Evans Head Fishing Classic – Winter School Holiday fun!
The annual Evans Head Fishing Classic is held each year during the winter school holidays.
Evans Head offers a unique holiday experience for you and your family. Pristine beaches, local atmosphere, and a range of accommodation options to suit any budget.
Each year hundreds of people, ranging from children to the experienced fisherman, travel to Evans Head to participate in the Evans Head Fishing Classic, where they get to experience all that the North Coast of NSW has to offer.
With draws every night, daily winners and amazing prizes – there is much to keep you entertained for the seven days.
For more information and to enter the competition, please visit the website: Evans Head Fishing Classic | Fishing tournament based in Evans Head, NSW
When: Friday 3rd July - Friday 10th July
Where: Behind the Evans Head Woodburn RSL Club on the river, the event site features a food alley, displays from sponsors and tank to show off some catches. Come on down to check it out, you might even enter once you see the prizes!
Headspace Ballina – B-Space Social Group (Ages 12-15)
The B-Space Social Group is all about connection, creativity, and building friendships. Designed for young people aged 12–15, this group offers a safe and supportive environment where participants can develop social skills and engage with others in a meaningful way.
Each session includes fun, hands-on arts and crafts activities that encourage self-expression while creating opportunities for conversation and collaboration. It’s a great way for young people to meet others, build confidence in social settings, and feel a sense of belonging.
Whether your young person is looking to make new friends or simply enjoy a creative outlet, B-Space provides a positive and welcoming space to do just that.
Dates: Starting 6th May, fortnightly group 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Rates: free
Where: 32 Swift Street Ballina
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible environment
For more information, please call: 02 6625 0200
LisAmore! 2026 – The Northern Rivers Italian Festival
The Northern Rivers’ Favourite Italian Festival
LisAmore! is back for 2026 – and this year it’s bigger than ever. Join us for a vibrant celebration of Italian culture, food, music and community in the heart of the Northern Rivers.
Whether you’re Italian by heritage or just Italian at heart, LisAmore! is a day for everyone. Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to celebrate!
New for 2026 – we’ve moved to the Lismore Showgrounds, giving us more space, better access and an even better experience for all.
Date: Sunday 5 July 2026
Time: 10am – 3pm
Where: Lismore Showgrounds, 116 Alexandra Parade, North Lismore
Visit the website for more information on the event: LisAmore! - LisAmore!
Breakfast at the Beach with Marine Rescue
Join Marine Rescue Ballina on the first Sunday of every month for their much-loved Breakfast at the Beach.
Swing by their base between 7am and 11am for a relaxed morning feed featuring coastal views, good company, and plenty of community spirit.
Enjoy sausages, bacon and eggs on bread, as well as tea, coffee or water to wash it down.
It’s a simple buy-and-go setup, and their friendly team of volunteers will be there with a smile (and maybe an extra rasher of bacon if you’re lucky).
Can’t make it this time? No worries. This community favourite runs monthly, so keep an eye on the Marine Rescue Ballina Facebook page for updates.
Every donation helps keep their vessels running and their crews saving lives on the water. Your support means the world.
Next date: Sunday, 5th July 2026
Time: 7am -11am
Where: Marine Rescue Tower, North Wall Lighthouse Parade, Ballina
NAIDOC Celebrations in Coffs Harbour
NAIDOC Week 2026
50 Years of Deadly 
City of Coffs Harbour invites the community to come together on Gumbaynggirr Country to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2026 with a full day of free activities, performances, community connection and shared food at Yarrila Place.
This year marks a significant milestone - 50 years of NAIDOC celebrations across Australia - recognising and celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Proudly presented in partnership with the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee and community partners, NAIDOC Week in Coffs Harbour is an opportunity for the whole community to come together to learn, connect and celebrate.
