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Give Peace a Chance
In a moving call for peace on Anzac Day, over 80 people gathered in the golden afternoon light at Peace Park in Katoomba to reflect on war and ask the hard questions about its grim reality. The day was interspersed with reflections, poetry, a minute of silence, and songs by The Bearded Ladies Choir.
MC Jon Atkins, from the Blue Mountains Peace Collective, emphasised that we need to “learn from past military disasters so that we can minimise them occurring in the future … an important way of honouring our war dead.”
Jon Atkins
He stressed that tributes paid to the victims of WW1 (and other wars) need to be inclusive. These victims include the 250-300 Indigenous Australians who lost their lives in WW1 (out of an estimated 1,000-1,300 who enlisted); “those that returned with debilitating psychological or physical injuries”; those that suffered on the home front when their loved ones were killed, maimed and traumatised; as well as those who campaigned against the war and opposed conscription and who were then “vilified and punished by the State for the principled stand they took.”
Dharug man Chris Tobin
Dharug man Chris Tobin recognised the sacrifice of those Indigenous Australians who lost their lives: but with sadness, not pride. He pointed out that Australia’s terrible past treatment of Indigenous people is still happening to Indigenous peoples around the world and “just because you take something doesn’t mean it’s yours”. Despite this, he urged people to put down their guns: “We’re going to win by love and education.”
“When we acknowledge Country,” he continued, “we’re dismantling the nationalism that is so destructive around the world.”
Rev. Mark Hillis
The importance of questioning the Anzac narrative was reiterated by Rev. Mark Hillis from the Leura Uniting Church, who read from Australian historian Henry Reynolds in Pearls and Irritations, and historian Dr Naomi Parry Duncan, the co-author of New South Wales and the Great War, who described herself as “a pacifist who wrote a book about war”.
Dr Naomi Parry Duncan
What is clear from history is that Australia in 1915 “was one of the most democratic, prosperous and well-managed societies in the world; the product of over a hundred years of nation building … The war opened up deep and damaging divisions in Australian society that were at best latent in 1914. Class division and resulting industrial strife intensified. The conscription debates of 1916 and 1917 tore communities, families and friendships asunder.” (Reynolds)
Naomi elaborated on this: “War sucked the life out of our economy. Sixty-two thousand people were killed; one hundred and fifty thousand were maimed … it’s not defence, it’s war mongering.”
She spoke with deep emotion about waking early that morning and seeing an incredible dark moon in the shape of a sickle and thinking of all those living in conflict today: “We are all people under one moon and one sun. Down with nationalism and up with collectivism!”
Rowe Morrow
Quaker Rowe Morrow spoke of how the impacts of war go on for generations, starting with the dispossession of Indigenous nations. It’s something she’s seen and felt as she’s worked in refugee camps around the world over the last 50 years. She recalled that even as a child she’d been haunted by “the terrible things they do to young men” when she visited convalescing returned soldiers at the Sunset Home in Perth.
She went on to speak of the “immorality of destroying peace for gain”, and the ‘fake news’ that sends young men to be maimed and die so that some may profit.
Rowe then read the poem Weapon by Judith Wright, which highlights the self-destructive nature of the types of power and ambition that drive this ‘fake news’: the power and ambition which take countries into war and destroy our compassion for those we kill.
“We will have to find a way through this age of untruth,” she urged.
Weapon, by Judith Wright
The will to power destroys the power to will. The weapon made, we cannot help but use it; it drags us with its own momentum still.
The power to kill compounds the need to kill. Grown out of hand, the heart cannot refuse it; the will to power undoes the power to will.
Though as we strike we cry ‘I did not choose it,’ it drags us with its own momentum still. In the one stroke we win the world and lose it. The will to power destroys the power to will.
Tom Coley’s ‘Peace Memorial’ in Peace Park, donated to Blue Mountains City Council by the sculptor in 2009.
