Chamber Chats - October 2026
Connecting locally, supporting locally
There has been a great deal happening around Nimbin lately, and much of it reflects something the Chamber would like to encourage more strongly: connection between local people, businesses and organisations.
Many people around Nimbin work from home or independently on small enterprises, creative projects, services and new ideas. That can be productive, but it can also be isolating. Someone may spend months developing something without knowing that another person nearby has exactly the skill, experience, equipment, contact or enthusiasm they need.
Making those connections can move an idea forward quickly.
Just as importantly, talking with others creates a cross-fertilisation of ideas. A fresh perspective, a useful question or somebody becoming genuinely enthusiastic about what you are doing can strengthen a project, lead to collaboration and produce a better result.
PLENTY HAPPENING AROUND NIMBIN
We have seen a string of strong recent examples, with plenty more to come as we move into the warmer months and the local events calendar gathers pace.
The Nimbin Performance Poetry World Cup again brought poets and audiences into town, with the Chamber contributing $500 in sponsorship. The Nimbin Fashion Show made a very successful return, showcasing local designers, sustainable fashion and wearable art, with $1,000 support from the Chamber. The Nimbin Show was another particularly successful and well-attended event, and received the NSW AgShows Innovation Award for its renewable-energy approach, with valuable support from Rainbow Power Company.
At the Nimbin Bush Theatre, Sonic Bloom drew an excellent response, including visitors from as far away as Brisbane. Chrissy’s Pilates, yin yoga and sound-healing sessions are back, while the monthly cacao ceremony and ecstatic dance have both built regular followings of around 20 people. Friday night movies also continue to be well supported.
At the Town Hall and School of Arts, the Spring Arts Exhibition continues through the school holidays, while the Nimbin Theatre Troupe presents Two Plays & Canapés on 22, 23 and 24 October. Then comes the Nimbin Fringe Festival from 30 October to 1 November, with a strong multi-venue program across the village. The Chamber has contributed $1,000 to the Fringe, bringing direct Chamber support for the Poetry World Cup, Fashion Show and Fringe Festival to $2,500.
KEEPING DOLLARS MOVING LOCALLY
These activities range from small gatherings to major events, but collectively they keep people moving through the village. Visitors eat in cafés, buy groceries, fill up with fuel, browse shops, visit markets and stay in local accommodation. A good experience can lead to repeat visits, friends returning with friends, and sometimes even people deciding Nimbin and the surrounding district is somewhere they would like to live.
That matters while household budgets are under pressure from interest rates, fuel, food and other everyday costs. Supporting Nimbin’s retail strip, cafés, regular markets and farmers markets, grocery businesses, fuel, hardware, accommodation and other local services helps keep dollars circulating locally.
It has also been good to see local tradies get some respite from the persistent wet weather, allowing more productive days, a chance to catch up on delayed jobs and a welcome lift in spirits.
WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER
We are pleased to welcome Tommaso Cau and Nimbin Pizza and Cucina as a new member of the Chamber. Tommaso has invested significantly in modernising and opening up the premises, and it is encouraging to see that enthusiasm and confidence in the village.
AQUARIUS ARCHIVE CENTRE
The Aquarius Archive Centre is seeking community support to raise more than $600 per month towards ongoing rental costs. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible, and even small regular contributions can help.
Account | Aquarius Archive Centre |
Bank | Summerland Bank |
ACC | 22353157 |
BSB | 728-728 |
October is also NSW Small Business Month, and the Chamber is exploring the possibility of a practical AI workshop for local businesses.
The common thread is simple: the more we connect, share ideas, support local activity and keep money circulating locally, the stronger the whole community becomes.
David Hyett
President
