Now more than ever: non-violence and positive change

e are certainly Do we protest everything their own. Sitting in cafes facing we don’t like from the arguing about how the Wchallenging US election result to the world should look after we times. The growth of declaration of the next have won, is a fast path to fascism in Europe, the US pointless war? Maybe not. disagreement, disunity and and Australia, fuelled by a We often make the mistake disintegration. concoction of traditional of celebrating our worst We need to look for racism and uber nationalism moments when we choose positive solutions, not combined with corporate to allow our opponents to just political solutions but greed is a potent cocktail set the agenda and protest also social, agricultural for accelerating destructive the sites of their triumphs. technological ones. forces. Protest is best when it Experimentation in There are no magic bullet reflects an agenda set by the by Aidan Ricketts lifestyle and with forms answers. All around me people, not merely a reaction of production is essential I see people struggling to to what we don’t like. throughout history. come to terms with the Do we complacently shrug of their time. Climate change is the big Trump presidency, but it all off and say, “Ah well, Non-violent mobilisations issue globally, despite the it’s more than that, there’s the pendulum will swing have been successful at distraction offered by the fascism arising throughout back” what pendulum abolishing 19th century current political chaos. This Europe and the English- exactly? Swing back to slavery, kicking the British is the big issue we need to be speaking world, a violent where and after what? That out of India, ending wars, innovating our lifestyles and and incendiary political kind of magical thinking is toppling violent dictatorships production around. disease that offers fantasies not an empiric way to make as well as less mighty I share with you all the of a return to past golden positive change. achievements such as saving confoundment of witnessing eras but invariably produces We can’t control the future our local old growth forests a horror unfolding: is nimbin building war, pain and destruction or even the present. We live and keeping our region this what Europe felt and disables the very in a very complex world in gasfield free. The outcome like in 1933? I share the materials communities that look to it which multiple forces swirl is never certain, but we have bewilderment of being AT THE MILL FARM for salvation. around each other and learned a lot over the years wrong-footed by the sudden For a broad range of new and new seconds at very competitive prices The biggest winners out produce outcomes that lay about the processes that catapult of corporate • Hardwoods, flooring, decking, pine 50 Gungas Road, Nimbin of the US election are down a path for the future. work. fascism, although we knew framing, weatherboards, lining boards, Open Mon- temporarily Vladimir Putin Nothing that has happened Almost inseparable from it was there, it seemed more architraves, skirting boards, doors Fri 8am-4pm, but in the long term it is was inevitable, and the non-violence is the need steady and insidious before. • Steel posts, roofing, guttering, windows Sat 8am-noon • Sand & gravel, roadbase, cement, gas China, whose own brand future is not only uncertain to build our movement At times like these we may • Polypipe and Philmac fittings & valves of totalitarianism may yet it is inchoate and unformed. structures up in democratic not have answers, but we can • Animal feeds, hay, garden supplies & plant nursery prove to at least have a more The best we can do is use our egalitarian ways. Our non- remember the processes that Phone Ralph 6689-1206, 0429-048-808 rational flavour than the best information, our best government organisations, can restore functioning to West’s. At least they still thinking and our dedication our trade unions, even some a diseased political system. believe in science right? to positive social change to of our faith based groups History is moving fast, Where do we go? turn the rubix cube over, provide critical institutional Putin may be there for a Do we dust off our old together, and look for the infrastructure that may be while, Trump is likely to Debbie Guest socialist pamphlets, and places where we can nudge vital, especially if we are crash and burn, China is start believing that just future change in positive suddenly (even unexpectedly) seemingly inexorable. Civil Marriage because socialism has a directions. successful in displacing But what is also permanent Celebrant metanarrative (a totalising There are opportunities destructive regimes. is that throughout history story about how the literally everywhere to nudge The other important skill we have faced tyrants, Phone: 02 6689-0089 revolution will unfold) the future, but there are for building positive change violence and war, racism and Mobile: 0427-975-650 that it must offer us hope? some well learned lessons is to have the humility to inequality, yet somehow we Not really, certainly there’s on what works best. Non- know that the outcomes have always struggled and email: [email protected] some useful policies on violence, combined with are uncertain. So, build overcome eventually, enough www.debbieguest.com social equality and wealth the building of egalitarian our movements on values for democracy, human rights debbieguest.blogspot.com.au redistribution in there, social movement structures rather than on outcomes. and environmentalism to but politics as religion, have proved time and again Values based movements have become universalised Contact me to discuss your requirements and grasping for a single to be the potent ways that work as powerful attractors in our language and programmatic solution is not ordinary people can exert of support and cooperation, aspirations. a useful way to intelligently powerful influence on the and ultimately as (and There is no end point to engage with a complex and unfolding of history and if) they move to success history, we are busy making Nimbin rapidly changing future. address the political diseases generate good outcomes of it every day. Servo 02 6675-7906 • Fuel, oils, automotive needs, ice, gas refills & Swap’n’Go • Nimbin Bakery pies & sausage rolls, drinks, icecreams The Loon wakes • Bread & milk, newspapers, cigarettes, Nabropure water by Laurence Axtens of every Australian. • Stock food, horse & cattle food, lucerne, pet food & bones The problem is a simple one. We Open 7 days: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, W/E 8am-5pm, Pub Hols 8am-4pm We of the community are to blame for have a landlord culture. Property the rise of the brain dead individualists ownership has become an investment of the right. We have been lazy and opportunity for the upper middle ineffectual, thoughtless and decadent; class, who get renters to buy their we have sat back and muttered second, third and fourth house for defamations such as - speak to the them. It’s abomination in the eyes of hand, I’m not listening. Well we’re all egalitarians. It ends here. effing listening now, aren’t we?! Under the new system, individuals During this coming year I will will be taxed progressively on their outline how the pressing concerns extra housing, 25% of the house’s value of our people can be successfully per house annually. This will bring addressed. I will here in the Nimbin many houses back onto the market GoodTimes outline all the necessary and house prices will fall dramatically, and revolutionary changes our society furthermore it will bring an end to collectives and regional councils. T requires. I will give no quarter nor housing speculation. he wealthiest will just divest to their soften the blow on myself or any other Renters will become buyers, as their children, but this will also help address vested interest. So starts the program. rental monies become house payments. the home ownership issue. Today I will solve the housing Rental accommodation for students Sleepers wake! Conditions Apply. Bring this coupon to the store: shortage so that the dream of home will be absorbed by institutional 0419-636-943 122 Walker Street Casino ownership may again be the birthright ownership by Universities, student [email protected]

Page 10 The Nimbin GoodTimes February 2017 [email protected] From the mayor’s desk by Isaac Smith, Lismore City Council