Poets Brian Bell and June
Peace Building
The Anzac Day Reflection was organised by the Blue Mountains Peace Collective. This local group formed in June 2023 when Don McGregor, Bruce Cornwall, Kathie Herbert, Eunice Goodberg, and Rev. Mark Hillis and Rev. Myung Hwa Park from the Uniting Church in Leura, met to see what they could do to advocate for peace. Their first event, a Vigil for Gaza, attracted around 70 people on 18 October of that year.
In his last reflection, Jon Atkin recalled an Anzac Day address in 2013 by the former Governor of Tasmania, Peter Underwood AC, who said:
“All our remembrances and honours are meaningless, unless we also vow to become resolute about peace because that is what those whom we remember and honour on this special day thought they were dying for.“
“At the time, Peter Underwood also called for a Peace Institute to be created – not a bad idea!” said Jon.
Jon then went on to outline the Peace Collective’s recommendations for peace building.
1. Support official recognition of the Frontier Wars and the impact they had on Indigenous dispossession.
He quoted historian Henry Reynolds who has said:
“Our National Day of Lament is for those that died overseas in wars chosen for us by our great and powerful friends, most of the time against enemies who would never have been able to threaten Australia.
How is that commensurate with frontier wars fought in Australia about ownership and control of the continent itself? For us, this must be of far greater significance than the balance of power in Europe or the scramble to carve up the remains of the Ottoman Empire.”
2. Call for substantial reform of war powers by the Commonwealth Parliament
The Peace Collective supports the Australians for War Powers Reform (AWPR) and their long campaign to democratise existing war powers.
In response to the parliamentary report on how Australia makes decisions to send service personnel into international armed conflict, which was tabled in Parliament on March 31, 2023, Australians for War Powers Reform argued that the outcome of the review was very disappointing.
While the Committee recommended some changes by promising better transparency and accountability, Australians for War Powers Reform criticised the report for refusing to adopt a fully democratic system where MPs are able to vote before Australia joins an overseas war.
Compared to many European parliamentary democracies, Australia can still be classified as having weak powers related to parliamentary action required for the deployment of military force overseas.
3. Back the signing and ratification of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (also known as Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty)
The Treaty has been signed by 94 nations. Of these 73 nations have proceeded to ratify it.
Australia has yet to sign and ratify the Treaty.
4. Call for independent foreign and defence policies
As Paul Keating has argued, both the Coalition and Labor’s commitment to the AUKUS pact diminishes our security and compromises our sovereignity.
Do our policies serve to defend the nation or are they geared to serving the hegemonic interests of ‘a powerful ally’?
Given Australia’s membership of the United Nations, and in accordance with the UN Charter, do the policies serve to maintain international peace and security and uphold international law?
5. Support genuine ‘remembrance’ on Anzac Day
How can we protect Anzac Day as an occasion devoted to reflection and mourning and prevent it from becoming a political tool or a justification for future bloodbaths?
Learn more about history as well as future predictions to inform your decision making in the present. You can do so at these upcoming local events; Blackheath History Forum: 24 May 4-6pm, Blackheath Public School. Historian Stephen Gapps will be in conversation with Dr Naomi Parry Duncan about his latest book Uprising: War in the Colony of NSW 1838 to 1844. Dr Keith Suter’s presentation on Global Directions, 5pm Sunday 25 May, Leura Uniting Church
Blue Mountains City Council has joined ‘Mayors for Peace‘: a global movement calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons and lasting world peace. Help grow this Reflection on Peace into an even bigger annual event. See similar actions being taken in Marrickville by the Marrickville Peace Group: https://marrickvillepeacegroup.org/ )
With new modelling suggesting a hot summer with increasing fire risk it`s worth making time now to learn more about how we can reduce the risk of disaster by registering to attend the Full Cycle Conference that`s bringing together the Bushfire Building and Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Conferences in Katoomba on 20-22nd Nov. Group discounts apply if you register now here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
• Emma Whale from the NSW Reconstruction Authority will discuss how state-wide and place-based disaster adaptation planning is helping reduce risk;
• David Sanderson, the inaugural Judith Neilson Chair in Architecture at UNSW, will share the results of a landmark enquiry on how our response to disasters requires a change in housing policy and local government empowerment;
• Owen Price, Director of The Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires at UOW will compare the patterns of housing loss in the NSW and Californian wildfires;
• Guan Heng Yeoh from UNSW will share how he developed the award winning FIRECOAT fire resistant paint;
• Everson Kandare from RMIT University will discuss the development of fireproof cladding made from molasses-cultured mycelium - a fungal biomass;
• Alan Green from the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre UOW will introduce Heatwave and Multi-Hazard Resilience Star Rating Tools for retrofitting houses;
• Emma Bacon from Sweltering Cities and Dr Kim Loo from Doctors for the Environment will discuss heat waves and social justice;
• Andrew Bovis from Integrated Water Solutions will discuss the potential use of treated blackwater as an independent water source for landscape hydration and fire fighting;
• Sara Jane Wilkinson from UTS will launch the Bushfire Retrofitting Toolkit for older Australians and do a session on green roofs and walls to reduce disaster risk and increase biodiversity;
• Melissa Knothe Tate will discuss research on tackling PFAS contamination;
Thank you to everyone who participated in our inaugural Blue Mountains Food Security Fair today. It was an inspiring and thought provoking day with lots learnt, many connections made, amazing food consumed and stunning weather! We look forward to doing it again next year!
