Delivering high quality out I will be lobbying for the Government’s National health services to the Page our fair share in Page, where Human Rights consultation electorate remains my top there is great need. (when I brought the Janelle’s Page priority and I look forward consultation to Lismore more to seeing this project Human Rights than 100 people attended on realised for the benefit of all There is a new focus on a night of flooding rain). residents. human rights in Parliament The focus is on ensuring this year, with all new laws the key principles of freedom, Budget dental now having to be checked respect, equality, dignity and announcement to see if they stack up a fair go for all Australians The Budget included a boost against our human rights are considered in everything of $515 million to help the obligations. the Commonwealth states cut public dental Under the Human Rights Parliament does. waiting lists, increase the (Parliamentary Scrutiny) public dental workforce and Act 2011, which came into Coal Seam Gas improve clinics for dental effect in January, all new bills The community movement services in regional, rural and and disallowable legislative to protect our environment remote areas. instruments are assessed from the proliferation of coal I am pleased as I have been for compatibility with the seam gas wells is clearly going lobbying for better access main United Nations human from strength to strength. to public dental services rights treaties Australia is I spoke in Parliament for many years and it was party to. recently about the 7000 one of the issues I raised in As part of the Act, strong rally in Lismore and by Janelle Saffin, MP Janelle with Chris Crawford, Northern NSW Local Health my first speech in Federal a Parliamentary Joint the earlier Sydney rally District CEO and Minister Tanya Plibersek at Lismore Base Parliament. It is one of the Committee on Human where the Northern Rivers n May, the Health Hospital announcing $80 million in funding. issues that many people Rights has now been was well represented. Minister Tanya contact me about. established. As I have said many times, IPlibersek joined me in The dental program will This Act is an important when it comes to CSG Lismore for a major pre- This means that patients responded so positively to my see thousands of people on part of Australia’s Human we need to exercise the Budget announcement will have a larger, better lobbying in Canberra for the long waiting lists get dental Rights Framework which precautionary principle and – $60 million in Federal designed Emergency Lismore Base project. treatment. As this is rolled was developed following nothing is worth risking our Government funding for Department, and nurses The redevelopment is a water. the first part of Stage-3 and doctors will be able to great win for our community I spoke twice in Parliament redevelopment of Lismore provide better patient care. and the health professionals Member for Page on coal seam gas in May Base Hospital. The State I thank Minister Plibersek and organisations who have 63 Molesworth Street and you can read transcripts Lismore Government is contributing and former Health Minister all worked with me to secure online at Phone 1300 301 735 www.janellesaffin. $20 million. Nicola Roxon who both this funding breakthrough. com.au/speeches North Coast to share in ‘benefits of the boom’ by Justine Elliot MP Tax Benefit Part A payments. combined. It also provides extra money to help pay Other households, including students, he 2012-13 Budget is delivering the bills to 13,063 local young people, single carers, job seekers and eligible retirees will much-needed cost of living relief parents and the unemployed currently also receive extra cash. Tto thousands of North Coast receiving allowances. Singles will receive a “This extra money will go straight into households. $210 lump sum payment while couples will your bank account, and will help you keep This Budget is all about making sure all receive $350. up with the cost of living now and over the Australians share in the benefits of the mining We’re also returning the budget to surplus, coming months,” said Justine. “And next year, boom and our strong economy, not just the on time, as promised. Returning to surplus the regular payments that eligible families, fortunate few. gives the Reserve Bank maximum flexibility to pensioners and other households receive will I know many people in our community cut interest rates further. go up for good.” feel like this is somebody else’s mining Interest rates are now lower than at any time In another boost for households, more than boom. That’s why the budget will spread the under the previous Government, and a family 43,000 locals will also receive a tax cut in July benefits of the mining boom to help everyday on a $300,000 mortgage is now paying around – with most people receiving about $300 extra Australians with cost of living pressures.” $3,000 a year less in repayments. a year in their pay packet. The budget delivers a new cash payment The Labor Government is also finding room “We know with bills to pay it can be tough to 9500 local families with kids in schools. to deliver reforms that make for a stronger to keep up, so we’re making sure thousands Parents will receive $410 for each child in community and a fairer society, such as the of local workers can take home more money primary school and $820 for each child in National Disability Insurance Scheme, a big in their fortnightly pay cheque,” Justine said. high school as part of the new Schoolkids new investment in Dental Health, and Aged families, pensioners and other local people to “And we’re tripling the tax-free threshold so Bonus. Care reform. help them make ends meet,” she said. that many casual and part-time workers won’t It increases family payments by up to $600 More than 12,300 eligible families and have to pay any tax at all.” for more than 12,000 local families. Flowing Extra cash to help locals more than 30,400 pensioners will receive an Justine said the Government would continue from July next year, this extra support will be Thousands of local families and pensioners upfront, lump sum payment in their bank to look out for local households. “As Labor made to families currently receiving Family will soon have extra cash in their bank accounts. builds a strong, clean economy for all accounts to help them keep up with the cost Families on Family Tax Benefit Part A will Australians, it’s important that local families of living. receive up to $110 per child, and families on and pensioners are getting that extra bit of Member for Richmond Justine said locals would receive extra Family Tax Benefit Part B will get up to an help. 107 Minjungbal Drive assistance from the Labor Government extra $69. “I’m committed to making sure local people Tweed Heads South over May and June. “The Federal Labor Single pensioners will receive about $250, keep getting the support they need to help Phone 1300 720 675 Government is delivering extra cash to and pensioner couples will receive about $380 them make ends meet.”

