Letter [email protected]

Copenhagen Greenwash fired power stations (gas is a During this accelerated by the respect you will have In retrospect, the much cleaner alternative in energising period for Earth, earned. But you cannot Copenhagen talkfest with the short term) and (4) invest life is revving up, “bouncing” command life to give you the Notices its disappointing outcomes more money in large scale from one extreme to the best it has to offer. You have was all fairly predictable renewable energy projects other. We are caught up in to win life’s affections, like a For Rent and should have surprised and the emerging Green this and we really have no lover. Life will not raise you nobody. The sticking points economy. choice now but to trust life up if it does not like you or were always going to be Cr Jeff Johnson as we have never trusted if it has no good reason to the adequacy of emissions Lennox Head life before. We are all going or if you simply take life for reduction targets and to be kicked and beaten to granted and give nothing financing arrangements to A Bend That Could Kill! pulp otherwise. Let’s face back. Binnah, it is life that is assist developing countries. it, a lot of sad people are touching your heart, calling Sadly, the event turned out going to be. That’s because to you. to be a missed opportunity they are bunching up at the Life itself is reality and we for the world to get serious wrong extreme – know what humans are the magicians 86sqm building, Nimbin Community Centre. A/C, about reducing greenhouse I mean? who create what we will private access, from $164pw. Available Feb. 2010. Email gas emissions. While Kevin Binnah! that’s not for from it, and by God we have Expression of Interest to: [email protected] Rudd may appear to be you. Jump on board the picked up on a few tricks over For Rent magnificent steed, Life, time, but suddenly we are not showing leadership on Coming down the steep Self-contained, one-bedroom dwelling in secuded garden, the world scene, a closer mountain on Stony Chute brother, and in one bound too sure about how to undo you can soar free. And to the unwise stuff. So we are five minutes walk from Nimbin Post Office, $180 per look shows that his chest- Road, heading towards week. Phone 6689-0517. puffing displays were just the Kyogle — right at the bottom anyone who cares to listen getting a tad concerned about usual greenwashing from a of the hill at the turn-off to I say, ask yourself are you the possible consequences of For Sale government that is taking a Campbell Road, is a very heading for a kick in the our smogfest and gluttony. 1984 Toyota Hi-Ace pop-top van. Manual, petrol, 2-way “business as usual” approach deceptive bend in the road. balls from life or towards For as long as there is at fridge, stove/grill, water tank, rear tent, tow bar. Only to climate change and peak Many a driver has had to hit hidden treasures? Whichever least one human left who 137,000km, good condition. Urgent sale due to illness, oil. the brakes hard to be able to it is, you are sure and true reaches out to life with a pure $6,200 ono. Phone 0427-336-910. The Australian navigate safely. going to find out before the and sincere heart life will be Government’s emissions But in the last two years, close of 2012. available to the rest of us to reduction target of 5% two drivers were not so Life favours those who give practice our wizardry on. Events is an embarrassment to lucky... one of them had an it both sparkle and depth. Until life has been demeaned individuals, organizations unpleasant early Christmas If you turn your back on and abused to where the last Kyogle Markets and the other levels of surprise this week when life it will turn the same on pure heart turns away it will The Kyogle Produce and Craft Markets will resume government that are taking their vehicle failed to take you. But when you look life never abandon us, but on that on Saturday 9th January. The Tidy Towns Committee steps to dramatically reduce the bend in time to miss square in the eye and dare day it surely will. wish to thank the stallholders and their customers for their individual or collective the tree on the side strip. it to kick you just one more Shanjuran supporting the Markets and wishes each and every one of emissions. Resident cows looked on in time you will be surprised Rural Byron Shire you good health and prosperity in the New Year. The few billion that Rudd amazement to see the front Phone secretary Joan Hayman for more information on is throwing at renewable end of the vehicle pushed 6633-9143. energy and energy efficency in and all the windows initiatives should be shattered. GoodTimes loses mascot Tuntable Family Cafe applauded but this is far It is only a matter of time Jemima, the faithful The Tuntable Family Cafe Sunday dinner will be back from being enough to before someone gets seriously Nimbin GoodTimes again on 24th January starting at 5pm. As always, we aim transform our economy and hurt. Council would be well newshound, suffered to bring you delicious, healthy meals in a nice atmosphere. demonstrate to the world advised to alert drivers with a stroke just before If rains happen, we can cozy up inside the community hall. that Australia is taking the an additional road sign to the Christmas, and was And as always, musicians are very welcome to join us. The necessary steps towards forthcoming dangerous bend. euthanased and theme will be Middle Eastern and belly dancers are also reducing our emissions. This is even more relevant buried at home. invited to come. If anyone knows of an inexpensive food If Kevin Rudd wants any as there is a bus stop opposite A labrador cross display-warmer/bain marie, do let us know. credibility at the next round the common crash site who was originally a George, Stephanie, Nicolette and Sophia of talks in Bonn and Mexico with children waiting for pound dog, Jemima Kick up your arts he should start negotiating the school bus or for their lived to the ripe Fundraising party, Saturday 30th January, 7pm at Uki now with the Greens to get parents to pick them up after old age of 18 years. Her image appeared in the Hall. Featuring information about 2010 Ukitopia events, a a vastly