Solar panels, positioned on two of the buildings, power all nine buildings on the site.
Story and photos by Linda Moon
Brahma Kumaris are embracing green living and solar energy at their North Leura Retreat Centre in the Blue Mountains. We can all learn from their journey.
In January, the Brahma Kumaris Retreat Centre in Leura celebrated their new solar system. They explain how it works.
In Indian tradition, three coconuts are smashed symbolically on the ground. In a gentler, more official gesture, Sarah Redshaw, Greens Councillor for Blue Mountains City Council, cuts a ribbon to the applause of those present. We are asked to devote 30 seconds of silence to send good wishes to the green initiative.
The new solar system at Brahma Kumarisis worth the fanfare. Energy costs are booming and the environment issue of carbon emissions remains critical.
Greens Councillor, Sarah Redshaw (middle) with Jessica Yuille, Retreat Centre Coordinator, and Charlie Hogg, the National Co-ordinator.
Community power
Speaking at the onsite celebratory event at Leura, Charlie Hogg, the National Coordinator, said Brahma Kumaris holds a philosophy of treading lightly on the planet.
It is a not-for-profit organisation and the switch to renewable energy was fully funded by donations.
The Leura Brahma Kumaris Retreat centre is one of four in Australia. Worldwide Brahma Kumaris has over 4,500 centres across 110 countries. It’s also the largest female-led spiritual organisation in the world. Their goal is spiritual education and helping people take responsibility for their own emotional happiness through meditation, explained Retreat Centre Coordinator, Jessica Yuille.
As they host many large meditation retreats, keeping the power on is vital.
Solar panels also can perform well in the east and west.
Panels in the East and West
The new 75 kW solar and 50kW battery storage system services nine buildings. According to Greg Wellham (who looks after the solar project, grounds and maintenance), it’s currently producing more energy than they use.
The solar panels (182 in total) are located on two buildings. Due to limitations of the site, they were unable to position panels in the north. The Hall, for example, has panels covering the east and west roof angles.
Greg said the East / West configuration has meant they only lose six per cent of energy production compared to having panels in the north. The east-facing panels start generating as soon as the sun is up. The western ones capture the late afternoon sun.
How to power at night
As the Centre staff rise around 2 or 3 AM, they start drawing on power before the sun comes up. Battery storage has been crucial.
The 50kW battery storage system is comprised of 10 x 5kW lithium batteries, Greg said. These and the switchboard are located in a storage room. Greg uses an App on his phone to monitor power use and production.
Greg Wellham in the storage room that houses the hefty 50kW battery system (behind him).
Power in the mist
What about those trademark misty mountain days?
Even then, the system still creates 7kW of power, Greg said. As a comparison, a hot summer day typically produces 35kW.
When it’s raining, the system can still power up about 3kW, Greg said.
In winter, the underfloor heating is the main suck on the power. Fortunately, now it runs off the new solar electricity.
The cottage is the focus of meditation retreats
More green practices
Jessica described several other green initiatives at the Centre. These include recycling everything they can, composting and converting all the lighting to LED.
They’ve also changed gas appliances, including air-conditioning, to electric ones. The hot water is powered by solar and heat pumps. This means all appliances are now electrified and running off the new solar system.
Caring for the land means the endangered Giant Dragonfly, Blue Mountains Skink and Mountain Pygmy Possum have been spotted at the site.
Guardians of the universe
Outside there’s also a lot going on.
The property is located on 50 hectares of mostly natural bushland in Mount Hay Road. It includes a hanging swamp, natural spring and one kilometre of Govetts Creek.
Initiatives to protect the land include removing noxious weeds and planting natives, such as ferns.
A Landcare groupsupported by Blue Mountains City Council also tends the land monthly. (They’re always looking for volunteers, by the way!)
Visitors can attend regular meditative gardening retreats at the 90-year-old ironstone Cottage, and contribute to weeding and land care while they meditate.
According to principal gardener, Chris McDonald, the site has a huge population of Antechinus(a native mouse).
Principal gardener (Chris McDonald) and Jessica Yuille (Retreat Centre Coordinator) with visitors: Venerable Korvida and Venerable Mudhita.
A kind, sustainable food garden
Living with so much native wildlife around creates challenges for growing food.
Two years ago, Chris and his helper, Russ, established a permaculture food garden. Choosing a sunny, north-facing site near the kitchen has made it accessible to those preparing food. It’s also closer for watering and chores. “You’ve got to think about these practicalities,” Chris said.
The kitchen garden supplies food to those who live onsite. Their January crops include turmeric, corn, rocket, tomatoes, pumpkin, greens, beans, herbs and berries. There’s also 11 varieties of fruit trees and comfrey, which is used for composting.
Chris and Russ. Building the enclosure took four months worth of weekends, but has been worth it.
No chemicals or pesticides are used in the garden. To minimise pest attacks the plants are protected within a huge covered structure and the beds are raised.
Flowers, like allysum, are grown to attract beneficial insects. Variety supports the garden, Chris said.
When they’re gardening, they sometimes do silent moving meditations, Russ reveals. “Nature’s really sensitive to vibration.”
Giant rhubarb in the kitchen garden: a healthy product of positive vibrations and permaculture principles.
Take Action:
Come to the upcoming Planetary Health Day at the Katoomba Planetary Health Precinct & Parklands.
Get free advice from local solar company representatives on the day.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
Thank you to everyone that joined us at the Planetary Health Centre on Saturday for the first of our Skill Share Saturdays program!
The Centre was a hive of activity all day, and we heard from @alchemyfarms_permaculture, the @ediblegardentrailbluemountains team and Andy Mann. Also thanks to Sherlie McMillan from Greater Blue Mountains Rotary for teaching the Fashion Upcycling workshop, and Virginia Field for the Tai Chi and Qigong class.
