June11_UM

www.theecho.net.au June 2011 1

Wentworth Falls to BlackheathJune 2011 Issue 28

BLUE MOUNTAINS ENVIROMENTAL MANAGEMENT

HOPES TO SWAMP THE WORLD

The Blue Mountains City Council Save Our Swamps program has been shortlisted for the United Nations Association of Australia’s 2011 World Environment Day Award.

As a finalist for the country’s top environmental prize, Save Our Swamps has been acknowledged as an innovative environmental program and an outstanding example of collaboration across multiple organisations.

Mayor, Cr Daniel Myles, said, “The United Nations Association of Australia’s 2011 World Environment Day Award is a highly regarded award program.

“To be shortlisted for 2011 World Environment Day Award is a credit to the staff and organisations involved in Save Our Swamps and the environmental outcomes that it has achieved.”

Since hitting the ground in 2009, Save Our Swamps has focused on restoring the health

of temperate highland peat swamps in the Blue Mountains.

“Save Our Swamps fosters community awareness and delivers a range of on-ground activities to improve the health and resilience of endangered local swamplands”, explained the Mayor.

In various sites throughout the Blue Mountains, the health of local swamps - their native plants and animals - is at risk from a wide range of threats. These include stormwater run-off and

sedimentation, invasive weeds, feral animals, unauthorised access, issues associated with subsurface mining, groundwater extraction, and

the long-term effects of climate change.

Coordinated by Council’s Environmental Management Branch, Save Our Swamps is a massive collaboration between diverse partners working to alleviate the negative impacts on local swamplands.

Program partners include Lithgow City Council, Gosford City Council, Wingecarribee Shire Council, State government agencies, industry partners, the NSW Environmental Trust, and the Federal Government’s Caring for Country program.

Amongst a range of outstanding finalists for the World Environment Day Awards, Save Our Swamps is one of only three local government programs shortlisted nationally for the Excellence in Overall Environmental Management Award.

Award winners will be announced on 3 June 2011.

To get involved in Save Our Swamps, contact Michael Hensen, Biodiversity Conservation Officer, Blue Mountains City Council on [email protected].

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Emergency Services 000Katoomba Police Station 4782 8199 Police Assistance Line 131 444Lifeline 24-Hour Counselling 131 114

Blackheath ChurchesSt Aidans Anglican 4787 8127Sacred Heart Catholic 4787 8540Baptist 4787 8243Presbyterian 4784 1255Uniting Church 4782 2603

Katoomba ChurchesSt Hilda’s Anglican Church 4782 1608St Canice`s Catholic Church 4782 2804Uniting Church 4758 8295 Lighthouse Church 4782 1352Katoomba Baptist Church 4758 8674 Bethany Gospel Hall 4782 5956The Salvation Army 4782 5124Seventh-day Adventist 0401 686 245

Leura ChurchesSt Albans Anglican Church 4782 4503St Bonaventure’s Catholic 4782 2804Uniting Church 4757 3435Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4784 2373

Wentworth Falls ChurchesHoly Trinity Anglican Church 4757 1516 St Frances Xavier Catholic 4782 2804St Andrews Presbyterian 4784 1255

Community GroupsCommunity Health Centre 4782 8201 Katoomba Neighbourhood 4782 1117Blackheath Neighbourhood Centre 4787 7770The Salvation Army - Community Services 4782 9251 - Rehabilitation Centre 4782 7392Breastfeeding Association 4782 9474Blue Mtns Bushcare 4780 5528Blue Mtns Cancer Help 4782 4866Katoomba Girl Guides 4739 1772Katoomba Men’s Shed 4782 7438Rotary (Upper Blue) 4787 1857W. Falls Lions Club 4782 6801Leura/Katoomba Probus 4782 1672Central Blue Probus 4757 4695Toastmasters 4757 4094Alliance for Sustainable Wellbeing 4784 1349Blue Mtns Lapidary Club 4759 2440Blue Mts Teen Homeschool Group 4784 2337Wentworth Falls RSL Sub Branch 4757-3163Blue Mountains Cohousing 0424490554

Sports ClubsKatoomba Swimming Club 4782 2292Cricket Club 0402 167 136Blackheath Tennis 4787 7779Katoomba Tennis (keys from the Handystore) Juniors Competition 4782 2303Wentworth FallsTennis 4784 1044(keys from the Falls Food Hall)Junior Rugby League 0432 219 564 Table Tennis 4782 3174Blue Mountains District Darts 4784 1583

All enquiriesEmail: [email protected]

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MASSIVE FIELD TAKES NORTH FACE RUN TO NEW HEIGHTS

Nearly 750 athletes traversed the valleys and ridges of Blue Mountains National Park on May 14th in the biggest 100Km footrace in the country, the North Face 100.