improved CPRS school. GoodTimes on several occasions, whenever collection of interesting performances, interactive theatre passed through the senate Monika Boenigk we did a dog story and needed a model. and concluding with a live music and dance extravaganza The targets will need to Stony Chute Her presence, particularly underneath the featuring Uki’s top musos. Cost $30, 12-20 yrs olds $15 be a minimum of 25% and layout table during the wee small hours, is – includes dinner and a hot drink and cake. Pre-booked the multi-billion dollar Jump on board Life sorely missed by the production team. tickets essential. Phone 6679-5677 compensation package will Having read the piece by have to be redirected away Binnah Pownall “Imaging Bookkeeper: Martha Paitson from the polluters towards Beyond Endings” in the individuals. That alone will December edition of NGT, About us Website: David McMinn offset the inevitable rise I would like to express my Editor: Bob Dooley www.nimbingoodtimes.com whatever you’re looking for... in prices to occur whilst thoughts in reply: Assistant Editor: Sue Stock NGT is auspiced by the transforming our economy. Binnah, friend, you have Layout: Jo Evans and Bob Nimbin Community School The Government’s own to say one thing about life, Photographers: Sue Stock, Co-operative Ltd. modelling suggests that our it likes to laugh in our faces. Pam Bourne, Roslyn Parry, Next deadline: economy would still be able Sure it has a kinky sense of Thorsten Jones, Diana Tissott, Wednesday 27th January to grow, while at the same humor. Everyone knows life Len Martin, Paul Tait time making significant cuts likes to kick a bloke when he Email: nimbin.goodtimes to our emissions. is down. Yet the next time Distribution: Angus, Alex, @gmail.com or put stuff in Coralie, Ben, Tonia, Gabrielle It’s simple: (1) stop large ‘round, life is just as likely to our pigeonhole at the Nimbin & Warren (Bellingen), scale land clearing (2) get give the same bloke pleasures Community Centre. serious with energy efficiency beyond his wildest dreams. David (West End), Martin Please limit contributions to (Maleny), and Matt (Glebe). we can help you find it... (3) stop building new coal That’s the way of it. 600 words or less. Next Market 10th January 9am – 3pm Band of the Day: nimbin visitor River Eddy information centre 80 cullen st nimbin nsw 2480 Charity of the Day: 02 6689 1388 The Channon Rural [email protected]@lismore.nsw.gov.au Fire Service visitlismore.com.auvisitnimbin.com.au openopen 10am-4pm 10am-4pm mon-sat “Make It, Bake It, Grow It” Enquiries: 6688-6433 Page 8 The Nimbin GoodTimes January 2010 [email protected] Simon says... From the Mayor’s desk creativity and flair that our artists possess channelled Lismore’s future population Federal Government for remaining 500m of Lillian into raising funds to help growth. $4.5 million towards Rock Road. with the MOAC. It could be At our December meeting the Olley. Council will A proposal to erect a loads of fun participating in we considered the report contribute $3 million and sign promoting a drug free some innovative fundraising on all that work. Seven Southern Cross University Nimbin was lost. events. sites were identified and will add $1 million. One of the major decisions each was assessed using Council also included Australia Day of the Council meeting was criteria including social, the need for a report on Council and Lismore-born the decision to proceed with natural environment, how Council’s budget ex-Socceroo Craig Foster, the Southern Trunk Main transport access, proximity for roads, cycleways, our 2010 Australia Day (sewerage), which will mean by Simon Clough to services, open space and footpaths, drainage and Ambassador, will celebrate Lismore City Councillor that the pressure (literally) is taken off the Goonellabah infrastructure demands. building maintenance can January 26 at Goonellabah system and much more All the identified areas be maintained with no cuts Sports and Aquatic Centre. elcome rain! It’s land is available for urban are to be included in a if the Federal application This is the day where we so good to see the development close to the Growth Management is successful and the Olley acknowledge our fantastic land becoming W CBD. This is only part of Strategy that will provide proceeds. community volunteers in vibrant green again and the the story, because from a sound of the creeks gushing by Jenny Dowell Lismore’s land for the next a variety of spheres. For sustainability perspective Special Rates Variation and crashing over rocks. It’s a 25-30 years but some areas the first time Council has Council is keen to see an Mayor of Lismore reminder of what a wondrous are clearly more readily (SRV) called for nominations for increase in housing density, [email protected] part of the planet we inhabit. suitable. In the new year, Council the Aboriginal Citizen more affordable housing and What better Christmas The Southern Trunk will consult with the of the year and we have housing that is able to be present than to have full accessed by walking, riding appy New Year Main (STM), a new sewer community on a possible new categories where tanks, revived gardens and or public transport. to all NGT line servicing Goonellabah rate rise. there is recognition but no greening paddocks with The community will hear readers! I hope and areas south of the city, NSW is the only state winner such as for a Good contented livestock. H a lot more about the Special the coming 12 months is also a high priority to where the Government Neighbour. The last Council meeting of Rate Variation. Council brings you good health and relieve current capacity imposes rate-pegging, a Australia Day is also the the year was a “full-on affair” has resolved to approach happiness. problems. Building that limit on the percentage time for many residents with issues ranging from the ratepayers for feedback on decision to apply for funding The Council year finished STM will also service rates can rise. While the to finalise their decision the proposal for a 3.51% for the Margaret Olley on December 23 and the first three areas to be limit has face-value to rate to become Australian additional increase in Arts Centre to a