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.
Are there native bees and insects in your garden? Today is the first day of Australian Pollinator Week and native bee ecologist and musician @amelie_ecology has just released a new single with Costa Georgiadis @costasworld called ‘Not all Pests’. We’re thrilled that Amelie will be performing her songs and running a free interactive workshop on what we can do to support our native pollinators at the Planetary Health Expo and Family Day on Saturday 22nd November. You can register to attend here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nFrY1J
and you can stream ’Not all Pests’ here (link in profile): https://amelieecology.bandcamp.com/track/not-all-pests
There are so many ways to have a greener healthier Christmas! Ever thought of giving a voucher for Tai Chi and Qigong classes? You can try out one of our Qigong classes at the Planetary Health Centre this Saturday at 9am. Tutor Virginia Field is currently introducing Qigong`s 5-Animals Play, an ancient practice which developed from observing animals and mimicking their behaviour. Reserve a spot here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/3JlOAXh Find other ideas for a greener Christmas on Council`s website here: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/greenchristmas
Or come along to our Expo and Family Day on 22 November and try out some other great options like drumming classes, sewing and fashion upcycling! Register to attend here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/disaster-risk-awareness-expo-or-full-cycle-2025
We’ve had some great news! Santa is coming to the free Community BBQ at the Planetary Health Centre Expo in Katoomba on Saturday 22 November. He’s arriving early to help us celebrate Christmas in a way that’s safer and healthier for us and the planet, and he’s let us know that he’ll be giving everyone who comes a free fire-retardant plant for their garden. We’re so thrilled we’re putting on fun family events for the day: from a fabulous free drumming workshop with Emily from Hands, Heart and Feet, to live music and a pollinator hunt with Amelie Ecology, and workshops to create plastic-free Christmas presents. There’ll also be an opportunity to meet the RFS, NSW Fire & Rescue, Red Cross and other emergency services. Come and learn ways to keep the family safe while also having fun, enjoying a coffee, sampling some plant-based sweets and a free BBQ lunch, and taking home lots of useful information about hazardous materials and preparing for extreme weather events! Register here to attend (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/disaster-risk-awareness-expo-or-full-cycle-2025?
Do you feel overwhelmed about preparing your home for bushfire? Come along to the free Bushfire Retrofit Toolkit Workshop at the Disaster Risk Awareness Expo (and pre-Christmas Family Day) at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Saturday 22 Nov. Meet the team who developed the Toolkit and learn to use it in a free, 2-hour interactive workshop. You will have the opportunity to work on case study properties in small groups and ask the team questions about your own property. Free afternoon tea provided. Bookings essential here (Disaster Risk Awareness Expo link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/disaster-risk-awareness-expo-or-full-cycle-2025/tickets #beprepared #bushfire #retrofit #disasterriskawareness #planetaryhealth #katoomba #bluemountains #bushfireretrofittoolkit...
When we pulled up some old lino we were shocked to learn at the Katoomba Resource Recovery and Waste Management Facility that it was made of asbestos. There are so many parts of old homes in the Blue Mountains that contain asbestos, so, to help keep everyone safe, we`ve invited Betty the Asbestos Education House to the Planetary Health Centre on Saturday 22nd November as part of our Disaster Risk Awareness Expo and pre-Christmas Family Day. Betty is a purpose built, mobile model home designed to demonstrate where asbestos might be found in and around any Australian home built or renovated before 1990. Her exterior resembles a typical fibro home but when opened up, she has extensive audio and visual information including a bathroom, kitchen, living room, man shed/garage and a dog house. You can learn more and register to attend this free event here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
Yesterday we launched the Upper Mountains Seed Saving and Gardening Group at the Planetary Health Centre. It`s the perfect time to get planting so we shared locally acclimatised seeds for a variety of beans (they don`t cross-pollinate so you can plant as many varieties as you can fit in!), round yellow zucchinis, Japanese pumpkins and Roi de Carouby peas. Seeds are arguably one of the best return on investments you can make in your life. Plant one tiny celery seed and when that plant goes to seed you can harvest thousands to replant and to sprout and add to your salads. We`ll be meeting on the first Saturday of every month as part of Skill Share Saturdays at the Planetary Health Centre. Our next meeting will be Saturday 6 Dec. Register here if you`d like to attend (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-upper-mountains-seed-saving-and-gardening-group?
