JUNE
Only a few days after winter solstice, the village celebrated “Illuminate Nimbin”. The mini festival was designed to energise the village. Organised by The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce, supported by Lismore Council and funded by the Dept of Planning Industry & Environment. With engagement from local businesses on a chilly Winters evening, it provided a night to remember for local families. (more)
JUNE
Only a few days after winter solstice, the village celebrated “Illuminate Nimbin”. The mini festival was designed to energise the village. Organised by The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce, supported by Lismore Council and funded by the Dept of Planning Industry & Environment. With engagement from local businesses on a chilly Winters evening, it provided a night to remember for local families.
An array of entertainment was presented in the Town Hall and on the main street such as lighting displays, circus acts, street performance, local musicians and magic shows. Taste sensations provided by our cafés and local food vendors were enjoyed by all.
Participation in the festival by the community was amazing and exceeded expectations. The night was a “resounding success”. There are already calls for Illuminate Nimbin to become an annual event. The Chamber continues to support initiatives that reinforce community values.
The key takeaway for me was the observation of our unique and amazing community that we are all a part of. Our young folk are so willing to embrace and enjoy the freedom available to them in the safety of wider family, whilst adults engaged in conversations with friends in a relaxed environment.
There is a new wave of interest in upgrading the Nimbin Skate Park. In its day considered amongst the best in the region but has since fallen into disrepair and is now in need of serious maintenance. A local newly formed Nimbin Skate Park Committee Is currently seeking funding to repair the concrete and provide safe space for the younger skaters and learners.
Aquarius 50th planning is charging ahead after a community meeting bought all stake-holders together to assist in formulating a programme of events whilst seeking identification of funding opportunities.
Having recently attended several meetings with Lismore Council and State Government bodies I see that the issues following the floods affecting Lismore are not necessarily the same as those impacting Nimbin.
To assist our recovery and our community’s functionality the issue of road reconstruction and repair has been put front and centre in all forums - many local roads are either still impassable after the floods or in a state that endangers life.
To reinforce the aesthetic of the village, the Chamber is seeking the services of mural artists to update some of the above awning art that the village has become famous for both in Australia and overseas.
Chamber members are conducting a ‘walk-about’ of the village in the upcoming week to conduct an audit on Nimbin’s visual and utilitarian functionality with the view to improving the villages appeal to both residents and visitors alike.
Already the public toilets have been identified as a disaster zone and discussions are taking place between council and the chamber to improve this facility.
A quick reminder before closing the 2021/22 financial year: Chamber membership renewal is due - letters are in the mail.
With our members’ support we are looking forward to building a better, stronger and more vibrant village for our children and the community as a whole.
JUNE
Members of the Nimbin Chamber of commerce have been actively representing the village in various government and council forums that have been set up for the purpose of flood recovery and forward planning, with the intent of making local government and council aware of our villages concerns and to promote resources and funding be directed to the key area’s that will support Nimbin’s recovery and march towards a sustainable future. (more)
JUNE
Members of the Nimbin Chamber of commerce have been actively representing the village in various government and council forums that have been set up for the purpose of flood recovery and forward planning, with the intent of making local government and council aware of our villages concerns and to promote resources and funding be directed to the key area’s that will support Nimbin’s recovery and march towards a sustainable future.
A submission from the chamber will be made to council and circulated to members on the growth strategy building back better .
The carnage of the floods is still fresh in people’s minds.
Lismore is only scratching the surface of recovery with very few businesses and service providers having open signs on their doors.
Residents are surveying the toll of the damage whilst considering options of future occupation of their homes which include but are not limited to land swaps, raising floor levels or simply refurbishing existing homes.
Commercial property-owners, business operators, council staffers, Town planners are all negotiating the path forward for protection of commercial and industrial precincts with the understanding that this will be by no means the last flood to hit Lismore and surrounds. Discussions range from relocation of the CBD and industrial areas to higher ground, creating an art and community area in the centre of Lismore as well as expanding the flood levy are all on the table.
