Dream Of Aquarius Garry goes to greener pastures by Wendy Kay Published by Red Cedar Press and Lismore City Nimbin’s police sergeant Council in ‘99 Not Out, Short Stories and Poetry Garry Acton is moving ne Saturday Anthology, Northern Rivers Seniors Week 1999. on after four years in the night recently, job. He is transferring to OI went up to in being bent! I am serious, because I know Murwillumbah, where he buy a plate of Curious there are divisions in Nimbin and I know also will be closer to his family. Curry from a stall in of many positive and good things happening “I’ve always been Garry,” he front of the Nimbin here. said, typifying his personable Town Hall. There If we take our blinkers off and open our approach to policing duties. was Mark Rodriquez, hearts, appreciation of Alternative can dawn. When he first took the doing a great trade, This is a reminder for me too. However, there position at Nimbin, it had selling his tasty vegetarian food and delectable is another side to Nimbin.... Graeme Dunstan been vacant for 13 months. bread rolls, cakes and slices. called it the shadow, when he came to speak Reflecting on his time in As I drove up in my ‘chariot’, I found myself to the Nimbin Older Women’s Forum. In the job, he said he saw a in the midst of an Aquarian celebration. The 1973, Graeme told us, the Australian Union marked changed in attitude, music, the chanting and the melodious rhythmic of Students was given an open-ended budget – both on the street and “The role of the cameras is appointed as the new beating of a small hand held drum, was lively with $20,000 they opened the Rainbow Cafe. amongst police. “Lismore noticeable,” he maintained. sergeant. He had worked and noisy. Soon a procession of children, “When we opened the Rainbow, it was the police were initially reluctant “They make people think previously at Lismore each holding a lighted candle in a homemade most joyous place”, Graeme said. “There was to take shifts in Nimbin, twice before doing an anti- station. “I think he’ll be candleholder, wended their way into the Town talent and luminosity of Spirit; Troubadours but now are volunteering,” social act.” alright,” said Garry Hall; the adults followed. and people came, the flotsam and jetsam of he said. Greg Pike has been In the hall, all these alternative people carried culture. The 1973 Aquarius Festival attracted on their celebration; many singing Krishna or visionaries and prophets, and then on the other Hare Krishna and the music and movement hand, came criminals and emotional cripples. Skate Park progress slow, unsteady accelerated and Benny Zable moved around Nimbin opened doors to lots of good; and then with his beautiful hand painted Nimbin flag, there, was the shadow.” which was literally floating above bobbing heads There is still talent and luminosity of spirit in – a result of Benny’s skill and swiftness and of a Nimbin. For instance, Nimbin has more visual lovely spirit pervading this joyous occasion. artists than anywhere else in Australia. The crowd drifted into the annex for the The ‘73 Festival established a different way to opening of the “Some Children of the Dream” look at Green issues. In ‘73, values were shared photo exhibition. Diana Roberts made a speech as practical experience; “People came to live and said amongst other things “sometimes I these values, in sufficient numbers, to make it feel I would like to put a wall around Nimbin viable, for instance, Green politics”, Graeme (presumably to protect us from undesirable said. “And the homebirthing movement started outside influences) and I think Nimbin has in Nimbin and also Multiple Occupancy.” He changed more in the last couple of years than reflected, “a result of this, is that people on in the first 17 years following the Aquarius MOs are now very good at finding resolutions Festival.” to property disputes.” Diana referred to the “Children of the Dream” Graeme Dunstan told our meeting that the and suggested “perhaps Nimbin can show the shadow is a reflection of wrong in other parts rest of the world, the way”. of the world. “The fact that people, especially These inspiring words were applauded by the the young, are turning to drugs, is a social The future of Nimbin’s small group has been at On the job. Tursa workers people who were packed into the annex. A glass phenomenon facing the whole world. The fault $120,000 steel skate park loggerheads for some time, at the skate park this month, of wine and savoury snacks were offered for $1 for this must be found within our society,” he facility remains unclear, though the official reason for where Commander Bruce Lyons a serve and then the bubble broke, with a burst said. following the postponement the delay is clerical. No date showed his support for physical of spontaneous singing; everyone broke into Everyone who has had a close encounter (of of a Council workshop to has yet been fixed for the activities for youth in the village. song, obviously a well loved and old familiar a colourful kind!) with Nimbin since the ‘73 report on progress. postponed workshop. tune that I had not heard before. It was sung Festival, has been touched by the place in one The workshop was to The rusting half-pipes over and over again with great sincerity and way or another. have been held in Lismore have been the target of documentary, it was warmth. These are the moving words: Sometimes the street scene will stir one’s soul to inform Councillors and heart-felt graffiti in recent described as “Nimbin’s white May the long time sun shine upon you, with compassion; emotions often run high in the public on the current weeks, mostly unflattering elephant,” and was screened All love surround you, Nimbin; anger and disgust run rife at times; situation, the noise studies to Council’s resolution to mayor Merv King at the 39 And the pure light within you generally though, it’s a town of great tolerance and the options to deal with process. In a Youth Club Hours film-making premiere. Guide your way on. and the acceptance ‘of difference’ makes our the issues surrounding this The singing of this lovely song, spontaneous town a special place. long-planned facility. and joyful, yet gentle and sweet, seemed to me Along with the breathtaking beauty of the Work halted on the to be, in effect, ‘un grand finale’ as these happy scenery, we have the scenario of a fascinating construction on the multi- people, the alternative people of Nimbin, tried and extremely diverse bunch of struggling challenge SK8 Park in an to show, by their luminosity of spirit, that the individuals living their lives for real. These are advanced stage following Spirit of Aquarius is still alive. Actually, many not plastic people, often faltering along life’s complaints to Council from were not trying .... Their ways are of gentleness way, sometimes hanging it all out for all to nearby residents last year. A and peace. see. The ageless words ‘fellow feeling make us consultative committee was So when you see someone who might appear wondrous kind’ cameos, the essence of Nimbin. formed, representing the a bit scruffy - perhaps with dreadlocks and It’s the people of Nimbin from all walks of interest groups in the park’s garb of hippie garments, let us remember (we so life, from the different spheres of society that development. called ‘straights’) that there is real beauty, often, make the place the wonderful place that it is. It is understood that this

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Page 2 The Nimbin GoodTimes March 2006 www.nimbingoodtimes.com Since when are we out of control? An unfortunate incident at the cemetery locals gather in a mob and try and intimidate first place was turn-off, involving a motor accident and an the officer,” apparently in reference to an pretty lazy alleged assault on a woman police officer, has isolated incident last year involving a plain- journalism. become a public relations disaster for tourism- clothed detective, which is currently before the Surely no dependent Nimbin. courts with the facts of the matter untested. investigative It is predictable that Thomas George Police commander Bruce Lyons was able journalist, and would inflate the incident to further his long- to provide good back-up to George for the there were standing case for additional police resources, Star: “Nimbin is an extremely difficult area to several there, particularly as, facing pre- police and it is dangerous. would let selection for his now-difficult Many times our police have such an arrant re-distributed seat, a law- been injured and police do generalisation and-order campaign would get intimidated.” These stand without be handy. But he went too far comments stand markedly a follow-up by extrapolating to the non- at odds with the everyday question. sensical comment, “Nimbin pleasant experience of Or was Jane (is) a Cronulla-style riot a peaceful co-operative Gardner’s waiting to happen.” It does village, noted by millions original piece no justice to his case, or his throughout the world, edited beyond The Star’s offensive slur gratuitously repeated in on response to Tarang Bates’ credibility. but if it helps get more recognition well-meaning letter. He was at it in the Daily resources…. by a lazy Telegraph as well on Friday, As for Lyons’ unfortunate sub, looking in ‘A bad trip for Nimbin,’ comment at his press to play it up to reflect house style with Lyons’ absurd comment that “business suggesting we would “become conference, filmed by sensationalist gusto? people have stretchers in their shops as part the next Macquarie Fields or Prime, “This is a typical The Weekend Star’s editorial was a well- of the furniture.” One phone call would have Cronulla,” and in Monday’s Thomas George. Agenda driven example of the type of deserved apologia for the Star’s reports on confirmed that the Hemp Embassy, Museum Tele the alleged assault near by political expediency? people that live in Nimbin,” Nimbin, which rarely cast the village in a and Neighbourhood Centre have stretchers, Nimbin was listed with others it was the tenor of his text, positive light and are often prone, as in this along with other first aid equipment, as part in a side bar to illustrate the growing levels of but he too had gone too far, and had to wear case, to draw sweeping conclusions from an of a long-standing strategy to prevent overdose violent attacks on police officers throughout it all day, sending a much more carefully- isolated incident. “Nimbin out of control, say deaths. And they are kept discretely out of the state. Even if Thomas George gets his worded clarification for publication the police” had been the best possible headline view. extra 10 police, and there are many who think following morning. It was now “…typical of Thomas George could have, “to present his But he might be right about one thing. This additional resources could be more effectively some offenders, and their disregard for the case to parliament next week,” and shore up just might be the only town ”in Australia, in applied in Nimbin, the collateral damage to police,” and he had “every faith” in the “great his conservative support for bringing order to the world” to have devised its own successful the reputation of the village is inestimable. majority of the Nimbin community…working what the editorial now called “these louts who community health practices to meet changing Mr George described policing difficulties together.” cause trouble, an element.” needs. Without any help from Thomas to the Telegraph: “When someone is arrested, Running the comment as it stood in the An assertion that has gone unchallenged is George.

Coast head cop, Bluey Line. Bluey We won’t hurt you. We might Welcome to Nimbin, had a gob full of venom to smear smear you with the sort of it’s a riot. the town with and I, as a long term excrement you continually smear us By Gerald Taylor demand that Nimbin gets ten cops village. Take the Northern Star, our resident, take exception to his with but so what, there’s so much on permanent patrol in the village. mercenary local rag, for instance. narrow and incorrect nastiness. shit on your hands no one will ate February and on the According to him we need all the `Nimbin Freaking Out’, the banner In an interview with the Northern notice and anyway you can always village street, like piles of cops we can get because the village headlines read and goes on to Star Bluey stated that one of his tell your drunken buddies that you Lburning autumn leaves, you is at risk of falling into a state of explain that the village is spiralling female officers had been assaulted only ventured out to Nimbin to put can smell the bullshit steaming, total anarchy; the old hippies are out of control and that pot is openly while arresting a young drunk and us in our place and not to score a bag must be slagging season on Nimbin at war with the young drug lords sold everywhere on the street. that this behaviour was typical of of grass, as everyone will assume. once again. and the whole place is balanced Pot openly sold on the village Nimbin residents. Well, check out Lastly, another bit of bad news Thomas George, our on the brink of riot. Tom thinks street! When did the Star learn of my record Bluey. The only time I for the village; the parting of Garry representative in Sydney, certainly this because a young drunk thug this abomination? Could it have ever struck a cop was while we were (action without the ‘i’) Acton. seems to think so. No big surprise assaulted a female cop while she been thirty years ago when the role-playing in her bedroom behind So long Garry and good luck in there as every year about this time was arresting him, as if this never Star originally let the cat out of the police station and she told me to your next posting, you’re a great Nimbin cops a flogging. Last year happens anywhere else in his right the bag and reported on the illegal spank her. Sergeant, a genuinely decent human it was about broken windows along wing electorate. trade that thrived in the feral Fair dinkum! And that was only being with a good understanding of the village street, the year before it But Tom doesn’t really believe this town? Wake up to yourself editor after she’d told me to cuff her to the the community you patrolled. was the Rainbow getting trashed. crap, it’s just that he hates Nimbin Eldridge. bed-head. Personally I love a girl Let me finish this whinge piece Possibly it’s an annual lack of news and would like nothing better than Does this drivel improve your in uniform, or sometimes even not with Garry’s words as reported around this time or more likely it’s to nuke the joint as a warning to circulation or do you have ulterior in uniform. And, for the record, I in an interview with the Daily just a way for the cops, media and any other dissidents in his manor. motives for this type of moronic always come quietly. Telegraph regarding the recent pollies to kick a few heads and score Also by defaming the community sensationalism? Maybe the street But enough gratuitous gossip Nimbin near riot; `This (Nimbin) is goals with the electorate. Whatever Tom gets boocoo brownie points dealers are bribing you to advertise and back to the fun bit; slagging a town that stands alone on what its the reason it’s predictable and from the redneck flowers that their product. If this is the case, Thomas George, our special tool opinion is of the drug laws’. boring and Thomas George, our spring eternal in his National back please stop it, we just can’t handle in Sydney and the main offender Ain’t that the truth? So if you representative tool, should know paddock. any more pot tourists, we get six in defaming Nimbin. Tom if you’re bastards can’t say anything honest better. And I don’t use the term But why pick on that blunt tool busloads from Byron every day as going to pretend to represent us at about us then do us all a favour and `tool’ lightly. Tom when so many others are it is. least come out and talk to us, your don’t say anything at all. Tommy is off to Sydney to lining up to take a crack at our And then there’s our new North constituents. Nimbin Village Butcher ���� ������������������������ ��������� ������������� �������� ������������������� ������� �������������������������� �������� ����������������� Open 7 days ������� 8am - 5pm weekdays Friendly and obliging service ��������� 11am - 4pm weekends Phone 6689 1311 ����������������� ���������������� Phone 6689 1010 Fax 6689 1210