new Lismore City Council Green Army A team has started work restoring koala habitat in The Channon, Nimbin and Terania Creek area. Most people know what a Green Army is, but basically it’s a hands-on environmental program On the same that provides young people much of a down side. Much We also have a motion on aged 17 to 24 with skills, like volunteering with the a signature tree for Lismore training and experience in SES, jury duty or the Army coming to our council environmental management reserves, it can be written meeting and it is generating Kevin Hogan MP while helping to protect into employment and study a lot of discussion. Our local PAGE habitat for threatened legislation that allowances garden guru Phil Dudman Member for Page species like koalas. are made and concessions put the idea forward that onderful to see all the award Pakistan, South Africa and Thailand. It is a 20-week program given. The big up swing we adopt a local flame tree nominees and recipients from I was at TAFE recently to welcome that contributes to is that future generations to colour Lismore red, and Wour Australia Day Awards. students and parents to ‘Bright Sparks’ – a delivery of the Biodiversity will know more about our it is getting a lot of support. Congratulations to John Turnbull from three-day workshop for the next generation Management Strategy, which natural environment and There is discussion about Modanville who was awarded an Order of innovators. seeks to improve the natural how to care for it. consulting more widely of Australia Medal for his services to ‘Bright Sparks’ is a science, technology, environment in the Lismore What we are really talking about other options, or secondary education, Alan Hoskins who engineering, arts and mathematics event LGA and also provide skills about is generational change. allowing other areas to have also received an OAM for his services to that prepares students and school leavers for and pathways to employment The ability of those in a different signature tree. the Uniting Church and Ian Grimwood jobs of the future. for young people interested power to have a long-term I am personally a little who was recognised with the Australian There was a great demonstration of how in environmental-based vision that extends beyond torn about how much Fire Service Medal. a yurt may be used to address affordable work. grant cycles and natural consultation to do. On one I would also like to congratulate all housing in our community and can be For me it also raises the disasters. So maybe like the hand it is always good to the winners and nominees of Australia rotated to follow the sun to reduce energy question often asked by Republican debate, it is one have our ideas discussed and Day awards, including Barbara Boorman costs and use solar power. many... should green army idea that is still brewing in debated by as many locals as (Citizen of the Year), Caitlin Bargwanna Congratulations to everyone involved in service be mandatory for all the minds of Australians. possible. On the other hand, (Young Citizen of the Year), Julie de this world leading program. school leavers? Next time you see me at the a good idea can be killed by Nardi (Individual Community Service), My office was recently named Electorate The idea gets floated a Nimbin Hotel, let me know a committee. Do we keep it Anthony and Belinda Smith from Office of the Year by Prime Minister lot in private conversations what you think. But to the simple or go big, is always Lismore Parkrun (Group Community Malcolm Turnbull. This is quite an and at the pub. We talk one local (you know who you the question, and it varies Service), Belinda Smith (Senior achievement, given there are over 100 about if it could work and are!) maybe let me get out of depending on the project. Sportsperson) and Courtney Linton offices. what it means to have any the loo first! I hope everyone has had (Junior Sportsperson). I would like to congratulate my office staff national service imposed We have two local matters a safe start to 2017 and is Also, Barry Fisher of the Lismore Kart (pictured, above). on people. I personally am coming to council this enjoying the warm weather Club (Sports Organisation) and John The annual award is determined by how very supportive of the idea, month with a report on (tongue in cheek). I will and Margaret Hildebrand (Sustainable well an office responds to enquires from though I haven’t asked my the large lot residential see you all in Nimbin soon Environment) and Julian Louis from members of the community. kids who are just at that age. subdivision at Blue Knob as councillors are coming NORPA (Arts/Culture). It also recognises my second electorate When I think of the and a request for assistance out for the Chamber of You are all inspirational people to others office in Grafton which I pay for out of my biodiversity and natural from the Dunoon Sports Commerce meeting this in our community and I thank you. salary. beauty or our region, not Club. So please pass on any month and the Nimbin Welcome also to our 15 new citizens It was back to school this week. to mention the invasive feedback to myself and other Advisory Group is also who came from Britain, Bangladesh, I would like to wish all students and weed species and need for councillors so we understand coming together. Let me Democratic Republic of Congo, India, teachers the best for the school year. landcare, I just don’t see your views. know what you’re thinking. Build Your Future campaign promotes $20,000 housing subsidies In January, Lismore deputy mayor • Echo Glen, Invercauld Road, Goonellabah. Gianpiero Battista and Federal Member Contact Stephen Day on 9186 4700. for Page Kevin Hogan launched an • The North Lismore Plateau (The Winten extensive advertising campaign for the Group), Dunoon Road. Contact Jim Punch Build Your Future Lismore Housing on 0412 047 735. Subsidy Scheme, promoting $20,000 • Valley View, Pineapple Road, Goonellabah. subsidies for people interested in building Contact Lucas Zorzo on 0437 040 969 or a home. visit www.valleyviewestate.com.au. The $20,000 Build Your Future subsidy • Sanctuary Hill, Invercauld Road, East is being advertised widely and the Lismore. Contact Warren Everingham on campaign includes display advertising on 0429 944 931. three city buses that will be driving on The table below shows eligibility based on Lismore roads for the next eight weeks. annual income: There is also extensive radio, TV, print and social media marketing to encourage Household type Upper Income Limit $ applications before the 30 March deadline. 1 adult 88,000 “Build Your Future will enable up to 200 2 adults 88,000 eligible intending homeowners who have 3 adults 100,000 had their applications approved to receive 4 adults 122,000 $20,000 each to help them purchase land Sole parent with 1 child/student 88,000 and build the home of their dreams,” Sole parent with 2 children 97,000 Lismore deputy mayor Gianpiero Battista Sole parent with 3 children 116,000 explained. developments include a wide range of encouraging the release of more residential Couple with 1 child 97,000 “The $20,000 subsidy is available for housing types with an emphasis on land. These subsidies are part of that, and Couple with 2 children 116,000 a wide range of families and individuals sustainable design and affordability. are designed to help low to middle income Couple with 3 children 135,000 whose annual incomes do not exceed very Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan earners into home ownership,” he said. reasonable limits. These upper income explained that the Build Your Future The $20,000 grants are available in the The scheme ends on 30th March 2017 so limits include $88,000 for a single person, Lismore Housing Subsidy Scheme is part following land release areas: intending homeowners are encouraged to act $97,000 for a sole parent with two of the Federal Government’s Building • Airforce Road, East Lismore. Contact promptly. children and $135,000 for a couple with Better Regional Cities program and is Warren Everingham on 0429 944 931. Anyone keen to apply for the $20,000 three children, for example.” designed to help low to moderate income • Altitude Eco Village, Casuarina subsidy or to learn more about options for The subsidies are available for land earners achieve home ownership. Drive, Goonellabah. Contact Scott purchasing a vacant lot and building a new lots at six new developments throughout “The Federal Government is working Wharton on 0488 910 587 or visit www. home should visit: www.buildyourfuture.net. Lismore and Goonellabah. The towards easing housing affordability by altitudeecovillage.com.au. au or phone Council on 1300-87-83-87.