The inaugural Blue Mountains Food Security Fair kicks off at 9am today at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. Pop in to listen to a talk, watch a demo, grab a coffee and sweet treat from Good Fat Pastry, a delicious lunch from Bibi`s Kitchen, fresh mushrooms from EarthRising Mushroom Farm, locally acclimatised vegetable seeds from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers, and edible native plants from Muru Mittigar Ltd You can view the full program here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nOSJle The Planetary Health Centre is at 33-39 Acacia St (former Katoomba Golf Course).
The Fair is a World Animal Day event and has been supported by a sEEd grant from the Australian Association of Environmental Educators.
A huge thank you to Richard Burrell from Muru Mittigar Native Nursery who delivered us the following edible natives to sell at our Food Security Fair on Saturday 18th October:
Apple Berry Finger Lime Mat Rush Lomandra longifolia Midgen Berry Native Leek Native Parsnip Native Raspberry Female and male Pepper Berry Vanilla Lily Yam Daisy
You can view the full program for the Food Security Fair here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nOSJle
We`re thrilled that EarthRising Mushroom Farm will be at the Blue Mountains Food Security Fair this Sat 18 Oct with their fabulous fresh mushrooms, mushroom grow kits and other mushroom products. Alex can help you get started on mushroom growing and let you know more about the mushroom compost you can pick up from the Farm in Lawson. View the full program for the day here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nOSJle The Fair is at the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre: 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba (former Katoomba Golf Course)
Such an amazing program for the Food Security Fair at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Sat 18 Oct: from the renowned Holly Davis, co-founder of Iku, and author of Ferment, giving a hands on demonstration of how to preserve and increase the health and deliciousness of food through fermentation, to Dr Milena Bojovic from UTS on the Future of Food! Dr Teya Brooks Pribac from Plant Inspired will demonstrate innovative plant based cooking techniques, Michael from Good Fat Pastry will share baking innovations, Marnee Fox from Forage to Feast will share how to use Wild Edibles, seed saver extraordinaire Lloyd Sharp from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers will share his amazing expertise and launch the Upper Blue Mountains Seed Savers and Gardening Group, Manu Prigioni from Farm it Forward will discuss equity and nutrition security and Farm it Forward’s response to the National Food Security Strategy document, Erin Hall will provide a hands-on Weaving with Weeds workshop, and Nev Sweeney will share how to build and use a solar food dehydrator. Places are limited so bookings essential here (link in profile @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth : https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or... This event has been supported by an Australian Association for Environmental Education sEEd grant.
