Living Well Expo 2026
The Living Well Expo focuses on engaging older persons, people with a disability, and their carers, to improve health outcomes and social connections. The Expo aims to inform and support the local community through engaging activities, demonstrations and access to relevant services and community organisations that can enable everyone to live their best life. We will also be promoting access to health, recreational, educational, and social supports through over 50 information stalls. We would love to see you there!
Date: Wednesday, 13th May 2026
Time: 10am - 2pm
Venue: Coffs Harbour Showground Exhibition Hall: 123 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour
Visit our website for more information: The Living Well Expo - Blue Sky Community Services
If you are interested in being a stallholder, please register here: Living Well Expo 2026 – Stallholder Registration - Blue Sky Community Services
Please contact tessadouglas@bluesky.org.au or claudiarigg@bluesky.org.au if you have any questions.
Session 3 Registration for National CHSP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety CoP
Date: Wednesday, 29th April 2026
Time: 12pm - 1.30pm
Join us for a refreshingly grounded conversation with Kim Whiteley, CEO of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIACC) and Gary Rake, Deputy Commissioner Regulatory Operations with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Be inspired and encouraged by a national community of leaders and practitioners who are prioritising cultural safety for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
What is involved?
This National Community of Practice is for CHSP providers and welcomes people across all organisational levels and stages on this ongoing journey building cultural safety. This is the third and final session in a series of three 1.5-hour online sessions, we have been delivering.
Why come along?
This is an opportunity to:
· gain insights from other providers - their successes and challenges
· reflect on practice, progress and next steps for your service
· identify actionable improvements that meet regulations and drive lasting change
· support aged care dialogue that champions cultural connection, safety, and healing beyond compliance.
Speakers
Kim Whiteley, CEO National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIACC)
Gary Rake, Deputy Commissioner Regulatory Operations with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Register here on the 3rd National CHSP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Safety Community of Practice booking page
Cultural Competency Training
FOR CHSP PROVIDERS | ONLINE VIA ZOOM
Build your confidence and capability to work more effectively across cultures. This free workshop is designed for CHSP staff and volunteers supporting older people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Led by an experienced facilitator and grounded in lived experience, this interactive session will help you:
- reflect on your own cultural lens
- explore assumptions and bias
- learn from someone with lived experience of migration
- strengthen your cross-cultural communication
- identify strategies for more inclusive service delivery.
Contact: socialsupport@brmc.org.au | (03) 5331 1123
Date: 7th April 2026
Time: 9.30am - 1.30pm
Rainbows don’t Fade with Age – LGBTQI Inclusion
This session is a 90-minute training which will assist support workers and care partners to understand the experiences and needs of older LGBTI plus clients. It will provide opportunities to reflect on and discuss actions that ensure older LGBTQI plus are safe, seen and supported in receiving care, and empower staff to be confident they are providing person-centred, rights-based care. There will be opportunities for those attending to ask and discuss challenges and opportunities.
Date: Wednesday, 22nd April 2026
Time: 11am - 12.30pm
Register via the event registration page
LGBTQIA+ Awareness Training
This is a FREE event for aged care staff and providers.
We all encounter members of the LGBTQIA+ community in our daily lives. Building a basic understanding of LGBTQIA+ people and communities can help you feel more confident and respectful in your interactions.
This FREE training is designed to enhance your foundational knowledge and will address common questions, such as:
- What do LGBTQIA+ and other terms related to gender and sexuality mean?
- What should I know about the trans community?
- Why is inclusion important?
- How can I be an effective ally?
When: Wednesday, May 27 - from 10am to 11:30 am
Register via the Awareness Training event registration page.
Motor Neurone Disease Online Course
Expand your knowledge by signing up for the new free Motor Neurone Disease MOOC (Massive Open Online Course). Developed by the University of Tasmania's Wicking Dementia Centre, this self-paced course offers expert insights into all aspects of the disease, to help improve awareness and care worldwide.
For more information and to enrol visit the course webpage on the University of Tasmania Wicking website.
Chill & Chat – Free Men’s Program
Looking for a relaxed space to connect, unwind and enjoy some time just for you?
Chill & Chat is a FREE program creating a safe, welcoming space for men to come together, play games, socialise and enjoy some snacks.
This all abilities program is open to men experiencing mental health challenges, living with disability, supporting someone with disability, facing social or physical barriers or anyone simply wanting some extra “me time” to focus on their wellbeing.
Chill and Chat events are held at Port Macquarie and Wauchope.
Port Macquarie events:
- Date: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month
- Time: 1.30pm to 3pm
- Location: Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre - 2 Dodds Street, Port Macquarie
Wauchope events:
- Date: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month
- Time: 1.30pm to 3pm
- Location: Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre - 4 Tallowood Avenue, Wauchope
For more information, check out the Chill & Chat page on the Port-Hastings Council website.
Leadership that Lasts – Training for CHSP Providers
Hosted by Blue Sky Community Services, this training is for Aged Care CHSP sector workers, or anyone else who is interested in a leadership role, now or in the future, and wants to become a more effective, compassionate leader. Leading for the long term equips leaders with the clarity, confidence, and practical tools needed to build teams that thrive, not just today, but well into the future.
