2020

Since early November I have been heads down writing grants for the community to try to bring to fruition some of the ideas and visions that emanated from the community workshop the Chamber held at the end of October. While our grants might not succeed it seems worth sharing the Chamber’s visions with you.

The first grant is to update the VisitNimbin website, a website that was maintained by Lismore City Council until funding was suddenly withdrawn in July 2020, seemingly without thought to the consequences. An out-of-date visitor website does Nimbin no favours at all.

The VisitNimbin website is currently directed to attracting the young backpacker market. This is no longer our dominant visitor demographic so we are keen to refocus the website to appeal to the new domestic visitor market. We’re not exactly sure who this is but we’re thinking the grey nomad, the middle-aged traveller, the family with young kids. In January the Chamber is going to survey visitors to Nimbin so we can more clearly identify our new visitors and get a better understanding of what they’d like to do while in our village. This will enable us to more strategically develop tourism product that encourages them to stay longer while enriching their experience of Nimbin beyond the main street. If we don’t take some action we’re concerned visitations may gradually dwindle as visitors are attracted by the plethora of activities being promoted along the coast and in Queensland – a state currently undertaking a massive visitor marketing campaign. Like it or not, the Nimbin economy has become very dependent on tourism and to lose this element from our economy would have serious consequences. The challenge is to make tourism work for us and with us.

At the same time as updating the VisitNimbin website, we want to integrate it with the Chamber’s new website (www.nimbinaustralia.com.au). It’s important the two complement each other and deliver a consistent look for our local businesses. The VisitNimbin website is arguably a much more professional and desirable representation of local businesses than the Chamber’s so that’s what we’ll be aiming for. Ideally we’d like both websites to depict all our businesses – financial members of the Chamber or not – alongside a convincing campaign encouraging people to “buy local”. To help finance the website we plan to build in an online shop for ‘made in Nimbin’ products. Our grant application also includes a request for funding to undertake a social media strategy to promote the websites, and website training so we can maintain the sites into the future.

Alongside the website project we are also seeking funding to implement an ambitious signage project throughout the village. Our plans include:

• 5 large town signs – 2 under shelters, including one at the Nimbin Rocks viewing area – containing a village area map and local information
• 25 informational building plaques
• A directional signpost in Allsopp Park with 10 double-sided signs, much like that seen during the Aquarius Festival in 1973
• A 3-button solar audio sign that will tell Nimbin stories
• 3 new Nimbin welcome signs, in dual language, and also promoting the nimbinaustralia website as an information source
• 18 signs on locations relating to the Nimbin sound trail app – a free app telling local stories visitors would enjoy hearing
• 5 green question mark signs that will be erected on buildings where visitor information can be obtained. Their location will be identified in a brochure and map we are planning to produce in digital form and deliver in hard copy to local shops to give to visitors wanting more information.

It’s an exciting grant application that came in at $126,000 so fingers crossed.

We are also in the process of preparing a grant to the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund to construct the Rainbow Road walking trail, with the aim of supporting both business and community resilience. The more resilient our community the better placed we are to deal with natural disasters – no doubt a feature of our future. This grant is being submitted by Lismore City Council in partnership with the Chamber and the Nimbin Community Centre – organisations that have been strongly associated with the trail since its inception in 2005. The grant is being put together by a small group of people and, if successful, will see a walking trail constructed from Cullen Street through to Alternative Way and Cecil Street, traversing wetlands and areas that have been long neglected by the village but are currently being rehabilitated. It’s an incredibly exciting project that has been written about extensively in the Nimbin Good Times, so I’ll spare you the detail for now but include a map that shows the full extent of the walking track.

Writing grants is an arduous process and I would like to acknowledge the following people for their extraordinary assistance:

Rainbow Road walking track: Dr. Kitty van Vuuren, Dr. Wil Polson and Martin Soutar (Lismore City Council)

The website and signage project: Steph Seckold, Caroline Todd, Sammi Allen & Teresa Biscoe (fellow Chamber Executive members)

For more information on any of the above please contact us: chamber@nimbinaustralia.com.au

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The future for Nimbin visitor information services
The Chamber launched its new-look website last year www.nimbinaustralia.com.au and since that time has been spending considerable time and resources to develop a dynamic, optimised and useful website. However, it’s one thing to develop a website – it’s another to maintain it and keep it current.

Until now the focus has been on delivering a website that supports our local businesses and community organisations. This has included promoting aspects of our local culture and we are doing this to the best of our ability with very limited resources.

As Lismore Council is no longer supporting the visitNimbin website the Chamber is exploring expanding our website to include provision of visitor information. What does that mean, how would it look and how could we fund that expansion of its role? We need to work smarter, not harder and are exploring creative and possible ways whereby a dual-purpose website, servicing both visitors and local needs, can be delivered in a professional manner.

A working group looked at this in some depth at a recent Chamber workshop and gave us much to think about. A website needs to be useful to those who access it, but it is apparent we no longer have a clear understanding of our visitor demographic. Anecdotally businesses report this has changed – even before COVID hit. Since COVID we have lost much of our young backpacker market and international visitation, which accounted for up to 43% of our visitor market, has disappeared. Instead we are looking at an older demographic, currently domestic tourists, seeking a more enriched visitor experience. This presents lots of opportunities for us as this visitor has more ready cash and will be more willing to pay for visitor experiences. If this is so, how do we better cater for their interests, encourage them to stay longer and spend more in our village while ensuring the needs and desires of both visitors and locals are met?

Interestingly, the recent Spring Arts Exhibition, hailed as the most successful yet, took over $23,000 in sales for local artists, more than double previous exhibitions, yet the number of visitors who signed in was less, not surprising given the first week of the exhibition was held while Nimbin was outside the Queensland “bubble”. This outcome was a significant, much-needed financial boost for the School of Arts while also benefiting so many of the exhibiting artists.