www.nimbingoodtimes.com February 2017 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 11 Postcard from Japan, part 3 by Bob Tissot street directory I’ve ever seen about all the big trees gone... and after maybe another five I was wrong. These trees are e’ve made it down reckoned he knew where it huge beyond imagining. I to Kanazawa was. No good him trying to guess our Big Scrub was like W(three trains and explain, so he simply locked this once… two buses) and we’re pretty his cab in the middle of the And suddenly it’s our last damn excited because we’ve “road” and trotted off with us day in Japan so we gird our booked ourselves a room in hot pursuit. loins and head off to do in a Ryoken (traveller’s inn) But once he was in lanes the “people” thing. It starts somewhere in the “old city”. smaller than his cab he too by getting into the subway Now, anyone who has ever got a little discombobulated system and jamming ourselves visited “old cities”, cities with until eventually he declared into a sardine can to get over a thousand or more years of a particular building as the to Shinjuku, an area of Tokyo existence under their belts, one. What a champion. I renowned for its Harajuku will know that these areas are hope he found his cab again. girls and Rockabilly boys, fascinating rabbit warrens of We double checked with jam-packed streets, excessive narrow twisting alleys, cul-de- an old codger nearby who neon and just about sacs, hidden courtyards and agreed with the cabbie and we everything weird you’ve ever secret passageways. And so it checked in. Whew! heard about Japan. We throw was in Kanazawa, but we were Great room in traditional ourselves deep into the centre confident, my friends, because style with complimentary Ancient trees of this maelstrom of multi- we’d carefully plotted our green tea and kimonos. So, coloured fairy floss, dripping course on Google (two right, while we’d been looking chocolate crepes and strange, then left, under the arch, for this room we’d noticed discreet closed doors with mossy and carefully crafted ground staff. Give me a bit of unidentifiable finger-food and behind the wall, etc) and we (couldn’t really miss it) that tiny discreet Japanese signs on oriental way, but to my taste unkempt rainforest any day. just soak it up. marched bravely into the maze the place was seething with them. So we wandered lonely it was a tad sterile. It appears Back to Tokyo the next day Night falls and the neon with brimming confidence. people. “Awesome,” we as a couple of clouds and that the driving ethos behind and straight on to Nikko, and massive, skyscraper- Ha! I reckon it took no more thought as we showered and finally scrounged some tucker it was to keep it as it had a World Heritage site with sized screens come to life. than five minutes before we donned our kimonos, “can’t about two kms away. always been and so there a whole complex of various The crowds thicken (how is were hopelessly misplaced wait for evening,” which was Next day was the Castle were some poor old trees that temples, shrines, tombs and this possible?) We push in and just a little bit frazzled. rapidly approaching. Well and world famous Kenroku- under normal circumstances treasures. And that was deeper. The streets are full of So once again it was time bugger me! When we stepped en Gardens (third best would have been mulch 100 where we found the trees. spruikers now, selling food, to attempt to breach the out to find a place to eat, the in Nippon). Got there years ago, held up with poles, Cedar trees planted back at gambling, girls, anything language barrier and seek joint was deserted, or should at sparrow’s fart to avoid their basically rotted trunks the beginning of time itself. you want. Finally sated, we help. Found a taxi trying to I say it looked that way. There the crowds, got in free wound with steel straps to (Oh alright, at the beginning squeeze into another sardine extricate itself from an alley was literally not a soul to be just because I’m ancient hold them together and a of the Edo period of Japanese can and head for home. designed for nothing bigger seen anywhere. No lights, no myself, and checked out the few sad but carefully pruned history which started here Leaving tomorrow, but we’re than a rickshaw and showed cafes, nothing. Apparently sculptured, ancient botany. leaves poking out the top. and the original Shogun’s hoping to slip in a visit to the driver the address, craftily we were holed up deep in the OK, now at this point I’m Not sure what the soil gets gold-encrusted shrine and the Meguro Parasitological printed out in Japanese – we Geisha area ansd everything going to display my basic to eat either, as mulch is tomb are somewhere on the Museum. Apparently they were learning. He pulled out that goes on at night in the barbarian nature, I’m afraid. verboten and every falling leaf mountain). I mentioned in have some awesome exhibits, the most dog-eared and worn Geisha area goes on behind Sure it was picturesque in a is swept away by the hordes of an earlier missive something not to be missed. Sayonara. Surfing with history by Warwick Fry Mari has good antennae for this of Rancho Mango reassured us that sort of thing. We live in a barrio the pandillas were not a problem in he tide was still fullish which is notorious for having been the region. The small communities when Mari and I arrived at under Salvatrucha control, Mari dotted along the 20 odd kilometres TPunta Mango. We brushed for nearly ten years. Initially it of pristine beaches were determined off the dust of a 40-minute