Aquarius Festival founder farewelled

Vale Paul Joseph

Story, photos & video – Cloudcatcher Media

After a prolonged illness, the soul of a local icon slipped into the ether last week and Paul Joseph was interred at the Nimbin cemetery last Saturday to the sounds of songs and stories of his life.

Around 300 people gathered to say a fond farewell to a much loved man known for his larger than life personality and the music that he shared for so many years.

Paul Joseph came to the northern rivers before the life-changing 1973 Aquarius Festival, which he helped to promote.

He was one of the founders of the Bush Co-Op and Tuntable Falls Community, staying in the area he re-named the Rainbow Region and changing it in many positive ways.

Songman, film-maker, diplomat, organiser, possum-stirrer, he was a strong presence at countless benefits, concerts and rallies.

An environmentalist who walked the walk and talked the talk, Paul was an important part of the battle to save Terania and in recent years fought the gasfield invasion in his own creative way from Casino to the Pilliga.

In the midst of his final battle against cancer, the community came together to thank and honour him in music at the Nimbin Bush Theatre earlier this year.

After a moving service at the cemetery, dozens walked and danced from the town hall to the Bush Theatre of in a kaleidoscope of music and colour in honour of a deeply missed comrade.

Paul is survived by his three children and partner Paula.

May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you guide your way home.