Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2020 - January 2021 i Blue Mountains Life

blue Mountains Library’s hugely popular Summer Reading Program has grown bigger and better for Summer 2020/2021. This year, the Library is launching Summer Reading Club online and encouraging children, young adults and now adults to sign up and enjoy reading adventures through a brand new app and website. But, if you’re a fan of the paper reading logs, these will still be available. The new look Summer Reading Club launches on 1 December and runs through to 31 January 2021. Summer Reading Club online is an easy to use, interactive platform that encourages reading for personal best at all ages, and allows readers to log books they’ve read and even submit reviews and artworks. Kids and young adults can win digital awards and great prizes, such as book vouchers from…

PROTECTING OUR FORESTS Efforts to protect and conserve several rare and endangered forest areas in the Blue Mountains will be amplified, after Council was awarded a $350,000 grant by the NSW Environmental Trust. Over the next four years the funds will be used for the Forests for the Future project, which seeks to restore and protect unique environments in a number of Council managed reserves between Glenbrook and Springwood. The project will help conserve the critically endangered Sun Valley Cabbage Gum Forests and endangered Blue Mountains Shale Cap Forests across their entire range. Iconic threatened species which inhabit these forests, such as the Powerful Owl, the Tiger Quoll and the Koala, are also expected to benefit from the restoration works. PLANT A TREE The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife,…

back in its heyday, Lithgow boasted not one but three cinemas. While those commercial outlets have fallen by the wayside, business is now booming at the Lithgow Valley Film Society. Perhaps it’s the spectre of COVID keeping residents closer to home, or maybe word has finally gotten out that the society screen new release movies as well as international, arthouse and classic films too. “There is a rumour around Lithgow that we only screen “old” movies,” laments Film Society co-ordinator Ross. “That is not true. We screen new and recent releases alternating with “classic” movies.” “ In September we had two Orson Welles movies interspersed with two new releases. We do not have any problem with obtaining the rights to screen new or older movies. The film distributors are very…

the property market has had a good year in 2020. Despite the drought and pandemic, the market has been running with a fair bit of steam. Several homes made our pages this year and we decided it was time to take a look at what we thought were the best or most interesting properties to hit the market. Sandpatch is first on our list. This classic Australian weatherboard house was built in the 1890s and located in sought-after leafy south Wentworth Falls. It’s a stately historical homestead retaining the best of its period features: fabulous original floorboards, skirtings, picture rails and dados. It still has its colourful stained glass wooden framed windows and, of course, large rooms with delightfully high ceilings. The charming weather boarder has three bedrooms, the main…

Mountain High Pies are again stocking the trophy cabinet, after winning this years’ Australia’s Best Pie and Pastie Competition for their Gluten-Free Lamb Shiraz pie. It is the first time the Wentworth Falls team have entered this competition, after their continued success over the years at in the Great Aussie Pie Competition. The awards were held in August at Randwick Racecourse, due to Covid-19 restrictions in Melbourne. The team won nine awards overall and a gold medal. Come and taste their award winning pies and desserts for yourself, you will be spoilt for choice with 50 varieties of pie available including family size pies for you to enjoy at home. There are plenty of vegan, vegetarian, plus gluten free options for both gourmet and sweet. In 2019 the team continued…

Hawkesbury Kitchens provides Sydney home owners with beautifully designed, user friendly, custom made kitchens. Created by some of the finest designers in the business, our kitchens are of the highest quality and produced right here in Sydney. Offering years of experience, our team are passionate about creating custom Australian built kitchens that suit the people who use them. We understand that each family is unique, so your kitchen should be too, and thanks to our custom kitchen designs we can transform any area into something new and modernise the space with expert renovations. The styles and choices are whatever you can imagine them to be, so if you already have a product in mind, we will strive to make it work. Our consultant will provide you with inspiration to create…

riverside Nursery is a local, family-owned business passionate about all things gardening. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just a beginner, Riverside Nursery can cater to all of your gardening needs. The nursery is thoughtfully and lovingly set out and maintained, take a wander around and you will find anything and everything from punnets of seedlings to established trees that are acclimatised to suit local conditions. We stock an extensive range of quality indoor and outdoor plants, pots, fruit trees, ornamental trees, garden ornaments, potting mix, mulch, garden supplies, sculptures, statues, giftware, water features, firepits, wall art….. and more! Plenty of new arrivals to brighten up your garden inside or out, Spring potted colour, vege seedlings, planters, gorgeous pots and unique gifts. Need help deterring pests or controlling weeds in…

