Welcome to Connections, a newsletter for community members and services across the Mid North Coast, full of useful information to keep us connected and up to date with what’s going on in our communities.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we live and work, and their continuing connection to land, water, sea and community.
We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Ball against Domestic Violence 3×3 Basketball Charity Event – Coffs Harbour
The Coffs Harbour community brings the 2022 BALL AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 3×3 Tournament!
All proceeds will go to Wesley Mission. Wesley Mission supports children, families, or the elderly who struggle with homelessness, addiction, mental health, or financial or domestic challenges.
MindStep – Free and Confidential Mental Health Support
Are you struggling to manage feelings of low mood, stress or anxiety?
MindStep is a free and confidential mental health coaching program and is available to anyone over the age of 16 living on the North Coast of NSW.
For more information click HERE.
Conversational English Classes, Coffs Harbour
Classes are open to any adults who would like to learn and improve their conversational English. There is no charge to attend the classes, which are run by mentors who attend Harbourside Presbyterian Church and are fully supported and endorsed by the Church.
Where: Classes are held in the foyer of the Harbourside Presbyterian Church
When: Monday mornings at 9:30am and Tuesday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
For more information click HERE.
Bright Sparks Learning Club Coffs Harbour
The Smith Family, in partnership with The Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre, has operated the Bright Sparks Learning Club since 2008.
The Learning Club operates Monday afternoons from approximately 3:15pm to 4:45pm during school Terms 2, 3 & 4.
We are currently recruiting students for this year. Attached is the Bright Sparks Student Application Form for your information.
We are focused on high school students, however, if a CALD family has other students attending Primary School years 3 and above, we are open to considering their attendance.
Please Note:
- Learning Club Tutors are Volunteers with Child Protection Screening clearances
- Learning Club Tutors are Male & Female
- Families/Parents/Carers are responsible for the drop-off and pick-up of their students
- Students attend Learning Club because they want assistance
- Students must bring school work to be worked on at the Learning Club each week
- To ensure the best outcomes, students attend every week.
We encourage Families/Parents/Carers to support the students learning. Please contact Darrin Allen for any further information:
Email: darrin.allen@thesmithfamily.com.au
Mobile: 0428 234 399
SMART Recovery Support Group – Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre
Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a SMART Recovery Support Group. The group offers free, practical training to help you champion your own behaviour change around alcohol, drug use, gambling or any behaviour of concern. For more information see the flyer below.
Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival
Yes it’s on! After a 2 year absence, live music is coming back into our lives again, reconnecting our communities, helping us overcome our hardships and giving us that longed for soul connection.
Dorrigo comes alive with three days of acoustic concerts, workshops, dance, jamming, impromptu performances and children’s entertainment. Featuring some of the very best performers in the Folk, Bluegrass and Old-Time genre.
Tickets for the 20th Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival 2022 are now available. Tickets must be purchased online and will be available until sold out.
The festival is being held at several locations around Dorrigo 21st-23rd October 2022.
For more information and to secure tickets, click HERE.
Relish Music & Arts Festival – Bellingen
Join others for a weekend of music, arts, campfires and relaxation on the banks of the beautiful Bellinger River!
It’s happening 30th September – 2nd October 2022.
For more information about the festival and to secure tickets, click HERE.
Bellingen Growers Market
The Bellingen Growers Market is held at the Bellingen Showground on the 2nd and 4th 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 click HERE.
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 click HERE.
Macksville Music Muster
Macksville Music Muster HAS BEEN POSTPONED and will now run from 16th – 13th March 2023 at the Macksville Showground.
A country music muster full of pure classic country artists and entertainment, and community connection.
For more information and to secure tickets, click HERE.
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 their website HERE.
Check Out What’s Happening at Nambucca Library
There’s more than you think on offer at your local library!
Check out what’s coming up by clicking HERE.
Glitz & Glamour Ball – Saturday, 15th October 2022
To celebrate International Day of People with Disability 2022, the Glitz & Glamour Ball is being held at the Slim Dusty Centre Kempsey, on Saturday, 15th October 2022. Don’t miss this amazing event!
Check out the flyer for all the info.
Kempsey Uniting – Women Can Kids Can
Women Can and Kids Can are evidence-based group programs designed to safeguard against family and domestic violence. The programs run for two hours, one day a week for 8 weeks.