ride on took a lot of persuading to get our to keep the gangs away. She went the ‘chicken bus’. Kristina and two taxi driver to take us there, before on to describe what sounded very enthusiastic Labrador surfer-dogs he could be convinced that it was similar to Nimbin’s ‘Jungle Patrol’ were there to greet us, our cabin “mostly harmless”. He did have to to deter any kind of gang presence. ready, fan and shower water already be advised to cut his lights after For me the scratched initials Jorge, who running. dark so that he would be recognised signified a meeting point of two died in the conflict Our favourite little cove where the as ‘local’ and our corner store is histories. I was checking out the king waves roll, was a bit rocky for still paying US$25 renta a week beaches here to find out if the the next two days (there was Later Carmelo showed me the serious body surfing with a tide still to the MS. This is in spite of the guerillas I had met here in 1988 no road then) to a community beaches where the arms and covering the sandy bits. We decided fact that recently the police have had survived the civil war, along with a soccer field where they supplies were unloaded from the to head down a few hundred taken to making regular ‘sweeps’ with historic memory. Many had. could land the helicopter to fly pangas ferrying them across the yards from our $10 dollar a night through our neighbourhood and (In fact, as the GoodTimes goes to me out for questioning at the Gulf of Fonseca from Nicaragua. ‘surfista/backpacker’ rancho to the evicted the families of known gang press I will be at a reunion party on army headquarters. I returned a These were the main supplies for long beach instead. A couple of members from their houses – the beach at the invitation of the few months later to retrieve my all three of the guerilla fronts in lonely looking $100+ a night hotels often under circumstances that in veterans and ex-combatants). And camera which a campesino proudly the country. “This is where the perched on the overlook of the long kinder moments I would describe former guerrilla combatants and returned to me, well wrapped in local recruits trained,” he said, beach – OK for the shore break and as ‘heavy handed’. A political some of their now adult family still plastic where he had cached it indicating a local beach-side enough beach for a jog. We had it response of mano duro (hard hand) went out on night patrols if gang under his wardrobe. rancho, “…that’s where my father all to ourselves. to earlier attempts to negotiate activity was detected. Word spread quickly that I was took some of the supplies up into It was Mari who noticed the MS and address the underlying It was a moving experience to find the foreigner that the army had the mountains by ox cart,” he said, scratched into the boulder on the problem of underpaid labour and the men and women combatants; ‘kidnapped’ during the war. Next indicating a dirt track. edge of the driveway down to the unemployment. and they weren’t hard to find. day I had a visit from Carmelo, The locals are keen to hotel beach frontage. MS is the Which was one of the reasons Chatting with locals on the ‘chicken an ex-combatant of the BRAZ – demonstrate the key role they signature of the Mara Salvatrucha we were here at Punta Mango. bus’ I found that they opened up the elite commando special forces played in the war, with plans 13, one of the earliest and most (Another reason was mental and to talk about the role they, or their of the FMLN guerrillas – with a to build a small museum and a established of the Salvadoran physical preparation for my return parents or relatives played ‘during plastic foot for a souvenir. cultural centre on beachfront gangs. Originating with Salvadoran trip to Australia with over 36 the war’, when I mentioned that I Much of the next day we spent land donated by the mayor of the deportees from Los Angeles in the hours of flying/airport time). Peace, had visited the region in 1988 and traversing the dusty roads on an regional council. It is proposed late ‘90s they quickly grew into a tranquillity, isolation, nothing but met some of the combatants. open bed ute. We visited the beach as a project for ‘The Rescue network of extortion and terror campesino farmlets and hard to Way back then I had been picked where I had been ‘kidnapped’ by of Historic Memory’. Perhaps which caused (and is still causing) find tourist spots, no police, no up by a government army patrol, the army and met the campesino analogous to Nimbin’s former an exodus of Salvadorans to the gangs (we were told), no 4am buses who were highly suspicious of a who had buried my camera. In hippy museum. With the area’s United States – more than the taking people to their underpaid lone journalist in what they called another community we found inevitable attraction to surfers mass emigrations of the 1980s work. ‘a war zone’. Fortunately the local Brasila, the young guerrilla I this would work in well with a during the 12 year civil war. For Mari, the scratched-in MS guerillas gave warning that a patrol photographed with a weapon concept recently floated by the (Perhaps another case of ‘collateral initials was simply recognition of was on the way and we had time almost as big as she was, now the government to promote ‘political damage’ coming home to roost). a somewhat disappointing reality. to hide my camera. The soldiers proud mother of six sons and tourism’ – already tried and proved Similarly for the death toll. However Kristina, the manageress hiked me along the beaches for daughters. in Nicaragua.