www.nimbingoodtimes.com March 2006 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 3 Nimbin Safe Community Project Common Myths About Sexual Assault By Lizette Twisleton Myth: Sexual assault, especially rape, is an unusual occurrence – it can’t happen to me he Nimbin Reality: One in three women will be sexually Aunties assaulted at some time in their lives TProgram is (Fergusson & Mullen, 1999). progressing slowly. Myth: Men only sexually assault young, sexually I have met with the ‘attractive’ women. founder of Byron Reality: Sexual assault is not about sex. It is a Aunties and the crime about power and domination. Training for disasters Coordinator of the Lismore/Ballina branch. Myth: Women ‘cry rape’. I would like to host an afternoon tea for Reality: Police statistics reveal that ‘false’ all interested aunties next month. Anyone reporting of sexual assault is minimal, interested in becoming an auntie or fi nding out representing 2% to 7% of all reported imbin would face a in the NSW Disaster sense and a listening ear”, more about this great mentoring opportunity assaults. Th ese statistics also include shortage of trained Plan, recruiting members Vahideh Hosseini said. If please ring me. statements withdrawn by victim/survivors Npeople to deal with of the local community to called on, volunteers need to I also want to hear from girls or parents due to fear of revenge and the impact of the victims of a disaster, should provide Personal Support to be able to work for a shift, of girls who think that an auntie in their legal system. one strike the area. “Th e disaster victims, usually in and the one day training life would be a positive experience. I can be Myth: Women enjoy being raped. urgent need for appropriately their own or a neighbouring course is essential. contacted by email [email protected] Reality: Th is myth reduces rape to trained Emergency Services area. Red Cross provides Red Cross are looking for or phone 6689 1692. an experience, which is trivial and personnel has been personnel to care for those people with the following On a much more sobering note it is very inconsequential. Sexual assault is an highlighted by the bushfi res impacted by a disaster, qualities: alarming to hear of sexual assaults happening experience of violation, and terror, that has and fl oods in NSW” meeting and registering • 18 years or older and able in Nimbin. It is very important that we are both short and long term consequences for according to Regional people at evacuation centres, to work an occasional shift vigilant regarding our own safety and that victim/survivors. Manager of Red Cross taking time to listen and of six to ten hours. of others. Watch out for each other, and I Myth: Women who are raped want, and ask to Northern NSW, Vahideh care, providing information • A good listener, encourage locals and visitors to not walk be raped. Hosseini. on other participating people from diff erent around the village at night alone. Reality: No woman asks to be raped. Th is “Fortunately, we haven’t organisations, and a variety backgrounds and cultures; Sexual assault and rape impact the victim/ myth wrongly locates responsibility with the had a lot of literate in English. survivor for life. victim/survivor and away from the rapist. natural or • Willing to be trained and Myth: Women can avoid being raped by dressing man made work with others in a team Support sensibly and not going out alone at night. disasters led by Red Cross. If you have been sexually assaulted and are Reality: Over 50% of rapes occur either in in Nimbin, • Practical, with in need of support the following services are the off ender’s home or in the victim’s home. but if commonsense, calm in available. Th ere is no causal link between women’s disaster emergencies. Rape Crisis Line clothing and social behaviour and crimes of does strike Red Cross will be 1800 424 017 (24 hr service) violence. in the area, conducting Lismore Sexual Assault Service Myth: Most rapists are strangers. there is a Volunteers a FREE 6620 2970 Reality: 80% of rapists are known to the shortage Personal Nimbin Police 6689 1244 victim. of trained needed Support Nimbin Hospital 6689 1400 Myth: Rape is a sexual act. people Red Cross is training Nimbin Neighbourhood Centre Reality: Rape is an act of power, hostility and to care looking for caring course in 6689 1692 (open 10am-4pm weekdays) aggression resulting in severe humiliation for those people to join local Nimbin, and control of the victim. aff ected. with What is sexual assault? Myth: Sexual assault, especially rape, is Hence it is Personal Support morning Sexual Assault is any behaviour of a sexual perpetrated by psychologically disturbed, sex- extremely Teams, assisting tea and nature that makes someone feel uncomfortable, crazed ‘madmen’. important to increase people evacuated during disasters. lunch also frightened, intimidated or threatened. It is Reality: Rapists are men from all socio- the number of trained provided. sexual behaviour that someone has not agreed economic classes, professions and volunteers in this region FREE TRAINING & LUNCH to, where another person uses physical or nationalities so that they can work in PROVIDED Th e emotional force against them. It can include Myth: Men rape because they cannot control shifts if necessary, and the in Nimbin, on Thursday, 23rd March course will anything from sexual harassment through to their sexual urges. one day course is essential. be held life threatening rape. Reality: Th ere is no medical evidence to Often people are moved to 2006, 9.30am to 3.30pm at Nimbin from 9.30 Some of these acts are serious indictable substantiate that men biologically have off er their services when a School of Arts, 47 Cullen Street am to 3.30 crimes. Sexual assault is an abuse of uncontrollable sexual urges disaster arises, but without RSVP to Lyndall on 6622-3244 by pm on power. Sexual Assault is never the fault or proper training their good Th ursday, responsibility of the victim /survivor. Each of these myths enforces the silence intentions are of little help. Monday 20th March 23rd March which surrounds sexual assault and, in so Employers are sometimes 2006 at Sexual Assualts – Myths doing impacts on victim/survivors. willing for their workers of other practical tasks to the Nimbin School of Arts, Myths perpetuate messages that: More information can be found on the to become involved, but assist those in need at such 47 Cullen Street, Nimbin, • blame victims for the off ences committed CASA Centre Against Sexual Assault unless people are trained a time. NSW. To fi nd out more against them website, www.rwh.org.au/casa/CASA House beforehand they cannot be “Personal Support about the course, or if you • protect off enders from the consequences of challenges these myths through information, eff ective in times of disaster.” volunteers need to be team are wanting to register their actions counselling and advocating for legislative and Red Cross is a players, caring and practical, please call Lyndall on 6622- • reinforce the vulnerability of women and policy reform to uphold women’s rights and participating organisation with a good deal of common 3244.. children. entitlements.

Massage in your own home ������������������������ MIRIAM ELLA ������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������� ��������������� ����������������������������������������������� ����������������� ��������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������ ���������������������������������������������������

Page 4 The Nimbin GoodTimes March 2006 www.nimbingoodtimes.com Women’s Call for Peace: An Urgent Appeal

e, the women of the United convinced that it is time to shift from a international peacekeeping force States, Iraq and women military model to a confl ict-resolution that is truly multilateral and is Wworldwide, have had model that includes the following not composed of any troops from enough of the senseless war in Iraq elements: countries that participated in the and the cruel attacks on civilians • Th e withdrawal of all foreign troops occupation. around the world. We’ve buried too and foreign fi ghters from Iraq; many of our loved ones. We’ve seen • Negotiations to reincorporate o move this peace process too many lives crippled forever by disenfranchised Iraqis into all aspects forward, we are creating a physical and mental wounds. We’ve of Iraqi society; Tmassive movement of women – watched in horror as our precious • Th e full representation of women crossing generations, races, ethnicities, resources are poured into war while in the peacemaking process and a religions, borders and political our families’ basic needs of food, commitment to women’s full equality persuasions. Together, we will pressure shelter, education and healthcare go in the post-war Iraq; our governments, the United Nations, unmet. We’ve had enough of living in • A commitment to discard plans for the Arab League, Nobel Peace Prize constant fear of violence and seeing any foreign bases in Iraq; winners, religious leaders and others the growing cancer of hatred and • Iraqi control of its oil and other in the international community to step intolerance seep into our homes and resources; forward to help negotiate a political communities. • Th e nullifi cation of privatization settlement. and deregulation laws imposed And in this era of divisive his is not the world we want for under occupation, allowing Iraqis to fundamentalisms, we call upon world ourselves or our children. With shape the trajectory of the post-war leaders to join us in spreading the fiT re in our bellies and love in our economy; fundamental values of love for the hearts, we women are rising up - across • A massive reconstruction eff ort that human family and for our precious borders to unite and demand an end prioritizes Iraqi contractors, and planet. to the bloodshed and the destruction. draws upon fi nancial resources of the We have seen how the foreign countries responsible for the invasion For information on how to sign the women’s occupation of Iraq has fueled an armed and occupation of Iraq; call for peace, contact Rainforest Information movement against it, perpetuating • Consideration of a temporary Centre on 6689 7519 or www.rainforestinfo. an endless cycle of violence. We are org.auorg.au

Come Together and forfor anan endend toto AustralianAustralian Celebrate Being a Woman involvementinvolvement inin thethe IraqIraq “Frocking good fifties theatre!” war.war. Northern Star Nimbin from 10am - Community Centre Photo: Christabelle Baranay Th e ea cactiontion b ebeginsgins aatt SpinksSpinks ParkPark (next(next toto Begins at 10am with dancing in the street LeftLeft BankBank restaurant),restaurant), Dance followed by a Women’s Circle at about 11am. Puppetry MolesworthMolesworth Street,Street, Women Speakers and Open Forum. Women Comedy uxe LismoreLismore onon 8th8th MarchMarch entertainers all day until about 6pm. Children’s el atat 3:453:45 forfor a 4pm4pm forfor space and participation. D a candlecandle lightinglighting andand Picnic under the tree in front of the market The Frocks peacepeace prayerprayer followedfollowed byby stage, bring instruments, stuff to swap and crafts Present “What the Frock do we know NOW?” 4:20pm4:20pm byby a festivefestive walkwalk to share. aroundaround thethe CBD.CBD. Star Court Theatre Lismore : 8, 9 & 10 March 2006 Come as you are or any millions of women have few choices in their — 8pm Weds 8 March dressdress festivefestive – wearwear pinkpink SPECIAL OPENING NIGHT Lismore Women ’s Health Centre lives; women bear the brunt of world poverty; and in conjunction with the ifif youyou wish.wish. WeWe areare allall ’S DAY Bookings 6621 9800 for INTERNATIONAL WOMEN Women Say No Tix $20 more than half a million women globally still die sortssorts ofof women,women, artists,artists, Bookings 6621 5600 M and Thurs 9 & Fri 10 March, 8pm {+ booking fee} in childbirth or of pregnancy-related causes every year. Tix $18/15 conc mothers,mothers, businessbusiness or at the door.

International Women’s Day (8th March) is an occasion To War Action people,people, students...Bringstudents...Bring Poster design; Stiff Elbow Clapping marked by women’s groups around the world at the local Lismore from 4pm - Spinks Park bannersbanners andand percussionpercussion and national levels. Th e 8th March is also commemorated instruments,instruments, fl utes,utes, fun!fun! at the United Nations, and is designated in many countries Th is year on International Women’s Day, women are Bring yourself. as a national holiday. When women on all continents, often mobilizing around the globe to call for an end to the Th e theme for the march is one of diversity...we are Women divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, occupation and the violence in Iraq. With the launch of the from all sectors coming together...we are all types of Women cultural, economic and political diff erences, come together Women Say No To War Campaign, women around the world who oppose Australia’s involvement in militaristic action... to celebrate their Day, they can look back to a tradition are signing on to the Women’s Call for Peace (above). today we walk for peace...we remember our sisters and that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, Th e aim is to obtain100,000 signatures by International brothers living in war torn regions. justice, peace and development. Women’s Day when US and Iraqi women will deliver these Afterwards, Join Us for Dinner at Caddies... International Women’s Day provides a fantastic opportunity signatures to leaders in Washington DC, and women around to promote the furthering of women’s rights, roles and the world will deliver them to US embassies. What the Frock do we know NOW? participation in our community, and to celebrate the lives, Here in Lismore, we will walk for peace, and deliver a Th e Frocks perform Star Court Th eatre March 8th. values and achievements of women across the globe. Women’s Call for Peace to Ian Causley (Page MP) asking

International Women’s Day – Wednesday 8th March Lis Miller Landscaping �������������������� ABN 81 212 183 846 garden design & maintenance ��������������� • plant selection/design ����������������������������� • pruning/mulching ��������� �������� • paving/mosaic tiles ���������������� �������������������������������������� • horticultural advice ��������� ���������������������� �������������� Phone 6689 1162 ���������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� Mob 0411 496 807 ������������������������������������������������������������ email: [email protected] �������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������� PO Box 438, Nimbin NSW 2480 ���������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������ �����������������������������

www.nimbingoodtimes.com March 2006 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 5 Glimmer of hope for pre-schoolimbin Community Pre- Funding offunding preschools has been the DET and DoCS school has grand plans, but frozen since 1986, with only CPI systems and the need to no money. increases since then. increase the number of Th e community run and operated Ms Gregory said the pre-school places, and was obviously Npre-school catering for 3-5 year- operates 5 days aweek and charges still wedded to the idea olds has operated out of the fees ranging from $8 to $16, of getting preschools to Showgrounds building for 25 years. depending on parent income. “We extend their hours, and Co-ordinator Dianne Gregory said presently have lots of vacancies, access Federal funding, as the DA for their new building on Mondays to Wednesdays,” she part of the answer to the land at Nimbin Central School said. problem. was submitted to Council before During February the Director Th e Minister said she Christmas, and they have received of Kurri Preschool in the Hunter is working with DET, a reply which contained “ a lot of Valley met with DoCS Minister Treasury and Cabinet new things to be done,” which they Reba Meagher in Maitland, while with a view to making Child’s play. The class of 2006 at Nimbin Community Pre-school, still in Cecil Street. are pressing ahead with. the NSW Cabinet was in town. an announcement about While the cost of the building Reba acknowledged that viability preschool funding by the end of to be achieved. Choice, a coalition of community- work will be covered by a special of community-based preschools is March, and suggested we would Statewide action to increase based pre-schools in NSW said, grant, when it fi nally gets the major issue in the immediate be ‘much happier by the end of funding for preschools is planned “If it is well-attended, it will look underway, Dianne said covering the short term - she suggested 30 March.’ However, because it’s still for 8th April, and will include a fantastic on the news, and will let cost of the day-to-day operations would fail in the next six months under discussion, she couldn’t give “Play Day” rally in Heritage Park, everyone know how serious we are while keeping fees aff ordable is if nothing were done. She also any details as to what her vision Lismore, with everyone wearing about fi ghting for all children and becoming increasingly diffi cult. acknowledged the inequity between was, or how and when it was going red. Gabe Connell of Children’s parents in NSW.”