motion Councillors, Management released - Military Rd, East payers, it has led to NSW citizens. rates to raise $700,000. suggesting signs to the north and staff all took a well- Lismore, Invercauld Rd, local governments being the If you are free, do come $500,000 will be for roads and south of Nimbin stating earned break. Council Goonellabah and Chilcotts least financially sustainable along and enjoy the and $200,000 for an “Lismore City Council environmental levy. offices reopen on January Grass. in the nation. celebrations at 8.30 am and supports a drug free Nimbin, The environmental levy is 4 but many staff and Lismore Council has then perhaps have a swim your support would be Clunes WWS of most interest to me. This Councillors take the decided to embark on a in the pool. appreciated”. The Council levy is for the development opportunity for annual Long term readers will process towards requesting meeting went till after 11pm and implementation of leave to refresh, ready for know that a Waste Water the Minister to grant 2010 with no Councillor sneaking a Biodiversity Strategy, the coming challenges that Scheme (WWS) for permission for a SRV Councillor Interviews off to attack the traditional climate change adaptation last meeting prawns (which make local government Clunes has been considered of 3.51% above rate- from 5.30pm on the first and mitigation, improving apparently has happened in interesting. for nearly ten years. pegging. If our Council and third Monday of every public transport, improved the past!) The December Council Council had decided on and community agree, month resume on Monday catchment management and The decision to apply meeting was a five hour an on-site treatment system this increase would 1st February. sustainability planning. for federal funding for the affair with some of the with local reuse on an provide $500,000 for These interviews give Council has determined Margaret Olley Art Centre the Biodiversity Strategy to most significant decisions agricultural site at a cost of roads, $200,000 for residents an opportunity (MOAC) was very close with be essential in its Delivery of 2009. Many of the about $7 million. Clunes Environmental policies for 30 minutes with two the Mayor using her casting Plan. It’s very positive to see 90 people in the gallery ratepayers were paying and their implementation Councillors rostered on a vote to decide the issue. I a proposal to map one of the contacted me to say how $400 pa towards the cost. and $100,000 just from rotational basis. voted for the application most bio-diverse parts of fascinating they found the Council has now businesses for Business Bookings are required on because I’m convinced that our continent. Depending experience. determined that the STM Promotion. 1300-878-387. the art/cultural community on the ratepayer response is already a significant growth Councillors really is a higher priority at this If our community agrees Council workshops Council will approach industry which will repay appreciate having residents time so the Clunes WWS and the Minister grants resume on Tuesday the Department of Local the Council’s investment observing the process has been postponed for two the SRV, the average rates 2nd February at 6pm, Government to convince it of handsomely in both cultural as it brings a greater years and the $400 fee has bill (general, waste and when we will discuss the the necessity of the rise. and economic terms. The understanding of the been suspended. wastewater) will rise by Community Engagement I can’t finish this column impact of $8.5m spent in the without reference to complexity of Council and $60 pa. Process for the Special local economy should also Margaret Olley Arts the Nimbin “drug sign”. demonstrates the diligence Rate Variation, the not be underrated. If the Nimbin News Councillor responses ranged with which Councillors Centre proposed Gungas Road MOAC is to go ahead it will from outrage at the insult undertake their duties. A rescission motion not to Residents along Lillian Planning Agreement and a coincide with a significant to the Nimbin community, appoint architects for the Rock Road and Mountain review of Waste Water and advertising campaign for the to incredulity that anyone Urban Land Release preparation of drawings Top Road will be pleased Trade Waste Charges. CBD which has the ‘tag line’ could believe that signs and sewerage “Come to the heart!” all of and a DA for a new gallery to know that Council has The first Council meeting stopped drugs. It’s not hard which I believe will have a Land use planning is one was lost on my casting vote. agreed to fund the sealing for the New Year will be to guess my attitude to very positive impact on the of the most important Two further motions of another 500m of these Tuesday February 9, at this motion, but the usual CBD. tasks of any Council. For that were designed to roads before June 2010. 6pm. The Business Paper four Councillors eagerly Council is of course putting some time our Councillors delay the project were The RTA has also with agenda items and supported it. itself on the line financially and staff have been doing also lost, paving the way provided some funds as a reports will available on with the MOAC proposal. Wishing you all a happy, a stock-take of urban land for a resolution to lodge result of the May floods Wednesday 3rd February It would be great to see the healthy and fulfilling 2010. that could accommodate an application with the that will complete the on www.lismore.nsw.gov.au

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION Nimbin Post •Motel rooms OpenOpen 7am 7am- - 5pm 5pm Monday Mon -- FriFriday Full counter postal services. •Self-contained Units Full counter postal services •Swimming Pool Dr Michael J. Kidd �������������������������������� •Restaurant & Bar Lawyer Home of the Next G •Spa range���������������������������� of pre-paid phones For more details P.O. Box 77 Nimbin 2480 Mobile: 0447-467-985 ����������������������������������� please phone Barrister (NZ), Solicitor (NSW) [email protected] Joe or Audette on New stock Locally owned and operated now in! Still serving the Nimbin area New stock 11km to Nimbin, 19km to Lismore 6689-9350 now in!

