•NGT August 06.indd - Nimbin Good Times

The ancestry of the Aquarian Archiveby Graeme IrwinIn 2004 a group of localAquarians and others set upan incorporated, not-for-profitassociation called the AquarianArchive, taking its name from the1973 Aquarius Festival in Nimbinwhich attrated 10,000 – 15,000people to the then dying hamlet.In turn, the Festival’s title drew onthe wholesale shift of consciousnesswhich emerged in Australia in the1970’s and which to those of uscaught up in it really did feel like thedawning of a New Age, affectingalmost every facet of our lives. The“relaxed and comfortable” post-Waryears had finally given way to a senseof change and innovation, to a senseof experimentation in lifestyles.The anarchic quality of theperiod is perhaps encapsulated bythe changes that took place in theAquarius Festival itself, which wasthe successor to the National Unionof University Students Festivals,previously held for years at universitycampuses around Australia.The Universities Festivalimmediately previous to Aquariushad been held at the AustralianNational University, where the foodprovided by the University Unionwas considered so bad and overpricedthat a group of Festival-goersunilaterally took over the sports fieldin front of the Union and started upa food cooperative as an alternative tothe official catering.This was one of the factors thatled to the organisers of the ’73Festival to locate it off-campus andto transcend its university roots toembrace all the manifestations ofthe new consciousness. This Festivalwas to be not just a music festival likeearlier 1970’s festivals, but a wholeof-lifestylefestival, a do-it-yourselfexperience.The invitation was a clarion callto movers and shakers around thecountry and also overseas, and sothey came in their thousands to learnand to celebrate. So great was itsimpact that, to this day, those whodidn’t make it can still tell you whatthey were doing and where they wereduring that magical week.Although a handful of NewSettlers had moved into the regionbefore Aquarius, it was the Festivalthat gave the impetus to hundredsand later thousands of people seekinga different lifestyle for themselvesand their families to migrate to whatcame to be known as the Rainbowregion.The Aquarian cultural movementreached its peak here in theRainbow Regionand continues topervade almostevery aspect ofAustralian societyand culture. Togive you an ideaof the range offields in which theAquarians havehad an impact andare still makingan impact in thisregard, consider:• In communitydevelopment- the “Land Sharing IntentionalCommunities” movement,• In agriculture - the application ofthe “Permaculture” system of landmanagement;• In alternative energy - wind, solarand water power;• In food production - organicproduce;• In architecture - domes, yurts andinnovative designs involving recycledmaterials;• In building - sawdust, sand &cement for wall panel infill;recycling of building materials, handmade mud bricks;• In health - herbs and alternativehealing modalities; home birthings,home burials;New email discussion group for community membersPan Community Council (Pan Com) was established inNimbin almost 20 years ago as an umbrella organisation forrural land-sharing communities in north-eastern NSW. Oneof Pan Com’s primary aims is to promote interaction betweencommunities and assist communities in their dealings withcouncils and other organisations.Thanks to Greg Hall from Elands, Pan Com has recentlyestablished an email discussion group to assist those of usliving in intentional communities (or hoping to) to exchangequestions and answers, ideas and information.The site will also contain an index page with links to keyresources on-line, whether on the local site or elsewhere. Thiswill be a valuable resource for those wanting more informationADVERTISE HERENimbin GoodTimes Phone 6689 1148Nimbin VillageButcherFriendly and obliging servicePhone 6689 1311about communities.While it is terrific to have this list in operation, its value willdepend entirely on the quality of material posted on it and thelevel of participation by subscribers. At this early stage thereis no restriction on topics that can be raised. In addition, themost useful information will be collated, indexed and archivedfor open access through the website.Apart from inquiries from local community members, PanCom gets regular requests from people wanting to set upcommunities, visit communities or simply obtain informationabout them. Questions cover issues such as ownershipstructures, meeting processes, planning laws, insurance, fireprotection, building techniques, rules about pets, shares forsale and accommodation.We often get inquiries from secondary and tertiary studentsundertaking studies of community living and lifestyles. Thediscussion group will enable Pan Com to broaden its responseto such inquiries by allowing others to have input.While many communities are on the existing Pan Commailing list, the discussion group provides an opportunity forall members of communities (or at least those with email) totune in and be kept informed. Of course, you