Byron Writers Festival
Byron Writers Festival is Australia's favourite regional meeting place of storytelling and ideas, at the heart of the Northern Rivers. Presenting a world-class literary event for all to enjoy, with the best local, national and international writers on Bundjalung Country, join us in the picturesque Byron Bay township from 14—16 August 2026.
Byron Bay will welcome writers from around the world and transform into a literary precinct with markets, live music, and ocean bathing.
Themed 'Sanctuary', we present this festival at a moment of great global change, and as algorithmic tools offer a cheap illusion of creativity and understanding. From the festival stage to the bookstore and cafes, take sanctuary here alongside those nourished by the doing of writing, reading and thinking.
To book your place and to find out more information visit: Byron Writers Festival | Home
Mini Farmers Thursdays – Term 3, 2026
Join us for Farm Kids Thursdays in Term 3 2026, a fun and immersive nature-based program designed for children aged 5–12 who love hands-on learning. Families can book single sessions or enjoy a discounted rate when booking the full 8-week term. Each week, children will explore the wonders of farm life through creative arts, scientific experiments, garden projects and more!
This term, Farm Kids will become biodiversity guardians as we explore the insects, birds, reptiles and native animals that help a farm thrive. Through hands-on investigations, creative projects, nature journalling and practical farm experiences, children will discover how pollinators, pest controllers, seed spreaders, habitat builders, decomposers and predators all contribute to a healthy living ecosystem.
What Children Will Experience
- Nature walks and biodiversity observation
- Butterfly hatching and life-cycle learning
- Beeswax candle making
- Bug Olympics and beneficial insect exploration
- Seed dispersal experiments and seed ball making
- Bird sit spots, sound maps and habitat mapping
- Compost creature investigations and decomposition experiments
- Lizard lounge building and food web games
Spaces are limited—book your child’s place in Farm Kids today for a season of adventure, learning, and farmyard fun!
Waagay Biliinyjarl Aboriginal Corporation After School Programs
In term 3 we are offering two exciting programs for Aboriginal young people aged 10–17 years, designed to build confidence, life skills, connection to culture, and positive relationships in a safe and supportive environment.
🎣 Fishing Program Starts: Monday 27th July 2026
Duration: 4-week program
- Learn the basics of fishing
- Fishing equipment provided
- Afternoon tea provided
🏹 Archery Program Starts: Tuesday 4th August 2026
Duration: 6-week program
- Delivered in partnership with Sherwood Archery Coffs Harbour
- Transport available where required
View the flyers for the archery program, fishing program and referral form. The referral form includes both program options and participant details.
Places are limited, so we encourage referrals to be submitted as soon as possible.
If you would like to refer a young person or require further information, please contact us:
Waagay Biliinyjarl Aboriginal Corporation
📞 0466 060 931
📧 waagay.biliinyjarl@gmail.com
Homelessness Matters Day – Coffs Harbour
Homelessness Matters Day
Coffs Harbour Housing Partnership Group, is holding a Homelessness Week Event! This event is an opportunity for community members to connect with local services, learn about supports available across the region and come together to raise awareness of homelessness and housing challenges within our community.
They'll have a coffee truck on site and barbeque sausage sizzle.
When: Thursday, 6th August at Brelsford Park
Time: 10am - 2pm.
Where: Brelsford Park
For more information, please view this flyer: Homelessness Matters Day flyer
Boundless: A Book Ball
You're invited to a welcoming, inclusive night, presented by Coffs Harbour Support Services. A chance to connect, celebrate and experience something special in a space designed with care.
Please note, this is an 18+ event.
Date: 22nd August, 2026
Location: Pacific Bay Resort
Dress: Formal/Story-inspired
Details: 18+ event, disability inclusive
Boundless is a charity ball hosted by Coffs Harbour Support Services. Every ticket sold goes toward meaningful local impact.
Optional exclusive accommodation packages are available for guests through the venue. Details will be shared with ticket holders.
Get your tickets and more information here
Walk, Eat, Connect – Wellbeing Program
OzGREEN is offering a free community wellbeing program called Walk. Eat. Connect.
The program includes five guided bushwalks, shared healthy meals and informal conversations with local community organisations. It is designed to help people spend time in nature, connect with others and learn about local services, groups and volunteering opportunities.
