WElcOMe tO the OPen miND FReedOM FEstivAL

THE VISION

The Open Mind Freedom FestivaL is an electric corroboree...a celebration of culture, community, nature and freedom... a one-day music and art festival....and an all-night dance party.

We believe that drug law reform is still very important but now there are more important things to worry about. In the change-wracked years ahead of us, environmental, sustainability, community unity, and personal freedom are the issues we need to look at and celebrate.

Come and help us maintain the freedom of OUR culture with your participation,
awareness and contribution.

THE HISTORY

Since 2000, The Dance for Drug Law Reform (or "Mardi Grass Doof") has been a regular fringe event of the notorious Nimbin Mardi Grass. Originally founded by local 2nd generation hippy kids as an attempt to offer some youthful perspective to an otherwise 60s-style event, the yearly doof has grown over the years to an electronic music and cultural gathering of its own.

From the very first Mardi Grass Doof, profits from the event were given back to community organisations that indisputably benefited EVERYone... like the local hospital, bushfire brigade & NIM FM - 102.3. This was begun as a conscious recognition of the importance and uniqueness of the Nimbin community and of community in general. It has continued every year. Last year, a sizeable donation was also made to another local community project - the Nimbin skate park and the same is
envisioned for this year.

In 2000, it was very easy for locally-raised Nimbin people to view drug law reform as an issue of primary importance. In the post 9-11, climatically- challenged world though, it becomes obvious that there are many other far more pressing reasons for people to come together. A celebration of freedom and having an open-mind would seem like a good place to start. Hence, this year the annual Mardi Grass Doof or Dance For Drug Law Reform will be replaced by the Open Mind Freedom Festival on May 5th.

Nimbin Skateboard Park

The concept for the construction of a skate park on a disused basketball court in
Nimbin, New South Wales, was originally conceived by a young local who also
worked hard to make it become a reality. As a result of wide community
consultation, the Nimbin Peace Park activity commenced.
Participants involved in this activity received training and acquired valuable
workplace skills, from the concept stage through to the construction stage in the
much sought after skills areas of metal fabrication, welding, metal cutting, concreting, safe use of power tools and erection of timber sound barriers. The skate park, the largest of its kind in Australia, has attracted much interest from skate enthusiasts both nationally and internationally. This feature will benefit local businesses and raise the tourist profile of this small rural community. Most importantly however, it provides the youth of Nimbin with a much needed sporting and recreational facility. It is estimated that the Park will cater for around 50 youths as participants, plus spectators on any one day.

A $60,000 budget was approved to the Nimbin community to fund the construction of the Nimbin Skate Park. The local community itself raised $40,000 towards this facility.

“The provision of an inspiring, contemporary skate facility in Nimbin will entice young people into more active, constructive and cooperative modes of behaviour, and at the same time, facilitate a new level of involvement and respect for the community.”
Caroline Cowley, Nimbin Community Development Association.