ClarrieEmmalee & Sally& Darren, Rose, trading trading as as Nimbin Tax and Accounting PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Nimbin Mill Farm Income Tax Returns – Individuals, Partnerships, Hardware & Gas Companies, Trusts and Primary Producers Hardwareatat the the Old Old Sawmill Sawmill onon GungasGungas& Gas Road.Road BAS & Bookkeeping Services Business Software, Business Advice, Grant Acquittals Four cosy one-bedroom timber cabins nestled on 33 acres PlantThe Nursery name & Gardensays itOrnaments all! of natural bushland with abundant wildlife, within easy Weekdays 9am - 5pm, Saturdays by appointment. walking distance of local restaurants and shops. WeWe sellsell bulkbulk landscaping materialsmaterials Overnight or Weekly – Wheelchair Access and Searles gardeninggardening products.products Discount for Centrelink recipients TERETRE Retreat – NIMBIN ComeCome out,out, seesee ourour rangerange andand comparecompare prices.prices Tel/Fax 6689-0470 Mobile 0427-855-077 5 High Street, Nimbin NSW 2480 AUSTRALIA FreeOpen: delivery Tues-Fri to8am-4pm; Nimbin Sat township8am-noon Old Bank Building, 39 Cullen Street, Nimbin Ph: (02) 66 891 908 - Mob: 0427 891 626 (Next to Post Office – parking available) Email: [email protected] - Web Site www.teretre.com.au Phone 6689 1206 PO Box 645 Nimbin 2480 Email: [email protected] Page 8 The Nimbin GoodTimes June 2012 [email protected] Draft Housing Strategy a balanced $123.2 million budget. From the Mayor’s desk Council voted unanimously The roads budget has been increased bytext Jenny Dowell applaud the magnificent work by to endorse the Draft Lismore to $18.2 million, $5.4 million has also been allocated to expand and [email protected] both professionals and volunteers, Housing Strategy (LHS) for public each of us has responsibility to be exhibition until June 19. The LHS is improve the wastewater services une marks the official start of prepared and keep ourselves, our all about increasing the supply and network and $2.6 million will be Winter on the North Coast, and loved ones and our property as safe variety of housing for the future. spent on the water supply network. although Winter is brief and as we can. As examples, we know we will One of the truly exciting elements J need more one and two-bedroom of the draft 2012/13 Operational mild in our region, it is the time for extra doonas, scarves and hearty Coal Seam Gas (CSG) dwellings for our ageing population Plan is $3.8 million for a new soups at least for a few weeks. In my Unlike floods and storms, Coal Seam and more affordable housing close recycling facility at the Resource and garden the wattle is in bloom, with Gas is a threat of human origin but, suggest that the figure is a small price to facilities and employment. Recovery Centre in East Lismore. the bright golden blossom hanging many would argue, it poses a greater to pay to enable every voter to tell us Council is also conscious of the This state-of-the-art facility will allow heavy on the bough. long-term threat to our region, our their opinion on CSG. need to protect agricultural land the recycling of paper, cardboard, Of course, winter also means the lives and our community well-being. from urban sprawl. If you haven’t plastics and glass to occur on-site, Lismore Lantern Parade is nearly The rally and concert on May 12 was Koalas seen the Strategy, I encourage you creating jobs and reducing the need here. This year’s theme is Harvest truly amazing, bringing 7000 people The most significant decision of to have a look on Council’s website to transport recyclables to Carrara. and a reminder of the abundance of together in a show of community the May 8 Council meeting was and let us know what you think by While Council’s cash position is our foods, creativity and community strength and solidarity. Both before the adoption of the Koala Plan of June 30. balanced, the net operating result riches. The Lantern Parade, on and since the rally, I have sat in Management (KPoM). As with for the year is still a deficit of $6.866 June 23, is also a reminder of our meetings across our LGA and seen our LEP to be considered on May Alcohol free zones million. Changes to the way Council connectedness and solidarity, people learn about CSG and take 31, there has been a concerted and Every few years Councils must re- conducts business will be required to protecting this beautiful region from on the task of surveying their streets vociferous effort by opponents establish defined alcohol-free zones address Council’s long-term financial the threats that we face, whether and roads to assess attitudes towards to defeat the KPoM or delay its (AFZ) on streets, footpaths and sustainability. This challenge will be natural or human-made. CSG. Those surveys are indicating consideration until after September carparks. The AFZ for Nimbin still addressed during the development of that between 93% and 99% of 8 elections. The vote was narrow allows for drinking of alcohol in the new Community Strategic Plan Floods households want their community to (6-5) but the Plan has now been alfresco dining areas but prohibits in 2012/13. As I write my column, I’ve be CSG Free. adopted and sent to the Department the consumption of alcohol on The Plan is on public display until just returned from a business Some people have suggested of Planning and Infrastructure for the streets. The Nimbin proposal Friday, June 15, 2012 in the ‘Have breakfast hosted by the local SES that the poll to be conducted approval. has been expanded to include the Your Say’ section on Council’s in conjunction with the Lismore on September 8 is not needed Western Carpark. website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au, Chamber of Commerce and Lismore because we have those community Voluntary workers at Council’s Corporate Centre, 43 City Council. declarations. The poll is still an Cr Yarnall asked Council to discuss Budget Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah, the The message to the 70 people essential tool to measure the true with our insurers and regulatory After a long and difficult night CBD Office, 55 Magellan Street, present was ‘Be Prepared’ so that level of opposition to or support for agencies on how we might allow of deliberations on the coming Lismore and in the Nimbin Visitor when the big flood comes, our lives CSG and give accurate figures to volunteers to help maintain year’s budget, Council has placed Information Centre. and property are protected. With so the CSG industry and politicians. Council assets such as parks and its proposed plan of activity and many new businesses in our CBD, We are fortunate to have Southern roads. Some of us older residents expenditure on exhibition. Many Community Strategic Plan the message needs to be repeated Cross University staff and students can recall days when volunteers people who lodged submissions – Imagine Lismore to ensure everyone hears and engaged with Council to determine chipped in to fill potholes, mow for worthwhile projects will be Council is about to embark on the understands. the question to be asked and the road reserves and help get things disappointed with the decision not to Imagine Lismore project. See the The General Manager and I Yes-No cases. Contrary to the initial done. While the associated risks fund them but those present on May separate notification in NGT for this head to Sydney on June 7 to hear assessment of $42,000 as the upper pose very real problems with such 9 will know how challenging it is exciting opportunity to plan for our about Councils’ role in emergency most estimate of the cost of the poll, a scheme, Council agreed to gather for Council to prioritise its activities future and, over the next 18 months, management including the response it may be as low as zero. If it is at the information and discuss this matter with inadequate funding. At the develop our 10-year Community and recovery phases. While we all revised estimate of $16,000, I would at a workshop. end of a long sitting, we arrived at Strategic Plan.

