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Nov-Dec 2025

Welcome to Aged Care News

This newsletter is for community members and services across the Mid North Coast, it’s full of useful information to keep us connected and up to date with what’s going on in our communities.

Small Business for Women Carers

Want to grow your existing business OR have a business idea you are ready to explore?

This program is for women who: 

  • are living in NSW who provide support to a family member, partner or friend who lives with a disability, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency, chronic condition, terminal illness or who is frail
  • want inclusive and flexible support
  • can commit to approximately 20 hours of facilitated guidance over 6+ months.  

For more information visit the Small Business for Women Carers | Carers NSW webpage.  

Webinar: Quality Palliative and End-of-life Care

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) is hosting a webinar about quality palliative and end-of-life care. It is intended for older people, their families and carers. 

When: Tuesday 25 November, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (AEDT). 

Where: Online

A panel of experts will discuss what quality end-of-life care looks like in practice, from planning and decision-making to palliative support and bereavement. 

We encourage providers to share this information with people in their care.  

For more information and to register, visit the OPAN website

Christmas Cheer Hamper Distribution – Port Macquarie

The Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Program spreads hope and joy by providing food hampers, toys, and support to families facing hardship during the festive season.

It is with the generosity of local businesses, community donors, and volunteers that we can ensure everyone experiences the warmth and celebration of Christmas.

Applications for hampers open in early November and remain open until the allocation is exhausted. Hampers can be collected on 16th and 17th December.

Where: 110 Lord Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 - View on map

When: 9:30am 16th December 2025 until 4pm 17th December 2025

Contact Details: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/portmacquarie/portmacsalvos/

NSW Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts

NSW Seniors Festival Regional Christmas Concerts tickets are on sale!  

Celebrate the festive season at the free NSW Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts 2025, presented by the Department of Communities and Justice.  

The NSW Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts 2025 will be held in Goulburn, Grafton and Port Macquarie.  

All concerts will feature Auslan interpreters, and each venue is wheelchair accessible. For specific accessibility needs, please contact the venue directly. 

Goulburn 

  • Location: Goulburn Performing Arts Centre
  • Date: Friday 5 December 2025
  • Times: 10:30am and 1:30pm 

Grafton

  • Location: The Saraton Theatre, Grafton
  • Date: Tuesday 9 December 2025
  • Times: 10:30am and 1:30pm 

Port Macquarie  

  • Location: Glasshouse Port Macquarie
  • Date: Thursday 11 December 2025
  • Times: 10am and 2pm 

Book your free tickets now!

Tickets are free, but bookings are essential as seats are limited. All tickets can be booked directly with the venue.  

Book tickets for Grafton:

Book tickets for Port Macquarie 

  • Phone: (02) 6581 8888 
  • In person: Glasshouse Port Macquarie, 30-42 Clarence Street &, Hay St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 

Book tickets for Goulburn

 We’re here to help!

 For more information about the Christmas concerts and a list of the performers visit the Seniors Christmas Concerts event website.

If you have any questions, please email the Seniors Festival Team at nswseniorsfestival@dcj.nsw.gov.au  

Gingerbread House Decorating Night – Port Macquarie

Celebrate the festive season with a night of sweet creativity and community spirit!

Hosted by the Port Macquarie Salvos, this fun-filled event invites families and friends to build and decorate their own gingerbread houses.

People of all ages and abilities are welcome!

When: Friday, 12th December 2025, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Where: 110 Lord Street, PORT MACQAURIE NSW 2444 - View on map

Contact Details: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/portmacquarie/portmacsalvos/

Tech Savvy Seniors – Introduction to Video Calling

Learn how to use video calling to stay in touch with friends and family at our Tech Savvy Seniors session.

No prior experience needed!  

Tech Savvy Seniors is a learning initiative that assists seniors who have limited or no experience in using technology to learn a new skill, access information online, and stay connected with family and friends. 

At this Tech Savvy Seniors session we will cover an Introduction to Video Calling using Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Get free, accessible support and build your confidence when video conferencing. 

When: Monday, 8th December 2025 - 10am to 12pm

Where: Kempsey Library, 22 Tozer Street, Kempsey

Please bring your device fully charged and ready to use. 

Bookings are essential.

Morning tea will be provided.

  To reserve a spot visit the event booking page on the Eventbrite website.

For more information, or if you require assistance to reserve your spot, please call Kempsey Library on 6566 3210. 

Chair Yoga – Coffs Harbour

Enhance physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing for all ages and fitness levels - experience the tranquility 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. 

Location: Learning Lab, Level 2, Harry Bailey Memorial Library, Yarrila Place,  27 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour  

Date: Fourth Wednesday of every month (next session Wednesday 28th January 2026) 

Time: 10:30am – 11am 

Cost: FREE 

Enhance: Land-based Strength and Balance Training

Ramsay Health Plus Baringa's "Enhance - Land-based Strength and Balance Training" is a tailored gym-based group program designed to ensure older adults continue to thrive in the community. 