Women Can is a psycho-educational group program for women who are parents/primary carers of children who have been exposed to family and domestic violence. The purpose of the group is to provide a safe place for women with peers who have a similar experience, to better understand the nature, dynamics and impacts of domestic violence on children and families. It is designed to run parallel with the Kids Can group program for children aged 8–12 years who have been exposed to domestic and family violence. The Women Can program equips mothers with knowledge and skills to support their children in dealing with the impacts of family and domestic violence and respond in ways that support their children’s self-esteem, development and safety and support healthy family functioning.
Kids Can is a therapeutic group program for children who have been exposed to family and domestic violence. The purpose of this program is to provide a safe place for the children with peers who have similar experiences, to clarify and understand the thoughts and feelings which arise from exposure to domestic violence, and to equip them with some age-appropriate strategies to deal with these.
We are also facilitating Parenting After Domestic Violence, a program to support parents and caregivers to establish healing relationships with their children, so that the negative effects of violence can be improved, and children can be provided with a safe, nurturing environment for healing, growth and development.
This program runs for an additional 4 weeks, (2 hours, one day a week) usually after the completion of the Women Can and Kids Can programs.
Driving Change Program – Kempsey
Mentors Required
The Driving Change Program is looking for people interested in assisting learners to accumulate their log book hours in a car provided by us. This is a good opportunity to give back to your community and to assist young people to get safely on the road. If you (or someone you know) are interested or would like more information, please ring the Driving Change project workers:
Krystal Smith: 0427 047 413
Shirley Kent: 0458 695 167
View the flyer HERE.
Check out what’s happening at Kempsey Library
There’s so much happening at Kempsey Library!
For more information click HERE.
Headspace Day – Port Macquarie
This National headspace Day we are encouraging young people, their family and friends to ‘Pause, Reflect & Reconnect’ by slowing down and taking time to prioritise their mental health. To celebrate the day, headspace Port Macquarie are hosting a FREE all ages community picnic.
DATE: Wednesday 5th October 2022
TIME: 11:30am-2:00pm
WHERE: Grass area at Fisherman’s Wharf Reserve
To find out more click HERE.
Surfing the Spectrum – Port Macquarie
A Surfing the Spectrum event is coming up in Port Macquarie for people with Autism to enjoy surfing with support!
DATE: Saturday 8th October 2022
TIME: 9am – 12pm
WHERE: Flynns Beach, Port Macquarie
Tickets are currently live, so click HERE to register.
2022 Wellness Walk – Port Macquarie
The 2022 Wellness Walk and BBQ is happening again 20th October 2022. Help raise awareness and reduce the stigma of living with a mental health condition.
Find out more by clicking on the link below to read the flyer.
The Neami Cup is Happening Again!
The Neami Community Cup is a round-robin soccer competition which will include teams from different organisations, combining both support workers, consumers and members of the public. There will also be community stalls hosted by various local mental health-based organisations, agencies who can provide a positive impact on one’s mental health, as well as a BBQ lunch and children’s activities.
The target group will be a mixture of members of the community: schools/TAFE/university, service providers in the mental health and disability sector, consumers, community mental health as well as the indigenous and local community.
The aim is to raise awareness around mental health, overcome stigma, promote acceptance, educate people, promote the importance of physical health, have fun, share experiences and create community involvement. This event is designed to promote integration between several different populations in the community, including people affected by mental health in some way and those that may not have any known experience with mental health.
As the event is broad reaching and open to all members of the community, there will be a mixing of people with different experiences, and aeveryone will be given the opportunity to share their experience and learn from others.
Through this sharing of experience we hope the community can come together to recognise the everyday impact of mental health and show the strength of the community. This we believe is a formula for social inclusion, lasting wellbeing and promoting healthy communities.
Attendees can share their journey through participating in the soccer competition, being curious about the different organisations present, and/or sharing a meal.
Hastings Community Support Booklet
The Hastings Community Support Booklet is available to assist people living in the Port Macquarie and surrounding area to locate services and supports they may need.
Check out the booklet HERE.
Free Boxing Fitness Classes
For children 8-12 years and young people 13-18 years of age.
Where: Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre
When: Tuesday afternoons during the school term
Kids 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Teens 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Ph: (02) 6583 8044
See the flyer HERE.
Tea & Tummy Time
For infants 0-6 months and their caregivers.
Please bring a small blanket and toys if desired. Tea, coffee & morning tea are provided.
