It’s the first time Hotline 1800-680-244. For more information about how our this highly invasive species has been found in NSW in 10 years. community needs to work together to prevent the spread of the The ants are around 5mm long with long antennae, an erratic ants there is a detailed fact sheet available on the DPI website: gait, and a distinct yellow colour with bits of brown. www.dpi.nsw.gov.au They are listed as one of the world’s 10 worst invasive species In last month’s paper I wrote about our budget process at by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and Council, and now that Councillors and staff have done our as a community we are going to need to be vigilant if we are to part, it’s over to you. The draft operating budget for 2018-19 contain them and prevent them from spreading. is now on public exhibition and you can make a submission by The DPI and LLS are undertaking an extensive containment going to: yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au program that will take around three months. Yellow Crazy While you are there you can also take part in our community Ants tend to walk rather than fly and are generally very slow consultation as part of the national conversation about in expanding their range by themselves. However, they can changing the date of Australia Day. The online community hitchhike in organic materials, or on people’s belongings, survey is just one part of a broader consultation that Council resulting in the infestation spreading. This is why it is so critical has been undertaking as a result of Councillor Ekins’ motion for people to be aware and check for Yellow Crazy Ant before last year. That survey is open for your responses until 15th moving equipment and materials. July, so please get involved and add your voice to this important The most important thing is that the ants are not transported conversation. There is a registration process involved, but once out of the CBD to other areas, particularly into our rural you have done that once, you are well placed to participate in and farming areas where they would cause serious damage to future community consultation. Four cosy one-bedroom timber cabins nestled on 33 ecosystems. It is now prohibited to move soil or plant matter As always I can be contacted for community or Council acres of natural bushland with abundant wildlife, within easy walking distance of restaurants and shops. within or outside of a newly established restricted zone which business at: [email protected] or on 0418-639-927. Overnight or weekly – wheelchair access TERETRE Retreat – NIMBIN 5 High Street, Nimbin NSW 2480 AUSTRALIA Ph: (02) 66 891 908 - Mob: 0427 891 626 Chamber Chat Email: [email protected] - Web Site www.teretre.com.au speed; making surface more even; to enable members to access information painted zig-zags on approaches. and update profiles easily. Council is considering these We will have an opening very soon as we – FLOOR SANDING – by Teresa Biscoe, president suggestions and has also are busy creating the content. We would identified signage placed welcome any images that showcase our New & old floors, verandahs, decks We are now already half way around the crossing as a beautiful village or the wonderful events through the year, and it seems distraction. They have asked that occur here. Images can be emailed to • Free quotes & advice that time is flying. So much that the businesses on either the Chamber: [email protected] • Prompt service to do, so little time. Apologies side of the crossing ensure that I have had the privilege of attending some to all for missing last month’s any signage placed on the foot free workshops offered by Council over • Quality work Chamber Chat, I have had some path be positioned so it does not this year. Topics ranged from partnerships assured personal family stuff happening, and last distract or block views to passing traffic. between Council and the community, month it overwhelmed me. A number of interested parties from WHS, fundraising for not-for-profit • All areas serviced The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce and Nimbin, including the Chamber, attended organisations, governance issues, time the Nimbin Advisory Group (NAG) have a meeting to discuss the Rainbow Walking banking and more. Rob Clark ph 6632-3342 or 0410-016-694 been working together to repair/restore/ Trail. Currently some issues still exist I have had the opportunity to network ABN 93 105 831 192 replace some of the murals in Cullen around the proposed route and the existing with a number of organisations from the Street. We are working together to fix two right of way. LCC Councillors and Staff area including the Department of Fair murals (the mural above NLRE and at have been invited to walk the new trail Trading, SES and other emergency service Soward’s Garage), with Elspeth and Julie route, so a date is planned for July-August. organisations. I am looking to organise as artists, and silicone-sealing to protect the LCC management staff expressed some community meetings with these one in Allsopp Park. Both of the building concerns about the ongoing cost of organisations to provide information and owners have also agreed to contribute to maintenance. We have suggested that local resourcing for the village. the mural work. groups (such as Headers, RPC, School of We are holding another general NAG now receives a small amount of Arts) could take responsibility to maintain members meeting at B+B Hall 6pm on annual funding from LCC from which sectors of the walk that adjoin their Monday 16th July. We have invited Paula they have agreed to contribute $3980 properties to reduce costs. Engaging Jungle Newman, the LCC Strategic Planner, to towards the murals. NCOC is matching Patrol to do routine clearing and rubbish give us an update on the Nimbin parking the NAG funding with a request for the collection may also reduce the annual strategy and address the community about Special Business Rate Variation Funding expenditure on maintenance. LCC plans affecting Nimbin in the next 12 to ensure that the work will be completed. This is a major infrastructure project months, its growth management strategy, We have managed to raise a bit over $680 that will benefit the whole community the relationship of the DCP to the LEP, from the mural collection tins distributed by increasing tourist activity in the town, progress with John Callinan’s Alternative around the village. We will soon have and providing a great pedestrian space for Way development, and commercial waste more tins out around the town, so please the locals to enjoy and safely travel from development. consider donating to this very worthy cause Alternative Way and Cecil Street without This is a great opportunity to directly so we can continue to maintain the iconic having to negotiate the streets, which lack question council around the issues face of our main street. safe pedestrian access to the main street. affecting our village and express your ideas We have had a meeting with LCC The Chamber Committee has and concerns. Council does take note of regarding the pedestrian crossing in Cullen committed funds and considerable the feedback they receive at these meetings Street which has been identified by locals volunteer time to revamp our website and the Nimbin Parking Strategy is one as a safety concern. Discussion was centred and logo. We are seeking to improve the example of that process. Many of the around the sightline constraints and accessibility and function of the site and ideas contained in the document reflect distractions in the area. have engaged some local web developers to feedback from Chamber, PCCC and NAG Possible solutions forwarded included: improve search engine optimisation and meetings held over the last two years that requesting pedestrians not to loiter inside give the site a whole new clean modern council staff and Councillors attended. the blisters; brighter fluoro lighting; visual design. We are improving the I hope to see you all there, your feedback replacement of iron in awning roofs with member’s directory so their businesses can is important and informs our planning as translucent PVC; banners re reducing enjoy a clear visual presence on the site and well as Council’s. Page 10 The Nimbin GoodTimes June 2018 [email protected] From the mayor’s desk by Cr Isaac Smith