Event Details
When: Monday 6 July 2026
Time: 9:30am - 3:00pm
Where: Yarrila Place, 27 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour
Free event - all welcome
What’s On
NAIDOC Week celebrations at Yarrila Place will include:
- Official NAIDOC flag-raising ceremony
- Cultural performances
- Community activities and displays
- Shared food and refreshments
- Guided tours at Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM)
- NAIDOC Storytime activities
- The Yandaarra Aunty Grace Roberts Community Awards
More program details will be announced soon.
Visit the Facebook event page to learn more: (4) NAIDOC Week 2026 - 50 Years of Deadly ❤️💛🖤 | Facebook
Unreal Engine: More Than Gaming – presented by Chris Ebeling
TAFE NSW invites the community to a free event that showcases the exciting future of creative technology.
“Unreal Engine: More Than Gaming” explores how the same tools used in game development are now driving film, animation, virtual production, and emerging technologies.
Featuring internationally recognised digital artist Chris Ebeling, this session offers valuable insights into career pathways, industry trends, and future-focused skills relevant to today’s learners. This is an excellent opportunity to support people interested in IT, design, media, and emerging technologies.
Where: Coffs Harbour Education Campus, D Block Theatre
When: Thursday, 6th August 2026, 9:30am - 10:45am
See the Talk Flyer for more information about the session and the local Pathways at TAFE NSW to learn Unreal Engine.
Enquiries: Jon McMillan 0455 123 699, jon.mcmillan2@tafensw.edu.au
To register click here.
Aboriginal Art with Uncle Kev – School Holiday Program
NAIDOC Week is coming up during the school holidays, this year with the theme "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy", highlighting the powerful role that young people play in shaping the future and celebrating Indigenous culture.
Gumbaynggirr elder Uncle Kev, together with Blue Sky Community Services and Toormina Gardens will be offering free creative art sessions for young people interested in learning the meaning and symbolism of Aboriginal art and creating their own artwork. Canvases will be provided and artwork will be on display at Toormina Gardens Shopping Centre during and after NAIDOC Week.
When: Throughout the school holidays:
- Wednesday 8th July, 10am-11am and 3pm-4pm
- Thursday 9th July, 10am-11am and 3pm-4pm
- Wednesday 15th July, 11am-12noon and 3pm-4pm
- Thursday 16th July, 11am-12noon and 3pm-4pm
Where: Toormina Shopping Centre
Age: 11-17
Young people are welcome to come to more than one session. Registration is not necessary.
For more information, contact Alex on: 0437353245 or email: yfs@bluesky.org.au
View the workshop flyer here.
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
Boundless: A Book Ball – Save the Date
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. Boundless is a book-themed ball created to be inclusive, accessible and genuinely enjoyable.
Please note, this is an 18+ event.
When: Saturday, 22nd August
For more information and a link to register your interest, please visit: Boundless 2026 - A Book Ball Presented by CHSS
Celebrating 50 Years Deadly – Family Fun Day and Elders Luncheon
Come and enjoy a yarn up with Elders and family. Free lunch and activities. Bring along a photo to share as a yarn starter.
Where: Urunga Neighbourhood, Centre34 Bonville St
Date: Wednesday 8th July
Time: 10:30am-12noon
Morning Tea: Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake, Scones Cream and
Davidson Plum Jam
Lunch: Lamb Gravy in Potato Jacket/peas and carrot, Chicken
Curry in Potato Jacket/Cauliflour and Broccoli
Dessert: Ice Cream with Fruit Salad or Lemon Myrtle Tiramisu
More information: Contact Frances Witt 0401 446 700
Dorrigo Holiday Activity – Treetops Adventure Park
Dorrigo Holiday Activity - Treetops Adventure Park
FREE Event for Dorrigo young people ages 12-18 years in the school holidays. Places are limited so register asap!
Where: Treetops Adventure Park, Transport service from Dorrigo
When: Wednesday 8th July
Time: 10am - 4pm
More info: Must register - youthworker@ncobs.org.au or 0429 839 473
Driver Education L Program – Nambucca Heads in August
Driver Education L Program
For those who need to get their Learner’s Licence and/or some driving lessons to support Provisional Licence goals, this is a game-changer. Join one of the Ace Community College programs and make this the year you get your licence.