Page 12 The Nimbin GoodTimes February 2017 [email protected] 25th MardiGrass: Overgrow the Government... or keeping the pot boiling by Michael Balderstone, Any musicians, speakers, We have a revamped website, and Australian HEMP Party comedians, performers and poets you can watch the program evolving Happy visitors to who would like to be in the program at: www.nimbinmardigrass.com A MardiGrass 2016 We’ve started the weekly infamous please get in touch soon. Especially crew from Alaska who were involved Photo: Mark Jago MardiGrass meetings, Fridays from if you are a local. in their legalisation process are 5pm but really they begin at 4.20 in There are many ways to be coming, as well as other speakers the HEMP Bar. Everyone’s welcome involved in this 25th MardiGrass. from California and Canada and and we’re always keen for new ideas We need volunteers in most areas, Europe and around Oz. Cannabis suggestions and feedback because we but especially in the two weeks law reform has managed to reach have a lot of trouble remembering immediately prior to the weekend the top of the pile in the past what happened last year. which is May 5, 6 and 7 this year. year, and it finally feels like our Every year seems to be the best There is a book in the Embassy little cannabis creek is becoming MardiGrass ever, and we struggle where you can register your interest mainstream. to remember what to fix or how to or email [email protected] or We had a fantastic Medican improve so please feel free to remind phone 6689-0326. Or come to a workshop in the hall in January us! Of course keep in mind that meeting Friday arvo. where the full house heard some MardiGrass aims to change the law We need Jungle Patrollers, fencers extraordinary healing stories. The while enjoying ourselves. Which and builders, cooks and cleaners, anti-cancer properties in cannabis is fortunate seeing as little change artists and electricians and even are proving themselves to be quite has happened in the 25 years of joint rollers. And we need local amazing time after time. Now I effort. In fact, it’s harder to score knowledge amongst the backpacker don’t want to be too cynical but than ever in Nimbin now, which is volunteers or a lot of confusion can there’s big money being made in bloody disgusting considering the happen, especially with language treating cancer. Yet we know with my own ears at the Office of Drug it looks like Pauline Hanson has public acceptance and current trials translation. “Please take this down diet changes alongside cannabis, Control’s public meeting. WTF? grabbed the bong and is running happening with medical weed. to the showground?” “Sure,” he there can be amazing results. Let And they wonder why we don’t trust with it ahead of everyone else. Forty people are now banned said and was last seen confidently your food be your medicine and politicians. I’m sidetracking, but this We hope others will step forward from Nimbin in ‘Operation Cuppa’, striding past the petrol station medicine your food. Remember? is why we have the MardiGrass. soon. There is a bus leaving from charged with supplying cannabis, towards Tuntable. Yet the police are going harder We went to Canberra for the last the HEMP Embassy, and if you and no cases are to be heard until Talking of art, there are prizes for than ever at pot supplies while day of parliament last year and we’re are interested see Max Stone in the June. Not been very helpful to all the best MardiGrass shop window big corporations are gearing up to going back for the first day this year, HEMP Bar. the people who have been getting displays and entries into the Pot supply chemists where you will get 7th February. Just trying to keep Remember if you want to help their organic medicine in Nimbin Art exhibition can be dropped into legal medicine after your doctor the issue on the agenda, talking to in any way at Nimbin’s 25th for decades. Exactly why we hold the HEMP Bar from April Fools gives you a prescription. All by the politicians and waving the Giant MardiGrass, phone 6689-0326, the MardiGrass. Day on. end of this year! I heard it with Tincture Bottle around. Meanwhile email or come to a Friday meeting. Medical cannabis – current state of play by Michael Balderstone Medical cannabis is currently being discussed all over the country in high places and behind very closed doors. Not only by stoners, but by people in suits who are popping out some weird ideas. For instance, Queensland doctors have been warned not to prescribe “the strongest forms” (THC) of cannabis to anyone under 25 years old. They also warned that doctors will bear full responsibility for medical cannabis they prescribe and emphasised that medical cannabis products are untested and their safety and efficacy are unknown. Trying hard to scare doctors away or what? There’s no training in cannabis organised Nimbin Medican Workshop on 21st January for doctors that we know of, and while Hemp Farming Open Day they are technically now able to prescribe medicinal cannabis, there are no systems in their stories to the Greenlight website, and more dangerous than weed, and how do we by Wayne Wadsworth place other than to expensively order from further campaigns are lined up after full regulate those industries? Anyone can grow overseas, filling out complicated forms to page adverts in the Sunday Fairfax papers their own tabac or brew their own grog but On Friday 17th February from 10am to 4pm, appease various departments. The plan is to recently. Interestingly, the ads were lined you need a licence to sell it. Why not with Health Farms International will be having have it available in Australian chemists by up for the Murdoch papers but at the last cannabis? an open day to promote Hemp Farming for the end of the year. States get to decide who minute they hiked the price up and forced Politically, Pauline Hanson has picked up Growing Renewable Economies, at 87/89 qualifies, but no doubt it will be very narrow them to pull out. the cause and is running with it. I now hear Cecil Street Nimbin. Follow the balloons. gates all round, and the majority of cannabis In the Greenlight campaign, Lucy she is talking at the May Hemp Expo in The event aims to educate and promote users will not be in the picture at all. So Haslam and Barry Lambert, together with Sydney. Hopefully some other cross-benchers industrial, medical and food products grown what will happen to us? Epilepsy Action Australia, again asked will join her in getting some attention on from hemp and other useful plants. Well, Nimbin is under attack more than Prime Minister Turnbull for an amnesty the issue. She’s a smart opportunist and the The bast, hurd, leaves, flowers, seeds and roots ever these days, which is a bit hard to on compassionate suppliers. Rumours now Greens have missed what should be their of the hemp plant all have very high value uses swallow. As the swelling of support grows abound how his wife Lucy Turnbull, who ball game, social justice. Pauline has grabbed for industrial, medical and food products. for medical cannabis with various people was known to enjoy a toke in her youth, is a the bong and bolted with it now, and we all Health Farms International has developed and organisations asking for an amnesty, director in a company lined up to supply the wonder who will join her! an aqua-hemp system (pictured) for growing we find over-enthusiastic policing is all over good medicine. Meanwhile President Trump has taken hemp from fish poo. The system also our street almost every day, rather than Supply remains the biggest hurdle for down all the info on his drugs policy website produces herbs, and is self-fertilising, and is any sign of, “Sorry hippies, you were right everyone, and we’ll present some options and there’s plenty of speculation as to what well worth seeing in operation. after all. We should have listened to you to parliamentarians when we go down for he has in