March

My perception at the time of taking on the role of president of the Nimbin Chamber of Commerce was that I would, in my role of president, be responsible for chairing the monthly meetings of the Chamber, providing a face to the community that people could relate to and commune with. After a month in the seat, I now understand that the role goes way beyond my initial comprehension.

The Chamber is a hotbed of activity. Many issues are debated and resolved, with the view of improving the amenity of the village. Items that were discussed and actioned at the Chambers last monthly meeting include, overseeing and organising the Illuminate Nimbin festival, a Chamber initiative designed to bring families into the village for an afternoon and evening on the 11th of March, weather permitting, to celebrate our wonderful community with the backing of the N.S.W. government and some Council funding.

The festival will showcase Indigenous culture, local musical talent, artistic endeavour, children's activities as well as a skate jam. Many local shop fronts will remain open to showcase their wares. The event will culminate in a lantern parade featuring over 150 lanterns tol be paraded through the main street, which will be closed off for the period of 30 minutes or so during the parade.

• Other items attended included, consideration of and written response to Lismore City Council ‘s stalling of progress relating to the 7 Sibley Street project.

• Signing off the street sign project which will see many information signs in key locations as well as history plaques placed on historic and important buildings in the village.

• Continued upgrading of the Chamber’s website with advances made in providing an online store which will facilitate the sale of local products.

• Creation of a Chamber Facebook account which will be a valuable communication point for future major events.

• The Visit Nimbin brochure is now completed to the satisfaction of the Chamber and will go to print with 4,000 copies to be made available for distribution to visitors.

• The Chamber are requesting that Lismore City Council paint the public toilets and upgrade current facilities as well as consider a new amenities block for peace park.

In addition to these issues there was discussion relating to the state of repair of the old bridge on Cullen Street, opposite the Bush Theatre, as well as a request to Council for improved maintenance and care of the roadside on the southern entry.

As you can see from the above it has been a busy time at the Chamber of Commerce. I would like to thank all members of the Nimbin community who have contributed to the outcomes that assist in making Nimbin a shining light in times of uncertainty.