ACE offers a face-to-face program to assist you to prepare for this test and gain your learner’s permit. You will learn the NSW road rules and why they apply in fun and interactive ways. This will help you not just pass the test but also make you a safer driver. You will be given opportunities to practise the online test with the support of your trainer.
Nambucca Heads Program
When: Sign up on 19th August, 11:00am - 1:00pm - Read the Sign-up Information flyer here
Learner Program: Mon 7th, Tues 8th, Wed 9th September 10am to 3pm
Where: Nambucca Valley Youth Services, 48 Ridge Street, NSW 2448
Cost: $200 or free for eligible participants - Read the Course Information & Eligibility flyer here
Service NSW Bus in the Bellingen Shire & Ebor
Service NSW Bus 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 12th August
- Time: 9am to 4pm
- Date: Thursday 13th August
- Time: 9am to 12pm
EBOR - Ebor Falls Hotel Motel
- Date: Tuesday 11th August
Time: 9am to 11:30am
For more information about upcoming locations, please visit: Upcoming Northern Mobile Service Centre visits | Service NSW
Introduction to Permaculture Design – Local Course
Run over a series of 5 sessions in 2 months, this course is designed to attract and build sustainability leaders in our community. The course provides participants the skills to deepen their sustainable living journey and become skilled designers in creating and living a sustainable life.
The course is designed and led by Linda Woodrow, and the teaching team includes Robyn Francis, Bronwyn Elliott, Ian Epic Earth, Rowe Morrow and Peter Lewis, all luminaries in the permaculture universe with long experience teaching and special fields of expertise.
A PDC is not just gardening (though you will learn all the basics of resilient, minimal effort food production). It covers a whole set of design skills for building flourishing, robust, sustainable life-support systems for humans. Topics covered include: sustainable suburbs, soil and food webs, water and fire.
Brought to you through Our Living Coast and Bellingen Shire Council, Bellingen Shire Learning Alliance and Northbank Community Gardens
When: Course starts Sunday, 31st August
Where: Northbank Community Gardens, North Bellingen NSW 2454
For more information, visit: Introduction to Permaculture
Stepping Stones – Supporting Young People in the Nambucca Valley to reach their goals
New fund to help Nambucca Valley young people take their next step!
A new community fund, a parting gesture from the old Nambucca Youthie, has been established to assist young people in the Nambucca Valley with some financial support to pursue their goals — whatever those goals might be.
Nambucca Valley Stepping Stones for Youth — known as Stepping Stones — provides grants to young people aged 12 to 25 to help them access opportunities in education, vocational training, sport, arts, culture, community leadership, and more. Practical costs such as transport and equipment are included, recognising that these expenses can be barriers that hold young people back in regional communities.
Stepping Stones is open to all young people living in the Nambucca Valley. A small committee, representing the local community, will take into account financial hardship or other barriers when considering applications, however there is no means test. A long-established, community organisation has agreed to auspice the fund, and young people — or their parents or guardians — can apply by emailing a simple application form to nambuccavalleysteppingstones@gmail.com. The committee aims to respond as quickly as possible and applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis.
To apply, please email: nambuccavalleysteppingstones@gmail.com
Expressions of interest – Dungeons and Dragons in Nambucca Valley
Calling all adventurers aged 12-18 years. Becoming U and Nambucca Valley Youth Council are seeking interest for an epic 4-session D&D quest filled with fantasy, teamwork, strategy, roleplay and unforgettable adventures.
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced player, everyone is welcome to roll the dice and create heroic stories together.
Where: Macksville
Cost: FREE
When: TBC
To register your interest or to find out more, contact:
nwilliams@uniting.org
0423 050 559
or
alaverty@uniting.org
0468 540 489
NDIS Local Area Coordination – Bellingen Outreach Service
Blue Sky Community Services is the Mid North Coast NSW NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner, and they will be visiting Bellingen Library on the first Thursday of every month.
