Galambila NAIDOC Family Fun Day
Galambila is hosting its annual NAIDOC Family Fun Day. Come along and celebrate NAIDOC day and join in the fun activities!
Location: Fitzroy Oval (Opposite the OLD Library, Next to Coffs Memorial Pool)
Date: Tuesday, 9 July 2024
Time: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Harbourside Markets – Jetty Foreshores – December 2024
The Harbourside Markets are held at the Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshores every Sunday between 8am and 2pm.
To learn more about what's happening this month, please visit the website: Harbourside Markets - A Boutique Sunday Market In Coffs Harbour.
Whats coming up at the markets:
DECEMBER
1st - Tennyson King
8th - Mal Eastick & Andrew Hegedus
15th - Saije
22nd - SPECIAL EVENT
Santa's Christmas Parade & The Big Big Boogie & Brass Bands
29th - Icebreakers
Free 2-hour workshops for Parents & Carers of Teens
Groundworks Youth Service is offering free 2-hour workshops for parents & carers
* Age of Rage – Responding to your teen’s anger and aggression – Learn practical skills to intervene effectively before behaviour escalates. Help your teen manage their anger and develop the skills and motivation to improve their behaviour.
* School Can’t – Supporting our kids through school anxiety and refusal.
* Sneaking Out – Navigating teenage defiance, peer pressure and risk–taking
* #Addicted - Raising teens in an age of social media addiction
* Breathing Space – Practical mindfulness and meaningful self – care for parents & carers.
Click here to read the Information Flyer
For more information, please contact Jaid – jaidroden@bluesky.org.au
Our Living Coast – Living Sustainably in our Region Events
Our Living Coast is your sustainable living hub for the Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Council areas.
Here you can find out about local events and get tips to inspire you to live sustainably and enjoy a happy, healthy and meaningful life.
Everything from community movie nights to growing healthy and sustainable food!
Find out what's on in your area by visiting the Our Living Coast website.
What’s On at the YAM – Yarrila Art & Museum
At YAM their vibrant range of programs and events offers something for everyone. Join them for one of their engaging programs, from artist talks to workshops, and activities as we come together to inspire, learn, and create.
Take a look at their upcoming programs and event at their website: Programs & Events - Yarrila Arts and Museum
Free Tax Assistance at the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre
Help take the stress out of tax time. From mid-July until the end of October there is free tax help available with a volunteer from the ATO. Check if you qualify to access the service on the Tax Help page of the ATO website.
You will need to have a working MyGov account. Please let us know if you need an interpreter when making your appointment. We take bookings for this service from mid-June to the end of October.
For more information head to the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre website.
Community Connections Guide – Inclusive Activities and Groups
The Community Connections Guide has been created by Blue Sky Community Services to encourage social inclusion across the Mid North Coast. The guide contains profiles of local groups and includes information on how you can join, what to expect, and a list of accessibility features.
If you are a person looking to make inclusive community connections this guide can help!
If you are a member of a community group on the Mid North Coast, you might like to be featured in the Community Connections Guide. It's totally free to list and is a great way to promote social inclusion in our community. Our Inclusive Communities Coordinators can also assist you with easy practical ways your group can celebrate diversity, promote inclusion and, most importantly, make people feel like they belong.
For more information and to access the guide go to the Community Connections Guide page on the Blue Sky Community Services website.
First Nations Child Removal Class Action – Information Sessions
In July, Shine Lawyers will hold free information sessions in Kempsey, Grafton and Coffs Harbour. These sessions will provide you with the opportunity to speak to the lawyers running this class action and ask any questions.
Shine Lawyers is investigating a class action on behalf of First Nations families who have been subjected to discriminatory practices on or after 5 March 1992 by the Departments of Child Protection (the Department) in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.
You do not need to RSVP and you are welcome to drop in at any time during the session times.
Where: Cavanbah Centre, 191 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour
When: Wednesday, 3rd July 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For more information please visit their website: First Nations Child Removal Class Action Investigation | Shine Lawyers or view this information flyer.
Megan Winter Sessions – Megan Hall
Mickey and Michelle and Brocken Creek – Double album launch from two of Victoria’s finest folk duos.
Where: Megan Hall
When: Sunday, 7 July, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM
Tickets: $25 + Booking Fee – Book via Humanitix here or on the door.