Walk. Eat. Connect. provides opportunity for social connection, gentle physical activity and time outdoors.
Please note that the walks take place on natural bush tracks and may include uneven ground, rocks, roots, slopes, mud, creek crossings or slippery surfaces. Participants need to be able to walk approximately 6–8km at a gentle group pace.
Places are limited and registration is essential.
Register here: www.ozgreen.org/walk-eat-connect
For more information, contact OzGREEN: kathleen@ozgreen.org.au
Full Day Suicide Prevention workshop
Learn practical skills to support someone in distress
This workshop is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support someone who may be experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts.
Early effective support can make a real difference and save lives. These conversations offer support and a safe space for open discussions while encouraging help-seeking.
You’ll learn:
- How to use safe, supportive language
- How to ask about suicide
- Active listening strategies
- Safety planning and self‑care
- Risk and protective factors
- How to connect someone with support services
Ensuring participant safety
Delivered by accredited facilitators, the training is based on current research and aligns with Mindframe guidelines for safe communication. Wesley LifeForce Community Suicide Prevention Training is accredited with Quality Innovation Performance Limited (QIP), assessed against the Suicide Prevention Australia Standards.
Who should attend:
Open to all community members (18 years of age and over)
Date: Thursday, 27th August 2026
Time: 9.00am - 4.00pm
Location: Coffs Community College
Cost: Free
Register here: Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Full Day Workshop - Coffs Harbour, NSW Tickets, Thursday 27 August • 9 AM - 4 PM | Eventbrite
Disability Inclusion Action Plan Review – Community Survey
Bellingen Shire Council is reviewing its Disability Inclusion Action Plan and is inviting the community to have their say.
We want to hear from people with disability, their families, carers, and the wider community about what is working well, what barriers exist, and how we can make our community more inclusive and accessible.
You can get involved by:
- Completing the community survey Disability Inclusion Action Plan Review Survey (available online or as a hard copy from Shire Libraries, Council Admin Centre or Dorrigo Support Centre), and/or
- Attending one of our community workshops, held at local libraries and online (see the attached poster for dates, times and locations).
For survey links and workshop details, visit Council's website: Updating Our Disability and Inclusion Action Plan of Bellingen Shire
Consultation closes on Friday 14 August.
For more info call Councils Community Planning Officer on 6655 7300 or email council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au
Free Professional Development Workshops for Artists Living with Disability
Arts Mid North Coast, in partnership with Nambuccca Valley Phoenix are running a three-part workshop series designed to help artists build confidence, develop their professional practice and create new opportunities for their creative careers.
Across the three sessions, participants will:
- develop a professional artist biography and artist statement
- receive a professional headshot for use in promotional materials and applications
- learn practical strategies for selling their artwork and presenting themselves professionally
- understand the benefits of entering art prizes and exhibitions
- gain confidence approaching galleries to propose exhibitions and creative projects.
When: 8th, 11th and 20th August 2026
Where: Nambucca Valley Phoenix, 88 High St, Bowraville
Cost: Free - morning tea and light lunch provided at each workshop
Register via the Humanitix website
View the Workshops Flyer here
Gather – Connect – Recharge, Monthly Support Group
Are you concerned for someone you care about who may be in an unhealthy or harmful relationship?
Do you welcome an inclusive and safe environment to take time out from your worries?
Would you welcome a couple of hours to recharge, hang and share.
If you answered YES to any of these questions, then Lifetime Connect and Mission Australia would like to hear from you. We are proposing monthly "catch ups" to simply gather, connect and recharge. There will be activities to soul the soul, calm the mind, connect and unpack your worries.
No pressure, no judgement just support.
When: 5th August 2026
Time: 10am - 12noon
Where: Lifetime Connect 157a Mann Street Nambucca Heads
If monthly catchup time is something you feel you need and you want to learn more, then please contact Denise on 0499 039 815 for a confidential discussion.
Walk. Eat. Connect – free community wellbeing program
The program includes five guided bushwalks, shared healthy meals and informal conversations with local community organisations. It is designed to help people spend time in nature, connect with others and learn about local services, groups and volunteering opportunities.
Walk. Eat. Connect. provides opportunity for social connection, gentle physical activity and time outdoors.
Please note that the walks take place on natural bush tracks and may include uneven ground, rocks, roots, slopes, mud, creek crossings or slippery surfaces. Participants need to be able to walk approximately 6–8km at a gentle group pace.