Servicing visitors digitally is important given many visitors access destination information online and a visitor focussed website needs to inspire and inform. Options for content are extensive - online reviews, location-based listings, social media commentary, brochures, maps, fact sheets, online booking services, retail sales, links to other sites and so much more. There is also the potential to tell our stories to the world and showcase what’s happening in our area through media such as an embedded YouTube function or video postings, something the Chamber has been giving consideration to for some time. A well-supported website could also provide an online messaging service or chat function and engagement with online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

So, who are we servicing, how do we meet their needs and how do we fund this – the crunch questions? Better understanding the visitor demographic, their interest and needs is information that we can collect through local businesses, maybe via a visitor survey. We can seek government grants to fund construction of a website to meet this need. The challenge will be maintaining it as government generally does not support ongoing wage costs. Options we’re considering include financial contributions from local businesses who derive benefit from the website, booking commissions, an online retail sales arm focussed on locally made product, advertising and directing funds from the special business rate levy collected by Council for economic development in Nimbin. These are really big issues the Chamber is currently grappling with and if you have any experience or thoughts in this regard we’d love to hear from you. Email: chamber@nimbinaustralia.com.au

Face-to-face services

The Chamber’s recent workshop also looked at options for replacement of the Nimbin Visitor Information Centre (VIC), closed permanently by Lismore Council at the beginning of COVID. The survey we recently conducted indicated the community feels strongly that we need a face-to-face dedicated visitor service running in tandem with online information. The survey results did not deliver a strong preference for location and at our workshop we canvassed two options – 7 Sibley Street and Nimbin Bush Theatre. Extensive discussion delivered no clear preferred outcome or strategy for moving this forward. The Chamber Exec has yet to discuss where to from here but, after spending the past 6 weeks looking into this, I’m going to share my thoughts following our workshop. Firstly, I think we need to be really clear about who would use a VIC and what their expectations are. Obtaining this information will enable us to develop a better-informed business plan.

VICs cost money to run. For Lismore Council this was in the vicinity of $150,00 per year for Nimbin. Undoubtedly we could deliver this service more economically, although it’s not entirely clear what Council funds contributed towards. The business plan for a Nimbin VIC would identify both expenditure needs and possible income streams. Given our recent survey identified a strong desire for a service that runs 7 days a week throughout the year it is highly unlikely we would be able to deliver a self-funded model without outside financial support. Most VICs receive funding from their local Council or are supported financially by a Regional Tourism Organisation. We currently don’t have the luxury of either but maybe we could make that happen.

Once we identify funding options we can more fully explore possible locations and what’s required to make that location work. My research has indicated easy parking, disability access and good toilets are essential elements of a VIC, with successful VICs often located alongside an existing visitor attraction. While obtaining a grant to fit out a location and develop product such as signage, local maps and brochures should be possible, ongoing operational costs will present a challenge for us. It’s worth noting that Byron VIC is self-funded and managed by volunteers. Could we achieve that? Again, if you have any ideas or thoughts please share. Email: chamber@nimbinaustralia.com.au 

 

What do we want to showcase to visitors?

Our recent workshop was full of exciting ideas for tourism product beyond maps and brochures. Self-guided trails suggested included a focus on arts, local buildings and murals, music, our indigenous culture, food, herbs and healing, environment and sustainability, on-farm visits and so much more. Hopefully workshop contributors were inspired enough to bring some of the incredibly creative ideas to fruition. In the longer term perhaps an enterprising visitor information service would work up visitor experiences and then charge people to participate as an income generating stream. We also explored the need for signage throughout the village and how this could be used to enhance the visitor experience. Ideas included plaques on buildings telling local history and stories, information provision in local toilets, better village entry signage and so much more.  Much work and energy needed here too.

In closing, it’s all a little overwhelming, a much bigger task than I ever imagined and made harder by the fact Council closed the VIC so abruptly without any thought to a more gradual transition to a community-managed model. We could just throw up our hands, say it’s all too much and muddle on, but our local economy and associated employment have become very dependent on the tourist dollar. Regions around us are directing much more energy in this direction as the value of tourism to a local economy is widely recognised and valued and government financial support in a COVID environment is significant. Hopefully we won’t miss out and will be able to capture some of this funding.

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Let’s share our community ethos with our visitors
Workshop your ideas 29 October 10-2pm
Thanks to everyone who completed our survey following closure of the Visitor Information Centre – we got an excellent return rate. Your many and varied suggestions to more effectively engage with visitors to Nimbin will be worked up by local business owners, employees, and community members.

Anyone who is interested is invited to participate from 10am – 2pm on Thursday, October 29 at Nimbin School of Arts. We’ll provide a beautiful Steph lunch as an incentive.  Due to Covid and catering requirements, and our desire for working groups that are not too big, you must let us know if you are interested by email to chamber@nimbinaustralia.com.au. If you would like a copy of the final survey findings you can also email us.

Chamber Survey findings

Apart from exploring community thoughts on visitor information the Chamber used the survey to get feedback from you on other things. We were delighted that most of the things we have delivered financial support to in recent years enjoy wide support by you. Those least supported indicate we need to do more work or perhaps review our level of support.

While spending money on the Chamber’s website was supported by 54% of respondents 41% were unsure. In the next Good Times I’m going to talk about the website at length as we’ve spent quite a bit of money to develop a new web presence. The Chamber is keen for this site to become the locally operated website for visitors to get information about Nimbin and we need our community to appreciate its value.

Despite its vexed history, it was great that the survey results indicated there is still a high level of support for the Rainbow Road walking trail. We are currently working up the route and costings for stage two, which traverses the gully alongside Alternative Way. At the same time, two properties integral to stage one have come onto the market – 11a Alternative Way and 12 Cecil St. Both these properties have legal rights of way crossing them that were established to provide pedestrian access from Cullen Street to Alternative Way. Unfortunately, after the ROWs were established the properties were bought by people who didn't support a walking track through part of their property. After being threatened with legal action and various other unpleasantries, cash-strapped Lismore City Council put stage one on hold and are now focussed on stage two. Hopefully, at the least, the two properties integral to stage one will be purchased by people excited by the idea of a community walking track, so that it can become reality one day.

Rainbow Road walking trail

In the meantime, and lest that does not eventuate, we are exploring options for the community itself to raise the funds necessary to buy parts of both properties with a view to developing parkland alongside the Rainbow Road walking trail. This would be a wonderful legacy to leave future generations. Historically, the community has been successful in buying the old Central School site, the Birth & beyond building and 7 Sibley Street, and it gave Peace Park, including the skate park area, to Council for development as an active recreational park.