Surrounded by towering sandstone escarpments and offering some of the region’s most outstanding scenery, Dryridge Estate is a fabulous boutique vineyard nestled deep in the Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains. The vineyard offers beautiful accommodation and a range of options for weddings of all shapes and sizes. Weddings at Dryridge Estate are a ‘choose your own adventure’ style, where the bride and groom can create their very own dream wedding from scratch. We will assist you with all aspects of the organising to make the entire experience absolutely seamless. Our Cellar Door was opened in 2012 and boasts some of the best views of the Blue Mountains. We are open on Saturday and Sunday for wine tasting and you can also enjoy a delicious cheese platter or ploughman’s lunch while you…

With 6 boutique stores across Sydney, the Southern Highlands and Canberra, Nina Leon’s Shoe Boutique is your go to destination for shoes and handbags in the shopping hub of Leura, in the Blue Mountains. Located upstairs in the Strand Arcade on the Leura Mall, you will be treated to an abundance of quality international footwear and leather handbags. Freshen up your Summer look with new sandals from Alma en Pena, or Gioseppo. You can always rely on Italian made Neo for Classic comfort and style. Wide feet? Not a problem, beautiful Greek made ‘Relax’ for the wider foot. Other brands include: Ara, Sempre Di, Vinceza, Macieka – made in Poland, Hirica – made in France. Nina Leon’s, Leura (Formerly “Shoes in the Attic”) Shop 13, Strand Arcade, Leura Mall, Leura…

AUDI TWINS Audi welcomes the return of its iconic uberwagon, the RS 4 Avant, and dynamically sporty siblings, the RS 5 Coupé and RS 5 Sportback. Comfort items such as heated electric seats with 4-way lumbar support and massage function, convenience key, privacy glass, panoramic sunroof and electric tailgate with gesture control (except Coupé) ensure these RS models are always a pleasurable drive. The new RS 4 Avant and the new RS 5 Coupé and Sportback are powered by the 2.9-litre V6 engine with twin turbochargers, developing an immense 331 kW of power. Both RS 5 models can sprint to 100 km/h from rest in just 3.9 seconds, with the RS 4 Avant clocking 4.1 sec. SONATA Hyundai unveiled more details about the highly anticipated Sonata N Line, an all-new…

stepping in the front gate of Cloudlands, an iconic cliff-top property near the Three Sisters, is like entering a time capsule. Think twelve-foot plaster ceilings, old-world timber panelling, bespoke wood kitchens and beautiful rock-walled gardens framing postcard views. The property was acquired in the late 1800s, with the main house (No 6) built-in 1916 and Writer’s Retreat next door, No 4, in 1930s. The exterior on both houses consists of vertical Jarrah weatherboards and American Redwood shingling, giving an Arts and Crafts-style to the property. A Landmark property of architectural and historical significance, it offers a wonderful lifestyle opportunity that may only be offered once in your lifetime. The Estate consists of two painstakingly restored houses set on close to one acre of 100-year-old gardens which has direct access to…

We offer food that is fresh, local and ethically sourced. Our chefs handpick only the best local produce to create a diverse and inspirational menu for our guests to experience a taste of Orange. The Orange region has a long history of producing great quality produce. Have you tasted our baked apple products…..made from local apples? GROCER The Agrestic Grocer provides a unique shopping experience. We have many growers regularly contributing to our shelves, both big and small. We even have a steady flow of backyard growers topping up our supplies and contributing to the over all community feel of the store. Cheeses, Oils, Honey, Fresh Vegetabales and Produce are just a few items to fill your basket. LIVE MUSIC Are you a lover of high quality original Australian music?…

You never know what you might find at Acquisitions Home Decor, in Blackheath. After their success in Leura for the past 10 years, John and Robert relocated to larger premises up the mountains in Blackheath earlier this year. They have assembled a blend of old and new wares including Antiques, Collectables, Homewares, Furniture, Retro Toys, Jewellery, China, Vases, Erstwilder Brooches, Soaps, Candles, Womenswear, Hats and plenty more. With so much floor space, you will need time to wander around and take it all in. Have you been searching for that unique item to take pride of place in your home? From Vintage to Modern, this is your destination to find that something special for you or a loved one. 31 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath 0400 507 157…

founded on the banks of the Macquarie River, this vibrant regional centre in the Central Tablelands of NSW has something for everyone. Bathurst is rich with history and gold rush heritage is the spiritual home of motorsports in Australia, and has abundant natural beauty, from the nearby river to the surrounding bushland. Bathurst is Australia’s oldest inland colonial settlement, thanks to the discovery of gold in the region during the early 1850s. The heritage-listed architecture is on show around town, including the grand Bathurst Court House and Abercrombie House, a Scottish-baronial mansion from the 1870s that offers tours, high tea and music performances. Most Australians associate Bathurst with motorsports thanks to Mount Panorama, one of the world’s most famous circuits. It hosts several international racing events, including the Bathurst 12…

aur family-owned business with unique colourful gifts and homewares. Our desire is to bring you innovative pieces for your home with a creative effect that brings a smile to your face. Sarah and Yvette in Keppel St, Bathurst provide warm and friendly customer service that will always welcome you with a smile and make you leave feeling inspired thinking of creative ideas for your home. Supporting local business, you will often see us at events around Bathurst and the surrounding areas with our distinctive colourful sand-filled animals and unique gifts. Our customers are our top priority, we strive to make our unique products affordable for everyone to enjoy, we hope you enjoy our store or online at www.eclecticcolour.com Gift vouchers available for Christmas or special occasions. Eclectic Colour - 57…