Please note this is a fully-funded program with no cost to families who attend.
Where: Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre, Cnr Muston & Dodds Street
When: Mondays 9am-10am
For more information click HERE.
Women’s Wellness Program
Are you a woman living in the Hastings area looking to invest in your health & wellbeing?
Come along each week as we chat and experience all things:
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Movement
- Self Reflection
- Self Care
- Nutrition Tips & Tricks
- Healthy Habit Stacking
When: Monday’s 11am-12:30pm
Where: Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre
For more information click HERE.
What’s Happening at headspace Port Macquarie
Stay in the know with what’s happening at headspace Port Macquarie!
For more information click HERE.
What’s On At The Library – Port-Hastings branches
Port Macquarie Hastings Council has public libraries in Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Laurieton, Wauchope, South West Rocks and Stuarts Point.
To see what’s on at your local library click HERE.
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.
Blue Sky NDIS Support Services
Blue Sky Community Services offers NDIS Support Coordination and Plan Management in the Manning-Great Lakes and Forster areas.
Blue Sky Community Services has expanded its services, and as a registered NDIS provider is now delivering best practice Plan Management and Support Coordination (including Psychosocial Recovery Coach) services to NDIS participants in the Manning-Great Lakes and Forsterareas.
Blue Sky has been delivering community services across the region since the early 1970s and has a wealth of experience and expertise in facilitating innovative connections to services and to the community for people living with disability.
Blue Sky has a team of passionate, skilled and dedicated staff, who have supported many participants and members of the community to achieve amazing outcomes and achievements, through inclusive, strength-based practices and a values-based culture.
These new NDIS support services complement the organisation’s vision of supporting people to thrive and creating communities where everyone belongs. The services will support NDIS participants with their support coordination and plan management through a strengths-based and person-centred approach, ensuring that participants maintain full choice and control over their plans.
For more information visit the Blue Sky Community Services website HERE
NDIS Sessions – Pathways to Post School Life
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) would like to invite NSW and ACT students with a disability in Years 10-12, their parents, carers and education professionals, to attend a virtual information session.
This is a session about building skills and paving a pathway to post-school life. We will discuss a range of NDIS-funded supports and other assistance to help young people build skills to prepare for their transition, and support them in achieving employment and other goals, post-school.
Sessions are happening in November 2022. To find out more and register click HERE.
Multicultural Mindfulness Resources
The Multicultural Mindfulness Resources aim to help people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities improve their mental wellbeing, by providing a set of culturally-adapted and in-language mindfulness exercises in audio and video format.
Find out more and access the resources HERE.
Volunteer Opportunity – Justice Advocacy Service
The Justice Advocacy Service is looking for volunteers! Volunteers support people with cognitive impairment at police stations, in court and at legal appointments. Join one of the 21 dedicated and passionate teams across NSW. Comprehensive training and ongoing support provider.
Find out more HERE.
IARC’s Lunchtime Immigration Series for Community Workers
The Immigration Advice and Rights Centre (IARC) is a not-for-profit, specialist community legal centre providing free legal advice and assistance in immigration and citizenship law to people throughout New South Wales.
IARC’s lunchtime legal education seminars are designed to help community workers who support people from migrant and refugee backgrounds better understand Australia’s immigration system.
Upcoming sessions:
- 22 September 2022 – Protection visas
- 20 October 2022 – Partner visas
- 17 November 2022 – DFV and Immigration
- 15 December 2022 – Visas and Migrant Worker Exploitation
Register here
Let’s Talk Disability – Disability Awareness Training by People with Lived Experience
Build your disability awareness with an education session from the Let’s Talk Disability team! This training is delivered by people with lived experience of disability.
Check out their website HERE.
Family & Carer Mental Health Program – Mission Australia
Mission Australia’s Family & Carer Mental Health Program supports families and carers of people with a mental illness through a comprehensive range of supports and services. Education and training sessions to build the skills and resilience of families and carers are held each month across the Mid North Coast, including Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Kempsey and Port Macquarie.
To obtain a copy of the education and training calendar for your area please email richardsonc@missionaustralia.com.au or to read more about the program click HERE.
Mental Health Coordinating Council – Resources & Tools
The Mental Health Coordinating Council has many resources and tools available to the community, including a very useful Recovery Oriented Language Guide.
Check out their resources and tools page HERE.