mind. Whatever it is it could You will also see a surprising range of on a lot of things in fact.” (Just dreaming the first sitting day, 7th February, to join change tomorrow anyway. consumer products made from hemp, for a moment!) Prime Minister Malcolm the MCUA-led protest ‘Enough is Enough’. The Medican Workshop in January was supporting the proposition that if it’s mined Turnbull dismissed the idea quickly, saying I’ve always liked a grassroots hemployment probably the best we’ve held. You can see and made from fossil fuels, it can be grown by an amnesty was an irresponsible idea. model where all the long-term unemployed all the talks on the Hemposium youtube farmers and made from hemp. Most doctors have quite likely never heard stoners suddenly can get a job that makes channel. With the aid of solar, wind, biomass and of the endocannabinoid system and, as Dr sense to them, and the experienced growers The Nimbin Hall is booked out at Easter, pyrolysis, humans can actually reverse David Caldicott said in a recent interview, can have boutique brands. so the next Workshop will be held at the old greenhouse, simply by using hemp and “Most GPs and doctors have been told that We estimate there’s at least a hundred butter factory, now Nimbin’s Bush Theatre bamboo for most of their consumer goods. cannabis is terribly naughty, and this is part thousand jobs waiting to happen in that alongside the Phoenix Rising Cafe and Clever humans can turn their consumer of the problem.” Caldicott is also involved type of regulated cannabis industry in Bringabong, just north of the village and over products into green energy and stable carbon with Greenlight Support, a new initiative Australia. Maybe limit licences to supply the creek, on 15th April, Easter Saturday, for sustainable farming when they buy their from Barry Lambert, the man who gave $34 no more than a hundred kilos, a cottage from 11am until 4.20pm. It’s a terrific venue. next fashionable hemp consumer item. This million to UNSW for research after seeing industry. If you make the limit in plant We hope to promote the event on the coast way, the more people consume, the quicker we the extraordinary results from cannabis on numbers, people grow fertilised monsters and maybe get some visitors from down reverse greenhouse. his epileptic granddaughter. and medicine must be organic. south who are in the area for Easter and the Find out more at the Open Day, or visit: Medical users are encouraged to send in We all agree alcohol and tobacco are far Bluesfest. www.healthfarmsinternational.com www.nimbingoodtimes.com February 2017 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 13 Cancer collaboration wins Tamworth award The Tamworth Country Music Festival in January has again recognised the best in Australian country music with Golden Guitars. Starting in 1973, these are the nation’s longest-running music awards. Grafton local and Bunjalung man, Troy Cassar-Daley took out the Album of the Year award for the second year in a row. He was also inducted into the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown as an artist who had captured “the hearts of Australians with his wonderful, engaging personality”. Newcomer Travis Collins won Male Artist of the Year, while Sara Storer won Female Artist of the Year and Bush Ballad of the Year, bringing her Golden Guitar tally to 21. diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer in Cancer survivor But the standout award this year 2015, the ARIA-nominated artist, who Below: Troy Cassar-Daley with wife Laurel was for Vocal Collaboration of the won Best Female Artist at Tamworth Edwards Photo courtesy ABC News Year, which went to Catherine Britt last year, has undergone chemotherapy with Kasey Chambers, , and radiation treatment. Lyn Bowtell, Josh Pyke, and “I now see a light at the end of the for the track ‘FU tunnel, and am excited to celebrate with C a n c e r ’. music and good friends,” Catherine said. Beccy Cole wrote the song with She said she had not experienced any the help of Lyn Bowtell, for cancer negative feedback on the song’s title. survivor Catherine Britt, who has been “Cancer is abrasive and it’s rude and inspirational as she fights cancer with a abrupt ... there is nothing nice about it, positive attitude and supportive family so why write a song that is polite?” and friends. The irreverent song contains lines like: Beccy Cole said, “Beautiful Catherine “My bald head is looking like one half of asked me to write a song called ‘FU Beccy Cole’s breast”. Cancer’, after I gifted her a pillow with “(Cancer) is such a serious thing, but it that have fought cancer and all of those the same statement. I wrote it on the can’t all be serious,” Catherine said. that will in the future.” plane to Tamworth and Lyn Bowtell “Saying ‘FU Cancer’ is the perfect way Watch a live performance of came over to put a cherry on top!” to respond to this disease. It’s brave, in the song at: www.youtube.com/ Weddings from $990 +gst After confirming that she had been your face and strong, just like all those watch?v=l3ZUevnUQIQ

Page 14 The Nimbin GoodTimes February 2017 [email protected] Amongst the awe- working in dangerous inspiring scenery conditions, so they of the Himalayan went on strike. Sherpa mountain range, Peedom filmed as the Director Jennifer commercial climbing Peedom set out to industry struggled uncover tension in to comprehend the 2014 Everest a new narrative: climbing season their faithful aides from the Sherpas’ had suddenly, publicly point of view, and realised their power. instead captured a tragedy when Smart, genuine, thoughtful film- an avalanche struck, killing 16 making. Well deserving of its Sherpas. accredited and awarded status. Sherpa tells the story of how Sherpa will be screening on the Sherpas tired of being Saturday 11th February, 7pm disrespected by clients, poorly at Birth and Beyond, Nimbin. served by their government and Members free, non-members $10. NIMBIN BUSH THEATRE MOVIES

NIMBIN BOWLO BISTRO & LOUNGE Open Mic Nights BUFFET DINNERS Wed 8th & 22nd FRIDAY NIGHTS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Every Thursday Barkskin Friday & Saturday Friday 3rd March, 8pm Friday 3rd Doug & Biko 17th & 18th February, 8pm This is Spinal Tap Saturday 4th Wil Massey Over the Fence (1984, rated M) $10 Friday 10th Freowin Harper Saturday 11th Dave Barbara Comedy Film Festival This is Spinal Tap is a 1984 American Friday 17th Doug & Biko (2017, rated M) $15 rock music mockumentary written, Saturday 18th Wil Massey In 2017, the 19th edition scored by, and starring Rob Reiner, Friday 24th Rob Cass of Over the Fence, the Christopher Guest, Michael McKean Saturday 25th Brommers curators proudly present Friday 24th February, 8pm and Harry Shearer. The film portrays short comedy films from around Mahana the fictional British heavy metal band DRINKS AT CLUB PRICES – NEW MENU MID-FEB the world which take on quirky (2016, rated M) $10 Spinal Tap. conundrums with an excellent sense of Mahana is a 2016 New Zealand drama Directed by Reiner, the movie has a comedic observation. Over The Fence written and directed by Lee Tamahori satirical but good natured look at the Kundalini Yoga – The Yoga of Awareness Comedy Film Festival is the longest based on the novel Bulibasha: King Of musical pretensions of heavy metal Kundalini Yoga is a blend of posture, breath, mantra, running touring comedy film festival The Gypsies by Whale Rider author bands, as well as the tendencies of rock music and meditation, which teach you the art of in Australia and is returning to The Witi Ihimaera. (It was released as The documentaries of the time to create relaxation, self-healing and elevation. Nimbin Bush Theatre on Friday Feb Patriarch outside New Zealand.) Set in mighty god-like visions of rockstars. The primary objective of Kundalini is to awaken the full 17 and Saturday Feb 18. Last year the an spectacular part of