Starting and finishing at Leura’s Fairmont Resort, Warrimoo’s Andrew Lee was defending his title and course record from last year, against a collection of sponsored foreign athletes and determined locals who had their eye set on the prize. In March this year Lee won the equally prestigious Six Foot Track Marathon so was clearly still a man to beat.

Spanish runner Kilian Jornet- record holder in Europe’s brutal Mont Blanc 160km run- followed Lee from the start and they passed the first checkpoint at 18km at under course record pace. From there the fast pace took its toll and Lee started to fade from contention, while Jornet pressed on with Frenchman Francois D’Haene and South African Ryan Sandes. Adventure racer Damon Goerke and Sydney’s Brendan Davies (second behind Lee at Six Foot Track this year) passed the slowing defending champion and set about pursuing the leaders through the Megalong and Jamison Valleys. Leura’s Mick Donges showed himself to be the best of the Blue Mountains runners as he slowly worked his way through the field after the 54km checkpoint.

In fading light and temperatures, spectators at the finish line saw one white clad runner approaching shortly after 4pm. Kilian Jornet shattered the old course record of 9 hours 54 minutes with a time of 9.19, followed by fellow internationals D’Haene (9.24) and Sandes (9.55), and then followed by Goerke, Davies and Donges. Canberra’s Julie Quinn broke her own female course record with an 11.39.07, overtaking American Nerea Martinez in the last kilometre.

The last of 502 solo and 86 relay finishers drifted in around 10.30 the next morning just as the awards ceremony was getting underway, knowing they had 52 weeks of training to improve before next year’s race is held.

Local Blue Mountains runners included:

6th Mick Donges 10h31m24s Leura

16th Ewan Horsburgh 11h34m39s Katoomba

43rd Andrew Lee 12h53m25s Warrimoo

45th Shane Simpson 12h54m49s Leonay

46th Paul Robertson 12h54m51s Glenbrook

57th (1st Over 50) John Glen 13h16m06s Leura

95th Rob Phillpott 13h56m25s Sun Valley

143rd Peter Linnegar 15h04m02s Valley Heights

152nd (2nd Female Over 50) Anne Mackie 15h11m13s Bullaburra

157th (6th Over 50) Ian Sargent 15h12m21s Springwood

Left: Glenbrook’s Paul Robertson is all smiles partway through his debut 100km run. He finished in an excellent 46th place from a field of over 700. Photo: Rod Cutler

Left: Katoomba’s Ewan Horsburgh leads Leura’s Mick Donges into the second checkpoint at the North Face 100. 37kms have already been covered, 63km to go. Photo: Rod Cutler


Nature Track, Wentworth FallsNeed an adventurous trek for you and your kids? A walk along the Nature Track at Wentworth Falls is great for budding botanists, perfect for photographers, worthwhile for writers and terrific for tourists!. Allow about 2 hours to walk the 3.1 kilometres, and be mindful that there are lots of steps up at the end, which is located at the Conservation Hut at the end of Fletcher St Wentworth Falls.It is a good idea to car-pool, and leave some transport at the Conservation Hut and start the walk at West Street, Wentworth Falls.. Take a snack and some water with you, and some warm waterproof clothing just in case!From the West Street track-head the open forest of the plateau soon opens out to a huge, thick green carpet of ferns and swamp… the water from these swamps will be a feature for the entire walk. Below the ferns a short detour onto the top of Edinburgh Castle Rock shows the route the track follows along Valley of the Waters Creek. Back on track, and the walk descends to Asmodeus Pool, where stepping stones across the creek lead around a bend to reveal the entrance to Empress Canyon. You need wetsuits and abseiling gear to continue that way! The swamps above are constantly feeding clear clean water into this creek, water that continues to carve a deep canyon into the landscape.Cross the creek again, and continue to Lilians Bridge (but don’t cross it!) and follow mossy edged path. Now you are in rainforest, and soon the sound of water falling at Isobel Falls marks the end of the Nature Track. A picnic table and a plaque here reminds us of Isobel Kendall Bowden OAM (1908-1986). Miss Bowden was awarded an OAM for services to conservation and botany in the Blue Mountains community. Her diaries journals, botanical notes and drawings are preserved in Springwood and Mitchell Libraries.From the picnic table and plaque you can begin the ascent! The Valley of the Waters Track goes up the steep gorge, remember to take your time and investigate Queen Victoria Lookout for exceptional views of Jamison Valley and beyond. The Conservation Hut marks the end of the walk.A booklet on this walk is available from the “Hut” or call into the NPWS Blue Mountains Heritage Centre, end of Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath (T 02 4787 8877) . Formore information on your national parks, visit www.wildwildworld.com.au

nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

A Cosy Chat with Jennifer Rowe

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20th June, 5pm

Cost $15 (including refreshments)

Multi award-winning writer Jennifer Rowe will talk to Lis Bastian (Varuna Writer’s Centre) about her new crime novel Love Honour & O’Brien, set in the Blue Mountains. Her Verity Birdwood books, including Grim Pickings and her TV series Murder Call have been highly praised.

