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May 2024

Welcome to Connections

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

All One Under the Sun Festival – Volunteer Callout!

Sunday, 26th May 2024 

Do you have a Working with Children NSW Check? Do you have a few hours to give?
We would love your support! 

The All One under the Sun Festival is a celebration of cross-cultural Coffs Harbour, bringing together everyone who calls Gumbaynggirr Country home, to share the beautiful North Coast Botanic Garden for the day with live music, dance, food, storytelling, and hands-on activities for the whole family.

We are seeking volunteers who are eager to contribute to this vibrant event and work 2-3 hours each at various roles across the festival. Your participation will help make this festival a memorable experience for all.

If you are interested in being a part of this special day, please express your interest by completing this form and letting us come together to make the All One Under the Sun Festival an event to remember!

We particularly need volunteers to cover shifts from 12pm -3pm. Afraid of missing out on the action? Don't worry we have a variety of fun roles, working alongside fantastic community groups running demonstrations or workshops. We are also looking for experienced community workers to give a few hours in the Info Tent, helping the public to locate a workshop or musician they are hoping to watch.  

Volunteers will be provided with lunch for their time and appreciated by all! 

Have any questions?  Please email our Volunteer Coordinator aouts2022@gmail.com and they will get back to you.

Introduction to Trauma Attachment and Positive Behaviour Support Workshop

Coffs Harbour $180

Wednesday, 3rd July, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Light refreshments are available.

Join ThIS Training for an immersive and informative training session on introducing foundational concepts of Trauma, Attachment & Positive Behaviour Support. This introductory event is designed to equip early childhood professionals, education, community service workers and caregivers with essential and foundational knowledge and practical strategies to better understand and support individuals affected by trauma and attachment challenges.

This introductory training is essential for those who work with children and young people displaying complex behaviours. Covering concepts of the neuroscience of trauma, developmental trauma and key behaviour support strategies, this evidence-informed introduction to trauma gives workers an understanding of trauma-based behaviours and the best ways to respond.

“This training made sense of the behaviours I see every day and gave real-time strategies in how to best respond” Hands & Hearts Early Childhood

Purchase Tickets here via Eventbrite

Introduction to FASD – Understanding behaviour, diagnosis and support

Coffs Harbour  $180   

Tuesday, 2nd July 2024, 9:30am -12:30pm. Light refreshments available.

This introductory workshop is designed for those who work with or care for those with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum disorder especially those working in early childhood education, disability services and human services and will cover the following:

  1. Understanding the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developing foetus.
  2. Insight into diagnosis
  3. How FASD presents
  4. How to work effectively with those with FASD
  5. Links to online resources and referral pathways for ongoing support
  6. Celebrate the unique skills and contributions that those with FASD offer.

"This workshop was invaluable in deepening my understanding of how to best support the young people and their carers that I work with daily. The training was engaging, informative and thought-provoking" (Foster Care Support  Worker)   

Register here via Eventbrite

Check Out What’s Happening at Libraries on the Coffs Coast!

There are so many free and inclusive events happening at libraries on the Coffs Coast. There's something for all ages.

Whether you want to learn to play the ukelele, take your little one to a play activity, or you're looking to attend a workshop - there's always something on offer.

Locations include Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga and Toormina.

For more information head to the Coffs Harbour Libraries website.

Free Counselling at Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre

Free counselling is available at the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre!

This service is provided by Counselling Services Incorporated (CSI) through graduate volunteers. If you are having a hard time, your mental health is suffering, you are experiencing loss, or you just need someone to talk to, book an appointment.

For more information head to the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre website.

Coffs Coast Community College

Are you looking to build knowledge and skills? Looking to meet new people?

Your local community college has so many nationally recognised training opportunities and short courses on offer.

Why not take a look to see what interests you on the Coffs Coast Community College website.

Free Legal Advice at Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre

Free legal advice is available at the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre every second Thursday evening from 5 pm.

Hugo is a local solicitor who volunteers his time. Everyone can access this service. Advice can be given on a range of issues, including family law, power of attorney/guardianship, wills, neighbourhood law and some criminal matters.

Bookings are essential. Appointments are currently over the phone.

For more information head to the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre website..

Neighbourhood Centres of Bellingen, Dorrigo & Urunga – so much to offer!

The Neighbourhood Centres of the Bellingen Shire have so much to offer community members in Bellingen, Dorrigo and Urunga!

Check out their Neighbourhood Centres website to find out all the ways they might be able to assist you.

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.

Free Counselling in the Bellingen Shire

Free counselling is available to residents of the Bellingen Shire. The counselling sessions are available by appointment at all three Neighbourhood Centres - Bellingen, Urunga and Dorrigo.

For more information and to book an appointment go to the Bellingen Neighbourhood Centres website.

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.

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.

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.

Free community Education in Kempsey – Dementia Australia

Dementia Australia will be holding free community educations sessions in the Kempsey area

  • 23rd May – Understanding Dementia at the Kempsey Library starts at 12pm runs for 2 hours.
  • 6th June – Communication and Dementia at the Kempsey Library starts at 12pm runs for 2 hours.

For more information or to register check out the event flyers. Understanding Dementia 23rd May Flyer

Communication and Dementia 6th Jun Flyer

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.

Storytime for Kids at your local Port-Hastings Library

Join storytime for kids at your local library! Enjoy some wonderful stories and great fun. Suitable for ages 3-5 years, with parent/carer.

Storytime events happen regularly at Wauchope Library, Laurieton Library, and Port Macquarie Library.

For upcoming dates and times go to the Mid North Coast Library Service 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.

Mid North Coast Community College

Are you looking to build knowledge and skills? Looking to meet new people?
Your local community college has so many nationally recognised training opportunities and short courses on offer.

Why not take a look to see what interests you on the Mid North Coast Community College website.

Sector Support and Development Officer

The Sector Support and Development Officer role will lead the delivery of a range of targeted activities that build the knowledge, skills and capability of the aged care services sector to deliver high-quality services and adapt to aged care reforms. The successful candidate will need to be proactive and keep up to date with industry best practice and aged care reforms.

Applications close on 3rd June 2024 at midday and can be made via the Careers page on our website.

For more information about the role:

Terry Robb, Executive Manager: Service Delivery and Quality, (02) 6651 1788

Ethical Jobs: Find a job you can be truly passionate about

Looking for a job? Find an ethical job that contributes for a more equitable, more just or more sustainable world.

For more information click HERE.

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.

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.

We invite you to our Industry Focus Groups – Mid North Coast Skills Audit

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) has engaged Charles Sturt University (CSU) to conduct a skills audit on the Mid North Coast.  We will be conducting industry focus group sessions during the month of June and are keen to see a broad range of representatives from the business community to ensure we capture a true picture of the skills needs, gaps and opportunities for the MNC.

To register for any of the focus groups check out our site on Humantix.

If you cannot attend but want to have your say and be involved, please participate in our online survey.

When: 4th June 2024

9am to 10.30am Taree University Campus, Taree

1.30pm to 3.00pm Roto House, Port Macquarie

5th June 2024

9am to 10.30am CUC Macleay Valley, Kempsey

1.30pm to 3.00pm Macksville Senior Citizens Hall, Macksville

6th June 2024

9am to 10.30am Bellingen Youth Hub, Bellingen

1.30pm to 3.00pm  Cavanbah Centre, Room A, Coffs Harbour

Do you have a news article to submit?

Did you know you can submit a wide range of community-related information such as grants, job listings, events and activities to Blue Sky?

We will publish it on your behalf and you will reach a large audience with thousands of people viewing our website and reading our newsletters monthly.