Cancer is a word that many of us fear. Hearing that you or a loved one have developed skin cancer can make your mind jump to conclusions out of shock and worry. But just what types of skin cancers are dangerous, and how can you prevent yourself from getting skin cancer? There are a few skin cancer types that vary in severity and can be prevented with different treatments. Skin cancer is what happens when the cells that make up your skin begin to mutate into cancer cells that divide out of control. It is one of the most common type of cancer that occurs to this day. While there are many different types of skin cancer, there are four common types that occur to most people Basal cell carcinoma…

Do you want to step up your game in fashion? Everyone has heard of the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” but let’s all be honest, we can’t help but do it at times. While it’s impossible to figure out how someone is without getting to know them, we still get an opinion based on how they look in our first encounter with them. So, if you want people to have a better opinion of you, then you need to dress to impress. Sometimes, however, a good suit isn’t enough. Here are some of the best men’s accessories you need to impress everyone who takes a look at you. Get a Tie Bars. It’s easy to say that the tie bar is one of the most overlooked and…

MUSICAL DISCOVERY Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra launches its 2021 season with programs of exquisite music, featuring internationally acclaimed guest artists, and outstanding youth music education programs. The Orchestra has announced its largest-ever season, featuring three mainstage programs and three Voyage of Musical Discovery presentations together with their established and celebrated education programs for young and emerging musicians. The popular Voyage of Musical Discovery series is in equal parts concert and demonstration. Co-artistic directors Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen present each Voyage with musicians of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra in the first half and a contemporary guest artist or ensemble featured in the second. Date: Sunday, 25 April, 2021, 7.30pm at the Blackheath Chamber Music Festival Date: Saturday, 7 August, 7pm Venue: Orange Regional Conservatorium THE WHARF…

BLUE MOUNTAINS HELP SAVE WILDLIFE Residents and visitors travelling through the Blue Mountains will be reminded to watch out for wildlife thanks to new signage. Mayor Mark Greenhill wrote to the NSW State Government, on behalf of Blue Mountains City Council, proposing koala and wildlife signage be installed in strategic locations throughout the City of the Blue Mountains. The State Government agreed with the request. WIRES have funded the signs and Transport for NSW will fund the installation of the seven permanent signs. RECORD BREAKING SERVICE Well done to Karen Ives who celebrated 50 years employment at Blue Mountains City Council. Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill says of Karen’s 50 years of service: “It is a rare privilege to have such a long-serving and dedicated employee. I would like to…

LOCAL ARTISTS EXHIBITION One of the highlights of the annual Orange Regional Gallery calendar is the Here/Now exhibition, a community exhibition featuring artists from the central west. Orange Mayor Reg Kidd said the annual Here/Now exhibition was a chance for local artists, particularly amateur artist to feature in a professional gallery. “To be able to say they’ve had their work featured in the same gallery as some of the country’s most renowned artists is a huge boost to the self-esteem of our aspiring artists,” Cr Kidd said. “This exhibition is always hugely popular in terms of the number of submissions but also the number of people through the doors.” The 2020/21 submission process has changed from previous years and is now digital. Entry is open to all artists over the…

WITH ALMOST 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE LISTING AND SELLING A DIVERSE RANGE OF PROPERTIES IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS REGION, CATRIONA SWAN IS ABLY QUALIFIED TO CHAT ABOUT ALL MATTERS REAL ESTATE WITH US. Q You have always been a very community minded real estate agent sponsoring local events and volunteering your time to community service. Why is it that ? A It’s really important to have a holistic view of real estate, especially when you live and work in an area like the Blue Mountains. I’m proud to be an embedded part of our local community in a real and meaningful sense and in doing this I have made firm friendships and earned a lot of trust and respect locally. I am very happy to be in a position to…

what compels a person to show up to work every day for zero income – for six years. Blue Mountains Life recently set out to find out. Hawkesbury resident Diane Sweeny is one such person. For the last six years she has been showing up to volunteer for the Hawkesbury City Salvation Army. “I think it’s (about) putting a smile of people’s faces. We have people who are heartbroken and devastated and I like it when we can help them and they can walk away happy and smiling. “That’s what makes my heart happy. I would encourage others to come and join the Salvos. Most people that come enjoy it so much they don’t want to stop volunteering. That feeling of helping someone and making a difference is a great…

