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Seasonal Observation Walk
Join a guide from the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden for a free walk around the garden, checking plants that are fruiting and flowering at that particular time. Information is provided for around 30 plants during the walk.
Meet at the cafe seats just before 10am and join in the fun.
Please bring water and a hat and apply sunscreen and insect repellent.
Date: Thursday, 4 December 2025
Time: 10am to 11.45am
Location: North Coast Regional Botanic Garden - Hardacre Street, Coffs Harbour
Cost: Free event
For more information, check out the Botanic Garden walks webpage.
Cinema Under the Stars – Coffs Harbour
Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema under the Stars is bringing a night that’s got real bite to Coffs Harbour this spring! The Wild Robot is a heartfelt treat for the whole family.
There's free popcorn and fun-filled activities for the kids. Food vendors will be available for food purchases. This is an alcohol-free event.
Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025
Time: 5.30pm to 10.30pm (movie starts at sundown)
Location: Coffs Harbour Showground - 123 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour
Cost: Free entry
To RSVP attendance and for more information, check out the event Facebook page.
Compassion Without Collapse Workshop
Come along to a down-to-earth workshop and learn:
- strategies to keep showing up without burning out or turning cynical
- deep self care, self awareness, boundaries and robust accountability.
Presented by Lily Wolf, who has 25 years' experience working in community services and trauma recovery. Come along, have a laugh, and leave with ways to keep your heart in the work without losing your head in the process.
Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025
Time: 9:30am to 11am
Location: Coffs Harbour Community Village Meeting Room - 1/22 Earl Street, Coffs Harbour
Register your attendance by contacting Anna from Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre on: (02) 6648 3694
Reclaim the Night – Annual Street March
Reclaim the Night is a community-led march to shine a light on, and end, violence again women. The annual street march is happening again soon.
Date: Friday, 14 November 2025
Time: 5pm meet to start march at 5.30pm
Location: Meet at corner of Hood Street and Harbour Drive (opposite Pier Hotel). March ends at Park Beach Reserve where there will be guest speakers and entertainment.
No need to register for the event - just turn up and be a part of this positive community event.
Sawtell Men’s Group
Sawtell Men is a free local social group that has been created for men to connect and support each other in a safe environment and promote positive mental health through exercise, great conversation and a morning coffee brew!
To find out more and connect with the group, check out their Facebook page.
Mental Health First Aid Course
The MiTraining Mental Health First Aid® (Standard) two-day course teaches people (18 years and over) how to offer initial support to other adults who are developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health problem or are in a mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
On undertaking a short assessment your certificate is issued from Mental Health First Aid® Australia and, on successful completion, you may use the title of accredited Mental Health First Aider.
Date: 24 and 25 November 2025
Time: 9am to 4.30pm
Location: Coffs Harbour Showgrounds - 123 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour
Cost: $395
For more information and to register for this course, head to the Event webpage.
Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Workshop for Aged Care Workers
Wesley LifeForce has developed quality suicide prevention training. Our Suicide Prevention Workshop is designed to teach people how to identify the signs that someone may be at risk of suicide and appropriate action to take. Simple effective interventions can make a real difference and save lives. All Wesley LifeForce facilitators are accredited trainers and have completed suicide intervention training. Many are also accredited counsellors.
About this workshop - Skills training for Aged Care Workers:
- 1-hour tailored seminar
- Build awareness of residents who may be at risk of suicide
- Recognise the potential signs, and develop skills to record and report concerns so that your residents can get the support they need.
Date: Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Time: 9am to 10am
Location: Wesley Mission - 71 Albany Street, Coffs Harbour
Cost: Free
For more information and to register your attendance, visit the Event webpage.
MENtors for Men – Men supporting men
MENtors For Men, based on the Coffs Coast of NSW, is all about men supporting men.
As a social inclusion program they achieve this by connecting with men in the community and establishing peer support, mentoring networks and services to improve men’s physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing.
Their intention is to provide men with a sense of belonging and purpose through friendship.
As mentors, they meet up once a week and share experiences and wisdom.