New teachers for Tuntable Falls Primary Rainbow Ridge Steiner School at the heightened level of interest their children are showing in learning, Th omas Rose, the new grade 1 to 3 teacher, has a long history of involvement in alternative education, Th e offi cial opening of this beautiful including Steiner. He believes in steering the new building will be held Friday 10th younger children’s learning March from 11am. All welcome. through play focusing on the basic skills of reading writing and arithmetic. Future activities planned by this very progressive Butcher Boys Independent school include Nimbin Meats has had a a Karaoke evening at the change of ownership, though Tuntable Community you can scarcely tell the hall on the 1st of April diff erence. at 6.30 pm. Two school Young partners James camps, 5 days to Minnie Geary, who served his waters in April and a week apprenticeship at the shop, James Geary at Nimbin Th e winds of change are for the school. “As an Paul Solk, the new teacher on Stradbroke Island in and Kirra Oliver, who is Village Meats. blowing through Tuntable independent school the for grades 3 to 6 believes in November. Th e camps currently an apprentice, have Falls Primary School, with parents make many independent learning where involve the whole school teamed up to invest in their the pate and pork pies, two new teachers starting at decisions that directly the students are constantly community, parents, future in butchery. the salamis and smoked the beginning of the current impact on the eff ectiveness challenged and learn to take children, teachers and their “It’s a good shop, and a meats are still made on the school term. of our teaching programs, responsibility for their own families. good trade,” said James. premises, and everything is One of a handful of and selecting the right staff learning. Th en it’s the Nimbin “Rod has been talking to me still free-range and organic, independent schools in is at the top of the list,“ he Paul believes he can teach fashion shows, where the about taking over for a while, including the turkeys and the Northern rivers area, said. the students the tools to students work together to showing me what’s involved.” venison. Tuntable Falls Primary Tuntable Falls Primary eff ective learning and says create a range of clothing Rod’s infl uence still But they do have plans School is run by a parent School has 23 students split it is ultimately up to the made by children for permeates the shop, afoot - to refrigerate their body whose role includes into two classrooms. Th e children to implement them. children. especially in the kind and other display window, and to selection of teachers for the small number of children Early indications are So if you see school helpful approach to customer supply packaged meat. school. in each class allows for very that the students are fully children running jumping service. Any reaction from “We take the selection of personalised teaching and embracing their new male skipping and singing in your We’re not changing customers? “It’s been all teachers very seriously,” said full development of the mentor and role model, with street, they are most likely anything,” said James good,” said James. “We’ve David Hyett, spokesperson children’s creative interests. many parents delighted Tuntable Falls primary kids. Ginny is still doing been fl at out, which is good.” Nimbin

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Page 6 The Nimbin GoodTimes March 2006 www.nimbingoodtimes.com Nimbin Central School News

by Athena Zelandonii hings are experience,” said moving at Matthew. “While most As I write this, it’s Week 5 of Term 1 the Bush Mexican food available in this year of the dog, and everybody is Theatre, with a is “gringo food,’ a well and truly settled back into the school Mexican cantina Tex-Mex American routine for what promises to be an exciting already in operation version of the cuisine, and productive year. Everything is as it as part of a major we are offering more should be down here at Nimbin Central revival of this much- traditional styles, with School, and it’s getting even better… loved community authentic Spanish and asset. Chilean influences.” “Too hot, can’t learn…” A partnership of More dishes are to Air conditioning is being installed into six has taken over added to the menu, multiple ‘hot spot’ rooms on the second the management of which contains plenty floor, much to the relief of both students the cinema complex, of familiar favourites, and teachers. The library too is getting the and is in the process and a blackboard refrigerator treatment; all the better to of buying out the menu will list seasonal study or read in. company that holds dishes, with a take- On that subject also, a huge welcome theTeatro lease, which Ole! Wendydi andBush, Adrian Ryan at the café Amigoopening away service starting in mention to our new and truly awesome has 18 months to (above), Matthew the chef and manager (below). March. librarian Mel Taylor we do hope you find run, with a 5-year Matthew is your newly air-conditioned abode to your Just do it! A moment of truth for art teacher option. committed to keeping liking. Cath Marshall after the school’s secondary At the packed- prices realistic for swimming carnival at Murwillumbah pool, with out café re-opening families. “If Richard “Run, it’s a hierarchy!” technics teacher Stan Kovac being helpful as party one of the Branson can do it, I can This year heralds the introduction of always. Picture: Marc LeBars partners, Adrian do it too,” he said. a senior group of students elected to Ryan said, “We had Plans for the theatre represent the school and to help organise Ta lot of community include “comedy, activities and uphold values within it. A “I have a dream!” help to get this theatre, music, movies, group of 7 year 11 and 12 students were Also this year, permanent members fill all together, including anything you can think elected at the end of last year as school Executive positions. What this means for a month’s free rent, of.” Adrian explained prefects and captains, and I wish them all Nimbin Central is that a long term vision for and volunteers that with tables the best. the school can be seen and acted upon by all painting.” inside, the theatre can members, as they are there for the long haul. Manager accommodate cabaret “But what are all these And as new Primary Assistant Principal Matthew also and theatre restaurant metre high white poles Marc Everingham hasn’t gone running works as head chef nights, and can also be sticking out of the ground screaming into the hills by now, the year at the restaurant. used as a daytime venue for?” seems set to be an excellent and successful He was previously for children’s activities To benefit blind student Chris Dockrill one. executive sous chef or cultural tourism, in his new and improved wheelchair, at Hogan’s in Melbourne, “The menu worked with full café facilities. removable bollards have been put up near Casual Work Available though he was born in beautifully,” Matt said, Full theatrical and concert all the stairs. Those are bollards, not white Employment guaranteed at the school Grafton and has lived at pointing out that the production facilities will poles. Go to school and learn something… canteen. 9.30am to 2pm, weekly, Iluka, Nimbin and Kyogle. Mexican style encompasses become available with the fortnightly, monthly. He said that the opening a wide choice of vegetarian installation of three-phase “You scream, I scream…” Experience: Not necessary, everything you party had been “hectic, a and vegan dishes, enabled by power. It’s in the works, and you certainly didn’t need to know can be learnt within a short major test for the systems,” the new kitchen layout where Adrian said, “We’re hear it from me, but the SRC (student time. and that “streamlining began there are two sinks and two available for bookings representative council) may be having a Salary: A la carte lunch (healthy sandwich), immediately,” to sustain fryers, for meat and non- for functions, receptions, fundraising ice-cream day. Cross your plenty of tea, coffee and best of all friendship. the operation “seven days, meat dishes. parties, anything, with fingers and hope for a sunny day… Applications close: Never. eight till late, café by day, “I want to give Nimbin a lower rate for the local restaurant by night.” a bit more of a culinary community.” Community Bus needs drivers Northern Rivers Community for social events, dances, birthdays, The bus can only be hired out if So if you are over 30 and Transport is looking for any bus a day at the beach, special events, the driver has an LR license, and at interested in learning to drive a bus, drivers with a NSW LR license political and environmental events the moment there is a pressing need please contact Julia at the Nimbin or better, to help out driving and rallies, and more. The Mums for more volunteer drivers to help Neighbourhood and Information folks around the Nimbin area in and Bubs group and Youth groups with this community service. Centre, 71 Cullen Street, Nimbin, Nimbin’s Community Bus. use the Community Bus regularly. To encourage new drivers for phone 6689-1965. Julia is available The Mercedes Sprinter bus is able To hire the bus, the cost is set at this community project, the bus on Mondays, Tuesdays and to seat 11 people plus the driver, 70c per kilometre, which includes is being made available for anyone Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm, and has space for two wheelchairs the cost of petrol. There are no interested in training for their LR and can also be contacted on her with lift access. other charges, and the set fee is license. This training is offered mobile 0417-319-905. Talk to Julia The bus is used for many different negotiable for some community for free, in exchange for volunteer if you are interested in hiring the trips, helping bring people together groups. driving. bus, too.

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www.nimbingoodtimes.com March 2006 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 7 editor: Bob Dooley email [email protected] layout/design: Andy Gough Letters photography: Sue Stock

The Big Three Issues Militaristic poster Unfortunately, Council can never fund all the I write in regards to Health, I nearly wrote a letter after the Council jottings worthwhile projects that are proposed. If last year Education and Welfare in New South January Edition of the Good Times Jenny Dowell is any guide, only about half of them will receive the Wales. and Gerald Taylor’s masquerading as necessary funds so groups lodging submissions need The psychiatric hospitals were the Goddess on the front page, but arch marks the start of a busy few months to be prepared for this reality. closed down nearly two decades ago when I walked down town today and at Council with the budget process in as the patients were miraculously saw the current Nimbin Mardi-Grass Mfull swing. To date, the 7 Policy Advisory Council Pools stabilized with medication, put poster, I felt sick. I’m not the only one. Groups have lodged the only submissions for on a proper diet and released into Do we want Nimbin to be a war consideration but in the next 2 months, Council is he week before the regular monthly meeting, the community to live. Now the zone? Nimbin was originally about expected to receive hundreds of submissions valued at TCouncil will hold a workshop at the Oliver NSW government wants to blame peace and love and a new future. It many millions of dollars, if last year is any indication. Avenue Council Chambers. On Tuesday 7th March at hydroponic marijuana as the evil wasn’t even about marijuana. That Indeed this year, we will receive applications for 6 pm, there will be a staff presentation and discussion trigger of a whole group of psychiatric was incidental. funding major bridge works, the next step in the on the Memorial Baths and the current condition and illnesses in the community. What It was innovation, experimentation, development of the CBD cultural centre and Stage 1 future of Lismore Lake Pool. about hydroponic tomatoes, creating a good future for our of the Goonellabah Recreation and Leisure Centre. North Lismore resident Vicky Findlay has done a cucumber and lettuce? I don’t believe children, anti-violence and anti- In addition to these big ticket items, the ongoing wonderful job in harnessing community passion to these are doing it either! authoritarian. needs of rural roads make the task of distributing the keep the Lake Pool open, and those Councillors who The school and public libraries Marijuana hasn’t even been all good funds in an equitable manner all the more difficult. see the ‘round pool’ as a family-friendly affordable close about an hour after the children for Nimbin. It has attracted a lot of Public submissions from community groups (free) option will be resisting any plans to close it, leave to go home. How are the single issue people who are otherwise throughout the local government area will be either now or in the future. As with most Council children supposed to do research conservative in every way so I think it advertised in the March 2 edition of the NR Echo and workshops, the public is invited to attend. and develop the skills of researching? is terrible that we now have posters up will close on 31st March. In May all the submissions While on Nimbin and pools, it is expected that The internet is one way, albeit a very all over town evoking a war platform from PAGs, Councillors, staff and the public, Nimbin pool will gain some much needed seating in slow way if the only service is dial- for the issue of drugs. It gives an together with staff comments and recommendations the near future following a request from residents up. I’m still waiting for ISDN, much excuse for violence. That has already on each, will be considered by Councillors. From through me to staff. Once provided, parents and less broadband, so my son can do been the case for too long. We don’t this, a draft management plan with the proposed grandparents won’t need to BYO chair while research on the net on as rapid a pace need to exaggerate the problems new fees and charges will then be placed on public supervising young swimmers. If I can assist any as his town counterparts! I guess I we have in this town with physical, exhibition. On 20th June, the final submissions from residents with other issues, please contact me. could buy all the books necessary to verbal, emotional or intellectual this public exhibition will be considered and the Plan Jenny Dowell (Phone 6625 2206 or Jenny. have a reasonable home library, but violence. will be finalised. [email protected]) the books cost twice as much as they It is not a time to be provocative in a do in Europe, even with the rate of heavy-handed manner. exchange. I might consider When by allowing ourselves to become part to be all about. It’s not a Nimbin Of karma and dogma this economic censorship, I read of someone else’s violent reaction to poster. It’s a poster for a cannabis Having watched the rebirth and what about you? Gerald’s reality. law reform rally that takes place in growth of Nimbin these many years, Last but certainly not If we work on that we work on Nimbin. it struck me that the whole process is least, is Welfare. The everything including the illegality As I’m sure you know, the Nimbin a lot like establishing a bush garden. premier has said in the of drugs. If we work on the issue of Hemp Embassy is fighting to make a You generally start in a hostile last few days that there drugs with violent intent or emotions few changes to current laws, hence the environment, develop soil fertility, will be new laws that will we get nowhere. Those in authority use of the word ‘war’. plant your seeds, watch out for make contracts necessary if always have endless resources for I agree with you, we don’t want predators and work hard. Just when parents cannot control their war. War is the partner of the Nimbin to be an actual war zone. In the garden becomes productive, all children. Now I can only authoritarian. this case ‘war’ is just a term, as in war/ manner of slimy creatures crawl out suppose that DoCs will be I do object to Gerald writing articles fight/debate for rights. from under rocks to suck the life from in charge of administering in the name of the goddess. They are The soldier in the poster represents the fruits of your patient labour. these contracts and they are often quite cynical, derogatory and anti-violence. He has no weapons... Geoff Shearman, the new co-owner stressed, overworked and aggressive. It is just not fair to all the just a shovel to plant with. He wears of Nimbin Lifestyle Real Estate said underpaid as you read this. women in the area to have such a a harmless expression on his face, a in your last edition that his interests DoCs can’t help anyone over writer sheltering under their skirts. peace symbol around his neck. He were family and community, and the age of 12 months they December What on earth is some out-of-towner represents the growers and smokers that Nimbin (surprisingly) was now are so snowed under. Wait until so article about shooting politicians with or tourist to think of Nimbin women of marijuana and their rights, or lack somewhere to be proud of. many contracts come through and dope smoke, I thought the manner of or for that matter our town. thereof. He is a soldier of peace and Many of us, not the least myself, then check out the stress levels. speech is too aggressive and invasive Let’s keep the Mardi-Grass as a freedom. I’m certainly not advocating have been proud of Nimbin for a very Every time I read the news, I read of other people’s space. Marijuana is celebration of the Goddess and all violence or aggression. long time. After all, we succeeded about the “acting” police position not a magic substance that is going things gentle and know that is the Also, you said, ‘ Let’s keep Mardi against mighty opposition. As for whatever, I’m lead to believe the senior to convert the world’s evil or its evil cure for everything. Grass a celebration of the goddess’... family and community, I wonder how police are very stressed and take stress people. That’s one hippy fantasy Lynne Oldfield it isn’t...it’s a law reform rally. Check proud Mr Shearman is these days of leave on a regular basis. How are the that has truly hit the dust. There is Nimbin out the official Mardi Grass website. his alleged role in the violent eviction police going to police more laws when a wealth of emotionally challenged, You’ll notice the large words on the of families from their community, they have to selectively police the laws violent marijuana smokers walking Poster is pro-peace opening page.... ‘Nimbin Mardi Tymokari, some year ago? that exist. It seems that a far-sighted amongst us on the streets of Nimbin Grass-cannabis law reform rally.’ Perhaps the whole thing has slipped look at laws that exist should be as well as vibrant, beautiful and loving As the illustrator of the Mardi Grass The poster could seem offensive if his mind, what with his busy life of pursued rather than heaping on more marijuana smokers. poster which has offended Lynne taken literally. As a cartoonist and cow homeopathy and plant nurseries. as a knee-jerk reaction to current Violence, aggression and the Oldfield, I would like to explain stand-up comedian that wasn’t my Not to worry, many of us still recall events. attendant accumulated effects on myself and answer a few of her intent. Sorry that my drawing made every nasty detail. Still, whatever else Michael Wright people are the really big problems the questions. you feel sick, you might say about Mr Shearman, Mt. Nardi world is facing. We have to be careful Firstly, the poster has nothing to do Brendan Lovechild he certainly got he job done and we don’t become part of the problem with what Nimbin is or was supposed Mullumbimby achieved vacant possession of the

