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.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our inaugural Blue Mountains Food Security Fair today. It was an inspiring and thought provoking day with lots learnt, many connections made, amazing food consumed and stunning weather! We look forward to doing it again next year!
The inaugural Blue Mountains Food Security Fair kicks off at 9am today at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. Pop in to listen to a talk, watch a demo, grab a coffee and sweet treat from Good Fat Pastry, a delicious lunch from Bibi`s Kitchen, fresh mushrooms from EarthRising Mushroom Farm, locally acclimatised vegetable seeds from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers, and edible native plants from Muru Mittigar Ltd You can view the full program here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nOSJle The Planetary Health Centre is at 33-39 Acacia St (former Katoomba Golf Course).
The Fair is a World Animal Day event and has been supported by a sEEd grant from the Australian Association of Environmental Educators.
A huge thank you to Richard Burrell from Muru Mittigar Native Nursery who delivered us the following edible natives to sell at our Food Security Fair on Saturday 18th October:
Apple Berry Finger Lime Mat Rush Lomandra longifolia Midgen Berry Native Leek Native Parsnip Native Raspberry Female and male Pepper Berry Vanilla Lily Yam Daisy
You can view the full program for the Food Security Fair here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nOSJle
We`re thrilled that EarthRising Mushroom Farm will be at the Blue Mountains Food Security Fair this Sat 18 Oct with their fabulous fresh mushrooms, mushroom grow kits and other mushroom products. Alex can help you get started on mushroom growing and let you know more about the mushroom compost you can pick up from the Farm in Lawson. View the full program for the day here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nOSJle The Fair is at the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre: 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba (former Katoomba Golf Course)
Such an amazing program for the Food Security Fair at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Sat 18 Oct: from the renowned Holly Davis, co-founder of Iku, and author of Ferment, giving a hands on demonstration of how to preserve and increase the health and deliciousness of food through fermentation, to Dr Milena Bojovic from UTS on the Future of Food! Dr Teya Brooks Pribac from Plant Inspired will demonstrate innovative plant based cooking techniques, Michael from Good Fat Pastry will share baking innovations, Marnee Fox from Forage to Feast will share how to use Wild Edibles, seed saver extraordinaire Lloyd Sharp from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers will share his amazing expertise and launch the Upper Blue Mountains Seed Savers and Gardening Group, Manu Prigioni from Farm it Forward will discuss equity and nutrition security and Farm it Forward’s response to the National Food Security Strategy document, Erin Hall will provide a hands-on Weaving with Weeds workshop, and Nev Sweeney will share how to build and use a solar food dehydrator. Places are limited so bookings essential here (link in profile @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth : https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or... This event has been supported by an Australian Association for Environmental Education sEEd grant.
Social enterprise @farmitforward is working to increase local food security one backyard after another, and with young people at Katoomba High School. At the Food Security Fair on Sat 18 Oct, co-founder Manu Prigioni will speak about Incorporating equity and nutrition security in discussions on food security: Farm It Forward’s response to the National Food Security Strategy document. Reserve your spot for her presentation here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nOSJle Read more about Manu and Farm it Forward in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/46PTAfF
Join seed saver extraordinaire Lloyd Sharp, from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers, as we launch the Upper Blue Mountains Seed Saving and Gardening group at the Food Security Fair on Sat 18 October. Lloyd will share some of his extensive seed saving experience, and there will be an opportunity to purchase and share local seeds and plants. Huge thanks to Happy Valley Seeds for donating heirloom seeds and discount cards, and to @thediggersclub for generously donating Vegetable and Flower Sowing Guides and their 2025/2026 Heirloom Seed Annual. There will be one for every attendee! The Food Security Fair is being held at the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba and the Seed Saving presentation is at 10.20am. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
Nev Sweeney, renowned permaculture teacher and practitioner, from Under the Choko Tree, will be leading a workshop on how to build and use a solar food dehydrator at the Blue Mountains Food Security Fair on Saturday 18 Oct. Nev will talk about why food dehydration is a good idea, some techniques that can be used to dry food, pretreat or not to pretreat, general tips and considerations about food drying, drying fruit and veg, testing for dryness and using dried produce. He will explain how he made a simple direct solar food dryer and a more complex indirect solar food dryer. Reserve your spot here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
Planetary Health volunteer, American permaculture teacher Susan Krings, has been helping to organise the inaugural Blue Mountains Food Security Fair. If you`d like to learn more about volunteering at the Centre email planetaryhealth@bmcc.nsw.gov.au or ring 0407 437 553
You can purchase tickets for the Food Security Fair in Katoomba on Saturday 18 October here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-sec...
The day will include stalls, talks and demos about growing, sourcing, cooking, preserving and enjoying plant based food and protecting habitat for wildlife. The event is part of a series celebrating the centenary of World Animal Day.
The 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 and Manu Prigioni from Farm it Forward.
Stalls will include EarthRising Mushroom Farm, Bibi`s Kitchen, 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.
At the Food Security Fair on Sat 18th October the inspiring Teya Brooks Pribac, author of ‘Not Just Another Vegan Cookbook’ and founder of Plant Inspired, will be sharing innovative but very simple culinary techniques that can help you make delicious icecream, ‘egg` sandwiches and a wide range of cheeses without any eggs or dairy. Food that’s healthier for you and the planet. You no longer need to worry if the supermarket shelves suddenly don’t have eggs, or if you can’t afford them! There are so many cooking techniques that can help us create our favourite foods, without requiring animal products! The session will end with one of Teya’s fabulous cheese tastings. Bookings essential for this fascinating workshop here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
This event is one of a series celebrating the centenary of @worldanimalday @ph_alliance
In Marnee Fox’s session on Wild Edibles at the Blue Mountains Food Security Fair on Sat 18 October, she’ll share how to incorporate wild ingredients into your every day diet AND make it delicious. Marnee Fox is a sustainable interior decorator, stylist, foodie and weed convert. She`s also one half of Forage to Feast Australia with husband, renowned environmental educator Diego Bonetto. Building on Diego`s much-loved weed foraging workshops, Marnee takes the food found on the foraging tour to the table. Bookings essential (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
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
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.
