Plant Inspired and the Natural Health Society of Australia warmly invite you to join us for a vibrant plant-based luncheon to kick off May as Awareness and Action Month themed 'Together We Thrive'.

The luncheon will showcase a delightful array of delicious and nutritious plant-based dishes, perfect for enjoying in a warm and welcoming atmosphere while connecting with others. All proceeds to charitable causes.

In the morning, prior to the lunch, people will be able to join a free session of gentle exercise at TBA locations in the upper, middle and lower mountains.

Luncheon program:

12:00-12:00pm

Welcoming address and brief speeches by Councillor Suzie van Opdorp, Elizabeth and Roger French (Natural Health Society), Rhonda Lorraine and Dr Teya Brooks Pribac (Plant Inspired)

12:30pm

Banquet lunch

About the project:

In the month of May, Plant Inspired and the Natural Health Society of Australia 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.

Plant-based foods offer numerous benefits: they support our health, use fewer resources, 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.

Additionally, in May we also celebrate World Cultural Diversity Day. In honour of cultural diversity and human creativity generally, we’re inviting Blue Mountains cafes and restaurants to contribute their most popular plant-based dish to our community lunch, showcasing the diverse culinary traditions that enrich our region.

Throughout the month, participating Blue Mountains libraries and bookstores will feature 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.

We’re also offering opportunities for community engagement beyond the lunch. A curated list of local groups and organisations will be available, highlighting activities that promote physical and mental health. These include community-based programs (such as Walk It Off, Plant Inspired’s monthly cooking classes, Springwood Neighbourhood Centre’s plant-rich cooking program, permaculture groups, bushcare groups and others), as well as fitness and wellness centres like gyms, pilates, yoga and dance studios.

To encourage public engagement, we are inviting local fitness and body/mind wellness centres 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.