can unsubscribeat any time.For general information about the mailing list and tosubscribe please visit:http://elands.com/mailman/listinfo/pancom-l_elands.com For more specific information contact Diana Roberts:dianaro@bigpond.com• In spirituality- meditation andBuddhism;• In politics - forestblockades; electionof new settlers toLocal Councilsand the StateGovernment;• In publications- local newspapers,periodicals andjournals;• In music - protestsongs and theintroduction of ethnicelements and instrumentation;• In education - the establishment of“free” community schools;• In fashion - tie-dying and batik;• In media - new styles ofdocumentary filmmaking,community radio and thesetablishment of one of the firstcommercial internet serviceproviders;• In trading – the establishment of“Country Markets”;• In obtaining affordable housing –the construction of low cost self helphousing;• In food distribution – theestablishment of retail bulk-foodoutlets for example, “FundamentalFoods” in Lismore and other townsFor the past threeyears Nimbin Centralstudents have wonfirst prize in theThanks Dad PhotoCompetition, whichoriginated in Lismore.In 2005 thecompetition wentnational, and was againwon by a Nimbinite,Portia Hunter, with herphoto of Industrial Artsteacher Stan Kovac and oneof his twin daughters, Luka.Her photo also took out thePeople’s Choice award.Entries for the 2006competition close 25thAugust 2006. Photos mustshow a child or young person(or part of them) withtheir father, grandmother,stepdad, uncle, sports coachor other significant man intheir lives.As well as the overallin the Region;• In Planning Law – the introductionof State Environmental PlanningPolicy Number 15 which enables,with Council endorsement, theconstruction of multiple communitydwellings on rural zoned landthroughout NSW.The Aquarian pioneers were theadvance guard of a migrationthat continues to this day and, inproportional terms, comprises thelargest single subculture in the worldto re-settle in a rural area.Now, more than 30 years on, weare in danger of losing touch withthe 70’s wellsprings of this cultureas people move on and this is whythe Aquarian Archive has been setup – to document, collect, preserve,store, restore and display the culturalartefacts of the Rainbow Region NewSettlers of the 1970’s and beyond.I would like to thank the organisersof today’s Forum for giving me thechance to remind us all of whata great opportunity we all haveto achieve something which willcelebrate and preserve this importantpart of our shared regional heritage.• This is the text of a speech that Graemegave on 7th July 2006 to the SouthernCross University forum on the AquarianArchive project.Thanking all men for positivetimes with our childrenwinner, there are ninecategories, each awarding a$100 Cash Prize, donatedby TPHealth and FletchersFotographics Lismore.Photos will be entered in allrelevant categories. See www.thanksdadphotos.org for infoand entry forms.Nimbin Central Schoolis holding a “Dad’s Day” onFriday 11th August, 1pmto 3.30pm, which will be agreat opportunity for takingphotos! Contact the schoolfor more details.Open 7 days8am - 5pm weekdays11am - 4pm weekendsPhone 6689 1010 Fax 6689 1210Page 2 The Nimbin GoodTimesJuly 2006www.nimbingoodtimes.com

R-e-s-p-e-c-tby Manuela GeissCommunity LiaisonOfficer, Nimbin CentralSchoolIn order to encourage moreinvolvement from parentsand caregivers, NimbinCentral School has beenemploying me as theirCommunity Liaison Officer(CLO) for one day a weekfor more than a year nowWhen I started out I feltthat I first needed to knowwhat parents and caregiversthought and wanted soI organised a number ofparent/caregiver forums.During the last one, agroup of parents voicedtheir concerns about anapparent lack of respect byhigh school students andsuggested that the schoolorganise a Respect Forumto address the issue.Ms. Grieves, the DeputyPrincipal at the time andnow Acting Principal,immediately jumped intoaction. Soon we had setthe date and began invitingparents and caregiversof our Year 7 – 10students. Many parentsand caregivers came andparticipated together withtheir child, their child’speers and the teachers inGrant money for Central SchoolNimbin Central School hasreceived funding of $2,200from Lismore Council to aidthe Little Nippers Project,which will commence inTerm 4.an exploration of Respect.The sessions were superblyorganised and facilitated byMs Grieves.The Respect Forumsreceived very positivefeedback from parents/caregivers, teachers andstudents alike. For example:• “The forum was prettygood. It’s good to putthings out in the open. Ihope those sort of thingshappen more often.”(Parent)• “It was a very valuableawareness raising exercisefor all age groups.”(Teacher)• “The word ‘respect’ hassince been used by teachersand students more often. Ithink this is a good sign.”