Nimbin Development Control Plan (DCP) up for review

The Nimbin DCP is about to be reviewed by Council, in consultation with the community. The Chamber and the Nimbin Advisory Group recently sent Council an expansive list of things we would like to see covered in the review. Some of the issues we considered important include management of growth both within and outside of the village, traffic impact and management including footpaths and cycleways, environmental protection and enhancement, the need for affordable housing stock, heritage interpretation, preferred land uses, location of community parks and so much more. Council are hoping to release a discussion paper shortly that will outline the scope of the review and explain the function of a DCP.  The review process presents an opportunity for community discussion around many issues that concern us and I hope lots of you will participate. The DCP hasn’t been reviewed for a long time and it’s essential it become a document that not only reflects community values and views but gives greater clarity to Council when considering development applications. 

Museum site redevelopment approved by Council

Thank you to all those who responded to the urgent plea I put out for indications of support (or otherwise) for the development application (DA) that went before Lismore Council on 8 September for the fire site. I have no doubt this application would have been knocked back or had unacceptable conditions placed on it if so many of you had not responded at very short notice to indicate the depth of community support. These were not just likes or comments on social media, many of you took the effort to write something considered. I sent your responses to all Councillors and they were acknowledged during the debate. 

For the Councillors who voted against, the only arguments they could summon were pretty weak, focussed on fairness as regards car parking requirements with specific reference to The Cubes. This development has strong community opposition and, if it ever proceeds, is going to achieve its car parking shortfall by painting lines and building car parks on the grassy entrance to Nimbin Central School. While it’s great the museum site DA was approved construction is still some way off as the developer has to meet numerous consent conditions.

To those of you who watched the Council meeting, many for the first time, and were appalled by the conduct of some Councillors, the level of animosity and the, at times, nonsensical debate, it’s hard to know what to say. I’ve watched a number of Council meetings this year and this one was not exceptional. As a community we deserve much better than we’ve got and my heart goes out to those Councillors putting in the hard yards and trying to work as a team. So, when you get to vote for Councillors in September 2021 make sure it’s an informed vote as some are definitely better equipped for the role and its incumbent responsibilities than others.

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Rainbow Road Walking Trail
Following Lismore Council’s reinstatement of the Rainbow Road walking trail into their operational plan, work has begun on mapping out a route for the second stage. (You might remember that the first stage is on hold, awaiting support from two private landowners who have properties encumbered by the legal right of way that is integral to stage one).

When the last land release of the Alternative Way subdivisions occurs, a large piece of land that follows the gully from Rainbow Power Company through to Cecil Street will be dedicated to Lismore Council. Building on plans completed by Robyn Francis (Djanbung Permaculture Gardens) over a decade ago, this land will provide the location for stage two of the walking track.

Having walked the proposed route mapped by Robyn many times in recent weeks, I have become more and more excited by the project’s potential. The regeneration works in this area, undertaken by John Blatch and his team, are fantastic. Once we have a proper walking track constructed through there it will become a wonderful community asset. Not only will it be a great place for locals to go for a walk through a reforested environment, it will also provide a different focus for visitors to our village, hopefully encouraging them to stay longer.  Rainbow Road will be more than a walk. It will provide places to stop and learn about our history and our attachment to environment, there will be places for creative art and spaces for people to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet. It’s an exciting project and I’ll use Chamber Chat to keep you informed of its progress.

Visitor information options

Following closure of the Visitor Information Centre by Council, the Chamber has been conducting a survey seeking your ideas for replacement options. We have received a small business grant from the NSW government to undertake this work and the survey results are currently being collated. We will be holding a meeting in mid to late October (COVID permitting) to work up some of the ideas from the surveys into concrete outcomes, outcomes that we can either deliver ourselves or seek outside funding for. I will cover this in more detail in the next issue of the Good Times.

COVID updates

Border closures: Following the recent, much stricter closure of the border with Queensland many main street village businesses are reporting a significant downturn in trade. This is not surprising but is indicative of how dependent we have become on visitors from SE Queensland. Hopefully the restrictions will ease in coming months as, apart from the impact on businesses, they have also separated families, impacted heavily on cross-border business transactions and hampered access to medical services.

Shop locally: The first round of JobKeeper ends in September, alongside many of the business support packages. While there is a round two of JobKeeper eligibility requirements will change and payments will be reduced. A recent ABS survey has shown that when support measures are no longer available business will likely decline, staffing will be reduced and we will be likely to see more businesses close. Hopefully our local businesses will survive so please shop locally whenever you can.

Be COVID safe: It is now compulsory for NSW businesses in the hospitality industry and indoor gyms to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and to be registered as a COVID Safe business. Inspectors are checking businesses; fines apply and businesses that don’t follow the rules may be shut down. Even if your business is not in hospitality or an indoor gym, it is strongly advised that you complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan and register as a COVID Safe business to both ensure you stay open and show your customers you take their safety seriously.

If you’re thinking about hosting an event in your area you need to make sure that you put in place COVID safe measures and adhere to NSW Health physical distancing guidelines at all times. COVID safe measures might include limiting the number of people, attendees remaining seated, hand sanitiser, attendee registration, preparing and adhering to a COVID-safe plan.

New hours for local businesses:

Summerland Credit Union: 9.30-4pm Monday to Friday. Closed for lunch 1-1.30pm

Nimbin Village Pharmacy: due to border restrictions and staffing issues the pharmacy’s hours for the time being will be Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9-5, Tuesday 9-1 and closed on Saturday.

Fire site DA for the former museum site: This development applicationis going to Council for determination on 8^th September. While agreement seems to have been reached on most issues the amount of money to be contributed to provision of car parking off-site remains unresolved and will probably be determined by Councillors.

Support your local Chamber: Chamber membership is free for 2020-2021. We recently sent out letters to all businesses we could find email addresses for – and more. If you haven’t told the Chamber you want to renew your membership you will no longer be included in our information mail outs (we don’t want to bother you) and your business will not appear on our website. It will never be too late to renew or join. Simply email chamber@nimbinaustralia.com.au or communicate through our website www.nimbinaustralia.com.au and we will sort it for you.

Chamber website

This month the Chamber’s website is undergoing search engine optimisation to increase the quantity and quality of traffic to our site. All member businesses will be in our website directory and there is an opportunity there for you to promote what you do. If you haven’t already, send us images (under 500mb each if possible) and some information about what you do and we will post it onto our site www.nimbinaustralia.com.au. Special thanks go to committee member Sammi Allen (Nimbin Apothecary) for the work she is doing to keep the website current.

And that’s it from me. Until next month enjoy this beautiful spring weather, use it as an opportunity to make yourselves fire safe for the coming season, stay COVID aware (hard not to) and be thankful we’re not in Victoria.