Come and talk face-to-face with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) about our services and how we could assist you!
When: first Thursday of each month
Time: 10 am -1 pm
Where: Bellingen Library meeting room
For further information or to make an appointment, please call Blue Sky Community Services on 1800 241 675
Walk-ins welcome!
Services Australia – Mobile Centre Locations for July 2026
Services Australia mobile service centres offer a wide range of services to meet the needs of rural and regional communities. the mobile service centres will be in your area in July (see below table for times and locations). For more information about how the mobile centre can assist, visit: How Mobile Service Centres can help - Mobile service centres - Services Australia
They can help you with:
- new claims for most Centrelink payments
- updating your information in our records
- confirming documents and supporting information, such as certifying copies of birth certificates
- access to a self service terminal
- using online accounts and Express Plus mobile apps.
They can also give you information about:
- Medicare transactions
- Medicare registrations
- how financial matters may impact your payments
- payment and service options to suit your needs
- rural payment entitlements for eligible farmers
- social work support and referrals.
For veterans and their families, we can help you:
- register for a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) online account
- lodge DVA forms and supporting documents
- connect with DVA and support services such as Open Arms
- connect to the DVA phone line and online services.
Locations and dates:
| Karuah, Karuah RSL club car park, Tarean Road | 1 July, 9 am to 4 pm |
| Tea Gardens, Swimming Pool car park, Marine Drive | 2 July, 9 am to 4 pm3 July, 9 am to 2 pm |
| Bulahdelah, near Wade Park, Crawford Street | 6 July, 11 am to 4 pm |
| Smiths Lake, adjacent to the shopping hub, Third Ridge Road | 7 July, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm |
| Coolongolook, near Coolongolook Oval, King Street | 8 July, 9 am to 4 pm |
| Krambach, near Leo Carney Park, Bucketts Way | 9 July, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm |
| Nabiac, near Memorial Park, Clarkson Street | 14 July, 11 am to 4 pm |
| Diamond Beach, near the shopping hub, Diamond Drive | 15 July, 9 am to 4 pm |
| Hallidays Point, Near the Library, Off High Street | 16 July, 9 am to 4 pm |
| Old Bar, Club Old Bar car park, Waterman Street | 17 July, 9 am to 2 pm |
| Wingham, near Lifeline, Isabella Street | 20 July, 11 am to 4 pm |
| Harrington, Harrington Waters Shopping Village car park, Caledonia Street | 21 July, 9 am to 4 pm |
| Kendall, near the Community Op Shop, Comboyne Street | 22 July, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm |
| Kew, adjacent to the Visitor Information Centre, Nancy Bird Walton Drive | 23 July, 9 am to 2 pm |
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
This expo is being hosted by the MidCoast Dementia Alliance with MidCoast Council. For more information, contact Jane O’Dwyer 7955 7679 or 0418 769 494 or Jane.ODwyer@midcoast.nsw.gov.au
Date: Thursday, 10th September 2026
Time: 10am - 1pm
Location: Manning Entertainment Centre, 33 Manning River Drive, Taree.
All Abilities Disco – back for 2026
All Abilities Disco for 2026 will be on Thursday, 9th July and then each month after on the 2nd Thursday of the month.
The final disco for 2026 will be on Thursday, 12th November.
They will run at the same times as 2025 – 5 pm -7 pm, with the bar taking orders for food from the Greenwood.
When: Starting Thursday, 9th July 2026 (monthly)
Time: 5 pm - 7 pm
Where: Club Taree, 121 Wingham Road, Taree
Cost: $10
Get your disco shoes on and join the party!
No Lights No Lycra (NLNL) – Non-judgmental dance group
No Lights No Lycra (NLNL) is a global dance community offering an inclusive, non-judgmental space where people can come together to dance, express themselves, and experience joy. Founded in Melbourne, NLNL has grown to over 75 communities worldwide, including in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, USA, India, and beyond, with more than half of sessions held in regional towns to ensure accessibility. Now we've brought it to Port Macquarie.