(Teacher’s Aide)• “It was a good way to shareideas about respect. ItNimbin students andcommunity members willbe given the opportunityto participate in the LittleNippers surf lifesavingskills program with EvansClarrie & Sally Rose, trading asNimbin Mill FarmHardware & Gasat the Old Sawmill on Gungas Road.The name says it all!We sell bulk landscaping materialsand Searles gardening products.Come out, see our range and compare prices.Free delivery to Nimbin townshipPhone 6689 1206would be good for youngerkids.” (Student)This year, the NSWDepartment of Educationhas sent a memorandum toall State schools outliningwhat schools should do toraise student awareness ofand levels of respect, and thisyear Nimbin Central Schoolis again organising RespectForums. This time we willinclude the students andparents from Class 4, 5 and 6.We are doing this not asa response to the directivefrom above, but because weat Nimbin Central Schoolfeel that we are leading theway through modellingrespect. We believe, as MelWebb put it so aptly in hissong ‘Go the carrot not thestick’ that ‘Respect can’tbe demanded, it has to beacquired.’Head Surf Lifesaving Clubon Sundays. The schoolwelcomes the involvementof parents as helpers in thisprogram.Nimbin Central SchoolLandcare Group has won aMitre 10 Junior LandcareGrant for $500. The moneywill go towards purchasingequipment and fundingrehabilitation works withinour Big Scrub Rainforestarea.A call has now gone outfor expressions of interestfrom landholders in the latestround of Natural ResourceManagement grants,focussing on river restoration.Contact Chris Herden on0427-326-031 for moreinformation.Rainbow Ridge Open DayRainbow Ridge SteinerSchool will be throwingopen its doors for its annualOpen Day on Saturday24th August.If you are considering aSteiner education for yourchild or are just curious,this is a chance to find outwhat Steiner educationis all about. You are alsoinvited to inspect the schoolgrounds and classrooms,meet the teachers, and mostof all enjoy a fun day withthe school community.Rainbow Ridge has beenenjoying strong growth overthe past few years and thisyear the school underwent amajor extension. The schooloffers a variety of learningprograms including art,music, Japanese, German,cooking, and dance.In a Steiner school,children not only focus onthe academic, but on thecreative and social as well,or head, heart and hands.With small classes and astable and dedicated collegeof teachers, RainbowCouncil jottingsCr Jenny DowellAfter the hurlyburlyof theBudget process,Council returned to itsnormal steady workloadin July. At our monthlymeeting we again addressedthe contentious issue offluoridation. As you mayrecall from my June article,while I am a supporter offluoridation, I also support areferendum so again I votedfor the people having theirvoices heard but the motionwas lost 4/8 as before.It was much less agonisingto approve $33,050 inSection 356 CommunityDonations. There were 37applications for grants of$2200 maximum. EachCouncillor voted for 15and the projects with themost votes were approved.Successful applicants in theNimbin area include:• Tuntable FallsCooperative Youth Group- repairs• Nimbin Family Centre -Xavier Lane and her best friendLilly Hewitt, who are both inKinder at Rainbow Ridge SteinerSchool.Ridge provides a balancedapproach to the moderncurriculum.On display will beexamples of the children’swork, both academic andcreative. There will alsobe performances by thechildren and teachers, food,music, activities for childrenand a fresh produce stall.Things will kick off atChildren’s Week Parade• Tuntable Falls EarlyChildhood Centre -maintenance• Nimbin Central school -lifesaving activitiesCheques for these recipientsand representatives fromour rural halls that receive$1000 towards their costswill be distributed at afunction on August 1 tomark Local GovernmentWeek. At that eventthe combined clubs alsohandout their CDSE grantsto other community groupsso there should be a fewhappy groups throughoutthe community.While on giveaways,Council is currentlyadvertising free computersfor non-profit communitygroups. Applications closeon August 11.The Community Servicesaround 10am and will goall afternoon. The school islocated at Blue Knob, 2.5kms up Lillian Rock Roadfrom the Nimbin Roadturn-off.Make It, Bake It, Grow ItMarketThe Rainbow Ridge SteinerSchool is seeking expressionsof interest from withinthe local community tocontribute towards creating alocal craft & produce marketday.The market aims to supportlocal artisans, growers andindustrious home businesseswith a local craft & producemarket space. Stall feeswill go directly towards theSteiner School and will be$7 - $15 depending on howmuch space you need.We especially encouragepeople with an abundanceof food in their gardens tobring it along. The marketis proposed for the firstSaturday of each month. Forfurther details contact Lisaon 0428-221-290.Policy Advisory Grouphas been fortunate to haveSue Stock as one of twoVillage Representativesand as Chair, I take thisopportunity to express myappreciation for Sue’s inputand look forward to hercontinued representation inthe coming year.Briefly on other news,Council has obtained someadditional funds to addressseveral ‘blackspot’ roadsincluding a section of BlueKnob Road. I understandthere will be some shoulderwidening and new linemarkings.On pleasurable matters,it was great to catch upwith Nimbin locals atSouthern Cross University’sdiscussion on the creationof regional archive for theculture that was born andhas thrived in and aroundNimbin. A working partyhas been formed to furtherplans so stay tuned.If readers would liketo contact me about anyCouncil matter, pleasephone 6625 2206 or emailjennydowell@hotmail.com.for a broad range of + Open Wed,Sat, Sunmaterials at competitive pricesPage 4 The Nimbin GoodTimesJuly 2006www.nimbingoodtimes.com

