Free Parenting Programs – Groundworks Youth & Family Hub
Blue Sky Community Services is facilitating a range of upcoming parenting programs. These are free programs, with refreshments provided and lunch provided for the Tuning Into Teens all-day session. There are online and face-to-face sessions available for the Teen Tactics, #Addicted, School Avoidance and the Age of Rage Programs.
For more information about any of the upcoming programs, please contact Groundworks Youth Centre on:
Phone: (02) 5632 4020 or (02) 5632 4021
Email: yfs@bluesky.org.au
School Avoidance: Overcoming school-related stress and anxiety
Mon, 7 Apr, 10am - 12pm AEST(Opens in new tab)
Mon, 7 Apr, 4:30pm - 6:30pm AEST(Opens in new tab)
Mon, 12 May, 10am - 12pm AEST(Opens in new tab)
Mon, 12 May, 4:30pm - 6:30pm AEST
#Addicted: Raising teens in an age of social media addiction
Mon, 5 May, 10am - 12pm AEST(Opens in new tab)
Mon, 5 May, 4:30pm - 6:30pm AEST
Teen Tactics: Navigating teenage defiance, peer pressure and risk-taking
Mon, 19 May, 10am - 12pm AEST
Mon, 19 May, 4:30pm - 6:30pm AEST
Age of Rage: Responding to your teen's anger and aggression
Mon, 26 May, 10am - 12pm AEST(Opens in new tab)
Mon, 26 May, 4:30pm - 6:30pm AEST
Our Living Coast – Coffs Harbour 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.
Stay in touch by subscribing to the monthly e-newsletter and liking the Facebook page.
Enjoy browsing Our Living Coast to see what’s here for you and remember to add this site to your favourites.
For upcoming events in your area visit: Our Living Coast Website
Suicide Prevention Workshop – Woolgoolga
Wesley LifeForce suicide prevention training equips participants with the knowledge and skills to increase awareness of suicide in Australia, identify the signs that someone may be at risk of suicide and appropriate action to take. Effective interventions can make a real difference and save lives. Our programs aim at training individuals from all walks of life, as well as organisational groups. All Wesley LifeForce facilitators are accredited trainers and have completed suicide intervention training.
A 6-hour suicide prevention training workshop is on offer in Woolgoolga for free.
DATE: Tuesday, 15th April 2025
TIME: 9am - 4pm
LOCATION: Wiigulga Sports Complex - Solitary Islands Way, Woolgoolga
COST: Free
Limited spots available so secure your attendance now by visiting the workshop page on the Eventbrite website.
Building Resilience Workshop – Toormina
The Wesley LifeForce Building Resilience workshop gives participants the chance to take ownership of their mental health and build new strategies to control their thoughts and emotions. Participants reflect on the personal management of their own mental health, in collaboration with others, and end the workshop with new techniques and healthy habits.
This free workshop is on offer in Toormina.
DATE: Tuesday, 29th April 2025
TIME: 10am - 3pm
LOCATION: The Link - 631 Hogbin Drive Toormina
COST: Free
Spots are limited, so secure your attendance now by visiting the workshop page on the Eventbrite site.
Come Sing with Singlish – Free Community Choir
Singlish is a free community choir that is welcoming of everyone, no singing experience is necessary!
DATE: Every Friday during school terms (no choir meetings during school holidays)
TIME: 3-4.30pm
LOCATION: Cavanbah Centre Room B, 191 Harbour Drive Coffs Harbour
COST: Free
For more information contact STARTTS on ph: 0478983884.
Gambling Recovery Group
Join the new Gambling Recovery Group at Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre. They’re here for people who want to take control of their gambling habits and make lasting changes.
The facilitators provide support with respect, free of judgement. Whether your goal is complete abstinence or moderation, they are there for you - even if you slip up.
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 10.30am -12pm
For more information read the Gambling Support Flyer.
The group is FREE, with no registration required. Just show up or call Leigh at (02) 6648 3663.
Adulting on the Spectrum- Neurodiverse Adults Social Group
Are you someone who has been diagnosed as an adult with autism or neurodivergence? If so, we warmly invite you to join our supportive community. Here, you'll find others who understand your unique experiences and challenges. Whether you're looking for advice, friendship or simply a place to share your story, our group is here for you. Let's connect, support each other and celebrate our neurodiversity together.
- Meet up fortnightly.
- Make a safe and inclusive environment.
- Share tips on managing daily life.
- Create social connections.
When: Every second Thursday of the month
Time: 10.30am - 11.30am
Where: 2D Coffeehouse, Yarilla Place ( Library), 27 Gordon Street, Coffs Harbour.
To see the next date for catch up please see our Facebook Event Page.
For more information and any requests, please contact:
Lynda Warwick - 0417 878 391 - lynda.warwick@ndis.gov.au or Julie Ferguson - 0421 430 175 - coffsact@gmail.com
Our Living Coast – Bellingen 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.