and declare their roads CSG up to $3,000pw), closing euthanised. often wonder who they would I will be standing for free protected by community. of local businesses and the The timing of the approval turn to if a neighbour were Council again in the election Simon says There’s also good news destruction of community of the koala plan could not to do whatever they liked on on 8th September. I have on the poll in conjunction connections. Essentially it’s have been better with the their land such as building an a great team on my ticket. by Cr Simon Clough with the election to assess the old trick: we’ll keep the Federal Minister for the intensive piggery adjoining Please ensure that you whether Lismore people profits and the community Environment declaring them their neighbour’s home! are registered to vote. We he anti coal seam gas want CSG. The Electoral and the environment can pay a threatened species and Personally I would like desperately need to ensure the Trally was utterly amazing. Commission has said that the the real costs. grants such as over $2 million to see more environmental advances that this Council It was so empowering cost will not be $42,000 as The good news on the being given to Tweed Shire protection in the LEP. We has made are protected and marching at the head of originally stated but will be Council front is that my for linking koala habitats, are fortunate enough to live continued. over 7000 protesters with the same as the last election motion to approve the koala $3 million went to the Coffs in one of the most biodiverse Lismore’s mayor. Wow! I have which also included a poll. plan of management in the Harbour area partly to areas in Australia and it is You can follow me on Facebook to pinch myself sometimes This means the cost will be SE of the Council area was protect koala habitat. The simply not good enough to – Cr Simon Clough, Lismore to realise the Council has approximately $16,000 which accepted by 6 votes to 5. koala plan of management believe that self regulation will City Council. Phone 6624- come so far in less than four has already been provided for Opposition to the plan was gives the Council the perfect protect our beautiful heritage. 2894, mobile 0428-886-217 years. There is no way this in the budget. quite intense especially from foundation to access large would have happened with I noticed that Metgasco is the ‘no-one can tell me what to amounts of funding for our previous mayor. The rally spruiking that it will spend do on my land’ group. I was provision of koala food trees organisers did a fabulous job $2b in this region over the very disappointed to see this and other projects to enhance with every aspect of the rally next 20 years. Needless to group attacking Friends of our extraordinary koala and concert being done with say this is a very narrowly the Koala as being ineffective population. flair and effectiveness. defined economic benefit that bleeding hearts. Friends of Council will be considering The CSG-free communities does not take account of the the Koala is a volunteer group its draft Local Environment strategy is going off like social and environmental that has done an amazing Plan (LEP) this week. This wildfire. At this stage 1,859 costs. The impacts on much job rescuing approximately is the foundation planning people have been surveyed in more financially important 300 koalas a year. Not only document for the next 10 their homes and 97 percent industries such as agriculture do they have to access food years or so. The ‘no-one can of them have voted to have and tourism will be severe and for these animals which is a tell me what to do on my their area CSG free. Many permanent but of course those major undertaking. but they land’ group will be out in other communities are lining costs are not mentioned. Nor also experience the awful force demanding that there up to distribute material, hold are the social costs such as fact that 70 percent of their be no environmental or other meetings, build relationships house rentals (in some areas charges will die or have to be restriction on their land. I Nimbin Post Open 7am- 5pm Mon - Fri • Bookkeeping Open 7am - 5pm Monday - Friday – MYOB, Quickbooks FullFull countercounter postalpostal services.services • Payroll �������������������������������� – Wages and Salaries Home of the Next G • Business Activity Statements range���������������������������� of pre-paid phones – Electronically lodged ����������������������������������� BAS Agent No: 98777 003 Phone Jayne 6689-0314 New stockLocally owned and operated now in! New stock Mobile 0457-497-011 now in! Email: [email protected] www.nimbingoodtimes.com June 2012 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 9 Artists Gallery New era for Stokers by Peter Ptschelinzew Sphinx cafe rocks For 34 years Stokers Siding Sun Hyland (pictured) and Pottery has been showcasing You may have noticed his band return to their the arts and crafts of artists something different in Nimbin second home on the North from the Tweed, the Gold village in recent days. It’s Coast to share their warm Coast, Byron and beyond not the same. Something’s and funky acoustic grooves as well as their own pottery different. Something’s missing. and multi-layered harmonies. made on site by their in-house It’s true, the Nimbin Artists They’ll be playing a free melody, groove and feeling potters. Gallery has been closed since gig at the Sphinx Rock Café, together in an uplifting show Now, at 71 years of age, last Monday. How can this be Mount Burrell, at 1pm on which takes its audience on potter Bob Connery (pictured) you may well ask. Should we Sunday 24th June. a thought-provoking journey has decided to call it a day. call the Polite? Come and be inspired from the beauty of heartache The distinctive building, Fear not. When this issue by this uplifting conscious to the wonders and highs of which has been a popular of the NGT hits the streets music, ranging in styles from an existential gratitude for destination for many years, we will (hopefully) be half Roots Reggae to Folk Hop. being alive. They are set to will however not lie idle. Four way through a long-talked- to see from our artists at that Featuring songs from his release their debut double businesses operate within its about freshen up. The Gallery time. We’ve already added a 2011 album Wake Up, Sun album, Letting Go! which is walls and when the Pottery is being painted and we will new piece of digital art from will be accompanied by Mel a celebration of all