The ancestry of the Aquarian Archive by Graeme Irwin that a group of Festival-goers Rainbow Region • In spirituality in the Region; unilaterally took over the sports field and continues to - meditation and • In Planning Law – the introduction n 2004 a group of local in front of the Union and started up pervade almost Buddhism; of State Environmental Planning Aquarians and others set up a food cooperative as an alternative to every aspect of • In politics - forest Policy Number 15 which enables, Ian incorporated, not-for-profit the official catering. Australian society blockades; election with Council endorsement, the association called the Aquarian This was one of the factors that and culture. To of new settlers to construction of multiple community Archive, taking its name from the led to the organisers of the ’73 give you an idea Local Councils dwellings on rural zoned land 1973 Aquarius Festival in Nimbin Festival to locate it off-campus and of the range of and the State throughout NSW. which attrated 10,000 – 15,000 to transcend its university roots to fields in which the Government; The Aquarian pioneers were the people to the then dying hamlet. embrace all the manifestations of Aquarians have • In publications advance guard of a migration In turn, the Festival’s title drew on the new consciousness. This Festival had an impact and - local newspapers, that continues to this day and, in the wholesale shift of consciousness was to be not just a music festival like are still making periodicals and proportional terms, comprises the which emerged in Australia in the earlier 1970’s festivals, but a whole- an impact in this journals; largest single subculture in the world 1970’s and which to those of us of-lifestyle festival, a do-it-yourself regard, consider: • In music - protest to re-settle in a rural area. caught up in it really did feel like the experience. • In community songs and the Now, more than 30 years on, we dawning of a New Age, affecting The invitation was a clarion call development introduction of ethnic are in danger of losing touch with almost every facet of our lives. The to movers and shakers around the - the “Land Sharing Intentional elements and instrumentation; the 70’s wellsprings of this culture “relaxed and comfortable” post-War country and also overseas, and so Communities” movement, • In education - the establishment of as people move on and this is why years had finally given way to a sense they came in their thousands to learn • In agriculture - the application of “free” community schools; the Aquarian Archive has been set of change and innovation, to a sense and to celebrate. So great was its the “Permaculture” system of land • In fashion - tie-dying and batik; up – to document, collect, preserve, of experimentation in lifestyles. impact that, to this day, those who management; • In media - new styles of store, restore and display the cultural The anarchic quality of the didn’t make it can still tell you what • In alternative energy - wind, solar documentary filmmaking, artefacts of the Rainbow Region New period is perhaps encapsulated by they were doing and where they were and water power; community radio and the Settlers of the 1970’s and beyond. the changes that took place in the during that magical week. • In food production - organic setablishment of one of the first I would like to thank the organisers Aquarius Festival itself, which was Although a handful of New produce; commercial internet service of today’s Forum for giving me the the successor to the National Union Settlers had moved into the region • In architecture - domes, yurts and providers; chance to remind us all of what of University Students Festivals, before Aquarius, it was the Festival innovative designs involving recycled • In trading – the establishment of a great opportunity we all have previously held for years at university that gave the impetus to hundreds materials; “Country Markets”; to achieve something which will campuses around Australia. and later thousands of people seeking • In building - sawdust, sand & • In obtaining affordable housing – celebrate and preserve this important The Universities Festival a different lifestyle for themselves cement for wall panel infill; the construction of low cost self help part of our shared regional heritage. immediately previous to Aquarius and their families to migrate to what recycling of building materials, hand housing; had been held at the Australian came to be known as the Rainbow made mud bricks; • In food distribution – the • This is the text of a speech that Graeme National University, where the food region. • In health - herbs and alternative establishment of retail bulk-food gave on 7th July 2006 to the Southern provided by the University Union The Aquarian cultural movement healing modalities; home birthings, outlets for example, “Fundamental Cross University forum on the Aquarian was considered so bad and overpriced reached its peak here in the home burials; Foods” in Lismore