Their training enables them to address men’s behaviour, risk-taking, and health through self-awareness.
Operating as volunteers provides the opportunity for men from all backgrounds to share their skills, knowledge and experience, and build a rich culture of men supporting men.
MENtors for Men is a community service organisation that’s free, non-profit, non-religious, and completely confidential.
Please contact MENtors for Men if you are interested in becoming a mentor, or if you wish be mentored yourself.
Contact details can be found on the MENtors for Men website.
All One Under the Sun Festival
Join us once again as the All One Under the Sun Festival returns to celebrate community, culture and connection on the Coffs Coast!
What to expect in 2025:
- A few amazing headliner acts!
- A dynamic offering of music, workshops, cultural performances and activities for all ages
- Delicious international cuisine representative of our diverse communities
- A welcoming, safe and inclusive environment that connects community members in celebration
We hope to build on the energy and success of previous years, with even more opportunities for everyone to come together, celebrate diversity and experience the vibrant spirit of Coffs Harbour.
Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025
Time: 2pm to 9pm
Location: Brelsford Park, Earl Street, Coffs Harbour
For more information, check out the AOUTS Festival webpage.
School Netball Carnivale
This event provides culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities with the opportunity to experience friendly netball games. Schools are invited to enter teams from Year 5 to Year 10.
Date: Wednesday, 12 November 2025
Time: 10am - 2:30pm
Location: Sportz Central - 74A Bray Street, Coffs Harbour
Schools can register a team free of charge at the Netball NSW Play HQ website.
Organisations are invited to have a stall at the event.
Equipment: Each stall will be provided with one table and two chairs. Please bring your own flyers, signage, resources, or any other necessary materials you wish to bring.
To register a stall contact Varnie Raman via email: vraman@netballnsw.com.
Tech Essentials for Adults and Seniors
Learning technology doesn’t have to be confusing - or boring! Tech Essentials is a practical, hands-on program for adults and seniors.
Tech sessions happen regularly at Coffs Harbour and Toormina Libraries, and they are free to attend!
Sessions coming up in October include 'Making the most of free Google apps' and 'Phone Photography: Capture and create'.
To find dates and locations for these sessions, check out the Coffs Harbour Libraries events webpage.
Social Wheelchair Tennis
Are you interested in a game of social wheelchair tennis? Allan from Harbour Tennis would love to get a social wheelchair tennis group up and running.
All ages and abilities would be welcome. Games would be played at Westside Tennis Courts in Coffs Harbour - perfect hard courts for wheelies.
Express your interest by contacting Allan at email: harbourtennis@bigpond.com
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
Youth Warhammer Painting and Gaming Sessions
Curious about Warhammer? Join our free introductory sessions! Dive into the world of epic battles, strategy, and creativity with no commitment needed. Meet fellow enthusiasts, learn the basics, and experience the thrill of Warhammer firsthand. Whether you’re new to tabletop games or a seasoned gamer looking for a new adventure, our welcoming community is here to guide you. Grab your spot and discover the world of Warhammer today!
Please see the Warhammer flyer for info.
Contact Alex via email: alexandermiteff@bluesky.org.au, or phone: 0437 353245, to make a booking.
When: First Wednesday of every month
Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm
Where: Groundworks Youth & Family Hub
Gambling Recovery Group
Join the 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.
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.
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
Camp Creative is on again!
Camp Creative is where like-minded people come together to learn, make and discover the very best workshops led by artists, designers and musicians from across the Bellingen area and surrounds.
Held in the picturesque town of Bellingen, Camp Creative offers a diverse range of over 80 courses to choose from. Whether you're a novice looking to explore your artistic side or a seasoned artist seeking new challenges, Camp Creative will ignite your creativity and kickstart the new year on a vibrant note.
The 40th anniversary of this event is happening 12-16 January 2026.
For more information and to book your courses, check out the event webpage.
Art Therapy at Bellingen Youth Hub
Art Therapy is a creative and safe space to externalise thoughts and experiences, and discover new perspectives and meaning through creativity.