things leaves there will be three mainly online or via stockists. rearrange things a bit – we Rob Harle and sandstone Dobra on vocals, River Satya beautifully human. remaining. So there will still be plenty may even wash the curtains! sculptures from Rod Johnston on percussion and vocals, Andy will be playing a free Vintage Soul has been of reasons to visit the Pottery We plan to reopen on – a welcome addition to our Chloe McKeand on keys and pre-launch gig in his trio operating in the building for building in Stokers Siding. Monday 11th June after 3D collection. vocals, plus special guests. format on Sunday 17th June eight years now, showcasing Bob Connery’s pots will still we re-hang the artwork. So We look forward to seeing Andy Jans-Brown and at Sphinx Rock Café, starting fabulous collectables antiques be showcased and available there’ll be some new art you when we reopen. his band COZ*MIC blend at 1pm. and craft items. within the remaining Moo Moo Stitches businesses. celebrates one year in the Come and join us on The 28th Annual Bentley money is on offer. building with its popular Saturday 9th June between Art Prize entry forms are This year the theme for classes in patchwork and 2pm and 6pm to celebrate Bentley Art Prize now available at most Art the drawing class is heritage UFOs (Unfinished Objects), our 34 years and to welcome Galleries, Visitor Centres, buildings, using Grafite, and a range of fabrics, in the new era. Enjoy some Picture Framing, Libraries Charcoal, Ink or Conte. haberdashery and other refreshments and snap up and Council Chambers. Entries close 25th July. sewing craft supplies for sale. a bargain at our sale, which The Art Prize will be held For info contact Helen The secret cave of the Love continues until late June. in the Bentley Public Hall Trustum on 6663-5283 or Mae girls (and Sean) has been Find the pottery at 224 (midway between Lismore email helen-trustum@hotmail. operating from the building Stokers Road Stokers Siding, and Kyogle) on 3rd 4th and 5th com or visit the website www. for three years, two of them phone 6677-9208, online at August. Over $8,500 in prize bentleyartprize.com.au with a shopfront, but now www.stokerspottery.com.au NORPA June schedule promising for old and young alike

Biddies infants school classroom Biddies I, Bunyip Some of Australia’s most plying their needles in a loved actresses star in the good old-fashioned session new Australian comedy of ‘stitch and bitch’. Their Biddies, which takes a light- confessions are frank, their hearted look at being female rivalries intense and their jokes (and mature) in today’s outrageous. They discover a world. Biddies, by playwright common frustration with the Don Reid, plays at NORPA limitations of being female and Lismore City Hall on Friday mature in a world still largely 15th June at 7.30pm. defined by men. These gals are In Biddies, a group of feisty, vulnerable, and in full ordinarily marvellous women bloom! find themselves back in their Biddies’ distinguished cast features six of Australia’s I, Bunyip last year. I, Bunyip promises characters from Australia’s most loved actresses – Maggie I, Bunyip is a unique to be equally mesmerising, oldest stories with one of Blinco, Annie Byron, Vivienne performance of puppets, with an inimitable cast of the country’s most exciting www.blueknobgallery.com Garrett, Julie Hudspeth, visual effects and multi-media unique Australian characters performing arts companies. Donna Lee and Linden that takes audiences deep brought to life on stage. I,Bunyip plays NORPA Wilkinson . inside the mysterious heart of Children and adults will Lismore City Hall on Biddies plays NORPA Australian imaginings. Long be introduced to authentic Monday 25th June, 5.30pm Lismore City Hall on Friday known for their magical, stories, passed down in and Tuesday 26th June, 15th June at 7.30pm. Tickets life-like puppetry and Indigenous communities 10am and 1.30pm. Tickets are $47 adults, $38 concession performances, Erth’s shows for hundreds of years. are $16.50, or family of 4 for (Groups of 4+ and seniors get have transfixed children Developed in consultation $60. School discounts and concession rate). For tickets call across the globe including with five different Aboriginal teacher resource kit available. NORPA 1300 066 772 (Mon- their hugely popular communities around the For tickets call 1300-066-772 Fri 9am-2pm) or purchase Dinosaur Petting Zoo, which country, I, Bunyip is a rare or purchase online at www. online at www.norpa.org.au delighted children in Lismore chance to meet very real norpa.org.au

LIVE MUSIC ALL DAY SUNDAY 17th JUNE Acknowlegement of Country Noon Sheik Yatush 10am Lewis Parter 1pm Los Diableros 10.30 Laura 2pm The Pepper Boys 11am Healing Earth 3pm Biskit & Doug

Tina Fuller (B. AppSc - Optometry) Now at Nimbin Community Centre Page 10 The Nimbin GoodTimes June 2012 [email protected] Bloodlines Cabaret 360 in Uki Folk at The Channon Tickets are selling fast for Coming up at the Roxy this year’s Cabaret 360 after by Gail Loader Gallery this June is an the announcement of some exhibition of paintings, of the performers. Local Lots of excellent musicians drawings and sculpture favourites inc;ude The braved the cold for our May by local artist Leanndrah Pitts Family, Lorenzo the Folk Club meet. (Lee-Anne Young). Libidinous Lion Tamer, and Mal started the day with a Leanndrah holds many Lil Fi. skilful rendition of Albatross talents and degrees Cabaret 360 is on this then played some great Arlo in education, art and Friday 8th and Saturday 9th Guthrie music. Serinna naturopathy, as can been June at the Uki Hall, Uki. It was really good to see seen by her regular article The Pitts are a circus family Michelle back, playing this different acts in one afternoon in the Nimbin GoodTimes from Tasmania and are now time in her new duo with can be a huge challenge), so on natural medicine. living in the caldera. Their David. send us an email or have a ‘Bloodlines’is the title show fuses highly skilled Glen continues to impress chat with Steve or Rayzor on for her solo exhibition at acrobatics with unusual with his slide guitar and the day if you’re planning an the Roxy Gallery from the her family, Leanndrah has juggling, bizarre contortion Weissenborn. act with lots of musicians 12th June to 7th July, with drawn on connections of her and off-beat humour to Matt Barwick made an And if you really want to the official opening on Friday father’s free settler Scottish provide a stunning and impressive debut, playing