Katoomba Area Local NewsStrengthening community, healing Country, and restoring the health of our planet.
Give Peace a Chance
In a moving call for peace on Anzac Day, over 80 people gathered in the golden afternoon light at Peace Park in Katoomba to reflect on war and ask the hard questions about its grim reality. The day was interspersed with reflections, poetry, a minute of silence, and songs by The Bearded Ladies Choir.
MC Jon Atkins, from the Blue Mountains Peace Collective, emphasised that we need to “learn from past military disasters so that we can minimise them occurring in the future … an important way of honouring our war dead.”
Jon Atkins
He stressed that tributes paid to the victims of WW1 (and other wars) need to be inclusive. These victims include the 250-300 Indigenous Australians who lost their lives in WW1 (out of an estimated 1,000-1,300 who enlisted); “those that returned with debilitating psychological or physical injuries”; those that suffered on the home front when their loved ones were killed, maimed and traumatised; as well as those who campaigned against the war and opposed conscription and who were then “vilified and punished by the State for the principled stand they took.”
Dharug man Chris Tobin
Dharug man Chris Tobin recognised the sacrifice of those Indigenous Australians who lost their lives: but with sadness, not pride. He pointed out that Australia’s terrible past treatment of Indigenous people is still happening to Indigenous peoples around the world and “just because you take something doesn’t mean it’s yours”. Despite this, he urged people to put down their guns: “We’re going to win by love and education.”
“When we acknowledge Country,” he continued, “we’re dismantling the nationalism that is so destructive around the world.”
Rev. Mark Hillis
The importance of questioning the Anzac narrative was reiterated by Rev. Mark Hillis from the Leura Uniting Church, who read from Australian historian Henry Reynolds in Pearls and Irritations, and historian Dr Naomi Parry Duncan, the co-author of New South Wales and the Great War, who described herself as “a pacifist who wrote a book about war”.
Dr Naomi Parry Duncan
What is clear from history is that Australia in 1915 “was one of the most democratic, prosperous and well-managed societies in the world; the product of over a hundred years of nation building … The war opened up deep and damaging divisions in Australian society that were at best latent in 1914. Class division and resulting industrial strife intensified. The conscription debates of 1916 and 1917 tore communities, families and friendships asunder.” (Reynolds)
Naomi elaborated on this: “War sucked the life out of our economy. Sixty-two thousand people were killed; one hundred and fifty thousand were maimed … it’s not defence, it’s war mongering.”
She spoke with deep emotion about waking early that morning and seeing an incredible dark moon in the shape of a sickle and thinking of all those living in conflict today: “We are all people under one moon and one sun. Down with nationalism and up with collectivism!”
Rowe Morrow
Quaker Rowe Morrow spoke of how the impacts of war go on for generations, starting with the dispossession of Indigenous nations. It’s something she’s seen and felt as she’s worked in refugee camps around the world over the last 50 years. She recalled that even as a child she’d been haunted by “the terrible things they do to young men” when she visited convalescing returned soldiers at the Sunset Home in Perth.
She went on to speak of the “immorality of destroying peace for gain”, and the ‘fake news’ that sends young men to be maimed and die so that some may profit.
Rowe then read the poem Weapon by Judith Wright, which highlights the self-destructive nature of the types of power and ambition that drive this ‘fake news’: the power and ambition which take countries into war and destroy our compassion for those we kill.
“We will have to find a way through this age of untruth,” she urged.
Weapon, by Judith Wright
The will to power destroys the power to will. The weapon made, we cannot help but use it; it drags us with its own momentum still.
The power to kill compounds the need to kill. Grown out of hand, the heart cannot refuse it; the will to power undoes the power to will.
Though as we strike we cry ‘I did not choose it,’ it drags us with its own momentum still. In the one stroke we win the world and lose it. The will to power destroys the power to will.
