Chris Oddie is a passionate member of the Lithgow Environment Group (LEG). With other members of LEG, she became increasingly concerned about the growing number of invasive Indian Myna birds proliferating in Lithgow. Mynas are listed among 100 of the world's worst invasive species by the World Conservation Union.
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News From Around The Region
We share the Blue Mountains with so many extraordinary beings but have you seen them and do you know their names? Do you know the difference between a Royal Spoonbill and an Eastern Shrike-tit, or the difference between a bandicoot and an antechinus? Come and check out our Wild Life Exhibition at World Animal Day this Saturday to learn more from the stunning photographs by Warren Hinder, Merryl Watkins, Holly Kent and Tracy Burgess. There will be also be a Breakfast with the Birds at 8.30am, Animal Storytime and Craft for kids from 10am, stalls, talks, food and live music. The day is free but please book via Eventbrite to help us cater (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4eMhbz0 @bluemountainswalks @merrylwatkinsphotography @bestofbluemountains
#royalspoonbill #easternshriketit #wildlife #birdsofthebluemountains #bluemountains #katoomba #worldanimalday #biodiversity #planetaryhealth
To coincide with the first day of Bushfire Season we launched Air Watch at the Planetary Health Centre yesterday. For the last seven years Blue Mountains Unions & Community have been working tirelessly to ensure residents of the Blue Mountains and Lithgow are able to measure and track the quality of the air we breathe. The Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative has worked closely with them over the last year and now there are 20 PurpleAir monitors distributed throughout the Blue Mountains and Lithgow, including one at the Planetary Health Centre. You can now view real time air quality measurements at each of our local news sites and on the Purple Air Map https://map.purpleair.com We have 10 more sensors available, so if you’d like to install a sensor, members of BMUC will be at World Animal Day at the Planetary Health Centre this Saturday 5 October to take applications and share more information about the project. Bookings for World Animal Day here (link in profile): https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/world-animal-day-promoting-respectful-cohabitation-tickets-1029328889417
It was a fabulous day yesterday as each speaker highlighted how critically important this project is: Dr Rosemary Dillon CEO of Blue Mountains City Council Trish Doyle MP Dr Jenna Condie from Blue Mountains Parents for Climate Dr Maggie Davidson, environmental scientist from Western Sydney University Matthew Riley, Director Climate and Atmospheric Science from NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and Peter Lammiman and Ann-Maree McEwan from the BMUC’s Airwatch Committee.
@bluemountainsunionists @nswdcceew @bluemountainscitycouncil @westernsydneyu @trishdoylemp @parentsforclimatebluemountains #airqualilty #airqualitymonitors #bluemountains #planetaryhealth
Treat yourself this weekend with a fun-filled and informative World Animal Day event at the Planetary Health Precinct in Katoomba. As well as a Breakfast with the Birds, stalls and a possum box demonstration, there will be a fabulous wildlife exhibition with photos by Warren Hinder, Merryl Watkins, Tracy Burgess and Holly Jayne; live music with Mem Davis, Joe Flood and Duck Keegan; lots of fun for kids with Sharon Baldwin and Naomi Crew leading animal storytime and craft with Julie Refferty; delicious plant based, gluten and dairy free treats, pastries and donuts from Clean Cravings; a plant based cheese degustation and warming Dahl, rice roasted cauliflower with veggies, pakoras, tamarind chutney, and salad courtesy of Bibi’s Kitchen. Come and learn more about Blue Mountains Bird Observers, Blue Mountains Conservation Society, WIRES, Action for Animals Blue Mountains and Animal Sanctuaries, Wombat Rescue, the Women’s Shed, and Animal Welfare Laws in Australia.
Guest speakers throughout the day will include Elizabeth Ellis, lecturer and author of Australian Animal Law; Hal Ginges, a local lawyer and animal activist from Action for Animals who advocates for animal rights and raises money for sanctuaries; Mark Berriman who has been President of the Australian Vegetarian Society NSW since 1989, as well as Co-ordinator for Animal Liberation NSW, Director of the Natural Health Society of Australia and the World League for Protection of Animals; and Teya Brooks Pribac, a researcher in the area of animal studies and the award-winning author of Enter the Animal. She’s also published Not Just Another Vegan Cookbook and will be sharing her culinary skills with the community in the Plant Inspired Community Cooking Project.
The event is free but please book your place to help us cater (link in profile): https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/world-animal-day-promoting-respectful-cohabitation-tickets-1029328889417
#worldanimalday #plantbased #planetaryhealth #katoomba #bluemountains
We are so looking forward to kicking off World Animal Day Celebrations on Saturday 5 October with an 8.30am Breakfast with the Birds. Join Paul Nagle from the Blue Mountains Bird Observers on a guided bird walk around the Planetary Health Precinct visiting different habitats on the site to observe and talk about the birdlife that is resident and that visits the site. Binoculars are highly recommended.
