Headspace Ballina – Walk and Talk Group (Ages 18-25)
Looking to get out, get moving, and connect with others? The Walk and Talk Group is a weekly program designed for young adults aged 18–25 who are seeking a relaxed and supportive way to build community connections.
Meeting every Wednesday morning, this informal group combines gentle exercise with meaningful conversation. It’s perfect for those transitioning into adulthood who may benefit from social connection, routine, and a chance to share experiences in a low-pressure environment.
Whether you’re looking to improve your wellbeing, meet new people, or simply enjoy a casual walk with friendly company, this group offers a welcoming space for all.
Dates: Weekly every Wednesday morning
Rates: Free
Where: 32 Swift Street Ballina
Accessibility: Open to all young people aged 18-25
For more information, please call Headspace Ballina: (02) 6625 0200
Bangalow Billycart Derby
The Bangalow Billycart Derby is a much loved annual community event with everyone working together to showcase old-fashioned outdoor fun.
The Billycart Derby brings crowds of several thousand to Bangalow for a day packed with billy cart racing, expert skateboard riding, parades, children’s rides and entertainment, and a variety of foods to enjoy and is a great day full of community fun.
From preschoolers to celebrities, those willing to brave the big hill congregate with their wacky carts. Gravity presides and the Autumn sun shines on the thousands watching.
There is something for everyone and is a great family fun day out.
When: Sunday 17th May 2026
Where: Byron Street, Bangalow
Time: Scrutineering 7am - Practice runs 8 am - Races start at 9 am
Visit the Bangalow Billycart Derby website to find out more.
Casino Beef Week
Make your way to the beef capital of Australia, the picturesque town of Casino NSW, for the Casino Food Co-Op Beef Week Festival. Running from May 23rd to May 31st 2026, Beef Week is an annual celebration of this iconic Australian industry and the rural way of life. Taking place over 9 days, the festival provides entertainment, education and an authentic country experience for the whole family.
With each day packed full of vibrant events to enjoy, there is no shortage of fun things to see and do. Casino is located in the Richmond Valley, in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. The festival provides the perfect opportunity to explore this stunning pocket of Australia, which is located an easy drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast and just 40 minutes from Byron Bay.
When: Saturday 23rd May to Sunday 31st May 2026
For more information, visit the Beef Week website.
Tweed Medicare Urgent Care Clinic – Extended Hours
The Tweed Medicare UCC is now open 7am-9pm, 365 days a year! Walk-in only, no appointment needed. For urgent but non-life-threatening conditions.
For more information and other Urgent Care Clinic sites, please visit the website: Medicare Urgent Care Clinics | Healthy North Coast
If you need medical help quickly but it isn’t an emergency, there are free local options. Urgent Care Clinics on the North Coast are walk-in only.
Tweed Heads Medicare UCC
Address: 33/35 Corporation Circuit, Tweed Heads South NSW 2486 (Tweed Health for Everyone)
Hours: 7:00am – 9:00pm, 365 days a year (including public holidays)
Walk-in appointments only. All presentations will be triaged upon arrival.
Healthy North Coast supports the delivery of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics across the North Coast, helping establish and maintain these clinics to provide timely, bulk-billed care for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. These services are funded by the Australian Government and commissioned locally to meet community health needs.
The Living Well Expo – Coffs Harbour
The Living Well Expo is all about bringing people together. It’s a welcoming space for older people, people with disability, and their carers, to connect, feel supported, and discover opportunities to improve health and social wellbeing. With more than 50 information stalls, the Expo provides easy access to local services and community organisations that support people to live active, connected, and fulfilling lives. From health and wellbeing to recreational, educational, and social supports, there’s something for everyone to explore and get involved in. First 200 people attending will receive a free coffee!
Free entry, food stalls, giveaways, practical support, community connection & more.
When: Wednesday, 13th May 2026
Time: 10am - 2pm
Where: Coffs Harbour Showground Exhibition Centre
View the Information flyer here.