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Visitor Information Centre closed
Following discussions with Council it is evident that the community will be going it alone to provide replacement visitor information options. There will be no local government funding – a very poor decision in our opinion from a Council that has economic development as a focus.

To find solutions the Chamber is going to conduct a survey of local businesses, owners and employees, and the community to see what creative ideas are out there. We will collate your thoughts and organise a meeting or meetings during October with a view to working up supported ideas into concrete outcomes. So, put your thinking caps on and when a survey comes your way during August please complete it. This is an opportunity to think creatively and out-of-the-box! To make sure you receive a survey email your interest to chamber@nimbinaustralia.com.au

Roots Festival cancelled

Unfortunately the Nimbin Roots Festival planned for September has been cancelled for this year due to COVID-19, a sensible decision in the circumstances but disappointing nevertheless as this would have been the 5^th Roots Festival. For the past 3 years the Chamber has sponsored the Roots Festival and this year would have been no exception. Some have asked why we sponsor it when it’s a privately managed Festival so here’s an explanation.

After the first Roots Festival the feedback the Chamber received from local businesses was very positive. The Festival brought a different demographic to the village – people who’d never been to Nimbin but loved it. Staying 2-3 days in our village meant people spent money in more than food venues, which delighted many business owners, plus attendees and performers staying in and around the village learnt a little about the things we value. For locals who attended, the music and ambience were really enjoyable. Based on this feedback the Chamber sought to become more engaged with the Festival.

There’s a lot involved in organising a Festival. Some of you will remember the early Visions of Nimbin Festivals. The first in 1997 was a very successful event, thanks to extraordinary community involvement, and we raised over $30,000 towards acquisition of Nimbin Community Centre. Subsequent festivals were not as successful and after the third organisers said ‘no more’. A number of people have tried to get music festivals happening in Nimbin but none have stood the test of time. A festival is a lot of work and needs community support. Hats off to Mardi Grass who pull it off every year because of the passion and commitment of many and the organisation of a few.

Nimbin Roots Festival has succeeded so far because of the love of music and performing that motivates Lou Bradley and her family, and a tenacity that is essential if a festival is to succeed. The Chamber sees the Roots Festival as a really positive addition to our cultural calendar and we would encourage you all to get on board next year. The Community Centre is going to seek funding for an indigenous stage which would be a wonderful addition. It would also be great to put our community on show in other ways and to offer visitors to our village more than a music experience. Think on it. There’s a year to plan as the next Nimbin Roots Festival is scheduled for 10-12 September 2021.

JobKeeper

JobKeeper payments have been crucial for the survival of small businesses, many of which would probably still be closed without it, or employees still stood down. A disturbing and recent Business NSW survey indicated that 40% of business have no plan to manage their business when payments stop. Not surprisingly, those industries particularly affected include the arts and recreation, accommodation and food, education and training, transport, postal and construction.  It’s estimated that 15,000 jobs have been lost in the northern rivers during COVID, mainly in the accommodation, food services and retail areas.

Fortunately, the government has agreed to extend JobKeeper beyond the end of September. The payment rate for eligible employees and sole traders will be reduced to $1200 per fortnight and, for those who work less than 20 hours a week, further reduced to $750 per fortnight. The rules for evidence of a decline in turnover have also changed. Rather than go into detail here I suggest all interested businesses do their own research. Applications for JobKeeper can be made at any time so it’s not too late to look into it:
https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-07/Fact_sheet-JobKeeper_Payment_extension.pdf 

Finally, in short:

• Many local businesses have received the NSW government Business COVID recovery grant which is up to $3000. It’s very easy to apply so check whether you meet the eligibility criteria and if so, go for it.
• A big shout out to Nimbin Emporium for the massive solar installation on their new roof. If you haven’t looked up do – it’s impressive.
• Congratulations go to Green Bank owner (and Chamber Executive member) Kylie Cain who was awarded a Summerland Credit Union business grant. Great news and thanks Summerland.
• Council has received an amended development application from the developers of the fire site on the main street. Fingers crossed this will get over the line and we’ll finally see building happening on the site. Thanks go to the firies who put out the recent shed fire there. Our timber village is so vulnerable to fire.
• Thanks and welcome to all the new businesses who’ve applied to join the Chamber – you’ll be hearing from us shortly. To those who’ve yet to join go to our website www.nimbinaustralia.com.au and complete a membership application. It’s free and we’d value your support.

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After a few very surreal months life in Nimbin village is becoming more familiar as locals and visitors return and winter school holidays approach. No doubt visitor numbers will increase so please, don’t become complacent. COVID-19 is here to stay and in the interests of the more vulnerable in our community, please ensure you practise social distancing, stay home if you feel unwell and get tested if you have any doubts.

Murals

Meanwhile, it’s great to see progress on the mural that brightens up our main street over the Nimbin School of Arts. Thanks go to Oral Roberts & Gilbert Laurie, both very talented artists who were more than happy to undertake the project. The Chamber’s next focus is restoration of Burri Jerome’s mural above Daisy’s and possibly some of the signage around the village. By the way, congratulations to Oral who has recently been appointed to the Pacific Highway Woolgoolga to Ballina Aboriginal Art Trail project. I’m sure his contribution will be outstanding.

Nimbin Roots Festival

We’re also very pleased that the 5^th annual Nimbin Roots Festival will go ahead in September (11-13). It may be necessary to keep numbers down and cap entry to each venue but the Festival will give a boost to main street businesses and is a great addition to Nimbin’s cultural calendar. There’s an impressive line-up already so make sure you get your ticket and show your support. A 3-day ticket is $100 and there are also day ticket options. Visit https://www.nrfest.com/tickets for more info.

More emerging events

In another exciting announcement, the Nimbin School of Arts Spring Arts Exhibition will be going ahead in September so if you’d like to exhibit please contact the nimbinschoolofarts@gmail.com. Unfortunately, the Blue Moon Cabaret scheduled for August has been cancelled (David is working on creating alternative options) and the Nimbin Show has also been cancelled. Monthly markets have recommenced and no doubt, over coming months, more events will appear on our social and cultural calendars.

Shop locally

Over coming months you will notice vacant shopfronts in Nimbin – something not seen for decades – so please support local businesses and shop locally wherever possible. Our local businesses provide employment and an income for many locals, especially our youth, and it’s possibly never been more important to support them and spend your dollars there. JobKeeper ends in September and removal of the employment safety net and other initiatives the government put in place will challenge the survival of many businesses.