Tom Coley’s ‘Peace Memorial’ in Peace Park, donated to Blue Mountains City Council by the sculptor in 2009.
Poets Brian Bell and June
Peace Building
The Anzac Day Reflection was organised by the Blue Mountains Peace Collective. This local group formed in June 2023 when Don McGregor, Bruce Cornwall, Kathie Herbert, Eunice Goodberg, and Rev. Mark Hillis and Rev. Myung Hwa Park from the Uniting Church in Leura, met to see what they could do to advocate for peace. Their first event, a Vigil for Gaza, attracted around 70 people on 18 October of that year.
In his last reflection, Jon Atkin recalled an Anzac Day address in 2013 by the former Governor of Tasmania, Peter Underwood AC, who said:
“All our remembrances and honours are meaningless, unless we also vow to become resolute about peace because that is what those whom we remember and honour on this special day thought they were dying for.“
“At the time, Peter Underwood also called for a Peace Institute to be created – not a bad idea!” said Jon.
Jon then went on to outline the Peace Collective’s recommendations for peace building.
1. Support official recognition of the Frontier Wars and the impact they had on Indigenous dispossession.
He quoted historian Henry Reynolds who has said:
“Our National Day of Lament is for those that died overseas in wars chosen for us by our great and powerful friends, most of the time against enemies who would never have been able to threaten Australia.
How is that commensurate with frontier wars fought in Australia about ownership and control of the continent itself? For us, this must be of far greater significance than the balance of power in Europe or the scramble to carve up the remains of the Ottoman Empire.”
2. Call for substantial reform of war powers by the Commonwealth Parliament
The Peace Collective supports the Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR) and their long campaign to democratise existing war powers.
In response to the parliamentary report on how Australia makes decisions to send service personnel into international armed conflict, which was tabled in Parliament on March 31, 2023, Australians for War Powers Reform argued that the outcome of the review was very disappointing.
While the Committee recommended some changes by promising better transparency and accountability, Australians for War Powers Reform criticised the report for refusing to adopt a fully democratic system where MPs are able to vote before Australia joins an overseas war.
Compared to many European parliamentary democracies, Australia can still be classified as having weak powers related to parliamentary action required for the deployment of military force overseas.
3. Back the signing and ratification of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (also known as Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty)
The Treaty has been signed by 94 nations. Of these 73 nations have proceeded to ratify it.
Australia has yet to sign and ratify the Treaty.
4. Call for independent foreign and defence policies
As Paul Keating has argued, both the Coalition and Labor’s commitment to the AUKUS pact diminishes our security and compromises our sovereignity.
Do our policies serve to defend the nation or are they geared to serving the hegemonic interests of ‘a powerful ally’?
Given Australia’s membership of the United Nations, and in accordance with the UN Charter, do the policies serve to maintain international peace and security and uphold international law?
5. Support genuine ‘remembrance’ on Anzac Day
How can we protect Anzac Day as an occasion devoted to reflection and mourning and prevent it from becoming a political tool or a justification for future bloodbaths?
Learn more about history as well as future predictions to inform your decision making in the present. You can do so at these upcoming local events; Blackheath History Forum: 24 May 4-6pm, Blackheath Public School. Historian Stephen Gapps will be in conversation with Dr Naomi Parry Duncan about his latest book Uprising: War in the Colony of NSW 1838 to 1844. Dr Keith Suter’s presentation on Global Directions, 5pm Sunday 25 May, Leura Uniting Church
Blue Mountains City Council has joined ‘Mayors for Peace‘: a global movement calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons and lasting world peace. Help grow this Reflection on Peace into an even bigger annual event. See similar actions being taken in Marrickville by the Marrickville Peace Group: https://marrickvillepeacegroup.org/ )
If you haven`t yet tried the deliciousness of Good Fat Pastry you`ll be in for a treat at the Food Security Fair on Sat 18 October! Join Michael, the creative baker producing these mouthwatering plant based (and mostly gluten free) treats for breakfast, where he will inspire you to rethink everything you know about baking:
"Baking is both borne and constrained by convention—as are our expectations. Since Ancient Egypt and Rome, eggs, dairy, and cereals have been used in baked goods for flavour and functionality. The enormity of cakes, pastries, biscuits, and desserts we know and love—and the countless we have no awareness of—have been discovered and created through spontaneity and experimentation. Almost always resting on the magical transformations of these key ingredients under heat and energy.