Stay in touch by subscribing to the monthly e-newsletter and liking the Facebook page.
Enjoy browsing Our Living Coast to see what’s here for you and remember to add this site to your favourites.
For upcoming events in your area visit: Our Living Coast Website
Bellingen Shire Youth Art Exhibitions and Prizes!
Announcing the Bellingen Shire Youth Art Exhibitions and Prizes! Held during Youth Week April 9th-17th, the theme is "We are the Future, The Future is Now".
To enter, you need to be between 12 and 25 years of age and live in the Bellingen Shire. Enter up to 3 pieces - you can enter a sculpture, painting, drawing it's up to you!
We have free canvas and paint and brush sets to give away to entrants, available until they run out. You can pick up an entry form and materials from our Neighbourhood Centres in Dorrigo, Bellingen and Urunga.
For all entry details and to download an entry form go to the Neighbourhood Centres website and/or read the Information Flyer
Need help? Contact our friendly teams on
- Bellingen (02) 6655 1239
- Dorrigo 0438 735 904
- Urunga (02) 6655 6993
Or email: community@ncobs.org.au
They will have more details about the exhibitions and opening nights soon!
Entries close 1st April.
River Sounds Festival 2025
The River Sounds Festival is on again this year at the Bellingen Showground!! A huge line up of artists, and tickets are available now.
When: Saturday, 5th April
Time: Gates open at 10.45am
Where: Bellingen Showground
**Camping is available onsite and must be booked prior**
For more information see read the flyer here or visit the River Sounds Festival website.
Bellingen Growers Market – Workshop Series
- Upcoming workshops at the Bellingen Growers Markets.
- 26th April: Intro to bush furniture
- 31st May: Easy composting
- 28th June: Visible clothes mending
Where: Bellingen Showgrounds
For more information, please read the flyer here or visit the Bellingen Growers Market Facebook page, or email: bellowgrowersmarket@gmail.com
What’s On at the Bellingen Memorial Hall
Bellingen Memorial Hall hosts a wide variety of events and workshops throughout the year - from arts to films to music and everything in between.
Check out their website to see what is coming up: Home | Bellingen Memorial Hall website
They have some fantastic new facilities that are for hire too - it might be just what you are looking for in hosting an event - including accessible facilities! Venue Hire | Bellingen Memorial Hall
Our Living Coast – Nambucca 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.
Stay in touch by subscribing to the monthly e-newsletter and liking the Facebook page.
Enjoy browsing Our Living Coast to see what’s here for you and remember to add this site to your favourites.
For upcoming events in your area visit: Our Living Coast Website
Bowraville Health and Wellbeing Expo
Rural Recovery Support Service, MNC Local Health and NSW Farmers have teamed up to bring a Health & Wellbeing Expo to Bowraville.
Come along for afternoon tea and a chance to interact with stallholders to understand how local services may assist with your health, wellbeing and recovery from adverse events.
When: Friday, 4th April 2025
Where: Bowraville Sports Hub, Coronation Street Bowraville
Time: 2pm-4pm
For more information, please read the Exoo flyer.
Nambucca Valley – Seeking Youth Council Partnering
Nambucca Valley Council is seeking to form a Youth Council. We want our first meeting of the Youth Council to be in Youth Week.
The Youth Council will advise Nambucca Valley Council on the issues that matter to young people (local and global) and provide advice to Council when seeking their input.
The Youth Council will also build capacity in not only civic leadership and governance, but also in designing our events, art and public spaces, informing our strategies, and the services we deliver that could help empower young people. They can inform Council on recognition of young people in our community, and on the big issues that challenge them and concerns for the future.
We're reaching out to see if any organisations are interested in partnering. Council is happy to be the backbone organisation, we are just seeking guidance, connection to young people, and any support facilitating them to get together and co-design their own Youth Council with us.
Anyone interested in discussing what partnering could look like and how we can work together, get in touch – Jocelyn Box 0492 248 533 or email jocelyn.box@nambucca.nsw.gov.au.
Girrwaa Duguula (People Together) Choir
If you love learning about culture and language and/or you love to sing, this is the choir for you!
The Choir is called Girrwaa Duguula which means 'People Together' in Gumbaynggirr.
It is free and open to all.
Date: Every Wednesday during school terms (choir does not meet during school holidays)
Time: 6pm - 8pm
Location: Talarm Community Hall - corner Talarm Road & Rhones Creek Road, Talarm
Cost: Free
For more information contact Ruth via email: cosmorocka@gmail.com, or call 0413288066.
2025 Macleay Youth Laneway Festival
Get into the festival vibe!
The Macleay Youth Laneway Festival is an opportunity for everyone to get together and celebrate our youth, admire their talents and recognise the valuable contribution they make to our community as part of our local celebrations for Youth Week NSW. It is also a chance celebrate the vibrant laneways that have been revitalised in the Kempsey CBD.