The program is targeted on keeping individuals safe on their feet to reduce their risk of falling and promote a healthier lifestyle. 

The Enhance class focuses on strength and resistance training, balance and proprioception training, and improving an individuals cardiovascular health. 

Location: Ramsay Health Plus, Baringa Private Hospital, 31 Mackays Road, Coffs Harbour

Opening hours: 

  • Tuesdays from 3:00pm 
  • Thursdays from 3:00pm 

Usual clinic hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 4:30pm. Clinic is closed on public holidays. 

Cost: Large group classes: from $20 per session (discounted passes available) 

Target age: 50 Plus 

Special requirements or conditions: Clothing suitable to exercise in and enclosed footwear is required. Bring a water bottle with you. 

Minimum experience: Beginner 

Leader qualifications: Exercise Physiologist 

Healthcare clearance requirement: Yes 

Private health insurance rebates: Yes 

Move Well with Qigong for Health, Harmony and Happiness

Each class includes fully guided movement practices to support the health of your physical body, as well as to calm and relax your mind.   Slow and steady flowing movements support participants to work at their own pace, and all practices can be done at individual capacity.  Exercises are done standing, however seated modifications are available if needed. 

Benefits of practicing Qigong 

  • Gentle and easy to follow exercises  
  • Gradual improvement of core strength 
  • Strengthens lower body to improve balance 
  • Improves flexibility and functional mobility 
  • Supports internal organ health 
  • Relaxes the mind and calms the nervous system  
  • Enhances physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.  

No previous experience or equipment is needed.  

Location: Bowra St Urunga, NSW 2455.

 Various classes are offered on the Mid North Coast, please contact us for the current program: 

Phone: 0421 476 745

Email: medicinewomantherapy@gmail.com

Web: https://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/program/view/4647

Cost per visit: $15 for pension card holders, $20 for others.

Online Training Through Wesley Sector Support and Development

Wesley Mission's Sector Support and Development Central Coast & Hunter team have a multitude of online webinars and training available over the coming months geared towards workers in the sector.

Visit the Humanitix website for more information and to register.

New Aged Care System Financial and Budget Information

  • Once you are receive a Support at Home package you will be allocated a budget. This page covers how a Support at Home budget works, how to manage your funds, what to do with unspent funds, and more: Managing your Support at Home budget

New Aged Care Act

  • The new Aged Care Act (also known as the new Act) started on 1st November 2025 and puts the rights of older people at the centre of aged care. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and Complaints Commissioner will work with registered providers to ensure they deliver care that upholds these rights.
  • Follow the link below for more information:

Australian Government myagedcare website

Provider Operational Readiness

This list is to guide aged care providers on what to do before and after 1st November 2025, to implement the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program. 

This list has recently been updated to: 

  • change the rules link to the final Aged Care Rules 
  • change the aged care service list link. 

For more information visit the Department's Provider Operational Readiness webpage. 

Advance Care Planning

Please see below for some key links to information on advance care planning:

Advance Care Planning Australia – advancecareplanning.org.au

Advance Care Planning gives you the opportunity to plan your future health care and medical treatment while you're healthy and can make decisions yourself. 

Palliative Care Australia – palliativecare.org.au

Palliative Care Australia believes high quality palliative care should be available and accessible to people living with a life-limiting illness when and where they need it. PCA supports the health, aged care and community sector workforce who all have a role in providing palliative care to people with a life-limiting illness and supporting carers and loved ones.

Advance Care Planning - My Health Record

For uploading advance care planning directives to your My Health Record account.

Christmas Cheer Hamper Distribution – Port Macquarie

The Salvation Army Christmas Cheer Program spreads hope and joy by providing food hampers, toys, and support to families facing hardship during the festive season.

It is with the generosity of local businesses, community donors, and volunteers that we can ensure everyone experiences the warmth and celebration of Christmas.

Applications for hampers open in early November and remain open until the allocation is exhausted. Hampers can be collected on 16th and 17th December.

Where: 110 Lord Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 - View on map

When: 9:30am 16th December 2025 until 4pm 17th December 2025

Contact Details: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/portmacquarie/portmacsalvos/

Rights-based Video on Aged Care Act 

The new Aged Care Act started on 1st November 2025. It includes a Statement of Rights to help make sure older people are at the centre of their aged care.    

A video is available to help explain what rights older people have when accessing aged care services 

The video is available in a variety of languages and Auslan on the Government website here

Keep Able – Assessment Training Videos 

These short videos help you identify issues during assessments, talk with clients, write clear support plans, and know when to refer to Allied Health 

See and Hear – Introduction – Entering the home and in the lounge 

See and Hear – In the bedroom 

See and Hear – In the kitchen 

See and Hear – At the entrance and common walks inside and outside the home 

Watch the Assessment Training Videos here

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