Artist Joel Mitchell with his sculpture in Blackheath. (Photo: Maja Baska)
Story by Hamish Dunlop
Artist Joel Mitchell tells the story behind his public sculpture in Blackheath, Reveal: A Celebration of Blue Mountains Orchids. He talks about his inspiration, the beauty of intergenerational collaboration and how the artwork, in-situ, invites us to experience the wonder of the natural world.
Key Points:
A new public sculpture, Reveal: A Celebration of Blue Mountains Orchids, was recently installed in Blackheath and opened at the All About Orchids event in March.
Artists Joel Mitchell hopes his organic, orchid forms will open people to a deeper awareness and appreciation of nature.
The project involved collaboration with artist mentors including local Terrance Plowright OAM, three generations of the Mitchell family, and Joel’s sculpture students at Wycliffe Christian School.
Joel grew up in Springwood but spent much of his childhood exploring the bush around Blackheath. He canyoned and climbed and ultimately became an outdoor guide in the Mountains.
“I’d be climbing on an escarpment and come across a flowering orchid growing out of a crevice,” he says.
“There was a real sense of discovery being in nature and finding beauty in unexpected places.”
Endangered species: Corunastlyis reflexa – Reflexed Midge Orchid, Thelymitra atronidtida – Black Top Sun Orchid and Thelymitra venosa. (Sabine Hanisch)
As a child, he also relished visits to his grandfather’s orchid greenhouse in Earlwood. “I remember seeing him fertilising and watering the plants, really caring for them,” Joel recalls. “And then at a particular time of year, the incredible blooms would emerge. An extravagant kind of beauty just bursting out. It really captured me.”
The invitation
Joel hopes his organic, orchid forms will open people to a deeper awareness and appreciation of nature. “There are so many different habitats and microclimates and interconnections between plant and animal species. I hope my sculpture acts as an invitation for people to explore the natural world. To experience the sense of discovery and beauty I do.”
A detail of the sculpture at night. (Supplied by Joel Mitchell)
Family collaboration
One of the most special elements of the project for Joel was the intergenerational collaboration. “One of the things I love about more substantial projects is the opportunity to connect and work with all sorts of different people you wouldn’t normally have the context to work alongside,” he says.
Joel had hours of conversations with two senior artists, Australian and Blue Mountains local Terrance Plowright OAM and American artist Salem Barker. “Terrance is one of Australia’s great public sculptors,” Joel says. I have huge respect for Salem Barker as well. I was grateful to spend a week with him a couple of years back, learning in his studio. Over the course of this project, I discussed design elements and engineering challenges with them both. It was a valuable process.”
From left: Zac Mitchell, Dan Mitchell, Rob Mitchell, Joel Mitchell and Barry Mitchell. (Maja Baska)
The project engaged members of Joel’s family too, including his son Zac. His cousin Dan Mitchell, a skilled metal fabricator, built a lot of the internal components. His cousin Rob Mitchell designed the lighting and his uncle, Barry Mitchell, built a lot of the circuitry. “It was lovely to have family in the creative space,” Joel explains. “Each person bringing a really valuable skill set.”
Joel’s son Zac is in year 10 and was involved in the project. “It was so special to have Zac as part of the team,” Joel says. “I taught him to weld, and he was involved in the metal fabrication at key points. He made an amazing contribution, and it was wonderful to see him building skills and collaborating. I was able to pay him for some of his work too: another way of recognising the important role he played.”
An artist in residence
Joel in the workshop at Wycliffe Christian School (supplied by Joel Mitchell)
Wycliffe Christian School in Warrimoo provided Joel with an artists’ residency to complete the project. This included a fabrication space and the use of tools and machinery. As a part-time sculpture teacher at the school, Joel was in turn able to provide his students with a unique opportunity.
“I was able to open up the space at lunchtime to a select group of students. They were involved throughout the project: from the conceptual design phase to installation. The students would come in with their boots on, put on protective gear and help at whatever stage the project was at. It was such a special thing to hand on knowledge and skills I’ve been generously given over the years. I hope I’ve helped inspire them to lifelong practices of creating.”
From left: Zac with Joel and two Wycliffe Christian School students hard at work. (Supplied by Joel Mitchell)
Treasures to be experienced
When the work was being installed and the lighting completed, Joel says people came up and were curious about what was happening. “I was very grateful for the people who came and chatted to us,” Joel says. “There was a real sense that people were responding in a deep and reflective way and that they were moved by the sculpture.”