Date: Thursdays and Fridays during term 4 2025
Time: 9am to 5pm
Location: Bellingen Youth Hub - 2 William Street, Bellingen
For more information contact Christopher Newton: P: 0431 250 521, E: christopher.newton@student.uq.edu.au or Bello Youth Hub P: (02) 6655 0381
Bellingen Shire Arts Trail Weekend
The Bellingen Shire Arts Trail weekend is back, bringing a vibrant celebration of creativity to the region! 36 venues and more than 70 artists combine to create a weekend not to be missed!
Art collectors, enthusiasts and curious minds are invited to explore the artistic landscape of the Bellingen Shire. This year's trail presents a captivating journey through open studios, galleries and shared spaces showcasing the works of many local artists and craftspeople. From the scenic Dorrigo plateau, down to historic Bellingen valley and onto the coastal surrounds of Urunga and Raleigh, don't miss what will be an incredible weekend!
Date: Saturday, 8 November to Sunday, 9 November 2025
Time: 10am to 4pm
Location: Across the beautiful Bellingen Shire
For more information, check out the event website.
The Mylestom Mollusc Festival
The inaugural Mylestom Mollusc! A festival celebrating our region's oysters, seafood, fresh produce, environment and community.
Lots of activities for everyone, including bush tucker tours, fly fishing demos, morning yoga, the great Mylestom "Gallop" (byo snail to race), celebrity chef and a fantastic live music programme including High Andies, The Bullfrogs and more.
Markets showcasing handmade, handcrafted, and homegrown products will line the Riverwalk, with live art installations, with the most spectacular backdrop of the Bellinger River. Fresh oysters are available, and food stalls will highlight our region's best produce.
The Mylestom Mollusc festival is supported by Bellingen Shire Council through the Community Grants Program.
Date: Saturday, 8 November 2025
Time: 9am to 3pm
Location: River Street, Mylestom
Cost: Free
For more information, check out the Mollusc Festival website.
Lifeline ‘Accidental Counsellor Foundations’ Workshop – Bellingen
Ever had to step into the shoes of 'the accidental counsellor'?
The Accidental Counsellor Foundations Workshop will provide you with the necessary skills and tools to be able to step into the shoes of an accidental counsellor momentarily, and respond appropriately, efficiently and effectively to people in crisis or distress when there may not be a professional immediately available.
These workshops fill up months ahead, so don't wait - register now!
Date: Wednesday, 19 November 2025
Time: 9am - 4.30pm
Location: Bello Hub - Corner William and Church Streets, Bellingen
Cost: Free for those living/working in the area
For more information and to register, check out the Lifeline training webpage.
Hideaway Festival 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon as Phillips Lane and Hay Street come alive for the Hideaway Festival!
Port Macquarie Hastings Council, in partnership with Headspace, is excited to present the Hideaway Festival, proudly supported by Transport for NSW’s Open Streets Program.
Over the next three years, Hideaway will bring our streets to life with creativity and connection. In 2025, Phillips Lane and Hay Street will be transformed into a vibrant festival hub - celebrating the best of regional culture through live music, street art, food, and community spirit.
Please note: This is a family-friendly event, guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Valid ID will be required at the gate and for all alcohol purchases.
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the best of local culture, street art, food, and music in the heart of Port Macquarie.
Date: Saturday, 8 November 2025
Time: 2pm to 8pm
Location: Phillips Lane and Hay Street, Port Macquarie
Cost: Free
For more information, check out the event webpage.
The Repair Fair
Do you have items at home needing some love?
Join us at The Repair Fair, a community celebration where you can meet talented local repairers and creatives, passionate about fixing, reusing, and reimagining everyday items.
From clothes and bikes to gadgets and skateboards, explore this market style event to learn how to give your belongings a fresh new life. Join workshops, watch demonstrations and discover creative ways to reduce waste, save money, and protect our planet.
What to expect:
- Hands-on workshops for all ages
- Local repairers in action
- Free bicycle tune-ups
- Upcycled and second-hand market
- Pre-loved clothing and car boot sale
- Live music and local food vendors
- Face painting and more!
