Chamber Chats Nov 2025

As the days become warmer and longer, Nimbin is embracing the vibrant energy of the summer

season. The village is coming alive with a renewed sense of community engagement, an influx of

visitors, and a range of events, all signalling a promising and busy start to the tourist season—often

affectionately known as the “silly season.” Chamber Activities and Community Engagement

The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce has been actively involved in a variety of initiatives designed to

foster creativity, connection, and a welcoming environment for both residents and visitors. Recent

efforts include support for local murals and markets, engagement projects for youth, and strengthened collaboration with the local council. All these activities contribute to keeping Nimbin vibrant and inclusive.

Annual General Meeting

The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce is set to hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, 18

November 2025, at 5:30 pm at the Nimbin Bush Theatre. This event offers members and the

community an opportunity to reflect on the past year, celebrate achievements, and look ahead to the

future. The meeting will include more than standard reports and elections; it is a platform for sharing

insights, hearing from partners, and connecting with those shaping Nimbin’s business and cultural life.

Attendees are invited to enjoy canapés and drinks and are encouraged to RSVP for catering

purposes.

Meeting Agenda

1. CMC (Hull): A visual presentation on upcoming local roadworks and their potential impacts on

   the community.

2. Lismore City Council: Introduction to the new Nimbin Business Insights report, highlighting

   valuable data on local trends and visitor activity.

3. Councillor Virginia Waters: Updates on issues and initiatives specific to Nimbin.

4. The Aether Agency: Information on how the Chamber’s website and Nimbinvillage.au can help raise the profile of local businesses.

5. President’s Annual Report: Reflections on the year’s achievements and the vision for the

   future.
   

The Chamber also welcomes new committee members. If you are interested in contributing ideas or

getting more involved, now is a great time to join. The commitment is just a few hours each month,

but the impact is lasting. Attend, connect, and help shape the next chapter in Nimbin’s story.

Local Projects & Community Updates

The market signage project is advancing, with new A-frame signs and reusable posters now

promoting the Nimbin and Farmers Markets as Chamber-supported events.

The mural at the Nimbin News agency is nearing completion, thanks to the support of property owner

Royce Jenkins. Additionally, the iconic Warrior Mural by the late Burri Jerome, which had deteriorated

beyond repair, has been recreated in more durable materials. This tribute is now featured on the wall

next to Armonica, complete with a QR code linking to information about the artist.

Supporting youth remains a key focus. The Nimbin Youth Voices project continues to equip young

people with creative and digital skills. The upcoming Crime Story Work Readiness Program,

scheduled for 8–9 December, will bring students together with local employers for hands-on, skill-

building experiences.

Western Carpark and Parking in Nimbin

Recent discussions within the community have focused on parking challenges, particularly regarding

the Western Carpark. The Chamber wishes to clarify that it did not ask Council to police parking.

Instead, in response to ongoing safety and antisocial behaviours concerns raised by the school,

businesses, and residents, the Chamber brought the issue to Council’s attention, after which the

Council independently decided to increase patrols in the area.

While a small number of fines have been issued for parking in “No Standing” or disabled zones, the

Chamber’s emphasis remains on fairness, safety, and ensuring access for all. The Chamber

continues to advocate for community-driven solutions such as enhanced signage, sensible time limits,

and a review of parking capacity to better reflect the number of residents and visitors using the village

each week.

Council and Regional Collaborations

The partnership with Lismore City Council remains productive and ongoing. Through the Nimbin

Business Insights program, monthly dashboards are being developed to track visitor and business

activity using Commonwealth Bank spending data. Analysis of the Roots Festival weekend will

provide further insights into local spending habits, supporting future event planning.

Collaborative efforts with the Council also include improving visitor signage and mapping. The Nimbin

Rainbow Walk map will soon be updated to include key locations such as Djanbung Gardens, Allsopp

Park, and the Hospital, along with refreshed “While You’re in Nimbin” visitor information. Council staff

are currently preparing grant proposals for projects at Peace Park, Allsopp Park, and Main Street,

with the Chamber supporting efforts to ensure these plans align with community priorities.

Farewell to the Nimbin Roots Festival The 2025 Nimbin Roots Festival brought a lively burst of music, colour, and visitors to the village. The

Chamber extends sincere thanks to organiser Lou Bradley for her dedication over the years. With the

announcement that this was the final festival in its current form, a significant chapter in Nimbin’s

creative calendar closes.

Festival attendees celebrated the friendly and quirky spirit of Nimbin, with many local businesses

noting a welcome increase in trade. The community is already considering ideas for a new arts and

music event to continue the festival’s legacy. A key takeaway from this year’s event was the limited

accommodation options available beyond camping and caravan sites. As the community looks to

future events, expanding accommodation capacity will be an important focus to ensure Nimbin’s

creative and community spirit continues to thrive.

As one chapter closes, another begins —together, we’ll ensure Nimbin remains vibrant, creative,

and connected. — David Hyett,

President, Nimbin Chamber of Commerce