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We've spent hours doing a medley. Um, Tape ID, it's Friday the 20th of November, 1992 We've spent hours doing a medley. Um, Tape ID, it's Friday the 20th of November, 1992
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and we're in Nimbin and speaking with David Hallett. Um, and we're in Nimbin and speaking with David Hallett. Um,
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could I just get you to state your name David and how you fit in Nimbin with a summary. could I just get you to state your name David and how you fit in Nimbin with a summary.
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My name is David Hallett. I, I was at university in 1973 My name is David Hallett. I, I was at university in 1973
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and it was the first term holidays and it was the first term holidays
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back when we had three terms rather than four semesters back when we had three terms rather than four semesters
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and the friends in Balmain in the house I was sharing said and the friends in Balmain in the house I was sharing said
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'we're all going on the train to Nimbin tonight', to which I said 'where?!' 'we're all going on the train to Nimbin tonight', to which I said 'where?!'
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and it was part of and it was part of
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the A.U.S which is the Australian Union of Students, based in the university students the A.U.S which is the Australian Union of Students, based in the university students
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had arranged a train called the Good Times Express which went from Sydney, had arranged a train called the Good Times Express which went from Sydney,
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sorry from Melbourne. I think they bussed students over from Adelaide sorry from Melbourne. I think they bussed students over from Adelaide
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and the train went from Melbourne through Sydney and the train went from Melbourne through Sydney
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and took about, seemingly five weeks to get from Sydney to Lismore, then was and took about, seemingly five weeks to get from Sydney to Lismore, then was
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stuck on buses and trekked down to Nimbin stuck on buses and trekked down to Nimbin
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and it was about 8000 people here. I'd never heard of Nimbin, I had never even and it was about 8000 people here. I'd never heard of Nimbin, I had never even
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actually been out of Sydney much up to that point. And actually been out of Sydney much up to that point. And
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um, that was my first real connection um, that was my first real connection
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and it's very hard years later to explain the, or to illustrate the impact of and it's very hard years later to explain the, or to illustrate the impact of
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that festival and the crush of the people and just the openness that festival and the crush of the people and just the openness
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and spiritually just how wonderful it was to all of us boys and spiritually just how wonderful it was to all of us boys
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and girls who came from the suburbs and the unis and girls who came from the suburbs and the unis
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and then of course I went back to uni after that as we all did and then of course I went back to uni after that as we all did
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and I came up at the end of and I came up at the end of
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that year for a couple of week holiday, staying over at Uki which is just over the that year for a couple of week holiday, staying over at Uki which is just over the
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hill in the Tweed Valley. And, but those couple of weeks seems to have turned nearly hill in the Tweed Valley. And, but those couple of weeks seems to have turned nearly
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20 years now. [Interviewer] What about the festival? What sort of memories do you have, it was a make-your-own festival, how did you make it? 20 years now. [Interviewer] What about the festival? What sort of memories do you have, it was a make-your-own festival, how did you make it?
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Well Well
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it largely was, because it was based around the campsites of the people who, you it largely was, because it was based around the campsites of the people who, you
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know, formed in groups all over the geography here. [Interviewer] I'm going to ask you to start again, sorry. know, formed in groups all over the geography here. [Interviewer] I'm going to ask you to start again, sorry.
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The festival was, it was really interesting cause it was sort of like The festival was, it was really interesting cause it was sort of like
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decentralisation in that there were camping areas all over the geography here and decentralisation in that there were camping areas all over the geography here and
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basically people formed their own basically people formed their own
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mini hamlets within that within all of that and, uh mini hamlets within that within all of that and, uh
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It was unseasonably fine and dry It was unseasonably fine and dry
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and beautiful all through the May, every day was hot and fine and beautiful all through the May, every day was hot and fine
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and all the nights were, were and all the nights were, were
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dewy dewy
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and clear, except for the full moon night which was actually a bit cloudy, so for a change and clear, except for the full moon night which was actually a bit cloudy, so for a change
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the ground was dry. the ground was dry.
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But the town with a great big focus for all of the things But the town with a great big focus for all of the things
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that were going on throughout the time. that were going on throughout the time.
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And I think just the fact of the people sharing in it's own And I think just the fact of the people sharing in it's own
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and everyone's company on this large scale in a and everyone's company on this large scale in a
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in a sort of a disorganised way, we're all so used to coming from organised events in a sort of a disorganised way, we're all so used to coming from organised events
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and sporting events and social events from the cities and sporting events and social events from the cities
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but this was very, very different, and it was very much a make-your-own festival but this was very, very different, and it was very much a make-your-own festival
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and for all of us who had been to pop festivals and Sunburies and Wallachias and for all of us who had been to pop festivals and Sunburies and Wallachias
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and things it wasn't, it wasn't a rock star festival. and things it wasn't, it wasn't a rock star festival.
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They had the African, South African pianist Dollar Brand They had the African, South African pianist Dollar Brand
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but it was very much an un-ego situation in but it was very much an un-ego situation in
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that even he was sitting on a little 6-inch high stage down in the field with a that even he was sitting on a little 6-inch high stage down in the field with a
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with an old piano on it and the Balls of Bengal were there with an old piano on it and the Balls of Bengal were there
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but they weren't you know, they weren't AC/DC but they weren't you know, they weren't AC/DC
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or 10 Years After or Woodstock or anything. or 10 Years After or Woodstock or anything.
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It was very prominate there, I think, especially with some of the religous groups, all manner It was very prominate there, I think, especially with some of the religous groups, all manner
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of seventies, Shri this and Bubba that, ah, who were of seventies, Shri this and Bubba that, ah, who were
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actually a good deal more organised than many of us who came over there actually a good deal more organised than many of us who came over there
