National Reconciliation Week Events
National Reconciliation Week has commenced, held each year from 27 May to 3 June. It’s an important time to reflect on our shared history, learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and perspectives, and consider how we can each contribute to reconciliation in our communities and workplace.
This week is an opportunity to listen, learn, and connect, whether that’s through conversations with others, attending a local event, reading and learning more, or simply taking a moment to reflect on the significance of reconciliation and respect.
We encourage everyone to explore what’s happening in your local community during the week and participate where you can. Across the country, there are many events, activities, and opportunities to engage, learn, and show support.
Below are a few links to activities happening across our communities:
Kempsey - National Reconciliation Week 2026 - Kempsey Shire Council
Coffs Harbour - National Reconciliation Week - Southern Cross University
Mid Coast - Reconciliation Week - Voices Unite - MidCoast Council
New England - Reconciliation Bridge Walk - University of New England (UNE)
Far North Coast - Tweed Shire Council goes All In for National Reconciliation Week 2026 | Tweed Shire Council
Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival
The Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival is back this year, on the June long weekend: 5th - 7th June 2026.
Nestled in the stunning Mid North Coast of NSW, our Festival has blossomed into a beloved gathering of literary lovers, which brings together world-renowned icons and emerging voices for an unforgettable weekend of creativity and connection.
Each year, we come together in Bellingen on the breathtaking traditional lands of the Gumbaynggirr people and surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage–listed natural beauty that inspires us all.
Our festival bursts with contemporary Australian voices, from acclaimed fiction writers and sharp political commentators to powerful First Nations creators, LGBTQI+ storytellers, and live performers who light up the stage. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! In the lead-up to the Festival, our Schools Program brings the joy of storytelling to young minds across the Mid North Coast with a week full of interactive and inspiring sessions.
Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time visitor, our welcoming, inclusive and dynamic lineup includes something for everyone. Come celebrate stories, ideas and the power of words with us!
Book your tickets here: Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival
Coffs Harbour Pride Walk
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.
Chair Yoga at Coffs Library
Enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being for all ages and fitness levels.
Experience the tranquillity and rejuvenation of Chair Yoga! Whether you're seeking to enhance flexibility, reduce stress, or improve posture, our gentle yet effective practices are tailored to meet your needs and promote holistic wellness.
Time: 10:30am – 11.15am
Date: Fourth Wednesday, Monthly
Location: Learning Lab, Level 2, Harry Bailey Memorial Library, Yarrila Place
Cost: Free, bookings requested.
More details: Chair Yoga Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite
Dates:
• Wednesday, 24 June 2026
• Wednesday, 22 July 2026
• Wednesday, 27 August 2026
• Wednesday, 23 September 2026
• Wednesday, 28 October 2026
• Wednesday, 25 November 2026
Coffs Harbour Seniors Activities
Want to meet new people and get more involved in your community?
There's a wide variety of social and community groups and events for older adults on the Coffs Coast, such as the Lions Club, Toastmasters, Rotary, Choir and the Bush 'n' Beach orienteering club. This guide provides details, dates and descriptions of various events and groups to get involved with. There's something for everyone!
Coffs Harbour Senior Citizens Club
Coffs Harbour Senior Citizens Club is a friendly, welcoming hub for people over the age of 45. The club meets on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Cavanbah Centre.
You can join weekly activities including indoor bowls, dancing, and games. A computer club and needlecraft and quilters club also meet weekly at the centre.
Cavanbah is a modern community facility that can hold up to 200 people. It's set in landscaped gardens with free parking.
It's a great place to visit, try some new activities and meet people in the area.
See more here: Coffs Harbour Senior Citizens Club | LiveUp
Port Macquarie ArtWalk 2026
Date: Friday, 5th June 2026, 5 pm to 09 pm
From its early beginnings to becoming Port Macquarie’s flagship community event, ArtWalk has grown into a celebration of creativity, connection, and culture.
Over the years, what started as a small gathering of local artists has expanded into an event featuring projections, light installations, live music, over 100 artists and performers, and activities from local schools and community groups. The CBD truly comes alive each year!
Thousands of visitors have joined us along the way, enjoying the incredible talent of our local creatives. This milestone year is a celebration not just of art, but of the journey we’ve taken together as a community
We can’t wait to celebrate this incredible milestone with you on 5th June. See you at ArtWalk!