Yet as the realm of food is one of creativity and sensory inquisitiveness there are inherent possibilities for alternatives—in replicating the familiar as well as creating novelty. This path can follow the complexities of molecular gastronomy or the simple pragmatism of substituting with what`s on hand. Find whatever works for you."
Spaces are limited so bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
One of the highlights of our Food Security Fair on Sat 18th October is our Weaving with Weeds workshop at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. In this relaxing and enjoyable workshop Erin Hall will help you identify common invasive weeds that are ideal for basket making, and teach you the basic skills to weave a range of different objects. At the same time you`ll be removing and repurposing weeds that are destroying habitat for our wildlife! Places are limited so bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
We’re thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for Ferment the Season with Holly Davis at the Blue Mountains Food Security Fair on Saturday 18th October at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. Holly will demonstrate how to ferment the season to create more nutrient rich and digestible food. She is the co-founder of Sydney’s Iku Wholefoods and author of ‘Ferment - A Guide to the Ancient Art of Culturing Food’ and ’Nourish: Sustenance for Body and Soul”. Learn the foundational principles and several techniques for fermenting seasonally abundant produce. Fermentation increases nutrition and eating a little ferment with every meal has unlimited benefits for our overall wellbeing and the planet! Places are limited so book early here (Food Security Fair link in profile for tickets): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
Thank you to everyone who so generously contributed to our celebration of the centenary of World Animal Day, and our tribute to the life of artist, poet, author, Animal Liberation founder, and animal rights activist, Christine Townend, at the Planetary Health Centre yesterday. At a packed event we feasted on delicious plant-based food, inspiring art and poetry, and memorable conversations, as we shared our love and respect for the extraordinary world of animals of which we are a part. Join us for further celebrations at our Food Security Fair on Saturday 18 October. Register here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
We`re thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for our inaugural Blue Mountains Food Security Fair at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Saturday 18 October! Register here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
The day will include stalls, talks and demos about growing, sourcing, cooking, preserving and enjoying plant based food and protecting habitat for wildlife.
Our fabulous line up of speakers and workshop tutors includes Dr Milena Bojovic on the Future of Food; Holly Davis, co-founder of Iku and author of `Ferment`; Michael from Good Fat Pastry; Nev Sweeney from Under the Choko Tree on how to build a Solar Powered Food Dehydrator; Lloyd Sharp from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers; Marnee Fox from Forage to Feast; Teya Brooks Pribac from Plant Inspired; and Erin Hall on Weaving with Weeds. Stalls will include EarthRising Mushroom Farm, edible native plants, the Planetary Health Cafe and more. Each session needs to be booked individually as numbers are strictly limited.
This event is being supported by a sEEd grant from the Australian Association for Environmental Education.