With all the action in Nimbin last month, I have made a well- worn trail between Lismore and our biggest village. Halted only by the mobile drug test van that was parked in Goolmangar and a few very sad spots where the road is in very poor condition. I can’t do much about the first, but I can tell you that we are doing On the same everything possible to get more was interesting to hear their cultural connections, as investment from the NSW perspectives on life in America these moments remind us of government in their state road and the role that both our the best in others. This is to PAGE network so the Nimbin Road villages can play in promoting contrast, in America’s case, can be improved. sustainable living. with the worst in what we see by Kevin Hogan MP, Member for Page au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/ Roads aside, this is one Nathan and Shelly (above) at a more national or global Hansard_Display?bid=chamber/ of the times I want to focus come every five years on the level. Much like our battle n 5th June, I announced a grant hansardr/5e1ba35d-04d0-4337-971c- on the destination, not the Aquarius anniversary dates, against CSG, we know that of more than $7000 to Kyogle 99a86eafcc28/&sid=0000 journey (though it goes against so I hope that locals or even good people around the world Preschool to install 20 solar panels. my better nature). So I loved a delegation from council at a community level are still O aren is looking forward to attending This is great news for the preschool. the Nimbin Hospital’s Auxiliary spending time over the past can make that journey to fighting for change. Instead of spending money on its electricity Fashion Show later this month. month enjoying MardiGrass Woodstock in the future to I still find that idea bill, the preschool will be able to spend their K This is a great annual fundraiser to and the 45th anniversary of repay the favour and maintain inspiring, that we can change money on their students. purchase much needed equipment for the Nimbin Aquarius. our connection. things as individuals and The funds will be used to install a 20- hospital. It was really good to see that That may also be useful, as when we come together, solar-panel 5 kilowatt PV system with I would like to thank the new president both events were focused on we are having trouble finding in a way that governments invertor, generating enough power for use Robyn Roos, secretary Margaret McQuilty, the future with discussions any offical council documents couldn’t hope to accomplish. throughout the day. around sustainability and on the relationship. So we It is one of the reasons I am treasurer Louise Donadel, assistant treasurer Maureen Lombard and assistant what a Nimbin of the future will be looking to strengthen interested in our sister City spoke in Parliament last week about treasurer Bruce Hamilton. can contribute to that that connection in the coming relationships. We are looking this year’s wonderful 15-day Aquarius conversation. With so many years. to connect with Lincang in Festival anniversary celebrations. he Government is investing $2.4 visitors in town, this was the If anyone is travelling to China, as we both share a I I congratulated the organisers in billon to make life-changing best opportunity to spread the Woodstock, please let me connection with macadamia Parliament: John Tozeland, Katie Cawcutt, medicines more affordable. message that everything we know as you can grab me production and agriculture. T Bob Dooley, Binnah Pownall, Benny Zable A script for Spinraza, which treats do needs to be about having a some organic shoelaces which Some people are not happy and Teddy Davis, who put in many hours the devastating illness Spinal Muscular more sustainable look at our they proudly manufacture with this new connection as organising the celebrations. Atrophy, will now cost a maximum impact of the planet. So what locally. Of course the tie- they see China as a nation that I also spoke about the unique, diverse and $39.50 (and just $6.40 for pensioners better place in the whole of dye is the biggest seller, so I lacks democracy and human vibrant community that is Nimbin, and the and concession card holders) instead of Australia to show people there might even see if I can get a rights protections. But I would significance of the Aquarius Festival, which $367,850 a year. is a different way of looking supply to stock in our Nimbin argue that the only change we not only changed the future of the town but We have also listed Kisqai for women with at life? Visitor Information Centre have seen in China over the made its mark on Australia. breast cancer, which previously cost patients I also had the honour of as the only non-local product past two decades, can be put Full text here: https://www.aph.gov. $71,820 a year. meeting Nathan and Shelley on the shelf. I think we can down to cultural and economic from Woodstock, New York, make an exception, as they exchange, not governmental Nimbin’s sister village. Having are really family! action. So once again people made the journey to our It is so important that we connecting as individuals is hub of alternative culture, it maintain these bridges and improving the lives of so many. Kyogle Council notebook by Cr Danielle Mulholland, Mayor of Kyogle

It’s been another fast-paced month with the State Government’s Fit for the Future reforms around the joint organisations (JO) coming to fruition. It has been announced that Kyogle will be joining the five other member Councils (Tweed, Richmond Valley, Lismore, Byron and Ballina) of NOROC to establish the new JO. We will meet at the end of the month to discuss our transitioning arrangements, including the establishment of a new charter and voting model. The JO will enable member Councils to collaborate, plan and deliver regional projects. ANZAC Day was a lovely day. I headed up to Mallanganee and watched the last performance of local Yvonne Gay, who has Our federal member, Kevin Hogan, worked performed at Mallanganee ANZAC days since his magic and got us through the Deputy the first event. Gail Bester who has the run the Prime Minister’s door to discuss our proposed BBQ since 1982 also stepped down. Ms Gay criteria which would make it easier for us to and Ms Bester were awarded with certificates successfully apply. of appreciation by Master of Ceremonies, Long story short: the criteria were changed Neville O’Malley. Kyogle, Old Bonalbo, and the six bridges on Gradys Creek and the Bonalbo and Woodenbong ANZAC events bridge at Upper Duck Creek were the first to were also well attended. be funded under the new criteria and replaced. We opened the six bridges that were replaced This is a win, not only for us but for all rural on the Lions Road. These bridges were of Councils across Australia. special importance because they heralded The Bonalbo Show was, as always, a great a change in the grant criteria. Council had day out. On the same day, the MPS open day experienced some challenges in seeking was held and isn’t it impressive?! I’m so pleased funding under the Bridge Renewal Program, to see this facility completed and congratulate which was designed to help Councils like Thomas George on his advocacy. Kyogle with their timber bridge backlogs. See you all next month! www.nimbingoodtimes.com June 2018 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 11 Tackling wild dogs and pest animals by Tony Heffernan the general public with knowledge and options Whian Whian community under the North Coast and North Coast Local Local Land Services Land Services have initiated Regional Strategic Pest a public meeting to provide Animal Management Plan information, knowledge, which provides stakeholders leadership to assist in the with a pathway to meet the coordination of effective General Biosecurity Duty as action management plan required by the Biosecurity regarding Wild Dogs/ Act 2015. Pest Animals in your own A key component of community. the plan is to implement The meeting will be effective, long term solutions facilitated with guest to a national problem within speakers from DPI, Local your own community. Land Services, Sporting This information night Shooters Assoc of Australia (not debate) will hopefully and hopefully a speaker encourage an engaged co- from NPWS or Wildlife/ operative approach for your RSPCA. community. The meeting is in the An effective plan starts Involving people/ many of the available control Dunoon Hall Friday with identifying: community in the tools is also subject to 22nd June, 5.30-7.30pm, • the actual (not perceived) development of a pest various laws and regulations, refreshments provided. problem management plan ensures and users should also Dunoon Sports Club is • who is affected and who that it is relevant and take into account cost- nearby for you to enjoy a else is involved practical and also helps to effectiveness, humaneness Lic. No. 238231C ABN 85716021096 meal after the meeting. • the extent of the problem give everyone ownership and efficacy. Please register to allow for and impact/s it is having. of the plan and its Applying the right tool/s catering. Defining the problem can recommendations. in the right circumstance The goal is to understand be difficult however it is By working together to is paramount to effective and raise awareness of the essential to know exactly define the problem, the wild dog management. problems and full impact what the plan is seeking to community can be better An important objective of of wild dogs/pest animals address so that appropriate prepared to discuss ways a Management Plan is to For all your plumbing needs in your community. And management can be carried they can effectively manage help identify and adopt Hot Water - Installations - Repairs to also offer effective out efficiently and effectively. the problem co-operatively. safe, effective and humane Septic Systems - Blocked Drains management plans for local If the problem is not methods for wild dog landholders. correctly defined, then all Tools to control wild dogs control. To assist in making best the planning that follows is There is a variety of different Come along and get fully use of time with the Q&A, likely to be off track. lethal and non-lethal tools informed on the issue. and to offer the whole We’re all affected. It is available to control wild dogs. Please message Sandra FRED’S EXCAVATOR 3t community an input, we ask the sole responsibility of These include poison baits, 0488-293-235 or Anna you to share any questions landowners, land managers traps, shooting, fencing, 0423-143-120, or email & 4t TIP TRUCK you may have or specific and anyone leasing a guard animals and aversion Tony at: tony.t.heffernan@ • clearing and • culverts and drains • tank pads enquiries so they can be property, to take ownership techniques (such as lights, lls.nsw.gov.au with your rubbish removal • service trenches • driveway repairs collated and ready at the of this problem. alarms and flagging). intention to attend, and meeting. Email and contact From a community Control tools vary in their with any questions you may HANDYMAN SERVICES numbers below. concern, domestic dogs are effectiveness depending on have for the night. • painting • kitchen and • paving & concreting The broad objective is to most at risk around 1080 a range of factors specific to Thanking you in advance • carpentry bathroom renos • plastering • tiling • decks and patios • general welding provide landholders and baiting. the local situation. Use of for a successful outcome. 