New Zealand’s (Such as The Song Remains the Same potential of human awareness, clear our inner duality, venue was packed out for this hilarious pastoral regions. Mahana tells the story about Led Zepplin.) cultivate inner stillness PLUS it’s a great workout. selection of top notch comedic films, of two Maori families, the Mahanas and Reiner and the three main actors are so this year the festival will be running the Poatas, who are bitter rivals. credited as the writers of the movie Classes in Lismore Thursday pm, Friday am. All ages over two nights. Mahana saw director Lee Tamahori because they ad libbed much of the and fitness levels welcome. Over The Fence seeks excellence in making his first film on local soil since a dialogue. The three main members Please call Ailsa, certified Yoga/Pilates and curating and presenting comedy films very different family tale: 1994’s award of Spinal Tap – David St Hubbins, Kundalini Yoga Teacher, on 6622-6413 that can change the way we view the winning Once Were Warriors. Temuera Derek Smalls and Nigel Tufnel are world, celebrating new and independent Morrison stars as a 60s era farming played by actors McKean, Shearer, and [email protected] filmmakers, their comic masterpieces patriarch who makes it clear his family Guest, respectively. and their excellent sense of humour. should have absolutely nothing to do The three actors play their musical This is a film festival that is a dedicated with rival family the Poatas. instruments and speak with mock Nimbin Haberdashery to championing independent and new Then romance enters the picture, and English accents throughout the movie. & Gas Supply filmmakers. With films from all over son Simeon sets out to find out how Reiner appears as Marty Di Bergi, the the worid including La Dernier Coup, the feud first started. Starring Temuera maker of the documentary. The film 6689 1466 Think Twice, The United Guys Network, Morrison and Nancy Brunning the boasts a huge range of comedic cameos All supplies for sewing, knitting, embroidery etc; The Board, Not Sophie’s Choice, Notorious powerhouse Māori cast includes Jim from Anjelica Huston, Fran Dresher, • material, dyes, ribbons, zips, buttons, elastic, thread Corn, Suck it Boss and Flushed. Flushed Moriarty. Billy Crystal and many more. • curtain rods & brackets was created by Australian Director Temuera Morrison plays Tamihana When the film was first released • craft supplies Richard Eames who said,”I’m honoured Mahana, a proud farmer and father, a in the 80s many punters did not • mending, alterations and repairs to be a part of one of Australia’s longest gruff grandfather and an authoritarian immediately identify it as a spoof. Gas supplies (all areas) running film festivals and one which has who would do anything for his family. As the film progresses, the ridiculous • 45kg for $125 delivered built a strong reputation for screening Mahana debuted at the 2016 Berlin unbridled egos of the band plus the • fast, friendly & honest service some of the best short comedy from Film Festival, before its NZ release. sycophantic management and music around the world. industry folks that surround them 72 Cullen St Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm Sat 10am - 12pm A great aspect of Over The Fence it becomes increasingly evident that is the opportunity for the films to be this is not just a spoof about heavy showcased to a much wider audience as metal bands, it is also a sharp and the festival travels around the country, critical expose of the pretentious music something that is quite unique to Over industry machinations of the time. The Fence.” Festival highlights include If you haven’t seen this film, or even Not Sophie’s Choice from the UK, if you have, The Nimbin Bush Theatre directed by Matt Holt and starring is the perfect setting for this hard Catherine Tate and Alex MacQueen, rocking hilarious experience. Get which looks at the child’s mind and the ready to laugh, and rock! question “But why Mummy?” This is a film festival which will get you laughing Book online for all films: h t t p:// and is not too be missed! nimbinbushtheatre.com/events

www.nimbingoodtimes.com February 2017 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 15 BUSH THEATRE DOUBLE BILL The Nimbin Bush Theatre is excited bands around the world today. festival in Portugal, (the biggest electro to announce the return of Wild Wild Marmalade acknowledge festival in Europe), as well as playing Marmalade (above left) to the theatre, Kangaroo Moon as the prime influence the MGM Grand in Las Vegas with this time co-headlining with drum behind their formation. “This is a rare Circe du Soleil. Their blend of world digeridoo legends Kangaroo Moon. opportunity to experience two very beats, digeridoo and ethno sounds Kangaroo Moon (above right) were unique projects that have come out of results in a wildly hypnotic and joyful ground-breakers in the early 1990’s, the North Coast of Australia and had dance music. touring their brand of trancey dancey a massive impact on the international In short this is a world standard music around the world, and they music scene,” Si Mullumby of Wild double bill that is unmissable, to have haven’t stopped since. Between playing Marmalade said. Between them both two such bands on one night will be an Glastonbury, Womad, and a thousand bands can be credited with basically incredible experience for any music and other festivals around the world, creating a new genre of music that has dance lover. Kangaroo Moon have established gone onto being one of the highlights of Doors open 8pm, Saturday Feb 11 themselves as one of the most any international festival. 2017, tickets are $20 online or $25 at influential psychedelic ethno dance Wild Marmalade, formed in 2001, the door. The Phoenix Rising Cafe will bands in the world. Like Shooglenifty have made huge inroads on the be open for tasty locally sourced meals, they are high energy, folky, worldy international festival scene, and are award winning coffees and sweet treats. and can transform a dance floor into a feted as innovative, contemporary and BYO permitted. joyous and explosive place. They have uniquely Australian. Last year they Booking ahead recommended at: influenced many current world dance played the main stage of the Boon http://www.nimbinbushtheatre.com/events Latin dance Tuesdays

Four-string Phil

n my late teenage years I took a shine to the drums, and “Ifor many years it was my instrument of choice. “Then six years ago I picked up a guitar and thought now this is for me, but I just couldn’t get the sound I had in my head out with those six strings, so I took two off, belted out some sounds and haven’t looked back. “My music is really different: rock, blues, slide, cigar box If you love to dance and Three separate classes are guitar, even touch of techno. My sound, I call it Stomp Rock. would like to know how to being offered: 5.45pm Salsa I’m loud, I have a 20-litre bucket for a stomp drum, and my Salsa and Cha Cha Cha, join basics ($10); 6.30pm Cha songs are all original. Leyla and Rob at the Nimbin Cha Cha ($10); 7.15pm Salsa “I keep it simple, write about things I like, and sure enough Bush Theatre on Tuesdays. moves – intermediate ($15). someone is always tapping their feet at my gigs.” Classes start Tuesday 7th Phone 0418-370-098 for Four-string Phil will be playing at the Nimbin Hotel on February. more information. Friday 3rd February. Watch for more of his gigs in the region. Open Mike nights rock the Bowlo

Biko leads the all-in jam session Photo: Mel Williamson

Local musos are flocking to the Nimbin Bowlo Open Mike nights, held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, for the chance to play in unusual combos – plus the courtesy bus is running, a buffet dinner is served, and drinks are at club prices. Next Open Mike nights are 8th and 22nd February, from 7pm. Come along and put your name on the board!