Social enterprise @farmitforward is working to increase local food security one backyard after another, and with young people at Katoomba High School. At the Food Security Fair on Sat 18 Oct, co-founder Manu Prigioni will speak about Incorporating equity and nutrition security in discussions on food security: Farm It Forward’s response to the National Food Security Strategy document. Reserve your spot for her presentation here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4nOSJle Read more about Manu and Farm it Forward in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/46PTAfF
Join seed saver extraordinaire Lloyd Sharp, from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers, as we launch the Upper Blue Mountains Seed Saving and Gardening group at the Food Security Fair on Sat 18 October. Lloyd will share some of his extensive seed saving experience, and there will be an opportunity to purchase and share local seeds and plants. Huge thanks to Happy Valley Seeds for donating heirloom seeds and discount cards, and to @thediggersclub for generously donating Vegetable and Flower Sowing Guides and their 2025/2026 Heirloom Seed Annual. There will be one for every attendee! The Food Security Fair is being held at the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre 33-39 Acacia St Katoomba and the Seed Saving presentation is at 10.20am. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
Nev Sweeney, renowned permaculture teacher and practitioner, from Under the Choko Tree, will be leading a workshop on how to build and use a solar food dehydrator at the Blue Mountains Food Security Fair on Saturday 18 Oct. Nev will talk about why food dehydration is a good idea, some techniques that can be used to dry food, pretreat or not to pretreat, general tips and considerations about food drying, drying fruit and veg, testing for dryness and using dried produce. He will explain how he made a simple direct solar food dryer and a more complex indirect solar food dryer. Reserve your spot here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
Planetary Health volunteer, American permaculture teacher Susan Krings, has been helping to organise the inaugural Blue Mountains Food Security Fair. If you`d like to learn more about volunteering at the Centre email planetaryhealth@bmcc.nsw.gov.au or ring 0407 437 553
You can purchase tickets for the Food Security Fair in Katoomba on Saturday 18 October here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-sec...
The day will include stalls, talks and demos about growing, sourcing, cooking, preserving and enjoying plant based food and protecting habitat for wildlife. The event is part of a series celebrating the centenary of World Animal Day.
The fabulous line up of speakers and workshop tutors includes Dr Milena Bojovic on the Future of Food; Holly Davis, co-founder of Iku and author of `Ferment`; Michael from Good Fat Pastry; Nev Sweeney from Under the Choko Tree on how to build a Solar Powered Food Dehydrator; Lloyd Sharp from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers; Marnee Fox from Forage to Feast; Teya Brooks Pribac from Plant Inspired; and Erin Hall on Weaving with Weeds and Manu Prigioni from Farm it Forward.
Stalls will include EarthRising Mushroom Farm, Bibi`s Kitchen, edible native plants, the Planetary Health Cafe and more.
Each session needs to be booked individually as numbers are strictly limited.
This event is being supported by a sEEd grant from the Australian Association for Environmental Education.
At the Food Security Fair on Sat 18th October the inspiring Teya Brooks Pribac, author of ‘Not Just Another Vegan Cookbook’ and founder of Plant Inspired, will be sharing innovative but very simple culinary techniques that can help you make delicious icecream, ‘egg` sandwiches and a wide range of cheeses without any eggs or dairy. Food that’s healthier for you and the planet. You no longer need to worry if the supermarket shelves suddenly don’t have eggs, or if you can’t afford them! There are so many cooking techniques that can help us create our favourite foods, without requiring animal products! The session will end with one of Teya’s fabulous cheese tastings. Bookings essential for this fascinating workshop here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
This event is one of a series celebrating the centenary of @worldanimalday @ph_alliance
In Marnee Fox’s session on Wild Edibles at the Blue Mountains Food Security Fair on Sat 18 October, she’ll share how to incorporate wild ingredients into your every day diet AND make it delicious. Marnee Fox is a sustainable interior decorator, stylist, foodie and weed convert. She`s also one half of Forage to Feast Australia with husband, renowned environmental educator Diego Bonetto. Building on Diego`s much-loved weed foraging workshops, Marnee takes the food found on the foraging tour to the table. Bookings essential (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
Dave Spees, Katoomba-based carpenter and founder of Against the Grain, has turned the by-product of his craft into a sustainable, sought-after winter fuel. His compressed sawdust briquettes are now helping to heat homes across the Blue Mountains, all while dramatically reducing landfill waste.