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Left: Moss covered steps cut through the ferns on the Nature Track. Photo: NPWS

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Artist Opportunity Knocks!ArtStreet, the annual shop front art exhibition of the Winter Magic festival isinviting the participation of artists for the exhibition which will take place in June, one week either side of Winter festival Day on June 18th.Individuals, groups, schools and community organisations are invited to submit all works for installation in the shop fronts along katoomba Street. Artists and artworks have 24hour exposure for 2 weeks in high tourist season in the heart of Katoomba. This is a great opportunity. For entry details and more info see www.wintermagic.com.au or call Amelia on 0438 396 761

The Annual Winter Magic Festival will be held on Saturday 18th June 2011. If you want to be involved with Stalls, the parade as a volunteer or with ArtStreet, please visit the website at www.wintermagic.com.au

Winter Magic Music program with St Hilda’s Anglican Church

St Hilda’s Anglican Church will once again be running a full program during winter magic. When asked about why the church is involved in winter magic Rev Ray Robinson said “We’re a church that wants to share God’s love with our community and this event is a great way to demonstrate our care for people. We’re also very excited to be able to showcase local talent and encourage some of our younger musicians in the school bands”.The program will include a ‘Parent and bubs quiet space’ in the hall with activities such as face painting, balloon sculpting, show bags and lots of other family activities. The music program in the church has a wide range of musical tastes and local talent and it is free all day. The evening Bush Dance will be entry by donation to help cover costs.

Winter Magic Music Program at St. Hilda’s 18th June10.00 – 11.00 Simon Watts – Violin – Roving minstrel outside11.00 – 11.30 Harmony Duo - recorder12.00 - 12.30 ‘Joyful Noise’ – a capella gospel choir12.30 - 1.30 Phil Davidson – singer/songwriter, acoustic roots guitar1. 30 - 2.00 Jazz Sax duo2. 00 - 2.30 ‘Crowd Around’ – a capella choir 2. 30 - 3.00 Steve Bevis – local singer/songwriter, roots and gospel3. 00 - 3.30 ‘Four K’s’ and ‘Vocal Locals’ – community chorus3. 30 - 4.00 Break.4. 00 - 4.30 Blue Mountains City Band and School bands6. 30 - 9.00 Bush Dance for all the family with local band ‘Strike a Light’


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New to the Area?Moving into a completely new area can be challenging, particularly when the climate is so different as in the Blue Mountains. When new to an area your perception of it is probably at its sharpest so sharing the experience with others in the same situation can be fun. There is a lot with which to become familiar - council services, festivals, community groups, the history and geology of the area, good walks to investigate, how to heat effectively, how to guard against bush fires and more... Sharing information you discover and inviting people who are in the know to spend a meeting with us is a great way to get a handle on the place you have decided to settle and in the process meet new neighbours. Before you know it you will recognize people in the village, stop for a yarn and feel you are part of the place.

Red Cockatoo would like to congratulate Elly Chatfield, Karen Maber and Chris Tobin on their *NEW* product (the notepads), which are the first of their kind in Australia. Authentic Aboriginal designs printed in vegetable inks on 100% recycled paper. www.redcockatooaustralia.com.au

Refugee Awareness DayCommunity Services Students from Blue Mountains Tafe have been looking at refugee issues in Australia today, especially the issue around children in detention. We’ve been busting some myths about the definition of refugee or asylum seeker, the reasons people leave their home countries and how refugee numbers will ‘realistically’ affect Australia. Last year, the Government announced plans to move ‘significant numbers’ of children and family groups out of detention facilities and into ‘community-based accommodation’ by June 2011, this announcement has not yet translated into action for the majority of children and families in detention.

We have been challenged in this process and we would like to share our learning with you. We would like you to join us on 9 June, 2011 for a sausage sizzle and art installation. Find us in front of the Carrington Hotel in Katoomba between 10am to 2pm. This event has been organised in conjunction with the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group.


Katoomba VIEW Club

Already well into the 2011 calendar of events the Katoomba VIEW club has had some fascinating speakers with more to come. May saw an entertaining and informative talk by Roger Johnson, a Forensic Hypnotist and on June 22nd Mary Moody, well known Author, Traveler and Gardening Guru with join the group for a talk and discussion. In July the clubs 43rd birthday will be held with a fun day “full of surprises” on the 27th July. A list of regular meetings can be found in the Community Noticeboard.

