Robyn and Julie Nance: Having picnics together again after many years was a joy.
Story and photos by Julie Nance
Julie Nance invited her 82-year-old mum to join her on outings in Lower Mountains parks, after months of being confined to home due to sickness. With fond memories of family picnics growing up, their quality time together in nature gave them both a much-needed lift.
There are a number of accessible parks in the Lower Mountains.
A new Blue Mountains Mobility Map, launched in July 2024, is a Council initiative designed to improve the accessibility experience for all residents and visitors, particularly those with specific accessibility needs.
Mum and I spend a lot of time together in her little house drinking tea and coffee, sharing meals and watching our favourite shows.
We’re lucky to be living so close, with only one house separating ours.
When mum’s health took a sudden downward turn, it was difficult to see her struggle and grow increasingly frail. For six months she was trapped at home. The focus of her life was the community nurses visiting three times a week. Thanks to their care, mum returned to a semblance of good health.
Even before mum got sick, she was unsteady on her pins and the options for spending quality time with her had diminished. There was only a small selection of local cafes and restaurants she felt comfortable visiting due to access.
We never went anywhere together near nature.
Mum has lovely trees in her backyard, but she doesn’t feel confident to go down her back steps onto the grass. She’d benefit from the bush view from our deck, but the front stairs are a major deterrent to her visiting.
Mum explains: “I can’t manage public transport anymore and whenever I go out there’s always the fear of falling on uneven surfaces. Even slight slopes are daunting.”
“It’s frustrating not to be able to do things easily, being dependent on other people. For a long time going out has been governed by the ease of access including parking, toilets and even the chairs I sit in. I often struggle to get back on my feet.”
Mum admits that after being confined to her house for so long, including during COVID lockdowns, it has been far easier to stay put.
We reminisced about the weekend picnics from our past. Mum and Dad regularly took my brother, sister and I to different locations on the outskirts of Brisbane where we’d spend hours eating, chatting, reading and exploring.
We hoped our trip down picnic memory lane would be enjoyable for us both.
I had visions of making cakes and slices to bring on our picnics. As a non-baker, I wasn’t well organised. I looked up how to make banana and date cake, but I was missing two key ingredients.
I phoned mum and changed the date from morning tea to lunch. I decided to pick up a vegetarian pizza from Glenbrook. Not bringing homemade goodies felt like cheating, but really, who was setting the rules here?
As I was looking up the number to order the pizza, it dawned on me: mum is terrified of birds. She had spent some family picnics sitting in the car when too many birds were hovering around our picnic table.
As a child she was regularly swooped by magpies on her route to school and she has never shaken off that fear. I couldn’t believe she hadn’t raised the subject with me. She probably didn’t want to spoil our plans. I crossed my fingers the birds would behave.
Armed with a picnic hamper and mum’s walker, we set off. Albie, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was a late addition. I thought: he deserves to have more variety in his life too, doesn’t he?
Whitton Park, Moore St, Glenbrook
I pulled into an accessible car spot and I soon learned (from a sign) that the provision of wheelchair access and the upgrade of facilities was part of a community project in November 2018 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains. The park is dedicated to the memory of John Whitton: ‘the father of NSW Railways and especially the railway over the Blue Mountains’.
Mum easily walked from the car to the picnic area via a wide cement path.
Have walker, will travel.
There were two picnic tables under a shelter to choose from, overlooking a big grass reserve with lots of trees. There’s a traditional children’s playground and an off-leash dog area in the distance.
The park is next to the Glenbrook Panthers Bowling Club, with the main hub of Glenbrook just across the highway.
Mum was impressed with the surroundings.
Happy days – Mum’sfirst picnic in more than 15 years.
Mum’s thoughts: “It was easy to get to the table and it was very relaxing. It was such a great opportunity for us to spend quality time together outside my home.”
Thankfully there were no birds deterring mum from chilling out and Albie behaved.
We were the only ones at the park, including at the little playground.
Glenbrook Park, Park Rd, Glenbrook (access from Ross St or Park St)
I feel this park needs little introduction for locals. It is accessible and convenient. There’s the main street nearby with plenty of cafes and restaurants if you don’t feel like bringing your own picnic provisions. The Visitor Information Centre next door is helpful for tourists and the cinema allows you to have a movie-picnic combo.
There’s an accessible toilet adjoining the park which includes an adult change table to assist grandparents, parents or carers. This toilet is fitted with a Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK) allowing people with disabilities or others who meet eligibility criteria to use the facilities 24 hours a day. To find out more about the scheme that is recognised Australia wide, follow this link.
