Chamber Chats - Sept 2025

Shopping Local in Nimbin – Building a Strong Village Economy

Buy Back Our Own - Buy Local!

When people in Nimbin choose to shop locally, they do more than purchase groceries, building materials, solar panels, or saffron tinctures. They support business owners’ ability first to survive, and then secondly, to reinvest—expanding product ranges, improving services, and enhancing the overall customer experience.

Equally important, the money remains within the community rather than flowing to multinationals, which helps build a stronger local economy. This, in turn, supports local employment, enhances community ties, and maintains a resilient and values-driven business environment.

At our recent Chamber networking meeting, we asked: What encourages locals to spend their money in Nimbin? The responses were clear and consistent—people shop locally for reasons that go well beyond price. They value customer service, reliability, follow-up support, and above all, trust and personal relationships. Many Nimbin businesses also operate with ethics and sustainability at their core. Profit is often secondary to principles of service, integrity, and community contribution.

What Businesses Are Currently Experiencing.

At the meeting, business owners shared powerful examples of how shopping locally is shaped by personal connection. Most operators reside in the area and are deeply involved in the village's life—creating a cycle of trust and mutual investment that is one of Nimbin’s greatest strengths.

This philosophy is embodied by the Harris family at Nimbin Emporium. Their business has long been a hub for the community—not just economically but socially—offering employment opportunities and basic skills for young locals. Their willingness to collaborate, such as referring customers to the Nimbin Servo for products they don’t have, keeps money circulating within town and fosters a culture of cooperation.

Sammi from the Apothecary demonstrated how authentic storytelling on social media—whether showcasing her kitchen where she crafts tinctures or her partner ploughing herb fields—has resonated more strongly than conventional advertising.

Matthew Wittemeier, the new CEO of Rainbow Power Company (RPC), spoke to this same spirit. While RPC may not always offer the lowest price, its skilled local workforce, strong after-sales service, and long-standing community ties offer genuine value. Historically, RPC shareholders invested not for quick profits, but to support a principled, local enterprise. Their renewed focus on the local market reflects a broader trend: people want to help businesses with a purpose.

Embracing New Tools

Marketing and digital engagement were recurring themes at the meeting. While there was strong interest in the new Nimbin Village website created by Wick and Rain of Aether agency, many businesses acknowledged the need for support in utilising digital tools—primarily social media—to tell their stories and reach new audiences effectively.

Signs of Strength

Remarkably, Nimbin currently has no vacant retail shops—a rare achievement in regional towns. Our February business survey also found that local trade is now more stable and less reliant on tourism than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses have adapted, and so have shoppers, who now look more broadly within Nimbin for their needs. This growth in collaboration between enterprises helps retain spending locally and strengthens the village’s economic ecosystem.

The Role of the Chamber

The Nimbin Chamber of Commerce plays a pivotal role in nurturing this ecosystem. We manage funds from the Business Rate Levy, membership fees, and occasional grants to deliver volunteer-led economic development initiatives that benefit the entire community. Our work includes lobbying the council for better streets and infrastructure, restoring murals, supporting local events, and promoting the Rainbow Walking Trail. We run business skills workshops, support Women in Business initiatives, and enhance the local business landscape. We’re also working to build a stronger digital presence for Nimbin businesses through the village website and social media strategies, while keeping business owners connected through regular updates and networking opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The meeting also highlighted some practical concerns, including the ongoing issues created by the western car park being used as a campground. A thriving economy needs more than just strong businesses—it requires an attractive and functional village that people enjoy visiting. The Nimbin Place Plan, adopted by Lismore Council last year, provides a solid blueprint; however, turning those recommendations into reality depends on both community effort and council action. We look forward to seeing progress soon.

With the support of a strong member base, The Chamber will continue to advocate, work together, and create opportunities for local businesses to thrive. But as the meeting highlighted, shopping local in Nimbin isn’t just about convenience or price. It’s about shared values, trust, and a sense of community spirit.

When we choose local, we’re choosing to invest in each other. That’s what makes Nimbin strong. — David Hyett,

President, Nimbin Chamber of Commerce