If you would like to be a stallholder on the day, please visit the stallholder registration page: Living Well Expo 2026 – Stallholder Registration - Blue Sky Community Services
Supporting Children and Young People through Family Separation
Coffs Harbour’s Family Law Pathway Network are pleased to invite you to the one day “Supporting Children and Young People through Family Separation” conference. Three amazing guest speakers are lined up to share insight and knowledge from legal, research and psychology backgrounds. Don’t miss out on a truly meaningful opportunity to engage in professional development and further deepen your service delivery.
When: Friday, 15th May
Time: 8:30am – 4pm
Where: Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour
Cost: $100pp
Register here
See the flyer for guest speakers.
Walk for Women’s Health – Celebrating 40 years
Coffs Harbour Women's Health is celebrating 40 years and they invite you to join them for a walk for women's health!
When: Wednesday, 6th May 2026
Time: 7am Arrival - walk will commence at 7.30am
Where: Coffs Jetty Foreshore
Please see the Information Flyer for more information on how to register, the walking route and wet weather information.
Anti-Discrimination NSW Information Session for Professionals
Anti-Discrimination NSW is hosting a free information session in Coffs Harbour.
This is an opportunity for community workers, lawyers and other local service providers to learn more about Anti-Discrimination NSW and the services it provides under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
The session will enable participants to recognise when unfair treatment may be against the law and give accurate information to members of the community about their rights and responsibilities under anti-discrimination law.
The session will also cover the Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024 (NSW), which prohibits LGBTQA conversion practices in NSW and establishes a new civil complaints scheme which is administered by Anti-Discrimination NSW.
Join Mia Zahra (A/Director), Gillian Stokie (Manager, Communications and Engagement) and Zarlasht Sarwari (Community Engagement Officer) from Anti-Discrimination NSW for this session.
When: Wednesday 13th May 2026
Time: 10am - 11.30am
Where: C.ex Coffs Harbour - Rainbow Room, Vernon Street, Coffs Harbour
Cost: Free
For more information and to register visit the Anti-Discrimination NSW Information Session registration page
Waagay Bilinyjari Creative Programs – Music & Photography
Waagay Bilinyjarl Creative Programs
Waagay Biliinyjarl is excited to announce two new creative programs starting in May 2026 – Music Program and Photography Program. These 6-week programs are designed to help participants build confidence, learn new skills, explore creativity, and connect in a fun and supportive environment.
Music Program
- Starts: Monday, 11th May 2026
- Duration: 6 Weeks
- View the flyer here
Photography Program
- Starts: Wednesday, 13th May 2026
- Duration: 6 Weeks
- See flyer View the flyer here
Transport and afternoon tea are provided for both programs
To register or find out more, please contact:
Email: waagay.biliinyjarl@gmail.com
Phone: 0466 060 931
Walk for Reconciliation – Coffs Harbour
Join Interrelate and Mid North Coast Local Health in a walk to show support to reconciliation within community.
When: Saturday 30th May 2026
Time: Starting at 11am
Where: Jetty Boardwalk, Coffs Harbour - meet at the start of the boardwalk.
Cost: FREE
Lunch provided.
Don't forget to bring your hat and water bottle.
Feel free to bring service information to share.
Facebook Event Page: Walk for Reconciliation | Facebook Event
BECC Winter Solstice Festival – Save the Date
Join us for the Winter Solstice Family Festival! 
When: Saturday 20th June 2026
Time: 2:00pm – 8:30pm
Where: Boambee East Community Centre
Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a fun-filled afternoon for all ages! Enjoy classic games, jumping castles, face painting, a reptile display, live music, dancers, community stalls, food, and more.
As the sun sets, experience the magic of fire twirlers, a lantern parade, and a spectacular bonfire to light up the night.
This is a “no cost–low cost” event, making it accessible for everyone in the community. Bring your family, friends, and your warmest jacket—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Check out the Facebook Event page: Winter Solstice Family Festival | Facebook
Pride Walk – Coffs Harbour
Rainbow Coffs Harbour is holding a Pride Walk in June!
When: Saturday, 27th June 2026
Time: 11am
Where: Jetty Pier/Boardwalk, Jetty Foreshores Coffs Harbour
For more information visit their Facebook page or view the information flyer.