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were sort of open, open eyes and open hearts and open minds to things were sort of open, open eyes and open hearts and open minds to things
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and they were sort of, and they were sort of,
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but they within themselves had sort of a theatrical exposition, a musical exposition, but they within themselves had sort of a theatrical exposition, a musical exposition,
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the singing and a performance thing that the singing and a performance thing that
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that I think strongly touched everyone as these sort of small processions would that I think strongly touched everyone as these sort of small processions would
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come in, into town after dark and go into the hall and set it with candles come in, into town after dark and go into the hall and set it with candles
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and music and and music and
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and sing their song of whichever particular, generally Eastern-leaning and sing their song of whichever particular, generally Eastern-leaning
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that these, these religious groups had. And the theater and that these, these religious groups had. And the theater and
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the acrobat of course, who came in town and performed every night the acrobat of course, who came in town and performed every night
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but it'd be very hard to say but it'd be very hard to say
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The Nimbin festival was this or that or these events happened The Nimbin festival was this or that or these events happened
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or these people did specific things because it wasn't like that at all. or these people did specific things because it wasn't like that at all.
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It was very much this idea of It was very much this idea of
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do-it-yourself festival. It was like, I don't know, a cross between, between a boy scout do-it-yourself festival. It was like, I don't know, a cross between, between a boy scout
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camp and camp and
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and being on LSD, it's really both of them strangely. [Interviewer] What was it about, was there something about Nimbin that struck you first off, or was it the Festival itself that overrode your whole impression, did you get a sense of place and being on LSD, it's really both of them strangely. [Interviewer] What was it about, was there something about Nimbin that struck you first off, or was it the Festival itself that overrode your whole impression, did you get a sense of place
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about Nimbin. [David] I think in Nimbin about Nimbin. [David] I think in Nimbin
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I think everyone, because I m-mean it has to be admitted that during I think everyone, because I m-mean it has to be admitted that during
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that time a lot of psilocybin mushrooms were taken. that time a lot of psilocybin mushrooms were taken.
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And so the whole impact in, in you know, not just visually and orally And so the whole impact in, in you know, not just visually and orally
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but in sixth and seventh and eighth senses, if you want to count but in sixth and seventh and eighth senses, if you want to count
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that many was very, very strong on people. But I think the fact was that many was very, very strong on people. But I think the fact was
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and I've always felt it and you've got to say and I've always felt it and you've got to say
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that Nimbin, even though I didn't know the, the truth of it then Nimbin that Nimbin, even though I didn't know the, the truth of it then Nimbin
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is and was the graveyard of one of the greatest forests of red cedar is and was the graveyard of one of the greatest forests of red cedar
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that was ever known and it was called the Red Sea and even when we came here that was ever known and it was called the Red Sea and even when we came here
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and a lot of these things are gone now but all of the hills and a lot of these things are gone now but all of the hills
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and many of them I say have gone, had these um, and many of them I say have gone, had these um,
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the ring bark trees the ring bark trees
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or the remains, quite tall you know 50, 100 feet, high with you know the remains of or the remains, quite tall you know 50, 100 feet, high with you know the remains of
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what, what limbs they had up the top what, what limbs they had up the top
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and of course even being on mushrooms, you had this uh, it did have this graveyard and of course even being on mushrooms, you had this uh, it did have this graveyard
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feeling feeling
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and you could see a lot of the erosion in the hills around, a lot of the slips and you could see a lot of the erosion in the hills around, a lot of the slips
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and the slides falling. and the slides falling.
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So even though you've got the rim of the trees So even though you've got the rim of the trees
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and the forested hills around, I mean it was obvious and the forested hills around, I mean it was obvious
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that this place had been, had been cleared out lock, stock that this place had been, had been cleared out lock, stock
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and barrel of all this cedar. And it was like it had been re-peopled with beef and barrel of all this cedar. And it was like it had been re-peopled with beef
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and dairy and bananas and loggers and things. and dairy and bananas and loggers and things.
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But there was a very much something missing from here and I've always felt But there was a very much something missing from here and I've always felt
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that we're sort of here that we're sort of here
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after the event so to speak. But then again in the 20 years after the event so to speak. But then again in the 20 years
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that I've been here, many of these old ring bark trees were so apparent then are that I've been here, many of these old ring bark trees were so apparent then are
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gone now been cleared or knocked out because they were damn dangerous anyway. gone now been cleared or knocked out because they were damn dangerous anyway.
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And of course in that time actually, because going back to the time And of course in that time actually, because going back to the time
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when there were beef here when there were beef here
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and you could actually be fined for having trees on properties and you could actually be fined for having trees on properties
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when beef was the run of the day. You know too many trees you'd be fined when beef was the run of the day. You know too many trees you'd be fined
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and you wouldn't do well within the industry because it was clear everything as and you wouldn't do well within the industry because it was clear everything as
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many blades of grass for the cows to eat, was what it was all about. many blades of grass for the cows to eat, was what it was all about.
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But that's changed a lot, a lot of the beef has gone by the way now But that's changed a lot, a lot of the beef has gone by the way now
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and there are many more trees have grown back up here and a lot of the people who have and there are many more trees have grown back up here and a lot of the people who have
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come in the intervening years of course of have planted a lot more. come in the intervening years of course of have planted a lot more.
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And so I think that's, it's made the place seem a lot, a lot nicer now than it felt And so I think that's, it's made the place seem a lot, a lot nicer now than it felt
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then, because there was this strange sort of raped then, because there was this strange sort of raped