www.nimbingoodtimes.com January 2010 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 9 Supporting local volunteers

Keeping our littlies safe in the water Page MP Janelle Saffi n is pushing the water safety message to all parents and Regional development carers of little children on the North Coast this summer. At the Gingerbread House high on agenda Occasional Child Care Centre Cross-border transport “Th e support of seven local in Lismore on 22nd December, planning, a regional food mayors and their councils, Ms Saffi n launched the ‘Living strategy and trade relations and now RDA-NR, shows Justine and family with Water’ DVD, which is a with the Pacifi c were on that the Northern Rivers is comprehensive guide to water the agenda when Federal fair dinkum about identifying by Justine Elliot, MP safety aimed at keeping our Member for Page Janelle and agreeing on our transport littlies safe around water. Saffi n met with the Regional priorities and building a Volunteers are the backbone of Australia. $97 Million “It’s a shocking statistic that Development Australia- strong case to attract Nation- People who volunteer in our community make since 2000, more than 300 Northern Rivers (RDA-NR) Building type funds.” a real and lasting diff erence in the lives of so children under 5 have drowned in Lismore in December. Ms Saffi n said she had been many people. for local in Australia,” Ms Saffi n said. Ms Saffi n thanked the impressed by Northern Rivers Th e Rudd Government values the individual “Th e well known Aussie new Board of RDA-NR, Food project, which RDA- contributions and recognises the importance swim coach, Laurie Lawrence chaired by Cr Ian Tiley, NR had carriage of, and which of volunteer organisations. Primary (pictured), is passionate about for its recent $50,000 in- focused on enhancing the I am very pleased to announce that 75 keeping kids safe around principle contribution towards reputation and capacity of the volunteer organisations in the electorate of water, and he’s produced developing an Integrated region’s food industry. Richmond were awarded funding grants Schools this DVD with the help of Regional Transport Plan “I am keen to receive under the 2009 Volunteer Grant Program water safety experts and the for the Northern Rivers and briefi ngs on the Northern totalling more than $236,000. Local primary schools in the electorate of support of the Australian South East Queensland. Rivers Food project, which Th is initiative provided grants of Richmond will receive more than $97 million Government.” She said real momentum includes developing a brand between $1,000 and $5,000 to non-profi t dollars in funding for infrastructure projects Living with Water is a free was building behind the plan to promote the quality and organisations to support their volunteers and under the Rudd Government’s Primary DVD for parents and carers because the Northern Rivers freshness of locally grown encourage volunteering. Schools for the 21st Century. of children under fi ve, and Th e grants will assist organisations to Regional Organisation of and manufactured food, Local schools that will receive new and covers ways of introducing purchase essential new equipment and cover Councils (NOROC), led by additionally the Food Links improved school infrastructure include: water safety for children from the cost of fuel. Th is is a great result for Cr Jenny Dowell, had also project, which primarily • Nimbin Central School, which will receive a newborns to preschoolers, and our local communities and our deserving decided to increase its original relates to food security,” she covered outdoor learning area and a hall, alerts parents to the biggest volunteers. allocation from $40,000 to said. • Coff ee Camp Public School, which will dangers for each age group. Successful organisations in our area include: $70,000 for the project. “I’ve spoken with Southern receive new classroom facilities, “I want every parent or carer • Larnook Volunteer Bushfi re Brigade; “Together with my Federal Cross University expert in • Rainbow Ridge School for Steiner of a child under fi ve to see this • Nimbin Aquarius Landcare Group; Parliamentary colleagues regional food and tourism Education will receive a multipurpose hall DVD,” Ms Saffi n said. • Blue Knob Hall; Brett Raguse (Forde) and Rose Wright on the idea including a library and learning area, Th e DVD is being • Bentley Rural Fire Service; Justine Elliot (Richmond), of RDA-NR working in • Tuntable Creek Public School will receive a distributed to mothers of • You Have a Friend; I am committed to working partnership with the university multipurpose hall and new babies at hospitals, and • Nimbin Volunteer Bushfi re Brigade; closely with NOROC on a and NOROC on a Regional • Tuntable Falls Community Primary School this month Janelle will be • Maternity Coalition; submission aimed at attracting Food Supply Chain Strategy will have existing classrooms refurbished. sending it to preschools, and more funding to ensure the to better link producer with • Rainbow Ridge School Parents and Friends distributing copies at the development of the plan,” she consumer and commercial Association; Th is investment in our local primary schools markets and from her offi ce. said. user, and to ensure that no • Friends of the Circus; and is long overdue. Our teachers and students opportunities are missed.” • Sailability Northern Rivers. should have 21st century facilities in which to Ms Saffi n also discussed teach and learn. future trade opportunities for Celebrating a milestone? Th is new and improved school rural Australian companies If you or a family member are celebrating infrastructure will provide our children with with Pacifi c Island nations. a milestone 90th or 100th birthday, or a a great learning environment from which to She is Chair of the Trade 50th or 60th wedding anniversary I can prepare for the future. Sub-Committee of the Joint help organise congratulatory messages from Building the Education Revolution is a Standing Committee on the Prime Minister and in some cases the key element of the Rudd Government’s Foreign Aff airs, Defence and Governor General and the Queen. $42 billion Nation Building – Economic Trade. Justine. Stimulus Plan to support jobs, stimulate local economies and invest in important Member for Page Member for Richmond infrastructure for the long-term. A full list of successful schools and their 63 Molesworth Street 107 Minjungbal Drive planned projects are available at: www.buildi Lismore Tweed Heads South ngtheeducationrevolution.gov.au or at: www. Phone 1300-301-735 Phone 1300-720-675 economicstimulusplan.gov.au