Bellingen Island Ecology Walk 2 – Free Event
Join Bellingen Shire Council and local experts Matt Flanders, Ross Macleay, Liz Brown, Tim Pearson, Kris Healey and Chris Ormond for an educational walk to explore the beautiful subtropical lowland rainforest and flying fox colony of Bellingen Island.
You'll learn all about the native vegetation, the history of the island, facts about flying foxes and the hard work that is occurring to protect this beautiful place.
This is a free event.
When: Saturday, 9th May
Time: 9am - 11:30am.
Where: We will be meeting at The Point car park and walking into the core remnant section of the rainforest and returning back to The Point.
Light morning tea will be provided on finishing the walk.
It is recommended that you wear a light long-sleeved top, long pants, enclosed footwear and a hat. Bring sun protection, a water bottle, insect repellent if you wear it, and binoculars if you have them.
Our last event sold out so please secure your free tickets now!
Get Tickets: Bellingen Island Ecology Walk 2
Fundraiser Trivia Night – Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire
NCoBS Fundraiser Trivia Night
Help raise funds for the Bellingen Shire Neighbourhood Centres to assist community members in need by getting together a table of friends for some trivia night fun.
Please see the Trivia Night Information Flyer for more details or visit the link below.
Date: Saturday, 9th May 2026
Time: 6pm for 6:30pm start
Venue: Urunga Bowling Club
Cost: $100 a table
Bookings: Annual Trivia Night - Lets be heroes for a Night Tickets | TryBooking website
The Bellingen Show is on again! Get your entries in!
The Bellingen Show is on again this year and entries for the multitude of categories is closing soon. It is sure to be a fun-filled weekend for everyone.
Since 1881 the Bellingen Show has been the heartbeat of our community. Every May, our historic Showground comes alive with a vibrant celebration of rural life, local talent, and community spirit. From championship cattle to creative crafts, from woodchopping to wonderful local entertainment, the Show offers an authentic country experience with a uniquely Bellingen flavour.
When: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May 2026
Where: Bellingen Showground, Hammond Street North Bellingen
You can check out the Show program and find out what's in store at the Bellingen Show website.
Bring Your Bills Day Kempsey – Energy and Water Ombudsman
Feeling stressed by the cost of living and high energy prices? Struggling with your bills?
We are hosting a Bring Your Bills Day in Kempsey on Wednesday, 13th May. Come and meet several services in one spot to get advice about how to manage your bills, find a payment plan or rebate and help with financial and legal issues.
Bring any bills you’re concerned about and our friendly teams can provide free advice about billing issues, affordability assistance and more! Government, community and ombudsman organisations will also be available to help.
We can help:
- review and explain your bill
- check your rebate entitlements
- talk to your retailers about outstanding issues
- resolve complaints
- help set up payment plans and find cheaper deals
- provide information to save energy in your home and reduce your bills.
Services attending:
- Carers NSW
- Carer Gateway
- Essential Energy
- Engie
- Mid North Coast Legal Service
- Service NSW
- Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
- and more to be confirmed!
When: Wednesday 13th May 2026
Time: 10am - 3pm
Where: Dunghutti Nation, Dunghutti Elders Council, 17/23 South St, South Kempsey
Future Skills Truck at Bello Youth Hub
Mobile training unit focussed on the renewable energy sector offering practical demonstrations and presentations from TAFE NSW staff about jobs and training opportunities in the industry.
Date: Wednesday 27th May 2026
Location: Bellingen Youth Hub – 2 William St Bellingen
For more information contact: Bello Youth Hub: 6655 0381
South West Rocks Writers Group
TWICE MONTHLY MEETINGS: every first and third Tuesday of each month at the Annex of the Catholic Church, Gregory Street, South West Rocks.
Free to join.
Date: Tuesday 12th May (every first and third Tuesday of each month )
Time: 9am - 12:30pm
Where: South West Rocks Catholic Church, 16 Gregory St, South West Rocks NSW 2431
This friendly group has a different group leader each time to take us through challenging, fun writing exercises. From this we learn creativity in writing skills and language, description, dialogue and much more for fiction, memoirs and other. There is also a set homework exercise. We have a 20-minute morning tea break.