Safe Community ProjectWomen’s workshopsMondays 14th, 28th Augustand 11th September. Birth &Beyond 10am- 2pmThe first 2 days will focuson pampering, self nurture,sharing stories, discussingsafety in relationships, andon the last day we will dosome goal setting. Workshopsare free and lunch will beprovided. Please phone Lizette66891692 or 0429363850 forfurther info and to secure aplace in the workshops.The following information isreprinted with the permission ofKids Help Line1800 55 1800, www.kidshelp.com.auDevelop ResiliencyWith one in seven youngAustralian’s estimated tohave mental health problems,young people are growing upin uncertain times (AIHW,2005). One of the mostimportant roles adults can takeis to assist children to developskills to be resilient during thechanges and challenges lifebrings. By assisting children todevelop resiliency we can helpthem to gain the necessaryskills to cope with adversity,promote achievement andenjoy better health.All children are bornwith an innate capacity forwell- being and resiliency. Aresilient child is emotionallyhealthy, equipped tosuccessfully confrontchallenges and bounce backfrom disappointment andsetbacks.However, children andyoung people should notbe expected to always beresilient. No one can copewhen they encounter repeatedexperiences of adversity overprolonged periods of timewithout help.Adults can promoteresilience in children throughtheir words, actions and theenvironment they provide.Raising resilient childrenrequires caring and supportivesocial environments for bothchildren and adults. Thewhole community includingparents, extended family,peers, schools and workplacesneed to take responsibility forfostering environments thatvalue children and promoteresilience.Information gathered fromKids Help Line and Parentlinecounsellors highlights severalpossible strategies that mayassist adults to promoteresilience in children:• Foster a sense ofconnectedness and belongingto family, school and others;• Let children know they areloved, valued and wanted;• Try to ensure there areseveral adults in a child’slife who care about and cansupport them;• Spend time with childrenand be available when theyneed you;• Listen to children and showthem understanding;• Be interested and involved inactivities that are importantto them;• Balance affection, warmthand responsivenesswith clear, realistic andconsistently appliedboundaries and limitsappropriate to theirdevelopmental stage;• Consult with children andask for their opinions;• Have fun with them -laughter, humour and gameshelp build a sense of trust;• Encourage peerrelationships;• Pay attention to howchildren feel about theirschool life.Provide opportunities· Allow children time to dowhat they are good at as wellas encouraging them to trymore challenging tasks· Encourage children tolearn how to do things forthemselves appropriate totheir developmental stage· Allow children to exploreand take risks.Notice and highlightstrengths and achievements· Recognise their efforts andtheir willingness to try newthings· Affirm their mastery ofnewly acquired skills· Encourage persistence andthat making mistakes is okay- even valuable.Role model resilience· Talk through experiences,reflecting on what workedwell and not so well· Problem-solve together toaddress their concerns· Be aware of and role modelself talk that is positive andrealistic· Assist children to notice andchallenge their automatic,negative thoughts· Model respectful behaviourtowards children and othersand expect it in return.Protect children· Ensure children haveadequate supervision,consistent with theirdevelopmental age· Take appropriate actions toensure children are physicallysafe and free from harm.Take care of yourself· Ensure you take care of yourown wellbeing and look atways to enhance your owncoping skills.Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness– Well, One Out of Three Ain’t BadThe happiest nations are not the high-consuming ones, survey saysA new Happy Planet Index supports the cliché that money can’tbuy happiness. The New Economics Foundation, a British thinktank, looked at 178 countries’ consumption levels, life expectancy,and happiness, and concluded that people can live long, happylives without sucking up large quantities of the planet’s resources.In its ranking of happiest nations, the South Pacific island ofVanuatu earned the top slot. Vanuatu, population 209,000,runs its economy mainly on small-scale agriculture and tourism;its GDP has been ranked 207th out of 233. Latin Americancountries dominate the top 10 happiest nations, with Colombia insecond place. Many African and