Empower your Health Forum – Coffs Older Women’s Network
Empower Your Health Forum
Coffs Harbour Older Women's Network has teamed up with Health Voyage/Coffs Harbour Women's Health to assist you on your personal-centred health care journey.
The aim of this forum is to give all of us more help, more ideas, and learnings to not only manage our everyday health but improve our health and our mental wellbeing.
When: Wednesday 13th November 2024
Time: 10am to 2pm
Where: Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living - Pavilion Room
Read the Information Flyer here.
Registrations are essential: RSVP/book by: 11/11/2024 via the Humanitix event booking site.
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
Vicarious Trauma and Resilience Workshop
Join ThIS Training for a one day, in-person, Vicarious Trauma and Resilience Workshop in Coffs Harbour on Thursday, 12th December. Designed for practitioners, managers and organisations, this training will help in understanding the impacts for people working with those who have experienced significant trauma, and for practitioners who are faced with traumatic materials in the course of their work. The training will also cover organisational responsibilities protecting staff relative to psychosocial hazards workplace changes. Ideal for those who work in health, housing, foster care, education and community services, participants will learn about the factors that cause vicarious trauma, and that enable vicarious resilience.
To register, visit the Humanitix booking site.
Read the Information flyer here.
Aspect – Virtual Playgroups & Sensory Story Time
Upcoming sessions for Term 4 for Aspect Building Tots (Online) Sensory Story Time and Virtual Playgroups for families living in Coffs Harbour and surrounds.
The weekly Online Story Time sessions are facilitated by an Early Childhood Educator and are open to attendance for children aged 0-3years not yet attending early childhood education and care settings (e.g. childcare) and their families.
The weekly Online Playgroup sessions are facilitated by an Occupational Therapist and are open to attendance for children aged 0-3years not yet attending early childhood education and care settings (e.g. childcare) and their families.
Families can attend either one or both of these groups weekly, or as they’re able to make it.
Sessions for playgroup commence Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October, and run through until 21st November, 9:30-10:30am.
Sessions for sensory story time commence Monday 28th October and run through until Monday 16th December, 2-2:30pm.
Attendance is FREE (fully funded by the Department of Education).
Families can register for either of the ongoing programs by filling out and submitting the
Link: Building Tots Intake Form
Playgroup Email: mboyd@aspect.org.au
Sensory Story Time Email: kosborne@aspect.org.au
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence 2024
Community Service Workers Forum.
To mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence in 2024, a full-day educational forum will be offered to community service workers on the Mid North Coast. This year, the sector training activity will run face to face! The professional development activity will focus on domestic and family violence prevention and how we can keep children and their families safe. The forum will feature presentations by Ashlee Donohue, Dr Michael Flood, Sarah Dahlenburg from The Mid North Coast Legal Centre, Michelle Stocks from Kirinari, and break-out workshops by the local DFV Specialist Services.
For further information, please access the booking link or contact Tivoli Dovers or Oonagh Connor at (02) 6651 1788 or sdo@@bluesky.org.au
When: 27th November 2024
Time: 9am - 4pm
Where: C.ex Club Coffs Harbour.
Check out the Blue Sky Community Services website for more information on the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence schedule of events: 16 Days of Activism 2024 - Blue Sky Community Services
Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training – Toormina
When: Tuesday, 3rd December 2024
Time: 9am - 4pm
Where: The Link, 631 Hogbin Drive, Toormina, NSW 2452
Wesley deliver a robust and evidence-based program which focuses upon educating people about suicide, challenging attitudes, and teaching basic engagement and suicide intervention skills.
Participants will have increased confidence in their ability to identify people who may be at risk of suicide, communicate appropriately with a suicidal person, ask a person if they are considering suicide and conduct a suicide intervention.
Lunch will be provided on the day.
Please see the training flyer for more information.
Feel the Vibe – Lifting the Lid on Sexuality and Disability
Experience a night like no other at Feel the Vibe, where we will be lifting the lid on sexuality and disability. Join us for an unforgettable evening.
When: Thursday, 7th November 2024
Time: 4pm - 8:30pm
Where: C.ex Coffs, 2-6 Vernon St, Coffs Harbour
A range of industry experts will be there to answer all your questions about sexuality, sexual health, and sexual fulfilment. We'll also be spicing things up with entertainment, interactive activities, and exhibitor stalls showcasing adult products.
This is a welcoming and inclusive expo for adults with disability, their support networks, and disability professionals. It's a chance to connect, learn, and have fun together. And the party doesn't stop there. After the expo, we'll be heading over to the Hoey Moey for an unofficial after party from 8:30pm until late. It's the perfect opportunity to continue the conversation and connect with other attendees from Feel the Vibe.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to Feel the Vibe. This is an evening you won't want to miss. See you there!
PLEASE NOTE: This is an 18+ event. Adults only.