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�������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������ lismore • bangalow • mullumbimby • federal • nimbin ���������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������ Page 10 The Nimbin GoodTimes January 2010 [email protected] vegetarian rasta at the time and we organized a bust just so we could get the stuff for ourselves. It was pure gold and I put six of the little MardiGrass turns 18 fellas away for a rainy day. Buried The MardiGrass Organising Body (MOB) are on the ‘em actually. There’s still three left ball early this year with Lismore Council and Police and the bottom half of another insisting on bringing us into the ‘new world order’. as I write this in Sydney. But I After a few meetings in Lismore already, we were digress, led astray by the Yakfat, rescued by our angel Anna who is kindly volunteering more later. to submit a 5-year event development application (DA) The Dalai Lama was like a to Council. The infrastructure costs involved in putting lamp who lit up the huge crowd this event on for the community is ever-increasing it I was lost in so easily. For sure I was the only cop in there. He seems, and this year we need everyone’s assistance. was like living forgiveness and I Anna will be approaching all businesses later this was blown away. How to learn month to discuss their needs that weekend and our that. How to get released from needs. Any business supporting MardiGrass will be the endless line of arseholes that recognised during the event and in the programme, run around in my head I want to which is handed out all year in the village. eradicate. Just as I was wondering The focus over the next 5 years is for ‘free-flowing’ this he seemed to look at me. Then walkways to ease congestion on footpaths. ALL he raised three fingers. activities within the village are required to be registered Extracts from the Journal of a “Firstly,” he said, “we must with MOB for the purpose of the Council DA. Anyone Nimbin Undacuva falling apart as look at the big picture. Don’t trading on the street without approval will be subjected prohibition nears its final days. get depressed over a problem to ‘move on’ orders from police. There will be no nough of being a dog. On or tragedy, look at the wider street (footpath) trading apart from Sibley St, Peace all levels. Even Undacuvas perspective, the consequences. Park and specified venues. The ‘blister’ area and the need a holiday, if they can Change often brings good Museum laneway is clear of any activity except acoustic E music with a drumming circle permitted. More venues remember how to have one. The fortune.” sniffing of Nimbin is over and the “Second,” he says, “stop being advertised closer to the event. ruining of one perfectly good dog self centred. Think more about There will be at least a dozen busking venues so we area. This will have security and lighting and ease in the process. Expensive stuff. others. Other brothers and don’t have dramas with the police like last year, with the pedestrian traffic along the footpath around the There are so many dealers not sisters.” He was staring at me I the winners vying for the most coupons received from Hospital. allowed in Nimbin now and still swear. I blushed. I never blush. visitors. There will be a blackboard at each venue to • No parking at the top of Cecil St at the Cullen St the Boss can’t work out how come We are trained to never blush at chalk up your time to play. As soon as MOB gets intersection (Sunday only) on the southern side for 50 the business just aint drying up. Undaschool, with punishments I approval of these venues there will be notices in the next metres to allow for the rally assembly. The trouble is, in this war against vowed to never disclose. GoodTimes editions and around the town informing • Thorburn Street from Silky Oak Drive will have a weed, his soldiers keep quitting “Third,” he says, “you must be residents and visitors of the DA changes. road closure managed by the Backpackers to ensure or going on stress leave while realistic. You make a real effort to Restricted/no parking will be in place in the village clear access to and from the campsites and their the other side has a neverending fix problems but when you cannot, from 12 noon Friday April 30th to 11pm Sunday May parking. supply of fresh faces feeding off accept. Worry just makes another 2nd. Below are areas of concern: • The western council carpark is to be free of any the prohibition paypacket which problem.” • Sibley St will be closed to traffic from Cullen St camping – all camping is to be directed to the is impossible for him to match. In “See the big picture, less self intersection to Thorburn St. Residents in Sibley are Showgounds or Backpackers camping sites. Roadside the interim he told me to take a centred, and be realistic,” he says. asked to limit any vehicle traffic over that weekend camping is not permitted. month off while new tactics were “Get real you say,” he repeats from 12 noon Friday. Vehicle parking paddock areas are to be managed by being decided. in his broken English then • The central section of the village will have no car the Headers Sports Club this year with all profits going All that time as an Unda in dissolves into raucous laughter yet parking this year. Chill Central safety zone will have to the Club. They need volunteers and paddocks close Nimbin has filled me with so again. He’d be right at home on no cars from the ‘blister’ outside the Museum to the enough to town. The MOB sincerely request anyone much spiritual waffle you’d reckon ‘Binstreet. garden before the pedestrian crossing. On the eastern with suitable land near the village for parking to contact the last thing I’d want is more, I’d been hearing these words for side there will be no parking permitted from the us. All parking areas will be slashed with provisions for but it so happens I was in Sydney years as part of my job spying on Hotel all the way to Perceptios. toilets and waste amenities and MOB promises them to when the Dalai Lama was there. I the hippies, but this guy was really • There is also no parking on the southern side of be left cleaner than before the event! was drawn along by an irresistable real. Then how come so few walk Cecil Street