Shaun Watson with Peggy and Flossy in the Kanimbla. (Photo: Hamish Dunlop)
Story and photos by Hamish Dunlop
Shaun Watson is the NSW Chair of Doctors for the Environment Australia. At his home-away-from-home in the Kanimbla Valley, he talks about his motivation to fight for the planet, the health impacts of fossil fuels and simple things we can do to make a difference.
The organisation is issues–based: from bushfires and floods to mental health and biodiversity.
DEA’s actions demonstrate grassroots actions and like-minds can truly make a difference to planetary health.
I’m driving down a winding dirt track in the Kanimbla Valley. As I come around a bend, an excited Labrador romps along beside the car. I slow down, enough for a determined dachshund to catch up. Where the dirt track peters out, I find a small dwelling nestled in the landscape.
Shaun is a neurologist who works in Randwick and Blacktown. He’s also the NSW Chair of Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA). On my drive down, I’ve been imaging someone in a crisp buttoned shirt, casual slacks and maybe R.M. Williams boots.
To my surprise, the man who greets me is dressed in worn pants. His coarse woollen jumper is peppered with colourful darns. I am struck by the softness of his face as he turns me a generous smile. “Come on in,” he says, “Tea?”
The house is filled with art and books. It’s well lived in. “Not over cleaned,” Shaun says. The low profile, off-grid dwelling runs on three solar panels and some old car batteries. There is a cottage garden with fruit trees and a rambunctious vegetable patch. Fire screens sit ready to cover the doors and windows, and a pump and hose can be connected to the dam.
“Home is where the heart is,” Shaun says. “You’ve got to be connected to the world to want to fight for it.”
The main room with Shaun making tea. (Hamish Dunlop)
Climate action from a place of love
At the height of the 2019/20 fires, family and friends were gathered in Sydney. It was the 30th birthday celebration of his and his wife Kati’s eldest daughter. The air was smoky and there was a pervasive eerie light. “My daughter Chloe was pregnant at the time and spent most of the party in her room crying, not wanting to bring a new life into this world. It was absolutely devastating for us.”
If there was a seminal moment that galvanised his resolve to fight for people and the planet, this was it. He says at some stage, the penny dropped about being a doctor.
“I realised that it gave me a kind of trusted, respected voice. Even though I’ve been a doctor for a very long time, I wasn’t aware that there was a particular organisation in Australia that combined medicine with environmental concerns.” After some Googling in 2020, he found Doctors for the Environment Australia.
Get to know a person by the books they read. (Hamish Dunlop)
DEA in Wentworth, Sydney
Not long after signing up, he received a call from the then national chair, Dr John Van Der Kallen. DEA had decided to run a campaign in five electorates leading up to the last Federal election. One of those electorates was Wentworth in Sydney. This is where Shaun and Kati live when they’re not in the Kanimbla.
Shaun says, as with all DEA activities, the campaign was apolitical and nonpartisan. “DEA is an issues-focused organisation,” he says. “The campaign was focused on raising awareness of climate change: its health impacts and the health dimensions. We engaged with politicians from across the political spectrum.”
One of the activities DEA undertook was collecting signatures in support of positive climate change policies. “We went to places like the Bondi Markets and the mall in Bondi Junction. People signed postcards in support of positive action on climate change. Then we delivered those postcards to politicians including Dave Sharma, the Liberal MP for Wentworth at the time.”
Allegra Spender was the independent MP who was elected. One of her key policies is the need for urgent action on climate change. Shaun’s partner/wife Kati was also heavily involved in the campaign. Shaun recalls that it was a baptism of fire. “We’d gone from stationary to full tilt running in a matter of months.”
Home is where the heart is: a content Flossy. (Hamish Dunlop)
Objects to live by. (Hamish Dunlop)
Doctors for the Environment Australia
DEA is a registered charity and run predominantly by volunteers. In NSW, Shaun is very active along with around 30 others. “Among many things, we write submissions to organisations and politicians,” he explains. “Sometimes we are invited to take part in inquiries relating to human and environment health. DEA’s reason for being is that human health is inextricably linked to environmental health.”
The focus for this year is raising awareness about the health impacts of fossil fuels. “It’s an issue that needs to be addressed urgently,” Shaun explains. “Burning fossil fuels produces CO2 that is a greenhouse gas which warms the atmosphere. This climate pollution has wide ranging health consequences associated with increased heat, from increased mortality to mental health. The combustion of fossil fuels also damages human health through the tiny particles and other gases produced, such as nitrogen dioxide.”
