Individuals

Mat van der Aa swapped detonating explosives in the Air Force for life as an outdoor educator and guide. His ‘office’ is the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, and his mission is to inspire teenagers to respect and love the bush as much as he does.

The father of evolutionary theory, Charles Darwin, expressed remorse late in life about not doing more to help the earth’s creatures. A century and a half later in the lower Blue Mountains, his great-great-grandson Chris Darwin is devoting his life to addressing this regret.

Nurtured by the bushland around his studio and the storytelling of past cultures, Jonathan Drew recovered from depression and became an oral storyteller. He believes these stories provide clues to living a good life in harmony with the natural world.

Teddy bears started posing in windows worldwide during 2020's COVID lockdowns, the suburban bear hunts providing a little joy and respite. In 2023, they're still creating connection in the Lower Mountains.

Imagine needing a treasure map to navigate around your own backyard. That’s exactly what Kim Wood created after discovering rare and endangered plants in her native garden. Kim and Martin had no idea how special the garden they inherited actually was.

From running the Rotary Recycles Op Shop, to replacing disposable coffee cups with crockery at the Glenbrook Rotary Markets, volunteers in the Lower Blue Mountains Rotary Club are taking up the challenge of Rotary's newest area of focus - Supporting the Environment.

As a child, Beth Healy loved reading The Secret Garden. When she became a mum, Beth created her own outdoor treasure trove at her Blaxland home. 'Dirt Mum' is passionate about spreading her love of nature and its bounties to her 9 and 11-year-old daughters and Lower Mountains school children.

How an old pool deck avoided the tip and was turned into five different structures – a pergola, an exercise hub, a vegetable garden, a retaining wall, and an outdoor storage rack.