The next event will be held on Saturday 1st August - you can register your place here: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
🖐Get involved!
Do you have a skill, program or interest that promotes planetary health that you`d be willing to share with members of the local community? We are looking for more workshop and session hosts for our future events.
Join us at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on the first Saturday of every month for Skill Share Saturdays!
Our July program includes: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Eating for Earth - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion upcycling and clothing reuse workshop - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
If you have a skill that you want to share, or any questions or queries, please contact [email protected]
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place.
Join Andy Mann, a 23 year old Lawson local, for their Eating for Earth session 🌏
Eating for Earth is a judgement-free plant-based educational workshop that all types of eaters are encouraged to attend. There will be a presentation about the environmental impact of diets, a discussion section, and best of all, food! The food will be fully plant-based.
Andy wants to help inform our passionate community about how we can better reduce dietary environmental impact.
The session will run from 11AM - 12PM on Saturday 4th July.
Other sessions include: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains Climate - Fashion Upcycling - Tai Chi and Qigong - Bushcare on the Planetary Health site - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
To register your place, visit our website: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
We’re excited to announce the second Blue Mountains Food Security Fair, taking place in Katoomba in October 2026.
This annual event will bring together growers, thinkers, makers, and community members to explore one of the most important challenges of our time: how we grow, share, and sustain food in a changing world.
Across the weekend, we’ll be exploring themes including: - Healthy soil and regenerative systems - Food and human health - Plant-based food futures - Home and community food resilience - Water-sensitive and climate-adapted growing - Indigenous food knowledge and systems - School food systems - Australia’s food procurement - Global food security challenges Expect a dynamic program of inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and hands-on experiences designed to leave you informed, empowered, and connected.
Key information Date: Weekend of 10th October 2026 Location: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba, NSW We’ll be announcing speakers and program details soon.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program, host workshops, run a stall or partner with us.
Do you struggle making the most of your veggie garden all year round?
Join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture on Saturday 4th July for her Permaculture Workshop: Learn how to grow WITH the Upper Blue Mountains seasons, rather than battling against them.
During the two-hour session, you`ll cover crop selection for different seasons, what to grow from seeds vs seedlings, frost and wind protection, and nurturing your soil with a seasonal cycle.
Register for this and other sessions as part of our Skill Share Saturdays program via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
From Saturday 4 July, we are opening up the Planetary Health Centre for our monthly Skill Share Saturdays program: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Throughout each day, you can expect to find a variety of sessions focused on restoring the health of the planet, in terms of the environment, community and economy.
Sessions at the first event include:
- What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Plant-based eating - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion Upcycling and clothing reuse workshop
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Registrations essential.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program - please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!...
🍃Volunteer weekly at the Planetary Health Centre 🍃
From next week, Tuesday 28th April, come and join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture from 10am - 12pm, to help with the management of the Planetary Health veggie gardens, where any surplus produce can be shared!
The gardening session will be followed by a complimentary tea or coffee in the Planetary Health cafe.
📆Day: Every Tuesday 🕙Time: 10AM - 12PM
📍Where: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre 33-39 Acacia Street Katoomba (follow the pathways at each side of the building, round to the terrace and gardens).
What shall I bring? All you need to bring is water, gardening gloves and a hat.
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the first year Medical students from @notredamesyd for their Rural and Indigenous Immersion trip across Katoomba and Lithgow. Across two days, 150 students learnt about the link between human health and a healthy environment, the work of the @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth Initiative and the @bluemountainscitycouncil to create climate resilient communities, and got to explore our site using heat mapping tools....
Join Rotarians for Planetary Health on International Women`s Day, from 2.30-4pm Sun 8 March, for the opening of a portrait display to celebrate local women who have made a meaningful impact on protecting animals and nature. The photographs by Sue Lightfoot and others are part of a long-term initiative to build a living, community-driven database of women working to protect animals and the natural world.
The display will be open until 1 April, Thursday to Saturday, 9.30am–3.30pm at the Junction 142 Village markets (church space). As the project develops, community members will be invited to nominate women whose work deserves recognition.
The launch follows the Uniting Church and Plant Inspired`s monthly community luncheon from 12-2pm, which this month features the Older Women`s Network Blue Mountains. For more information contact 0434 691 496 (Teya)
In a world being threatened by war, greed, cruelty and selfishness, the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend will close with a gathering of people who have faith that kindness, generosity, love, creativity and community, and the healing of our land, are a better way forward. We`re thrilled that harpist Dawn Egan will be performing at this inspiring event in the Planetary Health exhibition space. Afternoon tea will be provided. Register to attend here (link in profile under Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Had lunch yet? Head over to the Planetary Health Centre for these delicious offerings from @8thingskatoomba today (Sat 28 Feb): South Indian dosa, Korean bao, NY Cheese burger, Bali nasi, Mullum tofu fries, shoestring fires & red bean mochi!
Don`t miss hearing Andrew Skeoch at 2pm today at the Planetary Health Centre! He`s an acoustic ecologist and author of `Deep Listening to Nature` and uses technology to help identify the different `conversations` happening in the world around us. His presentations are a revelation! Reserve your spot here (link in profile under Planetary Health Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Linda Moon has lived in the upper Blue Mountains since childhood and is a freelance writer for Australian media. A qualified naturopath, permaculture designer, mother and former student of social work, her passion is building local community, gardening, mental, emotional, social, housing and environmental health – all of which are linked!
In Katoomba, a grassroots litter-picking group tackles rubbish before it reaches our water supply. Their story shows how local environmental action, fueled by community connection, can drive meaningful change for planetary health.
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