play on the day, get there in 15th June from 6pm. descent and her mother’s hilarious show that reminds all his own stuff, and we’re plenty of time to get your This exhibition of works Scottish, English, Warajari us of the benefits of marrying hoping he’ll be back soon. name on the board. We can’t are reflections of Leanndrah’s (the large matrilineal strangers. Featuring special Then we had a hat trick, always guarantee there’ll be relationships to both aboriginal tribe with Lake guest, the smallest acrobat with Clee, Serinna then enough time, or daylight to fit family and land. Stemming Cowal as its centre) descent. in the world. The amazing Jaeden playing one after everyone in. from Gundagai, as a fifth “I’m the girl from Wee Pitt! With over 15 years another, witnessed by their To contact The Channon generation on both sides of Gundagai!” of experience performing old primary school teacher, Folk Club or to get onto in over 14 countries, in who was blown away by all the club’s email list, please circuses, theatres and on Lion Tamer (aka Thomas their performances… and so use the new email address: the street, The Pitts have Bailey) is also originally from were the rest of us! [email protected] Spirit dance classes thrilled audiences the world Tasmania Theatre companies, Thanks to Mel and Heine You can follow Folk Club on Nimbin Spirit Dance is a over with their odd-ball sight but has recently launched for their performance and Facebook ,or you can check moving meditation practice. gags, comical contortions and himself on the local theatre then the perfect end to the out the website: It is about connecting audience interactions. scene. Lorenzo’s hilarious day when Richard sang some www.folkclub.thechannon.com. to the present moment Lil Fi (pictured, top) is act, which involves comedy, beautiful Irish folk songs au or you can experience the through free form dance. one of the original roots circus and the taming of wild Providing the best sound real thing at the next Open By breathing deeply and music performers on the animals, was recently seen at for each performer can Mic, 2pm till dusk on Sunday moving with our breath we festival circuit today. She the Ukitopia Festival 2011 sometimes be a challenge 24th June at The Channon are able to release emotions is a dynamic entertainer and Studio 44 Dragons and (providing sound for 16 Tavern. and thoughts and reconnect with a unique songwriting Drag Queens Cabaret. to our spirit. style. This multi-award Others may know Thomas THE ROMANIACS This can lead to states of winning performer is a bit from his outstanding and The Lismore Jazz Club will ecstasy and a feeling that the space. The music builds of a wild card as she sings much talked about be hosting the ever-popular you are ‘being danced’ through different styles up with an Australian twang, performance at last year’s local group, The Romaniacs, with no effort. When we to high energy and then which was unheard of in Cabaret 360, in the role on Sunday 17th June from are able to be fully present down again into stillness. I the blues when she started of the a Japanese business 2pm to 5pm at the Lismore in each moment by being offer some guidance but this out, (only a handful of man with his blow-up City Bowling Club. deeply connected in our is a personal journey into people do this still). At last doll. Thomas is sure to be an Admission is physical form, we are left your own authentic dance. year’s Cabaret 360, Lil F, audience favourite once again. $10 members and with peace and love. This is Classes will be held at astonished audiences by Tickets are available from students and $15 deeply healing to ourselves, Jarlanbah Community singing a contentious song the Uki Supermarket, for non-members. our families and our Centre every Tuesday, 10am about illegal refugees while the Organic Revolution communities. – 12pm, and every second dressed as a puppet! This Murwillumbah, and When you arrive at class I Saturday 2pm – 4pm. year she plans to surprise online from www. will have slow music playing Costs $10. This is a drug, audiences whilst touching on ukitopiaartscollective.com which allows us to stretch, alcohol and child-free space. contemporary political issues Wine, beer, hot drinks and Nimbin Hotel breathe and move slowly to Contact Lisa (pictured) for once again. cakes will be available for sale & Backpackers help us ground ourselves in more info on 0428-221-290. Lorenzo, the Libidinous on the night. 53 Cullen Street, Nimbin. Ph: 6689-1246 NIMBIN June Gigs 25 Sibley Street 3220 Kyogle Rd, Mt Burrell NSW 2484 P (02) 6679 7118 www.sphinxrockcafe.com BOWLO Phone 6689-1250 Friday 8th 7.30pm Khanage Saturday 9th 5pm Brodie Grahme What’s On in June Sunday 10th 2.30pm Bill Jacobi Thursday 14th 6pm Fair Weather Freaks • Open Mic Nights – Wednesdays from 6pm June 1pm start Friday 15th 7.30pm Hoochers Saturday 16th 4.30pm Liam O’Connell • State of Origin Bowls Day – Sunday 10th 10th Romaniacs Sunday 17th 2.30pm Scott Day • Trivia Quiz – Every Saturday, from 7pm Original tunes inspired by gypsy, folk, Latin, Celtic, Spanish & Thursday 21st 6pm Wandering Eyes Eastern roots • Courtesy Bus – Book at bar Friday 22nd 7.30pm Diana Anaid Trio Saturday 23rd 6.30pm The Dillan James Band • Free Broadband – Over 50’s 17th Andy Jans Brown Sunday 24th 2pm Bassix • Club closed Mondays in winter Blending grooves with a pop sense of catchy melodies Thursday 28th 6pm Guy Turks Friday 29th 7.30pm Cool Runner 24th Sun Hyland Saturday 30th 6pm Siskin River CHINESE Sunday 1st July 2.30pm Surf Report RESTAURANT Sun brings joy & spreads positive messages to all All Gigs are Free of Charge • Lunch & dinner Tues – Sun July 1st Julie & the Folkmasters Authentic Irish- Australian folk music with Julie Metcalfe Hummingbird Bistro • Friday Banquets Bistro Specials: Mon $10 pasta; Home of the • Take-Aways Thurs $10 steak 250g Phone 6689-1473 ‘Big Bowler’ www.nimbingoodtimes.com June 2012 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 11 Could Nimbin produce all its own food? Reviewed by Bush Theatre screen previews Belinda Green by Jim Arachne ROMANTICS ANONYMOUS who must face the ultimate being Ecstasy. This film At the Blue Knob Farmers Fri 8th and Sat 9th June test when they discover their presents the conflicting views Market we have lots of 7.30pm $10 child is very ill. Gathering surrounding the best way to conversations about food Jean-René is the hapless their friends and family live life, particularly in the security and production. owner of a boutique around