The KTOWN pickers - Katoombans Taking On Waste Now - are clearing litter from local tracks and streets and stopping it from entering our waterways and eventually our water supply. Read more in Katoomba Area Local News (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/ktown-katoombans-taking-on-waste-now/
This Saturday will be the first meeting of the Upper Mountains Seed Saving and Gardening Group at the Planetary Health Centre, starting at 10am. Register your interest here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/3LalNFy
It will be followed by the Planetary Health Bushcare group at 1.30pm. Register your interest here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/49k8PPo
Global poisoning by a tsunami of toxins that are flooding the planet is fast becoming the biggest threat to life on earth. Extreme weather events like fire and flood accelerate this chemical pollution. To address this the Planetary Health Centre`s Full Cycle 2025 conference from 20-22 Nov is bringing together leading experts in managing extreme weather events as well as those who are working on reducing the risk of hazardous materials like asbestos and PFAS. According to keynote speaker Julian Cribb:
"The poisoning of our planet through human chemical emissions is arguably the largest human impact of all upon the Earth. In volume, it is four to five times greater than our climate emissions (which are a part of it), and three times more lethal than the estimated climate death-toll. It is the mega-threat least understood by society, monitored by science or regulated by government. It has mainly occurred over the last 50 years, due to a massive global surge in chemical use and materials extraction.
Scientific assessment has identified more than 350,000 man-made chemicals. The US Department of Health estimates 2000 new chemicals go on the market every year and the Smithsonian says 1000 new compounds are now being synthesised every hour. The UN Environment Program warns about a third of these “are persistent, able to accumulate in humans and animals and are toxic”.
The World Health Organisation estimates that 13.7 million people — one in every four — die each year from diseases caused by “air, water and soil pollution, chemical exposures, climate change and ultraviolet radiation”, caused by human activity.
Human chemical emissions are thus responsible for the largest mass killing in history.
Learn more and register for the conference here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
There will be a free community expo on Saturday 22 November at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba.
Conference volunteers receive free registration. Email planetaryhealthevents@bmcc.nsw.gov.au if you’d like to volunteer at this critically important event.
T`ai-chi and Qigong routines can increase mobility and strength, improve immunity and help build an inner calm. To get the greatest health impact you need to practice them on a regular basis, so we`re thrilled to now be offering a 6-week block of classes to take you into summer starting 9am this Saturday 1 November and running until Sat 6 December. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4qrw4Nx This Saturday, 1 November, the activity is also the first in a full day of Skill Share activities at the Centre that includes Seed Saving and Gardening from 10am, and Planetary Health Bushcare from 1.30pm. You can book in for Bushcare here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/49k8PPo Contact Lis on 0407 437 553 for more information.
Rotarians 4 Planetary Health will be meeting again at the Planetary Health Centre at 6pm on Monday 27 October. Register at this link if you`d like to attend! (link in profile) https://events.humanitix.com/rotarians-4-planetary-health-l7bb4qhr?
Thank you to everyone who popped by for the @ediblegardentrailbluemountains today! It was a great day discussing gardens, ponds, frogs, seeds, composting seats, wicking beds and how to restore the hydrological cycle! Next Saturday will be our Skill Share Saturday. We`ll be kickstarting a 6-week block of Tai Chi & Qigong at 9am, launching our Seed Saving and Gardening Group at 10am and running our monthly Bushcare Group at 1.30pm. You can book in for Tai Chi here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/tai-chi-and-qigong-six-week-block-spring-2025-qaw2ts2v and to Bushcare here (link also in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-bushcare-spring-summer-2025
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.
