Dear Members,
It is my pleasure to present the President’s Report for 2024 at our Annual General Meeting. This year has been one of both consolidation and new initiatives, driven by our commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and future-focused business community in Nimbin.
Acknowledgment of Committee and Community
First and foremost, I would like to thank our dedicated committee members and the broader business community, who continue to contribute their time, energy, and ideas to the Chamber. Our executive team has been a source of strength, and I am particularly grateful to:
Diana Roberts, whose leadership and ongoing contributions across numerous portfolios were formally recognised this year with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM). Diana also kindly accepted the role of Public Officer, following the retirement of long-serving member Peter Hughes, whom we sincerely thank for his years of dedication and trust with our financials.
Aline Binetruy, who continues to drive forward initiatives like the Women in Business program and interagency collaborations.
Ariescia Matheson, for maintaining our financial health as Treasurer and managing our grant acquittals and reporting responsibilities.
Caroline Todd, for her commitment to the Chamber and community sustainability efforts.
Nicole Lindner, who stepped down this year from her role on the committee and as Secretary. We thank her for her time and service.
I’d also like to acknowledge the many business and community leaders who remain involved, attend meetings, and provide insight throughout the year.
Growing the Chamber
The Chamber welcomed several new members in 2024, including the team at Nimbin Crystal Tourist Park. With businesses of all sizes investing in the area, our member base remains diverse and engaged. We now represent over 60 members, including businesses and community organisations – a substantial cross-section of Nimbin’s unique economic and cultural identity.
2024 Highlights
This year, we launched or expanded several key initiatives:
Women in Business Program: Now meeting regularly, this platform provides mentorship, networking, and collaborative support for women operating or aspiring to start businesses in the region. A dedicated subcommittee is now working on future programs.
Interagency Project: We initiated a collaboration with the majority of Nimbin’s community organisations to align resources and increase our ability to speak with a unified voice to government agencies. This collective approach strengthens our ability to advocate for local needs.
Murals and Public Art: Our work documenting Nimbin’s murals was a significant undertaking. It now includes a detailed register of mural locations, artists, sizes, and condition. A new mural was completed on the bakery wall, and we’ve established a mural artist database to support future projects.
Chamber-Supported Events
We continued to provide financial and promotional support to cornerstone events, including: - Illuminate Nimbin – A glowing winter celebration featuring over 50 local artists, drawing crowds of 1,500+ and bolstering mid-year trade. - Poetry World Cup, Mardi Grass, and the Nimbin Fashion Show. - Nimbin Roots Festival, celebrating Nimbin’s culture, creativity, and community spirit.
Each event not only amplifies our reputation as a vibrant destination but also brings tangible economic
benefits to our members.
School and Youth Engagement: We deepened our collaboration with Nimbin Central School this year, participating in their careers fair and open day. These activities reflect our shared commitment to supporting young people and connecting them with future pathways in our local economy.
Economic Development and Council Collaboration: Through our monthly meetings with the Lismore City Council’s Economic Development team, we continue to advocate for improved infrastructure, tourism development, and support for small businesses. Notably, we’ve been actively involved in the Lismore Destination Management Plan, which now includes a stronger focus on Nimbin. Our village is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of regional tourism. We are also working closely with the Council on the rollout of the Rail Trail and developing Wellness Tourism opportunities to capitalise on Nimbin’s natural assets and holistic reputation.
Advocacy and Representation: The Chamber hosted a pre-election meeting at the Nimbin Bowling Club, providing community members with the opportunity to engage with political candidates and raise local concerns. This initiative reinforced the Chamber’s role as a voice for the business community and residents alike.
Financial Management and Strategic Direction: Our Chamber currently holds $115,000, with $70,000 allocated to rolled-forward grant funding. These include grants linked to the Aquarius 50th Anniversary and Illuminate Nimbin. We’ve also successfully utilised a small business grant to deliver training and workshops.
Thanks to Ariescia’s stewardship, we’re exploring modern billing and payment solutions and aligning membership cycles with the financial year for clarity.
Looking Forward
2025 and Beyond we’re excited to be launching our Public Speaking Workshop in early 2025, designed to help community members and business owners feel confident in sharing their message.
We’re also pursuing not-for-profit status for the Chamber, a move that will open further opportunities for funding and project partnerships.
The Chamber’s work this year has laid a solid foundation for growth, but challenges remain. Regional economic pressures, housing shortages, and the impact of extreme weather events are ongoing concerns. Nevertheless, our Chamber remains adaptive, inclusive, and forward-thinking.
Recognition of Excellence Special congratulations to:
Mountain Top Coffee, winner of the Champion Coffee Award at the Divine Food Festival in Sydney.
Contained in Nimbin, for receiving multiple state and national tourism awards, reinforcing Nimbin’s reputation as a unique and welcoming destination.
Acknowledgment: I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of The Aether Agency – Wick and Rain – who have significantly strengthened our digital presence through web design, social media, and IT support. Their work is clearly reflected in the professional standard of our website and communications.
In closing The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce is more than a business network – it’s a living expression of the village’s collaborative spirit and commitment to a shared future. Our efforts this year have proven that, together, we can amplify our strengths, address our challenges, and continue to make Nimbin a remarkable place to live, work, and visit.
Thank you for your support, insight, and contribution to our shared journey.
Sincerely, David Hyett President Nimbin Chamber of Commerce