Budaabung Bellingen NAIDOC 2024
Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation and OneMob Radio with support from Bellingen Shire Council, NIAA, NCoBS and Healthy North Coast present a FREE family-friendly event open to all the community with performances from Jumbaal Dreaming, Manduway & Tom, Matty Devitt, Tariek Hart and Cultural Dance Performances by the local Budaabung Baari Dance Group, Coffs Harbour based Giingana Yiiliwiyay Dancers, and South West Rocks based Descendants Dance Group.
Plus activities, Stall Holders, Facepainting, Soup, Sausage Sizzle and More!
Where: Bellingen Showgrounds
When: Monday, 8 July, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
ServiceNSW Bus Coming to Bellingen
The Service NSW Mobile Service Centre is coming to Bellingen. Please visit the ServiceNSW Mobile Service Centre website to confirm services available on the day. Driving Testing will be by appointment only.
Where: Cnr. Hyde & Ford Streets, Bellingen
When: Wednesday, 10 July 2024
Time: from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
What’s on at the Bellingen Memorial Hall
Keep up to date with what is coming up at the newly refurbished Bellingen Memorial Hall by visiting their website: Bellingen Memorial Hall
The Bellingen Memorial Hall holds everything from films, to live music, workshops, to dance and martial arts classes!
Our Living Coast – Living Sustainably in our Region Events
Our Living Coast is your sustainable living hub for the Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Council areas.
Here you can find out about local events and get tips to inspire you to live sustainably and enjoy a happy, healthy and meaningful life.
Everything from community movie nights to growing healthy and sustainable food!
Find out what's on in your area by visiting the Our Living Coast website.
Bellingen Growers Market
The Bellingen Growers Market is held at the Bellingen Showground on the second and fourth Saturday of each month between 8am and 1pm.
The market's purpose is to encourage/promote local growers and services, and to give the community reliable access to organic and chemical-free produce within a multi-faceted marketplace which supports a healthy lifestyle and a more sustainable future.
You'll find an amazing range of freshly-picked produce - mostly certified organic - fruit, vegetables, salad greens, nuts, flowers... all direct from local growers. The café has delicious locally-baked bread and pastries and will serve you a hearty organic breakfast. Order an organic coffee or freshly squeezed juice and enjoy the live music whilst browsing the newspapers or meeting with old and new friends. The kids love our famous storyteller (and the smoothies and waffles too). There are also plenty of second-hand clothes and quality bric-a-brac to choose from.
For more information head to the Bellingen Growers Market website.
Volkswagon Spectacular 2024
We are back in 2024 for our 40th Year and our 24th show! The 2024 will again return to Valla Beach Holiday Park NSW from July 31st to 5th 2024.
When: 31st July - 5th August 2024
Where: Valla Beach Holiday Park
For more information about the event, please visit the Volkswagen Spectacular website.
Our Living Coast – Living Sustainably in our Region Events
Our Living Coast is your sustainable living hub for the Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Council areas.
Here you can find out about local events and get tips to inspire you to live sustainably and enjoy a happy, healthy and meaningful life.
Everything from community movie nights to growing healthy and sustainable food!
Find out what's on in your area by visiting the Our Living Coast website.
Phoenix Art Prize
We are pleased to announce that the Phoenix Art Prize is now open to artists 16+ living with a disability on the Mid North Coast. This is a free entry event, there is no theme and all mediums will be accepted within the size restriction of 1m x 1m.
The Phoenix Art Prize is part of Ability Arts Connect MNC, a major event this year in August. The project aims to connect, celebrate, and inform artists, their carers and support organisations, through a two-day event including conferences, art workshops, an exhibition, and an art prize to be held at Nambucca Valley Phoenix, in Bowraville NSW. We will have more information closer to the date and a registration form available.
This project is possible thanks to the support of Regional Arts Australia, and Arts Mid North Coast. Judges include Curator from Coffs Regional Gallery Ashleigh Frost, Doctor Emma Gentle and Director of Arts MNC Olivia Parker.
We hope you can share this with your clients and within your art programs to get everyone involved. Cash prizes will be available and announced soon.
For further information, and to apply, visit the Nambucca Valley Phoenix website and fill out the submission form.