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Page 8 The Nimbin GoodTimes March 2006 www.nimbingoodtimes.com former government-owned winter months the Humpback in the late 1970’s. Since land, evicting the squatters. whales migrate north from then many changes and what The Greens are meant Maybe he is just the man for Antarctica along the east and improvements have been to be about. In this case A calling from our the job if push comes to shove west coasts of Australia. made to the recipe. Visits they have dropped their at Mulgum House. Mother whales give birth from other cheese makers plank of social equality and Sometimes, people’s karma along the coast and rest at from Australia and overseas justice. gardeners runs right over their dogma. Hervey Bay until the calves have also helped us refine our They willingly admit Harry Neville method. having sold their soul for Nimbin As a fund illusory votes. They have raiser for The this delusion someday Gold Channon they will be a major player. Community Nutters. standard Inc., we are Paul Recher The current offering a standard for cheese making Notices measuring workshop at worth of work The Channon Nimbin Chamber of is against gold Cafe on Commerce and the US Saturday, April dollar. 8th, 9.00 am - The Chamber meets on the I see these 12.00 pm when 3rd Tuesday of the month, currency we will make a 6-8pm at the Bowling Club. “Gardening for and with the standards the base line are strong enough to cheddar cheese Next meeting on 21st community is that much closer problem affecting lifestyle and migrate south to Antarctica. and ricotta (whey cheese). March will consider fire to the heart than gardening life on Earth. It rewards greed On their migration path, The cost is $30 and $25 safety of village and related alone. The more gardeners there and power that sacrifices the the Humpbacks have to pass concession. Bookings are issues. All members and are, the more there will be, in well being of our environment. by the Gold Coast (love’n it essential, please call Carol on prospective members season all year round.” There is a need for a standard more) where these shark nets 6688-6269 welcome. Tanya Hall that encourages people who are situated. live lightly on the Earth, For a long time, these nets Sloppy work Pre-Loved Clothing I am also pleased to invite A measures that penalizes have been responsible for people to Nimbin Community human impact against the the deaths of adult and baby I’ve always admired the Sale garden on Fridays, the main nurturing well being of life whales amongst other marine layouts and news coverage in Life-Line Northern Rivers work day. We have profited on Earth. Rewards are for life, but the DPI will not stop your bright little monthly, Nimbin Hall from our experiences in the those who contribute to the the practice of shark netting, but as an old journo and Friday 17th March, 9am garden both physically and well being of life. Penalties for why not? sub, I must point out that to 1pm spiritually. mining and weapon producing The DPI have been sitting in the Charlie-Jane wedding Huge range – Great prices Thank you to all who industries which does not on information presented to coverage (p.3, NGT Feb ’06), (Uki Hall Thursday 16th have worked on the garden. reward polluters. them of an electronic device the pictures were a bit astray: March) Blessings and see you there. As long as our measure is by an inventor on the Coast there were no flower girls. Gregory Marshall (pictured) driven for profit, life on Earth for the last two years, why? In the main picture plus the and our species are doomed. Why can’t at least the DPI bride and groom were Jane’s Mining Uranium because it’s remove the nets during the daughter, Sarah Mari who profitable is a problem because whales’ migration, May to was one of the bridesmaids That ‘other’ 0th anniversary of this current standard. The August, so the whales can and her son Michael Mari, The recent pomp and fanfare history of the gold standard is travel in peace without harm? who had escorted Jane to the over Howards 10th year Still Bob-in’. one based on the destruction of How many more whales ceremony. as prime minister made us Bob Brown celebrated environments and earth based and marine life have to be And “backyard”? In less than all totally depressed but 10 years as a senator cultures throughout the world. sacrificed not only in the ten years, Jane has created a Thursday 2nd March was in federal parliament Please let us discuss this Southern Ocean but along our virtual Garden of Eden out of reason to celebrate – the 10th last week. issue. coastline? a bare 3.3 acre block! anniversary of Greens Leader Benny Zable We are not the only Sorry, cannot help old habits! Bob Brown’s election to the species on this planet with Gwen Cunningham Australian parliament. Shark nets kill whales intelligence, or think we are. Mother of the bride Senator Brown has FOR THE WHALES (Sorry that our coverage of Jane outlasted 10 other party Gee, we are getting eaten by Paul Brecht and Charlie’s nuptials was rather leaders – Meg Lees, Cheryl sharks when we are in their Mullumbimby mangled – unlike the wonderful Kernot, Natasha Stott- habitat, so what’s new? celebrations. We don’t get many Despoja, Andrew Grieg, Do you realise it’s not the Cheese-making weddings. Ed.) Andrew Bartlett, Pauline shark’s fault, we are in their Workshop Hanson, Len Harris (One habitat and they are naturally Greens outrage nutter Nation), Kim Beazley (first “Our election aim will be to and their staff celebrated with hunters and anything in their Dharmananda community time round), Simon Crean rescue the Senate from the a chocolate cake –and 10 habitat is food (but you know at Terania Creek have been Bob Brown, who suffered and Mark Latham have all Howard government, and green candles – on Thursday. what, they don’t like the taste making cheddar cheese, fetta mercilessly at the tongue of been and gone during that doubling our team is not Bob is also still celebrating of humans). cheese, yoghurt, ricotta and Laurie Oakes when he was time. beyond reality.” the recent win in Tassies On the Gold Coast (love butter for more than twenty caught out not even knowing It’s just John Howard and The Greens started with Rechereche Bay being spared that name) the Department five years for the consumption The Greens drug policy, has Bob Brown left standing. one senator after the 1996 from the loggers axe thanks of Primary Industry (DPI) of the community members. his hands written all over the “And there’s no speculation election, doubled to two to Dick Smith loaning the protect swimmers with the We learned how to make new Green policy on drugs. about me standing at next senators in 2001, and again to money to buy it. Apparently placement of shark nets at cheese from the Ivan family It is nothing more or less year’s election. I can’t wait,” four senators in 2004. ‘Team Billen’ also had certain beaches. During the who lived across the valley, than the complete gutting of Senator Brown said today. The four Greens senators something to do with it...

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www.nimbingoodtimes.com March 2006 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 9 Truth the first casualty in drug war

by Salty as weak options. They are not. They are the strong politician who needs options. Jails are very expensive to attack minorities to solutions, and should be Aimprove his popularity reserved for truly deserving is bereft of vision and integrity. cases. Witch-hunts lead to adrenaline, If you want dog eat dog for anger, guilt and shame. Avoid the the jobs available, and bugger rush! the rest; you can vote for it, It appears that cannabis use but I far prefer a government in Australia will continue to that can offer a unifying vision be equated with the narcotic of what we can achieve, rather drugs: heroin, cocaine, and than division of the people amphetamines. It is to be the their cake and eating it too. under the parliament of the first stop after the social divide between Cannabis Law Reform would seem to latest elite. acceptable and unacceptable. Just over have become a sacrificial goat of some When we jump through Saddam’s there is available alcohol and freely kind in state Labor factional deals, and hoops to sell wheat to Iraq, it looks prescribed anti-depressants on the the federal government has little time like the government will ignore its own acceptable side of the drug war wall, and for minority groups, or anyone with less policies for a conveniently profitable deal. just over here is cannabis, condemned by than a mortgage or share portfolio to their Are we so desperate? political frauds without truthful evidence name. This country, this world, needs some or fair trial. Let the unemployed work for $6.50 kind of unifying vision, lest it fall The HEMP Embassy is an alternative an hour. They may work for that, but back into the mire of fear and mutual Backflip by Greens on marijuana voice to proposed hard line government certainly can’t live on it. Howard has not destruction. War benefits neither side of a policies. There are other, far more effective “defied the elites”, he has created a new conflict; only armament suppliers prosper. Mercury, The parties would use the Greens’ policy options to those being pushed elite; a cruel dry monetarist one chanting The cost is enormous, in money and lives. (Australia) Pubdate: traditionally soft drugs stance through. “outsource” and “privatise” to all who will Wars are certainly not for the benefit Tue, 8 Feb 2005 to smear the party and its Many cannabis users will lose their listen, and at the same time provided the of ordinary people. Wars on scapegoats candidates. drivers’ licenses and jobs in the future, faithful with an entertainment of a fearful are unproductive folly, a squandering of The Tasmanian Greens party At the last federal election, under testing regimes now being compliant hoop jumping unemployed resources when we can probably least has axed its long-held policy false political propaganda introduced. That is a serious sanction for class, desperate to find jobs to escape the afford it, and truth is always the first calling for the legalisation of was spread about the Greens society to exert, particularly for a drug new semi-privatised lunacy. casualty of any war, closely followed by marijuana in a major policy party’s lax attitude to with no narcotic effect. This fact is held Governments face greater expense in reason. backflip designed to win marijuana, which is believed up as a justification for refusing medical enforcing intolerance than they do in Calm heads are better than fearful ones. mainstream votes. to have severely hampered its marijuana, but ignored with respect to exercising tolerance and compassion. Fear is a destroyer. May the calm head be Instead, Greens justice election efforts. legality. I think the authorities are having Tolerance and compassion are lambasted with you. spokesman Nick McKim has “We’re here to get as many called for tough new criminal votes as we can, so we can put sanctions to be introduced in place our public policies for the trafficking of illegal on a number of issues,” Mr Join the MOB behind MardiGrass drugs. McKim said. Mr McKim acknowledged “We want a mature debate 14th Annual Nimbin that the policy somersault about the issue of drug use. MardiGrass & Cannabis meant there was now little The major planks of the Law Reform Rally, 6th & difference between the new drugs policy are: 7th May 2006 Greens’ drugs policy and that * Criminal sanctions of the Labor Government. including imprisonment for Sensational meetings He also made no apology drug traffickers. to organize MG06 are for the drugs policy change, * The personal use of drugs happening on Mondays admitting it was a vote- be treated as a health issue. from 5pm, enter down the catching exercise to win seats * Recognition that there are path beside the Embassy. at the state election. serious health risks in all If you can’t make it, there Mr McKim also said a drug use, including alcohol is a message book held new policy that was hard and tobacco. behind the Hemp Embassy on drug traffickers while * A compassionate approach counter. aimed at minimising harm be taken to people with These exciting mind- for drug users eliminated health problems as a result expanding meetings are too the chance opposing political of personal drug use. good to miss, and if you’ve never been part of the MOB (MardiGrass Organizing Rear deck action. A typical meeting of the MOB. Nimbinz Kebabs Body) now’s your big chance Doner & Felafel Regular $7.50, The Lot $8.50 to get involved. There are forums and the usual to organise prizes for of our 5-year DA for Chicken Regular $8, The Lot $9 still plenty of vacancies! hilarious Hemp Olympix, Pot Poetry, Pot Art, Best MardiGrass with Lismore With your choice of sauces & extras Events this year include comedy, Pickers Ball, Ganja Hemp Stall, the Saliva Council, and the way tattoo pot art, hemp jelly Faeries, rally and parade Swab Resistance Unit, etc. politicians are blaming wrestling, a hydro vs bush and anything else you can Jungle Patrol also needs cannabis for all sorts of debate, medical, legal, come up with. resurrecting. woes, next year might be political and industrial We do need someone This is the final year quite different…!

Nimbinz Kebabs & Take-Away Your One-Stop Munchie Shop �������� ��������������� All Tribes �������������� ����������������������������� Hand-made Gifts, cards ���������� ���������������������������� glass souvenirs ��������������������� necklaces incense �������������� ear-rings candles ������������� Hot chicken – Whole $9.50, Half $6, Quarter $3.50 beads essential oils Cold chicken – Whole $8.50, Half $5, Quarter $3 soaps Chicken, Cheese & Mushroom Bake or Potato & pipes Sweet Potato Bake – Sm $2.50, Med $4, Lge $6 ������������������������������������ Quarter Chicken & Potato Wedges $5; Fish & Potato ������������������������������������������ Wedges $5; Chicko & Spring Rolls $2.50; Corn Jacks 62b Cullen Street, Nimbin $2.50; Dim Sims $1.50; Chicken Wing Dings $2; - next to the Museum - Potato Wedges – Cup $3, Box $4.50

Page 10 The Nimbin GoodTimes March 2006 www.nimbingoodtimes.com United States, even to supply their own manufactories, in addition Hemp history to what comes in sailcloth and cordage, when it known that they by Kathy Stavrou might with profit, raise enough not only to supply themselves, but for wo centuries ago, the case all Europe. for growing hemp was “Hemp delights in rich strong Tbeing eloquently put to the loams but may however be new colony. This document is from cultivated upon ground of every the Sydney Gazette (set up in 1803 kind, the poorer land producing and published by the Authority of that which is finer in quality, Governor King). It was published tho’ in smaller quantity; whereas on 28th April 1805. It tells of the strong and rich lands produce a incomparable values of Hemp as a great quantity but coarser. It does crop. Read on. not exhaust the land on which it grows like flax, and may, with the aid of manure, be continued “Culture of Hemp without diminution, twenty or (From an American Paper) thirty years on the same ground. Sydney Gazette 28th April, 1805 An acre requires two bushels of kingdom were imported into the seed, and produces from four to six “It does not appear that the British dominions in the year 1788, hundredweight. The seed will not ancients were acquainted with 54,464 tons, which at 20 pounds grow well after it is more than one the use of hemp, in respect of the per ton, amounted to 1,269,289 year old, and as there are two kinds thread it affords. Pliny who speaks pounds sterling. The hemp however of hemp, the male and the female, of it in his Natural history, says not which is raised in England, tho’ to the latter only of which produces a word of this, contenting himself a great amount, is none of it used seed, some regard must be had for with extolling the virtue of its stem, for sails or cordage. Being finer as this circumstance. leaves and root. well as stronger than that from “Where labour is cheap the kind “To the moderns, the use of hemp Russia, it is wholly applied to finer are often pulled separately; in which has become very extensive and fabrics, and makes a large portion case little paths are made lengthwise important. It enters largely into of the cheapest, and most durable through the field about seven feet the dress of men, but vastly more cloathing that is worn in Great distant from each other, to allow for the dress of ships. The sails Britain. Cloths made of hemp are a passage for the person who pulls and cordage of a first rate man of as susceptible to bleaching, in any up the male hemp from among the war require 180,000 lb of rough mode hitherto practiced, as those other – the latter requiring to stand hemp for their construction. It is made from flax: while that of linen longer to ripen the seed. But where less in quantity than the former, 1805 – Governor King tries to now much cultivated in England, decays. It would be humiliating and labour is dear, the best way is to let and the skin of both is of use after give hemp pants to the local France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and probably exceed belief, to state the a patch stand for seed, male and the seed is ripened, though of less Aborigines. above all in Russia. From the latter quantity of hemp imported into the female together: the latter is much value than at an earlier period. Cartoon by Kathy Stavrou. Hemp Seed: Humanity’s best single food source Compiled by Jamie for human nutrition. kingdom of essential fatty Hamilton Ed.D, Ph.D to HIV virus. So far they have Lovechild Only soybeans contain a acids. These essential oils, speak out in 1991 on behalf been extremely promising.” higher percentage of protein, linoleic and linolenic acids, of “the life-giving values” of The richest source of these Ralph Loziers, general however the composition are responsible for the lustre cannabis hemp. They stated: essential oils is the seeds counsel of the United of the protein in hemp seed in your skin, hair, eyes, and “These essential oils of the cannabis plant. The Institute of Oilseed Products, is unique in the vegetable even your thought processes. support the immune system insane prohibitions against told the congressional kingdom. 65% of the protein They lubricate (clear) the and guard against viral and the most valuable plant on the committee studying content in hemp seed is in the arteries and are vital to the other assaults to the immune planet, cannabis hemp, must marijuana prohibition in form of globulin edestin. (The immune system. system. Studies are in yield to public demand, for 1937, “Hemp seed…is used word edestin comes from the These essential fatty acids progress using the essential it holds the promise of super all over the Oriental nations Greek “edestos,” meaning were used by Dr. Joanna oils to support the immune health and the possibility of and also in parts of Russia edible.) Budwig (nominated for systems of persons with the feeding the world. as food. It is grown in The exceptionally high ward off infections before the the Nobel Peace Prize their fields and it is used as edestin content of hemp seed symptoms of sickness set in. every year since 1979) to oatmeal. Millions of people combined with albumin, Cannabis seed protein even successfully treat “terminal” every day are using hemp seed another globular protein allows a body with nutrition- cancer patients, as well as in the Orient as food. They contained in all seeds, means blocking tuberculosis, or those suffering from cardio- have been doing this for many the readily available protein almost any other nutrition- vascular disease, glandular generations, especially in in hemp seed contains all blocking ailment, to get atrophy, gall stones, kidney periods of famine.” the essential amino acids maximum nourishment. degeneration, acne, dry skin, No other single plant in ideal proportions to (Czech. Tubercular menstrual problems and source can compare with the assure your body has the Nutritional Study, 1955) immune deficiency. nutritional value of hemp necessary building blocks to Even more important to This, as well as other seeds. Both the complete create proteins like disease building a strong immune research, prompted UCLA protein and the essential oil fighting immunoglobulins, system, hemp seeds are the biochemists William contained are in ideal ratios antibodies whose job it is to highest source in the plant Eidelman MD and R. Lee