Eastern European nations arenear the bottom, with Zimbabwe the official unhappiest nation.The U.S., with the world’s second-largest ecological footprint(after oil-rich United Arab Emirates), ranked an unhappy 150th.Report co-author Nic Marks says the report reveals “patterns thatshow how we might better achieve long and happy lives for allwhile living within our environmental means.”History booklaunch a late inclusionWybaleena cemetery, February 1998. Aboriiginal section to left (unmarked graves); European section toright with memorials. Plaque in memory of the last of the Aboriginals, middle left front. Photo: MJ Kidd.The Sacred Wound of Australia, a book byNimbin lawyer Michael Kidd, is beinglaunched in conjunction with the Byron BayWriters Festival at a separate location – theScout Hall at Marvel Street, Byron Bay, on 6thAugust at 2pm.The subject matter is the genocide ofTasmanian Aborigines last century and itsimplications for Australia of today.Henry Reynolds approached Michael Kidd tolaunch the book at the festival and after muchadjustment the printing was able to be broughtforward, but unfortunately it was too late to beincluded in the official Festival program.This is what two well-known commentatorson Australian history say:Professor Henry Reynolds: “this uniquecombination of talent and taste... soNimbin Hall available to allIf you are planning ameeting, an event or a class,remember your Village Hall.The Hall costs $10 perhour during the day and$15 per hour after 5 pm. Anight costs $100 for 5 to 12pm. The veranda gives rampaccess to the toilets and thevenue is great for most uses.Talk to the committee if youhave special requirementsas they may be able tohelp! The Foyer is onlyavailable by arrangementwith the committee, butis an excellent place for aninformation session.The Hall and studiosone & two and the verandaand toilets are wheelchairaccessible but the stage andbackstage studio are not.There are three studiosavailable, as well as theHall and the veranda. Thebackstage studio, which hasceiling fans and a smoothsealed floor is ideal fordance, drama, yoga and moreand is only $6 per hour (or$7 including the use of thegrand piano, for authorisedusers only).Downstairs, studio oneis $5 per hour and has anupright piano and studio twois only $3 per hour. Bothare ideal for music lessons,meetings, massage and more.Hirers of studios one andtwo also have access to thedownstairs toilets.The Veranda & facilitiescan be hired for $10 percharacterises The Sacred Wound of Australiaand will assure it of a special place in theliterature. It is distinctive, it is fresh and it ishighly original. It will interest, stimulate andeven inspire its readers. It will also annoy, angerand agitate.”Veronica Brady: “ … a significant example ofinter-disciplinary scholarship ... the mainstreamlegal system in this country will continue tofail Aboriginal Australians until it is able totake into account spiritual values central toAboriginal culture...”Ohlah Publishing of Nimbin are thepublishers, and it is hoped this will be the firstof many books with an alternative look at issuesfacing Australia. For enquiries contact themat: PO Box 615 Nimbin, NSW 2480, email:ohlah.publishing@hotmail.comhour and is ideal for basketmaking,outdoor meetingsetc and some of our localclubs and societies holdXmas get-togethers there.Lastly, trestle tables andchairs can be hired by theday as well as being availablefor hirers of the Hall orstudios.Nimbin School of Arts isthe body that looks after theHall for us. They can becontacted on 6689 1577....without the headachesGyprock walls and ceilingsNew work or renovationsPhone 0427-891626Trades Lic. No. 100169cRural, Commercialand DomesticInstallationsSmall jobs goodBathrooms re-tiledMosaic pathsPhone 0419 478 248Lic R.75915www.nimbingoodtimes.com July 2006 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 5

Lettersemail goodtimes@nimbinaustralia.comDemocracyI wonder how many of ourmore recent arrivals areaware that one of the dreamsof the original new settlerswas to establish some kindof grass roots democracy sothat each person felt they hadan avenue of involvement.Tuntable, for example,implemented the hamletsystem. The idea beingthat each person in thehamlet knew their electedrepresentative to whomthey spoke of their ideas,fears or suggestions. Thisrepresentative, in turn,took same to the largerTuntable meetings. Fromthere, the elected Tuntablerepresentative (at onetime there were twobecause of Tuntable’s largeproportionate population)attended progress associationmeetings which advisedLismore Council of ourneeds and desires.We now have a situationwhere, at a national level,we are involved in a war thatmost people don’t support,and at a state level we triedto sell the Snowy Riveragainst most people’s wishes.However it’s all right locally,because we have a grass rootsdemocracy. Right? Wrong!We have a burgeoningbureaucracy which haselected itself to our fourthlevel of government wheneveryone knows that three isone too many.The townspeople are notbeing consulted. It used to bethat the committees, madeup of people