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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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Australia: The man who holds Nimbin’s heart in his hands Darren Coyne Echo Netdaily Thursday 14 Aug 2014 Richard Andary, chief executive of the Andary Group, told Echonetdaily that he had been shocked to hear of the fire which destroyed the museum, neighbouring shops and the Rainbow Cafe. ‘I’ve been reading articles on what happened and like everyone else I was shocked,’ he said. Although he has only visited Nimbin once, in 2008 when police attempted to close the museum because of its alleged association with the cannabis trade, Mr Andary said he understood the significance of the site. ‘There was a lot of heritage, a lot of history and it’s a shame it’s all gone,’ he said. Mr Andary said he had already been approached by the Lismore City Council and had been told the council would be supportive of any plans that improved the site. ‘That was a comforting call,’ he said. ‘If I could start working tomorrow it would be done but right now we’ve got to follow the protocol and find out what they will allow and what they won’t,’ he said. Mr Andary said he was working with his insurance company and consultants to determine the way forward, and was keen to find a local architect who could redesign the site. ‘At present we are still in the dark but my intention is to rebuild as soon as possible,’ he said. The building had been on the market for $1.2 million prior to the fire, and Mr Andary said he had received some ‘expressions of interest’ but was in no rush to sell. Nimbin museum curator Michael Balderstone said the community was already talking about what could be rebuilt on the site. Mr Balderstone said he was keen to see a new museum celebrating the alternative culture of Nimbin. ‘I know I’m dreaming but maybe he (Mr Andary) might want to take the insurance money and sell the land,’ he said. ‘We have a terrific collection of Aquarian memorabilia in Southern Cross University and the Mitchell Library in Sydney and if we could get a government grant it could all be re-established,’ he said. ‘My other dream is that it could be turned into a green area for music and markets, with a museum. ‘The hippie culture of Nimbin is worthy of a museum,’ he said. ‘I’ve already had quite a few people contacting me saying they’ve got stuff for a new museum.’ ‘The fire has left a big hole in the heart of Nimbin but it will evolve again. Nimbin’s strength is the community, and we will be really creative with what happens on the site.’ http://www.echo.net.au/2014/08/man-holds-nimbins-heart-hands/
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