The park has a fenced accessible playground which enables children with disabilities to play alongside their peers. This includes several swing options, a dual-seated flying fox, in-ground trampolines and more!
Glenbrook Park is very popular so it may be best to arrive early if you want to score one of the three covered tables, particularly on weekends. When we arrived at 10am on a Tuesday we could take our pick of tables and one of the two electric barbecues.
It may be easier to find a table early on a weekday compared to the busy weekend.
The revamped playground is impressive.
Mum says: “I remember two of my grandsons playing in the park more than two decades ago. It has come a long way over that time. It was very quiet when we visited but I can imagine it must have a great atmosphere on weekends when families are out and about.”
Harley Park, Emu Plains Rd, Mt Riverview
This was a hidden treasure, located in the back streets of Mt Riverview. We visited on a Saturday morning, and we were the only ones there.
It is fully fenced and has three entrances, one with stairs and two accessible on a walker. We parked out the front of the gate on Emu Plains Rd, where there’s an impressive view of the city.
Mum’s impressions: “There’s a lovely view over the valley and it’s very quiet.”
Situated next to the oval and multi-purpose courts, the playground is surrounded by trees and features a choice of three uncovered picnic tables. We sat near the courts.
There’s an accessible toilet which a sign indicates is open in winter from 6am to 6pm and in summer from 6am to 7pm.
Mum and Albie hanging out.
Mum says: “It was nice looking out to a little bush area from our table. It was pleasant. It’s great if you want to bring your children or grandkids. There are so many things for them to do, for toddlers through to teenagers and young adults.”
Diving back into the world of picnicking was a big success. It was great to shake up our usual catch-up options within four walls. Getting outside for Mum and I made all the difference.
Take Action:
For a psychological boost, catch up with family or friends outside, in sight of or within nature.
Check out this University of NSW article which highlights that green space potentially protects people against loneliness. By encouraging relaxation and playfulness – which can be frowned upon in other settings – green spaces may also enable connection for people who otherwise find it difficult, such as those with highly introverted personalities.
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.
We have a rare opportunity to learn about the newest and best possible ways to support family and community members struggling with mental health issues, at a free talk and afternoon tea provided by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 Nov. Hear from Peter Joseph AM, Chair of the Black Dog Institute, and Professor Helen Christensen AO, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and former Executive Director and Chief Scientist at the Black Dog Institute. They`ll be in conversation with journalist Emma Rossi. Dr Christensen is a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables – like movement, screen use, and sleep – to detect early signs of mental health issues. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
This Saturday Sherlie McMillan from Rotarians 4 Planetary Health will be running a workshop on How to use a sewing machine from 9am at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. Learn how to set up a machine, service it, troubleshoot when it`s not sewing correctly, and learn some basic sewing skills.
Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/how-to-use-your-sewing-machine
NB. This class is a prerequisite for our very popular Fashion Upcycling classes held once a month.
We`re thrilled to announce that Professor Helen Christensen, a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression, will be joining the conversation with Peter Joseph AM from the Black Dog Institute and journalist Emma Rossi at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 November. Helen was the Executive Director and Chief Scientist for the Black Dog Institute for 10 years and has now been elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables – like movement, screen use, and sleep – to detect early signs of mental health issues. This free event is being co-hosted by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Human composting is increasingly being legalised around the world. Read about it in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/legalising-human-composting/
If you’d like to see this option available in NSW you can now sign a live petition to the NSW Parliament here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/43QIHbz
Thanks to everyone who contributed to deliver a fantastic Disaster Risk Awareness Expo and Family Day yesterday. @mark_greenhill_mayor opened the event at which we celebrated the 13th birthday of Betty the Asbestos Education House; @firecoat_au demonstrated and launched its range of fire retardant products that can help protect homes, gardens and even electricity poles; the Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit was launched; Santa arrived and delighted young and old; and @plantinspired99 and Action for Animals fed us all with a delicious plant-based sausage sizzle. The day was filled with talks, workshops, stalls and the sharing of a huge amount of expertise to keep us, and the other species we share our planet with, safe and healthy! @southkatoomba.rfb @nswses @fireandrescuensw @nswrfs @redcrossleura @redcrossau @shelter.building.design @firehalo.au @asbestosawareness @amelie_ecology @bbagsbluemtns @wireswildliferescue @handsheartfeet
Our marquee is up and we`re excited about our Expo and Family Day tomorrow (Sat 22 Nov). There`s something for everyone from a free sausage sizzle, plants from Santa and drumming and pollinator workshops, to sessions on keeping you and our community safe from extreme weather events and hazardous substances like mould and asbestos. Learn how intumescent paints can slow the spread of fire and pick up a sample pot; check out all our emergency service organisations; learn how to dispose of hazardous materials; paint a native orchid, make some seed balls or sew a boomerang bag to give as plastic-free Christmas presents this year; enjoy coffee and locally made sweets; and get tips on how to retrofit your home safely and beautifully to be prepared for future extreme weather events. View the full program and register here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