VIEW (voice, interest, and education of women) Club’s,work to support the Smith Family, it’s a great way to make new friends, and have a wonderful time, whilst helping those in need, For more information and bookings please ring Jill on 47 571377 or Pauline on 47 571859. Visitors are always welcome.

some of life’s toughest challenges. “Beneath The Surface” is a photographic project and exhibition by Blue Mountains photographer Mandy Schöne-Salter. The exhibition, to be held at the Event Horizon Gallery in Katoomba and opens June 14. Mandy Schöne-Salter was the winner of the inaugural Oxford Art Prize for Portraiture in 2010 as well as the 2011 International Women’s Day Exhibition. Beneath The Surface featured as part of the Head On Photo Festival 2011. Opting for old school analogue technology, for this exhibition Schöne-Salter photographed and interviewed women who have lived through abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, death, drugs or disability. The exhibition uses larger than life black and white canvas prints which give an overwhelming effect and each photograph is

captioned with that woman’s story.“These women have one thing in common;” Mandy says, “the will to reclaim their lives after hardship”. Her aims for the project were for the photos to be “visceral and insightful for the viewer, as well as therapeutic for the subject”.The exhibition is supported by the local arm of ZONTA, a global organisation working to advance the

status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. All profits from the exhibition will be donated to ZONTA Blue Mountains and the Blue Mountains Women’s Health and Resource Centre.

The opening night is Friday the 17th of June from 6 - 9 pm at the Event Horizon Gallery, 186 Bathurst Rd, Katoomba; the exhibition will run from the 14th until the 20th of June.

Exhibition “Beneath the Surface”

How much can a face tell about a person? A revealing photographic exhibition explores the stories in the faces of women who’ve met with


Social Networking media providing a boost for business?

Social Media for Business with Biznet – Your regional chamber of commerce.Biznet promotes professional development of the Blue Mountains business community, by presenting a series of skills partnership seminars throughout the year. Elizabeth Walton presented a seminar called Say Hello to Social Media at Biznet’s recent business expo - sponsored by Penrith BEC - which achieved record attendances.Elizabeth’s talk addressed the need for businesses to allocate time and budgets to social media promotions – as an important tool in reaching new and relevant audiences.“I can definitely say that reaching out to my networks using social media is the fastest and most powerful way I can communicate with a specific target audience,” Elizabeth says. “Social media has been an essential method for me to develop and promote my new businesses, such as RealToReel.Info corporate videos and Write4You.Biz.“It’s been said that we are now operating in a “reputation” economy – where your business relationships are determined by how you are perceived online. Facebook, YouTube and Twitter allow you to develop a client base who sample your personal style, and make a purchasing decision based on your online reputation.Elizabeth’s seminar was well received by prominent businesses and traditional media, as well as small businesses. For more information on Biznet’s seminars visit www.biznet.org.au

H.E.L.P for the Heart

Throughout June, volunteer clinical h y p n o t h e r a p i s t s will offer two free consultations to people recovering from a cardiac event. The offer is part of a project run by Hypnotherapists Enhancing Life for People (HELP), an Australia-wide, non-profit community service aimed at assisting people in need. There is a growing body of empirical evidence in Australia and overseas that mind-body interventions, such as hypnotherapy, are effective in restructuring behaviours and reducing stress, blood pressure, heart rate reactivity, and resting heart rate. In 2004-05, 18 per cent (approximately 3.5 million) of the Australian population had a long-term cardiovascular condition, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. In future, HELP projects will be aimed at assisting other specific groups of people, suchas final-year high school students, cardiac rehabilitation patients and irritable bowelsyndrome patients to name a few. Most of these projects will be running for one month and everyone is welcome to the services they provide through the volunteer clinical hypnotherapists,

For more information visit http//www.help.asn.au or contact Katoomba HELP volunteer and Clinical Hypnotherapist James Warrington-Mercer on 4782 5557 or 0414 860 420.


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Independent Audit of Council’s Rating Review