from the Showgrounds to the creek to The MOB wishes to extend a welcome and many force that saw me spend hours this path and why do we prefer the allow pedestrian traffic easy access to a new proposed thanks for those who donate their time and finances dressing up as Anna, my blonde wage-eating mortgage lock down pathway from 12 Cecil St to the Town Hall parking during this event, without you it could not happen. All German backpacker with the thick compromise? I was bewildered, volunteers should register with the Hemp Embassy as I often am and why I was piggytails. Hours in front of the leaving a contact phone or email in the shop. MOB mirror with the Yakfat hash in the originally posted as an Unda in Justice Action Group BBQ meetings have sort of started and you will find key pipe. I better explain. Nimbin. organizers in the Hemp Bar from 4.20pm on Fridays. You know I got hooked on The Dalai told us other stuff too. Visitors to the website will see weed doing the job and of course How he tried to be a vego but got nimbinmardigrass.com event tickets including a campsite are already for sale I needed some for the holiday, so so sick the doc ordered him to eat for the weekend of May 1st and 2nd, 2010… not so far I dug up the “antique Buddhas” meat again. Me too. How he gets from Nepal. Some of you will angry at the birds of prey hunting away now. remember the shipment of Nepali his pet birds he feeds. On Saturday 2nd January, the third Nimbin Justice charras that came into Oz a few And how his favorite food is Action Group BBQ was held behind the Museum in years ago as little ancient temple Yakfat. He loves Yakfat. It’s the Mingle Park. It was a huge success. Buddhas. About 10 cm high, they Holy Oil for the dudes from the Revolutionary sausages and reactionary rissoles looked like old metal covered top of the mountains who know (between subversive slices, both brown and white) in years of candle wax from the reincarnation is for real. And here were consumed with gusto. Treasonous tabouli and temples. In fact they were all I was, off my rocker on the Yakfat seditious salads were also present. The conservative solid hash, primo Nepali, coated hashish Buddha. Now I knew coleslaw was largely ignored. in Yakfat. Not just coated, but he was looking at me and I guess After lunch the topic of the day - Arrest and rubbed and rubbed and rubbed that’s why he also met with me Interview Strategies - was interrogated, in public, until they shone like.... ancient after the show but I’m not quite under bright lights. It soon spilt its guts. temple Buddhas. ready to tell you about that yet. The next FREE Nimbin Justice Action Group Customs reliably missed the Maybe next time. He convinced BBQ will be held from 11am on Saturday 16th shipment and a few boxfulls made me Karma is for real so I’m gonna January in Mingle Park (behind the Museum). their way up to Nimbin. I was quit the Unda work for sure. I just Topic: Everything you should know about the NSW Unda made up as a dreadlocked don’t know how to tell the Boss. Drugs Misuse and Trafficking Act. �������� Open for Dinner �������������� Tuesday nights ���������� �������������� “The Oasis” ������������� Now with a wide range of hot and cold dishes ������������������������������������������ Open Sun-Fri until MardiGrass 80 Cullen Street • 6689-0199

www.nimbingoodtimes.com January 2010 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 11 ’m not sure that the team I personally don’t believe saw that what was happening Balibo examines role of journalism of journalists who went he was chasing the big story, around him was an insult to Ito Balibo were as ‘gung the ‘Big Scoop’ to enhance the integrity of the Timorese by Warwick Fry ho’ and naïve as they are his own reputation at all people and incidentally, to depicted in the movie, nor costs. And neither does his the Australian public. Good o say that this film am I sure that Roger East wife Shirley, who knew him journalists can be ‘stupid’ that is more about Roger was as ‘reluctant’ as he was better than I did. We both way sometimes … TEast than ‘The made out to be when the do know though, that he But then, so again is the Balibo Five’ is not to detract young Jose Ramos Horta was more a ‘scholarly’ type, ‘question’ of “whether a from the work, much less engaged him to establish the looking forward to studying journalist should risk his the sacrifice, of the Balibo ETNA newsagency (Jose journalism at Columbia or her life for a ‘story’”. Of Five and the Timorese Ramos Horta described University. course not. It is a ‘weasel’ people upon the altar of ETNA as “Roger East and It is a difficult situation to question. I have known and governmental, bureaucratic, a typewriter”). But it is fair depict in cinematographic met the veteran journalists and political sanctity. to allow a certain degree of narrative – one accepts that who survived the civil war in But let’s focus on the work. artistic license in a film of this a movie ‘plays’ with certain El Salvador, and they survived If we focus on that, the movie calibre and importance. genres and stereotypes. because they had a very finely is about journalism and I have personal memories Hence the brilliance of the honed survival instinct, and journalists. And in that case of Jose Ramos Horta when depiction of Roger East that instinct existed for a very the Indonesians are right. It he first came to Australia to as a counterpoint to the simple reason. They knew it communications between the legislation about ‘rules of is potentially subversive, and represent Fretilin. He had the ‘overkeen’ younger journalists was not ‘their’ story. many Australians who have engagement’ and journalistic so it should be. The work of same dry wit that we see in – the range of stereotypes is It was the story of the been involved with the ‘issue’. ‘responsibility’, which could Roger East as the founder of the film, but he was shyer and inclusive. people around them working A majority of contributors well leave Australia inheriting the East Timor News Agency humbler than the passionate The first twenty minutes of in and through, and enduring ‘discovered’ East Timor in the legacy of ‘embedded’ (or ETNA in the English ‘revolutionary’ type depicted Balibo is a piece of cinema as scales of suffering, of effort, the 1990s after the Santa journalism pioneered by the acronym) survives. ETNA in the movie. The passion was subtly and finely nuanced as of persecution, intimidation Cruz massacre