Let’s Clear the Air on Vaping
There’s a lot being said about vaping at the moment – and much of it is conflicting and confusing. That’s why we’ve developed a suite of new social media resources that you can share to help clear the air on vaping.
The new resources include simple images and videos addressing some of the common questions about vaping by providing the facts. They’re ready for you to copy, paste and post on your social channels to share with your community.
View the resources HERE.
Digital Distraction App – helping Children in NSW during Short Medical Procedures such as Immunisations
TLC for Kids is an established charity that has been helping sick children and their families since 1998.
We’ve developed a free smart device app featuring fun and colourful distraction games to divert children’s attention during short medical procedures. Distraction helps to reduce fear and anxiety and makes the whole process less stressful for the child, healthcare professional and the parent or carer. The app is completely kid-friendly, with no ads, sign-ups, plug-ins etc. Digital distraction is an anytime, anywhere distraction and can be used as a valuable resource now, and into the future, by your community.
Go to tlcforkids.app if you like and check it out – it’s really great!
The Daily Dose Podcast Series
The North Coast Public Health HARP team developed an 8-episode podcast that strives to reduce stigma in health care settings towards people who inject drugs (PWID), as a way of improving their wellbeing and treatment outcomes. The podcast series was launched by the NSW Health Minister (Kerry Chant) on World Hepatitis Day (28 July).
Research shows discrimination towards people who inject drugs is a barrier to seeking treatment to progress their health. Eighty per cent of people who inject drugs report having experienced discrimination when seeking help in health care settings. Furthermore, our rural region has some of the highest rates of hepatitis C, a blood borne virus (BBV) primarily transmitted via the sharing of injecting equipment.
The podcast features 8 stories (up to 45 minutes each) by local PWID that was arranged with quotes by Dr Alex Wodak and Prof. Carla Treloar.
Listen to the podcast series via the link HERE or scan the QR code on the flyer and download the series to your mobile phone.
The First 2000 Days Webinar Series
The First 2000 Days webinar series has been designed by the Mid North Coast Local Health District and Blue Sky Community Services to build the capacity of MNC service providers who support families and young children with the priority health areas identified in the First 2000 Days.
The webinar series is split into 13 sessions:
- The Importance of the First 2000 Days
- Antenatal Care
- Get Healthy in Pregnancy
- Early Breastfeeding
- Tresillian – Navigating early parenting
- Nutrition and Feeding
- Child and Family Health Nurses
- Perinatal Infant Mental Health
- Smoking Cessation Support
- Physical Activity and Screen Time
- Refugee Health
- Oral Health
- Speech Pathology
Links to register for the remaining sessions are available via the Blue Sky Training and Events page.
Connecting you to My Aged Care Services Factsheet now available
The Connecting you to My Aged Care services factsheet is now available on the Services Australia website in 21 languages.
This factsheet informs older Australians how agency staff, including Aged Care Specialist Officers, can help with their aged care matters.
Key topics include:
- what we can help with
- where to find more information
- what Aged Care Specialist Officers can help with
- how to find an Aged Care Specialist Officer.
To access the factsheet click HERE.
Ways to Support Parents of Children with Mild to Moderate Anxiety
Anxiety occurs across a long continuum, from occasional ‘butterflies’, to feelings of panic which can be recurring and disabling. Even though most children who experience mild or occasional anxiety will not need to see a mental health professional, there may be circumstances that mean a referral to a specialist service is important. Learning more about the child’s experience of anxiety helps practitioners and parents to decide when support from a mental health professional may be required.
Co-produced with the Parenting Research Centre (PRC), we have developed two practice guides for children aged 4–8 years and 9–12 years who may be experiencing mild to moderate levels of anxiety. By being aware of anxiety and responding early to their experience, practitioners may prevent children from developing severe and/or persisting anxiety or other mental health concerns in the future.
View the practice guides HERE.
Free After Hours GP Telehealth Service
Healthy North Coast GP Telehealth can provide:
- after-hours GP appointments and advice
- information, diagnosis and treatment
- prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy
- medical certificates
- specialist referral (where eligible)
- care summaries provided to patients, regular GP and My Health Record.
Healthy North Coast GP Telehealth services are only offered where it is safe and clinically appropriate. In medical emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).
For more information click HERE.
NILS for Cars
NILS has launched a new loan program for no-interest loans for cars. The loan can be up to $5000 which is paid back over 5 years via $57.70 fortnightly repayments.