SING Australia
Love to sing? Want to join in with welcoming, inclusive, and fun people on a Monday afternoon?
We meet every Monday (except on public holidays) from 3 pm to 5 pm to enjoy good company and share the joy of singing.
There are no auditions, no musical reading requirements, and no pressure! We have a break at 4 pm for a cuppa (BYO cup, everything else is provided) and a chat.
Meeting location: The Pavilion, Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living, 41 York Street, Coffs Harbour.
Not everyone can sing on their own, but everyone can sing with others.
The practice venue is accessible.
To find out more, please visit the website: Home - Sing Australia
Dignity of Risk Framework for community aged care providers – Resource Launch
This framework was developed by the National Sector Support and Development Dignity of Risk working group including representatives from: Adelaide Hills Council, Bellarine Community Health, City of Onkaparinga, Eastern Sector Development Team, Ethnic Community Services Co-operative, iLA Australia and West Gippsland Healthcare Group.
In 2025, the working group completed a series of stakeholder focus groups, sector-wide surveys, and an in-depth review of contemporary literature to explore how Dignity of Risk is understood, applied, and challenged across the community aged care setting.
The project identified that while the sector supports the philosophy of Dignity of Risk, practical constraints, from unclear documentation pathways to lack of staff confidence, prevent consistent practice. The findings underscored the need for sector-wide tools, training, leadership messaging, and cultural change to reframe Dignity of Risk not as a risk to avoid, but as a right to uphold.
This framework has been developed to provide a structured approach to support community aged care providers to understand and embed Dignity of Risk.
It includes the following key elements:
The Dignity of Risk framework for community aged care providers
Step 1: Always start with the person
Step 2: Consider who needs to be involved
Step 3: Identify benefits and risks
Step 4: Communicate risk
Step 5: Explore options and agree on a plan
Step 6: Document and implement plan
Each step includes key considerations, practical steps and discussion questions to support ongoing learning and implementation of Dignity of Risk systems and practices. It is designed to be flexible, so that providers can implement the key elements within the context of their organisational context.
The framework is supported by a series of case studies that illustrate the Dignity of Risk framework in action.
Dignity of Risk Framework for community aged care providers.pdf (1.5 MB)
Dignity of Risk Framework for community aged care providers_Case Study_Samuel.pdf (449.3 KB)
Dignity of Risk Framework for community aged care providers_Case Study_Paul.pdf (392.1 KB)
Dignity of Risk Framework for community aged care providers_Case Study_Frances.pdf (583.1 KB)
Cultures of Care gathering
Register for the third Cultures of Care gathering Cultures of Care is a regional aged care forum that holds focus with Aboriginal organisations on strengthening connection, learning and quality care for Elders and older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
On Wednesday, 3rd June 2026, from 9.30am to 3pm, Social Futures and Tweed Shire Council will co‑host our third Cultures of Care Forum at the Harvard and South Sea Islander Rooms, Tweed Heads Civic & Cultural Centre, Brett Street, Tweed Heads. Register for the third Cultures of Care gathering.
The forum will be co-facilitated by Uncle Garry Kafoa and Social Futures, with guest presenter Ragina Rogers, CEO of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute.
There will be opportunities for discussion in breakout groups, yarning in the larger circle, and time to connect over morning tea and lunch.
This forum will explore: Business development challenges, including how Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and smaller providers can strengthen relationships with larger organisations to support quality care for Elders and older people across the region. Sharing stories and data: how culturally grounded approaches to data can support quality, advocacy, compliance and self‑determination, with older people’s rights and data sovereignty at the centre. Community voice in the Support at Home Senate Inquiry, particularly in relation to co‑contributions.
Peer Solutions – CHSP leaders navigating change
Peer Solutions - CHSP leaders navigating change. As a CHSP leader navigating sector change, you make some tough calls. Join a national solutions-focused peer group discussion with CHSP leaders grappling with the same challenges you are. Hear from a panel of small to medium CHSP providers as they share key challenges and their creative solutions. Learn from other CHSP providers through small and large group discussions. A space to connect and support your work implementing change.
Register for Peer Solutions - CHSP leaders navigating change.
The panel includes Peter Devine (CEO, Heyday Supports), Kylie O'Bryan (CEO, Booroongen Djugun) and Danielle Ballantine (CEO, Yourside).