Date: Saturday 12th April 2025
Time: 2pm - 6pm
Location: Clyde Street, Kempsey
Everyone is invited to attend the festival. So many activities, many for free, so much fun! A full list of activities and event map will be available soon!
To stay across festival details as they come to light, keep your eyes on the Kempsey Council website.
Port Macquarie Colour Frenzy
Experience the extraordinary Colour Frenzy event in Port Macquarie, where vibrant colours, exhilarating fun, and non-stop excitement await you and your family. Gather your loved ones, friends, or colleagues and join the countless individuals who will be walking, jogging, skipping, hopping, or running together in this extraordinary adventure filled with vibrant colours, thrilling obstacles, exciting games, and fantastic giveaways.
Here’s what makes this event perfect for kids and families:
- Colourful Fun Run
- Foam/Bubble Machine
- Obstacles
- Colour Stations
- Games and Giveaways
- Free Professional Photography
This event is not just about having a great time; it also supports local animal rescues in Port Macquarie, adding meaning to the experience.
Date: Sunday, 13th April 2025
Time: 8.30am - 12pm
Location: Stuart Park - 2 Woods Street Port Macquarie
Cost: Multiple ticket options and prices are available on the Colour Frenzy website. For families with young children, kids under the age of five can participate in the fun run for just $5. This special pricing ensures that families with little ones can partake in the excitement affordably.
For more information and to book tickets visit the Colour Frenzy website.
Suicide Prevention Workshop – Port Macquarie
Wesley LifeForce suicide prevention training equips participants with the knowledge and skills to increase awareness of suicide in Australia, identify the signs that someone may be at risk of suicide and appropriate action to take. Effective interventions can make a real difference and save lives. Our programs aim at training individuals from all walks of life, as well as organisational groups. All Wesley LifeForce facilitators are accredited trainers and have completed suicide intervention training. Below you will find an outline of our workshops.
A 6-hour suicide prevention training workshop is on offer in Port Macquarie for free.
Date: Tuesday, 8th April 2025
Time: 9am - 4pm
Location: The Westport Club - 25 Buller Street, Port Macquarie
Cost: Free
Limited spots available so secure your attendance now by visiting the Workshop page on the Eventbrite site.
Have Your Say – TAFE NSW Survey
TAFE NSW is inviting all residents of NSW to have their say about TAFE NSW in their local community. We want to know if we’re in good shape to help foster opportunities for education and employment in our local communities.
We also know every community is different, so we need your help to better understand local needs and aspirations.
If you can, take the 10-minute survey that’s available here: haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/tafensw2025
Pocket Speechie: Text-based Information for Preschool-aged Children is back for 2025
Pocket Speechie is a health promotion project developed by the HNEkids community-based Speech Pathology team in the Hunter New England Local Health District. Written by speech pathologists, Pocket Speechie delivers helpful information and activities to parents, carers, and educators via SMS. The messages are aimed at improving health and literacy outcomes, and to provide tips to help children get ready for kindergarten. The strategies may be new, or simply offer a different way of doing something.
Topics covered in the text message service include:
- Typical speech sound development
- Vocabulary and language development
- Book sharing
- Hearing and the links with speech and language
- Transition to school and school readiness
Register at any time using the QR code below, or visit: https://qars.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/Survey?p=1EC24201
Subscribe to Blue Sky’s YouTube Channel!
Have you subscribed to Blue Sky's YouTube channel yet? If not, do it now!
You can watch educational videos to build your disability awareness and confidence, learn sign language, learn about sensory awareness and sensory tools, find out about Blue Sky projects, and don't miss the Ask Away video series starring people with lived experience of disability sharing important information.
So much great stuff is available, so check out the Blue Sky YouTube channel here!
5 Ss Housing Assistance Flowchart Resource for Community Service Workers
Local housing support workers and the Child and Family Interagency groups across the Mid North Coast, recently formed working groups to create localised resources. These flowcharts help guide community service workers and volunteers through the process required to support families experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless.
The flowcharts break the process into five steps - Safety and Services, Shelter, Situation, Support and Self-Care (5 Ss). Local support services are highlighted throughout.
There is a version available for each of the following regions: Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Valley, Bellingen, Kempsey, Port Macquarie Hastings and Mid Coast (Taree/Forster/Gloucester).
The resources are beneficial for workers in organisations where housing support is not their core business, however, they support customers who may also be experiencing challenges with securing or maintaining housing. This assists the worker to maintain a holistic and supportive approach to families and foster relationships and trust.
Head to the Blue Sky Community Services website to learn more about the 5 Ss and to download the latest versions for each region.
Concessions, Rebates and Assistance – Service NSW
Support is available across a wide range of household bills and activities. Find out what you could be eligible for! It could be a Companion Card, assistance with cost of living or simply how to navigate services.
Visit the Service NSW website