As tea-loving twin sisters and busy mums (who happen to share a passion for all things Australian), we understand the importance of an uncomplicated cuppa. So, not surprisingly, that’s the inspiration behind our unique flavours that are carefully hand-blended in the picturesque surrounds of Oberon. For as long as we can remember, a steaming pot of tea and warm conversation has been a family staple. In fact, a cuppa has always on the menu even during the scorching summers on our nan and grandad’s farm. You see, Emubob Tea is all about family. From the idea to create our own blends, to the funky logo, taste-testing and photos, to order deliveries – our partners, children, family and friends are with us on this wonderful journey. Put simply, we want you…

Mangoes Indian Cuisine Restaurant will be the star of your table tonight. Enjoy unique Indian dishes like Butter Chicken, Lamb, Beef Korma, Ceylon Curry, Chicken Tikka, and more. With great specials for large groups and plenty of seating in air conditioned comfort, why not stop in for some fine dining or get something for easy takeaway. And check out our online menu. Our complete menu is always there for you and we’ll get the food to you fast. So what are you waiting for? Taste those authentic foods you’ve been dreaming of: order from Mangoes Indian Cuisine Restaurant. We’re easy to find on Great Western Highway at Valley Heights, near Jim Aitken. Eat in – Take Away and Delivery available through Menulog. http://www.menulog.com.au/restaurants-mangoes-indian-cuisine/menu 2/7 Great Western Highway, Valley Heights 02 4751…

Aur “Bricks & Mortar” Store is expanding by offering customers to shop online with us. Our carefully curated range of homewares, kitchenware, entertaining solutions, teas and gift giving ranges are now available at www.baketableandtea.com.au.When people visit the store they often ask if they can purchase online, well now they can! Locally owned by Melissa & James Kelly, we opened our doors in September of 2015 and have loved every minute of creating the store and cafe where it is promoted as the place to ‘escape your everyday’. You will find all things for baking, tableware, boutique teas, homewares, gifts and stunning furniture by Bramble Co. The cafe which is located at the back of the store could claim the best scones this side of Devon! Everything is made from scratch…

There is a centuries old English poem whose authorship has been obscured by the passage of time. It goes: Those we love do not fade away. They walk besides us every day. It is so true. When we lose a loved one, it is probably the most difficult day of our lives. We cannot allow our love to fade. It is important to know that no matter what happens in the rest of our days our loved one will always be with us. It is sad when life separates two individuals who have become one through their combined life experiences. Of course, you realize that it is only your soul saying goodbye to your body. And that the spirit of your loved one will always be with you. When you…

RED CANDY Oriental ceramics inspire with bright colours and filigree ornaments: vessels and tiles in this familiar and exotic style look like splashes of colour from the kingdom of a thousand and one nights. A large selection of new ceramic bowls, cups and coasters is now available at Guru-Shop. www.guru-shop.de COLOURFUL ESCAPISM THE ARTWORKS FOR NEW ZEALAND BASED ARTIST KIRSTY BLACK CONVEY ESCAPADE AND A SENSE OF ESCAPISM. USING EXPRESSIVE BRUSHSTROKES AND COLOUR HER BRUSH ROMPS ACROSS THE CANVAS WITH JOYFUL ABANDON, TRANSPORTING THE VIEWER TO OTHER PLACES, TO OTHER MEMORIES. WWW.KIRSTYBLACKSTUDIO.COM NAUTICAL You don’t need to be out on the open ocean to be reminded of the sea. The Nautical Company has launched a range of Christmas gifts for those that love all things nautical. www.thenauticalcompany.com WOODENWARE Specialising in…

DUNE Feature adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel, about the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy. PETER RABBIT 2 Thomas and Bea are now married and living with Peter and his rabbit family. Bored of life in the garden, Peter goes to the big city, where he meets shady characters and ends up creating chaos for the whole family. CONNECTED Katie Mitchell is accepted into the film school of her dreams. Her whole family drives Katie to school together when their plans are interrupted by a tech uprising. The Mitchells will have to work together to save the world. RUMBLE In a world where monster wrestling is a global sport and monsters are superstar…

Lorraine and her husband Rob loved living in their own home in Penrith – but eventually it was time to consider retirement options. Living in a retirement village can offer many benefits, including a having a strong sense of community, low maintenance living and an abundance of social interaction and recreational activities. Many retirees feel the need to maintain their social connections and community spirit. A well-planned retirement village can foster community connection and help improve your overall wellbeing. Today’s retirement villages offer apartment style homes that are very manageable for retirees but with larger shared community spaces. Many retirees move into villages when they are very healthy and active but want to know that as they get older, they can get the assistance they need, when they need it.…