Nomoss

“Nature is the one true teacher.” I read it some Indian
gurus’ book while wandering India fifteen years ago. It stuck
with me, had that ring of truth, and years of gardening only seemed
to confirm it.

Lately I keep thinking how flexible, how adaptable nature is, the
creative is, or whatever you call “the force.” And the
times, the 1990’s really calls for it. There is so much going
on, and it’s all moving so fast, we have to be able to move
with it.

How do you make God laugh? – Tell him your plans for the future!
It comes home time and time again.

I continue to be amazed by the feral show on 60 minutes. It’s
largely envy I reckon, a frustration throughout heaps of the working
world. Almost everyone has a fantasy about going back to nature,
bringing up the family laughing sunshine and wild flowers. The log
cabin and peaceful pure idyllic nature. Thank God we’ve really
got this fantasy! And thank God there is a few, a very few really,
who have a go at living it. I’m so grateful to be one of them,
and in awe of the fact that, out of the 6 billion humans on earth,
we are here, in OZ, and able to do it! The transition from growing
up in suburbia to living in the bush is a huge one. That’s
the creative spirit I’m talking about, flexible, adaptable.

And the people angered watching “the ferals go wild on tax
payer’s money?” Jealous! Imagine it, locked into a mortgage
and job syndrome, if you did make the break your spouse would probably
leave you and you don’t want to do that to the children. So…..it’s
difficult eh? Be grateful to be here and throughout our failings
and messes we should remember, “We’ve done well just
to get out of it.”

Louise Riddell got on council. Well, well, well, she sure knows
how to play the game. Two women from Nimbin on council, one from
each side of the river. I wonder if they’ll be able to find
a peaceful middle ground. Impossible if greed isn’t put aside,
but then I have great faith in Nimbin, in the very land itself,
bringing everyone down to size in their own time. It is a healing
and initiation ground after all. I always think of Nimbin as that.

Speaking of developers, the relatively new landlord, of the building
the Museum is in, has told me she doesn’t want to renew the
lease when it ends on October 31st. (1995) I’m told this is
because of one complaint! I have a three year option which I told
her want to renew, so we’ll have to wait and see what happens.

I understand that some people would like to close the Museum. Some
people even think it is the cause of the street scene! That’s
silly!

For me, the Museum is a temple. And it covers lots of ground. For
visitors it gives them an insight into our culture, lifestyle and
values. For locals it’s a chance to contribute, and remember
why we are here. And it’s also a quiet for children to get
of the street as well as adults.

I know it could be a lot better, it needs work, there’s probably
too much on drugs and lots of other stuff. But the street scene
will be there with or without the Museum. And that is where we have
to flexible and adaptable. Instead of trying to get rid of people
why not fit them in? Accept them. Junkies are inferior to niggers
on a racist scale these days. Yet the many I know, are as human
as you or me. And that is why I am so passionate about the drug
laws. The injustice and tragic consequences of prohibition is all
over Cullen St. everyday for those who eyes to see. And who’s
to blame?

One thing’s for sure, drugs are here to stay. So why not deal
with it in an honest and caring way? I’m sick of saying it.

But the Museum is much more than that. It’s an expression
of our culture and I can say with confidence that virtually everyone
from far and wide, who follow the rainbow serpent through the Museum
agree with us. We make sense, in fact a lot of people admire us
and what we are doing in this community. Nimbin flies a kind of
freedom flag which the general public is gratefull exists. They
may not do it but they are glad we are.

Many people, ever day, are thrilled to discover the Museum when
they visit. You only have to stand and watch them come out –
many really love it – and it changes their understanding and
attitude towards us.

In the Lonely Planet travel guide it says, “the weird and
wonderful Nimbin Museum is on Cullen Street near the rainbow café.
Admission $2, and it’s worth it for the conversation you’ll
hear before you gat through the door.” This shows just how
much travellers and visitors can enjoy what many locals see as scum.
Living here, it’s easy to lose perspective on how unique this
town is. Many visitors comment on how open and friendly the people
are here.

If we don’t want the town to be remodelled into a Noosa we’ll
have to stand up for what we believe in. Development has arrived
and it can all change very quickly. Be in touch with what’s
happening around you. This is real life monopoly and Cullen St is
hot property right now! We are the human zoo!

Flexible and adaptable, accepting and tolerant, I love these qualities
Nimbin shows more than just about anywhere. Don’t give yourself
or others too much of a hard time! Another thing nature shows so
well is that everything is growing and living as much as it can.
Everything, plant, animal, insect or bird is flat out trying to
have as good a time as possible. It’s the same for humans
I reckon. Everyone’s trying their hardest. There’s no
one to blame, it’s all a mirror.

Michael Balderstone.