and the 1999 US during the Iraq war. This survived in Australia as a there, but that was conveyed any I have seen. In a film as or injustice far beyond their independence referendum, but was one of issues that were newsletter after the death of more in the deep sense of politically ‘loaded’ as Balibo own. And they needed to many key contributors had exposed in the debate about Roger East and was a critical irony one could detect in his the exploitation (or ‘usage’) live and survive to do those been involved in the issue of ‘Balibo’ on the ETNA list and source of what was happening wit and his deceptively ‘laid of the gung-ho journalist people justice. It’s a bit like Timor Leste since the 1970s other media. I hope Roger inside East Timor during back’ statements. stereotype (at one point we the survivor of a massacre and 1980s. East is chuckling in his watery the Indonesian occupation Similarly I have learned hear Shackleton saying “This – someone must live to tell The work of the five grave off the Dili wharf. throughout the 1970s and from people who knew him is going to beat Channel 9!”) the story. journalists survives in the Basically, there is an 1980s. that Roger East was not includes a particular mindset The fact that the Balibo Five movie, Balibo. If it took a argument that because of After the total isolation of a ‘reluctant’ old journalist in an imagined audience. did not live is not their fault. movie (that verges in its best Timor after the Indonesian going to seed, but an Unfortunately it has also And their story, the story moments, on greatness) to invasion (with the energetic, athletic man who played to a certain weasel of the Timorese people has get some kind of action on collaboration of Australian preferred fine wine to beer. mentality that generated the survived thanks to their work. that disgraceful episode, officials) a clandestine radio But it was a nice, very nice ‘they shouldn’t have been I think the many levels of so be it. Thanks to the transmitter was set up near dramatic foil in the argument there’ tripe. Australian collusion in the indefatigable efforts of Greg Darwin that maintained generated around the role I’m convinced Shackleton tragedy of Balibo and East Shackleton’s wife Shirley, Jill contact with the Fretilin of the journalist in a ‘war believed in the true values Timor, have been airbrushed Joliffe (another independent guerrilla radio inside zone’. In that, the movie of journalism; and the out of the movie. But that is journalist who wrote the Timor for several years. Balibo acknowledges that value of being ‘present’ nitpicking. We can see where book that inspired the movie), This was the main (indeed Balibo was a war zone in the when information is being the airbrush has been and can and hundreds of supporters virtually the only) means of face of official denial that perceptibly filtered. Like Roger form an intelligent opinion as who kept the issue ‘alive’ in communication between the continues to this day. And the face of official opposition Timorese resistance and the therein lies the impact of and bland denial, at least one outside world. The ETNA this film. Official denial has generation of Australians, newsletter was distributed in been airbrushed out but we Timorese and Indonesians Australia among supporters see the fact. Thanks to good will know that one lie less will on roneoed sheets by the journalism. have been written into the small group of Australians the fate of the Balibo Five, Like any dramatic narrative, official histories. who still remembered the news agencies should not the movie is about decisions, invasion and kept alive the The work of the send journalists to war zones and why individuals make cause of East Timorese journalist(s) without official ‘protection’. them. Making Roger East the independence. There has been significant (This would ensure of ‘reluctant’ protagonist (like Today we have the ETAN debate on the ETNA list course, that independent and a Graham Green character), news list to continue the and elsewhere about the role alternative media journalists not seeking heroism, but tradition established by Roger of the journalist(s). There like Roger East would have making decisions that are East, as a major international are those in the mainstream little or no credibility in the humbly heroic is the strength information centre on Timor media and ‘official’ circles who mainstream media). of this film. Leste, used by academics, still say, “They shouldn’t have Suggestions have been If we pursue the argument journalists, politicians and been there”. raised recently that journalist that there should be some activists. It has become The Australian students should be ‘taught’ kind of ‘control’ about where a significant channel of government is still shuffling not to risk themselves for journalists should be ‘allowed’ Ken Fry MHR and Brian Manning outside Darwin with the portable the sake of a ‘story’ – once to go, the point is of course, clandestine transmitter used to make the first radio contact with the by a journalism teacher in that by official accounts at FALINTIL (armed forces of FRETILIN) guerillas inside East Timor in 1975. Indonesia, who to his credit the time Balibo (or anywhere arranged a clandestine else in East Timor, for that East, he didn’t give a bugger to what was airbrushed and showing of Balibo to his matter) wasn’t supposed to about what the Australian why. students, and once by Toni be a war zone. (The ‘official’ or Indonesian governments And it remains as a Maniati, the ABC journalist invasion didn’t take place until wanted to be said or known, powerful movie about the who was leaving Timor two weeks later). Discovering or what they thought ‘should’ work of journalism and precipitately as the Shackleton that, and realising that that be said, or known. The naivety journalists. team arrived. was not the case, was Greg I guess was in not picking up Maniati’s voice has not been Shackleton’s responsibility. on the hints of how perfidious PS. I’d love to see the heard among those of East He took the team to Balibo the bureaucrats and politicians original Williamson script, Timor activists in Australia knowing that official denials of both those governments which was apparently much over the last thirty years, but of an Indonesian presence could be. harsher on the Australian he has recently published a were false. It was a genuine But that is an honest government’s collusion, book called The Making of decision made by an honest mistake, if you can call but that’s probably just Balibo. journalist. honesty a ‘mistake’. Shackleton journalistic gossip …

