If you are looking for somewhere to escape the heat, Cool Mountains has you covered with our list of air-conditioned and naturally cooler spaces open to anyone.

Recently I attended a consultation day with Blue Mountains City Council to discuss a new Community Climate Risk and Adaptation Plan and the ways in which it could be implemented. What transpired renewed my belief in our community, our council and our shared future.

One cloudy afternoon in January 2021, local Faulconbridge resident Dr Virginia Shepherd stumbled upon an amazing discovery, almost in her own backyard. A native bee which had not been recorded in Australia for over 50 years.

There is an army of hard-working environmental warriors all around us: in soil, on plants, in the air and in the water. Insects are our hidden allies. They protect, develop and maintain our natural environments, and yet their contribution is so often misunderstood, ignored or actively maligned.

While it is important to focus on Avoiding, Reducing and Reusing, Recycling is also a key part of a successful sustainable waste program. It’s not always so obvious what can and can’t be recycled or how to do it, so here is a guide to help Springwood and Greater Blue Mountains residents access the most effective recycling options available in the local area.

Bush Preschool is an international programme which encourages young children to actively engage in the natural environment, rather than just ‘be outdoors.’ Carinya Neighbourhood Children's Centre in Springwood has embraced the idea, taking their pre-schoolers, babies and toddlers out on regular bush excursions to encourage our next generations to learn about sustainability and the importance of caring for our environment.

The gift economy is a win-win-win for people and their communities, preventing waste while saving money and building community goodwill. What's not to love? Explore the options for giving and receiving in the Springwood area and the Blue Mountains more widely in this story by Gabiann Marin.

Blue Mountains City Council hosted the local Binfluencer Awards to recognise and reward those who are working to encourage and increase waste avoidance, reusing or recycling in their local communities.

For over 45 years the Springwood Neighbourhood Centre has been providing much needed community resources, advice and facilities to the people of the Blue Mountains. Tonje Akerholt and the other staff at the Centre work tirelessly to ensure that the space continues as somewhere everyone can feel welcome and connected.

With the lack of available options for many unwanted pets and farmyard animals in the area, there is a need to think about how we as a community can help reduce the numbers of animals being dumped or left uncared for in the Blue Mountains. Sun Valley residents, the Sidarous family, opened their home and hearts to many creatures great and small, who might otherwise have struggled to find appropriate and loving care.