Chamber Chats - May 2026

The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce continues to keep one eye on the present and one eye on the future. Like all small communities, Nimbin has daily practical issues, but also bigger questions: how we manage growth, protect the village’s character, and make sure infrastructure keeps up with the reality on the ground.

At our recent Chamber meeting, members discussed local priorities including village presentation, visitor information, accommodation, murals, Council strategies, and upcoming community events.

The Chamber also continues to follow up with Lismore City Council on matters affecting Nimbin’s planning and day-to-day liveability. The Chamber would like to acknowledge and thank Council for responding to requests for pothole repairs and improvements to the village entry and exit points prior to MardiGrass. These may seem like small works on paper, but they make a real difference to how the village feels for locals and visitors alike. Safer roads and better-presented approaches support community pride, visitor confidence and the local economy.

MardiGrass, held over the first weekend of May, once again showed the strength and resilience of Nimbin’s visitor economy. Considering the wet weather leading into the event, rising fuel prices, and the broader question of how the cannabis law reform movement continues to define itself in the age of medicinal marijuana, the numbers were extremely encouraging. Visitors came from near and far, filling both the showgrounds and the campground, and bringing a real sense of life, colour and celebration into the village.

What stood out most was not just the crowd size, but the spirit of the event. Nimbin has always had a particular way of welcoming people, and many visitors clearly appreciated the warmth, humour and openness shown by locals. The event again delivered that rare mix of activism, culture, music and community that gives MardiGrass its particular place in the national calendar.

The business community reported strong trading, with many operators seeing a welcome increase on recent years. That income flow is important as we head into the quieter winter months, helping local businesses top up the coffers and keep staff, suppliers and services moving. A big shout out must go to the Hemp Embassy and the many volunteers who did the hard yards before, during and after the event. Without their dedication, an event of this scope and magnitude simply would not be possible.

At the same time, the Chamber has again raised the need for a proper traffic management plan for Nimbin. This is becoming increasingly important as development, tourism, housing pressure, events and general village activity place more demand on our roads and intersections. Particular concern remains around Cecil Street and Cullen Street, as well as the likely increased pressure on

Thorburn Street and Sibley Street. These streets are already part of the village’s daily movement pattern, and with continued development they will inevitably carry more traffic. Planning for that now is far better than trying to untangle it later, once the traffic spaghetti is already cooked.

Good traffic planning is not just about cars. It is about pedestrian safety, school movement, delivery access, parking, emergency access, disabled access, visitor flow, and the general ease with which people move through the village. Nimbin’s compact centre is one of its strengths, but poor planning can quickly affect everyone.

As noted in last month’s Good Times, the Chamber is continuing work on two practical visitor economy projects: the broader Nimbin Art Walk and an Accommodation Directory. Both are moving from discussion into early development, with the aim of improving visitor information, supporting local storytelling, and helping more visitors stay, explore and spend locally.

The next Nimbin Interagency meeting will be held on 23 May at Birth & Beyond from 9.30am, bringing local volunteer organisations together to connect, share ideas and focus community action. One important item for discussion will be the upcoming Youth Focus Volunteer Expo, planned for 26 June at Nimbin Central School, which aims to connect young people with local organisations, volunteering, work experience and community life. Local groups are encouraged to take part by hosting a stall, offering a simple interactive activity, outlining volunteer or work experience opportunities, or being included in a shared list for students.

The next Nimbin Chamber networking meeting will be held on Tuesday 26 May 2026 at the Nimbin Bush Theatre from 5.30pm. Open to local business owners, operators and community organisations, the evening is designed as a chance to step beyond the quick over-the-counter chats and passing street conversations of village life. With drinks and hors d’oeuvres provided, the meeting will focus on connection, shared local issues, and getting to know the people behind the businesses, projects and community work that help keep Nimbin ticking. Please RSVP here: Dialogue Bubbles

There is no shortage of pressure on small towns at the moment. Rising costs, fuel uncertainty, housing stress, infrastructure limits and changing visitor patterns are all part of the picture. But Nimbin also has a long history of doing things creatively and collectively. The challenge now is to keep that spirit alive while making sure the practical foundations are strong enough to support the next chapter.

As always, the Chamber welcomes constructive input from local businesses, community organisations and residents.

Choose Local. Experience Nimbin. David Hyett

President

Nimbin Chamber of Commerce