Other programs of interest:
- DV clients may be eligible for a $2000 loan
- Flood disaster, clients may be eligible for a $2000 loan.
(*NOTE: NILS is not able to pay for rent or food)
To be eligible for NILS, you need to earn less than $45,000 a year for a single or $60,000 for a family (after tax).
For more information contact Anne Stuart at fssintake@lifetimeconnect.org.au
Dealing with Dangerous Online Challenges
Apps like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram allow young people to connect with peers, be creative and express themselves through images and videos.
Online dares and challenges encourage users to share videos of themselves or others taking part in a challenging activity. Sometimes, these dares can be creative and inspiring and build a sense of belonging. But young people can also feel pressure to participate, even if the challenge might result in harm to themselves or others.
Platforms usually don’t allow activities that might cause harm. For example, TikTok’s Community Guidelines ban dangerous challenges.
TikTok has also just released a package of information and safety features to help users stay safe around online challenges. The package includes a 4-step process that users need to go through before taking part in challenges, and they’ve also made it easier to report dangerous challenges.
Learn more about dangerous online challenges and how you can talk to young people about them and minimise the potential for harm.
13YARN – Call 13 92 76 – 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
13YARN [Thirteen YARN] is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. We offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 13YARN empowers our community with the opportunity to yarn without judgement and provides a culturally safe space to speak about their needs, worries or concerns.
If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
This is your story; your journey and we will take the time to listen. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. We’re here for you.
We have co-designed this line using Lifeline expertise with several Aboriginal mental health professionals including NACCHO, Black Dog Institute Aboriginal Lived Experience team and the Centre for Excellence in Suicide Prevention, along with input from Torres Strait Islander, remote, regional, and urban peoples with lived experience.
We work to explore options for ongoing support, and community members will always be reassured they will be connected to another Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who will understand where they are coming from and value knowing HOW to listen, without judgement or shame.
For more information click HERE.
Allied Health Community of Practice for the NSW Mid North Coast
Hello, all AHPs and AHAs on the NSW Mid North Coast,
We need to find you all! Can you help by supporting the current initiative of the development of an Allied Health Community of Practice for the NSW Mid North Coast? Please see the flyer below for more information:
This Community will be inclusive of ALL disciplines and ALL cohorts – Health, Disability, Aged Care, Early Childhood, Education, Private Practice, Government and Non-Government.
The problem is, we don’t know who you are! Are you an Allied Health Professional or Allied Health Assistant working on the NSW Mid-North Coast? Do you know other AHPs or AHAs working in the region?
We want to ensure that everyone is aware of the Community of Practice and knows that they are welcome to join.
To this end, we are collating a contact list here.
We would be so grateful if you could:
- check to see if we have found you yet – and if we have do we have all of your info?
- add information that you are comfortable sharing
- add yourself if you are not already there
- share this email with anyone who you notice is missing from the list.
For more information, contact Ashlee Law at Ashlee.Law@ndis.gov.au
Learning Together Resources by Australia Centre for Disability Law
The Australian Centre for Disability Law (ACDL) gives free legal advice to people with disability who live in New South Wales, including students and families with disability.
We have created the online toolkit “Learning Together – Tools to help you get the support you need at school” so that students with disability and their families can understand their rights in education, and advocate more effectively for the supports they need – HERE.
This website contains the toolkit and its accessible versions, information about upcoming training and other useful resources. The toolkit will be translated into community languages and free translated training will also be offered in those languages from May 2022. The first round of languages is Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese.
We are keen to work with community groups and organisations to plan face-to-face training sessions in these languages, so would love to discuss further.
Online Mental Health Supports
There are many options for accessing mental health supports online.
Don’t hesitate to reach out, as we all need help from time to time.
Check out the flyer via the link below to explore these options.
Disability Advocacy Referrals
Disability Advocacy on the Mid North Coast is taking referrals, however, there is a considerable wait for non-urgent matters.
For more information click HERE.
Women’s Legal Service NSW – Telephone Advice Lines
Wellbeing Yarning Line
Feeling stressed or worried? Not coping so well at the moment?
Call and have a yarn with our Aboriginal Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Staff on 0408 985 916.
For more information click HERE.
StandBy Support after Suicide
Who do we help?
We support anyone who has been bereaved or impacted by suicide including:
- individuals, families, friends, witnesses
- schools, workplaces and community groups
- first responders and service providers.