Valla Beach Community Markets
The Valla Beach Community Association (VBCA) holds a market from 8:00am to 1:00pm on the first Saturday of every even month (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, and Dec) focusing on homemade and homegrown local produce, arts, crafts and fantastic musical talent.
It runs at the Valla Reserve (also known as 'Lions Park'), at Valla Beach, a serene and peaceful seaside village.
The location is next to the footbridge across Deep Creek, at the end of Ocean View Drive, just off the Pacific Highway. Head towards the Valla Beach Tourist Park and turn left just before the entry - just follow the Market signs!
You can follow the markets on Facebook or check out the Valla Beach Community Markets website.
First Nations Child Removal Class Action Investigation
Shine Lawyers is investigating a class action on behalf of First Nations families subjected to discriminatory practices on or after 5 March 1992 by the Departments of Child Protection (the Department) in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.
In July, Shine Lawyers will hold free information sessions in Kempsey, Grafton and Coffs Harbour. These sessions will provide you with the opportunity to speak to the lawyers running this class action and ask any questions.
For more information check out the First Nations Child Removal Class Action flyer.
You do not need to RSVP and you are welcome to drop in at any time during the session times.
When: Friday, 5th July 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Kempsey Macleay RSL Club, 1 York Lane, Kempsey
Mustangs v. Hawks Indigenous Round
Get ready for a huge day out at Kempsey for the Mustangs v. Hawkes Indigenous Round.
Come along for the games, raffle, great food, activities for the kids and to meet and greet NRL player Cody Walker.
When: Sunday, 7th July 2024
Time: Gates open at 9:00 AM
Where: Verge St Oval, Kempsey
For more information check out the Mustangs v Hawks Indigenous Round Flyer
South Kempsey HCV, HIV and Syphilis testing Blitz
NSW Health will conduct an HCV, HIV and Syphilis testing blitz at the South Kempsey Park (near Dunghutti Art Gallery) starting at the end of June and every Wednesday for the next three weeks.
The Sexual Health, Liver Clinic and Needle and Syringe teams will be there for anyone who wants to chat about Blood Borne Viruses or STIs.
For those who test, there will be a $20 voucher. Testing will be just a finger-prick sample.
For more details check out the Big Blue Van flyer.
When: Wednesdays: July 3rd, 10th & 17th
Time: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Where: Dunghutti Art Gallery carpark, Macleay Valley Way, South Kempsey
Saltwater Freshwater Festival – New Date
The annual Saltwater Freshwater Festival is a unique and much-loved event attracting a broad spectrum of the Mid North Coast community.
When: Saturday, 20th July
Time: 10:00 AM till 4:30 PM
Where: Kempsey Race Club, Warwick Park, North St, Kempsey
For more information and to access the program please visit the Saltwater Freshwater website.
So Much on Offer for all Ages at Kempsey Library!
There are so many free activities on offer for people of all ages at Port-Hastings Libraries!
For the little ones there's storytime and baby bounce. For kids and teens there's the summer reading club, gaming and virtual reality, digital kids and school holiday activities.
For the older community there are regular tech savvy seniors workshops.
So check out the regular events on offer at the Kempsey Library website.
Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre – so much to offer!
The Centre provides a range of services to address and support the community's needs.
Check out the Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre website to find out more.
Hush Party – Pride Month Celebration
Out Loud & Proud and Blue Sky Community Services are joining forces for an unforgettable night of silent grooving to celebrate Pride Month!
Slip on some headphones, choose your beats from 3 different channels and let the music move you.
This event is an inclusive, sensory-friendly and safe space to create memories that speak volumes.
So come along with your friends or ride solo and make new friends.
Entry is FREE, however registration is required to book your spot.
When: Saturday, 29th June from 6:30 PM
Where: The Bowl, Port Macquarie
Tickets: Humanitix
Hush Party is an LGBTQIA+ safe space and everyone 15 years and over is welcome.
Check out the Hush Party flyer for more details.
Charles Sturt University – Connections First Nations Direct Entry Program
We're excited to host two immersive direct entry programs for First Nations people interested in a study and career pathway into the world of science and technology, and into a range of health professions.
Join us for our five-day Connections program alongside deadly people with industry experience.
- Get advice and yarn about pathway options
- Meet like-minded people and complete activities
- Successfully complete the program and you'll be guaranteed entry into many of our bachelor's degrees or a preparation program.