them, they confront lower socio-economic classes Could the Blue Knob chocolate-making business the ordeal together as a form of Scotland. community, or Nimbin grow whose sales are drying up. of warfare. This results in a all its own food? The short Along comes Angélique, a film about a contemporary answer is; “Yes, easily.” young chocolatier, who turns couple who surprise even ANTON CHEKHOV’S Looking at two overseas up at the factory in response themselves with their ability THE DUEL to a job offer. Jean-René and to fight not only for the life Fri 29th and Sat 30th June examples shows us just how 7.30pm $10 feasible this might be. Angélique fall in love but of their child, but for each have absolutely no idea how other. THE DUEL gives life to the Growing Power to express their feelings for classic Chekhovian tale. This In Milwaukee the Growing each other. is a gorgeously cinematic Power urban farm of just IRVINE WELSH’S ECSTASY movie that is sensuous, two acres has an annual Fri 22nd and Sat 23rd June passionate, dramatic and output of 20,000 plants and DECLARATION OF WAR 7.30pm $10 peppered with delightful vegetables, thousands of Fri 15th and Sat 16th June $10 From the author of moments of levity inherent to fish and livestock including This deeply moving film Trainspotting comes a new the great novella. chickens, goats, ducks, follows Romeo and Juliette, movie, with the drug of choice rabbits, and bees. Yearly food production is worth The Russian dacha system of backyard growers produces 92 $250,000. 300,000 pounds percent of the nation’s potatoes, 8 percent of berries & fruit and of compost are created from 77 percent of vegetables. woodchips and six million 24m x 24m each with virtually social and political support. pounds of waste food. Most no machinery and little A national holiday, Gardener’s of the compost is sold and the financial reward. This dacha Day, underscores the rest used to fill 25,000 pots system produces 92 percent of importance of growing food. SJournalTREET of the North Coast’s SHUFFLE longest serving covert in greenhouses and the open Russia’s potatoes, 77 percent Spending summer holidays air for vegetables. of vegetables, 87 percent of on the dacha is akin to by Undacuva very quiet mutterings from a lot of the troops In the meantime, heat berries and fruit, 59 percent of Australian’s spending summer about testing positive for weed and being from compost manufacture meat and 49 percent of milk. by the sea. As well, the grim The unthinkable has happened. Of course, hung out to dry until you can prove you didn’t warms greenhouses so that Cereal grains are generally famines and food shortages at every supposedly random drug test at the inhale, while the mortgage payments click they produce all year round produced on broad-scale of the past remind people of Station, if I happen to be there, I’m sent to the over like clockwork. There’s no doubt change in a climate similar to a systems. the value of knowing how to front of the line. The twisted envy from the is afoot. cold Hobart with regular It is usual for a family of produce their own food. rest of the Force is almost psychotic. They can’t And it’s official, drones are in for the next snowfalls. Aqua-ponic four to produce all of the stand that I’m allowed to smoke as much as I weed-hunting season. Maybe up to four for the Nimbin food production systems produce fish with family’s needs in vegetables, want. The ATI (Authority To Inhale) is the Northern Rivers alone, and training courses So Nimbin could easily ponds recycling dirty water fruits and berries, and – for most treasured card in the Force pack. are being offered soon if you’re prepared to grow nearly all its own food through filtering watercress rural residents all their milk, Of course it’s not random, and anyone can spend a month in Goulburn in winter to learn – but would we? What plants for return to the eggs and meat – and have disappear when the test team turns up. Few how to drive the little ‘flyin eyes’. would motivate this shift? ponds. plenty left over to trade, give bother, as I’m the only one to ever register. It’s The Boss was excited until I reminded him The Growing Power farm Growing Power is the to friends or extended family, always been like that and our Stations official if he catches all the weed, we’re out of work on in Milwaukee was started brainchild of Will Allen, and or to sell in nearby cities. DTR (Drug Testing Records) always shows that score also. It’s like the Dalai kept telling and sustained by a skilled connects with 10,000 city Gross monetary value of one“positive” each month where the others me. People can’t think things through. Or they visionary, Will Allen. In dwellers in a low income area all this produce is US$14 have zero. Until now. head off on a sidetrack if they don’t like the Russia, the government of the city. billion. This is greater Not one, or even two, but three of the look of the conclusion that’s starting to appear gives free plots to Russian family agriculture than the contribution of dacha Mardigrass coppers registered positive on the horizon. anyone who will work them, the whole Russian electric including someone we all know would never The Boss is also furious at suggestions from On a larger scale, 35 million which can be passed on by power generation industry, choof. They all claim it came from passive the Mayor the police should pick up rubbish Russian families (70% inheritance, and there is no significantly greater than all smoke, but some in the Force are insisting on as they go about the beat. “Unless they are of Russia’s population) tax payable on income from of forestry, wood-processing, evidence. on a call, why not?” She said it’s just about work 8 million ha of land the land. and pulp and paper industry “Busting a bong session is enough to register, improving our public image, but we all know (virtually all backyard While we’re waiting for a combined and significantly if you happen to walk into the room at a council actually can’t afford the cleaners. plots) and produce more visionary leader to emerge, greater than the coal, natural critical moment”, said the nerdy little labman, The tunnel and the old fuel tanks unda the than 40 percent of Russia’s or the government to give gas, and oil refining industries who seemed to know a lot about it. footpath outside Nimbin’s Emporium have agricultural output. free land grants, Blue Knob combined. The Boss freaked at me, as you hippies say. been discovered, so none of us can use them What is more amazing