Date: Sunday, 16 November 2025
Time: 10am to 1pm
Location: Port Macquarie Library - Grant Street, Port Macquarie
Cost: Free entry
For more information, check out the event webpage.
No Lights No Lycra
Music on, lights off, no worries!
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, with more than half of sessions held in regional towns to ensure accessibility. Now it's happening in 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.
Dates: 8th and 22nd January 2026
Time: 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Location: St Thomas' Anglican Church - 74 Hay Street, Port Macquarie
Cost: $10 (cash or eftpos)
Wear comfy clothes and bring a water bottle.
For more information check out the NLNL Port Facebook page.
Port Macquarie Hastings Clinical Society – Youth Mental Health
Early Intervention in Youth Mental Health: Practical Tools for Primary Care
Join Healthy North Coast for a focused education session designed to support your role in identifying and responding to mental health concerns in children and young people.
Learn how to apply an early intervention approach, navigate referral pathways, and use the IAR-DST tool to support stepped care planning in the Mid North Coast region.
Discover how HealthPathways can streamline access to localised clinical and referral information, and explore a range of effective interventions beyond psychology. Gain clarity on how Medicare Mental Health Intake supports care navigation across community-based services.
Walk away with practical knowledge to enhance your confidence and capability in youth mental health care.
This clinical session is for General Practitioners and GP Registrars; Nurses; Allied Health Professionals including Psychologists, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Exercise Physiologists; Aboriginal Health Practitioners and other Primary Healthcare Providers.
Enjoy a delicious meal and connect with colleagues while gaining insights and tools to enhance your clinical practice.
Date: Thursday, 13 November 2025
Time: 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Location: Sails Resort by Rydges - 20 Park Street, Port Macquarie
Cost: Free
For more information and to register your attendance, check out the event webpage.
Cinema Under the Stars – Port Macquarie
Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema under the Stars is bringing a night that’s got real bite to Port Macquarie this spring! The Wild Robot is a heartfelt treat for the whole family.
There's free popcorn and fun-filled activities for the kids. Food vendors will be available for food purchases. This is an alcohol-free event.
Date: Friday, 28 November 2025
Time: 5.30pm to 10.30pm (movie starts at sundown)
Location: Westport Park - Park Street, Port Macquarie
Cost: Free entry
To RSVP attendance and for more information, check out the event Facebook page.
Christmas Fair 2025
It’s time to light the Christmas tree and celebrate the festive season.
Join our family-friendly Christmas event at Town Green, where you’ll be able to browse market stalls, enjoy dinner from a variety of food trucks, watch local performers and sing along to your favourite Christmas carols and jingles. Everyone is welcome!
Bring a rug, grab a space and enjoy your BYO picnic on the lawn for carols, performances and special time with family and friends.
Date: Friday, 5 December 2025
Time: 5pm to 9pm
Location: Town Square - North end of Horton Street, Port Macquarie
Cost: Free entry
For more information, check out the event webpage.
Garage Sale Trail
Australia’s biggest secondhand treasure hunt is back with Port Macquarie Hastings Council hosting the Garage Sale Trail again in 2025!
The event brings two weekends of bargain hunting, community fun, and epic secondhand finds!
Looking to declutter? It’s garage sales made easy with a free sale listing, expert tips, and ready-made promotional resources - so you can focus on turning pre-loved items into cash.
Bargain hunting? Create your own treasure map and uncover unique finds, vintage gems, and unbeatable bargains while connecting with your local community.
Whether you're selling or shopping, Garage Sale Trail makes it easy, fun, and rewarding.
Date: 8-9 and 15-16 November 2025
Time: 7am to 4pm each day
For more information and to register your involvement, check out the event webpage.
Hastings Valley Archery Club Open Days 2026
Have you ever wanted to try archery? Hastings Valley Archery Club Open Day shoots are the perfect opportunity! Whether you're 8 or 80, archery is a sport for everyone - if you can pull a bow, you’re welcome to attend!