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impression that I got from back then. Much as I love being here and love impression that I got from back then. Much as I love being here and love
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to be out in the hills and I'd been a boy scout and a cadet to be out in the hills and I'd been a boy scout and a cadet
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and all those things and I'd camped a lot and gone out of the bush. and all those things and I'd camped a lot and gone out of the bush.
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But I hadn't been to this area before and you know it has But I hadn't been to this area before and you know it has
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that stripped, eroded thing that stripped, eroded thing
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that sort of was in a real state of transition then, because all the previous that sort of was in a real state of transition then, because all the previous
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industries and the reason for their being had sort of folded. industries and the reason for their being had sort of folded.
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Are you conscious of a deliberate decision to come back and stay Nimbin, or were you more or less seduced? Are you conscious of a deliberate decision to come back and stay Nimbin, or were you more or less seduced?
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Well, I sort of came for a holiday back at the end of that, Well, I sort of came for a holiday back at the end of that,
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I came to Nimbin for a holiday, the end of I came to Nimbin for a holiday, the end of
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that university year in which the Aquarius Festival was on that university year in which the Aquarius Festival was on
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and I just, as the group I was with, who are a group of artists and musicians and I just, as the group I was with, who are a group of artists and musicians
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and sculptors we just suddenly realised and sculptors we just suddenly realised
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that we were this household, this mini community with bales and dairies and igloos that we were this household, this mini community with bales and dairies and igloos
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and teepees and teepees
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and we just became as artistic, it wasn't a conscious decision really, people were and we just became as artistic, it wasn't a conscious decision really, people were
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there for various reasons, a couple had the households, others were visitors there for various reasons, a couple had the households, others were visitors
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and people coming, but we actually spend most of a year together and and people coming, but we actually spend most of a year together and
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that point that point
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and did a large exhibition in, in the Sydney gallery in the Hogarth gallery through and did a large exhibition in, in the Sydney gallery in the Hogarth gallery through
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that year and started doing a lot of performance and, and music that year and started doing a lot of performance and, and music
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and I, it was a lifestyle I hadn't got into having been a good catholic boy in Sydney and I, it was a lifestyle I hadn't got into having been a good catholic boy in Sydney
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and gone through university, um, and gone through university, um,
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this was just a whole new opening up for me. I started playing the piano this was just a whole new opening up for me. I started playing the piano
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when I was seven years old, but most of that was in a formal academic sense when I was seven years old, but most of that was in a formal academic sense
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and I hadn't really got to a freer and more expressive forms of music to really and I hadn't really got to a freer and more expressive forms of music to really
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that the evening that I came up here at the end of 1973 that the evening that I came up here at the end of 1973
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and I haven't really looked back from that point, I've been a musician and I haven't really looked back from that point, I've been a musician
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and a performer largely since then. and a performer largely since then.
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How did your um, poetry develop you've, you've made your reputation as a performance poet How did your um, poetry develop you've, you've made your reputation as a performance poet
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up here. How did it develop? [David] I've been writing poetry now for about 18 years. up here. How did it develop? [David] I've been writing poetry now for about 18 years.
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I think it was in the mid seventies, I went down to Adelaide for I think it was in the mid seventies, I went down to Adelaide for
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The arts festival The arts festival
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and I just was mixing with an old friend Richard Tipping, the Adelaide based poet and I just was mixing with an old friend Richard Tipping, the Adelaide based poet
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and I just got involved with all the writers down there and and I just got involved with all the writers down there and
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I started writing immediately when I left there, and through a lot of that time I started writing immediately when I left there, and through a lot of that time
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also I was working inland. As quite a few of the people from Nimbin there was a long also I was working inland. As quite a few of the people from Nimbin there was a long
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period where for about five, six years period where for about five, six years
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the Ninbinites would go off the Ninbinites would go off
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and work the wheat harvest out in the north west of the state. and work the wheat harvest out in the north west of the state.
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Strangely at Strangely at
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that time because we were not from the area, which is why we originally got work out that time because we were not from the area, which is why we originally got work out
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there because um, there were lots of problems of potentials for corruption with people there because um, there were lots of problems of potentials for corruption with people
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you know grading local farmers highly because you live there you know grading local farmers highly because you live there
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and it was very hard not to do it if they were mates, the old mateship problem. and it was very hard not to do it if they were mates, the old mateship problem.
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And also which they found to be a good benefit of the times a lot of the Nimbin And also which they found to be a good benefit of the times a lot of the Nimbin
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people didn't drink people didn't drink
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and once was stuck out on these railway lines out in the bleeding hot middle of nowhere, and once was stuck out on these railway lines out in the bleeding hot middle of nowhere,
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many of the itinerant workers that had in the past took to the drink pretty rad, many of the itinerant workers that had in the past took to the drink pretty rad,
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You know, readily and radically and there was a problem of You know, readily and radically and there was a problem of
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the whole shipload of wheat was turned back from China because it hadn't been the whole shipload of wheat was turned back from China because it hadn't been
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properly tested. And so the Ninbinites, you know 50 or 60 of them would go there properly tested. And so the Ninbinites, you know 50 or 60 of them would go there
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each year to work. But I also was working cotton harvests inland each year to work. But I also was working cotton harvests inland
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and fruit picking down on the Murray and fruit picking down on the Murray
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and I just got into this whole vernacular of writing about travels and I just got into this whole vernacular of writing about travels
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and working inland and then working harvests and then getting back home and working inland and then working harvests and then getting back home
11:24