There are so many new and innovative ways of doing things, like the new cooking techniques being explored by Michael from Good Fat Pastry, and the new fire protection methods being launched at the Planetary Health Centre`s Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 Nov. Check out Michael’s recent presentation at the Food Security Fair in our video here: https://bit.ly/4pnXbIg (link in profile) and come along to taste his delicious carrot cake and pastries at the Expo on Saturday. Check out the program and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
In 2006 Peter Joseph’s son Michael suicided after a 14-year episodic battle with mental illness. Peter is now the Chair of the Black Dog Institute which is working to achieve better outcomes for all those struggling with mental health issues. Journalist Emma Rossi will engage Peter in an intimate and moving conversation about a life of purpose and mental health advocacy. As a Rotary scholar Peter will also reflect on how Rotary helped shape his values and sense of purpose as a young man - and how those early lessons continue to guide his work today. This free event is being hosted by the Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary Club and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative on Saturday 29 November from 2-4pm at the Planetary Health Centre at 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Learn about intumescent fire retardant paint and a range of other strategies to prepare for extreme weather events, and to manage hazardous materials, at the upcoming Expo and Family Day at the Planetary Health Centre on Sat 22 Nov. You can register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J We checked out how intumescent paint works in this video.
When temperatures reach a certain point the intumescent paint begins to swell and expand, often up to 50 times its original thickness. It forms a thick, carbonaceous "char" that acts as an insulating barrier. This layer slows the rate at which heat reaches the structural elements and buys valuable time for people to safely exit a building during a fire. It makes the structure safer for firefighters and rescue teams. #intumescentpaint #fireretardant #bushfire @firecoat_au...
Mould, lead paint, asbestos, silica dust from engineered stone bench tops and a wide range of chemicals, are amongst some of the many hazardous substances entering our environment and negatively impacting our health. Asbestos is found in over 3000 products including textured paints, moulded garden pots, brake pads and clutch linings in older cars, floor and ceiling tiles, lino, fibro, roofing, pipes and gutters, hot water systems, backing for switchboards and insulation boards in air-conditioning ducts, insulation, sealants, fillers, caulking and adhesives, gaskets for industrial and lab equipment and more. We’ll have information to take away and Blue Mountains City Council and the Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Consultants Association (AHCA) will be running free workshops on how to identify and manage these hazardous substances at the Planetary Health Centre`s Disaster Risk Awareness Expo in Katoomba on Sat 22 Nov. Find out more and register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Are you ready for the next bushfire, heatwave or flood? Why not take steps to prepare at the Planetary Health Centre`s Expo and Family Day on Sat 22 Nov. Award-winning Hempcrete designer Kirstie Wulf from @shelter.building.design will share 10 steps to build or renovate for sustainability and resilience; engineer Mark Liebman will share how you can build a green roof to reduce stormwater runoff and cool your building; Dr Agnieszka Wujeska-Klause will share research results on the most appropriate actions to lower heat in summer and help you use a thermal imaging camera to identify which surfaces retain the most heat; Frank Inzitari will introduce you to the @firehalo.au which can help reduce ember attack; and a team from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will work with you to use the Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit to design your own personal bushfire plan. We`ll also be launching Firecoat`s new Bushfire Home Protection Kit. Learn more and register to attend here: https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
There are so many extraordinary volunteers keeping us and wildlife safe all year round! Come along and meet them at the Expo and Family Day at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Saturday 22nd Nov. Learn what you can do to be ready for emergencies, and how you can volunteer or help in some other way. Together we can be more prepared and reduce the risk of disaster. There`ll be a free sausage sizzle so help give us an idea of numbers by registering here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
Julie Nance is a community storyteller with the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. In her coverage of the Lower Mountains area, she brings 30 years’ experience in communications, publishing and journalism.
After specialising in health and social issues as a journalist, Julie led creative teams in the government and not-for-profit sectors including the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, YMCA NSW, Cancer Council NSW and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Julie is passionate about empowering people with quality information to help them make informed choices.
Music, creativity and sustainability all come together at Glenbrook Rotary Markets every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, and recently the organisers from the Rotary Club of the Lower Blue Mountains showcased their continuing commitment to waste reduction by hosting a creative Trash to Treasure Competition for local Lower Mountains kids.
