Free Brain Training
Join the team for an engaging brain training session where you can challenge your mind and keep your cognitive skills sharp. Engage in stimulating exercises designed to enhance memory, focus, and problem-solving abilities.
Time: 10.30am to 11.30am
Location: Meeting room, Woolgoolga Library
Date: First Monday of the month, with the next session on Monday, 1st September 2025.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to boost your brainpower.
Aged Services Expo – Forster
Come along for a free tea, coffee and sound advice from a range of services including:
- Home care providers Â
- Dementia information and support
- Carer support Â
- Aged care services Â
- Legal services Â
- My Aged Care supportÂ
- Mobility equipment Â
- Social and support groups Â
- Financial information and more
This expo is being hosted by the Mid Coast Dementia Friendly Alliance with MidCoast Council, as part of Dementia Action Week. Â
Date: Thursday, 18 September 2025
Time:10am to 1pm
Location: Forster Civic Centre. Â
For more information, please contact Jane on 0418 769 494 or Lyndie on 7955 7257. Â
Community Yarn Up
You are invited to join Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services for a yarning session to be part of co-designing cancer prevention and survivorship programs that work for mob, and truly meet community’s needs. These programs are part of Mob’s Way to Wellness program, and we vaule your input.
You will receive a $50 visa Gift Card for your time.
For More information contact: Jess Morris, 0432 360 664 or Jess@strongspiritservices.com
Wednesday, 27 August 2025 10:30am to 11.30am.
Dunghutti Elders Council, 23 South Street, Kempsey Dunghutti Country.
Mahjong
Join us for a fun and friendly game of Mahjong. It's a great way to challenge your mind, sharpen your strategy, and meet fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re an experienced player or curious to learn, everyone’s welcome – come for the game and stay for the great company. Â
Mahjong is held at the following locations:
- Forster Library, Mondays from 2pm to 4pm. Â
- Harrington Library, Tuesdays from 1pm (you will need to contact the branch to arrange access)
- Wingham Library, every Wednesday except the third Wednesday of the month from 12.30pm to 4:30pm.Â
For more information call the Manning Valley Library Service on (02) 7955 7001.
Talking Tech for Seniors
Join the team at Port Macquarie Library on Friday, 26th September 2025 at 10am for the program 'Talking Tech for Seniors'.
Don’t let technology intimidate you; let it empower you!
The library is running free classes providing tutorials on technology essentials.
Bring along your own device; we will run a short session from the 'Be Connected' program followed by a Q&A session over morning tea.Â
Aged Care Answers at Port Macquarie Library
Do you have any questions regarding the rights of Seniors? Struggling to navigate aged care? Join us for a concise session on understanding services, negotiating care plans, and making confident decisions.
Former aged care advocate Jill McDonnell believes in making aged care as easy as possible, ensuring everyone is treated fairly. Â
Some questions you may have:
- What are my rights when receiving services?
- How do I access aged care services I've heard about, and can you tell me more about My Aged Care? Â
- What fees do I have to pay for My Aged Care services? Â
Confused by aged care options? Get the guidance you need to make informed decisions. Â
Come and join us for a cuppa on Wednesday, 17th September 2025, from 2pm, at the Port Macquarie Library.Â
Cancer Council NSW Legal and Financial Support Clinic
Cancer Council NSW is delivering a legal and financial support clinic at the Norm Jordan Pavilion at the Coffs Harbour Showground on Tuesday, 9th and Wednesday, 10th September.
This clinic will assist people affected by cancer to prepare their legal documents including their Will, Enduring Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardian documents, as well as a financial support and information session.
These services are means tested and you must have a pre-booked appointment to receive this support. If you are interested in attending the clinic please contact Cancer Council’s information and support line on 13 11 20. Â
Spring Gardening
Spring is a time when gardeners can get lost in emerging growth and pests! In this workshop we will cover the key activities to undertake in spring to get your garden prepared for both summer and autumn.Â
From $10 per person, at the Woolgoolga Regional Community Gardens, 79 Scarborough Street, Woolgoolga NSW 2456. Â
Saturday, 6th September 2025, from 1pm to 3pm.
Free Information Bingo
Information Bingo is coming to Coffs Harbour and it is free, fun, and engaging! Join the Seniors Rights Service team on Tuesday, 9th September 2025 at the Coffs Harbour Golf Club.
There will be several lucky door prizes and plenty of other chances to win fun prizes throughout the day!
Morning tea and lunch will be provided. Bookings are essential, as numbers are limited.
if you'd like to attend, please RSVP to Annu or Julia on 0482 180 806.