not employed inthe bureaucracy, were thereto ‘keep the bastards honest’.This has been negatedbecause they elect their owncommittees.The straw that broke thecamel’s back was the electionof Sue Boardman to theposition of town sports cocoordinator.I don’t knowSue Boardman, I’m sureshe’s a good person, but I doknow the other person whoapplied for the job. Thiswas Nigel Hayes who is afounding, foundation andlife member of the NimbinHeaders Sports Club. Hewas president for many yearsand he played for the teamthat put the Headers onthe map. He only stoppedholding office a few years agoto attend university. I cannotfind anyone who does notthink that Nigel should havebeen given the job.This on top of theskateboard park fiasco, thetoilet block shooting gallery(Would someone explainto me the sense of having aneedle exchange for healthreasons, then encouragingpeople to shoot up in atoilet?) and lastly, the failureto support Mulgum House.Mulgum House wasthe classic case of civildisobedience winning theday. On the day of Noticeof Eviction by the AnglicanChurch, the bureaucracysaid, “We will have themback in twelve months.” Thiswas never going to happen.Along came a couple ofour senior new settlers (DiKeavey and Sonia Atkinson)and said, “We are notmoving.”Position Vacant – TEACHEREXP for years 3-6 classroom. Full time position. Sendapps to Tuntable Falls Community School CMB TuntableFalls NSW 2480. Apps close 15th August. Seewww.tuntablefallscommunityschool.net/ for job details.About usEditor: Bob DooleyAssistant: Sue StockLayout & design:Andy GoughContributingphotographers: Sue Stock,Cath Marshall, ThurstonJones, Celeste Oss-Emmer,Bob DooleyTypist: Billie JacksonDistribution: Sue StockWebsite: David McMinnCivil disobedience is notrevolution, it is merelythinking outside the box andbeing willing to break therules for a principle. This isthe reason we attract morepeople in a day than Uki getsin a year.We are famous for threethings: 1. We are a hippytown (possibly the only oneleft in the world). 2. Wehave a relaxed attitude tomarijuana use. 3. We have aplethora of wonderful artistsof all kinds. We have neverbeen, are not, and will neverbe famous for our clerks.George Scott,NimbinEviction from the PitI’d like to introduce myself.I am Heidi, daughter,mother, grandmother, artistand many other God-giventalents do I have. I’d like toshare my experience from thePit in Nimbin.To my brothers and sisterssurviving under the cruel andharsh conditions, stay strong,don’t lose heart. We becamea family.To the empty churches andgrounds, while people arefreezing to death, shame onyou all.To the authorities whoharrass and endorse theburning out of homelesspeople at the Pit, is thisterrorism or protection?While the police areprotecting us from criminals,who is protecting us from thepolice?I demand these peoplestand down from theirofficial positions, as they willbe judged in time, for crimesWe are online at www.nimbingoodtimes.comThanks to all contributorsand sponsors.NGT is auspiced by theNimbin CommunitySchool Co-operative Ltd.Next deadline: Wed 30thAugustEmail: goodtimes@nimbinaustralia.com or putstuff in the ComSchool’spigeonhole in the NimbinCommunity Centre.against humanity.You authorities are inbreach of international lawbut worst of all you are inbreach of the Univeral Law.You have endangered ourcommunity with violence.You have neglected and failedin your responsibility of dutyof care, not only to me, but toevery individual residing inthis town, every plant, everyanimal, every living creature.The earth belongs to God.Heidi ZekielGreetings from HobartHey everybody, Kelly-Johere – fucken freezing inTasmania. Guess everyoneknows that I’ve moved toHobart – with Lily, Romanand my fiancé Kieran. That’sthe beauty of small towns– word gets around.Hobart, I might add,is a small town. I’ve onlybeen here nine months andeveryone already knowsme (in Launceston!!). Wehave our own house andare settling in (after we’vethawed out). It has fourbig bedrooms and is nearthe Derwent River, about8 kms from the HobartCBD, with a huge backyardand awesome views to MtWellington.‘Little Deb’ who worksat the Freemasons sent methe last two copies of theGoodTimes which uponreceiving I couldn’t help butcry – I am very homesickand miss all my friendsterribly. I miss Nimbin andall its people very much. Anddoesn’t Jasmine look HOT!