Together We Thrive: Action & Awareness Month

1 - 31 May 2025

In the month of May, we invite the community to revisit the importance of personal and planetary health, and to inspire action in the form of healthy food choices, exercise, and social connection.

May marks a transition as we bid farewell to autumn and prepare for the arrival of winter. This transitional month presents the perfect opportunity to explore activities within our community that promote both physical and mental well-being.

The health of our planet and the health of our people are deeply interconnected. With this in mind, we invite you to join us for a month of awareness and action aimed at fostering well-being in all aspects of life.

We kicked off the month with a vibrant, plant-based community luncheon, organised in collaboration with the Natural Health Society of Australia and held in Katoomba on Sunday, May 4. A banquet lunch followed a welcoming address and brief speeches by Cr Suzie van Opdorp, Elizabeth and Roger French (Natural Health Society), Rhonda Hodgins and Dr Teya Brooks Pribac (Plant Inspired).

In the morning, prior to the lunch, people were be able to join a free yoga / gentle exercise session in Blaxland, Faulconbridge and Katoomba, facilitated by Awaken Health Wellness Yoga, Khanh and Victoria O'Driscoll. 

Plant-based foods are beneficial to people’s health and have a lower environmental impact. This is particularly relevant as May also marks the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity. By choosing plant-based foods, we contribute to preserving biodiversity and protecting the planet.

Throughout the month of May, participating Blue Mountains bookshops (The Turning Page Bookshop in Springwood, 1Two1 Vegan Cafe's book corner in Springwood, RoseyRavelston in Lawson, Good Earth Bookshop in Wentworth Falls, Megalong Books in Leura and The Little Lost Bookshop in Katoomba) and the Katoomba library are featuring special display corners with plant-based cookbooks and other sustainability and wellness material. Visitors are encouraged to explore these resources via a library/bookstore trail.

On Saturday, 17 May, 10am-12pm, we are organising, in partnership with 1Two1, a film screening and Q&A with a nutritional therapist. Venue: Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub, Springwood. Secure your ticket today, limited spaces! After the screening people are invited to join us for a plant-based lunch at 1Two1 (paid separately).  

Free weekly community meditation: every Wednesday 6.30-7.15pm. Venue: The meditation hall, Brahma Kumaris, 186 Mount Hay Rd, Leura.

Check out further resources and a curated list of local groups and organisations facilitating activities that promote physical and mental health. To encourage public engagement, we are inviting related local businesses to offer discounts for new sign-ups throughout the month of May.

Let’s come together this May to support our own health, celebrate our community’s diversity, and take action toward a more sustainable future.