02 6689-9493 0427-367-664 Email: [email protected] FREE QUOTES FULLY INSURED ABN 14 523 027 083 Muktinath – A bloody blessing by Simon Thomas karma to burn, I decide to take part in this ritual. wake to the haunting drone of The glacial water from the first Fashionating! Buddhist monks performing faucet slams frigid needles into my 46 Cullen Street Nimbin Itheir morning ritual, as has skull, and I scurry, hunched over, happened in the nearby mud and to complete the circuit before my stone temple these past 800 years. brain is consumed by the mother I pull back the curtain in my of all ice-cream headaches. simple mountain guesthouse I am half-way around when I see to view the wonder of a clear Aniko with a camera in her hand. Himalayan sky. The parched alpine I must stand and pose for the landscape around me glows with shot to display my bravery to the countless shades of ochre and earth. has been revered by Buddhists and world. My back is chilled numb, My lungs smart as I haul breaths of Hindus for millennia. Likewise, is the and I lurch myself erect like a new-born freezing air, and my heart pounds like air that streams up the valley in the foal. a mallet to feed my limbs as I climb a form of bracing wind, as well as clear, Slam! I feel the brutal bite of a brass rocky path leading up to a huge painted frigid water which pours inexplicably bull tear my scalp open, and hurry statue. At this heady altitude, oxygen is from the barren hillside. to complete the circuit with my palm a precious commodity. Fossil shells, which abound so far pressed against the aching wound. As I SPECIALISING IN UNWANTED CARS I am surrounded by splendour. This from the ocean represent the earth, and leave the final shower, I realise that I am place is so deep within the Himalaya within a crevice, housed in a dedicated covered in scarlet blood, and around me that scant rain makes it to this vertical temple, is a natural gas flare which has is gathering a very concerned crowd. world. I struggle to comprehend the burned there for time immemorial. A policeman and a medical student sheer scale of the majestic landscape. The sun’s power, barely compromised usher me to sit down, while they bathe Below me, barren hillsides plummet by the thin layer of atmosphere, fills the gushing gash in iodine, while trying thousands of metres to a wide stony the valley with gentle warmth by to stem the bloody flow. riverbed, and above, crystalline peaks mid-morning, and I puff my way up a With a gauze pad tied to my head soar kilometres into the sky. hand-hewn stone staircase to the temple by two donated handkerchiefs, I am Lustrous shafts of light beam from gates. nursed back down the rocky path to the behind a jagged ebony peak like In the heart of the rustic complex tiny town clinic. The medic, who looks searchlights, heralding the imminent stands a beautiful pagoda, surrounded no more than 18 years old, carves six arrival of the sun. In the west, a on three sides by walls which house 108 painful stitches into my head to suture wondrous full moon is framed by a bull-head shaped brass spouts which the jagged wound. pyramid of ice which rises to the very shower holy water. It is the holy full moon time of Saga edge of space. Legend has it that one need only pass Dawa, and I hope that I have at least Sky is one of the five elements for under these sacred streams to cleanse learned some kind of lesson – pride which the nearby complex of temples away all evil deeds. With plenty of bad comes before a fall maybe? Page 12 The Nimbin GoodTimes June 2018 [email protected] If you go down to the woods today... by Scott Sledge, President 140,000ha of coastal forests ash, and removing the next week and then the south Northern Rivers Guardians between Taree and Grafton, requirement to protect coast the following week. enabling virtual clear- recruitment trees (the The Government may also The NSW Government felling of areas up to 45 ha hollow-bearing trees offer meetings to obtain has clearly stated that it is in one go. Even the least needed for wildlife into stakeholder feedback. Closing committed to continuing intensive ‘selective’ logging the future) during logging date for written submissions logging of our native public will require that a mere operations. Only five hollow is 5pm on 29th June 2018. forests for decades to come, 0.1% of trees be retained per bearing trees – which are NEFA and NCC won’t despite any lack of scientific hectare logged.Replantings incredibly important habitat be participating in the evidence that current logging would convert biologically for wildlife – need to be information or any feedback agreements have been complex, natural forests into retained per hectare. These meetings but they will be successful in meeting their monocultures of blackbutt – important habitat trees will making submissions. I objectives or that logging is in order to provide sawlogs be essentially useless if all strongly encourage you to do the best use of our forests in for the industry’s future. the trees around them are so too. the 21st century. • Permitting logging in felled. The link to the inquiry In fact, it is now abandoning stream buffer zones that are • Replacing the need to look is here: www.parliament. any pretence of sustainable currently out of bounds for for koalas with a habitat nsw.gov.au/committees/ logging by proposing logging. Buffer zones around model that will require the inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details. dramatic erosions of streams will be reduced retention of a maximum of aspx?pk=2493#tab-members environmental protection to from 10m to 5m- from the 10 feed trees of just 20cm As forest /wildlife meet timber supply shortfalls centre of the watercourse (in diameter per hectare in advocates, NEFA will be resulting from commercial many situations that means mapped koala habitat. working with the National mismanagement. no exclusion at all!) These The new IFOAs require Parks Association of In May 2018 the NSW areas are the most important changes to legislation in NSW and regional/local Government released its refuges for threatened order to be implemented. environmental groups Old growth Antarctic Beech in a Northern Rivers forest draft Integrated Forestry species left in many forests, These changes are contained to organise a series of Photo: Meg Nielson Operations Approvals including gliders and quolls, in the Forestry Legislation information sessions to raise (IFOAs). These IFOAs and contain some of the Amendment Bill 2018, which community awareness about regulate how logging of our and meeting wood supply understand the proposed most ecologically important is currently before Parliament. the destruction associated native public forests takes agreements. A classic case of changes which are often trees in our forests. This Bill transfers regulation with current public forest place and the impacts upon putting the fox in charge of couched in language which • Opening previously powers of private native logging and promote a better our environment and wildlife. the chook pen. assures us of equal protection protected old-growth forest forestry to the Local Land alternative for our public The outcomes continue to The National Parks for wildlife conservation as for to logging by changing Services from the EPA and forests – one fit for the 21st get worse as conservation Association of NSW has timber harvesting. the maps for these high- makes changes that will century. provisions are increasingly been leading the analysis Analysis shows that conservation-value areas to allows the new draft Coastal Stand Up 4 Forest meetings wound back in order to get of the IFOA along with sweeping retrograde changes make up timber shortfalls. IFOA to be implemented. will be in held as follows: at more timber supplies and North East Forests Alliance are proposed that prioritise Old-growth forests are rare The NSW Government Nimbin: Wednesday 13th the regulation of forestry (NEFA) and the NSW timber extraction over and provide vital refuges for is undertaking public June, 6.30 – 10pm, Birth & operations is transferred Nature Conservation Council environmental protection, threatened species, including consultation on the draft Beyond Hall from the Department of (NCC) who help member including: large owls and gliders. IFOA commencing this week Lismore: Tuesday 19th the Environment to the groups such as Northern • Increasing logging intensity • Permitting the logging with a series of invitation-only June, 5.30 – 8pm, Lismore Department of Industry River’s Guardians, Nimbin throughout public native of trees up to 140cm in information sessions starting Workers Club whose primary focus is on Environment Centre, Caldera forests, including allowing diameter, and 160cm in Sydney and then moving to Thanks for standing up for the production of timber Environment Centre etc to high-intensity logging in for blackbutt and alpine the regions – the north coast our forests!