Locally the condition of the roads is front, and centre of peoples concerns with many landslides’ major road degradation and countless potholes ready to take out a vehicle’s suspension a tyre or even worse create a situation where lives are in danger due to attempts to avoid accidents with oncoming traffic.
Nimbin Chamber of Commerce is 100% supporting the 50th Aquarius anniversary, The chamber has funded the appointed of David Hallet a well-known and respected member of the Nimbin arts community to compile a programme of entertainment and information events for the upcoming celebrations.
David is organising a meeting at the town Hall for community input to the event on Thursday 16th June at 4.30 pm.
The chamber sponsored and council funded Illuminate Nimbin event that was cancelled due to flooding has been reinvigorated and will go ahead on the 24th of June comprising of food tastings at local cafés and restaurants as well as street performance and lighting entertainment in the Town Hall further details will be provided as they come to hand.
The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce is very active in supporting the interests of stake holders in the village which benefits also the wider community .
If you have are a local person who has a business, please consider joining the chamber.
For details visit our website https://www.nimbinaustralia.com.au
MAY
Nimbin’s Time to Shine
The clean-up is all but complete for the small number of Nimbin businesses who were affected by the recent floods. Many thanks to all community organisations, mostly volunteers, as well as many others in our community who made themselves available for the clean-up. (more)
MAY
Nimbin’s Time to Shine
The clean-up is all but complete for the small number of Nimbin businesses who were affected by the recent floods. Many thanks to all community organisations, mostly volunteers, as well as many others in our community who made themselves available for the clean-up.
Current state of play is that Nimbin Servo, Nimbin Motors, The Bowlo and Nimbin Candles are all back up and running, The Bush Theatre Café is due to reopen in early May.
Trading in the village seems to be rather robust as people want to get out and enjoy the company of others after being isolated for some time. Let’s not forget however, the members of our community who are still in recovery mode with land slip impacts, lost driveways, fencing and infrastructure related issues.
If we all reach out to help our neighbours and friends, the pain will be less for them to bear.
By now it is so clear how much we rely on Lismore to provide goods and services needed by Nimbin residents. Everything from medical services, major building supplies, specialised retail and banking - the list goes on. A quick trip to Lismore to pick up necessities or to attend appointments with professionals in many fields is not currently possible and many of us must travel to Gold Coast, Tweed Heads or Ballina.
As more Lismore businesses re-open and come back online, I feel it is incumbent upon us to support them. The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce is reaching out to The Lismore Chamber with the view of obtaining an up-to-date list of businesses that have re-opened, so that we as members of the Lismore wider community, can fully support flood affected owners of Lismore businesses trying to get back on their feet.
On the other side of the coin, the calamity of the floods is presenting opportunities to many businesses involved in the clean-up and re-establishment of Lismore and surrounds. In addition, Lismore businesses re-opening and servicing immediate needs are leading the charge towards invigorating and attracting prosperity in the town.
Nimbin also has an opportunity during this uncertain period. Our functioning and vibrant village environment is being accessed and enjoyed by our flood wary neighbours. Let us make them feel welcome.
Back on the ground in Nimbin, several issues were raised during the last meeting of the Chamber.
Nimbin Chamber of Commerce is the ideal vehicle for members of the local business community to have a voice in the wider world of commerce. If you are not a member and would like to join, please visit nimbinaustralia.com.au/membership
APRIL
What a month!
The Chamber extends its commiserations to the members of both the Nimbin and Northern Rivers community that have been affected by the recent cataclysmic flooding event. We would especially like to acknowledge and thank the many individuals who have been involved in the aftermath and clean up, and local community organisations: (more)
APRIL
What a month!
The Chamber extends its commiserations to the members of both the Nimbin and Northern Rivers community that have been affected by the recent cataclysmic flooding event. We would especially like to acknowledge and thank the many individuals who have been involved in the aftermath and clean up, and local community organisations:
The carnage of the past few weeks is a reminder of how vulnerable we all are to the forces of mother nature, especially when we as a nation ignore the responsibility to contribute to achieving balance by observing best conservation and environmental practices. The cost of this disaster has not yet been fully revealed and will not be for many months or even years to come.