(We all know she is anyway!)When you leave Nimbin tostart a new life somewhereelse – it’s hard. People aren’tas ‘friendly’ or ‘accepting’ ofmy way of life as I’m used toin Nimbin. Half the peopleI meet are very judgmental -the other half are fascinatedby the whole ‘Nimbin’ thing.Hell – I don’t even know ifI know what the ‘Nimbinthing’ is, but my family andI have it. It’s an energy – away of life, a way to love, away to be – that is inoffensiveand beautiful.Just the other day I wasbusking in the City all inHobart when a nice-lookinghippy couple approachedme. The first thing theysaid was ‘great music’ … thesecond thing “Are you thegirl we bought cookies offin Nimbin? .. and do youhave any more?” But to theirdisappointment I had to sayno to having any cookies forsale – in Hobart. I addedthat I actually have to playguitar and sing if I want towork the streets for money– and I make about $1 aminute on average. Not toobad, and it’s legal.We then proceeded to getinto a lengthy discussion onwhy in all the world wouldyou move from Paradise tothe coldest place in Australia– and my answer was (you’regonna love this one!) …LOVE.So, you see, people ofNimbin: to the people thatwere my closest friends; tomy NimFM listeners (youknow who you are); to allpeople that own a business,lease a kitchen, or a shop;to the servo, the NRMA; tothe Doctor, Hospital and theFire Brigade; to the Bowloand the Bush Factory; tothe Hemp Embassy and theMuseum; to the Parkies andthe Laneway boys; to GeorgeScott and Graeme Ward,the Durgas, and even to thepeople that didn’t know mevery well, didn’t even likeme much, and to anyone I’veforgotten - I miss you all verymuch and so do my kids.Nimbin people are special– doesn’t matter who youare – the Kelly Jo family loveyou all. You are all special.Thank you Nimbin formaking our lives fulfilled.We love and miss you allheaps – we only hope you allmiss us.Kelly-Jo and familySetting the recordstraight - Part 2I wondered why all thisnastiness from Wunbong,way in excess of what wasrequired for a sensibledebate. Like most thingsin life it probably has to dowith money.Presumably Wunbonghas a property or two in thearea and is salivating at theprospect of rapid capitalgains as Nimbin gentrifies.How dare Anita, that‘sensitive little violet’, raiseconcerns about this process!Sensitive I am: ‘little violet’is just patronising.Wunbong commented inhis letter (NGT July 06)“And thanks to the NGT forencouraging healthy debatedespite the probability thatAnita would likely preferme censored or deported”.No way have I ever triedto influence the editorsand have Wunbong’scommentaries censored.I know it would be hardfor Wunbong to understand,but I do not care what shewrites about me. If I was areal person, I may have takenoffence, but I am not. Onthe bottom line, both ouropinions are worth nix in thelong run and Wunbong takesherself too seriously.Gentrification is just aphase in Nimbin’s history.Peak oil and $6 a litre petrolwill mean far fewer touristsand the affluent will move toareas with more amenitiesand better public transport.Nimbin will then degentrify.So Wunbong get inquickly, make a killing onthe local real estate and thenbuy your dream home on theGold Coast. I am sure youwould be a lot happier there.I could rant on, but thatwould make too long a letter.Be happy.Anita BongNimbin PostOpen 7am- 5pm Mon - FriFull counter postal services.Samsung A130 CDMA phoneNew stocknow in!Nimbin Bowling, Sport & Recreation ClubSibley Street NimbinOpen Tuesday to Sunday for Lunch 12 - 2pmDinner 5 - 8.30pm (5-9pm Fri & Sat)Extensive Western Menu availableHeated Dining Room Take Away AvailableInformation for Members and GuestsPage 6 The Nimbin GoodTimesJuly 2006www.nimbingoodtimes.com

NoticesWantedCar parts for 1977 ChryslerLancer LB. Would like tocontact the people who left amessage on the windscreenof my orange Lancer withmag wheels, parked behindthe Rainbow Café in July-August 2005, saying theyhad an LB for parts.Phone Clinton on 6622-1080.For SaleVinyl Annex for caravan,24’ heavy duty. Only 3 yearsold. Top condition. Nofaults. $750 phone 6689-7490Practitioner’s rooms forshare in Lismore CBD. Carpoolingan option. phone6689-7490MeetingsNimbin Chamber ofCommerceNext meeting Tuesday15th August at the OasisCafé at 6pm. ‘New’ facesneeded, new meetings, newpremises, new ideas, newmembers urgently needed,or.......?Nimbin EnvironmentCentreFilm and Food nights. LastThursday of every month.Also @ The Channon @Tuntable Creek HallFriday 18th August.Programme:‘Tugun Bypass’ – docoon highway developmentinvolving land rights issues.‘The Fluoride Deception’– factual evidence on theeffects of Flouride use inwaterGreens fundraiserDinner and doco Friday 4thAugust at 6pm at DjanbungGardens.We’ll be showing ThePower of Community whichdescribes how Cuba wasable to survive with little oilor fertiliser in the 1990’s.Cost is $20/$10 whichincludes dinner fromRobyn’s marvellous kitchen.For further info, contactSue Stock on 6689-1148.Independence from America - and Freedom from the Police!- Reflection on the ironies of Sunday 2nd JulyBy Sophia HoebenThe Independence from America Dayat Byron this year began with someimpassioned anti-American poetry andspeakers in the park, and ended in a thunderstormof drums at the markets.The rally, which in previous years attracted largernumbers, still made its presence felt, mainly byvirtue of the very colourful costumes and dramaticdrumming routines. As the town’s populationlined the streets and spilt over balconies to watchthe grand parade, it dawned on me just how muchof a festival it had all become.The pennants depicting the various issuesseemed to be dancing beside the ganja faerieson stilts as I glanced up at the smiling crowd onthe balcony of the hotel. My enthusiastic friendmarching beside me suddenly called out to peoplestanding close by to come and join, withoutsuccess. Apathy is everywhere these days, so whynot in Byron Bay?Meanwhile, I couldn’t help but wonder, who itwas we were protesting to? And who it was thatwas listening?However, it was nice to hear the Mayor of Byron,Jan Barham speaking out against America’s globalmilitary and cultural invasions. I feel the Frenchshould really take back their Statue of Liberty, forit now makes a mockery of what really exists forit belies modern American politics, liberty for theOperation GrasstreeThe Set Up• Extensively planned andco-ordinated, the operationwas conducted over fourdays, Thursday 29th June toSunday 2nd July.