Date: Tuesday, 23rd June 2026
Please click here to register.
Registration Renewal & Audit Readiness for Home Care Providers
Date and Time: Thursday, 18th June, 1.00pm - 2.30pm
Under the Aged Care Act 2024, providers must apply to renew their registration to continue delivering funded aged care services. The Commission has released detailed guidance on the renewal application process, including expectations regarding documentation, evidence and category-specific requirements.
For providers registered in Categories 4 and 5, renewal will also involve an audit against the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, making prior preparation even more critical.
This webinar is designed to help you move from awareness to action by creating a structured Registration Renewal Readiness Project within your organisation.
What We’ll Cover
In this practical session, we will step through:
- The registration renewal process and what we now know
- Key elements of the Commission’s renewal guidance and expectations
- Practical steps involved in preparing and submitting your renewal application
- Category-specific requirements and implications for Categories 4 and 5
- Documentation requirements and evidence considerations
- Common gaps providers are likely to face.
We will also work through a Registration Renewal Roadmap, helping you structure your internal project plan so teams can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Suitable for:
- Home care leaders and executives who are responsible for registration and compliance
- Quality and risk managers
- Governance and board members overseeing the renewal strategy
- Compliance and audit leads
- Operations managers supporting audit preparation
- Providers registered in Categories 4 and 5 are preparing for an audit.
Whether your renewal is approaching soon or further down the track, early preparation will reduce risk and stress.
Key Takeaways
Participants will walk away with:
- A clear understanding of the renewal application process
- Insight into the evidence and documentation required
- A structured Registration Renewal Roadmap to guide internal planning
- Greater clarity on audit readiness requirements
- Practical guidance to support a smoother renewal experience
- Time for live Q&A to address your organisation’s specific questions.
Presenter: Enkindle Consulting
This session is jointly brought to you by Ku-ring-gai Council and Your Side.
Booking link: Registration Renewal & Audit Readiness for Home Care Provider Tickets | TryBooking Australia
Dementia Research and Education Centre Mini-training
DREAM Coaching Mini-sessions are here.
These short videos are designed to give you best-practice dementia care tips and strategies that you can access anytime, when you only have a little time.
They discuss:
- The importance of validation in dementia care
- Why knowing the person really matters
- How teamwork can help you and the person in your care
- The "Silent Partner" approach
- Looking beyond words to recognise pain
- Using the Five Ss to promote better communication between caregivers and receivers
Find these Coaching Mini-sessions under the Coaching tab or through the Resource Library in the Network.
Introduction to Cultural Awareness in Aged Care training series
This online course is designed to equip aged care workers with the basic concepts and knowledge to support older people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
One in three people using aged care services was born overseas (AIHW, 2023); aged care providers must therefore deliver high-quality and culturally appropriate care to older Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
Understanding Cultural Awareness is the first and very important step for aged care providers and workers in their journey to achieve aged care that is culturally informed and embraces the needs of older multicultural communities.
Introduction to Cultural Awareness in Aged Care // ECCQ Aged Care Training Hub
ACQSC Community of Practice Sessions
Multicultural Aged Care (MAC) invites you to the Aged Care Quality Standards Community of Practice session meetings.
Come and join us as we overview and discuss Strengthened Standards, Aged Care Act Obligations, Regulatory model and more.
We look forward to welcoming you and to working together to share experiences and knowledge and exchange ideas to learn, progress and develop service and delivery systems that enable continuous improvement to meet the current Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards requirements.
Register here on the MAC website
Date: Tuesday, 5th May
Time: 3pm - 4.30pm
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 vai the OPAN 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 CHSP Providers and Child Safe Compliance (2026) document here.
Elder Care Support
Who can access the Elder Care Support program?
Any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who is 50 and over can access the Elder Care Support program.
A family member or support person can also reach out to the program on behalf of the older person.
What help can the Elder Care Support program provide?
The Elder Care Support program is available across urban, regional and remote Australia. It provides support workers who can give you information about aged care and guide you through the process of accessing services.
An Elder Care Support worker can:
- advocate for you in meetings to have your voice heard
- help you understand aged care services, navigate and attend the assessment process and choose a provider
- help families, friends and carers understand how to access aged care services
- advocate for you by working with assessors and providers
- support you while you receive aged care services
- help with other health needs, such as disability support.