Sustainable leadership is no longer a 'nice to have'; it is the foundation of strong teams, healthy culture, and meaningful outcomes. Leadership that Lasts is a practical, evidence‑informed workshop designed to help leaders understand the science of effective leadership and translate it into everyday action.
This workshop cuts through the noise by demystifying leadership theory and turning it into simple, repeatable behaviours that build trust, strengthen culture, and improve performance across the organisation.
The workshop will be facilitated by Dane Jacka; Dane has a passion to support leaders and organisations to thrive in this frantic world. He has unique experience as an organisational consultant and advisor, coupled with decades of practice in mindfulness and meditation. These skills are innovatively combined to deliver services that transform leaders and organisations from the inside out. Dane has an MBA and additional qualifications in management and project management. He is certified to teach meditation through UC Berkeley and is a board member of the International Mindfulness Teachers Association.
Date: Wednesday, 15th April 2026
Time: 10.30am - 11.30am
Register here: Leadership that Lasts (online training)
NATSIAACC Membership
NATSIAACC welcomes all organisations to take up one of their memberships. Are you an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander-led organisation delivering ageing or aged care services, or considering doing so?
Are you a non-Indigenous aged care provider or organisation who delivers ageing or aged care services to Elders?
If yes, NATSIAACC exists for you.
You can be part of a collective voice to Government and decision makers. You can access information and analysis about systems and changes. You can collaborate with other NATSIAACC members, and the Elders Council (once established).
This will all ultimately help Elders to access care and support that is culturally safe, trauma aware and healing informed and recognises the importance of their personal connections to community and Country.
For more information visit the NATSIAACC website.
CHSP Providers’ Compliance with Child Safety Statement
Meals on Wheels NSW Ltd. has developed a factsheet for CHSP providers to determine their compliance with the Child Safety Statement. The Child Safety Statement is now required for all Australian Government grantees and is due on 31 March for the previous 12 month period.
This factsheet is relevant to CHSP providers with a Grant Agreement or Deed of Variation which includes: Clause G8A - interaction with children is unplanned or unexpected (incidental).
References are relevant to CHSP providers anywhere in Australia.
You can read the document here: CHSP Providers and Child Safe Compliance (2026)
Who’s Missing? Planning for Diversity
Attend OPAN’s free training for aged care providers to better plan, deliver and report on what you have implemented to support a diverse and inclusive environment for older people and your aged care workers.
There are a range of dates depending on your location
Register here: New South Wales - registration - OPAN
Refresh Retreats
Support and Respite Program for Carers and those Living with Dementia
About Refresh Retreat
The Refresh Retreat program is being delivered across NSW and ACT and is open to BaptistCare, non-BaptistCare and NDIS clients.
The person living with dementia does not need to be in receipt of Commonwealth or SAH-funded aged care services and does not need to be registered or screened by My Aged Care or NDIS to access the program. We are open to also receiving referral from Support at Home providers, allied health, medical practitioners, family members and or care partners.
Refresh Retreats
- 3 day/2-night community residential programs designed for both the person living with dementia and their carer to attend.
- During the program, carers participate in an education and wellbeing program, whilst the person living with dementia is introduced to a respite experience.
- The program is funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care and is free to attend. The costs of the program, all accommodation and meals are fully covered.
To attend a Refresh Retreat, the following criteria need to be met:
- The person has been diagnosed with dementia and is in the earlier stages of the disease (referrals for clients known to have cognitive decline, with no formal diagnosis, will be considered).
- The person living with dementia has only mild – moderate behavioural changes (moderate changes can be considered, however must be assessed for suitability).
- The person living with dementia and their carer (co-residing or may not live in the same household) intend to continue to live in the community for the foreseeable future
- Both the person living with dementia and their carer both agree to attend the program and are willing to stay for the 3 days and 2 nights.
Note: People with Younger Onset Dementia (under 65 years old) are eligible for the program – with consideration of the above mentioned points.
Dates and Location
We deliver 44 programs throughout NSW and the ACT and details of location and dates are listed on the website - Refresh Retreats | BaptistCare.
Referrals for this program
Your referrals are welcome in various options – see below
- Contacting BaptistCare’s contact centre on 1300 275 227.
- Via the link website enquiry form Refresh Retreats NSW & ACT | BaptistCare
We can accommodate up to 7 dyads which will include the key carer and person with dementia to our Refresh Retreat Program.
Should you require any further information about the Retreats or would like us to deliver a presentation (on-line or in-person), please contact , Diane Montoya, Refresh Retreat Program Manager, via DMontoya@baptistcare.org.au or 0482 180 969.
Anti-depressants in Older Adults
Advance Care Planning and Advance Care Directives
Advance Care Planning and Advance Care Directives - Resource Links and State -based Differences
Each state and territory has a slightly different process concerning advanced care planning, which are governed by their own law or act of parliament. The main differences are outlined below in this document, developed by the City of
Onkaparinga, the Grampians Sector Development Team, the Hills Positive Ageing Project and the Southern Services Reform Group, it does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian Government.