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and starting to write more and more about Nimbin and the changes and the people and starting to write more and more about Nimbin and the changes and the people
11:27

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and just the colour of, or lack of colour of things happening here as well. And ah, and just the colour of, or lack of colour of things happening here as well. And ah,
11:33

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in the late seventies and early eighties through the folk concerts in the late seventies and early eighties through the folk concerts
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and the variety concerts and the classical music concerts and and the variety concerts and the classical music concerts and
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just the cafes, the Rainbow Cafe and other sorts of events, small and large just the cafes, the Rainbow Cafe and other sorts of events, small and large
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and festive events and annual shows, and festive events and annual shows,
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I just started performing more and more the poetry that I was doing. I just started performing more and more the poetry that I was doing.
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And also getting in league with two or three other writers up here And also getting in league with two or three other writers up here
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who were or weren't writing about things local and, um who were or weren't writing about things local and, um
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It just grew from that point. To the extent now It just grew from that point. To the extent now
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that we have regular, we have shows called a grand piano in poetry concerts where that we have regular, we have shows called a grand piano in poetry concerts where
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we'll have six poets and six er..pianists. we'll have six poets and six er..pianists.
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But I also run ah, poetry events in Lismore, in Byron Bay But I also run ah, poetry events in Lismore, in Byron Bay
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and have a touring group as well. But a lot of that comes from and have a touring group as well. But a lot of that comes from
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just my own background I mean I'm.. just my own background I mean I'm..
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I did, I did history at school, I did anthropology at university. I did, I did history at school, I did anthropology at university.
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So I sort of remain this, this ah, poet, anthropologist, historian recording So I sort of remain this, this ah, poet, anthropologist, historian recording
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and colouring or trying to do justice to the colour of the things and colouring or trying to do justice to the colour of the things
12:34

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and the people around me here. [Birds in back ground] (Is there anything you can think of that um, that's a simlar link between the musicians and poets and the artists who gravitated to Nimbin any generialisations about that sort of people? OK.) and the people around me here. [Birds in back ground] (Is there anything you can think of that um, that's a simlar link between the musicians and poets and the artists who gravitated to Nimbin any generialisations about that sort of people? OK.)
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Many people came here. Many artists Many people came here. Many artists
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and performers have come to Nimbin over the last two decades. and performers have come to Nimbin over the last two decades.
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You know, For many of the, you know, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne. You know, For many of the, you know, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne.
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The capital cities. But it's usually The capital cities. But it's usually
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been a great diversity to them which I think as the time has gone on this is, this is been a great diversity to them which I think as the time has gone on this is, this is
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been one of the magical things about the place here. been one of the magical things about the place here.
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I think Nimbin would have been very boring if you had, you know 2000 people all I think Nimbin would have been very boring if you had, you know 2000 people all
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singing Bob Dylan and/or Cat Stevens and not much else. singing Bob Dylan and/or Cat Stevens and not much else.
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But I think the diversity of things here is that um, we are a rural community But I think the diversity of things here is that um, we are a rural community
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whatever else Nimbin might be it is that. Isolated just by the geography of whatever else Nimbin might be it is that. Isolated just by the geography of
13:34

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that it's, you know, 20 miles to the nearest large town. And that that it's, you know, 20 miles to the nearest large town. And that
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as the musical as the musical
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and artistic community here people became thrown together, who in other situations and artistic community here people became thrown together, who in other situations
13:44

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in towns and cities wouldn't have been put together. in towns and cities wouldn't have been put together.
13:47

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And that made the interesting crossover of..you know, And that made the interesting crossover of..you know,
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Indian percussionists playing with western folkies and Celtic musos playing with rock people Indian percussionists playing with western folkies and Celtic musos playing with rock people
13:59

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and Celtic musos playing with the reggae and just..I think the larger events and Celtic musos playing with the reggae and just..I think the larger events
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um, and things like the Nimbin All-stars and the Nimbin um, and things like the Nimbin All-stars and the Nimbin
14:08

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Folk Club started rubbing a lot of the, the shoulders off the edges between the Folk Club started rubbing a lot of the, the shoulders off the edges between the
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various performers. Such that now, various performers. Such that now,
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I mean the differences and the bad chemistries are always there I mean the differences and the bad chemistries are always there
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and they grow to with the good things and they grow to with the good things
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but I think it's got to a situation where, across the board a lot of these musos but I think it's got to a situation where, across the board a lot of these musos
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and other people can work together, in situations you wouldn't imagine. and other people can work together, in situations you wouldn't imagine.
14:29

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And also in the artistic situation where you can have, for example we had a recent And also in the artistic situation where you can have, for example we had a recent
14:33

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Spring Arts Festival where there was a lot of arts, crafts, furniture, woodwork, Spring Arts Festival where there was a lot of arts, crafts, furniture, woodwork,
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ceramics, jewelry and things on display but ceramics, jewelry and things on display but
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that was woven into the performance of that was woven into the performance of
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of ensembles, baroque ensembles, classical ensembles, jazz pianists, poetry readings, avant of ensembles, baroque ensembles, classical ensembles, jazz pianists, poetry readings, avant
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guard dance groups, [roster crowing], mean to me guard dance groups, [roster crowing], mean to me
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I mean, I mean,
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and speaking as the President of the Nimbin School of Arts incorporated, which manages and speaking as the President of the Nimbin School of Arts incorporated, which manages
14:56