The sculpture at night. (Supplied by Joel Mitchell)
Since the work was installed, there has been a range of community feedback, most of it positive. “There is a lovely layer of symbolism in the artwork’s location near the Blackheath Rotary Clock and Neate Park,” Joel says.
“We live in this extraordinary place, where we come upon special things that can draw us into a deeper relationship with nature. I love the fact that my artwork is one of those treasures to be experienced. I hope it helps connect people with the place we live in.”
All about Orchids
Joel’s sculpture, Reveal: A Celebration of Blue Mountains Orchids, was launched at the All About Orchids event held in March this year. The event was a collaboration between the Blue Mountains City Council’s (BMCC) Cultural Development Team and Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre (BANC). BMCC teams including Bushcare, Planetary Health, and Waterways and Environmental educators, were on hand to share information and field questions.
The wild plant rescue stall at the All About Orchids event. (Maja Baska)
The afternoon included honey tasting, flower-themed face painting, live music, and plant stalls to help you create your own native garden. Locally-based organisations, entertainers, artists and community groups took part. Participants included Blue Mountains Wildplant Rescue, Blackheath Horticultural Society, Brooke Face Painting, live music by the Bonnie Doon Duo, Gundungurra artist Kelsie King, children’s entertainer Kate Reid, and artist Freedom Wilson.
The Welcome to Country was given by Gundungurra woman Kelsie King, followed by an introduction by Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill. Joel spoke about the sculpture and the making journey. This was followed by orchid specialists and authors Sabine Hanisch and Ben Jasiak speaking about orchids in the Blue Mountains and surrounds.
Mayor Cr Mark Greenhill introducing the event. (Photo: Hamish Dunlop)
A book about orchids
The second revised edition of Sabine and Ben’s book, Native Orchids of the Blue Mountains and Surrounding Areas was released in 2022. It is the most comprehensive photographic and taxonomic review of local orchids to date. Joel himself was inspired by the diverse range of Blue Mountains orchids that number more than 200 species. This includes Corunastylis reflexa, a species re-discovered after 145 years by Sabine and Ben’s 8-year-old daughter, Arabella Hanisch Jasiak, in 2023.
Ben says that orchids in biodiverse regions like the Blue Mountains are a symbol of resilience and renewal in the face of adversity. “Orchids have a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in ever-changing environments. We have seen them colonise new habitats, reclaiming territories once lost to human disturbance, and thriving in unexpected locations.”
Sabine, Ben and their daughter Arabella signing books at All About Orchids (Maja Baska)
Caring for the land is caring for ourselves
Despite this resilience, Sabine and Ben believe orchid conservation requires collective action and responsible land management and use. They think we have something to learn from orchids too: “Let us all draw inspiration from orchids’ tenacity and work together to ensure their survival for generations to come, preserving their beauty and biodiversity for all to enjoy.”
Blue Mountains Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill expressed his enthusiasm for Joel’s artwork and reiterated the importance of the Greater Blue Mountains Area as a World Heritage site. “We live within an extraordinary region that boasts a diverse tapestry of flora and fauna. Joel’s sculpture is a beautiful reminder of this, to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors to Blackheath alike.”
Takeaways:
Collaboration and relationships between artists, family, organisations, the Council, community, and the land we live on, creates a richer world for us all.
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.
Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair is just days away - happening this Saturday at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba.
We are excited to be joined by local, state-wide and national organisations as this weekend`s event. You`ll be able to learn from and interact with our vendors, as well as taste and purchase locally made goods.
Entry to the Fair and Markets is free but please do register in advance via the website: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
2026 Stallholders and Vendors: - Alchemy Farms - BMCC Bushcare team - BMCC Waste Team - Chey`s Flowers - Cool Seats / Sustainable House - Diego Bonetto - Eats Really Yummy - Fidelity Coffee - Fifi`s Bees - Good Fat Pastry - Kokomo Island Cafe - Permaculture Hawkesbury Valley - Permaculture Matters - Plant Inspired and Associates - Theory Produce - Waste Free Produce - Wildplant Rescue - WIRES - You Are The Plant...
We are just one week away from Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair, taking place next Saturday, 10th October, at the Planetary Health Centre.
Whether you are interested in understanding the global food system, at-home food security, community resilience or local produce, we have talks, workshops, activities and stallholders for all.
View the full program and register your place via the website: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
We have limited spots remaining so don`t miss out!...