Page 16 The Nimbin GoodTimes February 2017 [email protected] Waitangi Day celebration The Nimbin Bush Theatre including Poi making, music will be having a special and stories, coming together Waitangi Day celebration on in a traditional Hangi feast, Saturday Feb 4 from 12pm suitable for non vegetarians until 10pm. and vegetarians alike. Waitangi Day (named after Other specific Kiwi treats Waitangi where the Treaty may also be on offer, such of Waitangi was first signed) as marshmallow fish, for commemorates a significant any expats missing such day in the history of New delicacies. Zealand. The cinema will show a It is observed as a public selection of New Zealand holiday each year on 6 films, including the smash February to celebrate the hit for all the family, Hunt signing of the Treaty of for the Wilderpeople, starting Waitangi, New Zealand’s at 4pm, and Mahana starting founding document. copies of the treaty were such Treaty signed with at 8pm. The Treaty of Waitangi carried around the country indigenous peoples by the The Phoenix Rising Cafe 47 Cullen Street, Nimbin was first signed on 6 to give other chiefs the British and was due in large will be open, serving a range February 1840, at Waitangi opportunity to sign. The part to Māori resistance of delicious meals, cold by representatives acting on Treaty made New Zealand to heavy handed British drinks and award winning behalf of the British Crown a part of the British Empire colonisation. coffee. All in the gorgeous and initially, more than and guaranteed the Mãori The Nimbin Bush Theatre gardens by the magical 40 Māori chiefs. During People’s rights to their will offer a range of Māori Mulgum Creek. the next seven months, land. This was the first cultural experiences, All ages. Entry by donation. London Klezmer Quartet 3220 Kyogle Rd, Mt Burrell NSW 2484 P (02) 6679 7118 www.sphinxrockcafe.com Much-loved international klezmer ensemble, the London Klezmer Quartet February 1pm start return to the Northern Rivers in February with their latest album, ready 5th Kellie Knight to share with old and new fans alike. Accessible lyrics, well-crafted pop hooks The London Klezmer Quartet was and a potent blend of whiskey-smoke jazz formed in 2009 by four London-based subtlety and full-power soul vocals. klezmorim with a shared interest in 12th Kim Banffy the traditional playing style. The group Kim’s songs attract an audience that appreciates is Ilana Cravitz (violin), Susi Evans meaningful lyrics and interesting melodies. (clarinet), Carol Isaacs (accordion) – all 19th Matt Stillert direct from the UK – and Aussie, Indra Matt’s original sound features thundering riffs, Buraczewska (double bass and vocals). wailing vocals, high energy crescendos and an Klezmer is a musical tradition of the unorthodox guitar style. Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern Europe. Played by professional musicians 26th Elena B Williams called klezmorim, the genre originally Samoan Australian singer-songwriter who consisted largely of dance tunes and brings alive a sound that has the strength instrumental display pieces for weddings of her culture. and other celebrations. it is high energy March 2nd Murray Kyle music, full of passion and demands Passionate storytelling that honours virtuosity of musical technique. our connection as humanity. The London Klezmer Quartet’s fourth album, To the Tavern, takes their evocation of the celebratory and soulful klezmer music to a whole new level. The The Quartet will perform at the (OrkLiz). recording, which they will recreate live Lismore City Bowling Club at 7.30pm The Quartet will also perform a in performance for the tour, is a dawn- on Wednesday 8th February, and will concert and dance the following Friday to-dawn story about a klezmer band’s also present a workshop earlier that night, 10th February at 8pm at the arrival in a small town. evening (5pm-6.15pm) at the same Nimbin Bush Theatre with support Nimbin Hotel With a wealth of traditional-style venue, for any instrumentalists who are from local gypsy cabaret outfit ‘Out of & Backpackers compositions by the band, the adventure keen to learn some klezmer tunes. Range’. Entry $20. The Phoenix Rising 53 Cullen Street, Nimbin. Ph: 6689-1246 weaves fabulous instrumentals with Entry to either event will cost Cafe will be open from 6.30pm with the irresistibly sonorous vocals of Indra $20/$15, with a special package deal of a range of delicious locally sourced Buraczewska, who features in traditional $35/$25 for attendance at both events. meals, drinks and sweet treats. BYO is laments, a Warsaw Yiddish theatre hit More info about the Quartet and both permitted. with a hint of jazz, ‘Goodbye New York’, 8th February events can be found on Book online to reserve your ticket at: and even a song about beetroot soup! the Orkeztar Lismore’s facebook page http://nimbinbushtheatre.com/events February Gigs Friday 3rd 7pm 4 String Phil Duck for the Hall at Whian Whian Saturday 4th 7pm Bassix Sunday 5th 5pm David Barbara Galapagos Duck, renowned Aussie jazz Thursday 9th 7pm Adam Brown band, returns to Whian Whian Hall Friday 10th 7pm Rhyece Oneill for a special afternoon concert on 12th Saturday 11th 7pm Adam Hole Band February. Sunday 12th 5pm Brommers These virtuosos are a must-see for all Thursday 16th 7pm Q ages. Friday 17th 7pm Romaniacs Wood-fired pizza will be available Saturday 18th 7pm Steve Dornington from noon, with the performance Sunday 19th 5pm Richie Williams starting at 2pm and running until 4pm. Thursday 23rd 7pm Surf Report Coffee and cake will be available at Friday 24th 7pm Dirty River Duo interval, with funds supporting the Saturday 25th 7pm Drift Hall. BYO alcohol if desired. Sunday 26th 5pm Slim Pickens Tickets are $20, concession $15. Cash All Gigs are Free of Charge at door only. Call 0417-119-142 for more JOKER POKER EVERY THURSDAY EVENING information or visit: www.galapagosduck. net and Whian Whian Hall facebook page. the mended drum Whian Whian Hall is located at 414 Open for Lunch & Dinner Whian Whian Road, Whian Whian Daily Specials (via Lismore).

www.nimbingoodtimes.com February 2017 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 17