MardiGrass Organising Meetings 5pm Mondays, Rear deck, Hemp Embassy ���������������������������� - or leave messages in green book at ������������������������������ counter - Get Involved! ��������������������������������� Phone 6689 1842 or email [email protected] Check our blackboard for weekend performers

www.nimbingoodtimes.com March 2006 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 11 Remember the koalas Savour the Planet Forest Red Gum (E by Dave Christmas The nutritional advantages tereticornis) 10-30m. It has slow of slow cooking have long to moderate growth, but this Rainbow Power Company been recognised, with all may be speeded up with a little has just taken delivery of 120 the flavours, vitamins and slow release fertiliser. Light to solar cookers from India. minerals kept in. As the food heavy good soils. It likes to be They have three different can’t over-cook there is no planted near waterlogged areas. models. One is a one metre need to stir or watch it. Seedlings do not cope well with dish cooker, the other two are Saving time, energy and frost. box cookers of different sizes. pollution. Simply put the These Eucalyptus species are The previous small shipment food in the pots, point the also excellent for other wildlife, had been a test, and sold out as the flowers provide nectar fast. The first 16 of this new and pollen for birds, bees and shipment has already left for fruit bats. Papua New Guinea. The trees will ultimately grow Though there are millions How easy is this? very large and must be sited of these cookers in use in Analisa assembling a sensibly. They should be planted India and all over the third solar cooker (left) and well away from power lines world, it is believed RPC is a suicase-style hot-box and buildings. Do not locate the only distributor of this (above). them in areas where they can technology in Australia. block out your views or create Their efficiency has been a fire hazard for you or your tested and proven, over many age-old design is very Picture by US visitor James Scott neighbours. We have planted years, indeed one ashram in simple to assemble. The hundreds of Koala food trees India feeds all their 15,000 cooker at the sun and come box cookers are ready to use around the farm, mainly on the devotees entirely on solar. back in two to three hours for straight from the box and By David McMinn in our region, they obtain the ridges and as wind breaks well that’s 45,000 meals per day. a delicious and healthy meal. come complete with stainless bulk of their food from only away from the house. Many of In this The concept of the steel cooking pots. e have had huge five Eucalyptus species. the trees are now quite large, but instance they use solar to parabolic reflector to Remember, there’s only 120 rains, the high heat Flooded Gum (E grandis) 30- we have yet to see a single Koala. make steam. concentrate the sun’s rays was of them in this shipment. Wof summer is over 40m. Very fast growth in moist We also have never heard And what about the food? developed aeons ago, and the Bon appetit. and now is an excellent season soils - you will have a forest in them during the mating season to plant trees. Amongst your several years - and the whitish (September to January), when plantings remember to include columnar trunks are very the males emit pig-like grunts numerous eucalyptus trees for attractive. The timber is now and growls and the females Local Sea Shepherds formed the Koalas in our area. These sold under the more saleable high pitched trembling sounds. delightful animals are found at name of Rose Gum. Perhaps one day...... There are by Paul Brecht Blue Knob and Tuntable Creek, Tallow Wood (E microcorys) also several secondary food but their populations appear to 20-40m. Growth is fast in trees, such as Sydney Blue The international director of be quite limited. My neighbours drier soils. Frost tolerant. The Gum, Blackbutt, Brush Box, Sea Shepherd’s Conservation at Blue Knob have occasionally timber can be used as fence Broad Leaf Paperbark and Grey Society (SSCS), Tim Midgely seen them on their properties, posts, for flooring, in building Ironbark. was in Australia in mid but we have never had the construction and so forth. Other things you can do February to open the newly thrill. In NSW, the species has Grey Gum (E propinqua) 20- To prevent dogs mauling donated office and Australian been classified as vulnerable 30m. Moderate growth with a koalas, do not allow your dog to headquarters in Fitzroy, and the state’s population is in preference for drier soils. We roam at any time and especially Melbourne. His visit also decline. The greatest threat to planted 100 trees of this species keep it confined at night when included visits to Brisbane, the continuing Koalas are most Gold Coast and Byron Bay. There was a public meeting SSCS Australia will help survival of the active. Restraining Tim held talks and screened on 14th February at Byron Paul Watson and his crew species is the loss your dog is essential films of the anti-whaling Community Centre to ask to raise funds to purchase of habitat, but you if you have Koalas campaign in the Southern those in attendance whether a sister ship for future anti- can do your bit by in your area. Ocean, Antarctica against the they would help form a whaling campaigns. planting suitable Become involved Japanese whaling fleet, who branch in Byron Shire. This year Paul and crew trees for Koala in environmental are hell-bent on slaughtering A coalition of SSCS of the “Farley Mowat” were forage. on our farm, but only a few organisations that work to Minke (over 900) Humpback Byron Bay Action Group successful in chasing the survived. Unless you get positive restore native habitat. (50) Fin (50) whales. The held a positive protest at Japanese whaling fleet over Eucalyptus Species feedback from other growers, Slow down and take extra Japanese fishing industry are the Japanese consulate in 4000 kilometres, shutting Koalas eat about half a avoid planting Grey Gum in care when driving through well- also slaughtering dolphins Brisbane on February 15th down their whaling operation kilogram of gum leaves every our area. Drier locations may be vegetated areas, especially those at Taiji Bay Japan for mat and also Japanese Airlines for fifteen days and bringing day. However, these may more suitable. areas sign-posted for native consumption as well. Other (JAL). The action was to call unprecedented media contain toxic compounds, are Swamp Mahogany (E animals. countries who want to on all Australians to boycott attention to these gentle hard to digest and have limited robusta). 20-30m. Fast growth. If you do hit a koala when slaughter whales are Norway Japanese, Norwegian and giants. nutritional value. This poor It is best sited in well drained driving or find a sick, injured or and Iceland. Iceland also Canadian and For more information, the diet means that the animal soils near waterlogged areas. dead animal, please stop and The other reason for Tim’s Sealord (half Japanese/New SSCS website is at www. must conserve energy, so it Do not plant in swamps as help. Friends of the Koala may visit was to see if there is Zealand owned) seafoods, seashepherd.org Also email sleeps for most of the day and the trees will die, despite what be contacted on 66221233. interest in forming branches who are all involved in the [email protected] looks for food in the evening. its common name would All the best with your Koala in those areas mentioned slaughter of whales, seal pups For the whales, seals and Koalas are fussy eaters and, suggest. Frost resistant. tree plantings. above of SSCS Australia. and dolphins. dolphins ������� ������������ ��������� for a broad range of Open Wed, Sat, Sun ��� + ���� materials att ccompetitiveompetitive prpricesices ��������������������������������� ��������������������

Page 12 The Nimbin GoodTimes March 2006 www.nimbingoodtimes.com Animal Shelter needs help to get started Th e Animal Rights and Rescue would otherwise be killed, from Phone/Fax: 6622 1881. Email Group is a local, non-profi t local pounds, and provide them [email protected] or on volunteer organisation, run without with care and vet treatment until the web www.animalrights.org.au. government funding. Th ey rescue suitable homes can be found for homeless or unwanted animals, them. ARRG Desexing Program provide them with care and shelter Th ey give a deserved second Th e Animal Rights and Rescue and fi nd them suitable homes. chance to these animals, believing Group are still operating our It is the only such group covering that no animal should have to assisted desex programs for both the whole of the Far North Coast. endure neglect or abuse. cats and dogs and are pleased to As there is no RSPCA shelter or Th e Animal Rights and Rescue report that the program is well used branch between Coff s Harbour Group urgently need to build by the public. and Tweed Heads, ARRG covers a shelter, and are currently in Also still running is our special the entire area, as well as west to negotiations with Lismore Council. for 100 female cats, desex and Tenterfi eld (Th e Far North Coast Cost of reports for preparation chipping only $55.00, and to date Region). of Lismore Council land for the over 30 female cats done. We still Th e group have been operating Centre/Sanctuary have so far have places for 70 female cats so since 1995 as a No-Kill group— totalled $2,500. urge female cat owners who need this means no ARRG animal has A shelter would give the animals help to call us. been euthanased, unless due to a greater chance of fi nding a We can only imagine the number illness or injury where the animal permanent family in a shorter of unwanted litters of puppies and Bubble and Squeak at 10 weeks, in their foster home. could not be saved. ARRG does timeframe, and also take some of kittens if our desexing program was not euthanase any animal unless it the burden off the ‘foster carers’. not available. We are shocked at and kittens as free and disposal condemned, exposed and without is too ill to respond to veterinarian Th ese ‘foster carers’ and volunteers the number of calls for unwanted items and toys of no value. Th is rights or value. Speak up for the cat! treatment. are all unpaid, and monies donated kittens and the number of tiny heartless attitude plus the anti- For enquiries contact the ARRG have saved many dogs and in on-going fund-raising drives are kittens dumped, and we have many cat/haters are the result of so much Animal Rights & Rescue Group cats and have treated the ill, injured used directly to help the animals. beautiful kittens in foster care negative media reporting against Inc. on 02-6622-1881 or email: and severely abused, some who Contact the Animal Rights & needing homes. the cat. [email protected] need long term care. Th e group Rescue Group Inc. PO Box 16 It’s sad but true, the uneducated Inaccurate and extreme AARG is a non-profi t volunteer also takes unclaimed dogs that Wollongbar NSW 2477 and irresponsible public see cats sensationalism leaves the cat organisation.

Our Cat Lady Wild Dogs by Krista by Pamela Baxter We are not talking dingoes longer want them please, here. Th e dogs I’ve seen are please fi nd an alternative It’s really important to raise Over the last two years, solid, broad chested animals to dumping them in the awareness in the community two very much loved small with huge paws. No, I’m not bush where they’ll starve about our responsibility to our dogs have been killed on pointing the fi nger at any to death unless they kill pet’s quality of life, and respect my property by wild dogs. specifi c breed, as I’ve known native animals. Assistance for the environment. Earlier this month three wonderful pit bulls, mastiff s, for people on low incomes I have been involved with of my dogs were seriously ridgebacks and shepherds. to sterilize their dogs and the rescue of animals locally injured in the most I am pointing the fi nger at cats can be found through for over 15 years. Being terrifyingly ferocious attack people who dump unwanted the Animal Rights and involved with Rescue groups dumped, drowned or shot. all protected, as are the bush I’ve ever seen. animals. Or who don’t Rescue Group North Coast has been important. Th ey Some go feral and this is critters, and live in a huge I have a motley bunch sterilize their dogs and let (6622-1881) Th ey achieve work very hard, and there has where it becomes devastating cattery with all their needs of rescue dogs - the three them roam to produce litter wonders considering been next to no help from the to the environment. catered for. injured ranged from a 24kg after litter of unwanted that they are an entirely Government. It is all run by Th is is disgusting and is I no longer take cats in as I cattle dog to a 7kg poodle. pups who form the packs voluntary organisation volunteers, and local vets who where we come in, to rescue, have more than enough to care All will live, due to lifesaving that roam this area. Animal totally dependent on are willing to desex the cats rehabilitate, desex & re-home for. Many dogs as well have surgery, but it seems that rescue groups and the local donations from the and dogs at an aff ordable price. these little treasures, Th is been re-homed, with fi ve with over half my property is to pounds are drowning under public. Donations and help Desexing our pets is the for me is the reward I get us now. be considered a no-go area the number of abused, desperately needed. responsible owner’s duty, and from doing this sometimes Th e reason I tell my story, for me if I’m with my dogs. neglected and abandoned Perhaps we should also helps stop the misery that so heartbreaking job. To see them as I said is to raise awareness. My dogs spend most dogs and cats. be asking what contribution many of our homeless pets begin to trust and enjoy life as It is a privilege to care for their time indoors or in Untold numbers of Lismore Council should are put through, as in females they deserve is truly wonderful. animals, and unless you are the fenced area around my potentially loving animals be making towards the constantly pregnant then the Growing up on a property willing to commit to at least house. I like to take them for suff er terribly. Literally reduction in breeding problem of what to do with with many animals near 15 yrs, please think twice, a couple of long runs a day, thousands are killed animals. the litters of puppies and Byron, I came to Nimbin the relationship between you which ideally includes going every year as there are 1080 baiting and kittens, Yeah, some do go to some 10 yrs ago with 14 of and your furry friend is to be up the hill into the bush. not enough homes for all shooting is the inevitable a happy home, but more than my Rescue Cats. Since then treasured & respected! However, a well-worn long the puppies and kittens immediate solution to a very not as soon as the novelty the number in my care has Local Animal Shelters may term wild dog track crosses endlessly produced. Is this serious problem. Surely it wears off and the commitment grown somewhat to 44, All be able to help with Discount through the bush, half way a healthy way for a society would be better to prevent is not honoured that’s when these cats have come from Desexing Vouchers. Please do through my place. And wild to behave? Please have your the problem in the fi rst the hell begins. Th ey are around Nimbin. Th e cats are the right thing. dogs are very territorial. pets sterilised and if you no place.