You can register for the evening via the Feel the Vibe Registration Form
For more information about this event read the Feel the Vibe Flyer
Peter and the Wolf: Orchestral Magic for Young Hearts
Come join us on a FREE musical journey at this family-friendly event from Bellingen Youth Orchestra (BYO)!
When: Sunday, 10th November 2024
Time: 2 matinee performances at 1pm and 3.30pm
Where: Bellingen Memorial Hall Bellingen NSW
Book on the Humanitix Peter and the Wolf event booking page.
Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev – Participate in a timeless tale of Peter and his animal friends, brought to life through interactive narration to spark children’s imaginations!
🎷 Featuring the BYO – including showcasing the talents of our youngest and newest musicians, proving that music truly is for everyone.
🎵 Engaging and Interactive – perfect for families and young children new to classical music, with a repertoire designed to inspire creativity and excitement.
✨ Two matinee concerts will be held, creating an intimate setting for young audiences to connect with the orchestra and experience the magical world of classical music.
With thanks to the Bellingen Shire Council!
Farm Safety Day in Dorrigo
When: Friday, 15th November 2024
Where: Dorrigo Showgrounds
Time: 9:15am onwards.
Chainsaw use, first aid and emergencies, fires safety, chemical use and more…free sausage sizzle, tea/coffee. Interested in being part of the day? Contact Sara Hankin: 82capella@gmail.com
For further information please see the Farm Safety Day Flyer
Ian J. Cooper Awards for Access and Inclusion 2024 – Nominations now open
Nominations are NOW OPEN for the Ian J. Cooper Awards for Access and Inclusion 2024.
Held every two years, these awards are the opportunity to acknowledge local individuals, businesses, organisations, and services that are working towards making Bellingen Shire more accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities.
Nominations close: Monday, 11th November 2024.
For more information on the awards and how to nominate please see this Information Flyer.
Volunteers Needed: Original Nations & Peoples InterNational Earth Summit 2024
Event Overview: Continuing 25 years of Stories and Songs of the People, we invite all friends, allies, and relatives to gather on Gumbaynggirr Country over the summer solstice. This event will feature intercultural and interfaith sharing of cultural knowledge through storytelling, song, dance, art, film, and talking circles. By working together, we can find new possibilities for responding to the profound challenges facing our collective Nations and future generations.
More information and tickets are available at: www.storiesandsongs.org
Volunteer Details:
- Dates: 7 - 21 December, registrations now open
- Location: Budaabang Gumbaynggirr Waajar - Bellingen Showground
- Hosted by: The Gumbaynggirr Peoples
- Artwork: Connection to Country by Gumbaynggirr artist Brentyn Lugnan
- Volunteer roles: There are many ways volunteers can contribute. Find out more and register your interest on the Stories and Songs website
- Contact: info-0z@storiesandsongs.org
Bowraville Youth Hub – Girls & Boys Groups
Bowraville Youth Hub has some fantastic groups running! Everything from playgroups for toddlers to teens groups. Check out what they have to offer by visiting their Facebook page: JBBowraville Facebook page
Girls Group - Bowraville Youth Hub - Every Monday afternoon from 3:30 - 4:30pm @ Bowraville Youth Hub
Come along and partake in fun and engaging activities. Free snacks and cooked dinner are provided. Open to school-age students within the Nambucca Valley LGA. See Girls group flyer for further details.
Boys Group - Bowraville Youth Hub - Every Wednesday afternoon from 3:30pm - 5:00pm @ Bowraville Central School
Come along and partake in indoor & outdoor activities, music and DJ workshops, fitness programs plus plenty more. Free snacks and cooked dinner are provided. Open to school-age students within the Nambucca Valley LGA. See Boys group flyer for further details.
Arts Mid North Coast – Activities in the Nambucca Valley
Are you looking to find some connections to art in the Valley? Some theatre, workshops or some fun activities? The Arts Mid North Coast website is a great place to find what you are looking for!
Visit the website below to see what is coming up this month in the Nambucca Valley.
Volunteers Needed – OzGreen @ the Open Streets Festival
Help reduce waste at Nambucca Valley Open Streets Festival!
Rethink waste is a waste education community project that partners with major events to reduce waste and raise awareness. Our volunteers help direct event patrons to sort their waste at the event, redirecting waste away from landfill, and inspiring their community to change their habits. We’re looking for volunteers to assist at the Festival from 2.30pm-8.30pm. Volunteers work at our bin stations assisting people with sorting waste and providing information about waste. We have a number of bin stations to monitor.
For 12-19-year-olds only, please visit the link below for registration.
Rethink Waste at Nambucca Valley Open Streets Festival — OzGreen
When: Saturday 23rd of November 2024
Time: 2:30pm-8:30 pm
Where: @ Macksville for Open Streets Festival
Funkya at Unkya Community Market
Funkya at Unkya is a grassroots bi-monthly community market for ‘make it, bake it, sew it, grow it’ producers and creatives as well as the environmentally sustainable concept to reuse, recycle and re-invent.