He’s hoping the campaign will change people’s behaviour at all levels of government and inform individuals too. “Part of what we’re trying to do is take away the social license for gas, oil and coal,” he says. “All of us at DEA think we can change the world. We’re going to do everything in our power to do so.”
Shaun and Flossy with the house looking west. (Hamish Dunlop)
What we can we do for human and planetary health
Shaun says there are a variety of things we can do to support the health of humans and the environment. He says there are often co-benefits to positive actions: for the environment, health and our finances. He points to simple lifestyle changes such as cycling, or taking public transport when you can. Eating one less meat meal a week is another example.
Voting is something else Shaun and Kati think is important. “Voting for people who have progressive climate policies is something we can all do,” Shaun says. “Moving money is a powerful thing too. There are banks and super funds that are focused on ethical, climate-related issues and it’s not difficult to switch.”
“Engaging with like-minded people is another potent way to act,” he expounds. “I did feel powerless and depressed. Finding DEA has absolutely transformed my life and my mental health. There’s plenty of scientific evidence that support the benefits of joining/belonging to a community of like-minds,” Shaun says.
“We’re living the motto, ‘Always go to the party’,” says Kati. “For us, it means always putting our hand up for anything that might make a difference. Literally, you never know where a conversation with someone might lead.”
“You can engage with your local member by writing or calling them,” Kati continues. “This can raise their awareness about what you think is important. Donating to organisations that are fighting for positive climate action is another way to contribute. It doesn’t have to be much, but everything counts.”
Shaun thinks that climate justice needs to be a foundational principle of how we approach climate change. “The message is that everyone must be taken along. Planetary health is about all people. Engaging with First Nations peoples is fundamental to this. We’re committed to recognising Australia’s unceded lands, respecting its peoples and actively listening.”
Sunset in the Kanimbla. (Hamish Dunlop)
Starting somewhere
As we finish up our conversation, Shaun reflects on the psychological effects of the climate challenge. “For some reason, we seem to struggle to find hope and the capacity to take action in the face of climate change,” he says. “It’s like we’ve gone from denial to despair without going through the phase where hope can be realised in our positive actions.”
“As with everything in life, we have to start somewhere,” he considers. “We have to start right where we find ourselves and work with what we have. No matter how many degrees the planet warms, we need to allow ourselves the chance to make our contribution and never forget that every 0.1 degree matters.”
Take Action:
Grassroots actions and like-minds can truly make a difference to planetary health.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
Join Andy Mann, a 23 year old Lawson local, for their Eating for Earth session 🌏
Eating for Earth is a judgement-free plant-based educational workshop that all types of eaters are encouraged to attend. There will be a presentation about the environmental impact of diets, a discussion section, and best of all, food! The food will be fully plant-based.
Andy wants to help inform our passionate community about how we can better reduce dietary environmental impact.
The session will run from 11AM - 12PM on Saturday 4th July.
Other sessions include: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains Climate - Fashion Upcycling - Tai Chi and Qigong - Bushcare on the Planetary Health site - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
To register your place, visit our website: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
We’re excited to announce the second Blue Mountains Food Security Fair, taking place in Katoomba in October 2026.
This annual event will bring together growers, thinkers, makers, and community members to explore one of the most important challenges of our time: how we grow, share, and sustain food in a changing world.
Across the weekend, we’ll be exploring themes including: - Healthy soil and regenerative systems - Food and human health - Plant-based food futures - Home and community food resilience - Water-sensitive and climate-adapted growing - Indigenous food knowledge and systems - School food systems - Australia’s food procurement - Global food security challenges Expect a dynamic program of inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and hands-on experiences designed to leave you informed, empowered, and connected.
Key information Date: Weekend of 10th October 2026 Location: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba, NSW We’ll be announcing speakers and program details soon.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program, host workshops, run a stall or partner with us.
Do you struggle making the most of your veggie garden all year round?
Join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture on Saturday 4th July for her Permaculture Workshop: Learn how to grow WITH the Upper Blue Mountains seasons, rather than battling against them.
During the two-hour session, you`ll cover crop selection for different seasons, what to grow from seeds vs seedlings, frost and wind protection, and nurturing your soil with a seasonal cycle.
Register for this and other sessions as part of our Skill Share Saturdays program via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
From Saturday 4 July, we are opening up the Planetary Health Centre for our monthly Skill Share Saturdays program: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Throughout each day, you can expect to find a variety of sessions focused on restoring the health of the planet, in terms of the environment, community and economy.