��������������� ��������������� • Hydrobathing • Blowdrying ���������������������� ����������� • Flea and Tick Rinse • Nails Clipped • Ears Cleaned ���������������������� �������� • Natural Biodegradable Products Used ������������������������������� ����������������������������� �������������������� Nimbin Vet Clinic ����������������������������� �������������������� Tuesday Mornings 9am – 12 ������������������������ 66 Cullen Street Nimbin (behind estate agents) ���������������� ������������������������������ Mobile service phone 6688 8162 ������������������������������ ���������������� Servicing the Nimbin and Jiggi Valleys ������������������� ����������������� ����������� ����������������������������������

www.nimbingoodtimes.com March 2006 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 13 ASTROLOGICAL TRENDS Walking Softly on DVD by the Ambulant and editing throughout is FOR MARCH 2006 Observer and Co. unsophisticated but effective, the sound levels on the arkers Vale resident preview copy varied wildly BIRTHDAY – Pisces Koa is a gentle soul from scene to scene, calling These sensitive, imaginative folk have an unworldly energy about Bwith a wealth of for adroit responses on the them! Their main danger is a tendency to escape reality and an knowledge about treading remote control. Otherwise inability to see things as they really are. Their strongest attribute is lightly on the earth. A bush the production by Mark their ability to care and be aware of the suffering of others. They are tucker David Attenborough, Jago was well organised and often spiritual and can be full of inner wisdom. Koa has released a DVD, actualised, and though a Give them: Pale green plants or flowers, Moonstone jewelry, your and more are to come. little long-winded, a very by Bev Murray - love and understanding. The 50-minute useful resource with a Insight Astrology documentary, “Walking Image by Mark Jago remote. Softly with Koa,” contains On the way from plant What March holds... vital information on how names, in the case of to plant, we get to know and what to eat to survive blackwattle sap, which some a bit about Koa and why Aries: Not a strong month for you guys Libra: Watch health matters this month and thrive in the Australian may call sallywattle, and the he has been following the because the retrograde mercury from the and do not overdo things. The new bush. He describes in detail ground cover dichondria path of a simpler existence. 3rd-25th can slow things down and require moon on the 29th is wonderful for your ten readily available plants, looks like centella (native “The industrial age is not inordinate amounts of patience! You could relationships and partners should be very showing how to harvest and gotucola), but the vision sustainable,” he says. It is learn something about yourself if you stop receptive to your attentions. Watch for prepare edible portions, makes the plants readily well-meaning and heart-felt. fretting about the pace of things and sit a financial hiccup on the 25th. Best days and demonstrating that it identifiable, by whatever He comes across endearingly, down for a moment. You feel rebellious on are 26th and 27th, use these to maximum is possible to have a high name. as a personable and wise the 11th and 12th. benefit. quality of life while living Imported weeds get a gentleman, committed to the entirely off the bush. look-in too. Both farmers value of knowing through Taurus: Romance is looking good, but Scorpio: Keep out of other people’s Among the plants chosen friend and wandering experience, and sharing his don’t overstep the mark! A pretty pleasant troubles as much as possible this month. there are many natives, jew (commelina) have knowing. month on most fronts but plans may need Irritations you have no power over can such as cordyline, bangalow edible uses. In the scene Another four programs are rescheduling especially towards the end of emerge with renewed strength mid- palm, bullrush, lemandra amongst the blue-flowered in preparation, the first of March. The full moon on the 15th is a fine month so be prepared with a routine of and several ferns – all commelina, there was also which will feature weaving time to do something special with a loved relaxation and time out. After the 31st fiddleheads are edible but the horror green cestrum and rope-making from local one. The solar eclipse on the 29th can bring things get more focus and direction again. have a build-up of toxins. visible in the shot, which sources. The DVD can be the past back to you! Some confusion may arise went unremarked. ordered from Mark Jago on Sagittarius: March 21st see a focus on with the use of common While the camerawork 6633 7339. Gemini: Confusion, restlessness and major your love and relationship house, putting projects are all highlighted this month! Be the spring back into step. Much joy can be careful how you put this together! The 29th yours then. New creative projects are also Pirates vs climate change and 30th give promise to new activities that favoured. You will need to clarify your will be very delightful in the future. Friends priorities this month so get a list going If you fancy dressing up as a are an inspiration, spend time with them and see what is of value in your life. pirate to fight climate change, and listen to what they are saying. the thought of a beer volcano Capricorn: Work is a positive focus awaiting you in the afterlife Cancer: Some obstacles need to be this month, but things will not move as or just want to use ‘religious overcome early in the month in order for quickly as you would like them…don’t reasons’ for failing to be able you to really move on. There are solutions push, Mercury is the problem and no-one to work on Fridays then you but you will have to wait for them. Around can do anything about it! The 19th can might want to check out March 16th an old problem from the start easily be a day of mistakes so take extra the Church of the Flying of the year could resurface in some form, care and double check everything! Spaghetti Monster at www. it is an ongoing issue so let it roll as it will, venganza.org. keep smiling! Aquarius; Money matters will need some Brainchild of US prankster attention and creating a new budget Bobby Henderson’s ilde Leo: The 16th-19th are the most difficult may be necessary. Be realistic and don’t mind, the argument goes days this month. Some need to face your let unrealistic dreams cause to become that the Flying Spaghetti mortality and vulnerability could arise. disappointed! Your health could do with Monster is actually creator of Remember you are the Lion, strength is a re-boost as well, set up an exercise plan the universe, and has equal your greatest attribute. The New Moon on and stick to it, keep the diet healthy! validity to Intelligent Design the 29th is full of promise and good things theory and should be taught to come. You could reap some very nice Pisces: Partnerships can experience a in schools too if ID is. Karma. brief testing period this month. Don’t He also cites the inverse over react and keep smiling! Strange little relationship between the Virgo: The Full Moon on the 15th is in delays and a general feeling of muddle- levels of global warming and your sign and encourages inner growth headedness characterise March for you the number of pirates as and learning. You could be looking a little guys. Try to avoid any major decisions or evidence of his FSM theory. deeper than usual for your answers…but projects if you can. The Full Moon is your Bobby’s website has you will find them! Relationships might be best day! attracted an international a tad rocky at the moment and will need following of people all your patience and care. embracing Pastafarianism into their lives – and dressing Email Bev: [email protected] like pirates. �������������

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Page 14 The Nimbin GoodTimes March 2006 www.nimbingoodtimes.com Birth and Beyond is on again! Dangerous climate change With the arrival in Stony Chute of By Sue Stock are all options which experienced midwifery practitioner and can maintain energy relationship counsellor Monika Boenigk, “Avoiding Dangerous supplies and fuel Birth and Beyond would like to open its Climate Change” was economic growth doors again to the many childbearing launched last month while lowering women and couples in the Nimbin Valley. by Tony Blair. It is a emissions. You are invited to a get-together to discuss report which concludes “The biggest your needs and interests and to find out that there was strong problem does what Monika has planned. Birth and evidence that climate not seem to be Beyond is situated in the lovely group-room change due to human the technologies at the rear of the Apothecary in Cullen emissions of greenhouse or the costs, but Street, Nimbin. gases was already overcoming the We will be there to meet you on Tuesday, occurring and that many political, social March 21, from 10-12 am. future emissions of and behavioural This is also going to be the new regular greenhouse gases were barriers” conclude weekly ante/postnatal drop-in morning. likely to raise global Bert Metz and Mark it in your diary, as lots of important temperatures by between continent and appears Detlef van Vuuren of the topics and issues are going to be discussed. 1.4 and 5.80C during this secure; it may even thicken. Netherlands Environmental You can phone Monika on 6689 7490 for century, with a wide range of The west Antarctic sheet, Assessment Agency. further info. impacts on the natural world often described in previous “There is a multitude of and human society. assessments as a “slumbering potential obstacles, ranging Most significantly, the giant”, is another matter. from lack of awareness, report states that delaying Much of it rests on rock vested interests, prices not Chronic pain relief at hand action would require greater which is below sea level, and reflecting environmental action later for the same recent research suggests impacts, and cultural and By Tonia Theoharris Kinesiology, Iridology and bodywork, targeting temperature target and that that a warming sea may be behavioural barriers. “ Pranic Healing. the areas of concern. even a delay of 5 years could starting to melt the ice from So in Australia, what Tonia Theoharris has been Tonia’s treatments Depending on how long be significant. If action to below. are our State and Federal working on people for the are more specific to back, the problem has been with reduce emissions is delayed . governments respectively, past seven years. She has neck, shoulder, hip and someone will indicate by 20 years, rates of emission Impact on humans and doing about this? When will helped numerous people sciatic pain. Unlike some how many sessions will be reduction may need to be 3 nature they act? They continue to from many varied ailments, other techniques, there is needed. to 7 times greater to meet Impacts will change build more freeways, close ranging from chronic to no spinal manipulation Tonia is available on the same temperature target! according to the extent railways, reduce subsidies for acute, migraines, sports (backcracking) involved. Fridays at the Nimbin Here are some of the of temperature rise. solar and other renewables.. injuries, stress and tension. The first treatment involves: Apothecary (Ph: 6689 main points in the report. Researchers said “Above a the list goes on. She has qualifications a preliminary analysis 1529) or call Tonia directly Interested readers can find one degree Celsius increase, While I don’t have children in Muscle Correction of the body followed by on her mobile 0411 811 the full report at www. risks increase significantly, myself, I feel that we owe Therapy, Bowen Therapy, intensive and specific 140. stabilisation2005.com. often rapidly for vulnerable the children and future ecosystems and species,” generations the opportunity Major consequences of A rise of 2C, the report to enjoy the same richness rising temperatures suggests, will be enough to and bounty of this Earth Access ancient remedies Thermal expansion of cause: that we have inherited. water is already believed * decreasing crop yields in It is the responsibility of Acupuncture and herbs can solve skin problems, and rubescens and saw palmetto. to be raising sea levels by the developing and developed those of us who live today help with range of ailments has developed the Chinese “How they together around 1.8cm per decade; world to do whatever we can to treats including arthritis, Medicine Skin Special work such wonders is still but the extent of that rise * tripling of poor harvests give future generations this infertility, insomnia, (CMSS) program. “The a mystery for Western would be considerably in Europe and Russia opportunity. impotence, sinusitis, sciatica, program has summarised the medicine for many years to greater if the Earth’s major * large-scale displacement To hear more, The menopause and anxiety. experience of many famous come,” said Mr Pan. “For the ice sheets, in Greenland and of people in north Africa Nimbin Greens and A Chinese medicine Chinese skin specialists and Chinese however, thousands Antarctica, were to melt. from desertification Nimbin Environment practitioner may use family-owned prescriptions,” of similar formulas have been As the Arctic is warming * up to 2.8 billion people at Centre are hosting a different formulas to treat he said. widely used for centuries.” faster than the planetary risk of water shortage discussion “Averting a different body parts for “Many people have George Pan is a member of average, a local warming of * 97% loss of coral reefs Global Catastrophe” with the same disease. “This is recovered or have improved the Australian Acupuncture 2.7C may equate to a global * total loss of summer Dr John Kaye. It will be held the best part of Chinese greatly on this program, even and Chinese Medicine warming of only about 1.5C, Arctic sea ice causing at Djanbung Gardens on medicine,” says practitioner those with difficult problems Association. He will be which some climate scientists extinction of polar bear and Thursday 16th March from George Pan. “Through like psoriasis.” available at 8 Cecil Street believe is certainly going to walrus 6pm to 9pm. He will be analysis of the symptoms, Mr Pan said research had Nimbin(besides Nimbin happen whatever policies are * spread of malaria in discussing positive solutions we can often find the real found a Chinese herbal Hospital) every second now set in train. It has long Africa and north America that can create a sustainable causes of the problems such compound, known as PC- Sunday on12th , 26th been suspected that melting jobs-rich future and the as wind, heat in the lungs or SPES, could help in the February ,12th March and ice in the Arctic region could Can it be done? And how politics of transforming gall bladder heat. Because treatment of prostate cancer. 26th March 2006. trigger collapse of the Gulf much will it cost? Australia to a world leader in the causes are different, The compound contains Treatments are covered Stream, the ocean current climate friendly technologies. different acupoints and many common herbs used by most private health which brings warm water Technologies do exist, the There’ll be delicious food herbal formulas are selected widely in the field: daqingye, insurance funds. For from the Caribbean to final section of the report provided by Robyn Francis for the best results.” gancao, sanqi, reishi, appointments contact European shores. concludes, which can change and music by Sisters in Lore Mr Pan believes Chinese mushroom, baikai, skullcap, 0413-424-148 (Mon-Sat), The majority of Antarctic this picture. Renewables, and Paul Joseph and others. Medicine may help to chrysanthemum, rabdosia 0416-007-378(Sun). ice is in the east of the energy efficiency, ”clean coal” Gold coin donation.