Cherry Tree State Forest. They compared NEFA ground data with the EPA and NSW govt can’t get wood Forestry Corporation’s own maps, and with by Dr Sarah Antill retained trees are common breaches. the harvested areas visible on Google Earth. In 2011, even Justice Pepper of the NSW The combined evidence sent to the EPA In 1998, the NSW government guaranteed Land and Environment Court said Forestry clearly showed 54.5ha of endangered forest large quotas of public timber to private Corporation’s record suggests “either a pattern illegally logged. The EPA waited until just sawmills. But now it’s in a fix. There’s not of continuing disobedience in respect of before the deadline for prosecution expired enough wood to fulfil all the guarantees, and environmental laws generally or, at the very before telling NEFA they didn’t intend to sawmillers are demanding compensation. least, a cavalier attitude to compliance...”. take legal action. $13 million has already been paid, courtesy The official body charged with enforcing It’s about to get worse. The NSW of NSW taxpayers. And in an effort to the IFOAs is the EPA. According to its own government, perhaps feeling that even find more timber, the state government is info line, the EPA is a NSW government laxly-enforced forest protections inhibit its overseeing a smash-n-grab of NSW’s public department headed by the NSW Minister for scramble for quota-filling timber, intends to native forest resources. the Environment. Its website says “The EPA remove many of the restrictions currently Our public native forests are valuable maintains an active native forestry compliance encoded in the IFOAs. Many previously assets. They have the potential to support program to help ensure compliance with the protected areas, including old growth, will be thriving nature-based tourism. Plus, if IFOAs.” open for logging. And more aggressive logging harvested sustainably, they could support a Despite that claim, voluntary community methods will be allowed – methods such as timber industry in perpetuity, without the groups regularly discover compliance issues clear-felling that destroy the ability of native chemical spraying required by monocultural the EPA has overlooked. In order to alert the forests to regenerate. plantations. However, because no harvesting EPA, they must lodge a detailed complaint Ian Gaillard displays some of the koala scats the These are desperate measures to scrape more regime since colonisation has achieved reporting the breach. “Farcical” is the word Forestry Corporation says don’t exist. wood from NSW’s dwindling reserves – sustainability, and native forests provide most often used by community group Royal Camp State Forest, 6th May 2018 measures that degrade NSW’s native forests more than just timber, tourism looks a better members to describe the EPA’s response to and destroy their ability to supply timber, jobs option. Intact native forests reduce the need complaints. logged timber brought in. and ecosystem services into the future. The for downstream dredging. They’re home to A recent example is Royal Camp State NEFA has countless similar stories. One drivers of these measures are the unrealistic a multitude of threatened and endangered Forest, where NEFA audits found clear logging rule is that a specific set of healthy, guarantees, known as “Wood Supply species, including trendy ones like koalas. evidence – plentiful scats (see photo) – of undamaged trees in each logged area must be Agreements”, made 20 years ago by the NSW The older the forests, the more valuable. multiple “koala high-use” areas. Under the left standing. Post-logging surveys regularly government to private sawmillers. They capture more carbon than young forests IFOAs, these are protected from logging. find such retained trees have been damaged Astoundingly, the government intends to or plantations, provide more filtered water However, the Forestry Corporation failed to by logging machinery, or even by piling and renew the Wood Supply Agreements for for downstream catchments, more nectar/ search for evidence of koalas before starting burning of broken branches around the base another 20 years. If they succeed, we’ll be seeds/hollows for animals, and nutrients for work, as the IFOAs require. Then, cheekily, of the tree – clear contraventions of the locked into another two decades of “smash- downstream ecosystems (including fisheries). they claimed that they hadn’t found evidence IFOAs. To one NEFA complaint detailing n-grab” that spells disaster for NSW’s native Disconcertingly, post-logging surveys of koalas, so no protections applied. And they hundreds of breaches, the EPA justified forests. This is a policy that trashes NSW’s by South East Forest Rescue (SEFR) and logged. taking no action by claiming that while it was publicly-owned resources for the benefit of a North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) show After ministers and the media were alerted likely “the damage to the trees and the debris small number of private sawmill owners. the Forestry Corporation – the state- to the first incident, logging stopped in that were as a result of harvesting operations”, Does it look to you like someone’s got a mate owned logging company – regularly breaks area. However, the EPA took a full year to it was impossible to prove the damage was somewhere? the logging rules. These rules, known as penalise the Forestry Corporation for failing caused by the Forestry Corporation (the NEFA is part of a network of people aiming “IFOAs”, are supposedly designed to ensure to search, during which the Corporation harvester). to protect NSW’s public native forests. If a sustainable timber industry as well as the repeated the same trick in other important In 2017, NEFA combined Google Earth you’d like to find out more (or better, get preservation of NSW’s public forests. Over- koala habitat. The EPA eventually issued fines with extensive groundwork to prove Forestry involved!) come to one of the upcoming public logging, logging protected areas and damaging of $900, likely far less than the protected Corporation had logged protected areas in meetings.