City of Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Daniel Myles, has defended the Council’s review of its rating structure, with an independent audit confirming the process used by Council to determine the proposed new rating system. The Council’s proposed new rating structure has attracted strong views, both in favour and against, from residents and businesses in the community during the public exhibition period.The Mayor said, “Regardless of individual views on the proposed new rating structure, it is important for the community to know that the conduct of Council in reviewing the rating structure and developing the proposal that was placed on public exhibition, has been proper and appropriate.”Independent auditor, Morse Group, has confirmed the methodology and the calculations used in determining Council’s proposed rating structure, including the proposed business rates.“The community can be assured that the proposal presented by Council is sound and is the result of a rigorous investigation of Council’s current rating structure. The findings of the audit disprove many of the claims made by those objecting to the proposed new rating structure”, the Mayor stated.“In particular, the audit confirmed that Council correctly presented the figures on budget expenditure that is of benefit to the business ratepayers and secondly, that the basis on which the figures were used in the calculation of Council’s costs, were appropriate and are supported by Council’s approved 2010-2011 Operational Plan. Indeed, the audit report found that the Council had been conservative in allocating the amount of the Council’s expenditure to business ratepayers.”“It is important that ratepayers are aware that the review and the proposed new rating structure will not bring any additional revenue to the Council. Council’s proposed new rating structure is designed to be simpler to administer and understand, a fairer and more equitable distribution of rates overall and ensures ongoing compliance with statutory requirements.” “I welcome the public submissions that have been received on this proposal. The Council will consider all submissions in deciding whether or not to adopt the proposal”, concluded the Mayor.A report on the outcome of the community consultation is scheduled to go back to the Council on 28 June 2011.

CanAssist Trivia Night - Tables still available!

Get your brain in gear, gather your trivia-smart friends and book a table, the cause is worthy and the prizes are fantastic. Aside from raising money for CanAssist, which provides practical support to families linked to cancer, entrants in the CanAssist trivia night have the chance to win a weekend away valued at $800 and a multitude of other donated prizes.The Trivia Night will be hosted by Katoomba RSL on Sunday 29th May and guests are asked to be onsite at 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start. Cost is $25pp and includes supper. Tables of 8 and Drinks at bar prices. Bookings are essential. Phone Paul Eastment 0409 807 635 or 4784 1387.One of the largest prizes on the evening has been donated by Katoomba-based financial planning firm, Acumen Advisers. A 3 day weekend trip in a Blue Mountains Motor Home (valued at $800). Passionate about helping members of our community plan their finances, Acumen Advisers are also committed to educating the local community on financial issues. “We are honoured to support Can Assist in their Trivia Night fundraiser as they do so much to help cancer patients and their families who are part of our community” said Greg Lucas.


Permaculture – Where to start?Welcome to the second column by Pat Rayner from BM Permaculture about permaculture. This month Pat talks about how to get started.

Do nothing. Look. Observation “is a very good place to start.”

After rainfall do you have boggy patches? Does water run and pool in parts of your land or does it run under your house or straight off your land? This is all helpful information that can be used to advantage. A boggy patch is a potential place for plants that like wet feet. Plantings can be used to slow the water down and allow it to soak in. At my place a front garden of native plants absorbs all the water run off from the road so under my house is always dry.

Notice the path of the winter sun? Are there warm sunny spots, sun traps where greens can be grown all winter? What area gets at least 6 hours of sun a day, important for growing vegetables. Look where the frost forms. This is useful for where to place plants that require a high chill factor and also where not to place frost sensitive plants.

Where does the wind come from? Do you have areas protected from the wind or need to create wind protection?

The more knowledge I have about what is happening on my bit of land, no matter how big or small, the more I am able to use this information to advantage.

So start by looking at the weather patterns, how dry or wet the soil is, and take note of these observations so when spring comes and you are ready to plant you will be well prepared.

Practical information can be found on Permaculture websites. Joining working bees is also a good place to learn practical skills and see what other people are doing, see www.permaculturebluemountains.net.

Next month: Catch and store energy. Below: A well positioned garden bed

National Permaculture Day a success

In 2010 PBM had 2 gardens open for NPD. In 2011 we had 8 different events across the mountains from Glenbrook to Mt Tomah. Over 100 people visited gardens, attended workshops and tours. Robyn and Max Connor’s garden at Glenbrook shows how to incorporate many of the principles of Permaculture into an older more stately house and garden. It includes two inventions designed by Max to deter chickens, possums, bats and snails from attacking their produce.

Will Smith’s workshop on composting at Norman Lindsay Gallery was very popular and one participant said “it

was so informative and inspiring and changed my view of composting”. Will plans to conduct a day long workshop in June.

A couple from Permaculture Sydney North who had visited many gardens across Australia, said Jan and Ken Goodlet’s food forest, with over 150 fruit trees, at Hazelbrook was the best they had seen. Daniel’s seed raising workshops in Faulconbridge were most popular as was Pete and Helen’s garden in Wentworth Falls. Blue Mountains Organic Community Garden at Katoomba was a popular venue with an entertaining compost workshop with musical accompaniment, tours of the garden and the Community Exchange Scheme trading.