World Animal Day will be an inspiring family day celebrating the extraordinary diversity of animals we share our world with! The theme is `Promoting Respectful Cohabitation`. Bookings for the Breakfast with the Birds (link in profile)
or here:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breakfast-with-the-birds-tickets-1028664983657
#birdlife #breakfastwiththebirds #katoomba #worldanimalday #bluemountains #planetaryhealth #respectfulcohabitation
We all need clean air to breathe, but how can we tell how clean our air is?
Thankfully the Air Watch subcommittee of Blue Mountains Unions & Community has worked for years to find ways to help us measure the quality of the air we breathe. Over the past year the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative has worked with them to install Purple Air Quality monitors across our bioregion from Lithgow to the Lower Mountains. You can now view real time air quality on each of our Local News Sites!
Air Watch`s Purple Air quality monitors give the Blue Mountains` 78,000 residents, workers and 3 to 5 million/year visitors the power to make timely, informed decisions about their activities and health. It will also be a reliable source of data for the scientific community.
To coincide with the start of the Bushfire Season on Tuesday 1 October, we`re inviting the whole community to join us to launch Air Watch Blue Mountains and Lithgow at the Planetary Health Precinct. If you`d like to join us book a place here https://bit.ly/4dp2qko (link in profile)
#airquality #purpleair #bluemountainsunionscouncil #planetaryhealth #bluemountains #katoomba #bushfireseason
Today`s the day for the Blue Mountains Sustainability Festival! @bluemtns_sustainability_fest
We`ll be at the Speakers Forum at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre at 10.15, talking about volunteer opportunities with the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative, and then giving a presentation at 2.30pm. There`s a jam-packed speakers program, community stalls and workshops, and a Shopping Trail through Katoomba and Leura. You can find more information on the website at https://resilientbluemountains.org/sustainability-festival/
#sustainability #slowfashion #slowshopping #fashiontrail #circulareconomy #planetaryhealth #community #katoomba
Our newsletter is out! Read about the Blue Mountains Sustainability Festival this Saturday, the Air Watch Launch next Tuesday and the upcoming World Animal Day: Promoting Respectful Cohabitation Event at the Planetary Health Precinct on 5 October. And check out the comprehensive Springwood & Lower Mountains Repairers Guide (link in profile): https://bit.ly/3TJiKFR
You can subscribe to receive this newsletter via any of our local news sites.
#sustainability #biodiversity #worldanimalday #airwatch #airqualitymonitors #sustainablefashion #circulareconomy #planetaryhealth
The Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative is hosting its first World Animal Day Event on Saturday 5 October at the Planetary Health Precinct (former Katoomba Golf Course at 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba). It will be a fun-filled and informative day with stalls, presentations, storytelling for children by Sharon Baldwin and Naomi Crew, children’s craft by Julie Refferty, a Wildlife Exhibition including work by Merryl Watlkins and Holly Jayne, live music by Mem Davis, Joe Flood and Duck Keegan, plant based food provided by Bibi’s Kitchen and Clean Cravings, and a Plant Based Cheese Degustation to launch the Plant Inspired Community Cooking Project.
Bookings for this free day via Eventbrite (link in profile)
Stalls and presentations will run from 9am to 2pm but a highlight before the event will be a Breakfast with the Birds, led by Paul Nagle from the Blue Mountains Bird Observers. People are encouraged to bring binoculars for a guided bird walk around the Planetary Health Precinct, visiting different habitats on the site to observe and talk about the birdlife that are resident and those that visit the site.
The Blue Mountains Bird Observers will also join WIRES, Wombat Rescue, Action for Animals Blue Mountains, the Blue Mountains Conservation Society and others to provide more information on how we can best live with the many species that share our common home.
During the day the Women’s Shed will demonstrate how to make a Possum Box and provide suggestions on how to manage possums that have chosen our roof spaces for their homes. There will be a session on Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design which will include actions everyone can take to support more biodiversity in urban areas. For those who’d like to get hands on experience doing this there will be an opportunity to observe and learn more at the Planetary Health Bushcare Group from 1.30-4.30pm.
Guest speakers throughout the day will include Elizabeth Ellis, author of Australian Animal Law; Hal Ginges, Action for Animals; Mark Berriman, President of the Australian Vegetarian Society, NSW; and Teya Brooks Pribac, author of Enter the Animal and Not Just Another Vegan Cookbook.