Places are limited and registration is essential.
Register here: www.ozgreen.org/walk-eat-connect
For more information, contact OzGREEN: kathleen@ozgreen.org.au
Service NSW Mobile Service in the Shire
Service NSW Bus comes to your town offering the support they offer at their physical sites including: Drivers licence, Driver knowledge tests, WWCC, births, deaths and marriage certificates and Savings Finder program to access rebates and vouchers.
Upcoming dates and locations….
- BELLINGEN - Corner of Hyde Street and Ford Street *Note: Driver testing by appointment
Date: Wednesday 12 August
Time: 9am to 4pm
Date: Thursday 13 August
Time: 9am to 12pm
- EBOR - Ebor Falls Hotel Motel
Date: Tuesday 11 August
Time: 9am to 11:30am
For more information and locations, visit the website: Upcoming Northern Mobile Service Centre visits | Service NSW
Beyond Jazz Weekender
Beyond Jazz Weekender, 14–15 August 2026: Two nights. Two vibes. One weekend of bold, contemporary jazz beyond the mainstream, in eco certified Bellingen.
Friday: The Jazz Doof: Sydney’s underground jazz-warehouse energy hits Bellingen.
Saturday: The Jazz Social: A curated journey across global jazz styles — New Orleans brass, Ethio-jazz, ambient, electronic and funk-infused improvisation.
Together, a weekend celebrating adventurous musicianship, communal dancing and jazz as a living, joyfully physical artform. Early bird tickets now available - Friday, Saturday or two-day bundle. Don’t sleep on it.
When: 14th - 15th August 2026
Times: 7pm- 11.30pm
Where: Bellingen Memorial Hall, Hyde Street Bellingen
For more information and to book your tickets, visit: Beyond Jazz Weekender 2026 | Bellingen Memorial Hall
Bellingen Lions Club Winter Fireworks
The Lions Club Annual Fireworks for locals and visitors alike!
It's going to be a cold one, so dress warm to enjoy the spectacular show. The Lions team will be cooking up a storm of burgers and 2BBB music will be on site.
Bellingen Showground's visitors will be in for a treat!
When: Saturday, 8th August 2026
Time: 4.30pm -9pm - Gates open at 4pm
Where: Bellingen Showgrounds, Black Street Bellingen
Cost: FREE
There will be a kiosk and pop-up wine bar!
Sexuality and Disability Workshop – Professional Development
Sexuality is a central aspect of being human. This interactive workshop focuses on clinician skill building.
After this workshop participants will understand their role in addressing sexuality during their work, using practical, non-pharmacological strategies.
We will use the PLISSIT model to work through real-world scenarios across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.
The day includes small group activities and videos to give you the chance to practice the concepts so you can use them in your clinical work straight away.
Come join us for an interactive workshop in person in Forster NSW.
This in-person training opportunity is proudly presented by Care Rehab.
When: Friday 4th September 2026
Where: Forster Civic Centre, 4 Lake Street Forster
Time: 9am -2pm
To book visit: https://events.humanitix.com/sexuality-and-disability-workshop-forster
Forster Civic Centre parking information is available here.
Lunch and refreshments are provided.
Taree Aged Services Expo 2026
Come along for free tea, coffee and information and sound advice from a range of services including:
- Home care providers
- Aged care services
- Dementia information and support
- Carer support
- Legal services
- Mobility equipment
- Transport services
- Financial information and more
Date: Thursday 10th September 2026
Time: 10am - 1pm
Location: Manning Entertainment Centre, 33 Manning River Drive, Taree.
This expo is being hosted by the MidCoast Dementia Alliance with MidCoast Council.
For more information, contact Jane O’Dwyer on 0418 769 494 or Jane.ODwyer@midcoast.nsw.gov.au.
Homelessness Week Free BBQs
Join local service providers and community organisations for two free BBQ lunches as we come together to mark Homelessness Week.
Share information, connect with others and help create a welcoming, inclusive event for our community.