and other towns Archive project. New email discussion group for community members Thanking all men for positive times with our children Pan Community Council (Pan Com) was established in about communities. Nimbin almost 20 years ago as an umbrella organisation for While it is terrific to have this list in operation, its value will For the past three rural land-sharing communities in north-eastern NSW. One depend entirely on the quality of material posted on it and the years Nimbin Central of Pan Com’s primary aims is to promote interaction between level of participation by subscribers. At this early stage there students have won communities and assist communities in their dealings with is no restriction on topics that can be raised. In addition, the first prize in the councils and other organisations. most useful information will be collated, indexed and archived Thanks Dad Photo Thanks to Greg Hall from Elands, Pan Com has recently for open access through the website. Competition, which established an email discussion group to assist those of us Apart from inquiries from local community members, Pan originated in Lismore. living in intentional communities (or hoping to) to exchange Com gets regular requests from people wanting to set up In 2005 the questions and answers, ideas and information. communities, visit communities or simply obtain information competition went The site will also contain an index page with links to key about them. Questions cover issues such as ownership national, and was again resources on-line, whether on the local site or elsewhere. This structures, meeting processes, planning laws, insurance, fire won by a Nimbinite, will be a valuable resource for those wanting more information protection, building techniques, rules about pets, shares for Portia Hunter, with her winner, there are nine sale and accommodation. photo of Industrial Arts categories, each awarding a We often get inquiries from secondary and tertiary students teacher Stan Kovac and one $100 Cash Prize, donated undertaking studies of community living and lifestyles. The of his twin daughters, Luka. by TPHealth and Fletchers ADVERTISE HERE discussion group will enable Pan Com to broaden its response Her photo also took out the Fotographics Lismore. �������������� to such inquiries by allowing others to have input. People’s Choice award. Photos will be entered in all ��������������������������� While many communities are on the existing Pan Com Entries for the 2006 relevant categories. See www. mailing list, the discussion group provides an opportunity for competition close 25th thanksdadphotos.org for info all members of communities (or at least those with email) to August 2006. Photos must and entry forms. Nimbin GoodTimes tune in and be kept informed. Of course, you can unsubscribe show a child or young person Nimbin Central School at any time. (or part of them) with is holding a “Dad’s Day” on ������������������������������� For general information about the mailing list and to their father, grandmother, Friday 11th August, 1pm subscribe please visit: stepdad, uncle, sports coach to 3.30pm, which will be a Phone 6689 1148 http://elands.com/mailman/listinfo/pancom-l_elands. or other significant man in great opportunity for taking ����������������������������� com For more specific information contact Diana Roberts: their lives. photos! Contact the school [email protected] As well as the overall for more details. Nimbin Village Butcher ���� ������������������������ ��������� ������������� �������� ������������������� ������� �������������������������� �������� ����������������� Open 7 days ������� 8am - 5pm weekdays Friendly and obliging service ��������� 11am - 4pm weekends Phone 6689 1311 ����������������� ���������������� Phone 6689 1010 Fax 6689 1210 Page 2 The Nimbin GoodTimes July 2006 www.nimbingoodtimes.com Wondrous word-orgy weekend Diana Anaid sparkles imbin Oasis Café audience. I look forward to Review by Warwick Fry poets, with the catching up with you all again Nsupport of the this year.” Live CD/Film Clip recording community, is preparing Contestants have eight Bush Theatre Saturday 29th July itself for the fourth Nimbin minutes to perform one or 2006 Performance Poetry World more poems on the Saturday tep aside Patti Smith. Cup on the weekend of the 5th during the heats. If lucky Diana Anaid is in and 6th August. enough to go through to the Stown. Diana Anaid This year’s event has $4,000 finals, they will then perform might not be as butch but in prizemoney, the winner again on Sunday, starting from she is just as ‘in your face’ receiving $1500 and the Ghostboy will be a judge at the 11am at the Oasis Café. and maybe, just maybe, prestigous shiny cup. 2006 Nimbin Performance Poetry The evening sees the Grand more challenging than Patti. Summerland Credit Union is World Cup. Final at the Nimbin School of Her poetry is certainly less sponsoring the People’s Choice Arts at 7.30pm. The verandah contrived, and this gives it the Award of $400.