Are you living with Chronic Disease?
Complete an online survey to help the Macquarie University understand your experiences of social isolation and loneliness linked to chronic disease.
The Macquarie University will be conducting a confidential online survey to identify possible factors that may impact chronic disease outcomes, social isolation and loneliness. You do not have to be lonely or socially isolated to participate.
The end goal of this research stream is to develop an intervention for adults living with chronic disease that targets social isolation and loneliness.
To be eligible to participate you must:
- be living with a chronic disease
- be 60 years and over
- be diagnosed with at least one of the nine common physical chronic diseases (r.g. arthritis, asthma, diabetes, back pain, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease)
- be able to read and write English (to the level of the daily newspaper)
- reside in Australia
- not have a cognitive impairment (e.g. dementia or brain injury) or significant psychiatric comorbidity (e.g. psychosis, delirium).
You will be asked to complete a short online screening survey to work out if you are eligible. If you proceed, you will be asked to participate in a 30 to 45-minute online survey. You will be asked to complete an annual survey each year for up to 4 years.
For more information or to sign up visit the Macquarie University Website. or email: olderadults.research@mq.edu.au
New Aged Care Act Videos
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has produced animated videos explaining how the new Aged Care Act comes together.
Key changes include enhanced rights and protections for older people, stronger rules and regulations for providers, higher quality care and much more.
The videos can be found here at the New Aged Care Act Videos.
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Updates
Stay current with the Department Updates.
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
Regulatory Changes for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care (NATSIFAC) Program Service ProvidersÂ
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released a guidance report outlining the changes that will affect NATSIFAC service providers. The New Act will introduce a regulatory model from 1 November 2025, meaning that NATSIFAC providers will be regulated under the Act for the first time.
You are able to have look at the Guidance report for the providers at the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing Website.
Become a Sheddie
The Women's Shed Steering Committee invites you to join their project campaign.
The Women’s Shed Committee is looking for passion supporters to help justify the building of a Women’s Shed in Coffs Harbour. They are asking you to become an 'Official Supporter' of the Coffs Harbour Women’s Shed Project. Â
Once the shed is built, your 'Shed Supporter Status' will automatically convert to official Shed Membership and you will retain your membership number. Â
All supporter dollars you choose to donate will be added to the ‘War Chest'.Â
For further information, please contact the Coffs Women’s Shed by email coffswomensshed@gmail.com
Changes to Eligibility for Pension Payments – Increased Asset Limits
The Australian Government has announced a recent increase to asset limits for pensioners.
This changes now means that more people are eligible for a full or part pension for the Aged Pension, Carer Payment, or Disability Support Pension.
The assets that the Government include are any property or possessions owned in full, in part or that someone may have an interest in.
Visit the Assets test for Carer Payment on the Service Australia website for more information.
New Resources Hub for Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
New resources are available to help older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with obtaining high-quality, culturally safe aged care.
These resources help with:
- planning your aged care journey Â
- understanding your aged care rights Â
- contacting the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission if your care isn’t right.
Hear from Elders like Aunties Grace, Sandra, Gloria and Jeanette about what good aged care means to them. Â
Find these resources on the First Nations Hub.
Digital Health Tools for LGBTIQA+ Older People: New Resources
LGBTIQA+ HealthCare Australia has worked with the Australian Digital Health Agency to create resources on using digital health tools, including a fact sheet for older LGBTIQA+ people.
There are several digital tools to help manage your healthcare:
- My Health Record
- Electronic Prescriptions
- Telehealth
As the world gets more and more digital, it is understandable that older LGBTIQA+ people might have concerns about these tools. Â
You can find the resources on the LGBTIQ+ Health Australia website.
Recovery Support Services – Mid North Coast and Hunter
Recovery Support Services (RSS) are available to help you in your recovery journey by providing personalised, immediate and short-term support. Â
RSS link you to your own personalised recovery support worker, who can help you navigate and access services and disaster assistance packages.
Recovery support workers walk alongside you in your recovery journey, providing help to address the complex challenges that emerge after a disaster. RSS also build your connections and link you with local community resources, services, and programs.
Who can use these services?
Anyone directly impacted by the East Coast Severe Weather Event (May 2025):
- Residents with damaged or destroyed homes
- Residents experiencing additional impacts from the floods (e.g. social, emotional and financial) Â
- Business Owners
- Primary producers and rural landholders
You can phone or email your local Recovery Support Service directly. No formal referral is required.
There is no cost to access Recovery Support Services. Participation is voluntary and customer-led.
Find out more about the Recovery Support Services on the NSW Government website.