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the hall. I think these are the magic events, the big ones the hall. I think these are the magic events, the big ones
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that really have the attraction for the public and the community that really have the attraction for the public and the community
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but also for the performers as well but also for the performers as well
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and for the artists because they do these things on a large scale. and for the artists because they do these things on a large scale.
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I like to do things on this sort of scale I like to do things on this sort of scale
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but I think it..it is just draws people together on this bigger scale but I think it..it is just draws people together on this bigger scale
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and it makes them also feel part, larger part of this, of this larger artistic and it makes them also feel part, larger part of this, of this larger artistic
15:23

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community community
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and gives them more respect, I think in a lot of ways for what they're doing and gives them more respect, I think in a lot of ways for what they're doing
15:27

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and what others are doing because there is a chip on the shoulder about Nimbin there's a and what others are doing because there is a chip on the shoulder about Nimbin there's a
15:30

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lot of cliches that the media readily fall into about Nimbin. lot of cliches that the media readily fall into about Nimbin.
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I think it's very easy to carry I think it's very easy to carry
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that like a cloak around you as well rather than to see where ones, one's own worth. that like a cloak around you as well rather than to see where ones, one's own worth.
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I mean it's ludicrous to my mind to pointed at a village like Nimbin and say I mean it's ludicrous to my mind to pointed at a village like Nimbin and say
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that places got a drug problem. When the whole world got a drug problem or that places got a drug problem. When the whole world got a drug problem or
15:51

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that places got a problem with itinerants that places got a problem with itinerants
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and unemployed people. Whereas it just seems to be a bit of a haven to these people and unemployed people. Whereas it just seems to be a bit of a haven to these people
15:57

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and where they are all over the place from the coast in- and where they are all over the place from the coast in-
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land anyway just that ah, the finger gets pointed to it ah, in a bad way land anyway just that ah, the finger gets pointed to it ah, in a bad way
16:06

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and I think the media has not helped a lot of the artists to feel, you know, how they and I think the media has not helped a lot of the artists to feel, you know, how they
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step out from that. Whereas I go out to the outside step out from that. Whereas I go out to the outside
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world now and I'm a Nimbin Performance Poet and that's what I do and I find world now and I'm a Nimbin Performance Poet and that's what I do and I find
16:19

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that there's a fascination. I go to Sydney or Melbourne that there's a fascination. I go to Sydney or Melbourne
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and there's an absolute fascination about Nimbin and there's an absolute fascination about Nimbin
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and any anthropologist, historian, poet's and any anthropologist, historian, poet's
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words about Nimbin. I don't know what it is it's like, it's like the daytrippers. words about Nimbin. I don't know what it is it's like, it's like the daytrippers.
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I mean Ninbin's got a bad reputation in many ways I mean Ninbin's got a bad reputation in many ways
16:38

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and yet, during any holiday period. and yet, during any holiday period.
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The volvo's and the commodores The volvo's and the commodores
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and the daytrippers with their well-to-do, white nylon, reebok, jacuzzied, families come and the daytrippers with their well-to-do, white nylon, reebok, jacuzzied, families come
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over here, on mass, every holiday period. over here, on mass, every holiday period.
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I don't know what their, their attraction is I can say why I come here. I don't know what their, their attraction is I can say why I come here.
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I don't know whether they're, they come for a bit of a dare I think and a bit of a.. I don't know whether they're, they come for a bit of a dare I think and a bit of a..
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A bit of fun and it's a bit shocking for some of them but, A bit of fun and it's a bit shocking for some of them but,
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It's somewhere between shock and curiosity. It's somewhere between shock and curiosity.
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I mean it's a lot cheaper than going to Calcutta I mean it's a lot cheaper than going to Calcutta
17:09

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or you if you're staying in Byron Bay you do a day trip to Nimbin or you if you're staying in Byron Bay you do a day trip to Nimbin
17:13

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and go back home feeling and go back home feeling
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rest-assured in your mortgage in the house back in Sydney or Melbourne rest-assured in your mortgage in the house back in Sydney or Melbourne
17:17

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that you've got. [laughs] It's a strange thing. Some people come here expecting the worst that you've got. [laughs] It's a strange thing. Some people come here expecting the worst
17:21

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and a very glad it's here and other people come here actually open minded and and a very glad it's here and other people come here actually open minded and
17:26

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and think it's this wonderful, sort of, smorgasbord pot pourri of things going on and think it's this wonderful, sort of, smorgasbord pot pourri of things going on
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here. (It is pretty amazing I mean here. (It is pretty amazing I mean
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everyone, absolutely everyone whether they've been here or not have an opinion on Nimbin, from whatever, and there's uh.. everyone, people from Nimbin are very quick to jump to Nimbin's defence everyone, absolutely everyone whether they've been here or not have an opinion on Nimbin, from whatever, and there's uh.. everyone, people from Nimbin are very quick to jump to Nimbin's defence
17:51

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Not all of them. Not all of them.
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Some people within Nimbin speak badly of Nimbin Some people within Nimbin speak badly of Nimbin
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and don't like the clichés about it and some people are and don't like the clichés about it and some people are
18:00

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very defensive of their town. But I think most people very defensive of their town. But I think most people
18:02

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when someone comes in is only been here for 20 minutes and a cup of coffee and when someone comes in is only been here for 20 minutes and a cup of coffee and
18:06

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and bad mouth a place before they're in their car happily driving away. and bad mouth a place before they're in their car happily driving away.
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I don't think anyone really likes that. I don't think anyone really likes that.
18:12

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But I think also we're a bit world weary just with the necessity of, of the obvious bad But I think also we're a bit world weary just with the necessity of, of the obvious bad
18:18

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front page headline which just paint things in one ways..one way, because I think front page headline which just paint things in one ways..one way, because I think
18:22

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what's really got to be stressed is that Nimban is a very complicated place. what's really got to be stressed is that Nimban is a very complicated place.
18:27