Farmer’s Market aims Russians’ food “I’ve been covered in stinking bong smoke a anymore. Tons of primo weed have been is each family does this on dacha to contribute directly to individual plots of around production system has strong dozen times myself doing busts. You’ve sold stashed in the old tanks over almost three improving local food security out on me. It’s the beginning of the end. Soon decades. Right in the middle of the village and sustainability. the men’ll be refusing to walk the beat in unda everyone’s noses, until some midnight If you’d like to know about case a puff of smoke drifts up their nose from brass thief unscrewed one of the plugs in the talks, seminars and workshops that curs-ed Hempbar cafe you keep hanging footpath and shone a torch in. in food production and around.” HipiLeaks Canberra 2005: Prime Minister self sufficiency run by the “You know without the weed busts we’re Howard says that the older generation’s market, please send your all out of work so it’s important to hold some permissive attitude toward marijuana was name and email to Jim at information tightly, Bethany.” He looked at one of the main reasons for Australia’s mental [email protected] me with daggers. “And clearly there’s proof health problems. Those attitudes informed now your weed sends people mad, so it’s for the behaviour of young people today, who see The market runs Saturdays, everyone’s good we catch the smokers before their parents smoking cannabis and can’t see rain, hail or shine, 9ªm to they go crazy. Agreed?” anything wrong with following their example. ~12.30pm, corner of Blue Knob “Meanwhile, you’re to stop playing chess and Cannabis encourages users to think for and Lillian Rock Roads, 8km having hot showers at that mad museum, and themselves and causes too many to turn their from Nimbin, in the grounds of no more clean clothes for the next few weeks. backs on long-term careers. We are forming Contact Peter 6689-7484 the Blue Knob Gallery. Look the part, grub. We pay you enough.” a CPPU (Cannabis Psychosis Propaganda I never said a word, but behind me were not Unit). ������� Lachlan Gibbons

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Page 12 The Nimbin GoodTimes June 2012 [email protected] Mardigrass wash-up Mardi-Diary from the ’Grass Bunker by Harsha Prabhu by Michael Balderstone ardiGrass in Nimbin Monday before. Been raining is a movable feast for weeks, but the crop is in of colour, music and smoke wafting up and M over the camp seems to be and social networking, along with mind-bending substance inhibiting a lot of things ingestion. The marijuana happening except for joint harvest is in, and the green rolling on the Embassy hills and valleys of Nimbin verandah. About 1000 joints are awash with the best buds rolled by our volunteers from known to man. I used to live all sorts of exotic herbal combinations. Meeting in Nimbin in the early nineties Faye Scherf addresses the rally and always try and make regarding the Big Joint the pilgrimage to Nimbin at repairs was not particularly aggressive. Coming into Nimbin on Friday via this time. Consequently, I’ve been to quite comforting, with mental the narrow, winding Tuntable Creek Road, we a few MardiGrasses, not that I can claim to images of BJ exploding over Pic by Greg Soward were pulled up by a copper in his car who did remember too much of what went down. the heads of the assembled a U-turn to chase us down. He administered a I was in Nimbin at the first MardiGrass throng. practiced after last year’s appreciated by the big crowd breath test. It could have been worse. Perhaps in 1993. Compared to today it was a modest Tuesday. What a great humiliation, and we suspect lining the street. Points for the recent Australia21 report, authored affair, with perhaps a hundred people in warm up for the weekend. they employed cunning Herbal Highs Nell who by leading academics, health, legal and law attendance. I remember Bob Hopkins We marched from the Court tactics deliberately arriving sponsored the prohibition enforcement experts, calling for an overhaul dressed as a nun; and Jimmy Willing and his House to hand deliver an hour late knowing the protest art awards. The Rally of the government’s drug policy and an end to horse-drawn gypsy cart; and an assortment letters to the cops, Saffin dreamy Polite team would arrived to Lewis Walker’s prohibition, has already begun to bite. There of Nimbin musos playing all kinds of and George. It throws out have wandered off. So our extraordinary dancing and seems to be consensus on the important issue instruments. We assembled at the Bush our routine of setting up for team of ten was drawn from Welcome to Country words, of medical cannabis, among other initiatives Theatre and walked across the old Mulgum the weekend, and we never anyone wearing Polite in the and the much-treasured (See the report at www.australia21.org.au). Creek bridge with the Big Joint (made out really recover. More French crowd. This meant the cops Tuntable vocals of Diana Nimbin has been at the cutting-edge of this of bamboo and cloth) to the police station, volunteers arrive with either only just managed to pull Anaid. The third consecutive push for change, and her people deserve our STREET SHUFFLE stopping on the way for exuberant jams. no tent or tents that can’t over a team of bedraggled night of music in the Town respect. Bob, who was the main inspiration for the handle endless rain. Anyway old hippies, women, and Hall was possibly the best Strange things can happen at MardiGrass. MardiGrass, presented himself for arrest. the grassy slope behind the children. The cops’ first drug with Tassie band Dublo One year, I looked up from my bongos at the Memory tells me that the police just noted his Embassy is better as a mud war win, ever! loving Nimbin. jam session on the street and there she was: I contact details and we continued to party at slide. The Big Joint at 4.20 Monday after. Pull down was smitten. I don’t remember much else of the Rainbow Cafe. Wednesday. Still raining. nearly did explode, then the the fence, collect wheelie that MardiGrass. That was a long time ago and MardiGrass began as a small community DA Jim builds a huge biggest moon of the year over bins, pack up tents, collect I have learnt many a lesson in love since. This event: a protest at the marijuana laws, as tarpaulin rainproof refugee a not too crowded village. signs, etc. Followed by the year I stuck to my faithful djembe and did not well as a celebration and sharing of the ganja