This Saturday 4 Oct, on the centenary of World Animal Day, you can meet other people passionate about protecting our wild neighbours, and contribute to restoring habitat for wildlife with them, by coming along and joining our dedicated team of Planetary Health Bushcarers as we regenerate the bushland at the Planetary Health Precinct. Learn more and register to attend (1.30pm) here: (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-bushcare-spring-summer-2025
Woohoo! We are so thrilled. Katoomba poet David Brooks has just won the Prime Minister`s Literary Award for Poetry with his book "The Other Side of Daylight: New and Selected Poems". Come and celebrate with us this coming Saturday night when he`ll read from his work for a World Animal Day celebration at the Planetary Health Centre. Bookings here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/world-animal-day-raising-the-bar-for-nature
(apologies for dodgy screenshots ... we`ve been watching the awards streaming on YouTube tonight)
Join us next Sat 4th Oct to celebrate the exciting news that Katoomba writer David Brooks has been shortlisted for the Australian Prime Minister`s Literary Awards for his book of poetry: "The Other Side of Daylight: New and Selected Poems". It will be a night of art, poetry and delicious food as we also celebrate the centenary of World Animal Day, with David reading from his work alongside local poet Louise Wakeling, a tribute to artist, poet and founder of Animal Liberation, Christine Townend, and an Open Mic for poetry about the extraordinary species we share our world with. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/world-animal-day-raising-the-bar-for-nature
With each extreme weather event more hazardous materials enter our environment and impact human and planetary health, which is why, for 2025, we’re bringing together the Australian Bushfire Building Conference and the Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Conference in Katoomba on 20-22 Nov, to address how we can all work together, from design to disposal, to both reduce disaster risk and the risk of hazardous materials. We urgently need to design, build and live differently, as well as better manage those hazardous materials that are already impacting our health and the health of our frontline emergency staff and volunteers.
At Full Cycle 2025 we’re bringing together leading experts to address how we can do this.
We`re thrilled to announce that Shane McArdle, Head of International Projects for the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) in Sydney, will present on local and global actions for eliminating asbestos and dust-related diseases. Shane has spent almost 10 years at the Australian Government Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) overseeing awareness raising and international strategies to prevent exposure to asbestos and to eliminate asbestos-related diseases.
Early bird registrations for the conference close on 7 October. You can learn more and register here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
The last six years have seen catastrophic and unprecedented wildfires in Australia and California. At the Full Cycle Conference on 20-22 Nov, A/Prof Owen Price will share his research which compares the patterns of housing loss in the NSW and Californian wildfires. With every fire, more hazardous materials are dispersed through the environment.
Owen has spent the past 18 years analysing empirical evidence of the effectiveness of bushfire mitigation strategies. This has included examining the effectiveness of prescribed burning, the drivers of fire spread and severity, fire suppression and house loss. He has published ~140 research papers and he is the Director of The Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires (CERMB) at the University of Wollongong. Owen is one of many leading speakers who will be joining us at Full Cycle 2025 to explore how we can reduce disaster risk and hazardous materials in a changing climate. Early Bird Registrations close on 7 October. Visit the website to learn more and register here (link in profile):
Keynote speaker Julian Cribb AM announced as anticipation builds for the inaugural Full Cycle 2025 Conference which will address some of the most critical issues of our time, and what we can do about them. Julian Cribb will speak on how we can cleanse our polluted planet and tackle the existential megathreats of the 21st century as he sets the context for the two day conference and community expo that`s a collaboration between the Australian Bushfire Building Conference, the Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Conference and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative.
Co-founder of the Council for the Human Future, he has written over 9000 articles and 12 books, including How to Fix a Broken Planet, Earth Detox, Poisoned Planet, Surviving the 21st Century, The Coming Famine and Food or War. He will outline how climate change and the toxic tsunami of hazardous substances engulfing the world are two of ten megathreats that need to be addressed together and at the same time, urgently, and he’ll propose a plan for doing this.
Early Bird registrations close on Tuesday 7 October and there is still time to make a submission to be part of this seminal event. Read more about the conference and register here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
We had a fabulous dinner meeting last night to launch Rotarians 4 Planetary Health. It was exciting to bring together so much expertise and care for our community and the health of our planet! Initially we`ll be meeting fortnightly on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 6pm. If you`d like to join us register for the next meeting on Monday 13 October here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-rotarians-4-planetary-health
On the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima the Planetary Health Initiative and the Blue Mountains Peace Collective hosted a Peace Symposium and Community Picnic to provide pathways for everyone to take steps for a more peaceful future.
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