Sessions at the first event include:
- What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Plant-based eating - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion Upcycling and clothing reuse workshop
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Registrations essential.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program - please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!...
🍃Volunteer weekly at the Planetary Health Centre 🍃
From next week, Tuesday 28th April, come and join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture from 10am - 12pm, to help with the management of the Planetary Health veggie gardens, where any surplus produce can be shared!
The gardening session will be followed by a complimentary tea or coffee in the Planetary Health cafe.
📆Day: Every Tuesday 🕙Time: 10AM - 12PM
📍Where: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre 33-39 Acacia Street Katoomba (follow the pathways at each side of the building, round to the terrace and gardens).
What shall I bring? All you need to bring is water, gardening gloves and a hat.
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the first year Medical students from @notredamesyd for their Rural and Indigenous Immersion trip across Katoomba and Lithgow. Across two days, 150 students learnt about the link between human health and a healthy environment, the work of the @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth Initiative and the @bluemountainscitycouncil to create climate resilient communities, and got to explore our site using heat mapping tools....
Join Rotarians for Planetary Health on International Women`s Day, from 2.30-4pm Sun 8 March, for the opening of a portrait display to celebrate local women who have made a meaningful impact on protecting animals and nature. The photographs by Sue Lightfoot and others are part of a long-term initiative to build a living, community-driven database of women working to protect animals and the natural world.
The display will be open until 1 April, Thursday to Saturday, 9.30am–3.30pm at the Junction 142 Village markets (church space). As the project develops, community members will be invited to nominate women whose work deserves recognition.
The launch follows the Uniting Church and Plant Inspired`s monthly community luncheon from 12-2pm, which this month features the Older Women`s Network Blue Mountains. For more information contact 0434 691 496 (Teya)
In a world being threatened by war, greed, cruelty and selfishness, the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend will close with a gathering of people who have faith that kindness, generosity, love, creativity and community, and the healing of our land, are a better way forward. We`re thrilled that harpist Dawn Egan will be performing at this inspiring event in the Planetary Health exhibition space. Afternoon tea will be provided. Register to attend here (link in profile under Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Had lunch yet? Head over to the Planetary Health Centre for these delicious offerings from @8thingskatoomba today (Sat 28 Feb): South Indian dosa, Korean bao, NY Cheese burger, Bali nasi, Mullum tofu fries, shoestring fires & red bean mochi!
Don`t miss hearing Andrew Skeoch at 2pm today at the Planetary Health Centre! He`s an acoustic ecologist and author of `Deep Listening to Nature` and uses technology to help identify the different `conversations` happening in the world around us. His presentations are a revelation! Reserve your spot here (link in profile under Planetary Health Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Experience the joy and sense of purpose that connecting to community, nature, and your own creativity can provide this weekend at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend. There will be delicious food and coffee, music, art, workshops, nature walks, talks, an Interfaith Gathering and the following stalls:
Food vendor: @8thingskatoomba Zensational Coffee Cart @blue_mts_conservation_society Blue Mountains Wildplant Rescue Blue Mountains Women`s Health & Resource Centre (BMWHRC) Greater Blue Mountains Rotary @permaculturematters Acoustic Ecologist and author of ‘Deep Listening to Nature’, Andrew Skeoch @lacebrookstitchery Sustainable death care BMCC Sustainability and Waste team BMCC Bushcare team View the full program and reserve your spot for a range of activities here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Are humans the only species capable of grief? While grief is often treated as a uniquely human experience, any animal capable of forming attachments also has the capacity to grieve. Join Teya Brooks Pribac, author of ‘Animal Grief and Spirituality: Cross-Species Perspectives’ at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Sat 28 Feb, as she reviews key theoretical foundations of cross-species grief. The flip side of deeply caring for animals is the grief we also feel when we lose them - beloved companion animals, wildlife, or animals harmed by human activity. By validating both nonhuman animal grief and human grief for other animals, this presentation invites a more compassionate and inclusive understanding of loss. Reserve your spot here (link in profile for Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Hamish Dunlop is a writer, visual artist and environmentalist. During his career he has worked in communications, as an academic at UNSW and ACU and more recently in the conservation space. He is currently completing a Diploma in Conservation and Ecosystems Management. He lives on the bush in Medlow Bath and is a passionate bush walker, gardener and cold-water enthusiast.
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?
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