Open Day Dates for 2026:
- 15th March 2026
- 17th May 2026
- 12th July 2026
- 20th September 2026
- 8th November 2026
Each Open Day features two sessions:
- First Session: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
- Second Session: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
All open day events are held at the Hasting Valley Archery Club - corner Burrawan Forest Dr & Cowarra Access Rd, Lake Innes
What’s Included?
For just $30 per person, you'll receive:
- all necessary equipment
- personalised instruction
- a variety of targets to shoot at
- a drink and a small snack.
For more information and to secure your spot, visit the event webpage.
Bridge Lessons for Beginners
Port Macquarie Hastings Bridge Club will be conducting a series of lessons, offered using a successful method which has guided many new players through their bridge journey. Once the series is completed, we continue to offer supervised and mentored play.
Join our beginners class, as bridge is great for mental agility, having fun and making new friends. It's an affordable hobby which is easily accessed and not weather dependent. You may have played previously and want to join for a refresher course before participating in regular play.
DATE: Fridays weekly
TIME: 10am - 12pm
LOCATION: The Bridge Club's purpose-built premises at 176 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie (on the left just past the Harvey Norman store).
COST: First lesson is free, then the cost is $5 per lesson + $15 student membership, which is payable after Lesson 2.
For bookings or enquiries contact Carolyn 0404 989 895 or Tom 0439 198 751.
Fun Sport Mondays – Wauchope RSL Sub-Branch
Join Wauchope RSL Sub-Branch for Fun Sport Mondays. Each sessions is a non-competitive sport session open to all ex-serving Defence members and their families. Each week has a new sport option led by Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy Clinics. Join in for a bit of fun!
DATE: Mondays weekly
TIME: 9.30am - 10.45am
LOCATION: Andrews Park - Cameron St, Wauchope
For more information visit the RSL website.
Younger Onset Dementia Support/Social Group
Do you have or know someone who has Younger Onset Dementia (YOD)?
Dementia Australia recognises that people living with Younger Onset Dementia have different needs and wants in life.
The Port Macquarie region is establishing a Younger Onset Dementia support/social group. The group will meet monthly and will host activities such as guest speakers, outings, coffee, dinner etc.
We welcome carers and people living with dementia to get together in a social setting, share expectations, talk, learn, support and have a bit of fun too.
The group meet monthly.
For more information and meeting details, please contact Donna Leonard, Dementia Support Specialist on: 0438 542 269.
Blue Sky Community Services – Positions Vacant
Work with us to make a difference in people’s lives.
A career at Blue Sky is rewarding and fulfilling. Our work environment is supportive and flexible, and our culture is positive and values based.
We have organisational values that are lived workplace practices. At Blue Sky Community Services we value optimism and innovation, integrity and respect, inclusion and diversity, and connection and kindness.
We believe that the make-up of our workplace should reflect the diversity of the communities we work with.
We strongly encourage people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and people who have lived experience of disability, to apply to work with us.
The following positions are currently available:
Financial Accountant, Coffs Harbour - Applications must be received before midday on Monday, 23rd March 2026.
For more information on the available roles, please visit our Careers page.
16 Days of Activism Events
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is a global annual campaign held from 25th November to 10th December, and is dedicated to raising awareness of violence against women and girls as a fundamental human rights violation. The campaign calls on individuals, communities, and organisations around the world to come together, demand accountability, advocate for prevention, and foster a culture rooted in equality, safety, and respect for all.
Blue Sky Community Services is hosting a series of five live webinars featuring thought leaders and influential practitioners who are making a significant impact in this field.
The five webinar topics include:
- Violence against women: it’s a men’s issue
- Financial Abuse Awareness Training with WIRE
- What is Response-based Practice in the DFV field?
- Neurobiology of Professional Wellbeing from DFV context
- What is the Safe and Together Model of practice in the DFV field?
All sessions are free to attend.
For more information about these sessions, and to register your attendance for the remaining sessions, head to Blue Sky's Events webpage.
Council for Intellectual Disability – Events
The Council for Intellectual Disability (CID) is a disability rights organisation led by people with intellectual disability.
The Resources page of the CID website offers many resources to assist community to be more welcoming and inclusive for people with disability.
The Events page of the CID website details the upcoming online educational workshops available for community and health professionals.
