A DANCE OF REMEMBRANCE - TO A JEWEL IN THE CLARENCE - by JESS BOWDEN
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My involvement with the Clarence Environment Centre spans back to early 1991 (based on the first occurrence of my handwriting in the correspondence book) - I have special memories because the CEC started around the same time Pillar Valley Community did back in 1989. These were exciting times as I left home and discovered even more alternative realities.

As the CEC moved around Grafton I followed it, volunteering in the early stages - on and off. The Chaelundi campaign really got me inspired and this is where I discovered blockading, the wonders of healthy old growth forests and the devastation logging caused. The CEC has been one continuous exploration of the natural and social environment for me - my eyes opened wider as the years went on. Introducing me and my shy nature to wild characters with a drive for public advocacy and preserving our natural environment for future generations. I can remember the beginnings for green and independent politics in the valley - with the likes of Martin Frolich / Greens and Charles Lowe / Democrats. All the brave green candidates to follow - (Daryl Thompson, Karen Rooke, Christina Shaman and Mark Purcell) gave me something to hope for and support - the way forward.

I suppose our most public shop face was when we were in Fitzroy St. a small but prominent place in the hub of Grafton. Which of course was especially important in the launch of the Pulp Mill campaign and Chaelundi. I enjoyed painting the mural on the back wall there, with the development and funding of the Rainforest Remnants Rescue Program it was rainforest inspired - this project was hugely significant for me and I still draw on the study done by Phil Gilmore and Carole Helman this is one area I would still like to follow up on in the Clarence. I was a bit sad to see the place go when we couldn't maintain the rent, but we maintained the rage. Heres an ode to some great givers over the years - I especially learned a lot from our diverse collective - Chris J., Ashley L, Jim K, Ann K., Sue Walker, Dailan P., Karen R, Melinda P., Claire A., Sally O., Darryl T., Linda S., Mandy B., Janet C., Michael M., Laena M., Theo J., Mark C., Christina S., Megan E., Binnie O., Mel S., Dan H., Doug C., Joanne O., Julie Mc., Dave F., Peter Mor., Peter Cum., Pete Mag., Sea W., Geoff W., Annie H., Stan M., Bill N., Leonie B., Phil A., Greg and Val C., Margaret K., Timna T., Keith S., Hans, Flo, Viking, Mali, Deanne M., Debbie N., Gillian M., Karin K., Mark P., Simon, Jay, Fig, Rivka, Felicity, Kaya, Liam, Gary, CVCC, Valleywatch, CV LETS, NEFA, SEFA, Vic. FOE, GECO, NCEC, NCC, BSEC., RIC, Bello EC, Byron EC, Robert Mylchreest and all our sponsors - Too many people and groups to mention. I'm sure I've left some out the list goes on. I know there has been conflict between members and other conservation groups in the valley over the years, but I've always tried to transcend internal politics as people with our ideologies can be few and far between especially in regional Australia.

I prefer to take the middle path and respect all the people who gave and still give their time - we all have our own place, grace and way in this world. Most of all the CEC was like a second home - a place to meet and greet the world with open minds and hearts. Regardless of the amount of direct effective action and campaigning the CEC has served as a gathering point for the fringe dwellers of the Clarence Valley. It is the place I come to if I want some form of alternative media or information about environment and social justice issues. Although its always run on a shoestring it has been a constant gleaming thread in the Clarence. My direction in life now takes on the influences from the CEC - my love for native vegetation will be furthered by university study - all my years of giving to community groups and organisations has unfortunately left me with no formal qualifications - I found it a lot easier 5-10 years ago to afford to do what I wanted to do and to share resources with other shareholders at PVC. Now cost of living, political climate and a lack of employable skills leads me to places beyond the Clarence. My base is still here though and I will always come back to stay or visit. From the powerful pulp mill beginnings to its current form it still survives and I have much respect and appreciation for all the people who have kept the place open and contributed to the many campaigns and projects over the years. Blessed be to all ye kind souls who care for the good of all people and the planet Peace and Love.

-Jess xxoo