If you love writing or want to give it a go, please join us, we would love to have you. Our group is male and female of all ages. You are welcome to just come along and observe how things happen.
Contact Diane: 0429 664 550, email dijens@bigpond.com
or Stella: 6566 6922
Free Budget Workshop Port Macquarie
Salvation Army Moneycare is holding a free budget workshop in Port. This is a free community event with their local Moneycare financial capability worker, Ian Davies where you can get energy-saving tips, smart shopping and general budget tips.
When: Thursday 14th May 2026
Time: 9.30am
Where: Port Salvos, 110 Lord Street, PMQ
For more information contact: (02) 6583 7444
Bring Your Bills Day Taree – Energy and Water Ombudsman
We are hosting a Bring Your Bills Day in Taree on 14 May. Come and meet several services in one spot to get advice about how to manage your bills; find a payment plan or rebate; and tenancy, financial and legal issues.
When: Thursday 14 May 2026
Time: 10am
Where: Firsts Steps Count Child and Community Centre, 4 Myall Avenue Taree
Bring any bills you’re concerned about and our friendly teams can suggest payment plans and offer solutions. Government, community and local organisations will also be available to help.
We can help:
- review and explain your bill
- check your rebate entitlements
- talk to your retailers about outstanding issues
- resolve complaints
- help set up payment plans and find cheaper deals
- save energy in your home and reduce your bills.
Details
Blue Sky Vision, Purpose and Values
Blue Sky is excited to announce our new vision, purpose and values statements. The new vision, purpose and values have been developed from extensive consultation with staff, participants and the broader community as part of our strategic plan review. We are grateful to everyone involved in this process for their valuable and meaningful contribution to this consultation process.
Positions Vacant at Blue Sky Communities
Due to expansion into new programs, Blue Sky Community Services currently has a number of positions vacant.
A career at Blue Sky is rewarding and fulfilling. Our work environment is supportive and flexible, and our culture is positive and values based.
We have organisational values that are lived workplace practices. At Blue Sky Community Services we value optimism and innovation, integrity and respect, inclusion and diversity, and connection and kindness.
We believe that the make-up of our workplace should reflect the diversity of the communities we work with.
We strongly encourage people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and people who have lived experience of disability, to apply to work with us
Check out our positions vacant on our website: Positions - Blue Sky Community Services
Enhancing Inclusion in the Health System Project: Improving Health Outcomes and Hospital Experiences
Blue Sky Community Services partnered with the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) to deliver the 'Enhancing Inclusion in the Health System' project, funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under an 'Information, Linkages and Capacity Building' grant. The project began in July 2020 within MNCLHD hospitals and facilities and concludes on 30th June 2026. The project supports Health staff to strengthen their knowledge, skills and confidence in supporting patients with disability, improving health outcomes and the overall hospital experience. The project has developed numerous resources and education modules for Health staff and contributed to countless positive outcomes. Charles Sturt University (CSU) has been independently evaluating the project along the way, and share their findings with health professionals through relevant journals and conferences. To learn more about the project and its achievements, read CSU's latest journal article here.
You can access more information about the project and useful resources by visiting the Blue Sky Community Services website : Enhancing Inclusion in the Health System - Blue Sky Community Services
Inclusion Support available for Businesses, Organisations and Community Groups
Blue Sky's Inclusive Communities team can provide inclusion support to your business, organisation (non-NDIS providers), community or sporting group, to assist you with how to be more welcoming and supportive of people with disability visiting your space.
An Inclusive Communities Coordinator can deliver sensory awareness education to your team, and provide support to create your own sensory kit. Or your team may benefit from person-first disability awareness education to ensure they utilise respectful language and avoid assumptions. Or you may like assistance to create your own social story to welcome people to your space.
Supports can be tailored to your needs - pick and choose what you'd like! And supports are free!