Nimbin Visitor Information Centre gone

Recent decisions of Council have resulted in significant budget cuts to the arts, tourism and events. The pressures on local government to deliver more services with less continue and these are always easy targets when viewed alongside community pressures for better road systems and reduced rates. One outcome of this for Nimbin is closure of the Visitor Information Centre (VIC), a service that had become a significant cost line in Council’s budget. The VIC closed its door when COVID-19 emerged and will not reopen.

Dr Sharon Harwood, Council’s Director, Partnerships, Planning & Engagement has carriage of implementing Council’s decision and her focus currently is managing the impacts on her staff. Once that is sorted Sharon will be seeking to meet with the Chamber and others to explore ways forward for providing information for those visiting or wanting to visit our local area. A number of entities have expressed an interest in taking up the visitor information role and I’m hopeful that as a community we can come up with some creative solutions that not only provide information but enhance the visitor experience.

Rainbow Road rebirthed

As a small step towards a more interactive visitor experience it is pleasing to note that Council recently voted to reinstate our vision for a Nimbin walking trail, Rainbow Road, into their operational plan. Stage 2 of the walking trail follows the creek line from Rainbow Power Company through Aquarius Village. This area is currently being rehabilitated and we need to ensure a walking trail is built into the regeneration planning. The next stage will be to cost and design it into a shovel ready project then seek grants for the construction.

For years we have been saying we want people to stay longer than the walk up and down the main street. Our main street is unique and interesting, its murals iconic and the backdrop provided by the surrounding hills is beautiful but Nimbin is so much more. We want visitors to learn about the things we value such as understanding the need to protect and enhance our environment, the importance of treading lightly on this planet, the crushing need to address climate chaos,  the value we place on diversity and the vital contribution indigenous people make to our community, far greater than their expression of art, history and culture demonstrated through some of the significant village murals.

Rainbow Road will provide links between our already highly visited attractions while creating new, educational visitor experiences that can also be enjoyed by locals. Ultimately we are hoping the walking trail will feature examples of sustainability and alternative life, providing opportunities to promote and extend the values of ‘Aquarius’.

CCTV Update

We recently made an enquiry to Council regarding the new CCTV cameras, specifically the one directed towards the Community Centre, and received the following response: “The system is operational although the works are not at a ‘practical completion’ stage yet. We have had a few delays with installing the NBN Connection and QLD Border closures have impacted on the contractor completing outstanding works. All sites have one fixed and one PTZ (pan tilt zoom) camera. The PTZ will provide the ability to enable the Community Centre to be a nominated ‘home point’ so under normal operations it will be continuously monitored. The finalisation of camera views will be completed prior to practical completion, which hopefully will be by the end of June.”  

Chamber Membership now free

Following the bushfires and COVID-19 business closures, some regrettably permanent, we see the need for a strong and active Chamber of Commerce. Our community’s unique ability to work together across community groups, businesses and organisations (as demonstrated in the fire emergency late last year) is our strength, and by working together we can continue to restore and grow our local economy. To support this the Chamber Executive voted unanimously to waive membership fees for the 2020-2021 financial year. We are hoping doing this will expand our membership. Current financial members will be automatically renewed. We have identified another 90 local businesses we would love to join or rejoin and we will contact these businesses direct. If you have an ABN, are based in the Nimbin district and would like to join please contact us (see below for details).

In my opinion, gone are the days when we can ask businesses to join the Chamber without offering something in return. So, what do we offer?

• We strive to provide members with up-to-date information. We took on this role during last year’s fire emergency and during this current Covid-19 crisis with the regular posts via community information networks and regular updates on Chamber projects and actions via this column.
• The Chamber receives funds through the Special Business Rate Variation Levy, collected from business property owners in the main street to support economic development. We want your input into dispersing these funds. Most recently they have been directed to mural restoration, lighting up Nimbin and sponsorship of various local events.
• Your Chamber is the voice that represents the business community. We are often consulted for feedback or to give input into government decision-making. We hold meetings with and make submissions to Council on your behalf to convey concerns about developments or to lobby for services. The more diverse our membership the better our representation of community views.
• Networking in the community is an important role for the Chamber. We are available to take your concerns and issues to all levels of government. Our members are often too busy running their own businesses to devote time to such things and we are stronger as a group.
• The Chamber launched and continues to promote the Buy Local Campaign to encourage community support for local producers and businesses.
• Over the past 12 months we have worked to modernise our website. The website aims to promote the many facets of Nimbin life and every business membership can receive a free listing with images. We also post Chamber meeting minutes to the website to keep you informed. Check out the website at  https://www.nimbinaustralia.com.au

That’s it for this month. For more information about the Chamber or to feed in your ideas please email chamber@nimbinaustralia.com.au or visit our website.

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As COVID-19 restrictions begin to be wound back the Chamber is very focussed on how we can support our local businesses to recommence or continue operations in a new environment. It is really important for all businesses to stay informed of developments, although I’m sure many of you are experiencing information overload, including webinar and newsletter fatigue, while struggling to keep afloat.

Fortunately, some businesses have thrived during the recent lockdown but many haven’t and it’s those businesses the Chamber seeks to support. As government funded programs such as JobKeeper and JobSeeker are wound back and financial one-off packages end, many businesses might find it hard to retain their staff.

We have been heartened to hear that in recent weeks day trippers from outside the area are visiting Nimbin. So many of our main street businesses rely on the income this brings in. However, with visitors comes an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19. A useful site to become familiar with is safeworkaustralia.gov.au. This site has comprehensive information and advice on how to minimise the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in your workplace, including a range of resources and safe work principles.

We are aware that there are local businesses who have developed a digital presence. That’s great news. To those with a digital presence already, it has possibly never been more important to ensure it’s up to date and looking at its best. It’s also really important to keep communicating with clients and suppliers. As I said last month, Nimbin businesses need those who live locally to shop locally as much as possible. It’s essential that local businesses let the community know what’s on offer. There have been some excellent and useful postings on Nimbin Hook Ups informing those who use Facebook of the activities and opening hours of local businesses. There is a Nimbin Hook Ups – Trades and Services site which contains a lot of information about local businesses. If you’re not into Facebook but need a service, tradesperson or specific item perhaps get a Facebook user to search for you. Lismore Council recently sent the Chamber a link to a buy local site https://www.buylocalvictorharbour.com.au and are canvassing our interest in developing a similar Lismore/Nimbin site. Each business listing could include business opening hours, operational information (takeaway, dine in, delivery etc.) and any special deals on offer. Council would then promote site.