The market is held at Unkya Reserve, Eungai Creek on the last Sunday of February, April, June, August and October and on the second Sunday in December for the Christmas market. Live music by local musicians headlines every market.
The market is open between 8am and 1pm.
Visit the website for more information: Funkya at Unkya Markets - Eungai NSW
Community Hub Day in Kempsey
Hosted by Service NSW, Community Hub Days are an opportunity for communities to come together and learn about the various support services available across Service NSW and other NGO agencies. Durri will also be providing a free BBQ!
Time: 10am - 3pm
When: Wednesday, 13th November 2024
Location: 15-19 York Lane, Kempsey, NSW, 2440 (Durri AMS)
Our Community Says No to Domestic Violence
Our Community Says No to Domestic Violence
16 Days of Activism – UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.
Kempsey Domestic Violence Monitoring Committee invites you to a riverside vigil where we will place flowers on the water, to gently float down the beautiful Macleay River in recognising the losses that have been experienced from domestic violence
When: Monday, 25th November 2024
Time: 1pm
Where: Kempsey Riverside Park
For further information: 65631588
Riverside vigil flyer
Managing the Bully Program for Females aged 12-16
Headspace brings a 6-week group program to Kempsey for teens to gain skills and resilience.
When: 6th November 2024 – 11th December 2024 (every Wednesday for 6 weeks).
Time: 4pm-5.30pm
Where: Kempsey headspace, 65 Smith Street, Kempsey
Big Day Out in Kempsey
Celebrating International Day of People With Disability.
FREE EVENT where everyone is welcome and there is something for everyone!
Disability support stalls, silent disco, jumping castle, face painting, petting zoo, arts & crafts, music, food and lots more!
When: Friday, 6th December 2024
Time: 10am - 2pm
Where: Riverside Park, Kempsey
Parenting Programs through Uniting – Term 4
Uniting are offering a number of fantastic parenting programs in Port Macquarie in Term 4. Please see the flyer for information on what programs are available: Parenting Strategies & Programs Flyer
The RAGE program is designed for young people of high school age, who have difficulty controlling their emotions. The next program starts from Wednesday 13th November 2024 for 4 weeks. Parents/carers must attend a parent/carer info session prior to young people commencing the RAGE program.
Parent/Carer Session
When: Wednesday, 6th November 2024
Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Where: Uniting Office, 7 Sherwood Road, Port Macquarie
Cuppa with Colour Social Group
It’s time to get creative with the Cuppa and Colour social group.
We get together fortnightly to:
- create art through colouring and other art forms.
- build friendships and support each other.
- And get to know our local community.
Participation in creative activities is optional, come along for a coffee and great conversation.
When: Wednesday, 21st August
Time: from 10am
Where: Maisie's Cafe, located opposite to the library on Grant St in Port Macquarie.
Cost: FREE
Ramp access is by the main entrance to the Macquarie Business Park building.
For more information take a look at the latest Cuppa with Colour Flyer.
Position Vacant – Sector Support and Development Officer
Blue Sky Community Services is currently recruiting for the following vacant position:
- Sector Support and Development Officer, part-time 20 hours per week based at our Ballina office, and also working partly from home.
You can find information about this position via our website on the Blue Sky Careers page.
If you would like to apply, you must send your resume and the completed application form to recruitment@bluesky.org.au by the closing date of midday Monday, 11th November 2024.
Position Vacant – First Nations Local Area Coordinator
Blue Sky Community Services is currently recruiting for the following vacant position:
- First Nations Local Area Coordinator, part-time 30 hours per week based at our Kempsey office. Working partly from home will also be considered.
- This is an identified position under S126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. This vacancy is open to, and applications will only be accepted from, people who identify as Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
You can find information about this position via our website on the Blue Sky Careers page.
Psychosocial Support Program for Youth on the Mid North Coast
Mission Australia has announced that the Psychosocial Support Program for Youth is officially open in Port Macquarie, Nambucca Heads, Coffs Harbour and surrounding suburbs.
The following services are able to refer, so please get in contact if you have a relevant referral.
- Healthy Hub Connect – Each Youth Enhanced Service
- Local Health District
- Medicare Mental Health Centre
- Headspace
- Schools
- Referral Process:
- All referrals are sent to our intake and admin assistant who checks eligibility and correct consents have been signed. Please note we need client consent to continue with the referral.
- The referral is then tabled at weekly intake meetings where program suitability is determined. If suitable the young person will be allocated to a Youth Wellbeing Coordinator
- The Youth Wellbeing Coordinator will then make contact with the referrer and young person.
We look forward to working with you all and assisting your young people through their wellbeing journey.
For more information visit the Mission Australia Psychosocial Support Program webpage.
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