www.nimbingoodtimes.com June 2018 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 13 The Linc Stink: Queensland’s biggest environmental disaster by John Jiggens contaminants to escape. They said they knew of contaminants in monitoring bores. and shallow wells during its operation. It was the principles to be applied to ensure the safe Decommissioning of G3 was recommended in advised of a detection of benzene, a product of the In April, following a 10-week trial, Linc operation of the project, but they frequently March 2009, but it went on operating until the UCG process, being found in a shallow well ... Energy Limited was found guilty by a jury of failed to follow these procedures. end of May. G5 continued in operation to December 2013. In five counts of wilfully and unlawfully causing The result was the Linc Stink: clouds of Linc’s technical team advised in April 2009 my view, the defendant was plainly ignoring the serious environmental harm at its underground methane, hydrogen, nitrogen and carbon that the Chinchilla site was not a feasible site information it was receiving and continued with coal gasification plant at Chinchilla in the monoxide generated by the burn that escaped to operate a fourth gasifier due to damage to its operations.” western Darling Downs. from the gasifiers and afflicted the animals, landform of the previous gasifiers. Nonetheless, Judge Shanahan concluded that Linc The five counts of causing serious the workers and the farming families of this management directed the technical team to frequently ignored the advice it was getting environmental harm related to various beautiful agricultural area for six years between find another site there. from its own team of scientists. The offences gasifiers operated by Linc Energy on its site 2007 and 2013. Gasifier 4 operated between 2nd February were serious and extensive and proceeded over at Hopeland near Chinchilla. The company, The first two counts of the indictment 2010 and 20th February 2012 with the seven years. Judge Shanahan said: which was already in liquidation, did not involved the operation of a site known as same faults: monitoring bores detected high “Each gasifier was operated in a manner that defend the action. Gasifier 2 or G2 between 30th March 2007 to concentrations of contaminants; gas was resulted in explosive and toxic gases, tars and Qld Premier Palasczucz has described June 2008. (The chambers that are dug in the escaping in puddles from one of the water oils escaping into parts of the landform ... The Linc’s Hopeland mine as potentially the coal seam and set alight in Underground Coal bores, so it was nicknamed Mr Bubbles. When offences have resulted in a contamination of the biggest environmental disaster in Qld history. Gasification are known as gasifiers.) a regulator visited the site, Mr Bubbles was groundwater system that will require monitoring Appropriately, Judge Shanahan handed down Linc said they knew of the need for covered by some sort of crusher dust so that and remediation for many years to come. The land a $4.5million fine, the largest environmental appropriate site selection, including assessing the bubbling could not be seen. also faced ongoing explosive and toxicity risks in penalty in Qld history, but still well short of the nature of the overburden, and the presence The last gasifier, G5, operated between two relation to the escape of contaminants.” the enormous clean-up costs. of any pre-existing fractures in the landform, years from October 2011 to December 2013, Tens of millions of dollars have been spent, The mining technique which Linc practised yet the operation of G2 resulted in damage despite a report from senior staff that the site dealing with the impact of the contamination at Hopeland was an extreme form of fracking to the landform that spanned up to two was unsuitable because of significant fracturing. offences. Judge Shanahan concluded that the known as Underground Coal Gasification. kilometres, loss of containment and escape of Before the operation of G5, the company company put its commercial interests well Judge Shanahan described it thus: contaminants, including bubbling of gases to applied to the regulator to extend the limits of above its duty to conduct its processes in a way “Underground Coal Gasification is an aspect of the surface. possible contamination to a much larger area to safeguard the environment. He said: the fracturing of coal seams colloquially known as In October 2007, continuing loss of than had been previously acknowledged. Judge “My view is the purpose of this ecological fracking. The term fracking also covers a number containment meant that G2 was recommended Shanahan said: vandalism was purely commercial.” of other processes. This actual process involves for closure, but Linc continued to operate G2 “Also, a decision was made to stop the voluntary It remains to be seen if the company will the setting fire to a coal seam underground and until December 2007. testing of groundwater samples for an extended pay any of the $4.5 million fine, as it is in production of various gases that are used in The manager of operations reported to the period of time. It seems to me that that was a clear liquidation. CEO Peter Bond is repotedly particular processes, particularly the generation CEO of the disastrous operation of G2, and indication that Linc was well aware of the damage selling off his assets, including Dunk Island. of power or, in relation to the Linc system, the the company replaced this failure with another that was being done and was attempting to hide In July, Peter Bond and other Linc Directors conversion of the gas to liquid products, including gasifier, G3, which was sited only some 100 it from the regulator. It seems to me that that is a are due to face criminal charges under new fuel.” metres from the G2 site. The G3 seam was particular aggravating feature. legislation. Affected farmers are organising Linc Energy was aware of contamination ignited in August 2008. Once again, there “ ...during the operation of G5, the defendant a class action against the government for dangers from fracturing both the coal were widespread well failures, gas bubbling was made aware of significant concentration of approving the technology. and the adjacent overburden and allowing at wellheads and a significant concentration contaminants being detected in monitoring bores The Linc Stink is spreading.

fossil fuels? In 2012 the fossil fuel industry The Beaufort Sea spent $674 billion developing new reserves to secure future supplies by Bernadine Schwartz the consequences of not acting. and governments are doing the Concerned scientists from all over same. These new supplies will The Arctic is heating up fast and the the globe formed the IPCC in 1988 be coming from Greenland and alarm bells are ringing and loudly! and had their first meeting in 1990, eventually the Arctic, which means The Arctic ice is nearly at when they declared unequivocally more environmental devastation. vanishing point with temperatures to the world that the Earth was The mining sector has been up by 17 degrees centigrade, and warming up and future warming spending phenomenal amounts of Summer hasn’t even begun. The was likely. money to ensure their future by Beaufort Sea near Canada and Since then we’ve had international irreversible break in the Larsen C with a 40% tax, he was scrupulously employing lobbyists to influence Alaska now has only 900 polar bears summits, with the first being in shelf from the Antarctic Peninsula. undermined by lobbyists who were governments and the public. remaining, when a decade ago there 1992 in Rio de Janeiro when the US Years earlier in 1995, Larsen A acting on behalf of this highly Currently in the US ExxonMobil were 1,500 and this is because the immediately blocked any need for collapsed and then in 2002 Larsen profitable industry. They might be are being investigated for sea ice is disappearing. action. The US have continued over B also collapsed. Scientists are in Australia’s resources, but 80% of manipulating and obstructing the The Beaufort Sea has always the years to neither acknowledge the conflict over why this occurred these mining giants are owned by process of reducing greenhouse been entirely covered in permanent threat or co-operate, and because of because ice shelves do break away foreign companies and that’s where gases, but the case isn’t about the sea ice, but three years of record this they have hindered the process. naturally, but the peninsula has the money goes, overseas. environmental damage they have high temperatures have had an When the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 warmed quickly in recent years and This tax could have created huge caused. It’s under investigation unprecedented impact, and a new was held, the US senate arrogantly many scientists believe there is a benefits for Australia, but BHP because they have misled their phenomenon that scientists never rejected the plan in advance of the link. Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata, shareholders! anticipated has occurred: waves! meeting. The international community the giants of this industry and It doesn’t appear to matter that These waves are as big as five A decade later the world staged had high hopes when Obama small players such as Clive Palmer they’ve conspired and plotted to metres and they’re decimating the the Copenhagen Summit and, became US President, but constant and Gina Rinehart, joined forces deceive the entire world or the ice rapidly. even though the IPCC stated that obstruction in Congress prevented and created a slush fund to employ fact that they’re responsible for so Something just as worrying is also the reduction of fossil fuels would him from taking the necessary the most capable lobbyists in the much destruction. This world we happening. The Atlantic Ocean’s cost far less than the damage being measures. country. live in places far too high a value on circulation is slowing down and caused, the whole event was a huge Why does the US time after time One of their strategies was money and totally ignores the most these are all serious symptoms of disappointment. appear to be going backwards when convincing Labor MPs, especially valuable asset we have, our home climate change. Scientists predicted In 2008 scientists continued to it comes to taking any action and those who held marginal seats, that called Mother Earth! this event would occur decades ago make press announcements and why is our own government hell this tax would lose them votes. For 26 years we’ve been having and have been speculating on what stated that even if all emissions bent on serving mining companies? They had even conducted their own summits on global warming and the outcome would be, and now we ceased immediately and were never The answer is lobbyists. polling to prove this and carefully we are still waiting for action. The are all about to find out. produced again we would still be This is an industry that is selected certain journalists and real powers that be will never tackle The theory of global warming had suffering from global warming for totally unregulated and represents radio announcers to sell their spin. climate change until all our fossil been discussed as long ago as 1896 another 1,000 years. powerful corporations including the We are all aware of Kevin Rudd’s fuels are completely gone. when the first scientific study was Then five years later, a landmark fossil fuel industry. Internationally demise and this demonstrates This would have to be the gravest, conducted by Svante Arrhenius. report from the IPCC, that was lobbyists have colluded with mining how capable they are at making or most heinous crime ever committed The burning of coal led him to supported by 93 governments, was giants and governments and are breaking governments with their in the history of mankind and they conclude that the planet’s surface released. It explained very clearly deeply entrenched in our political skilful manipulation. should be held accountable. Not temperatures would increase, but that climate change had already world. The majority of lobbyists are just the fossil fuel industry but he thought this wouldn’t be felt impacted every continent and Because of this power, they’ve former government officials and government officials, politicians and for at least a 1,000 years. Over 50 threatens severe, pervasive and been successful in representing the politicians, and the control they the lobbyists themselves! years later, scientists were debating irreversible future consequences. mining sector’s cause and in doing have is affecting our democratic Nothing can ever compensate for whether carbon dioxide was capable Since then we’ve had the Paris so have prevented the world from system enormously. the loss of habitat on our planet of warming our planet and altering Agreement, which was the first time taking the necessary steps to fight The mining industry receives with all its diversity and natural the climate until 1960, when that America attended with the climate change. internationally between $775 billion wonders! These greedy people have Charles David Keeling proved just intention of actually participating When Kevin Rudd came to to $1 trillion in subsidies every year had the planet in the palm of their that. in the process. Treaties were power he was the most popular from governments with the help hands and have slowly crushed her, Since then, scientists around the signed, but what have we really PM in Australia’s political history of lobbyists. How could anyone all for the sake of money, and now world have repeatedly been warning accomplished since then? with a rating of 73%, but when he possibly say our governments are every living thing on the planet has all of us about global warming and Last year the world witnessed the proposed to hit the mining sector genuinely committed to phasing out to suffer the consequences! Page 14 The Nimbin GoodTimes June 2018 [email protected] Casino Environment Centre moves on and up Blue Knob IT by Sarah Antill, Secretary CEC Over 15 years professional computer experience When Philippe Dupuy first floated Friendly local advice since 2014 – No fix no fee the idea of an Environment Centre in Phone: 6689-7079 Email: [email protected] Casino, I laughed. I thought “Casino Environment Centre” was an oxymoron. I was really wrong. For four years PB (post-Bentley), the CEC shopfront has been an oasis of sanity where like-minded people can drop in for a tea and a vent, or just for some chemical-free local produce. In the same four years, CEC has built links with Casino businesses and Council, run regular radio shows, participated in Beef Week, kickstarted the restoration of the Jabiru Geneebeinga wetlands, and more. On May 18, CEC moved to its CEC stalwarts Dominique Rampal, Geoff Reid, Liz Stops, Meg Nielsen, Ian Morris next stage. Members packed up the and Philippe Dupuy, with empty shopfront shelves shopfront, and now the Centre will operate a stall at Casino’s bimonthly plus local produce, posters, a raffle and Downie and Geoff Reid, and the market – plus stalls at markets around friendly people. extraordinary band of committee the entire Northern Rivers. So now I am picking pieces of my members and volunteers who got us here. There will be info on all the big issues, hat out of my teeth. Thanks to past Looking forward to seeing everyone at like Adani and the new logging rules, presidents Philippe Dupuy, Jhabel the markets! Magic afoot in industrial hemp by Gerald Taylor up in a permanent storage little molecular jiggling, unit, but it doesn’t stop Martin turns the problem While everyone has been there. In a process simular bast into a carbon fibre of distracted by the prancing to fossilisation, the blocks unsurpassed quality. ponies of medicinal and continue to sequester carbon “Hemp fusion” Martin recreational cannabis, deeper from the environment for calls his creation, and rumblings from the entity we several hundred years, although devised to make call hemp have gone almost becoming stronger and musical instruments, it turns unnoticed. denser with time. out to be a replacement for, It’s become common to Blocks of this superior well, just about everything. see politicians, big pharma building material cost the It is a viable and sustainable and struggling aluminium earth nothing, and can be replacement for steel, timber companies circling around, marketed for little more and plastics moulded in all looking to monetarise than a standard besser block. their forms. cannabis; regulate and tax it. A hectare of cannabis will At this time Martin is Good luck with that. produce between 2000 and selling his raw product for Meanwhile the industrial 5000 blocks. $10 per kilo, from there it’s aspects of cannabis have truly Now the bast, the long up to your imagination what come of age, and they have Martin Ernegg’s moulded fibre. Until recently the bast you will build with it, simply come of age in Nimbin. objects from hemp fibre was a problem: we no longer press it into shape then let Industrially cannabis is have the ability to process it cure. Clean, ready to use made up of three parts: seed, lot more than you get from raw materials. We have lost carbon fibre at $10 a kilo long fiber (bast) and pith cotton or wheat, a lot more. our production chains that and no cost to the planet. A 80 Cullen Street 6689-0199 (hurd) and in Nimbin a quiet In fact, enough to make a take a raw fibre to clothing. typical hectare will produce revolution has taken place; fine living from one hectare We could grow the bast, but up to five tons of hemp the hippies have found a way and its easy and legal to grow. we couldn’t process it. fusion material. to simply utilise all parts of Now the hurd, the white Enter Martin Ernegg. So, here in this strange the plant in a planet-saving core of the plant. Unknown Recently of Mullumbimby, little town of Nimbin, manner that also makes a to most people, Klara Martin is now a resident once again the hippies have generous income for a cottage Marosszeky, a local girl, is of Nimbin and, in a way, provided local answers farmer. Australia’s leading expert Martin is the last piece of to global problems and First the seed. Hemp seed on making the hurd of the the puzzle. You may have simultaneously created a is expensive, industrial seed cannabis plant into a usable seen some of Martin’s sustainable yet profitable costing $30 per kilo. This building product. Using remarkable work already; cottage industry from the price will eventually drop, nothing but water and a hemp didgeridoos probably hemp plant. The time to but for the foreseeable future handful of minerals, Klara being his most famous plant industrial hemp on a demand will outstrip supply mixes and presses a quite pieces. small scale is now. and the price will remain remarkable material – ant- Martin is a scientist, If you have an enquiry or firm. proof, fireproof, light and inventor and artist, and interest in farming hemp Fin de siecle fantasies A hectare of land will incredibly strong. he has created a material or using any of its products yantraseeds.com produce one ton of seed in The building blocks she from bast that he can use contact Gerald at The poor conditions and as much makes have one other in his artworks, making his Hemp Club in the Nimbin as three tons under good important quality, the blocks musical instruments. In a Community Centre or email: conditions. You do the maths are a carbon sink. Making very simple process using [email protected]. but I’ll give you a hint, it’s a the blocks binds carbon only bast and water and a au