See more information here: Elder Care Support program | My Aged Care
Local Providers
Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service - Kempsey
Galambila Aboriginal Health Service - Coffs Harbour
Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service - Ballina
Meals on Wheels Coffs Coast
We have a team of 80 wonderful volunteers who work in our office, and assist in the delivery of meals and work in the kitchen of Chill 'n' Chat, making our fresh salads and sandwiches.
Our service relies on the support of volunteers and we appreciate every one of them.
If you would like to be involved as a volunteer, register here: Volunteers | Meals On Wheels
All volunteers operate according to our Code of Behaviour. All volunteers are required to complete a NSW Police Check, which MOW pays for. While volunteers provide clients with important personal contact, they are also enriching their own lives by the volunteering experience.
They have the satisfaction of helping others; they meet other volunteers and have some fun; they take part in training opportunities to learn and develop new skills and best of all they feel needed and valued. We have a great volunteer network who readily tell you how satisfying their work is. “Thanks for being the eyes and ears for our service.”
Service NSW – Mobile Service Centre
For details on what services will be available and upcoming dates and locations, please visit the Service NSW websitet: Upcoming Northern Mobile Service Centre visits | Service NSW
End-of-life Doula Directory
A death doula (also known as an end-of-life doula) is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to terminally ill individuals and their families. Similar to birth doulas, they offer holistic guidance to make the dying process as peaceful and personalised as possible.
They support clients by supplementing hospice or hospital care. Their core responsibilities generally include:
- Practical Planning: Helping get affairs in order, writing advance directives, and planning memorial or funeral services.
- Emotional Support: Sitting vigil, listening to concerns, and holding space for difficult conversations without judgment.
- Legacy Projects: Assisting the dying person in creating memory books, letters, or videos for loved ones.
- Family Care: Providing respite for primary caregivers and helping the family navigate anticipatory grief.
- Post-Death Support: Assisting with after-death care, ritual planning, and ongoing bereavement support.
End of Life Doula Directory: Resources - End of Life Doula Directory End of Life Doula Directory
Natural Death Care Centre: WELCOME HOME - Natural Death Care Centre
Northern Rivers Doula Network: End of Life / Death Care Doula - Business Listings - NDAN - Results from #30
First Nations Hub developed by ARIIA
ARIIA (Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia) is working on a program that supports First Nations (Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) aged care providers and workers as part of its broader mission to develop and grow the aged care workforce.
The program aims to enhance the delivery of culturally safe and evidence-informed aged care services for First Nations older people across Australia. By highlighting Indigenous knowledge systems and community-led approaches, it contributes to care environments that are more responsive, respectful, and grounded in the principles of cultural safety and self-determination.
This program is aligned with and supports a range of Commonwealth funded aged care initiatives for First Nations people.
Australia Community Expectations Report 2026
The Ageing in Australia Community Expectations Report 2026, recently released by Ageing Australia, is useful reading for anyone working in aged care services and community care.
Conducted by SEC Newgate, this is the first in a planned biennial series looking at what the broader Australian community thinks about ageing, aged care, retirement living and seniors housing. This includes views from people of all ages, not just older people or current service users. The research draws on both qualitative and quantitative data gathered in mid-2025, covering trust, confidence and expectations across the system, including views on funding, technology and informal caregiving.
Read the Ageing in Australia Community Expectations Report here
Inclusive Use of Digital and Non-Digital Communications for Older People with a Disability
Effective communication with participants in community aged care relies on good choices about the use of digital and non-digital communication tools. These choices should be informed by an understanding of the communication rights, needs and preferences of older Australians, including those living with disability.
Many older Australians are capable and confident users of digital communication technologies, and people with disability are often early adopters. However, a significant proportion face barriers in using digital tools for a range of practical, cognitive or access-related reasons. While this guide relates to older people with all types of disability, it provides targeted advice for some of the most common forms of disability experienced by participants in community aged care:
- Dementia-related disability,
- Sensory disability (sight, hearing and speech),
- Physical mobility disability
- Other cognitive and psychosocial disability (intellectual, acquired brain injury, psychosocial, autism)
COTA Victoria has produced a guide for community aged care providers on the inclusive use of digital and non-digital communications for older people with a disability.
For more information and to download the guide visit the COTA Victoria website.