When: Wednesday 5th August 2026
Time: 11.30am -1pm
Where: Little Street Forster, across the road from Forster Neighbourhood Centre
and
When: Thursday 6th August 2026
Time: 11.30am -1pm
Where: Fotheringham Park, Taree
Please see this flyer for more details: Event Flyer or contact Georgina at taree@homeinplace.org or by calling 1300 333 733
Your Knowledge, Her Safety: Supporting Women’s Safety at Home, Work and Online – Training for Community Workers – Taree
Women’s Legal Service NSW will be coming to Taree to deliver legal education on supporting women’s safety at home, work and online. The training is for community workers and other professionals/workers who support women.
When: Thursday 20 August 2026
Time: 9.30am to 4.00pm
Where: Club Taree, 121 Wingham Rd, Taree
Cost: Tickets $30
Find details and registration here or see this flyer.
Any questions, please contact Fiona Yeh at Women’s Legal – womenslegal.educationandtraining@wlsnsw.org.au
Rainbow Warrior Football Club
Have you heard of Rainbow Warriors FC, a community soccer program designed specifically for children and young people aged 5–18 years who are on the autism spectrum or have additional support needs.
Rainbow Warriors FC provides a fun, welcoming and supportive environment where participants can develop confidence, build friendships, learn new skills and enjoy the benefits of being part of a team regardless of their ability or previous sporting experience.
As an organisation supporting children, young people and families, we would greatly appreciate your assistance in helping us spread the word.
The program is built on inclusion, participation and enjoyment, with a strong focus on creating positive experiences for each child.
Some highlights of the program include:
- Uniform, program facilitation and supervision are provided completely FREE of charge
- Safe, inclusive and supportive environment
- Opportunities to build confidence, social skills and friendships
- A community sausage sizzle following each session
When: Saturdays
Time: 9.30m - 10.30am
Where: Zone Fields, Manning River Drive Taree
Please see this flyer for more details and how to join.
2026 Multi-class (Disability) Short Course Swim Meet
Taree Torpedoes and Laurieton Swimm Club are holding the first ever Multi Class Swimming Meet in a Regional Area of NSW,
This family-friendly event will be hosted by Laurieton SC and Taree Torpedoes
Date: Sunday, 20th September 2026
Time: Warm-up 10am. Racing commences 11am
Where : Manning Aquatic Leisure Centre, 51 Manning River Drive, Taree
Entry Fees: $25 for as many MC events that you want to enter.
Closing Date: 11.59pm Sunday 13th September 2026
Car Parking available at the pool. MC Swimmers may not enter able-bodied events. Able-bodied events: are for family and carers of MC Swimmers. $25 for as many AB events you want to enter Entries: Through SWIM CENTRAL if swimmers are NSW Member, or through the GOOGLE FORM for non-members
View swim meet schedule here: Swim Meet
Taree Disability Community Expo
The Taree Community Disability Expo is a free event designed to connect people living with disabilities, their families, guardians, support workers and disability providers.
Visit the website to book tickets and to find more information: Taree Community Disability Expo | The Dec
When: Friday 28th August 2026
Time: 10am -1pm
Where: Club Taree, 121 Wingham Road Taree
Free coffee to the first 100 people through thanks to Breakthru!
Lifeline Crisis Support Phone Volunteers Information Night – August 2026
Learn how you can become a lifeline for those in need by joining us at our info night in August 2026!
Lifeline Mid Coast is seeking people who would like to make a difference.
Join us August 11, 2026 at The Westport Club for an evening dedicated to learning about becoming a phone volunteer for Lifeline Crisis Support. This in-person event will provide you with all the information you need to make a difference in someone's life. Whether you're looking to give back to the community or gain valuable skills, this event is perfect for you. Come and find out how you can be a lifeline for those in need. Don't miss this opportunity to make a real impact!
When: Tuesday 11th August 2026
Time: 6pm
Where: The Westport Club, Port Macquarie
To find out more and to register, visit: Lifeline Crisis Support Phone Volunteers Information Night - August 2026 Tickets
Blue Sky launches its third Reconciliation Action Plan
Blue Sky Community Services is proud to announce the launch of our third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for 2026 – 2028, marking another important milestone in our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our RAP reflects our commitment to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to build stronger relationships, create opportunities, and foster communities that recognise, respect and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and futures.
Developed in collaboration with Elders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members from across the Mid North Coast, the Plan sets out our vision for reconciliation and the practical actions we will take over the next three years to help achieve it. It builds on the progress of our previous RAPs while strengthening our commitment to listening, learning and working together.