WARM JACKETS & PONCHOS IN TIME FOR WINTER

www.nimbingoodtimes.com June 2018 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 15 and features Christian Marsh pop, blues, folk, acoustica etc.. experience. Bush Theatre gigs on harmonica. It is a great and can feature large bands 1. How were your shows at testimony to his talent, in that (a maximum of 5 artists), Airlie Beach Fest 2017? he plays Blues, but it is not solo performers and duos, Each one was great. Because guaranteed to move your soul like anybody else’s Blues, he is all genres, ages (must be the festival is spread over and take you away. a total original. 18+) and ensemble sizes are the town, there are lots of The Cafe will be open serving It’s stunning music, played welcome to apply. different people at each show. delicious meals, award winning by two legends of the (Due to the nature of the 2. Did they look after you coffee, cakes and treats. Australian music industry. Airlie Beach Festival of well when you were at the Catch them on the outdoor Music heavyrock/thrash/ Fest? Dinner Under the Stars stage in the gorgeous gardens metal and other such “hard” Yes! Free accommodation with Glenn Cardier and career stalled and he became for a night of great music. genres are not suitable for the was provided, we had access Christian Marsh Streaming increasingly reclusive. He The Cafe will be open competition as they would to the VIP section where we Saturday 23rd June, 7pm surfaced occasionally – as serving amazing meals from not sit well with the festival.) met many connections for Sebastian Winter’s Sublime Entry by donation. front man for the Sydney pub the Bushfood-Asian Fusion The winner will perform more gig opportunities, had a Piano The Nimbin Bush Theatre band The Bel-Aires as well as menu, award winning coffee between 3-5 sets at the great view of the main stage Sunday 17th June 12.30pm is delighted to announce playing rockabilly on his ’59 and sweet treats. BYO. 2018 Airlie Beach Festival and were provided with free Entry free. another night of world class Gretsch around the Central of Music, receive great food and drinks! Piano maestro Sebastian music as part of our Dinner Coast of New South Wales. Calling all musicians! accommodation for the 3. What connections and Winter is returning to the Under the Stars series Post-2000, Glenn Cardier’s Entries are open now for Australia’s festival and receive a $1000 opportunities have come outdoor stage of the Nimbin featuring Glenn Cardier. re-emergence as a songwriter biggest band competition at the performance fee. from you winning Nimbin’s Bush Theatre for a free show Glenn will be joined and performer of real Nimbin Bush Theatre The winner from the BOTB? on Sunday 17th June at onstage by one of Australia’s distinction has been nothing The Passport to Airlie Battle Rainbow Region will compete Since winning Nimbin’s 12.30pm. and indeed the world’s best short of extraordinary. of the Bands competition, in against the other winners from BOTB we have gained more Sebastian Winter was born Harmonica players, Christian In typical single-minded its sixth year, boasts being the around Australia, with the opportunities to play different on a cargo ship in the port of Marsh. This concert will be fashion, he writes, performs largest Battle of the Bands ultimate winner given a slot shows, venues and festivals. Amsterdam. streamed live by River-FM, and produces his music competition of its kind in to perform on the main stage 4. What would you say to At a young age he Lismore for those who cannot from his adobe home studio Australia. at Airlie for the 2019 festival. any musicians considering accidentally drank a glass of make it in person. on the Hawksbury River. Passport to Airlie Battle of Other performers at this year’s entering the comp? tequila sunrise and began to In the 1970’s, Australian Cardier usually plays all the the Bands will see emerging Festival include Smashmouth, Competitions are a great play the piano. A little later in singer-songwriter/guitarist instruments on his CDs. artists from NSW, Victoria, The Church, Ash Grunwald way to work on the finer life he found the piano again Glenn Cardier produced Onstage, there are the SA, Queensland and beyond and Diana Anaid. things in your show. You’ll and has been playing everyday three albums of highly trademark flashes of dark to compete to take their prize Want to enter? Go to learn a lot, meet many new since. original folk/rock songs. He humour in his songs, of position on a stage at this this website and follow the connections and friends and Drawing influence from played the first two Sunbury stark beauty and thumping iconic Festival. prompts, it is too easy! h t t p:// most importantly, have a the likes of Philip Glass, festivals and worked with rockabilly/blues. There’s a The Nimbin Bush Theatre passportairliebeach.com.au tonne of fun! Ludovico Einaudi and Yann the likes of Frank Zappa, touch of Beefheart in his has been selected to host The Nimbin Heats start Tiersen, Sebastian’s music Spike Milligan and Fairport voice, a hint of Cohen in the the competition, and is the in August with only 16 is both powerful and subtle, Convention. He wrote songs lyrics, a pinch of Elvis here only venue to do so between available places for interested inspiring those who listen for Olivia Newton-John. He and there. Tamworth and The Gold musicians and bands. to take a journey into their broke through in the tough But underlying it all are Coast. Deadline for entries is 31st imagination and create UK folk circuit. the songs. Happy/sad songs. This band competition July. landscapes of their own. His hard-strumming, quirky Sweet/crazy songs. Cardier differs from most in that it Last year, local duo Salt and Join him in the gardens onstage persona was always songs. His song ‘A Case Of is free for bands to enter, Steel (pictured at right) won by the magical Mulgum at odds with his recorded Mistaken Identity’ was a first and also free for punters to the Nimbin competition, and Creek for an afternoon of work, and through the 80’s place winner in the 2016 attend. The competition is Nick Hanlon asked them exquisite piano playing that is and 90’s Cardier’s recording International Song Comp open to most genres: rock, a few questions about their

Page 16 The Nimbin GoodTimes June 2018 [email protected] Nimbin’s inaugural Drag-A-Thon Text and pic by Melissa Williamson and Monique St James, segued from steam-punk to elegant shimmer and A small but lovely crowd turned out sparkles. for the first Drag-a-Thon, held late This is to be an annual event, so look May at the Bush Theatre. out for it next year and make sure you Part drag Queen/King competition, partake in the fun. part Drag Legends show, there was Also keep your eye out for an sauciness, comedy, colour, flamboyance, event starting at the Bowlo in mid- and high glamour – audience and July (thereafter a fortnightly event), performers alike. where MC Brendan will be hosting Winner of the competition was SunGAYZE on a Sunday. A queer, Nimbin local Foxy Brown-Eye, and friends of, afternoon of music, superbly channelling her inner comedy, prizes and a drag act or two. disco diva; special mention to Lytex The afternoons will be held from 2 – (pictured) for a wonderfully vivid and 7pm, and the kitchen will be open. creative costume. See the July edition of the GoodTimes The legends performances from for more information, or contact Dame Stan Munro, Deeanna Blake, Brendan on 0487-834-980.

Wax Lyrical in Lismore Wendy Ford co-ordinates The Channon Open Mic a songwriter night called by Ray (Rayzor) Flanagan There was a good roll- Wax Lyrical – a regional up of performers with branch of the Australian With the passing of daylight Glen, Ken and myself Songwriters Association saving, The Channon Open starting proceedings with – that meets on the 4th Mic is (officially) back to a an impromptu jam. Saadi Mondays at The Gollan 2pm start. followed, then R Tee. Hotel in Lismore. In practice it was a 2.30pm Anne McKenzie (pictured) Performers are welcome start on Sunday 27th – no did an Irish ballad with Not to be deterred, we to book a 15-minute spot. doubt due to the inclement guitar accompaniment and kicked on acoustically with An added feature is written weather. The morning grey harmonies from Di, and Di and her friend doing a feedback (all positive, of skies threatened rain, so we followed with a couple of couple of numbers and then course) provided by the set up under cover on the a-capella tunes. Norm kept us entertained as audience. veranda of The Tavern. Toby was nearing the end of we packed up. The next event is 25th This proved to be a wise his set when the power died Our June Open Mic will June, 7pm start. Email decision, as it rained much of – thanks to maintenance fall on Sunday 24th. I do Wendy at: wendy.j.ford@ the afternoon. work by Essential Energy. hope to see you there. gmail.com for more info. Mish is still riding a high Mish is still riding a high from my friends… mmmmm from her two fabulous I get high with a little help album launch shows at Club from my friends...’