Page 12 The Nimbin GoodTimes January 2010 [email protected] Virtual artists’ revolution by Sandra Joran They offer opportunities comes in. The opportunity for artists to relate directly to create moving, speaking rtists from all over and personally to a worldwide artworks and immersive, the world have been audience through virtual interactive environments that Aquietly participating receptions, openings, artist are simply not possible in in a revolution, making a new talks and similar live events. reality is quite extraordinary. sort of art, creating new art Ritchey Sealy an Australian Australian artist Glyph communities and discovering artist from the South Coast Graves has been working in new ways to reach audiences of NSW, has been using SL for several years and he and market their work. For his gallery spaces in Second now has a well established these artists Virtual Reality Life to market his real life network of fans and a Space has become their paintings since 2006. People worldwide reputation. IBM studio and a place where they can be directed to his website recently chose Graves as can establish careers and or choose a painting in SL and the first artist to exhibit in networks. Sealy will send the real work their new exhibition space One of the best known off to anywhere in the world. within SL, and he just won of these Virtual Worlds is Queensland artist Juanita a competition that will see Second Life. It offers a range Deharo gallery owner in SL his SL works in a major of virtual building tools so you since ‘06, runs several groups exhibition in a real world Lismore Regional Gallery in Possible In Real Life’ and in real life. can literally, create your own including the Australian gallery in the U.S. conjunction with their virtual ‘Impossible In Real Life’. Works to be exhibited world. Artists have been quick Artists’ Group, a support Adam Nash, Christopher installation, BabelSwarm, As the group names suggest, at the Lawrence Wilson to establish replicas of real life network and promotional tool Dodds and Justin Clemens which was being opened in Tizzy is interested primarily Art Gallery in SL with artworks that are being shown for Australian artists working were the recipients of SL at the same time, and in art forms that are possible possible real life exhibitions in virtual galleries. There is in virtual worlds. Deharo the inaugural Australia is based on the story of the only in virtual space. She is on digital interactive art at now an established network of says that the opportunity to Council’s Second Life Artist Tower of Babel. the best known of a growing the University of Western over 500 galleries in Second develop new art forms that are in Residence Award in Anything spoken by the number of writers and art Australia in 2010. They are Life, some of which have been only possible in virtual space 2007. They had a real life visitors to the installation’s ‘appreciators’ whose blogs also seeking virtual designs in existence for over five years. is where the real excitement installation happening at sky platform becomes part have ‘grown up’ with Second for a Cultural Precinct of the artwork, spilling Life and now extend to cover Flagship Building to be called from the sky in audio visual virtual world art generally. FUTURElab. A building letterforms, sinking to The ‘Not Possible in Real that captures the essence of the ground far below, and Life’ blog is now probably creative engagement and will shattering on impact. The the most widely read English provide a showcase for the letterforms then swarm and language site that deals with work of SymbioticA. http:// reconstruct to create new virtual art. Increasingly such www.symbiotica.uwa.edu.au/ words which bond to become blog sites are providing the The architects and designers the structure of the tower, venue for discussion not just from UWA’s Faculty of which is also interactive. about artworks but about the Architecture, Landscape and http://yamanakanash.net/ whole genre. It is here that Visual Arts are exploring new secondlife/babelswarm.html the language and conventions possibilities for themselves Critical debate and analysis for virtual world art are being and their communities and of virtual artworks and developed, and it is here the for those working with new exhibitions are still rare. opportunities for developing and emerging technologies. This is a new medium with a critical body of writings FUTURElab will incorporate only marginally developed about virtual world art will be a black box performance/ language and conventions. developed. screening environment, a Infrastructure of the Acknowledgements to Juanita science/art gallery, teaching mainstream art world are Deharo and Artworkers and presentation space for not necessarily adequate Alliance, Brisbane. a range of activities across or appropriate in this new campus. context, although artists who Virtual Universities It will also provide a hub work across the boundaries of The University of Western for the Creative Industries Rainbow Art Gallery the real and virtual are more Australia has just opened Innovation Centre (CIIC), likely to explain their work a virtual campus in Second of which the University in terms suited to a wider Life with Art Competitions of Western Australia is a audience. being offered. The two areas partner. One of the longest running they are asking artists to Southern Cross University virtual art world’s journals, participate in are to create has also opened a campus ‘The ArtWorld Market virtual artworks for display, in Second Life in December Report’, is one of the few that and to design buildings in 2009. strengthens this crossover, virtual space that can be built with sophisticated discussion and editorial comment that links virtual art to the continuum of art history. Owned by Richard Minsky from the Centre for Books Arts in New York, the journal is supplemented by a blog, editorial comments and an in- world presence. As in the real world, patrons, influential people, shakers and movers have emerged. Perhaps the best Shahan and Rick, two of the many artists who have had successful exhibitions in Nimbin’s Rainbow known is Bettina Tizzy Gallery, now up for permanent rental (see page 8). owner of two groups ‘Not

Jams & Chutneys

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