• Phase One saw undercoverofficers in operationfor two days, mainly inLismore, while Phase Twoinvolved roadblocks onNimbin’s main access roadsthroughout the weekend.• Roadblocks were mannedby uniformed police,Department of Immigrationofficials and Centrelinkinvestigation officers.• Searches included the use oflabrador drug sniffer dogs,and were carried out under2002 legislation allowingpolice to to take out a searchwarrant for a particularsection of road.The Results• Police conducted 383random breath testsThe haul. In police custody.Photo courtesy The Northern Star.resulting in three driverscharged with drink-driving.• Eighty-one searches wereconducted resulting in 47drug detections, from which21 people were charged withdrug possession offencesand 25 issued with cannabiscautions.• Police seized a total of 676grams of cannabis leaf, fourgrams of cannabis resin, twomorphine tablets and 12.4kilograms of cannabis cake.• Department of ImmigrationGraeme Dunstan at the head of the Byron march.rich, injustice for the many.Unknown to me then, it was at the same time Iwas indulging in the luxury of a piece of fresh fishand listening to the speakers of the morning’s rallythat another invasion was occurring, again in myown home town. It wasn’t till Monday morningthat I heard the news on the radio. Roadblockshad been set up on every road into Nimbin.Everyone coming and going was stopped, searchedby sniffer dogs and checked for registration,licence and roadworthiness, and, of course, anyoutstanding warrants.The Immigration Department were also onthe scene, demanding passports and papers formofficials checked more than70 people, and none werefound to be staying in thecountry illegally.• Six Centrelink fraudinvestigation officers visitedbusinesses in and aroundNimbin and cancelled orsuspended 19 customers’payments. Another 78people will be the subject offurther investigations.• Richmond Local AreaCommander Supt BruceLyons described theoperation as a success,saying that though nocommercial quantities ofdrugs were confiscated,the operation would stilldisrupt drug dealers byhitting their customers.The Fall-out• Lismore solicitor SteveBolt said it was hard tojustify such intrusive tacticsfor minor drug matters,and that random roadsidesearches were not effectiveagainst drug dealers, whodid not generally drivethe tourists, tactics even the Gestapo would havebeen proud of, whilst Centrelink checked people’sdole status. Many people were arrested and livesdisrupted again, one woman for cake and leaf,after a clandestine operation where they followedher from her home. Cripes! And there’s methinking there were real drug issues to deal withsuch as alcohol and speed.So the dogs of war returned to terrorise ourvillage some more, and reportedly with thesupport of a ‘broad spectrum’ of the Nimbincommunity. So who are these people that are sooften mentioned by the police? Please identifyyourselves, so we all know where we stand, or isyour tongue held by fear and the almighty dollar?As far as I can ascertain, nobody enjoys theharassment and heavy-handed approach of thepolice or their new American neo Nazi tactics.In the past, when I was young and police wereunarmed public servants, people felt safe andsecure in their presence. There was a sense ofthe local copper being a part of the communityand these even lasted here in Nimbin til the 80s.Now, every police force in the world seems to besimilarly attired in a more militaristic fashion andmuch more likely to really hurt you when you startbucking the system, or have I mis-spelt that?Is it all really about controlling the people? Isn’t‘terrorism’ what terrifies you? If a whole village canbe intimidated beyond the point of reason by thepolice, do the police then become the terrorists?around with a lot of drugson them.• Maree Conroy, a Blue Knobteacher and mother of three,told the Northern Starsaid she felt violated andupset and made to feel likea criminal because of whereshe lived.• A Nimbin man who prefersto remain anonymous toldthe NR Echo he too feltthat Nimbin residents werebeing unfairly targettedafter sniffer dogs were setupon his seven year-old sonin the passenger seat.• Andrew Kavasilas ofthe Nimbin Chamber ofCommerce told ABC radiothe action was unfair andheavy-handed, and sincetourists were also targeted,was not good for business inNimbin.• Several complaints arebelieved to have beenlodged with the NSWOmbudsman regarding theoperation.www.nimbingoodtimes.com July 2006 The Nimbin GoodTimes Page 7