!! Mullum on Saturday, 19th “It was so-ooo delicious May and in Lismore at the with 3 and 4 part harmonies, Gollan on 26th May. She’s 3-part horn lines and feeling so happy and proud to melodious guitar over sensual have accomplished her double piano and double bass. album launch mission! “A big love-filled thank you Mish was in heaven, playing hug goes out to all involved her 10 songs with a seven- and to those who came to see piece band! WOW! the shows.” “It was such a buzz having The Lismore launch was Photo: Jaka Adamic (www.adamic.com.au) my precious babies played by certainly the highlight with my talented muso friends; about 100 people squeezed Mish was honoured to get Mish also made her very first Vonnstar on tenor Sax and into the intimate 70 people some beautiful feedback from music video in May, so check cajon, George Urbaszek on capacity room upstairs at the a member of the audience out ‘A Cup of Tea Official double bass, Joe O’Keeffe on Gollan Hotel. at the Mullum launch, who Music Video’ on YouTube! electric guitar, Peter Lehner The band played amazingly said, “Thanks for your lovely ‘Like’ her facebook page and Julie Wattus on backing the second time around, and energy and inspiration at your ‘Mish Songsmith Music’ and vocals and Dave Ellamor- seemed to wow the crowd, launch on Saturday.” Mish’s check out her website: www. Collins on backing vocals, alto with the audience leaving rosy new album Be Yourself is mishsongsmith.com for the sax and as the wonderful MC.” cheeked and smiling praises now available on iTunes and next exciting chapter of Mish ‘I get by with a little help to all of us. Spotify. Songsmith’s musical journey! NIMBIN BISTRO – AND –

Home of BOWLO the Big LOUNGE 25 Sibley Street Nimbin. Phone 6689-1250 Bowler 25 Sibley Street Nimbin. Phone 6689-1473 What’s On in June? LIVE ENTERTAINMENT THIS MONTH • Sunday 10th – STATE OF ORIGIN BOWLS • Friday 8th, 6pm Rob Cass • Open Mic Nights – Wednesdays 6th & 20th • Friday 15th, 6pm Sarah Stando • Social Bowls – Sundays 9am • Friday 22nd, 6pm Brommers • Courtesy Bus – Enquire at Bar • Friday 29th, 6pm Sayad Duo • Membership – $5 Social Lunch & Dinner Wed – Sat Sunday lunch specials First-timers and novice Catering for functions bowlers welcome of all budgets and tastes

www.nimbingoodtimes.com June 2018 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 17 All aboard the HMS Pinafore In June, Ballina Players Sullivan production. A is presenting a Gilbert much more comic and lively & Sullivan classic, HMS version was produced by Pinafore, directed and Essgee Productions, which choreographed by Jaime toured Australia and New Sheehan, with Warwick Zealand in the mid-1990s Binney and Marie Caldwell with the addition of four as musical directors. songs from other G&S Written in the 1870s, shows. Pinafore was the first For the central character musical to bring together of Dick Deadeye, Essgee story, song words, and music expanded on his original into a balanced whole. role quite substantially. The show’s popularity He is the grim realist of produced an American the crew, offering advice to Peter Harding (centre) and the chorus of sailors. Photo: Geoff Marsh audience for musical theatre, whomever, whether sought and that the show has served or not, with no particular he also co-designed the set, ticket booking fee) or by as a model of the musical concern for his station in with a double level ship’s phoning 6686-2440. Tickets ever since. HMS Pinafore life. bow and curved staircase. are $30/adult and $22 (child performed 570 times over In the Ballina Players Tickets are available now 16 & under). The season two years in England and production, Deadeye is online at: ballinaplayers.com. runs from the 15th June really put Gilbert and played by Peter Harding au/bookings (no fee), or in until 1st July. Opening night Sullivan on the map. who has been with Ballina person at Just Funkin’ Music special: canapes and free But this is not your Players on-and-off since in River Street Ballina near glass of champagne from traditional Gilbert and 2003. For this production the pedestrian lights ($2/ 7.15pm on Friday 15th June.

The Nimbin Flix movie for June, The her delicate fantasy is supported Florida Project is a deeply moving by the toil and sacrifice of Halley, and unforgettably poignant look at who is forced to explore increasingly childhood, directed by Sean Baker dangerous possibilities in order to GUITAR/BASS TUITION and starring Willem Dafoe, Brooklynn provide for her daughter. Prince, Valeria Cotto and Bria Vinaite, The movie will screen on Saturday, FROM PRO. Warm, winning, and gloriously alive, 16th June at 7pm at Birth & Beyond, the film is set on a stretch of highway 54 Cullen Street. Doors open at All styles and levels. just outside the imagined utopia of 6.30pm and refreshments will be WWC and Police check Disney World, and follows six-year-old available. All are welcome. Entry is free accredited. Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) to society members. Non-members $10 and her rebellious mother donation at the door. Casino/Lismore area. Halley (Bria Vinaite) Membership falls due on 1st July, over the course of a and costs $50 for the year. This single summer. gains admission to 11 movies per Call Jeremy The two live week- year (no showing in January) plus an 0411-436-911 to-week at The Magic annual membership of the Nimbin Castle, a budget motel Community Centre Incorporated, who managed by Bobby (a career- auspice the film society. best Willem Dafoe), yet the precocious Nimbin Flix has a Facebook page and ebullient Moonee has no trouble she and her ragtag playmates fearlessly with past movies, and is updated making each day a celebration of life, explore the utterly unique world into each month. For more information, her endless afternoons overflowing which they’ve been thrown. please visit the office or phone the with mischief and grand adventure as Unbeknownst to Moonee however, Community Centre on 6689-0000. MOVIES AT THE BUSH THEATRE bullying on the victims. Auggie is brave, It stars Hamilton Morris, Sam but it’s heartbreaking to watch the Neil and Bryan Brown. Stunning cruelty he encounters at school. With cinematography captures vast outback the help of a small group of supporters landscapes but small details resonate: a Auggie eventually finds his place at chain dragging across dirt; a bullet hole school, and feels it is a safe place rather in a wall. The themes are universal but than a sentence to be suffered. the film is unmistakably Australian. This is a moving account of one young “It resonates in a strange way with person’s journey to acceptance and a people,” the Director told the Guardian, WONDER (PG) fable about courage, a parent’s love and Australia. “It’s a classic tale. It’s about Friday 8th June 7.30pm $10 entry. about the transcendence of cruelty into land grabs. It’s about taking over the 47 Cullen Street, Nimbin Wonder is a 2017 American film compassion. country. It’s a basic western that people directed by Stephen Chbosky, based on relate to on a range of different levels, the 2012 novel of the same name by R based in a place they don’t have access J Palacio. The film stars Julia Roberts, to: 1920s central Australia. Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay as Sam is a middle-aged Aboriginal Auggie. farmer in the outback of Australia’s August “Auggie” Pullman is a fifth- Northern Territory. He is sent by a grade boy living in North River Heights preacher to help a bitter war veteran in upper Manhattan. He has a rare named Harry to help renovate the medical facial deformity, which he refers latter’s cattle yards. Sam’s relationship to as “mandibulofacial dysostosis.” with Harry quickly deteriorates, Due to numerous surgeries, Auggie resulting in a fight ending with Sam has been home-schooled by his mother killing Harry in self-defence. For the Isabel, but as Auggie is approaching murder of a white man, Sam is now middle school age, Isabel decides to Sweet Country(MA15+) on the run from the law with his wife enroll him in Beecher Prep for the start Friday 29th June 7.30pm $10 entry. across the deadly outback. A manhunt of middle school. Auggie must face Sweet Country is a 2017 Australian for the farmer is on, led by Sergeant and endure the social jungle that is the film directed by Warwick Thornton Fletcher, but questions of justice start school playground. At first, Auggie is (Samson and Delilah). It is set in 1929 in to surface among the community as the ostracised by nearly all the student body the outback of the Northern Territory true details of the murder come to light. but he eventually teaches his peers to Australia. It was screened in the main A searing portrait of Australia’s transcend his facial deformities and to competition section of the 74th Venice history, heartbreaking, powerful and see him as he really is, a young man of International Film Festival where it won important. The Cafe will be open (for Did you know? great heart and fortitude. the Special Jury Prize award. It also both films) serving great meals from the All our links are clickable in the web edition. This powerful film is a study in won Best Feature Film at the 2017 Asia Bushfoods-Asian fusion menu, award Visit www.nimbingoodtimes.com and click away! children’s bullying, and the effects of Pacific screen Awards. winning coffee and sweet treats. BYO.

Page 18 The Nimbin GoodTimes June June 2018 2018 [email protected]