NLNL events are drug- and alcohol-free, held in the dark, and open to everyone (+16), no dance skills or experience required. The philosophy is simple: everyone can dance.
They run fortnightly, community-based events in a safe and welcoming environment. These 1-hour sessions are designed to boost wellbeing, encourage free movement, reduce stress, and foster social connection.
Visit the Facebook page for more information : No Lights No Lycra Port Macquarie Facebook Page or the No Lights No Lycra | We Dance In The Dark website.
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.
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
Creating Inclusion through Free Sensory Awareness Workshops
Want to learn how to make your business more inclusive?
Blue Sky Community Services is pleased to offer free sensory awareness workshops designed to help build more inclusive and welcoming environments for everyone. These short, informal sessions are ideal for staff teams and community organisations who want to better understand sensory differences and how they can impact people’s everyday experiences.
The workshops focus on increasing staff knowledge, confidence, and awareness of sensory needs. Participants explore how factors such as noise, lighting, movement, textures, and busy environments can affect individuals differently. The sessions also introduce a range of sensory tools and supports, demonstrating how they can be used effectively to promote comfort, regulation, and inclusion in shared spaces.
Staff will gain practical insight into when and how sensory tools may be helpful, how to offer them respectfully, and how small adjustments can make spaces more sensory‑friendly without major changes or cost. The emphasis is on simple, realistic strategies that can be applied immediately within existing environments.
Sessions are relaxed, supportive, and designed to fit easily into busy schedules. No prior knowledge is required. By combining awareness, practical strategies, and the thoughtful use of sensory tools, these workshops support staff to create calmer, more inclusive spaces and contribute to stronger, more understanding communities.
See the Sensory Awareness Workshop Flyer
Contact one of our Inclusive Communities Coordinators to arrange a time for workshop:
Port Macquarie/Kempsey
- Ross Henderson - Inclusive Communities Coordinator - Blue Sky Community Services
- E: rosshenderson@bluesky.org.au
- M: 0428 353 424
Coffs Harbour/ Bellingen / Nambucca
- Lynda Warwick (She/her) - Inclusive Communities Coordinator - Blue Sky Community Services
- E: lyndawarwick@bluesky.org.au
- M: 0417 878 391
How to Engage Meaningfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
Community engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is one of the most important - and most frequently mishandled - aspects of working in this space. Too often, "engagement" means a brief consultation that has little impact on decisions already made. Genuine engagement is something very different.
Yarning Crescent supports organisations to develop and implement genuine community engagement strategies. They facilitate community consultations, provide cultural guidance, and help organisations build the relationships needed for meaningful engagement.
Find out more here: About Us — Yarning Crescent | Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Business
Free Medicare Mental Health Check-in
Medicare Mental Health Check-in provides free guided digital support to help you build practical skills to take better care of your mental health and wellbeing. It’s completely free for people living in Australia, no referral or diagnosis is needed.
About Medicare Mental Health Check-in
Medicare Mental Health Check-in guides you through evidence-based online activities that build your skills and confidence to feel more prepared for life's ups and downs.
They can help you with:
- stress
- mild anxiety
- sleep
- fears and worries
- low mood.
You can explore them at your own pace or with the support of a trained practitioner who's there for you via phone or video. One step at a time.
Who can access Medicare Mental Health Check-in
The service is for people who are:
- aged 16 years or older living in Australia
- feeling down, stressed or overwhelmed
- seeking low intensity mental health and wellbeing support.
Visit the Medicare Mental Health Check In website to explore the service, understand what it offers and access practical and evidence-based support to help you feel better and more in control of your mental wellbeing.
You can connect with a trained practitioner via telehealth for a safe, supportive space to talk about what you're experiencing and work through the online tools together, towards goals that matter to you.
From 30 May 2026, self-guided tools will be available for you to use at your own pace.
To access the service, you can call 1800 595 212 (between 8:30am and 5pm weekdays, except public holidays). Our friendly phone service staff will work with you to understand if Medicare Mental Health Check-in is suitable for you.