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It's not a one dimensional place at all. It's not a one dimensional place at all.
18:29

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It's a very complex place and I really think the best It's a very complex place and I really think the best
18:33

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and worst of people come here and the best and worst of things happen here and worst of people come here and the best and worst of things happen here
18:37

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and it's almost the nature of it. and it's almost the nature of it.
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There is a certain, there is more than a certain, there's quite a degree of tolerance There is a certain, there is more than a certain, there's quite a degree of tolerance
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of other things but of course within that this great deal of intolerance. of other things but of course within that this great deal of intolerance.
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But I think that's always been very apparent here as a very diverse But I think that's always been very apparent here as a very diverse
18:53

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lot of people have come here just like - the waves of people have come here - the lot of people have come here just like - the waves of people have come here - the
18:58

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original hippies, the whole influx of, sort of Newcastleites original hippies, the whole influx of, sort of Newcastleites
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that came in the late 70's early 80's that came in the late 70's early 80's
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and the whole, what you'd have to call sort of 'yuppie' established family, four wheel and the whole, what you'd have to call sort of 'yuppie' established family, four wheel
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drive people actually came here with money and property and drive people actually came here with money and property and
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and plans, even if all those plans didn't match their expectations. and plans, even if all those plans didn't match their expectations.
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But there's been many stages of, of changes just like right now in 1992 But there's been many stages of, of changes just like right now in 1992
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going to '93 there's a great deal of changes and development going to '93 there's a great deal of changes and development
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and expansion, [bird sound] sewrage systems and recycling with the garbage and expansion, [bird sound] sewrage systems and recycling with the garbage
19:29

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and Rainbow Power Companies and Rainbow Power Companies
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and permaculture developments. The expectations around how all these things will go and permaculture developments. The expectations around how all these things will go
19:35

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I think it is a bit. I think it is a bit.
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I don't, I think it's a big question mark in many people's eyes about what's gonna I don't, I think it's a big question mark in many people's eyes about what's gonna
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to happen to happen
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But then again, I mean I look around these, these hills in this bowl shaped [bird sound] valley But then again, I mean I look around these, these hills in this bowl shaped [bird sound] valley
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we're in here we're in here
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and I see this is going to be quite a city here in 20 years time. Whether we like it and I see this is going to be quite a city here in 20 years time. Whether we like it
19:52

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or not. Just by crush of population alone. And by the attraction of the fact or not. Just by crush of population alone. And by the attraction of the fact
19:57

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that people keep pouring in here. that people keep pouring in here.
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Whether they're yuppie daytrippers, whether their people looking to get out of the city looking Whether they're yuppie daytrippers, whether their people looking to get out of the city looking
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for land, whether they're the German backpackers, you know, it just comes, it comes for land, whether they're the German backpackers, you know, it just comes, it comes
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and it comes all the time. (Because Nimbin's, Nimbin 's sort of made it's reputation ... and it comes all the time. (Because Nimbin's, Nimbin 's sort of made it's reputation ...
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the hub of alternative ideas an' forward thinking the hub of alternative ideas an' forward thinking
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is there some sense of Nimbin's under pressure...) is there some sense of Nimbin's under pressure...)
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In some ways there's a sense we have to prove ourselves In some ways there's a sense we have to prove ourselves
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but of course, there's an anarchistic thing in Nimbin that they don't have to prove anything. but of course, there's an anarchistic thing in Nimbin that they don't have to prove anything.
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And the rest of the world is pretty stuffed anyway, so I mean they can't really come And the rest of the world is pretty stuffed anyway, so I mean they can't really come
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round pointing fingers here when everything else is such a mess, a mess elsewhere. round pointing fingers here when everything else is such a mess, a mess elsewhere.
20:49

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But Nimbin has been very, very sort of quintessential in But Nimbin has been very, very sort of quintessential in
20:54

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in the home builders in, in the forest actions in the home builders in, in the forest actions
20:57

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and many other changes in home birthing. Lots of things that actually stem from and many other changes in home birthing. Lots of things that actually stem from
21:02

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that, that have had influences in some ways. A larger influence in other areas that, that have had influences in some ways. A larger influence in other areas
21:06

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apart from here. apart from here.
21:08

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But even the new permaculture developments, if they come out anything like the ideal. But even the new permaculture developments, if they come out anything like the ideal.
21:12

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These are really important aspects that These are really important aspects that
21:15

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that have a larger effect on Australian culture. (Going back to you as a performer, is there something about a Nimbin audience? that have a larger effect on Australian culture. (Going back to you as a performer, is there something about a Nimbin audience?
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Nimbin audiences, Nimbin audiences,
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Ar, can be very very tough audiences especially for the fact Ar, can be very very tough audiences especially for the fact
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that so many people have performed here. And so many groups from, you know, that so many people have performed here. And so many groups from, you know,
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hippy trippy, cosmic, religious people, finned horn people, Slim Dusty hippy trippy, cosmic, religious people, finned horn people, Slim Dusty
21:46

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all sorts of people have come here. Dance groups, overseas groups, theatre groups, all sorts of people have come here. Dance groups, overseas groups, theatre groups,
21:51

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One-man shows. A lot of people, I think it's a bit of a testing ground for many One-man shows. A lot of people, I think it's a bit of a testing ground for many
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performers and theatre groups and, and musos who are performers and theatre groups and, and musos who are
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on tour, going up the eastern coast or heading for Brisbane on tour, going up the eastern coast or heading for Brisbane
22:03