There are no doubt many things the Chamber can do to support local business recovery. We are thinking of holding a general meeting via Zoom for all those interested so we can get your ideas and feedback. The Chamber has a small but reasonably healthy bank account, thanks to the Special Business Rate Levy collected from Cullen Street business property owners, and we would like to put this to good use. We are currently funding the restoration of the mural above the School of Arts and would like to see other murals and signage around the village restored to their artistic glory. If you’re a signwriter or mural artist contact us. We are also keen to continue the light up Nimbin project from the Apothecary to the car park entrance and are exploring grant opportunities to support this. This does not seem to be the time for the Chamber to be sitting on funds that could be used to revitalise our main street. By the way, those businesses who employ people on a casual basis – make sure you’re familiar with the implications of the recent Federal Court decision regarding casuals and permanent part-time.

The Chamber has made a number of submissions to Council lately. We are keen to see stage 2 of the Rainbow Road walking trail back on Council’s agenda. Stage 1 has been put on hold for now due to difficulties with property owners. Stage 2 is more straightforward in that it follows the creek line from Rainbow Power Company through Aquarius Village, the housing development on Alternative Way. The Aquarius Village development includes landscaping plans for a walk commissioned by Permaculture Designer Robyn Francis in 2006, and surveying and flood studies have been carried out.  The site enjoys good solar access, views of surrounding landforms and has close proximity to the village and to the walk attractions.  Importantly, the owner of the development has indicated his willingness to support stage two.

The gully is currently being rehabilitated and when the subdivision is complete the land will be given to Council. The Chamber would like to see plans drawn up and costed for construction of the walkway through this area to ensure rehabilitation plantings are aligned with a walking path and so we can start to look for construction grants. We need Council on board for this to occur and currently the walking trail has dropped off their radar – even as an unfunded project for future consideration. We recently walked the area with Cr Elly Bird and are hopeful she will advocate for the project within Council. 

The Chamber is also keen for the Nimbin Development Control Plan to be reviewed and has been asking for this for many years. It was listed as an action for the coming financial year but has been deferred for future consideration. Council is in a dire financial position and any project not deemed essential has been cut from their budget. This is one of them. Another area that may see significant funding cuts is the tourism area. It looks like Visitor Information Centres (VICs) will be closed and there is no provision at this stage for a replacement option. The Nimbin VIC costs Council around $155,000 annually. Much of this would be staffing costs. The Chamber is keen to see continuation of some kind of visitor information service in Nimbin, perhaps placed in an existing local business or community entity, and we will be strongly advocating for this with Council.

Your Chamber committee is a group of volunteers who are only as good as the input we receive from you – our community. The current committee consists of myself, David Spain (Nimbin Law), Teresa Biscoe (Coordination Coop), Sammi Allen (Nimbin Apothecary), Kylie Cain (The Green Bank), Steph Seckold (7 Sibley Street), Peter Hughes (Nimbin Tax & Accounting) and Caroline Todd (Nimbin Hemp Embassy). We meet on the 1^st Monday of every month (currently via Zoom) and we need you to give us your ideas. To encourage this we are waiving membership fees for next year so every local business, sole trader, footpath trader and ABN holder will be able to join the Chamber without cost. While your committee can follow up ideas we need you as our brains trust if we want a thriving local economy. So, take time out to think strategically and share your ideas with someone on the committee or email us: chamber@nimbinaustralia.com.au

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After a month spent grappling with the intricacies of JobKeeper, JobSeeker, State government grants, BAS credits, Zoom conferencing, webinars and much more I’d love to be writing here about how beautiful my garden is looking, how my vegies are thriving, how more firesafe my property is and how much I’ve enjoy the peace that comes from spending more time at home, with only the occasional face-to-face contact. But these aren’t really Chamber Chat topics so, back to business.

While researching and distributing information about government financial support for business and individuals, I have spent much time in recent weeks wondering about the new normal that will emerge from this. Many of our local businesses are now struggling and it could be a long road back for them. But back to where? I see we have a once in a generation opportunity to push to remake society, to raise our voices to bring about significant change, both environmentally and socially, to challenge the powers and trends that have pushed us to the brink. We need a much better and more equitable version of “normal”. and we need to work together to bring about the kind of society we would like to re-emerge post COVID19. As an optimist, I have a firm belief that if enough care about the wellbeing of all, including our environment, we can bring that about.

For myself, that entails becoming engaged, not being complacent and leaving the fight to others. For decades I have engaged at the local level to combat injustice and strengthen community while passionately advocating for the protection and enhancement of our natural environment. Personally, I don’t want to go back to the way things were before COVID-19. Our community was already grappling with the effects of climate change, drought, bushfire and significantly reduced tourist visitations, so vital to our local economy. Now we’ll be grappling with crippling under and unemployment but, at the same time, we are presented with an amazing opportunity to rebirth and reshape our village.

In this context I’d like to draw your attention to a Lismore Council strategy currently on exhibition and encourage you to have your say. Every council in NSW is now required to prepare a Local Strategic Planning Statement which sets out a council’s land use vision for the next 20 years. Many of you have felt concerned about how growth is being managed in and around Nimbin given our inadequate and failing infrastructure.

Lismore Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement

Lismore Council’s strategy consolidates initiatives already undertaken or planned. As growth has stalled in the Lismore area no new residential release areas are identified beyond those already included in Council’s earlier growth management strategy. For Nimbin these areas include the former “mill” site stretching from Gungas Road through to Tuntable Falls Road, the former Olley property adjoining the Bush Theatre, and areas to the east of the village including land off Alternative Way, land around Jarlanbah and the surrounding rural residential areas, land on either side of Falls Road at the village end, and land adjoining the Showground. Given the limited water supply it is not envisaged Nimbin village will expand beyond the existing village zoned boundaries. Recently the majority of Councillors resolved to allocate funding to develop a ‘masterplan’ for Nimbin village, in collaboration with the community. This is in response to community concerns that new developments are leading to a loss of the qualities loved by residents and visitor. Such a plan would address issues such as accessibility, car parking, heritage, amenity, street infrastructure, traffic issues, place identity and renewable energy opportunities. Adoption of the masterplan would see the development control plan for Nimbin village revised and land uses in the village clearly redefined. Once adopted the Council would work with the community to apply for funds to realise the community’s desired outcomes. This initiative was not supported by all Councillors and I’d suggest we should all be lobbying to ensure this proposal survives Council’s budget deliberations. As a first step this can be done by making submissions to the Local Strategic Planning Statement. Council is now keen to receive community feedback on this draft document and submissions must be made by close of business on 21st May 2020.. It can be viewed at: https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/lsps.

