With predictions of hotter seasons ahead, it’s handy to have some go-to options to escape the heat. Our Cool Mountains guide provides a list of air-conditioned and naturally cooler spaces open to the public.
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How smart home materials can shield us from extreme heat and cut energy bills all year
New, smart building materials can change some of their properties in response to external stimuli, such as temperature. And they are being incorporated into materials such as bricks and roof cladding to make homes more resistant to heat fluctuations. Find out how they work here.
Read More »From frog saunas to butterfly puddles: 8 ways to turn your homes into a wildlife refuge
Native animals can make excellent neighbours. Blue banded bees pollinate our vegetable gardens. Microbats eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes a night and powerful owls keep rodents at bay. But could we go one step further, and change our homes to invite native animals in as housemates?
Read More »Full Circle: The Transformative Effects of a Men’s Group in Lawson
When Dan Gaffney found out he was having a son, it prompted action to break a cycle of inter-generational disconnection. What began as a personal commitment to self-work has since grown into a powerful communal practice helping men become more emotionally literate, accountable, conscious and connected.
Read More »Photographing Littlejohni, the Rare Northern Heath Frog, in Woodford
Andy Klotz and other members of the Hawkesbury Herpetological Society recently managed to photograph the rarely seen and endangered Litoria littlejohni, also known as the Northern Heath Frog or Orange-bellied Tree Frog. We interviewed Andy to learn more about the Littlejohni and how they managed to find its small local population in Woodford.
Read More »Gaining Hope And A Home
The Homes for Older Women (HOW) program is a successful community-based solution to the national housing crisis. Since launching in May last year, the Blue Mountains not-for-profit has secured accommodation for 47 older women facing housing insecurity and homelessness.
Read More »Planetary Health: What Does It Mean And Why Does It Matter?
The concept of planetary health is rapidly gaining attention globally, as the world increasingly confronts the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, and public health crises. But what does the term 'planetary health' really mean, and why does it matter?
Read More »Wildlife Real Estate: Building Homes for Nature
Our native wildlife is in crisis. With dwindling tree hollows, which are essential homes for countless species, the Blue Mountains' unique ecosystem is under threat. Discover how you can make a real difference. Learn about practical solutions, community initiatives, and the upcoming event dedicated to restoring vital habitats.
Read More »Mid-Mountains Garden Festival Celebrates its 40th Birthday: Bigger Than Ever Before!
As the Blue Mountains awaken to the vibrant colours of Spring, the Mid-Mountains Garden Festival is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary this September. The event is a much-loved tradition featuring a diverse array of local gardens, each offering a unique experience for visitors.
Read More »Learning About Systems Thinking from a Bat Cave!
Life is made up of complex systems in which everything is inter-connected. Over his decades-long teaching career, Stuart Hill, a retired Emeritus Professor, and Linden resident, has helped hundreds of students understand the critical relationships between human actions and the health of our planet.
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