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or festivals in Queensland or whatever and they think 'oh Nimbin or festivals in Queensland or whatever and they think 'oh Nimbin
22:05

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well, we can always do a show in Nimbin.' well, we can always do a show in Nimbin.'
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But Nimbin's had, you know there's an attitude in Nimbin But Nimbin's had, you know there's an attitude in Nimbin
22:11

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and you know been there seen that done that. And ah, and you know been there seen that done that. And ah,
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I mean you've got to promote things I mean you've got to promote things
22:16

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or really hook into things to attract people to things because so much does happen or really hook into things to attract people to things because so much does happen
22:19

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here. And Nimbin is a bit world weary. here. And Nimbin is a bit world weary.
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And of course the recession is biting as deep here as anywhere else And of course the recession is biting as deep here as anywhere else
22:24

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and there are a lot of, there are a lot of poor people living in this area. Much as and there are a lot of, there are a lot of poor people living in this area. Much as
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they'd like to be they'd like to be
22:29

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entertained many of them can't afford to keep their car going to get to the entertainment entertained many of them can't afford to keep their car going to get to the entertainment
22:34

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and let alone to pay to get in the door. (Perhaps we should we move on) and let alone to pay to get in the door. (Perhaps we should we move on)
22:43

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All right. All right.
22:47

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This first poem I wrote in the summer of 1977 This first poem I wrote in the summer of 1977
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and it's called it's a t, all these poems are about Nimbin this is called "The Holy and it's called it's a t, all these poems are about Nimbin this is called "The Holy
22:55

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and the Oldie and Oily town". and the Oldie and Oily town".
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We are but praise We are but praise
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and blame said Stephen of the famous farm, to know right of reply save each day's and blame said Stephen of the famous farm, to know right of reply save each day's
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words or love words or love
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or lack of, along this line from muesli gumboots to house cows for slaughter or lack of, along this line from muesli gumboots to house cows for slaughter
23:18

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intense, we reshuffle the deck of choice and chance rather ruled by meetings intense, we reshuffle the deck of choice and chance rather ruled by meetings
23:24

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and encounter then would we trust leaders. For no one, could be and encounter then would we trust leaders. For no one, could be
23:31

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everyone. Thus, stalking simplicity through complexity count everyone. Thus, stalking simplicity through complexity count
23:38

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just count. Contrary to contrary. Forever just count. Contrary to contrary. Forever
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diverse our ways we sprout. Spontaneous versus structure, survival versus creativity diverse our ways we sprout. Spontaneous versus structure, survival versus creativity
23:50

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alone versus children. And what point of balance to extol all this? Never alone versus children. And what point of balance to extol all this? Never
23:57

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Still for long enough. Shades of Still for long enough. Shades of
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everything rainbow and zodiac stew rush this town along the wayside. everything rainbow and zodiac stew rush this town along the wayside.
24:07

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The real estate sign reads "fast food, fast country." So often blind to the song of the The real estate sign reads "fast food, fast country." So often blind to the song of the
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slow creeks and rivers of moon walking the night sky slow creeks and rivers of moon walking the night sky
24:19

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and breeze. Invaders to the land we, just like the others and breeze. Invaders to the land we, just like the others
24:25

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and black man gone. And forest gone. and black man gone. And forest gone.
24:28

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And hills slide away wrinkle fold and fall And hills slide away wrinkle fold and fall
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and the valley sings of pieces torn away. and the valley sings of pieces torn away.
24:36

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We invade, a next of course, we are invaded We invade, a next of course, we are invaded
24:44

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by technology, man ploughs the time. We invade ourselves. We by technology, man ploughs the time. We invade ourselves. We
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invade ourselves. invade ourselves.
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But old settlers eyes trace only the figures ever walking the one street. So many But old settlers eyes trace only the figures ever walking the one street. So many
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drifters and babes in arms and barefoot, the colors and the clothes drifters and babes in arms and barefoot, the colors and the clothes
25:04

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and the crazies, wrapped in blankets and mud for shoes and the crazies, wrapped in blankets and mud for shoes
25:09

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and dreams of guitar blues and dreams of guitar blues
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or heroine dues. The past of the old shadows or heroine dues. The past of the old shadows
25:17

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and which way shall we be in this painted new mythological and which way shall we be in this painted new mythological
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town. And so many yet to come from womb or wheels town. And so many yet to come from womb or wheels
25:30

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or wondering why. Open or closed? or wondering why. Open or closed?
25:35

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Which way shall we be? Wanting to be fair and fine Which way shall we be? Wanting to be fair and fine
25:40

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and friendly, yet not flooded by the highway flow. and friendly, yet not flooded by the highway flow.
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And peace in the valley and peace at home to blend and be And peace in the valley and peace at home to blend and be
25:51

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and feel freedom, not anarchy. and feel freedom, not anarchy.
25:55

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Trying this lost notion of primitive touch of Trying this lost notion of primitive touch of
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Just Just
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and trials of community. and trials of community.
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"1985" Fly day night at Rainbow's bend. "1985" Fly day night at Rainbow's bend.
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The one rule in the town is break the rule, the moral is let it slide The one rule in the town is break the rule, the moral is let it slide
26:26

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from pub to Rainbow Caf across the village street the bandaged hand stirring tea from pub to Rainbow Caf across the village street the bandaged hand stirring tea
26:32

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with a syringe. And stage the only safe place, and stage tight tonight. with a syringe. And stage the only safe place, and stage tight tonight.
26:39

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The defrocked swami screams his drunk dance ragin' The defrocked swami screams his drunk dance ragin'
26:45