Reach out to our Inclusive Communities Coordinators to have a chat and plan your support:
Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Heads LGAs:
- Lynda Warwick
- Phone: 0417 878 391
- Email: lyndawarwick@bluesky.org.au
Port Macquarie and Kempsey LGAs:
- Ross Henderson
- Phone: 0428 353 424
- Email: rosshenderson@bluesky.org.au
What Do I Say? What Do I Do? – Online Suicide Bereavement Workshop
StandBy North Coast will be holding a What do I say? What do I do? online workshop on Tuesday, 12th May.
The purpose of this workshop is to increase understanding of suicide bereavement and learn basic support skills.
During the workshop, we will cover topics including:
- The StandBy service model
- Grief and loss
- What makes suicide different from other sudden death
- Support approaches and best practice
- Self-care
Workshop details
Date: Tuesday, 12th May 2026
Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm (including two breaks)
Location: Online via TEAMS (link will be sent after registration)
RSVP: Friday, 8th May
More information: email Michelle or Aubrey at standby@socialfutures.org.au
Free Medicare Mental Health Check-in
Medicare Mental Health Check-in provides free guided digital support to help you build practical skills to take better care of your mental health and wellbeing. It’s completely free for people living in Australia, no referral or diagnosis is needed.
About Medicare Mental Health Check-in
Medicare Mental Health Check-in guides you through evidence-based online activities that build your skills and confidence to feel more prepared for life's ups and downs.
They can help you with:
- stress
- mild anxiety
- sleep
- fears and worries
- low mood.
You can explore them at your own pace or with the support of a trained practitioner who's there for you via phone or video. One step at a time.
Who can access Medicare Mental Health Check-in
The service is for people who are:
- aged 16 years or older living in Australia
- feeling down, stressed or overwhelmed
- seeking low intensity mental health and wellbeing support.
Visit the Medicare Mental Health Check In website to explore the service, understand what it offers and access practical and evidence-based support to help you feel better and more in control of your mental wellbeing.
You can connect with a trained practitioner via telehealth for a safe, supportive space to talk about what you're experiencing and work through the online tools together, towards goals that matter to you.
From 30 May 2026, self-guided tools will be available for you to use at your own pace.
To access the service, you can call 1800 595 212 (between 8:30am and 5pm weekdays, except public holidays). Our friendly phone service staff will work with you to understand if Medicare Mental Health Check-in is suitable for you.
NCOSS Local Connect: Social Sector Forum
NCOSS Local Connect: Social Sector Forum
The NSW Council of Social Services (NCOSS), in partnership with Gurehlgam Corporation is holding a free one-day social sector forum to explore the existing strengths and solutions to shared challenges and unmet needs of community organisations.
*** UPDATE ***
If your ability to attend the forum is impacted by the recent increased cost of fuel, and if you work or volunteer for a not-for-profit organisation and would like financial assistance to attend, please get in touch with michelle@ncoss.org.au
When: Tuesday, 19th May, 9:30am - 4pm
Where: Coffs Harbour Showground Function Centre
Who is it for? The forum is for locally-based non-government organisations and networks working and volunteering in the diverse field of social services and community health, including government agencies and local council staff.
The forum is for services across the Mid North Coast, Northern NSW and New England, including Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Kempsey, Nambucca, Port-Macquarie-Hastings, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Tweed, Armidale Regional, Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, Tamworth Regional, Tenterfield, Uralla and Walcha LGAs.
What can you expect?
- NCOSS will share important sector updates, such as the Fair Work Commission’s review of the SCHADS Awards,
- Have your voice heard in meaningful discussions about what matters most to our sector.
- Connect and collaborate with like-minded people in your area and create new networks.
- Build your capabilities through practical workshops and resources.
Attendance is free with catering provided.
For more information or to register, click here: NCOSS Local Connect Registration Page.
Auslan Emergency Interpreting App Now Available
The Auslan Emergency Interpreting (AEI) App is now available for Deaf and hard of hearing Australia, giving our community equal access to Triple Zero (000) for the first time in history.
To help you get started, we've created two short step-by-step demo videos for iPhone and Android.
Each video will show you how to download the app, open it for the first time, and get ready to make an emergency call with a NAATI qualified Auslan interpreter.
To find out more about the app and to watch the video, head to the AEI App webpage.