Transitions Film Night The Garden at the End of the World. This beautiful film is about permaculture in Afghanistan and has been created by local Blue Mountains people Gary Caganoff and Rosemary Morrow. The film will be showing on Friday June 3rd at 7.30pm at the Springwood Neighbourhood Centre with a cost of $5-$10. Meet Gary Caganoff, the filmmaker for discussion after the film.Shh!! Blue Mountains

Underground Supper Club

Following one of the hottest dining trends in Europe and the USA, some dedicated local Slow Foodies have created the Blue Mountains Underground Supper Club.Underground Supper Clubs are held in the homes of people who have a desire to prepare, cook and share food with others on an occasional and ‘spontaneous’ basis. Some of the best known internationally include The Shy Chef in Berlin and Homeslice West in New York City. If you’d like to be included on the list of the local Blue Mountains Underground Supper club, email [email protected] and indicate if you would like to offer your home or wish to attend any of these. Rumour has it there are at least two underground supper clubs already, including a ‘ZORBA’ with optional plate-throwing and Greek dancing.


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Rainwater Tank Rebates EndingThe NSW Government Rainwater tank rebate closes on June 30 this year. This scheme offers customers a $1500 rebate when they connect their rainwater tank to both the toilet and washing machine and has proved popular, yet there are still many more households that could make use of the rebate. Alongside this offer is also a FREE Rainwater Tank which can save you up to $680.“Right now we are doing our bit to encourage wise water usage solutions for cost saving and sustainable living. We are urging every Sydney Water customer to contact us about what is on offer,” said Rhonda, CEO of Aussie Water Savers. “We specialise in Rainwater Tank packages to suit any household. We design, manufacture & install our tanks- there is no middle man... We are the manufacturer that comes to you. It’s all about advice & prompt service, which keeps our customers coming back and referring others to us. All they have to do is call us; we take care of the job until they get their rebate in their hand. Our company exists to encourage sustainable water usage that saves you dollars off your water bill – in most cases up to 50%. The Rebate has definitely been taken up well, but there are still many more households that could save even more water and money.” If you’ve been thinking about putting a Rainwater Tank in your home to save water or even for bush fire protection, then June is the time to take up this generous offer.Until the end of June, connect your Rainwater tank to toilet and washing machine, and you will receive a 2000L round rainwater tank absolutely FREE (RRP $680) – and of course, collect your $1500 NSW Government rebate – but its only for a limited time. So take a load off your water bill and live more sustainably! Visit www.aussiewatersavers.com.au or call Aussie Water Savers on (02) 9114 9727 or SMS 0406 878 265 and they will call you back.Conditions: BASIX customers not eligible for rebate. Customers who have already claimed rebates for toilet and washing machine connections are not eligible for another rebate.

Eat Locally Think GloballyMuch of the food we buy in supermarkets has travelled thousands of miles to reachour plates, traded by numerous middlemen, clocking up a huge carbon debt, losing much of its flavour and nutrients along the way. Many of us have absolutely no ideawhere our food comes from or how it is produced. Concerns about environmental and social sustainability, health, and the impact of food production on local and global economies have led to movements such as Slow Foods, Farmers Markets and the 100 mile diet. The 100 mile diet began 6 years ago as an experiment by two people in America to see if they could live for a year eating only food grown within a 100 mile radius of their home. Two books later their experiment has inspired thousands to vote with their dollar and become more aware about where they shop and what and how they eat.

The effects of buying locally include: food is fresher and tastier and more nutritious, we know where it is coming from and how it has been grown, we support our local economy rather than leaching out profits to large, multinational corporations, we discover new flavours, products and recipes, we get in touch with the seasons, we become more conscious of what we are putting into our bodies, we help to protect the environment.

Where can you buy local produce in the mountains?

In the Blue Mountains we can consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have access to some of the best quality organic and locally grown food available in Australia. The Blue Mountains Food Co-op stocks a range of products that are produced within a 100 mile radius of Katoomba including fruit and veggies, cheeses, eggs, nuts, jams andpreserves, honey, olive oil, soaps and skin care products. And there are a many more products, many of them certified organic, that are grown and produced in Australia.

In addition you will find a range of delicious local food at the Blackheath CommunityMarket, held on the 1st Sunday of the month and the Blackheath growers market held on the 2nd Sunday of the month, both at the Blackheath Community Centre.



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ACCOUNTING ANTIQUES

for isolated people in aged care homes or in

their own homes. Being a visitor is an extraordinary contribution to the community and a life enriching experience.

Training and support are offered.

contact Marlene or Laurie on 4782 1117

A Monthly Daytime Book Club for seniors, parents and

anyone who is free on weekdays

If you can’t get out you can join in by phone.

contact Laurie on 4782 1117

A social group for people aged 18+ with a mild to moderate disability.