#plantbased #worldanimalday
Healthier Waterways, Happier People: Springwood resident Phillip Birtles believes that there is an essential connection between people and water. Through his work at Sydney Water, he taps into that connection, strengthening it and contributing to healthier, happier communities while simultaneously improving waterway health. Read more in Springwood Area Local News (link in profile): https://springwoodlocalnews.com/healthier-waterways-happier-people/
#healthierwaterways #waterforlife #planetaryhealth
Find out how the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service built a rain garden with the help of NPWS Bushcare volunteers. The garden filters water from the roof of the new shelter in Blackheath and slows runoff, limiting erosion. It reduces nutrient levels, disadvantaging introduced weeds. Watch the video and read the full story in Blackheath Area Local News (link in profile): https://blackheathnews.com/a-rain-garden-for-community-and-country/
#howtovideo
Find out how @nswnationalparks built a rain garden with the help of NPWS Bushcare volunteers. The garden filters water from the roof of the new shelter in Blackheath and slows runoff, limiting erosion. It reduces nutrient levels, disadvantaging introduced weeds. Watch the video and read the full story in Blackheath Area Local News (link in profile): https://blackheathnews.com/a-rain-garden-for-community-and-country/
#raingardens #stormwater #watermanagement #gardenbeds #blackheath #planetaryhealth #bushcare
Local permaculture expert, Rowe Morrow, has adapted her home to reduce her impact on the environment, cope with climate change, flooding, heat, drought, fire and rising energy and food costs. She provides inspiration and guidance for how we can too. Read more in Katoomba Area Local News (link in profile):
https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/rowe-morrow/
#permaculture #permaculturedesign #planetaryhealth #rowemorrow #rosemarymorrow #katoomba #systemicthinking #systemdesign #ecologicaldesign
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How a Tolkien Fantasy Turned into Off-grid Reality at Middle-Earth in the Kanimbla Valley
'Middle Earth' is a remarkable off-grid paradise in the Kanimbla Valley, created over many decades by Hans and Tillie Coster. What was once a degraded grazing property has been regenerated, with its underground 'Hobbit Hall' built to survive all weather extremes.
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Belgian Doctor Journeys to Lithgow & the Blue Mountains to Learn More About Planetary Health
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Chantelle’s Garden Journey
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Taking Action to Protect Wildlife and Humans from Indian Myna Birds
Chris Oddie is a passionate member of the Lithgow Environment Group (LEG). With other members of LEG, she became increasingly concerned about the growing number of invasive Indian Myna birds proliferating in Lithgow. Mynas are listed among 100 of the world's worst invasive species by the World Conservation Union.
Read More » -
The Gang Gang Farmers Market will Return in Spring!
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The Inspiring Leadership of Lithgow Environment Group
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Tarana Markets: Community Produce, Smiles and Causes
The very popular Tarana Markets are on the fourth Sunday of every month and provide an opportunity to meet local farmers, artisans and creative practitioners. The markets have been raising funds for the local Rural Fire Service (RFS) and community since 2015.
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Zig Zag Railway: They’re Back, But How Did They Do It?
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New Lithgow Valley Science Hub brings science and art workshops to the region
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Newnes: An Unforgettable Place
A trip to Newnes is unforgettable - from the locked gate ensuring safe egress down the newly constructed Donkey Steps to the extraordinary views and sounds of a landscape recovering from fire and flood.
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Native Bee Friendly Farming at Hampton
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Soil: Why it Matters When Building
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Damsels & Dragons on a Painted River
What do an Archibald prize finalist, an industrial ruin and aquatic insects have in common? At Lake Pillans it was an opportunity to document the extraordinary world of our waterways, including a real time underwater survival challenge.
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Mary Brown’s Reimagined Edible Heritage Garden
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Free Permaculture for Young People at the Lithgow Transformation Hub
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Innovative Energy Monitoring Project Offers a Chance to Save Money and Energy this Winter
In response to rising living costs, Western Sydney University’s Lithgow Transformation Hub is offering eligible residents an opportunity to take part in a unique informational study, which could result in huge savings as well as a better understanding of how to make more empowered choices about energy use.
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Creating B&B Highways for Pollinators in Lithgow and the Blue Mountains
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Fabulous Fungi in Lithgow & the Blue Mountains
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Changing Places
This week, Tracie McMahon takes a walk with author John Low, a former Blue Mountains City Council Librarian, and now Portland resident, around the Millpond at The Foundations, Portland.
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Young Voices ‘Shaping the Future’
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‘Rekleiming’ Community: One Connection at a Time
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Stories Forged By Fire
The Forged by Fire Festival was not the ‘usual’ Bushfire recovery or resilience event. Instead of focusing on consequences of fire, the Lithgow City Council event focused on human relationships with fire. Tracie McMahon ran a storytelling booth at the event, asking, what does ‘Forged by Fire’ mean to you? The answers were surprising, uplifting and sobering.
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Get Ready, Stay Ready!
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Staying Connected In A Natural Disaster