Bushfire Recovery

Council will receive $1.3m to provide financial support and enable recovery efforts to bushfire impacted areas, with a view to rebuilding vital infrastructure and strengthening community resilience. Specifically, for Nimbin, Council is applying for funds to majorly upgrade evacuation centre facilities at Nimbin Showground, increase water supply capacity by placing tanks in strategic locations, construct turning circle capacity on roads in strategic locations, and improve capacity to conduct teleconferencing during an emergency.

Sport & Recreation Plan

Council is also exhibiting its Sport & Recreation Plan, Visions and Directions to 2024. While very Lismore urban focussed it does identify as an aim enhancing sport and recreation within villages, particularly walking/cycling, park improvements and Nimbin Pool. Hopefully from this the Nimbin Rainbow Road walking trail might be rebirthed. Look out for the Plan once it’s on exhibition and if this is your area of interest or concern – make sure you have your say https://yourssay.lismore.nsw.gov.au

That’s it for this month. I look forward to seeing your faces on village streets very soon. Please remember to shop locally wherever you can. It will be vital to the survival of many of the local businesses we value. If you don’t know how to contact local tradespeople visit Nimbin Hook Ups – Trades & Services’ Facebook page. Or visit Nimbin Hook Ups BSB (buy sell or barter) Facebook site. If you would like to feedback to Nimbin Chamber please email chamber@nimbinaustralia.com.au

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This is an extraordinarily challenging time for all those running a local business. Impacted by the fires at the end of 2019, followed by reduced tourism numbers over the holiday period, then a flood, Nimbin based businesses are now confronting the overwhelming impact of COVID-19. The Chamber recently completed analysis of the survey we undertook to assess the impact of the fires on local business.

While 81% of businesses that completed the survey reported the fire had a negative impact, most businesses felt they had recovered well after the fire. Recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 will be much harder as many businesses face forced closures for extended periods, valued staff have been laid off and outgoing financial costs will continue to accumulate.

The Chamber sees its role as providing, to the best of our ability, up-to-date information specifically relevant to local businesses. A range of supports have been put in place by both the Federal and State governments for small/medium businesses, including sole traders and not-for-profit community organisations, and while they are a moving feast of information we will endeavour to keep you informed. If you are a local business operator or a community organisation that has not been receiving updates from us but would like to, please send your email address to chamber@nimbinaustralia.com.au

Lismore Council is currently doing what it can to support local businesses while struggling to deal with the organisational impact of COVID-19. Council has set up a COVID-19 information page located on their Your Say Lismore page. If you would like to receive live updates you can subscribe yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au. The page contains links to useful websites and fact sheets on assistance for businesses and residents. There is also the capacity to ask staff questions via the Q&A function. Any business that is unsure how to operate takeaway and delivery services can phone Council for assistance on 1300878387.

A number of local businesses have organised a shop by phone or email to arrange delivery service. Details can be found on Nimbin CSI and Nimbin Hook Ups facebook pages. If you are not a social media user or can’t find the detail ring NNIC on 0266891692 to become connected. Nimbin’s Disaster Recovery Committee also met recently to turn its attention from fire recovery to COVID-19 management. An information sheet has been compiled and distributed through social media and email networks. If you would like to receive this and get regular updates, please contact NNIC on the number above.

Finally, please shop locally when you can, now and into the future. Most businesses are currently facing significant strain and stress and for some this will be devastating. Many of our businesses and community organisations will need to “hibernate” (Scomo’s words -not ours) and we can only hope that those forced to close will emerge the other side. Our thoughts go to all those businesses and we will endeavour to provide any support that we can.

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Surveillance Cameras in Cullen Street
Life has been busy and varied for the Chamber’s Executive with a number of exciting initiatives in the pipeline but first let me explain what’s happening with the cameras in Cullen Street. While we love a good conspiracy theory it’s time to dispel a few. The cameras are not new as such. They were originally installed after strong lobbying of Council by the community many years ago, following spates of vandalism in the main street.

Council agreed to maintain the cameras provided the Chamber paid for their installation. Recently Council received a grant to replace the cameras. Contrary to some rumours the new cameras do not have audio capabilities or facial recognition! However, they are superior to the cameras that were there previously and will have much better night definition. Each camera position consists of a fixed camera and a pan tilt zoom (PTZ) camera. Under normal operations the cameras will provide views north and south within Cullen & Sibley Streets and the western car park. The PTZ functionality enables an operator (no prizes for guessing who) to adjust the view 360 degrees at any time while the fixed camera maintains a set view. There are 2 new cameras in the system. One is at the exit of the western car park directed towards the Community Centre. This camera has been installed at the request of the Community Centre management. The other camera is located in the western car park.

Fire site redevelopment

Where to start? This issue has received extensive media coverage including an article in last month’s issue. Lismore Council can hang their heads in shame as the outcomes to date are disastrous and so disappointing for the community. I can remember Brent McAlister (Council’s Director of Planning) saying to me after the ‘charette’ he organised to discuss what Council and the developers would like to see on the site– this is the most important site in the village Diana and Council will get it right. Well Brent (who’s no longer there) Council couldn’t have got it more wrong. By the time you read this the developers of the former museum site will have met with Council to try to negotiate some of their concerns. They have already put the land on the market. Meanwhile it is likely Coordination Coop will be forced to walk away from the rebuilding of the Rainbow café and the land will likely be sold.