Check out the pages now and become more confident in your disability practice and support of people with intellectual disability.
Strengthening Disability Inclusive Emergency Management
In an increasingly complex disaster landscape, ensuring emergency planning is inclusive of people with disability is essential. The Disability Inclusive Emergency Management (DIEM) Certificate Short Course provides government agencies and emergency services personnel with the practical tools and frameworks necessary to implement Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) strategies.
You are invited to join this pilot program, designed to provide structured learning and collaboration with leaders in emergency management. This self-paced course offers a structured yet flexible approach to mastering the Disability Inclusive Emergency Management (DIEM) Toolkit, ensuring you can effectively integrate its principles into real-world disaster planning and response.
Express your interest in completing this course via the web form.
Explore Community Grants Currently on Offer
There are many community Grants currently open that may be of interest to you or your organisation. Check these out below.
- FRRR Strengthening Rural Communities Prepare and Recover Program https://frrr.org.au/funding/src-prepare-recover/
- FRRR Strengthening Rural Communities Small and Vital Program https://frrr.org.au/funding/src-small-vital/
- Pride Foundation Small Grants Program https://pridefoundation.org.au/small-grants/
- The Hall Trust Grants and Programs https://www.wehalltrust.org.au/grant-programs
- SilverChef Community Grants Program https://www.silverchef.com.au/pages/community-grants
- Variety We Join Community Grants https://nsw.variety.org.au/we-join-community-grant/
Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Inclusion Boards within the MNC!
Keep an eye out for these colourful inclusion boards in hospitals and community health centres across the Mid North Coast Local Health District! The boards have been developed as part of Blue Sky Community Services' Enhancing Inclusion in the Health System project, with the QR code taking the scanner to important information and resources that support inclusion in the health system for people with disability. You can check out these important resources on the Blue Sky Community Services website.
Free Education Modules on 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. And it's all free!
So much great stuff is available so why not improve your knowledge and skills! Check out the Blue Sky YouTube channel here!
Community Connections Guide – Inclusive Groups in our Communities
Blue Sky Community Services created the Community Connections Guide to encourage social inclusion across the Mid North Coast. The guide contains profiles of local groups and includes information on how to join, what to expect, and a list of accessibility features.
Community members can use the guide to explore groups they may wish to connect to.
Community groups can reach out to Blue Sky to be featured in the guide - It’s free to list! We can also assist you with easy practical ways your group can celebrate diversity, promote inclusion and, most importantly, make people feel like they belong.
You can access the Community Connections Guide on Blue Sky's website.
If you are a community group who would like to be included in the guide, please contact:
Lynda Warwick - Inclusive Communities Coordinator
Phone: 0417 878 391
Email: lyndawarwick@bluesky.org.au
Carer Gateway Counselling Service
Caring for a friend or relative can be complicated. The carer phone counselling service can help you manage daily challenges and ease stress and strain, and offers counselling to fit into your busy life.
Book an appointment today by calling our friendly team weekdays on phone: 1800 422 737 (option 2) or by visiting the Carer Gateway website.
Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme
If you are a resident of NSW and are unable to use public transport because of a severe and permanent disability, you may be eligible for a subsidy of 50% of a taxi fare, up to a maximum subsidy of $60, and only pay the remaining fare. This includes travel in wheelchair-accessible taxis.
To be eligible for the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme you must:
- be a permanent resident of Australia
- normally reside in NSW
- not be a member of a similar scheme in another Australian state or territory
- be over school age (preschool aged children, regardless of disability, are ineligible for inclusion in the scheme)
- have a severe and permanent disability in one of the specified categories.
For more information about the scheme, including eligibility and how to apply, check out the Subsidy Scheme's webpage.
NSW Spectacles Program
The NSW Spectacles Program provides government-funded glasses and vision aids to eligible recipients including older adults, children, people experiencing homelessness, those living in rural and remote areas, people with disability and Aboriginal and multicultural communities.
The program is available to eligible Centrelink recipients and low wage earners.
To find out more about the program, including if you are eligible and how to apply, check out the program's webpage.