Starting on Saturday 4th June

To Join in contact Korey or Laurie on 4782 1117

for men who are full time carers Meet on 3rd Wed each month

This Month: June 16th celebrating Men’s Health Week

Contact Marlene for details 4782 1117

Blackheath Phoenix Choir

Fundraising TriviaA great evening of trivia awaits on Friday 1st of July at the Blackheath Golf club. The trivia night is a fundraiser for the Phoenix Choir and will feature some great novelty games, a silent auction and a great variety of questions on many subjects. Entrants will also be treated to some live performances of musical clues. Bookings are essential as the evening is limited to just 20 teams . Cost is $10 per person - Tables are to be 6-8 people and bookings can be made by calling 047 255 816.

Sustainable transport – Moving together!

World Environment Day is Sunday June 5th, local transport advocacy groups and a new Sustainable Transport project are joining forces at The Blackheath Community Markets between 9am and 2pm. The Blue Mountains Sustainable Transport Alliance (BMSTA) and the Blackheath Highway Action Group (BHAG) are holding the stall to give the local community the opportunity to come and find out how to get involved and have a say about transport issues.Getting Around in Community, a new community based sustainable transport project is also interested in your ideas. What sustainable transport ideas would work in your local community or +neighbourhood? Are you passionate about bikes, carpooling or walking? Would you like to see car share options and better public transport?This three year project will run workshops and activities to trial

sustainable transport ideas that might suit mountains communities. By working together with residents, community groups or other organisations we can make a difference, but we need your input. More info - Suzan Mehmet on 4759 2592 or [email protected]

www.theecho. June 2011 14

ELECTRICIAN

CLOTHING

4782 6611 174 Katoomba St, Katoomba

[email protected]

Katoomba WorkwearWorkwear, casual wear,

Quality budget bushwalking apparel, Eco friendly bamboo and organic cotton products

CLEANING

INTERIOR HOUSE CARE*Regular house cleaning*Move Out/Move In clean

*Oven Cleans *Spring Cleans *Office CleaningSatisfaction Guaranteewww.1james.com.au

FOR A FREE QUOTE

Phone Eric 0429 875 482

BATHROOMS & TILES

TRC BATHROOMS & TILESYour LOCAL supplier of Bathroom Plumbing

Products Wall & Floor Tiles • Huge Showroom

Full Bathroom renovation service available

CANDOR HANDYMAN SERVICES

‘Your worries My work’Maintenance, carpentry etc.

Small jobs OK.Johan Candor

0410 508 276

HANDYMAN

EXCAVATION

ALPINEEXCAVATIONSBOBCAT, EXCAVATOR & TIPPER HIRE

Rockhammer & Auger, Land Clearing, Yards Levelled, Driveways, Slashing, Rubbish

Removed, Filling Supplied

47571560or0414541560

CARER SERVICES

Specialising in Digital TV Reception & TV/DVD & Top Box Set-up34 Years Servicing the MountainsSydney & Wollongong Stations

SALES & SERVICE

BRIAN PHILLIPSTV ANTENNAS

ANTENNA

4782 2507162 Main St, Katoomba

APPLIANCE REPAIR

APPLIANCE SALES & RENTAL

LURLINE LEGAL SERVICES

HYPNOTHERAPYClinical Hypnotherapy

Caring & ConfidentialEmotional & Physical issues

Smoking, Weight, Phobias, Relationships James W-Mercer Reg. Nurse Dip.CHt. NLP, EFT.

Accredited CMAHA • Medibank Provider29 Parke Street, Katoomba

4782 5557 or 0414 860 420HYPNOTHERAPY

JOINERY

COUNSELLING

HERBALIST

HANDYMAN

No job too small!Anything you can think of!

Call Lucian on4784 1707

0415 232 901HEALTH

Fifth Avenue Chiropractic

Phone: 4782 9929Dr. Ivo Ahlquist, Chiropractor

www.fifthavenuechiropractic.com.au

HYPNOTHERAPY

LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPING


VIDEO TO DVDPRESERVE YOUR PRECIOUS MEMORIES

• vhs/tapes • photographs/slides • memorial/tribute

to professionally edited DVD movies

0416 279 377 or 4753 7761

VET

♥ Pregnancy Yoga and Mums & Bubs Yoga ♥

Corner Clan William St and Prince George St, Blackheath

Bookings essentialContact Peita 0405 719 812

[email protected] • www.peitacroft.com

YOGA CLASSES

POOLS & SPAS

• New Systems • Insurance Work

• Service & Repairs • Free Quotes

Four Seasons Pool Heating SPECIALISING IN SOLAR

Ph 1300 650 806 FACTORY/SHOWROOM

UNIT 2/112 RUSSELL ST EMU PLAINS

RESTAURANT

Sada Thai RestaurantAuthentic Pure Thai Cuisine

Takeaway lunch special $9.90 from 11.30am-2.30pm Tues-Sun

Open 7 days • Eat in or Takeaway 4757 3623

1/24 Station St, Wentworth Falls

PILATES

PARTY HIRE

Digital Jukeboxes with Karaoke

6000+ songs & 2000+ karaoke songs

••• Frozen Cocktail Machine•••

LITHGOW PARTY HIRE

Phone 63552438 or 0413 302 934 W www.lithgowpartyhire.com E [email protected]