We are grateful to everyone who contributed their knowledge, guidance and lived experience throughout the development of this Plan. Their insights have helped shape a meaningful roadmap that will guide our organisation and strengthen our partnerships into the future.
As we launch our third RAP, we look forward to continuing this journey alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, our staff, partners and stakeholders to create lasting, positive change.
Download the Blue Sky Community Services Reconciliation Action Plan 2026 - 2028 to learn more about our commitments and our vision for reconciliation.
Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS)
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme connects trained volunteers with older people who may be socially isolated or lonely, providing regular visits that build genuine friendships and improve wellbeing. Through consistent connections, the program helps to reduce loneliness, supports mental health, and enhances quality of life for participants, while also offering meaningful and rewarding experiences for volunteers.
The ACVVS supports older people living at home or in aged care residential facilities in the New England region.
We're currently recruiting volunteers of any age (over 18), gender or background.
If you're interested in joining the team as a volunteer, please fill out the Expression of Interest form here.
Or contact: (02) 6516 1921 | volunteervisitors@bluesky.org.au
If you know someone who would benefit from being a participant in the scheme, you can refer them via the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme Participant Referral Form here.
Our New “Families Together” Program
We are delighted to be delivering the Families Together Program across the Mid North Coast. Families Together supports children, young people, parents, and carers by providing tailored, family-centred assistance that helps build stronger relationships, improve wellbeing, and strengthen connections within the community.
Our Families Together service provides integrated, consistent and evidence-informed support to families with children at risk of significant harm, with the goal of keeping children safely at home and preventing entry into out-of-home care.
Families Together is a Family Preservation program that works with children and families to support safe, stable, and nurturing homes. Our goal is simple: to help children stay safely with their families wherever possible, and to reduce the need for entry into out-of-home care or involvement with the child protection system.
We know that every family has strengths, and that with the right support at the right time, positive change is possible. Families Together works alongside families to build on those strengths, address challenges, and create safer and more stable home environments.
The program also focuses on long-term wellbeing, supporting families to improve outcomes such as children’s education, health, and overall development.
Our work is guided by a set of principles that shape how we engage with families and communities:
We are child and family-centred, placing families at the heart of everything we do. We are culturally safe and responsive, ensuring respect for every family’s identity and background. We are transparent and accountable in how we work, and strengths-based in how we see families – focusing on what is working well as well as what needs support.
We use evidence-informed approaches, keep our service simple and accessible, and work collaboratively with families and other services. Our support is structured but flexible, adapting to the unique needs of each family.
Families Together is about walking alongside families to build safety, confidence, and brighter futures.
For more information visit the website: Families Together - 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
Tuning into Teens – Online Workshops
Tuning into Teens is a 6-week program, 2 hours a week, that helps you understand and support your teen. These online sessions are facilitated by Insight Shared.
Term 3 workshops starting:
When: Wednesday, 19th August 2026
Time: 7.30pm AEST
Cost: $50.00
Where: Online (link to be sent upon registration)
Tuning into Teens is a program that runs over six weekly, 2-hour, online sessions.
Based on research by the Gottman Institute into effectively raising teens and supporting them to become emotionally intelligent adults.
To find out more and to book your place visit: Tuning into Teens - 6 Online Workshops — Insights Shared
Red Cross Check-in Service
Telecross is a telephone check-in service that helps you start the day with an act of human connection. Every morning, you’ll receive a phone call from one of our friendly volunteers who’s keen to find out how you are.
Telecross operates 365 days a year. What makes it unique is that our callers check on the whole person (that’s you!), rather than focusing on a single aspect of your life.
The Telecross difference
When our volunteers call you, they’ll ask about:
- your health
- your wellbeing
- your plans for the day
- anything else that might be happening for you that’s causing you concern.
If you don’t answer the phone, or if there’s something going on for you that requires an urgent response, our volunteers will follow a series of steps to connect you to the help you need.
Who is the program for?
Telecross is for anyone who might benefit from an extra layer of social interaction and safety, and who is already registered for My Aged Care or has a referral from the Tasmanian Community Care Referral Service (HACC).
If you live alone, or if you live with someone else and think one or both of you might benefit from someone looking out for your wellbeing, Telecross can give you additional peace of mind.
Read more and register here: Telecross | Australian Red Cross