Science and Technology Connections
Monday, 29 July – Friday, 2 August, 2024
Birpai Country, Port Macquarie
For more information check out the Science and Technology Connections flyer.
Health Connections
Monday, 12 – Friday, 16 August 2024
Wiradjuri Country, Wagga Wagga
For more information check out the Health Connections flyer.
Port Macquarie/Hastings NAIDOC Week Calendar
The Hastings NAIDOC Committee is proud to present the 2024 NAIDC week calendar!
Check out the huge selection of events on offer this year, and keep an eye out on the Hastings NAIDOC Week Facebook page for event details and updates.
Keep the fire burning! Blak, Loud & Proud 
CORE Young People (YP) wellbeing program
We are excited to announce upcoming dates for Core!
CORE Young People (YP) is a holistic well-being program run over 7 weeks for young people aged 12-24 years experiencing AOD issues. This group-based program will cover topics such as healthy relationships, emotional regulation, addiction, and nutrition.
The program is FREE and catered.
18 - 24 year old Cohort will begin on Monday, 29 July 2024
12 - 17 year old Cohort will begin at the start of Term 4 – official start day TBC
CORE YP participants will also be provided up to 4 months of individual aftercare to support the integration of skills learnt into life outside of the group and provide referral pathways with relevant service providers. We include fun activities, excursions, music, and art therapy.
The program provides customised interventions across two age brackets, 12-17 and 18-24, and will operate in line with school terms.
For more information check out the CORE Young People brochure.
Hastings NAIDOC Flag Raising Ceremony
National NAIDOC Week is a time for all Australians to celebrate and acknowledge the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Join us as we commemorate NAIDOC Week with an official ceremony raising the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Australian flags. The event includes a Welcome to Country, guest speakers, and a cultural performance.
Everyone is encouraged to attend this special event, as we come together to celebrate and honour the rich cultural heritage of our First Nations peoples.
This event is followed by morning tea.
When: Monday, 8th July 2024
Time: 9.30 AM
Where: Town Green, Port Macquarie
For more information check out the Hastings NAIDOC Flag Raising Flyer.
NAIDOC Art Exhibition + Launch of Our Storyplace mural “Storytelling”
We are excited to welcome everyone to celebrate our local Aboriginal artist collective and NAIDOC Week at the Port Macquarie Library.
Join us for the launch of the beautiful Our Storyplace mural “Storytelling” and art exhibition inside the library. Our Storyplace artist collective has been painting new artworks using excess paint from the Storytelling mural.
The exhibition will be available for viewing throughout NAIDOC Week, 7-14 July at the Port Macquarie Library.
For more information check out the Hastings Council website.
Fast 5, 2024 NAIDOC Knockout!
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are invited to register a team of five players for the 2024 NAIDOC Knockout.
Enjoy friendly games of basketball, netball, touch football, soccer and volleyball.
There are two age groups:
Youth (12 to 17 years) & Adults (18 years and over)
Lunch and water are provided along with lucky door prizes and music.
When: Tuesday, 9 July 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Where: Wauchope Indoor Stadium & Landrigan Park, Cameron Street
For more information check out the Fast 5 NAIDOC Knockout flyer.
What’s Happening at headspace Port Macquarie
Stay in the know with what's happening at headspace Port Macquarie!
For more information keep an eye on the headspace Port Macquarie website.
So Many Free Activities at Port-Hastings Libraries!
There are free activities on offer for people of all ages.......
For the little ones there's storytime, baby bounce and the kids' play area. For kids and teens there's access to digital technology, reading incentives and school holiday activities.
For the older community there are regular health and wellbeing activities and information workshops.
So check out the regular events on offer on the Mid North Coast Library Service website.
Neighbourhood Centres of Port Macquarie, Wauchope & Lake Cathie – so much to offer!
The Hastings Neighbourhood Centres have so much to offer a variety of services to the local community members.
Check out the Hastings Neighbourhood Services website to find out more.
Traineeship opportunities at Essential Energy
Applications for the 2025 Traineeship Program are now open.
We have a diverse range of positions available in Business Services and Field Operations. Launch your career path with a blend of formal education and hands-on experience. Positions are available in multiple locations across the state. Find out more at the Essential Energy website.