camp behind the Embassy. Cool music and vibes. The big clean-up, with vollies let my vision stray. harvest. MardiGrass sees Nimbin at its best, Bill McHenry brings the only hiccup, special guests heading out of town in every Apart from the music – there were some cool as a caring community with much to be happy fence and the masses of from ADLRF and LEAP direction, to try and leave the young bands featured through town – and about, and it’s not just the abundant ganja. volunteers queue up to (Dr Alex Wodak and Paul village cleaner than a week the musical jams, we had a few cranking ones Nimbin has been a pioneer in the sustainability unload and by dark it’s Cubitt) had to sleep together ago. Then the big lunch in at the Oasis Cafe and on the street, plus the movement from the early seventies, seeded mostly set up. We had to put in a double bed due to a the Hall to finish. workshops and talks, and an amazing parade by the Aquarius Festival of 1973. Cannabis up a “no more volunteers, misunderstanding at their To summarise, the weather – as always, the Ganja Faeries stole the show culture and activism was a key component sorry!” sign. Hundreds were accommodation. Sexpot was stunning after the rain – and the Hemp Olympics, moderated by two of this movement and this flowered into the turned away. author Canadian Mamakind stopped for the first time stand up comics, Mardi Grass is alway a great MardiGrass. Despite Bob Hopkin’s misgivings Thursday. At daybreak kept them awake most of the in weeks, and the biggest time to catch up with old friends. over MardiGrass and marijuana hijacking Franko and Glen sweep, night in the next room too! moon of the year shone on On my last day in Nimbin I bumped into Nimbin ( May 12), MardiGrass is now bucket and suck empty the Sunday. The Forum in the a not too crowded village NGT Neil Pike. Neil is the quintessential hippie, part of Nimbin lore and here to stay. fetid pool of filthy water that Town Hall was of the highest which saw very few problems. a cyber-activist-musician, almost an elder Some years MardiGrass was washed out due lies in the gutter outside our quality with speakers from Certainly in part due to the statesman of the community. Like most to torrential rain and Nimbin was cut off from supermarket all year. The overseas as well as around police giving us a bit more hippies I know, Neil is a busy man. Neil was the rest of the world. Many lost money on food vollies stitch hessian on the Australia. Before the Rally space to be ourselves. Many busy getting arrested at Terrania Creek at stalls and infrastructure, but we musos didn’t wrong fence because they began Lucky laid a wreath thanks to the sensible among Australia’s first successful anti-logging protest care as we continued our marathon, all-night nod in agreement to any at the Police Station and them and the hundreds of in 1979. He has been busy playing in bands, jam sessions in the street outside the Rainbow instruction even if they don’t honoured those who have others who helped make it including the Pagan Love Cult. Busy producing Cafe. One year Nathan & Shelli from understand. fallen in this senseless war. such a good weekend. And documentaries for the Rainforest Information Nimbin’s sister village Woodstock were down Friday. Rain slows. Michael The Protest Parade was know that every day is a day Centre on projects in India. And busy being with a documentary on Nimbin. Another running around like a man terrific and much thought closer to the end of Nimbin Australia’s foremost unofficial pundit on year it was the reporter from High Times possessed because he didn’t and effort on floats by so being a village crowded with hallucinogenic plants magazine. The word went out on the grapevine delegate enough, and hadn’t many people was much criminals. Neil, who seems to temper his innate that something magical was happening in counted on the 70-odd cynicism by wearing rose-tinted sunnies, was Nimbin in May. What started out small, soon volunteers mostly being happy to see so many young people at this grew mega, and MardiGrass began to attract French and not speaking year’s MardiGrass. It was a feeling I shared. punters in their thousands. The police response English. The opening While the overall numbers seemed down from to this was over-the-top, with saliva-testing ceremony timing was all earlier years, the presence of the young is a vans on the roads and riot police, mounted over the place, but nothing sure sign that there is a whole new generation police and sniffer-dogs in the village. worries Kaptan Reefer and who are tuned in and there’s no way to stop Nimbin has been scape-goated for its radical the Konescrapers, who had the change. Chibo’s Hemp Torch has many views on drug prohibition and its people have been playing on the street all GRAND OPENING claimants among GenY! paid a price via constant police harassment week after driving to Nimbin We left Nimbin on Monday evening with the SATURDAY 9TH JUNE 3-5pm and becoming fodder for the criminal justice from Adelaide. sound of Johnny Ganja singing in our ears and system. This has been especially heavy on the Saturday. No rain. LIVE MUSIC, NIBBLIES, CHAMPAGNE (and tea!) the sun going down behind Nimbin rocks and young and on the Aboriginal community, Beautiful day. The Police the valley bathed in marmalade light. Thank COME AND SEE WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT. who are both at risk of ending up in prison Force win their first Hemp you Nimbin. See you at MardiGrass 2013, 1/39 Cullen St Nimbin for minor possession of marijuana offences. Olympix Cup ever, for the your 21st. and also the 40th anniversary of the PH 66891881 But the tide could be turning. The police hemp rope “Tug O’ Drug [email protected] Aquarius Festival. Won’t that be a party! response this year was, by all accounts, less War”. They’d obviously Lis Miller Landscaping Nimbin (Dip. Hort.) ABN 81 212 183 846 “I PAINT HOUSES” Servo garden design & maintenance Interior & Exterior Fuel, oils, automotive needs, drinks, icecreams, ice, gas * plant selection/design refills & Swapa-gas, bread & milk, newspapers, cigarettes * mass plantings/commercial Stock food – horse & cattle food, pet food, frozen pet meat and bones * pruning/mulching Open 7 days: Mon - Fri 7am - 6pm, Sat 8am - 6pm, Sun 8am - 5pm * horticultural advice RING BEN THE NIMBIN PAINTER: PO Box 438 Mob: 0411 496 807 Nimbin NSW 2480 0409 352 102 Email: [email protected] ABN 59 015 277 505

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