To find your local StandBy site, please visit our website.
For more information click HERE.
Strengthening Rural Communities – Small & Vital
The Strengthening Rural Communities program gives small rural, regional and remote communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds that can benefit and help secure their future prosperity. Grants are available for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.
Applications from not-for-profit organisations in communities of fewer than 15,000 people are prioritised, particularly those communities whose size, remoteness and relative access to services, funding, and resources present particular ongoing challenges. The Strengthening Rural Communities program accepts applications any time. FRRR considers applications and makes grant distributions on a quarterly basis.
For more information click HERE.
Aboriginal Home Ownership – Grants and Support
If you’re an Aboriginal person and have been thinking about buying a home there are support grants available as well as support on how to purchase a home.
Check out the grants HERE.
And you can also call Debbie Avery | 0491 228 003 | homeownership@aho.nsw.gov.au | Northern Region
Pride Foundation Australia – Small Grants
This Small Grants program (up to $750) supports projects proposed by individuals and or organisations and or communities who would otherwise be limited by the constraints of other funding programs. The project needs to directly or indirectly assist, involve and benefit LGBTQIA+ people and promote positive social outcomes and mental health in the community.
There are three small grant rounds in 2022, with the following closing dates:
- Round 1 closed on Monday, 7 March 2022
- Round 2 closed on Monday, 11 July 2022
- Round 3 closes on Monday, 14 November 2022
Applications that are particularly creative and innovative are welcomed, as are those put forward by individuals, communities and organisations who have not received small grant funding in the previous 2 years. Projects that work as partnerships between individuals and organisations are also regarded favourably.
For more information, click HERE.
Ball against Domestic Violence 3×3 Basketball Charity Event – Coffs Harbour
The Coffs Harbour community brings the 2022 BALL AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 3×3 Tournament!
All proceeds will go to Wesley Mission. Wesley Mission supports children, families, or the elderly who struggle with homelessness, addiction, mental health, or financial or domestic challenges.
MindStep – Free and Confidential Mental Health Support
Are you struggling to manage feelings of low mood, stress or anxiety?
MindStep is a free and confidential mental health coaching program and is available to anyone over the age of 16 living on the North Coast of NSW.
For more information click HERE.
Conversational English Classes, Coffs Harbour
Classes are open to any adults who would like to learn and improve their conversational English. There is no charge to attend the classes, which are run by mentors who attend Harbourside Presbyterian Church and are fully supported and endorsed by the Church.
Where: Classes are held in the foyer of the Harbourside Presbyterian Church
When: Monday mornings at 9:30am and Tuesday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
For more information click HERE.
Bright Sparks Learning Club Coffs Harbour
The Smith Family, in partnership with The Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre, has operated the Bright Sparks Learning Club since 2008.
The Learning Club operates Monday afternoons from approximately 3:15pm to 4:45pm during school Terms 2, 3 & 4.
We are currently recruiting students for this year. Attached is the Bright Sparks Student Application Form for your information.
We are focused on high school students, however, if a CALD family has other students attending Primary School years 3 and above, we are open to considering their attendance.
Please Note:
- Learning Club Tutors are Volunteers with Child Protection Screening clearances
- Learning Club Tutors are Male & Female
- Families/Parents/Carers are responsible for the drop-off and pick-up of their students
- Students attend Learning Club because they want assistance
- Students must bring school work to be worked on at the Learning Club each week
- To ensure the best outcomes, students attend every week.
We encourage Families/Parents/Carers to support the students learning. Please contact Darrin Allen for any further information:
Email: darrin.allen@thesmithfamily.com.au
Mobile: 0428 234 399
SMART Recovery Support Group – Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre
Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre is hosting a SMART Recovery Support Group. The group offers free, practical training to help you champion your own behaviour change around alcohol, drug use, gambling or any behaviour of concern. For more information see the flyer below.
Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival
Yes it’s on! After a 2 year absence, live music is coming back into our lives again, reconnecting our communities, helping us overcome our hardships and giving us that longed for soul connection.
Dorrigo comes alive with three days of acoustic concerts, workshops, dance, jamming, impromptu performances and children’s entertainment. Featuring some of the very best performers in the Folk, Bluegrass and Old-Time genre.
Tickets for the 20th Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival 2022 are now available. Tickets must be purchased online and will be available until sold out.
The festival is being held at several locations around Dorrigo 21st-23rd October 2022.
