Chamber Chats - March 2026

March feels like a turning point in Nimbin. The peak of the tourist season has come to a

head, the long summer stretch is easing, and attention shifts toward what we’re building

next.

Behind the scenes, steady work continues — strengthening collaboration, backing creativity

and supporting the businesses and young people shaping our future.

Working Better Together

Nimbin has an extraordinary number of active volunteer groups and community

organisations. That is one of our major strengths — but coordination is what turns energy

into impact.

The Chamber is working toward a more structured Interagency calendar, ensuring

priorities are aligned and our collective voice is stronger when engaging with Council and

government.

Connection is not bureaucracy. It’s leverage.

Making Nimbin More Discoverable

The Chamber is driving discussions with Lismore city council and Aquarius Archives on a

public art and heritage trail, supported by a physical map incorporating QR codes, directing

visitors to information on the significance of the works, artist profiles. The aim is simple:

make Nimbin’s richness easier to discover.

We sometimes hear that there isn’t much to do beyond the main street. However in reality

we offer artistic venues, scenic walks, craft studios, markets, sports fields, dairies,

permaculture farms, parks, a historic butter factory, flourish sanctuary supported by an

active community. The opportunity isn’t creating more — it’s connecting people to what

already exists.

Ideas being explored include interactive trails and family-friendly discovery experiences

that encourage visitors to move beyond the obvious. It’s early thinking, but the intention is

clear: help people stay longer and engage more deeply with the village.

Investing in Local Education

Nimbin Central School has been highly successful in securing grant funding for

infrastructure and equipment upgrades — a credit to Principal Mitchell Cross and current

staff, who continue to seek meaningful improvements to support the learning process.

Recent additions include a refreshed website, a new sound system for the multipurpose unit

and new equipment in the metal and woodworking department, including a CNC machine

that expands hands-on technical learning.

These investments strengthen digital literacy, trade skills and practical experience. When

local schools attract funding and modernise facilities, they strengthen the long-term

employability and confidence of our young people.

Education doesn’t sit beside the economy. It underpins it.

Movement in the Village

There’s fresh creative energy at the Bush Theatre precinct. The Spirit Burrow, Jen

Harkness’s vibrant mix of art, clothing and distinctive giftware, along with Om Alchemy,

offering herbs, teas and natural skin care, have relocated to the space and brought new life

to that corner of town.

The café is once again serving coffee, tea and cakes, with plans to lease the space and

expand the offering further.

Meanwhile, Nimbin Apothecary has refreshed its branding — another sign that local businesses are evolving and adapting.

Supporting local enterprise means backing the people actively investing in this village.

A Film Festival for Nimbin

The Nimbin Short Film Festival is planned for November at the Nimbin Bush Theatre — an

initiative of the Nimbin Bush Theatre in collaboration with the Northern Rivers Filmmakers

Alliance. It’s early days, but the seed is being planted. The aim is to create a serious platform for

emerging filmmakers and give local creatives a place to be seen.

The recent success of local filmmaker Jasper Sharpe, who placed second at Tropfest,

confirms what many of us already know — this region produces real film talent.

The interest is here. The talent is here.

This festival is about building the springboard.

Looking Ahead – Festival Season Continues

While March signals a seasonal shift, major events are on the horizon. MardiGrass, held on

the first weekend of May, remains the biggest event on Nimbin’s annual calendar and a

significant driver of local trade.

The Nimbin Fringe Festival, running 30 October to 1 November, is also pushing ahead and

building momentum. A poster competition is currently open, with the selected artist

receiving a double pass to the festival and the opportunity to exhibit their work as part of

the official program.

Submissions can be made via the website or emailed to nimbinfringe@gmail.com. Original

artwork only — AI-generated images will not be accepted.

Legends of Nimbin – Volunteer Awards

A reminder that nominations are open for the Legends of Nimbin – Volunteer Awards Night,

taking place 31 March at the Bowlo. Nominations have now closed.

Nimbin thrives because people participate — in business, in art, in education and in

community life. David Hyett

President

Nimbin Chamber of Commerce