Are you Caring for Someone with a Life-limiting Illness?
- Visit the CareSearch Community Hub to learn about what palliative care is, and what to expect.
- 10 questions to ask about palliative care in residential aged care is a helpful checklist when thinking about aged care.
- Read CareSearch's Palliative Care Booklet for Patients, Carers, and Families to learn more.
- CarerHelp's Question Prompt List can help you prepare for talking with your GP or the care team.
Nutrition and Living with Heart Disease
When living with heart disease, keeping your heart healthy is important to avoid further problems.
Discover key information on the Heart Foundation's website.
Free Health Coaching
The Get Healthy NSW service offers free phone and online health coaching to help you make lifestyle changes to improve your health. Delivered by NSW Health, the service is available to people over 16 years of age living in NSW.
When you join, you’ll receive 6 or more confidential coaching calls with a university-qualified health coach.
Our coaches can support you to:
- set and achieve your health goals
- eat well and keep active
- reduce the amount of alcohol you drink
- reach and stay at a healthy weight
- stay active during and after cancer treatment
The program is designed to fit in with your life, with coaching available at a time that works for you.
Sign up on the Get Started webpage or ask your health professional for a referral.
Dementia Support
Need a hand or a little advice? Specialist advisors are ready to help with any concern, large or small.
Chat with a Dementia Australia expert Advisor via live messaging, free and confidentially, for information and support.
Available 24/7, every day of the year.
For more information and to chat with an Advisor visit the Helpline webpage.
Daily Wellness Habits to Maintain Independence E-book
Learn how to maintain independence in your everyday life through simple gentle habits, including morning routines, nutrition and mindfulness
Home Library Service – Let them come to you!
That's right - Coffs Harbour Libraries can come to you.
For eligible library members, the Home Library Service can deliver items once a month to your home for free. This service is for individuals who are unable to visit a branch due to a disability, illness, or limited mobility. Full-time caregivers of participating members can also use this service.
Find out more information on the library website, call 6648 4913 or email coffs.library@chcc.nsw.gov.au. Ask for Kate, who can walk you through the joining process or answer any questions you may have.
Tech Savvy Seniors at your Library
Bellingen Shire Libraries are excited to be offering the Tech Savvy Seniors program at all branches, in partnership with the NSW Government and Telstra. This initiative offers free technology training to seniors, helping them confidently navigate the digital world.
The Shire Libraries are offering drop-in sessions for our Seniors with little or no digital experience, providing hands-on support to develop essential skills for socialising, accessing services, and managing personal tasks online. Participants will receive guidance on using computers, tablets, smartphones, the internet, email, and social media platforms. ‘We are here to help our community embrace the digital age,’ said Shire Librarian, Rowena Sierant. ‘Our team can also assist you with downloading our library apps, giving you access to talking books, e-books or magazines all through your smart phone.’
Tech Savvy events:
Bellingen Library: Thursdays fortnightly 10am to 12pm
Urunga Library: Wednesdays fortnightly 10am to 12pm
Dorrigo Library: Thursdays fortnightly 10am to 12pm
For more information, including the dates of the next events, call Bellingen Library on 6655 1744, Urunga Library on 6655 6444 or Dorrigo Library on 6657 2234.
First Nations Hub Resources
Do you provide aged care services to older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people? You can find practical tools and resources on the First Nations Hub created by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
The First Nations Hub can help you provide high-quality, culturally safe aged care.
First Nations Hub | Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
National Relay Service
The NRS provides a range of different types of call services, depending on your needs and preferences.
Relay Officers are specially trained staff who help with every call. Relay Officers will:
- change voice to text or text to voice
- change Auslan to English or English to Auslan
- stay on the line throughout the call to help you, without getting in the way or changing what is said.
The NRS is available 24 hours a day, except for Video Relay calls. Video Relay calls are only available 7am to 6pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) Monday to Friday, and 8am to 12pm on Saturdays. Video Relay calls are also not available on national public holidays.
The NRS is free and confidential.
You can make calls to emergency services through the NRS.
AIDER Support
The AIDER (Assist Infirm, Disabled and Elderly Residents) program is a free, one-off service which supports some of our most at-risk community members.
The program helps people live more safely and confidently in their home in areas where bush fires may start.
The AIDER program is designed for people who have limited domestic support available from family, relatives, friends or other services. This could include older people, people living with a disability, and people who are already receiving community assistance and services. Their property must also be on bush fire prone land (land that can support a bush fire or be subject to bush fire attack).
AIDER services can include:
- clearing gutters
- thinning vegetation around the home
- removing leaf and tree debris
- trimming branches from close to the home
- mowing or slashing long grass.
If you would like to know more about the free, one-off AIDER service, call 1300 011 737 or email aider@rfs.nsw.gov.au or download our fact sheet. You can also fill out the form online: AIDER - NSW Rural Fire Service
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.