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fall out on the floor fall out on the floor
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and looking up from the world of his tea, crazy eyes, he flies on the hundred and looking up from the world of his tea, crazy eyes, he flies on the hundred
26:53

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other eyes in the room and the rush of the show into overload other eyes in the room and the rush of the show into overload
26:58

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and then two mad eyes unwashed for a week on the sly. and then two mad eyes unwashed for a week on the sly.
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And none game to even hold his eyes to ask his name so alone And none game to even hold his eyes to ask his name so alone
27:10

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and so much pain for a word or contact and so much pain for a word or contact
27:14

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or company again, melting into the corners. or company again, melting into the corners.
27:19

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And the night rocks on and wrecks some. The band jamming to fast and slow And the night rocks on and wrecks some. The band jamming to fast and slow
27:24

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but holds the feel of friends and no fights tonight. but holds the feel of friends and no fights tonight.
27:30

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And the night rocks on to the midnight hour, out the door And the night rocks on to the midnight hour, out the door
27:33

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and down the hill into the borrowed veranda bed, limbs still pumping and down the hill into the borrowed veranda bed, limbs still pumping
27:38

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and mind counting on the drums. and mind counting on the drums.
27:43

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Shifting sleepless across the Nimbin night. The town rooster crows on the hour. Shifting sleepless across the Nimbin night. The town rooster crows on the hour.
27:49

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And farm cocks chorus up the valley till sunrise sweat comes streaming through the And farm cocks chorus up the valley till sunrise sweat comes streaming through the
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sheets. And the village stares back with another face. sheets. And the village stares back with another face.
28:00

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For every day with mother wit, For every day with mother wit,
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and mother child, father free and drifters drift. and mother child, father free and drifters drift.
28:09

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And the fallen people, planted like weeds in the park And the fallen people, planted like weeds in the park
28:13

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and I, days out of town and I, days out of town
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and dozzy over the miles, back to the house above the sea into and dozzy over the miles, back to the house above the sea into
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sanctuary sanctuary
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and sleep. and sleep.
28:33

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"A Potted History of a Day in the Life of Nimbin" "A Potted History of a Day in the Life of Nimbin"
28:39

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And it came to pass on the eighth moon of the seventy second year of the 20th And it came to pass on the eighth moon of the seventy second year of the 20th
28:45

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century of the most published god. That the conservative government century of the most published god. That the conservative government
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that would not conserve. Fell. that would not conserve. Fell.
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And the house of Gough did rule the land of milk And the house of Gough did rule the land of milk
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and wheat and sheep dip and wheat and sheep dip
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and they did give the Nyet to the Viet war. and they did give the Nyet to the Viet war.
29:06

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And they did fly home on wings of petrol. And they did fly home on wings of petrol.
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Their troubled sons from the jungles of blood and fear Their troubled sons from the jungles of blood and fear
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and herbicides, back to the beer and bosom of their suburbs. and herbicides, back to the beer and bosom of their suburbs.
29:20

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But for many the bosom had withered on the credit card of desire But for many the bosom had withered on the credit card of desire
29:24

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and the cake of ambition and career tasted of toxin and carcinogen and the cake of ambition and career tasted of toxin and carcinogen
29:30

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and boredom. Of a sudden did flow from the river of the aquarian jug. and boredom. Of a sudden did flow from the river of the aquarian jug.
29:37

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Scouts and ambassadors of Dunstan and Alan Scouts and ambassadors of Dunstan and Alan
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and Peter Stuyvesant, who did come upon the village of Nimbin in the valley of and Peter Stuyvesant, who did come upon the village of Nimbin in the valley of
29:46

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Mulgam, in the dark age of shattered trees and slaughtered beef Mulgam, in the dark age of shattered trees and slaughtered beef
29:51

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and banana spray and inbred feudal lords. and banana spray and inbred feudal lords.
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And the scouts did call and trumpet through the land And the scouts did call and trumpet through the land
30:00

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of this company of Rainbow Power. Of this one, alternative way. of this company of Rainbow Power. Of this one, alternative way.
30:07

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That coursed and curled their clans from the towns and the cities smoke That coursed and curled their clans from the towns and the cities smoke
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and they sucked upon the sacred mushroom and they sucked upon the sacred mushroom
30:16

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and slept face first in the dung. Twas a band of gypsies playing in the rain and slept face first in the dung. Twas a band of gypsies playing in the rain
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and they gave the seed unto each other. And they filed the government papers and they gave the seed unto each other. And they filed the government papers
30:29

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and they moved in cars and vans and sandals and barefoot and they moved in cars and vans and sandals and barefoot
30:34

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and bare breasted upon the land. Some came running. and bare breasted upon the land. Some came running.
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gladly who are madly bent. Changing names and colours gladly who are madly bent. Changing names and colours
30:44

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and gods. Changing the guards. and gods. Changing the guards.
30:49

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Into grass castle kings and herbal flings. Into grass castle kings and herbal flings.
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And a free flight of raining forest. A moon dance of market days. And a free flight of raining forest. A moon dance of market days.
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Of flood and fire and frost. The cascade of sleep. Of flood and fire and frost. The cascade of sleep.
31:05

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The breasting of babies over the hills of the far away tree The breasting of babies over the hills of the far away tree
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and in the time they turned to find the tweezers to tug the tick from the tip of and in the time they turned to find the tweezers to tug the tick from the tip of
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their dick. They had children and children's children their dick. They had children and children's children
31:22

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that grew a coat of many colors about them that grew a coat of many colors about them
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that waxed in the old wave of their waning Aquariun waters that waxed in the old wave of their waning Aquariun waters
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that washed and fed the. that washed and fed the.