Free Legal Advice
Legal Aid provide free legal advice to eligible people by phone and at lots of locations across NSW. Legal Aid NSW provides legal information to anyone with a legal problem in NSW through our legal information and referral service, LawAccess NSW. You can contact LawAccess NSW via web chat or by calling 1300 888 529 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
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.
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.
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 Refresh Retreats | BaptistCare website.
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.
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.
Department of Health Disability and Ageing – Consultation Hub
This site will help you find, share and participate in consultations that interest you.
You will find links to the consultations we are currently running.
Alternatively, you may search for consultations by keyword, interest or status.
Once finalised, decisions will be published under Closed Consultations.
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing - Citizen Space
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
Free Medicare Mental Health Support
Medicare Mental Health Check In is a new, free service offering online tools for people with mild mental health challenges. Working one step at a time, the service helps build practical skills to support your wellbeing and feel more in control. Feeling down, worried, stressed, or overwhelmed? Medicare Mental Health Check In is a new, free service that can connect you with a trained practitioner via telehealth.
Medicare Mental Health Check In delivers free evidence-based Low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy through online tools.
The service offers a safe, supportive space for people to talk about what they are experiencing and work through online tools together to build confidence and learn practical skills to manage life’s ups and downs.
The evidence-based online tools:
- are free for people living in Australia
- are available to anyone aged 16 and older
- do not require a diagnosis or referral.
If you prefer to go at your own pace, from 30 May 2026 you can use the online tools on your own. You can also choose to connect with a trained practitioner along the way if you want extra support.
Find out if it’s right for you:
- call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 (8:30am – 5pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays)
- visit the Medicare Mental Health Check In website.
LifeHouse Care Food Pantries
Helping to ease the burden of financial stress.
Everyone is welcome.
LifeHouse pantries provide essential food and personal care items at a low cost, so that you can shop with dignity by selecting goods according to your own needs. Pantries are located inside each of our Op Shops. Each location is a welcoming, friendly, safe space to connect and have a chat. See more information here: LifeHouse Care Pantries
Bellingen
Tuesday 10am - 12pm
Friday 10am - 12pm
A | 64 Hyde St, Bellingen
P | 02 6655 2279
Coffs Harbour
Tuesday 10am - 12pm
Friday 10am - 12pm
A | 169A Orlando St, Coffs Harbour
P | 02 6658 0055
Grafton
Friday 10am - 12pm
A | 41 Skinner St, South Grafton
P | 02 6643 2381
Moree
Monday to Friday 8.30am - 1pm
A | 81 Herber St, Moree
P | 02 6059 0606
Toormina
Monday 10am - 12pm
Thursday 10am - 12pm
A | 4 Minorca Pl, Toormina
P | 02 6658 1899
Urunga
Thursday 10am - 12pm
A | 45 Bonville St, Urunga
Woolgoolga
Tuesday 10am - 12pm
Friday 10am - 12pm
A | 8 Nightingale St, Woolgoolga
P | 02 6654 7377
Food and other Emergency Support
Coffs Neighbourhood Centre has a range of services to support the local community, from free food, free tax help, legal support, counselling, financial counselling and more.
They also run the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme (ACVVS) to support quality friendship matches between volunteers and older people living in residential aged care facilities or receiving a Home Care Package.
The scheme recognises that most people want ‘someone special’ in their lives and that connection is essential to an individual’s wellbeing, especially later in life. Older community members still want the opportunity to connect to friends in their community but the scheme acknowledges that some may be isolated and not have family close by.
Read more on their website: Services - Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre
For more information about becoming an Aged Care Volunteer Visitor, please contact your local ACVVS Co-ordinator on 02 6648 3662 or email: acvvs@chnc.com.au
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 support 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.
Influenza Vaccines Available Now
Influenza vaccination is recommended and funded under the NIP for all people aged 65 years and over, due to their higher risk of complications from influenza.
See more here: Flu shots 2026: What you’re getting, what’s free, and why it matters.
Where can I get the flu vaccine?
The easiest way to find a vaccine provider is by searching on the government’s HealthDirect website under “Influenza (flu) vaccine” and your location.
In general, influenza vaccines are at GP clinics, pharmacies, community health services and Aboriginal Health Services. Your school, university or workplace may also have a program. Find out where you can get vaccinated here.
There are special arrangements for aged care facilities and other group accommodation settings. Immunisation services are also available for staff and patients in public hospitals.