We are counting down the days to Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair. Join us, and key speakers, educators and organisations at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba to explore one of the most important challenges of our time: how we grow, share and sustain food in a way that supports the health of ourselves, our communities and our planet. View the full program and reserve your space via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair...
Thank you to our food vendors catering Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026! 🌱
🍚 @eatsreallyyummy Eats Really Yummy is a food truck serving delicious Taiwanese-inspired fusion cuisine, bringing bold flavours and creative dishes to the Blue Mountains. Join them at Plate to Planet for a taste of their delicious street-food-style offerings while celebrating the diversity, creativity and community of our local food scene.
🌴 @kokomoislandcafe Based in Wentworth Falls, Kokomo Island Café is a female-owned food trailer bringing vibrant Caribbean flavours to the Blue Mountains. For the Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026, we’ll be serving a delicious menu of vegetarian snacks and dishes made with locally grown Blue Mountains produce, celebrating the region’s incredible growers. Join us for nourishing food, bold flavours, and a day dedicated to community, sustainability, and the remarkable food being grown in our region.
☕ @fidelity.coffee Fidelity curates a rotating selection of exceptional coffees from leading Australian and international roasters. From rare single-origins to innovative processing methods, every coffee is chosen for its unique character and outstanding quality.
🥐 @goodfatpastry Good Fat Pastry creates scrumptious plant based pastries for your enjoyment and donates proceeds to people in need. Do yourself good by eating tasty things. Do others good by supporting their needs.
To view the full program and register your place, visit the event website: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair...
We’re excited to launch the 2026 program and website for PREPARE: Disaster Risk Awareness Expo, hosted by Blue Mountains Planetary Health.
Key event information: 📆Date: Saturday 7 November 🕙Time: 10am - 4pm 🌏Venue: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba 🪙Cost: Entry free, some sessions ticketed. Registration essential.
Visit the website and register your place here: https://events.humanitix.com/host/blue-mountains-planetary-health
Following the success of last year’s event, this year’s Expo will once again bring together the community, emergency services, researchers, local organisations and experts to share practical knowledge and explore how we can better prepare for disasters and build safer, healthier and more resilient communities.
The 2026 program includes a range of interactive workshops, talks and activities, including:
- iFire / UNSW - iFire Immersive Bushfire Simulation - Australian Red Cross - EmergencyRedi workshop - Resilient Blue Mountains - Climate Fresk - Blue Mountains City Council - Hidden hazards before a disaster - WIRES - caring for wildlife during disasters - Blue Mountains City Council - response and recovery after the 2019 / 2020 Black Summer Bushfires
Key emergency services – NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and Fire and Rescue will also be on site with vehicles, displays and activities.
Rapid Relief Australia will be providing free food and refreshments throughout the day.
Visit the website and register your place here: https://events.humanitix.com/host/blue-mountains-planetary-health
We’re looking forward to seeing you and your families there!...
Looking for a fun, educational and sustainable day out these school holidays?
Come along to Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair in Katoomba on Saturday 10 October, with a line-up of free talks, activities and entertainment for all ages!
🌿 The Importance of Bioregions in Uncertain Times Join permaculture pioneer Rowe Morrow to explore how our land, water, food, energy and communities are connected - and how we can build a more resilient Blue Mountains.
🌱 Discover Old Man Saltbush Get up close to this remarkable native plant with Anne Elliot, and discover its potential as part of a more diverse and resilient food system.
🪱 Have a go at worm farming Learn how easy it can be to turn food scraps into valuable nutrients for your garden - with a hands-on worm farm activity from BMCC.
🎶 Enjoy live music Take a break, relax and soak up the atmosphere while enjoying live music by Olivia Dustmann throughout the day.
🎨 Kids` Corner - all day! Rock painting, crafts and story time, with plenty of fruit and veggie-inspired fun for younger visitors.
Explore local stalls, food, gardens, wildlife, sustainability and practical ideas for creating a more resilient food future.
Entry to the Fair and markets is free, with a range of free and paid sessions and workshops available throughout the day. Some sessions have limited capacity, so registration is recommended.
View the full program and register your place here: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
📅 Saturday 10 October | 9am–4pm 📍 Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba...
Join Andris Heks, Yogic Psychotherapist, winner Best Actor, Blue Mountains, for his workshop to laugh as you never laughed before, as part of a movement to globalise people-bonding cheerfulness through kookaburra laughter contagion as an antidote to distressing world divisiveness.