PETCARE

Gindi Pet NanniesWalking • Feeding

Grooming • PlaytimeLOVING CARE FOR

YOUR PETSMary-Anne 0418 400 359

RESTAURANT ADVERTISE HERE

Advertise your business here for $250 a year in 12 editions

Please call 4757 4378 or email

[email protected]

PLUMBERLeura Plumbing Services

Andrew Mollenhauer 4784 3778 or 0414 788 588

Plumbing, Drainage, Gasfitting & Roofing

Lic. No. L8678

PLUMBING

MASSAGE

• soft tissue injuries• chronic pain• headaches• stress/anxiety

Chloe - 0423 475 528

Tranquillity Mobile Massage Swedish/Remedial massage therapy

SOLAR HOT WATERLAWNS & GARDENSLawnmowingfrom$25

Complete Garden MaintenanceLandscape Creations

Fully qualified and insured10 years experience. Free Quotes

CallTerry0410461288

NATURAL MEDICINE

NATUROPATH


Sponsorship of this page

availableMeetings and Gatherings

Katoomba View Club4th Wed monthly 11amLuncheon & guest speakersBookings: Pauline 4757 1859.

Blue Mountains Historical Soc.1st Saturday monthly 10am99 Blaxland Rd WW Falls.

Quota Club of Blackheath1st & 3rd Wednesday 7.30pmP: 4787 8261.

Katoomba Garden Club4th Wednesday MonthlyCivic Centre, Katoomba Ph: 4782 3229

BM Toastmasters Club2nd and 4th Mondays at 7.15pmCarrington Hotel P:4757 4094

Permaculture Blue MountainsAGM 14th JuneLibrary Building Lawson.

Blue Mountains Bridge ClubMonday and Tuesday 6.45pmWednesday 6.45pm, Thursday 12.45pm Saturday 12.45pm, The Spires Gallery Leura Mall Ph: 4782 7415

Probus Meeting3rd Wednesday of MonthLeura Golf Club 10am - 12noon

CWA Meeting - Leura CWA HallMondays every week at 9.30am

Blackheath Phoenix Choir7.15pm - 9pm - Tuesdays Uniting Church Hall, BlackheathPh: 4787 5818

Katoomba Chorus Choir10am - 11.30am TuesdaysKatoomba Uniting Church P: 4782 1117

Leura Literature & Discussion groupUniting Church, Gross St, Leura2nd Wednesday Monthly at 10amP: 4782 7382

Meditation ClassesWednesdays 6-7pm Ananda Marga Centre19 Lovell Street Katoomba

Buddhist teachingsKatoomba Neighbourhood centre7.30pm - 9.30pm Wednesdays

Diamond Way Buddhist MeditationKatoomba Neighbourhood CentreTuesdays 7.45pm P: 0432 949 146

Insight MeditationBuddhist Centre, Medlow Bath7pm WednesdaysPh: 4788 1024 or 4782 3040

Bush and Colonial DancingWW Falls School of ArtsWednesdays 7pm - 9pm $5P: 0412 786 988

Blue Mountains District DartsWednesdays P: 4784 1583 for details

The Heathens Community Singing Group Wednesdays12.45 - 2.45pm Blackheath Area N’Hood Centre P: Chris on: 4787 5725

Drawing ClassesLeura Golf Club Saturdays 10am - 12noonP: 0416 271 964

The Sanctuary Christian FellowshipSundays at 5pm at Kihilla, Queens RD Lawson.5pm - Bring & share meal6pm Workshop

EventsBlackheath Community Markets1st Sunday of the Month 9am - 1pm.Blackheath Public School

Theatresports PerformanceThursday 16th JuneHotel Gearin 8pm start

Leura Markets 1st Sunday of the MonthLeura Primary School

Leura Village Market3rd & 4th June 10th, 17th, 18th &24th June CWA Hall, LeuraCall Noel 4751 3906 for stalls

Blackheath Craft Market3rd Sunday of MonthCommunity Hall 9am - 2pm.

Blackheath Growers Market2nd Sunday of the Month 8am - 12noonBlackheath Community Ctr.

Blackheath Philosophy Forum11th and 25th JuneBlackheath Primary Schoolwww.blackheathphilosophy.com.au

Permaculture Talk withDavid HolmgrenTues 31st May 7-9pmLawson Public SchoolCost $20 or $15 membersee advert p10

Only $15.90 per Week• No joining fee

• No minimum term• No worries

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Documents

June11_UM