Chamber Chats January

The weather was excellent apart from the odd cracker of a storm ripping through the village. We are in the tropics and must expect such events at this time of year.

Whilst trading was robust and visitor numbers were well up on the main street, lack of staffing was reported as an issue.

This was a major concern for visitors who came to Nimbin expecting a wide range of choices particularly in the food and retail service area only to find many outlets closed during the Xmas New year peak period.

A combination of penalty rates, casual staff enjoying taking time out during the holiday break, low margins due to inflation, a lessor number of international workers, competition from N.D.I.S employment opportunity. Who knows but many doors were closed.      

Many proprietors of business are now having to reassess their business models. 

Less day’s trading, shorter opening hours adjusted menu items, employee contracts, looking deep within deciding how to insulate from staff shortages and the ravages of the modern economy.

The Lismore City Council failed to provide relief staffing for the Nimbin Visitor information centre at the Nimbin Bush Theatre as earlier promised which left visitors somewhat in doubt as to what tracks trails and tourist facilities were open and available during the Holiday period.

The chamber will discuss how to mitigate this issue going into the future at their next committee meeting.

The new visitor welcome and directional signage has now been installed, a lot of positive comments have a been reported, action has been taken to fix the few items needing correction thanks to those who took time to contact the chamber.

We are now considering how to best use the existing hoop signs that have become redundant, farmers market advertising is the most favoured repurpose.    

Fortunately, the roads both in and out of Nimbin have improved even though we still have a long way to go and there is still danger for drivers dodging potholes.

The condition of the back carpark behind the Cullen Street shops, in front of the school grounds including both entry and exit are in desperate need of repair this issue will be raised with council at our next meeting. 

Level 3 water restrictions have been removed by Rouse water however the boiled water alert remains on the Nimbin rural line, gardens will recover from the lack of consent to watering to keep them alive and abundant.

The Lismore city council interim General Manager John Walker has elected not to apply for a permanent term of office having served the community before and after the 2022 regional floods. John Walker was the 5th General Manager at the council in 5 years which is a matter of great concern.  

The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce thanks the General Manager for his efforts during one of the most difficult periods in the regions history we wish John well in the future.

Nimbin Aquarius50 Festival planning is well under way. 

The Chambers planning subcommittee have engaged Dex Tallo Festival production manager and Greg Bork Festival administrator to assist. 

For further information and updates please refer to the festival website www.aquarius50.com.au 

New Members 

The chamber would like to welcome Stuart McConville of Pooh Solutions to the chamber. Stuart is a long-term Nimbin resident and regular columnist and contributor to the Nimbin Good Times.

With our members support we are working towards building a better stronger and more vibrant future for our children and the community as a whole.

Read more about becoming a Chamber Member.