For more information, please visit the Trainee page on our website or Essentialnet.
Youth Work Position – Bellingen Neighbourhood Centres
Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen Shire Inc.
Youth Work Position available
The Neighbourhood Centres Of Bellingen Shire are looking for a Youth and Family Wellbeing Worker to work in our Bellingen-Nambucca Youth Service. Service activities will include:
· individual casework (major focus)
· providing information, referral and advocacy
· group work with young people, their parents and families
· facilitating inclusion and involvement of young people in their community, etc.
The job is permanent part-time 24 hours per week to be worked flexibly over 3 days per week (8 hours per day). Wage is based on the SCHADS Level 4 (approx. $42+ per hour); the contract is for 1 year; and there will be regular travelling involved. Relevant qualifications &/or experience are essential.
If you are interested, please contact, before 30 June 2024, Roger Horton (Manager) via phone 0429 778 706 or email manager@ncobs.org.au to arrange to chat about the position.
Youpla Support Program
The Youpla Group, also called the Aboriginal Community Benefit Fund (ACBF) sold funeral insurance policies to First Nations people. Many people called these Youpla funeral funds. When Youpla collapsed in March 2022, many people could no longer pay for Sorry Business.
From 1 July 2024, the Australian Government will provide resolution payments through the Youpla Support Program.
Further information on the Youpla Support Program can be found on the NIAA website or Services Australia website
Voice of Inclusion Consultation Group – seeking new members
Are you someone who lives with a disability or cares for someone who does? Do you want to help improve our communities' level of inclusion? Blue Sky Community Services is working towards developing a new project that focuses on creating more inclusive and accessible events, experiences and communities. We are looking for people to join our new Voice of Inclusion consultation group to share ideas and knowledge - and to shape how the project develops.
Voice of Inclusion Group expressions of interest can be lodged via this short online Voice of Inclusion EOI form
or by contacting Inclusive Communities Coordinator, Lynda Warwick, on 0417 878 391 or by email: lynda.warwick@ndis.gov.au
The PICNIC Project – Feeding Infants & Children Support
The PICNIC Project helps guide parents and carers through the unpredictable and often stressful journey of feeding infants and children. We help parents understand children’s normal, erratic ‘learning to eat’ process, and provide supportive feeding tools. This helps families avoid food battles, work with children’s ‘fussiness’ and positively influence their eating patterns throughout life.
Find out more and how to join by visiting the PICNIC Project website.
For PICNIC support playgroups click here.
GROW Mental Wellbeing Programs
GROW Australia hosts a series of Grow Programs, aimed at empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and live full lives of meaning, optimism and hope. All of GROW Australia’s peer-to-peer programs are evidence-based and informed by consumer experience.
To discover more about their programs, please visit the GROW website.
Head to Health – Connect to the right Mental Health Supports
Healthy North Coast's Head to Health is supporting our communities to connect to the right mental health advice.
Call Head to Health on 1800 595 212 where experienced staff can help connect you to the right information or mental health support that best meets your needs, including referral to telehealth and in-person services.
Head to Health is available Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm.
Hospital Care Resources – Empowering people with disability in hospital
The new year is the perfect time to be empowered and get organised! The Hospital Care Resources support people with disability or unique needs to share important information about themselves with health staff supporting them in hospital. The resources assist patients and Health staff to collaborate in a more positive way to better meet the needs of the patient. The Hospital Care Resources have been developed as part of the 'Enhancing Inclusion in the Health System' project, delivered by Blue Sky Community Services in partnership with the Mid North Coast Local Health District. The project aims to develop a best practice model for enhancing the inclusion of people with disability in the mainstream health system. For more information about the resources, and to download and complete yours now, go to the click Enhancing Inclusion in the Health System page on the Blue Sky Community Services website.
Blue Sky NDIS Support Services
Blue Sky Community Services offers NDIS Support Coordination, Plan Management and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching in the Manning-Great Lakes and Forster areas. 
As a registered NDIS provider Blue Sky delivers best practice Plan Management, Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching services to NDIS participants in the Manning-Great Lakes and MidCoast areas.
The services support NDIS participants through a strengths-based and person-centred approach, ensuring that participants maintain full choice and control over their plans.
For more information visit the Blue Sky NDIS Support Services pages on the Blue Sky Community Services website.