I and the Chamber have closely followed progress (or lack thereof) on the development of both these sites. We made submissions, organised community consultations, actively sought feedback, liaised with the developers and much more. For both sites the community couldn’t have had more community sympathetic developers. They were not only interested in a return on investment. They wanted to create something to be proud of that reflects what Nimbin is about. Not everyone liked every element of their plans but that’s the nature of change and overwhelmingly feedback was in their favour. I think I can safely say that Council’s bureaucratic, pedantic, unhelpful, rigidity has destroyed not only the redevelopment of the museum site but also the rainbow cafe. Council has tried to design the buildings and shape the site appearance themselves and in doing so has completely destroyed the passion and enthusiasm both developers brought to their projects. They have had to design and redesign and now they're designed out. If Council wanted to micromanage the development of these sites they should have purchased the land in the beginning. They didn't and in overseeing its development they have shut out the community and exhausted the developers. Shame on them. The Chamber is sickened by the outcome. We are going to discuss these issues and more in greater depth at our next general meeting – see below for details.

Fire Recovery

The Chamber is represented on the Nimbin Disaster Recovery Committee, established in December 2019 to provide a community link between local Council and other agencies in relation to the recovery of the community from the recent bushfire event. The Committee has identified the need to document the response from the community to the bushfire situation, whilst it is still fresh in everyone’s minds. It was an overwhelmingly fantastic response but we need to explore what worked well and identify what could have been done better. A project officer has been employed (funded by the Nimbin Advisory Group) to undertake this work and their report will inform the development of a Nimbin Community Disaster Plan. This plan will aim to cover a range of emergency situations including floods, severe weather events, such as cyclones, and bushfire. This initial report may also be submitted to the NSW Independent Bushfire Inquiry. Submissions to the Inquiry close on 24th March and the Committee is keen to make a submission as the relationship between the community response and the organisational response deserves to be highlighted and explored in depth by the Inquiry. The Chamber has sent out a survey to local businesses with a view to obtaining information on business impact and involvement. There are many local businesses (sole traders or small businesses) who are not on our data base. If you would like to complete a survey (it can be done anonymously) please contact me urgently – chamber@nimbinaustralia.com.au. The Committee is also keen to see the Nimbin area receive its fair share of the fire recovery funds received by Council and will be lobbying for this to occur.

Policing in the village

The Chamber is interested in exploring the relations between police and people in Nimbin and as such is conducting a survey of local main street businesses. The results of the survey will be provided to Janelle Saffin’s office. Janelle is our State local member and she responded to representations from the community concerning policing by organising a meeting for the community with the Regional Commander in January. That meeting was held during the day and as very few business owners or employees were present we felt it important to seek further input. The survey has been hand delivered and the results are being collated by someone with experience in surveys and research who is donating her time and expertise.

General meeting – the future for our village

Our next general members’ meeting is scheduled for Thursday 2nd April, 6pm at Birth & Beyond. While Jane Laverty, the Regional Manager of the NSW Business Chamber, is attending to give advice on a range of issues it’s our intention to have widespread discussion about Lismore Council and village related planning issues. It’s Council elections this year and any would be Councillor is more than welcome to attend – we have a lot to complain about but we will also focus on the positive. So, if you’re concerned about what is and isn’t happening in and around Nimbin please attend. It’s not enough to rant and rave on social media. If you can’t attend but want to raise an issue or share your thoughts please email us chamber@nimbinaustralia.com.au Chamber Executive meetings are on the 1st Monday of every month so if you have an issue please contact us at the email above

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Thank you Nimbin
A hugely successful New Year’s Eve event raised over $26000 to be shared amongst 10 local fire brigades. There are so many to thank but firstly a huge thank you to Coordination Coop who not only allowed us to use their fantastic community site and facilities as a venue for the main event and the doof but provided an incredible staffing resource that helped out tirelessly preparing and serving food and on the gate during the night.

To Darren Maxwell for the idea for the fundraiser and weeks of work making it happen and to Teresa Biscoe who worked tirelessly behind the scenes organising music, staffing and the venue itself – we owe you both big time. To those who helped prepare the venues – a big thanks to Tim Tonkin, Neil Pike, Ted Cox, Phil Brommers, Roger Foley-Fogg, Max Pike, Virginia Waters, Diana Anaid and others who were silently behind the scenes. To Jeremy Fitzpatrick, his son Rory, Donovan, Lois Kelly, Nora, Megan James and others who helped prepare and serve food and clean up – thank you. To the musicians, DJs and performers who provided our entertainment – thank you.

Businesses - thank you

A special thanks also goes to Liberty Petrol Station in Lismore who donated the $500 fuel voucher for the raffle (won by Amanda Spain) plus provided a Cool Trailer for the event complete with 30 bags of ice.

The following businesses donated alcohol for the event: Nimbin Hotel, Premium Beverages, BWS, East Lismore Bowling Club, the Rous Hotel and Station Hotel. We didn’t have to buy any beer and have cartons left over that we’re donating to the local brigades.

The following businesses generously donated food items: PJs Fruit & Veg, Pirlos, Nimbin Emporium, S&G Asian Shop, Kaisey’s Butchers, Brad’s Butchers and Farmer Charlie’s.

Raffle supporters - thank you

The raffles made over $4000. Special thanks to Deb Guest for her beautiful art piece (won by Jen Parke). Also thanks to Nimbin Apothecary, Sam Herren (Stony Chute Brigade), Peter (Blue Knob Brigade), Greg Soward (Nimbin Brigade), Rachelle Garland and Andy Jakeman who all went above and beyond selling tickets. Thanks to all the other prize donors including Liberty Service Station, Super Cheap Auto, Bunnings, Cummings Electrical, Lismore 4x4, Super Cheap Auto, Dan Murphy, Denis Meagher, Officeworks, Mandy, Lismore Home Brew Shop, Mary Gilhooley’s, Dragonfly, Dulux, Steve Axford, Strings Are, Ongmac, Nimbin Hemp Embassy, Jess who donated the beautiful mirror made by Shannon Lee, Gibbo’s Auto Spares, Ongmac, East Lismore Bowling Club, Lismore 4x4 Accessories, Spotlight, Woolworth’s, BCF, and Farmer Charlie’s. We were amazed by the willingness with which local businesses donated prizes so please support them when you go shopping. A big thank you to all who bought tickets. Many of you made donations at the same time with no request for tickets. So generous.

Distribution of funds

We are leaving it to senior local brigade members to decide how funds will be distributed but the brigades who attended the local fires were Nimbin, Blue Knob, Hanging Rock, The Channon, Stony Chute, Jiggi Valley, Goolmangar, Rosebank, Dunoon and Tullera 7. Our heartfelt thanks to all those brigades who helped save local homes or were on stand-by in case needed. We are so much luckier than many other communities. We hope these funds will help you buy more fire-fighting equipment.

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