The flood had a big impact on myself as a business owner. The Nimbin Bush Theatre complex became as one with the river. We were thigh deep in water, the café fridges were floating, and river mud was everywhere. A similar situation existed at the Nimbin Service Station. However, before the black dog of depression had the chance to take hold, a band of caring patrons and community members came forward day after day, willingly giving their energy and skills to assist us getting things back into shape. We will be forever grateful.
To those in our community who have experienced loss of homes due to land slips or water inundation, please reach out for support. You are not alone. Fortunately, Nimbin is a caring community, that will join to assist those among us who have been impacted and are now in need. The Neighbourhood Centre is holding funds which have been donated via a friend of the Chamber for distribution to those most in need. If you need help, ask.
It is time for the community to shine, to excel in displaying our care for each other’s wellbeing.
Many valuable lessons have been learned or at the very least revisited and noted for further action. Service NSW has a range of support measures available to both business and the general public. They are contactable on 13 77 88 or service.nsw.nsw.gov. They also have hubs in Lismore. In addition, Business NSW North Coast has set up a business hub at Southern Cross Uni campus where all businesses can go for support and advice on a wide range of issues.
Our thanks also go out to both Janelle Saffin, local member for Lismore, and Steve Krieg, Major of Lismore who both took time from their busy schedules to visit Nimbin to assess the impact and engage with our community. Also, a shout out to the Australian Defence Forces who were deployed to assist with the clean-up and repair of important infrastructure such as the Nimbin weir and replacement of 4km of pipes that comprise the main supply of the village’s water and were washed away in the flood. Hopefully rural consumers will have water again by the time this is out in print.
Illuminate Nimbin and more
The Illuminate Nimbin Festival which was planned for March has been postponed until 26 August 2022. August/September will be a busy period in our village as events go, a time to celebrate our recovery as a community. Events such as Mardi Grass which has been moved to Sept 16 to !8, the Nimbin fashion show, the World Cup Poetry, and Spring Arts festival will all occur during these months. Nimbin will be the place to be. The new village signage the Chamber has been working on should also be completed in time for these events, providing a fitting welcome to our guests.
Aquarius 50 years on
The 50th anniversary of The Aquarius festival is now just over a year away. The Chamber is currently canvassing expressions of interest in developing a program of events. If you are interested and would like to receive the EOI information, please email the Chamber chamber@nimbinaustralia.com.au.
Community meeting with Lismore Council
The Chamber is also in the process of organising a community meeting with Lismore Councillors and staff to inform them about a range of issues important to our village. the future development and management of the village’s infrastructure. Currently slated for the evening of 2nd May, further details will be forth coming. Keep your eyes open for the Nimbin Chamber of Commerce Face book page which will be kept up to date with all future activities.
New members
Before I sign off a big welcome to the 3 new members of The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce
Rico Elliot – the Nimbin Plumber Ph 0459 356 270
Sophie Stouff - Colour consultant, painting, home scaping Ph 0422 799 451
Sandrine Rangeon – Rainbow Goats vegetation management 0457 624 824
A vibrant healthy business community provides a solid foundation for our youth.
To strengthen our community please support local shops, markets and services with your business where possible.
MARCH
What a baptism of fire
My perception at the time of taking on the role of president of the Nimbin Chamber of Commerce was that I would, in my role of president, be responsible for chairing the monthly meetings of the Chamber, providing a face to the community that people could relate to and commune with. After a month in the seat, I now understand that the role goes way beyond my initial comprehension. (more)
MARCH
What a baptism of fire
My perception at the time of taking on the role of president of the Nimbin Chamber of Commerce was that I would, in my role of president, be responsible for chairing the monthly meetings of the Chamber, providing a face to the community that people could relate to and commune with. After a month in the seat, I now understand that the role goes way beyond my initial comprehension.