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www.nimbingoodtimes.com March 2006 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 15 Felicity’s first love

Th is young woman’s name is Felicity Burdett and her band is ‘Th e Love Bus’. Th ey Dub won both ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘New Recording Talent’ awards at this year’s Club Dolphins with their debut album, ‘Going with the Flow,’ and they’re coming to Nimbin in March. Singer-guitarist Felicity lives at Lennox Head and in between gigging and looking after her two daughters, Sky (4) and Kayla (2), she likes to go surfi ng at the point. She said, “I like to write Photo: Alicia Armstrong positivepositive musicmusic andand peoplepeople seemseem toto llikeike iit.t. HHopefullyopefully I can inspire people to appreciate life’s thethe humanhuman simple gifts and timetime machine,machine, Wayne of the One4one reggae band is involved in setting up the Dub Club. appreciate nature’s RohanRohan Hems,Hems, wonders. I have thethe bestbest femalefemale been doing a bit of leadlead guitaristguitarist Th e Nimbin Dub Club is starting up, next to the Oasis cafe. It’s not fully worked out yet, but motivational speaking in the universe, the idea is for a community-based space for musicians at the commercially-zoned property. on this subject at JulzJulz Parker,Parker, Open for members and guests only, the club can provide a jam space for friends, and a women’s luncheons.” brother of Julz drumming circle after the Nimbin market. Committed to being family-friendly, a kids “Since winning and fretless program is also envisioned. the awards, people bass guru, Stay tuned for a forthcoming publicity blitz. are taking more Joe Parker, notice of us and we and on keys areare ggainingaining momentummomentum the multi- as an emerging band. talented John We have nationwide L Fisher. Who’s on at the Blue Moon? distribution through Th e Love Th is next BIG Blue Moon Cabaret features Hirsuites..and the dance band ‘Roll Like MGM and the album J, ABC Radio and Bus are playing at the singers Willy McElroy, Vasudha and Ariel & Th at’ featuring singer Carola Christian.... is selling well. We are Community Radio Australia Nimbin Pub on Sunday Darmin; poets Michael Johnson, Christine Dinner from Motdang Th ai, and the show gigging constantly around wide,” she said. 19th March, supported Strelan & David Hallett; dance with Byron is licensed with some fi ne wines, bubble and the North Coast and plan Th ey have just been added by fellow local blues/roots Tango and Carla & Shanti; stand up comics the soft stuff ... to tour the East Coast mid to the East Coast Blues & artist ‘Marshall’. It’s a great Robert Grayson, Ellen Briggs, Kimberley It’s on at the Nimbin School of Arts on year and also hope to play a Roots festival line-up. opportunity to hear the new Davenport and Jenny Wynter; grand pianist Saturday 25th March and just about sold out number of festivals. We are As well as Felicity the album in its live form. Harry Freeman; ukelele maestro Azo Bell; (but it’s always good to spread the news to receiving airplay on Triple band consists of: on drums, some comic-impro-mayhem from Th e whet peoples’ taste for the next one). Lismore Jazz – it’s on again It’s the start of a fantastic year for the Lismore Jazz Club after the success of the recent Jazz Convention. Live jazz, cool drinks, Hannah Pearl continues to party-time - gotta love this Don’t be so shy launch her debut CD with city. a live gig at the Nimbin Lismore Jazz Club is planning lots of jazz events Hotel on Thursday 9th and variety this year. March. Don’t miss this Visiting bands, jazz cruises, opportunity to experience a restaurant night or two. a live performance Good time jazz for good of her quirky direct times. So see you at the City Bowlos, (next door 5pm. Members $5, visitors For further information compositions. This lady to the memorial Pool) 3rd $8, lotsa good raffl e prizes. of events call Michael Bird rocks. Sunday of the month, 2pm- Gotta be there. 6622 5912 business hours. ��������������� ...without the headaches Gyprock walls and ceilings New work or renovations ����������������� Phone 0427-891626 ������������������ Trades Lic. No. 100169c

Page 16 The Nimbin GoodTimes March 2006 www.nimbingoodtimes.com Treading the boards

Nimbin Players are opening birth, and of their progeny, “Morning Coffee” performed their dramatic account for the next generation. at the Bowling Club. For 2006 with an ambitious This multi-stage this wordy full-length rendering of Hannie production is well into play, Deborah is eliciting Get your barefoot toes tapping! Rayson’s insightful portrait rehearsals for its premiere convincing, naturalistic of the contemporary on 31st March, with director performances from the cast A Barefoot Fundraising Black Train will be playing month of March for some Australian family, “Hotel Deborah Wild well in of seven, with tight, film-cut Dance will be held at Blue 1920s and 1930s hillbilly long- awaited renovations Sorrento.” control of the demands of scene transitions. “It’s such a Knob Hall Gallery on music – such as that of and improvements to the Three very different sisters the script: “It needs the four good play,” she said. Saturday 11th March from Woody Guthrie, Stanley exhibition space and stage. reflect on the choices they acting areas as it has over 70 “Hotel Sorrento” is also 8pm-midnight, with music Brothers and Carter family. We will install extra picture have made in life, their scenes, some of them only a scheduled for a Norpa- by Doug Kelly, Mandy Plenty of good-time old-time rails, paint the walls, sand contrasting values at times minute long.” directed season later in the Breeze and Black Train. dance music that will get and treat the stage floor, ineptly exaggerated by their Ms Wild has a number of year, so for acolytes and The Blue Knob your barefoot toes tapping! amongst other jobs. This menfolk, and juxtaposed directorial credits for the devotees of Hannie Rayson Community Hall has, in Admission is $10, under will all be completed in time with those of the old timers Nimbin Players, her most alike, there’s a feast afoot. the past, been the venue for sixteens $5. Supper available. for the opening of the next of the sleepy hollow of their recent being the one-act many vibrant dances from Tickets can be purchased exhibition ‘Through the the 1930s through to the in advance at the Nimbin Glass Darkly’ exploring the You’d surely pass it by… well, it is miles out 1980s, and this coming event Artists’ Gallery and at the changing meaning of images, Blue Knob of town, provides a nostalgic occasion door on the night. which will officially open on On the scenic road to Murwoolumbaa, for local residents, art fans, Friday 21st April. By Alan Lloyd In the awesome shadow of the Blue Knob and the general public alike, Dancing Moon These openings are fast mound, to dance here once again in festival cancelled becoming a must-come- First performed Nimbin May 2004, revised The tallest hill around these parts by far. the building’s ‘re-incarnation’ On this occasion Jon Squire’s to event, so that bookings February 2006. as Blue Knob Hall Gallery. plans for a weekend festival are essential for catering The Art Space opening was an auspicious A night of fabulous at Sphinx Rock Café on 11th purposes. They feature local They opened up an Art Space at Blue Knob, day. handcrafted contemporary- March didn’t happen. “After musicians as well as a talk A café with pictures on the wall, There were important people from all traditional folk music is the initial disappointment by a ‘local treasure,’ have And pots and sculptures on the ground, around the world. lined up for Saturday 11th I have now accepted it and proved to be a great way to For folk to gather round, in the Blue Knob From Nimbin and Uki and even Byron Bay. March from 8pm. Mandy letting the dust settle until.... entertain and inform the community hall. All mingling knowingly and sipping Breeze and Doug Kelly next time,” he said. public about the talented shardennay. will be playing beautiful However the promotion of and diverse range of arts They tidied up the place and straightened ballads, lively tunes and Live Local Acts continues culture in the region, as out the road, Famous artists from far and wide strutted haunting medieval dirges, to thrive on Sundays, with well as to raise funds for the So’s travellers wouldn’t miss it as they pass. out their stuff, performed sensitively and a line up not to be missed ongoing projects, which are They planted shrubs and bushes and with Commenting sagely on the wondrous passionately on instruments in honour of the planners/ continuing to be developed lawns neatly mowed, display. chosen from Irish Bouzouki, organisers of the fair, on for the Gallery and grounds. The Blue Knob Art Space was ready at last. There were portraits of women… stretched French pipes, banjo, guitar, Sunday 12th March. Blue Knob Hall Gallery is out in the buff, mandolin, dulcimer, at 719 Blue Knob Road, near They could have had a gallery with settees And feathers and twigs, arranged in an arty keyboard and bodhran. Closed for the corner of Lillian Rock set in rows, way. Add Mandy’s clear, bell like Renovations Road, Phone 6689-7449 for But the doyens of the art world wanted vocals to the action and the The Blue Knob Hall Gallery further enquiries. more. There were carvings in wood and country enchantment soars. will be closed during the Picture: barefoot_dance They needed space to sculpt and paint, have scenes, their culture shows. With trees eighty feet tall. Irish Coffee success, and the success kept on succeeding. A space where highborn art could really soar. And pictures of derelict buildings. This famous drink, suitable for St Paddy’s To make a good Irish coffee, pour a good And views of nothing at all. Day, 17th March, was invented in 1953 at the nip of Irish whisky into a cup of quality Art Space…yeah, it’s got a certain style. bar at Shannon Airport in Western Ireland. percolated or drip-filtered coffee. Add Like Loovre and Musee Longerie in France. Now patrons sip their lattes and make Modern urban legend has it that a barman, a teaspoon of brown sugar to taste, and With names like that, you’d go the extra knowing sounds, coming to work on St Patrick’s day after a top with a frothy head of cream that has mile. As they discuss the pictures on the wall, few drinks, poured a nip of Irish whisky into been whipped to a firm but not buttery But you wouldn’t chuck Blue Knob Gal’ry a Images displayed in superior surrounds, his coffee to help his hangover. Liking the consistency. Enjoy while you drown the second glance. In the Art Space at the Blue Knob drop, he tried it out on his customers, with shamrock! Community Hall

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www.nimbingoodtimes.com March 2006 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 17 And you think plastic Technological Imperialism have automatic translation However, the two most into English. How many sites important aspects of this shopping bags are bad? from the USA have automatic English “imperialism” are translation into other fi rstly; many millions of by David McMinn live with that. Every now bleak. languages? Very few! Chinese are forgetting how and then I think of getting Th e NSW Government is Th e outcome of this is to write their own (highly lanned obsolescence is something new, but the clamping down on the use of that the Western (English) complex) language because of one of those euphemisms longer I wait the cheaper and plastic shopping bags, yet the “mindset”, is subtly and the ubiquity of the computer Pused in economics to faster the new machines will massive waste arising from insidiously injected into these and secondly, much of the mask nefarious practices. be. E-waste generates huge planned obsolescence is just other nations. Scientists software used in China is Wikipedia describes it as quantities of heavy metals ignored. It is like something and academics are literally Western designed software. the ‘conscious design to and PCBs (polychlorinated out of the BBC sitcom Yes forced to publish their work Tools and technology are produce a consumer product biphenyls) and is becoming Minister. Get the people in English, as well as their not culturally neutral objects, that will become obsolete a major environmental issue feeling as though they are own language, if they want it they embed the cultural TECHNOFREAK – SPEAK! and/or non functional in a worldwide. actually doing something for to be read by the majority of uniqueness of their designers. defi ned time frame’. Inferior Have you noticed that farm the environment by cutting by Rob Harle other scientists within their Th is Chinese dilemma was products are manufactured and garden tools are often down on using shopping bags. discipline. Th is was true in highlighted by Zimmermann that could have been made painted green or are a dull Meanwhile much bigger issues few years ago I was a limited extent prior to the in his wonderful article in to last a lot longer for a little brown or black? Th ey are are avoided, because they are having a discussion birth of the Information Leonardo Music Journal (no. extra cost. Companies design much more likely to be lost more diffi cult and may off end A with a “learned” friend Age but the Internet is now 15). He specifi cally discusses their products to fail quickly, in the garden or around the business leaders. about what I regarded as making English the global the audio editing software suite which generates more sales farm, forcing you to buy new At the very least, the insidious imperialism of language and with that “Max/MSP” and shows how and boosts their profi ts. equipment more regularly. governments should legally certain aspects of computer language comes a plethora this English-designed program Consumers continuously pay We took to painting our tools require that items be marked technology, especially aff ects the work out for products that they a bright pink so they can be with its design life and the Internet. He of Chinese do not need, while scarce easily seen. My Braun electric warranties be extended for dismissed my ideas as musicians. resources are depleted and toothbrush is designed so several years instead of the nonsense. Modifying and the environment is affl icted that you cannot replace the current one or two. Ideally I recently came across at times seriously with rising mountains of battery - trying to do so will every product should be made an article that not only compromising waste. Big business regards destroy the appliance. Once to last as long as practicable. supported my argument what they would planned obsolescence as good the battery will no longer Many people do not mind but showed that the produce had marketing, but big business is recharge, you have to get a using old products provided problem is far worse their computers not renowned for its ethical new toothbrush. they continue to function than I ever imagined. and software practices or environmental We used to buy buckets well. One friend’s parents Imperialism can be been designed concern. I dread the one-year made from fl exible plastic used the same toaster for 50 understood as one from the warranty, with the foreboding that would last for a good years - it was given to them nation extending their bottom-up in that my shiny, new consumer year. Around 1988, the as a wedding present. Some belief systems, politics Chinese. item will break down in one manufacturers changed to gay friends had a 1930’s or technology over Actually this year and one day. using brittle plastic. Now the cylindrical fridge, which they another nation either by of baggage which may not is the only way this problem Th e door would not close buckets shatter very quickly proudly featured in their force or coercion. Virtually necessarily be desirable. can be rectifi ed – completely properly on our 22-year and need to be replaced every kitchen. A farmer next door to every nation has committed Th is was the gist of my redesign computer systems old fridge, so we got in a few months. We looked at us at Blue Knob is still using a this “crime” at one time or original argument, what from the “chip-up” in Chinese. repair man who fi xed it getting stainless steel buckets 1950’s Ferguson tractor. another throughout history I didn’t realise at the time Th is is not going to happen of with some cheap washers. but they were prohibitively Th e current concern over - Th e British in Australia, the was just how much English course, so English language He commented on the poor expensive. However, in the plastic shopping bags is Spanish in South America, the is embedded in computer and technology is slowly and design of modern fridges - long run they may prove to be misplaced. Yes they are Chinese in Tibet. Th e more technology at a fundamental insidiously reducing cultural the door on one well-known, cheaper, rather than paying waste generators, but our overt styles of imperialism, level. To illustrate the point, diversity, just like reducing the expensive brand would fail out all the time for new plastic whole economic system like aggressive occupation when a Chinese speaking/ biological gene pool reduces after only a few years and need buckets. needs to be reformed to or missionaries are obvious. writing person enters data biological diversity. to be replaced. He advised to Planned obsolescence has reduce waste dramatically. Technology and language via a keyboard, this must Whilst human beings us to keep our old fridge for as been around since the 1920’s Planned obsolescence is an invasions are not nearly so fi rst be decoded into English are all similar regardless of long as possible and to avoid and became widespread environmental obscenity clear. alphabetical characters race, gender, language and ‘the new crap’. by the 1950’s. Even so, and a consumer rip-off . Even Computer technology was (because these are embedded philosophy of life, it is the My friend’s gas stove broke governments worldwide so, it is the basis of business invented and developed in in the hardware) then cultural uniqueness and ways down and had to be replaced have done little to solve the profi tability - to maintain English speaking Western encoded to present a Chinese of looking at life which make after only 12 years usage, crisis. To my knowledge, continuous expansion in countries, particularly the character. As an example (made?) the world such an which is considered to be the no government has banned sales of things that people do USA. Th is means the Internet the Chinese character for interesting and exciting place. standard lifespan of a modern this practice or legislated to not really need. Th e issue is and all its behind-the-scenes middle looks like the below Language is one of the stove. Our older and better- reduce the rapid turnover in never discussed in the mass technology has English as diagram (a rectangle with a most important factors made electric stove is still consumer products. Planned media, probably because the its “mother tongue”. Sure stroke through the middle) underpinning this diversity. going well after 30 years. obsolescence is one of the companies selling the dud there are web sites in all sorts but the computer sees this If English continues its subtle My computer is almost most consistent features of products also pay for the of languages but the basis as “中”. Th ere is no spread, we will probably all antique but it does everything modern capitalism. However, advertising. Absurdly, we the of the net is English. Th is space here to go further end up an incestuous bunch I want it to – email, internet unless there are profound Australian consumers are forces non-English speaking into the technical details. of cretins, controlled by our and word processing. My changes in our economic paying out huge subsidies countries to be at least bi- English-Western designed only complaint is that it structures, the environmental to the profi tability of lingual, with English as their robots, who will insist we eat is a little slow, but I can future of our planet is very manufacturers in China. second language. Many of only hamburgers. these country’s web sites � � � �

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Page 18 The Nimbin GoodTimes March 2006 www.nimbingoodtimes.com Russell Crow Nimbin Bushwalkers Club The young rooster at the Oasis café has a March Program story. Of course. He just appeared - he chose to come and Saturday 11th March live there – about three months ago. He Goanna Headland Evans mostly hangs around out the back, but likes Head being around men, and they talk to him. Leader Michael Smith 6689 Some say he embodies the spirit of one of 9291 our departed. 2.5 hours Grade 4: no Russell has been having something of an shade, coastal walk with identity crisis since he lost his tail-feathers sea-caves & legends. in a dog attack a month ago. It left him with Meet at: 10 am Nimbin a badly lacerated leg and soft tissue damage car park for car-pooling; to his bum, as well as some psychological I’d fit in here” suggested by Dave Fawkner, 10.20 Goolmangar store for damage. who wins dinner for one at the Bowling Club leader; 11.00 Coastguard Winning competition entry: “Looks like (he didn’t get round to writing it down). Base, Ocean Drive, Evans Head. Bring swimmers, food for Let’s go fishing beach picnic &water. Tuesday 14th March by Pixie Pholi’s Gap Mt Nardi Leaders Len and Kay After three cancellations Martin, 6689 0254 from big seas and strong 1.5 hours Grade 2: shaded winds, six members and four walk down well-defined guests of the Nimbin Heads track through rain- and wet Fishing Team finally had a sclerophyll- forest, returning trip out to sea on the last up old forestry road. Sunday of February. Meet at: 10 am Nimbin car In the morning, it appeared park; or 10.15 Mt Nardi . the sea gods were in our Bring food and water favour with a 0.5 metre swell and a 5 knot breeze, so Mick, Sunday 26th March downhill rainforest walk car park, Border Ranges Mark, Pix, Che, Laurie and Brindle Creek Walk, on good track; 2 waterfalls National Park. NB. Because Shauny with guests John Border Ranges National with swimming. Park we are walking one-way, we and Wayne from Lismore Park. entrance fee per vehicle, so will need to organise a car and Mick and Bevan from Leader Michael Smith 6689 worth vehicle pooling. shuffle when we arrive. Casino were off to sea for 10 9291 Meet at: 10 am Nimbin car Bring food and water – and hours. 2 hours Grade 3: superb park; 11 am Antarctic Beech swimmers? Once out to sea, we found that there was a strong undercurrent flowing south, Big Red. Only 10 weeks to go to the Nimbin Heads Fishing Terra Australia: Whither Goest Thou? and at most good fishing Team annual trek to Fraser Island Fishing Expo for some real spots, even with a 1lb sinker, quality fishing – so who’s counting? Pictured is the remains of a Ding, dong, dell, Hey diddle diddle we could not reach the quality snapper caught off Fraser Island during last year’s Fishing Australia’s in the well. The treasurer can fiddle. bottom with our baits. Expo, also called Shark Bait. Who put her in? He fattens the greedy We fished a shallow reef Johnny-Come-Lately. With a grin. And to hell with the needy. in close, where the current in close on another inner reef what it might have been. wasn’t as strong, picking up to chase some more pearl At the same time on the There was a crooked man, Immigration minister, quite contrary, some pearl perch and some perch and snapper, and to other side of the boat, Laurie And he walked a crooked mile. How does your garden grow? snapper. put some live baits on some was on to a big fish and He headed a crooked party, With warning bells and explosive shells By now, Che had started floating balloons to see if we pulled up a big fat 1 metre Which ruled with a crooked style. And armed guards all in a row. burleying, which he kept up could pick up some Spanish long wobbegong shark, for the next four hours, and mackerel. which we also cut off and let He wore a crooked hat The banker’s in the counting-house we were starting to get a lot On this reef, Wayne swim back to the deep. - made nim look like a crooked dill – Counting out our wealth. of undersize fish. So, as we hooked on to a big fish that Heading back to land, as While he crookedly bent his country He uses it to fund new wars did all day, we moved from peeled off line, heading we got near the bar entry, To his crooked iron will. With rigour and with stealth. reef to reef, to find a place north. After about 45 the swell had picked up to where the current wasn’t minutes, with the fish still about 3 metres. On low tide, Johnny-Come-Lately could eat no fat, Here’s Johnny-Come-Lately too strong. We found a reef winning and about 300 with not much water under His party could eat no lean, Sowing non-union corn protected by an island and metres of line gone from the the boat, it was anything but And so between them both, you see, So the rich and the cocksure pulled in some nice golden spool, and Wayne knowing nice. We all put on our life- They licked the platter clean. Can crow in the morn fusiliers and silver trevally. about arm and shoulder vests and left the bar entry to To wke up their workers By the middle of the day pain, it was decided that the our capable captain. Sing a song of deviance, All shaven and shorn the swell had picked up to fish wasn’t coming back to In the end, we had caught To the tune of “Do-As-We-Say” With their wives and their children about 1.5 metres and Che the boat at all. Our day was 39 fish for the table and With words of meek subservience All tattered and torn. was still burleying. The nearly over, it was time to everyone apart from Che had To the good ol’ U. S. of A. captain decided to come back cut the line and talk about had a good day at sea. Leon G. Thoms 13-2-2006

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www.nimbingoodtimes.com March 2006 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 19 Nimbin Garden Club What a wonderful way to A carnival of bowlers exercise and be creative at the Let’s Get Physical same time! For all those keen $2.50 per child. This is a gardeners, the Nimbin Garden great way to introduce your Club meets every 3rd Saturday child to the sport. For more of the month at 2pm. Contact information contact the President Lindy Bentley on school. 66891217, Secretary Gil Schilling on 66890581 or First Aid look at the Physical Activities Congratulations to all those Noticeboard on the side of the people who completed their Nimbin Butcher Shop wall for Senior First Aid Certificate more details. successfully on 25th February. Sports Education Calendar Super 8s Cricket Basketball Introduction to Sports Gala Day & Headers Friday Night Basketball Massage 6-9pm 16th & 23rd In fine form. Di Mancell shows how it’s done (left), a tense moment Fundraiser continues at Nimbin Central March at SCU. Cost $69. for Wazza Nugent and one of the Kevins (right). Everyone (aged from 7 to School MPU on 3rd, 17th Speed & Agility (Field Sports) late 60s) enjoyed a great and 31st March, 6-8pm. 7-9pm March 21. Cost $25. The February Carnival is an day’s entertainment on Cost $2 per session. All Fatigue & Recovery 7-9pm annual event that has been an Sunday 26th February. welcome. If there is enough 27th March . Cost $25. established Nimbin tradition A few “superstars in the interest why don’t we form a Level 1 Elasto Strap & Wrap for over 40 years. Time has making” revealed themselves basketball club? It is a great Smart 6-9pm 29th March at wrought some changes, though. to an appreciative crowd. space & should be used SCU. Cost $62. It started as a three-day carnival, And a few superstars of the by the community more. Level 2 Elasto Strap & Wrap and was held in June, until past revelled in the chance to Come down & give me some Smart 6-9pm 5th April at it interfered with pennants relive their hey-day despite feedback on the idea. SCU. Cost $62. competitions. bad backs, stiff knees & back and perhaps bring a Advanced Sports Massage 6- There was a good roll-up failing eyesight. team from Casino, and word Elastics 9pm 30th March & 6th April for the weekend roll-up, with “Sledging” made a big of mouth is positive. Thanks once again to our at SCU. Cost $69. seven rinks full of men’s triples comeback, particularly from Keep your eyes on the volunteers for the Nimbin For more information call on Saturday and again with the crowd sitting under cover GoodTimes and the Physical Central School programme, Department of Sport & Rec mixed triples on the Sunday. with drink in hand. Toby Activities Noticeboard for Lindy Bentley, Susanne on 66877168. There were excellent displays of Fletcher, the Cricket NSW further news. Marcot, Andrea Mutschall bowling everywhere across the umpire from Casino, kept us Thanks to Brett and Terry Williamson. It Local practitioners green. all in check, and his friendly Rankin (Cricket NSW), was a great feat to remember Creative Dance for Fun & The men’s triples was a advice was welcome. Lyn Lyn Larson, umpire the sequence but we did it! Flexibility (Belly Dance & tight competition, with the Larson (former Australian Toby Fletcher, Nimbin Congratulations all. Tribal) NRDBA team – the three Women’s Cricket Captain) Emporium, Oasis Café, Thursdays 9-10.30am through Kevins – coming out winners. commented on the happy Nimbin Hairdressers, Dance Week May 8- 14 the Nimbin Open Learning Congratulations messrs “vibe”. Everyone wanted Nimbin Motors, Vegedibles, This is a call for all those Centre. Soward, Lock and Bulmer. their photo taken with Lyn Motdang Thai, Nimbin people preparing to perform Children’s Fridays 3.30- In the mixed triples, first Larson. Candles, Nimbin at the Nimbin Concert 4.30pm in the Dance Studio, place was taken out by the And everyone was Newsagency, Nimbin Pizza of Dances on 19th and Nimbin Community Centre Casino team, Val Neve, impressed with Elspeth’s & Trattoria, Elspeth Jones, 20th May. Would you like $5. Contact Deb Turner: Noeline Hawkes and Peter painted mascots for the four Andy Kindermann and to be part of an outdoor 66891097 or 0427184241. Neve, while second place went teams. They were a winner. the Headers for the work performance in Nimbin Kung Fu to Alstonville, Robyn Garret, Thanks Elspeth. The Lucky they put into preparing the to promote Dance Week? Starts 12th March with Hodgy and Crusty Garret. Draw winner was Kevin grounds. There is also a possibility of Jish Dowsett. For more Basically the Nimbin teams Atkinson from Tuntable taking these performances information ring 66891204. were all thrashed. Falls Co-op. Gymnastics to Casino & Lismore during Quite apart from the on-green So now they want to do Primary School Gymnastics Dance Week. If you would Physical Activities Officer Sue action, it was what director it all again! A re-match is with Genevieve Davies like to be involved please Boardman can be contacted Kevin Soward described as “a being planned for sometime starts at Nimbin Central meet at the Dance Studio, on 6688-1454 (Tues only), great social day,” and another in April. Toby Fletcher was School on Friday 17th NCC, 10am Saturday 18th 6689-1731 at other times or triumph for the Bowlo. a big hit, and is keen to come March at 2pm. Cost is March. [email protected]

��������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������� Nimbin Hotel ������������������������������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������������������������������������� and Backpackers Leaving Lismore through to Murwillumbah �������������������������������������������������������������� 53 Cullen Street, Nimbin Normal Depart Times School Holiday Times ���������������������������������������������� Phone 6689 1246 8:00 2:35 3:20 Lismore Transit 8:00 2:35 8:10 2:45 4:00 Goolmangar 8:10 2:45 �������������������������������������������������������������������� 8:20 3:00 4:15 Coffee Camp 8:20 2:55 ��������������� 8:45 3:20 4:30 Nimbin Ave 8:35 3:10 �������������� 9:30 3:30 Nimbin depart 9:00 3:30 Thursday 9th Hannah Pearl 9:40 3:40 Blue Knob 9:10 3:40 ��������������������������������������������������������������� Friday 10th Stipsky 9:50 3:55 Twin Bridges 9:15 3:45 9:53 4:00 Mt Burrell 9:20 3:50 ���������������������������������� Saturday 11th The Hoochers 10:10 4:20 Uki 9:40 4:10 ���������������������������������������������������������� Thursday 16th Neil Anderson 10:15 4:25 Mt Warning turn 9:45 4:15 10:30 4:40 Murwillumbah 10:00 4:25 ���������������������������������������������������� Friday 17th James T & The Pinatas Saturday 18th Invisible Friend Leaving Murwillumbah through to Lismore �������������������������������������������������� Sunday 19th The Love Bus + PWH Normal Depart Times School Holiday Times 7:10 1:50 Murwillumbah 7:30 2:15 ��������������������������������������������������� Thursday 23rd The Aronsten Bros 7:20 2:03 Mt Warning turn 7:42 2:28 Friday 24th Minus Life + others 7:30 2:08 Uki 7:55 2:33 ���������������������������������������������������� 7:55 2:30 Mt Burrell 8:10 2:55 Tuesday 28th Wine tasting, Women’s night 8:00 2:35 Twin Bridges 8:20 3:00 Thursday 30th Dave Calandra 8:32 2:40 Blue Knob 8:30 3:05 ������������������������������������ 8:45 2:50 Nimbin arrive 8:40 3:15 Friday 31st The Hard World 7:50 9:00 3:30 Nimbin depart 9:00 3:30 �������������������� 8:05 9:10 3:45 Coffee Camp 9:10 3:40 �������������������������������������������� Accomodation • TAB facilities 8:15 9:20 3:55 Goolmangar 9:20 3:50 8:50 9:35 4:10 Lismore Transit 9:35 4:00 ����������������������� 8:55 9:40 4:15 Lismore Depot ������������������������������������������������������� This service runs Monday - Friday excluding public holidays Open���� daily 11.30am����� - 2.30pm,���� 5.30pm������� - 8.30pm Enquiries phone 6687-8550 Mobile 0428-255-284 ��������������������������������������

Page 20 The Nimbin GoodTimes March 2006 www.nimbingoodtimes.com