Chamber Chats - Jan 2026

The past year saw the completion of several long-running projects and the continued strengthening of Chamber governance, membership, and partnerships.

The Chamber welcomed two new committee members: Linda Bell, a renowned music photographer, and Stuart Bright, owner of one of Nimbin’s established heritage homestay venues, Arunga.

Several community projects celebrating local artistic works were completed during this period. The Newsagency now features a mural depicting local wildlife by Miranda Williamson, while the Bakery wall facing Armonica Café displays a reproduction of Burrie Jerome’s The Warrior, accompanied by a plaque acknowledging the artist’s contribution to the community. These works now stand as visible outcomes in the village and mark a milestone in local artistic investment.

Importantly, the funding that kept these mural projects alive came directly from the community. In the case of the Newsagency mural, this included a generous contribution from building owner Royce Jenkins, along with donations placed in counter tins across local businesses and supported by locals and visitors alike. These funds were complemented by CBD levies collected by council and managed by the Chamber, ensuring that the original artistic vision was honoured and completed. This model of shared contribution continues to demonstrate the value of collective effort in delivering lasting community outcomes.

The Chamber also recognised that the Women in Business initiative has smoothly entered its next stage under new leadership. This transition reflects the maturity of Chamber-driven programs and the strength of networks that continue to support connection, mentoring, and enterprise within the region.

Chamber membership continues to grow, with new organisations joining and existing members renewing their involvement.

January brings heightened visitor activity, and the Chamber remains focused on ensuring that visitor engagement translates into meaningful benefit for the local economy.

Choose Local. Experience Nimbin. Nimbin is more than a place you pass through. When visitors stay local, eat local, enjoy live music, and support local artists and makers, they help sustain the creativity and character that make this village unique. Ask locally, wander openly, and carry a piece of Nimbin with you.

Encouraging visitors to engage with locally owned accommodation, hospitality, arts, entertainment, and regional produce helps keep value circulating within the community. This approach strengthens collaboration between businesses, supports local employment and skills, and reinforces Nimbin’s identity as a place shaped by people rather than uniform experiences.

As the year unfolds, the Chamber remains committed to supporting locally owned businesses, maintaining transparent stewardship of funds, and fostering a resilient, creative, and connected village economy. January is a time to reset, refocus, and continue working together to ensure Nimbin remains distinctive, welcoming, and strong.

We extend our sincere gratitude to both our local community members and visitors for their ongoing support. Your contributions help preserve the unique character of the village we cherish, now and into the future.

David Hyett

President

Nimbin Chamber of Commerce