The Chamber is a hotbed of activity. Many issues are debated and resolved, with the view of improving the amenity of the village. Items that were discussed and actioned at the Chambers last monthly meeting include, overseeing and organising the Illuminate Nimbin festival, a Chamber initiative designed to bring families into the village for an afternoon and evening on the 11th of March, weather permitting, to celebrate our wonderful community with the backing of the N.S.W. government and some Council funding.
The festival will showcase Indigenous culture, local musical talent, artistic endeavour, children's activities as well as a skate jam. Many local shop fronts will remain open to showcase their wares. The event will culminate in a lantern parade featuring over 150 lanterns tol be paraded through the main street, which will be closed off for the period of 30 minutes or so during the parade.
Signing off the street sign project which will see many information signs in key locations as well as history plaques placed on historic and important buildings in the village.
Continued upgrading of the Chamber’s website with advances made in providing an online store which will facilitate the sale of local products.
Creation of a Chamber Facebook account which will be a valuable communication point for future major events.
The Visit Nimbin brochure is now completed to the satisfaction of the Chamber and will go to print with 4,000 copies to be made available for distribution to visitors.
The Chamber are requesting that Lismore City Council paint the public toilets and upgrade current facilities as well as consider a new amenities block for peace park.
In addition to these issues there was discussion relating to the state of repair of the old bridge on Cullen Street, opposite the Bush Theatre, as well as a request to Council for improved maintenance and care of the roadside on the southern entry.
As you can see from the above it has been a busy time at the Chamber of Commerce. I would like to thank all members of the Nimbin community who have contributed to the outcomes that assist in making Nimbin a shining light in times of uncertainty.
FEBRUARY
This is my first Chamber Chat, having been elected as president of the Nimbin Chamber of Commerce at our AGM in late December. (more)
FEBRUARY
This is my first Chamber Chat, having been elected as president of the Nimbin Chamber of Commerce at our AGM in late December.
For those who don’t know me, I am currently the owner of the Nimbin Bush Theatre Café which houses the Nimbin Visitor Information Centre, and I am very enthused at the prospect of representing Nimbin in what I see as the role of front person of the Nimbin business community.
The village has many very vibrant and active businesses fronted by the retail sector on the main street and going way beyond into many less obvious arenas such as the trades, which include building, electrical and plumbing, cleaning, farming, primary production, accommodation, food processing, tourism, retail, entertainment; on and on it goes.
The Chamber currently has 60 members, which is quite strong for a village of our size. I do feel however that we are able to at the very least double the size of our participants and therefore strengthen the bonds between Nimbin businesses, which will bring dividends for all.
A healthy business community means more employment, more opportunity for self-generated income, less reliance on outside players, extracting value from our community and providing more opportunity for our youth to grow and be mentored by the successful players in the space.
The resources that are available to the Chamber are able to be shared with local businesses, making both businesses and the community as a whole stronger.
2022 Committee
Joining me in this year’s Nimbin Chamber of Commerce roles of responsibility are:
and ordinary but not-so-ordinary members:
I look forward to working with the elected committee with the intention of making a positive difference to the fabric of our village.
Illuminate Nimbin
The first major event that I am able to announce, organised by the Chamber of Commerce utilising funding provided by the NSW State government, is the Illuminate Nimbin celebration event which will be held in Nimbin on Friday 11th March.
The vision of the Illuminate Nimbin event is designed to bring energy and joy into the centre of the village via a range of activities including food music, art and skate competitions, culminating in a lantern parade through the village.
The event will start at 4pm and run through to 9pm. All main street businesses will be encouraged to open during this time frame to add vibrancy to the event. For those who have had the pleasure of participating in or viewing the Lismore Lantern Parade, a sense of excitement will no doubt be brewing.
Huge thank you - Diana Roberts
I would like to finish off by giving my sincere thanks to Diana Roberts, my predecessor as Nimbin Chamber President, an amazing woman who has contributed boundless energy in her role as president of the Nimbin Chamber of Commerce over the last two years.
I have no doubt Diana’s inspirational force will not dissipate with her absence from the role of Chamber president. I am sure she will be in the background reminding me of my responsibilities over the next year or two.
David Hyett, President