Purchase your ticket here: https://events.humanitix.com/kookaburra-laughter-workshop
View the trailer and the GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/globalise-unconditional-love-through-kookaburra-laughter
Key event information: - When? 10:15AM - 2:30PM, Sunday 4 October 2026 (1st day of Daylight Saving - 1 hour forward) - Where? Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, 33-39 Acacia St, Katoomba, NSW, 2780 - Fee? $60 or what you can afford - Note: please bring your own lunch
What to expect: - Learn how to stay cheerful for good - Learning the funny, human emulated, communal kookaburra laughter and meditation - How communal kookaburra laughter promotes bonding even amongst strangers - The awesome native treasure of the laughing kookaburra phenomenon - Why Kookaburra Yoga is the ‘most excellent of Yogas` - How communal kookaburra laughter contagion boosts the subtle and gross national product - How you could contribute to the kookaburra laughter contagion
This event is supported by Blue Mountains Planetary Health.
Purchase your ticket here: https://events.humanitix.com/kookaburra-laughter-workshop...
Come along to the Planetary Health Centre this Saturday for the next Skill Share Saturdays event!
This weekend`s agenda:
8:30AM - 10AM | Learn how to use your sewing machine class with Sherlie McMillan
8:30AM | Planetary Health Cafe open, serving Good Fat Pastry and Whisk and Pin
9AM - 10AM | Tai Chi and Qigong class with Virginia Field
10AM - 12PM | Learn how to grow WITH the Upper Blue Mountain permaculture workshop with Leni from Alchemy Farms
10AM - 3PM | Fashion Upcycling Workshop with Sherlie McMillan
10:30AM - 12PM | Learn to make focaccia from scratch with Laura Zucchetti (no experience needed)
1:30PM - 4:30PM | Planetary Health Bushcare with Karen Hising
For more information and to purchase a ticket, please visit the website: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026
📣HEADLINE SPEAKER📣
Our headline speaker is Julian Cribb AM – a renowned Australian science writer, journalist and author who has spent more than 50 years communicating science, agriculture, climate and global sustainability issues. He is the author of several influential books, including The Coming Famine (2010), Food or War (2019) and How to Fix a Broken Planet (2023), which explore the future of food systems, planetary health and humanity`s long-term survival.
He is widely recognised as one of Australia`s leading voices on global food security and sustainable development.
To register for his talk, and view the rest of the program, visit the website: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair...
At our next Skill Share Saturdays event on Saturday 5th September, join Laura Zucchetti at 10:30am to learn how to make focaccia from scratch!
Come along for a 90 min class where you`ll mix, rest and stretch your own focaccia dough from start to finish, guided every step of the way. You’ll take home your dough to bake on the day in your own oven.
Sign up to this session, and view the other offerings on the day via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026
We are pleased to announce that the program and registration for Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026 is now live!
Follow this link to view the program and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
Key information:
When? Saturday 10 October, 9AM - 4PM
Where? Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba
Who is it for? Families, gardeners, enthusiasts, community groups and businesses, anyone looking to learn about how to be more resilient through local and sustainable food systems.
What to expect? Talks, workshops, demos, market stalls, family activities, music, food
Is there a cost? Entry to the Fair and Markets is free. Talks and workshops are ticketed (both free and paid) and have limited capacity, so please register in advance.
Program highlights:
🌏Headline talk: The age of renewable Food – Julian Cribb AM 🎋Wild edibles foraging workshops – Diego Bonetto, Eat More Weeds 🏞️The importance of bioregions in uncertain times – Rowe Morrow, Permaculture Matters 🥒Home canning and food preservation workshop – Kirsty Berté, Permaculture Hawkesbury Valley 🏡Designing your own Permaculture Property – Leni Nyssen, Alchemy Farms 🍃Utilising what’s in front of you – Uncle Lex, The Ganya Shed 🪱How to worm farm - BMCC 🎸Live music by Olivia Dustmann 🌾Community crop and seed swap
Tickets are limited so please register your place now: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
We are also seeking stallholders for the event. If you are a grower, retailer, community organisation or business that would like to get involved, please reach out to [email protected]!...
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.
Inspired by Norwegian sod roofs, Blackheath engineer Mark Liebman built a green roof on his shed. This innovative design significantly reduced stormwater runoff during 2024's heavy rains, potentially by 65 per cent, while also providing excellent insulation and attracting wildlife. The family now fondly refers to their shed as their mini Viking Long House!
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