For more information and to secure tickets, click HERE.
Relish Music & Arts Festival – Bellingen
Join others for a weekend of music, arts, campfires and relaxation on the banks of the beautiful Bellinger River!
It’s happening 30th September – 2nd October 2022.
For more information about the festival and to secure tickets, click HERE.
Bellingen Growers Market
The Bellingen Growers Market is held at the Bellingen Showground on the 2nd and 4th 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 click HERE.
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 click HERE.
Macksville Music Muster
Macksville Music Muster HAS BEEN POSTPONED and will now run from 16th – 13th March 2023 at the Macksville Showground.
A country music muster full of pure classic country artists and entertainment, and community connection.
For more information and to secure tickets, click HERE.
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 their website HERE.
Check Out What’s Happening at Nambucca Library
There’s more than you think on offer at your local library!
Check out what’s coming up by clicking HERE.
Glitz & Glamour Ball – Saturday, 15th October 2022
To celebrate International Day of People with Disability 2022, the Glitz & Glamour Ball is being held at the Slim Dusty Centre Kempsey, on Saturday, 15th October 2022. Don’t miss this amazing event!
Check out the flyer for all the info.
Kempsey Uniting – Women Can Kids Can
Women Can and Kids Can are evidence-based group programs designed to safeguard against family and domestic violence. The programs run for two hours, one day a week for 8 weeks.
Women Can is a psycho-educational group program for women who are parents/primary carers of children who have been exposed to family and domestic violence. The purpose of the group is to provide a safe place for women with peers who have a similar experience, to better understand the nature, dynamics and impacts of domestic violence on children and families. It is designed to run parallel with the Kids Can group program for children aged 8–12 years who have been exposed to domestic and family violence. The Women Can program equips mothers with knowledge and skills to support their children in dealing with the impacts of family and domestic violence and respond in ways that support their children’s self-esteem, development and safety and support healthy family functioning.
Kids Can is a therapeutic group program for children who have been exposed to family and domestic violence. The purpose of this program is to provide a safe place for the children with peers who have similar experiences, to clarify and understand the thoughts and feelings which arise from exposure to domestic violence, and to equip them with some age-appropriate strategies to deal with these.
We are also facilitating Parenting After Domestic Violence, a program to support parents and caregivers to establish healing relationships with their children, so that the negative effects of violence can be improved, and children can be provided with a safe, nurturing environment for healing, growth and development.
This program runs for an additional 4 weeks, (2 hours, one day a week) usually after the completion of the Women Can and Kids Can programs.
Driving Change Program – Kempsey
Mentors Required
The Driving Change Program is looking for people interested in assisting learners to accumulate their log book hours in a car provided by us. This is a good opportunity to give back to your community and to assist young people to get safely on the road. If you (or someone you know) are interested or would like more information, please ring the Driving Change project workers:
Krystal Smith: 0427 047 413
Shirley Kent: 0458 695 167
View the flyer HERE.
Check out what’s happening at Kempsey Library
There’s so much happening at Kempsey Library!
For more information click HERE.
Headspace Day – Port Macquarie
This National headspace Day we are encouraging young people, their family and friends to ‘Pause, Reflect & Reconnect’ by slowing down and taking time to prioritise their mental health. To celebrate the day, headspace Port Macquarie are hosting a FREE all ages community picnic.
DATE: Wednesday 5th October 2022
TIME: 11:30am-2:00pm
WHERE: Grass area at Fisherman’s Wharf Reserve
To find out more click HERE.
Surfing the Spectrum – Port Macquarie
A Surfing the Spectrum event is coming up in Port Macquarie for people with Autism to enjoy surfing with support!
DATE: Saturday 8th October 2022
TIME: 9am – 12pm
WHERE: Flynns Beach, Port Macquarie
Tickets are currently live, so click HERE to register.
2022 Wellness Walk – Port Macquarie
The 2022 Wellness Walk and BBQ is happening again 20th October 2022. Help raise awareness and reduce the stigma of living with a mental health condition.
Find out more by clicking on the link below to read the flyer.
The Neami Cup is Happening Again!
The Neami Community Cup is a round-robin soccer competition which will include teams from different organisations, combining both support workers, consumers and members of the public. There will also be community stalls hosted by various local mental health-based organisations, agencies who can provide a positive impact on one’s mental health, as well as a BBQ lunch and children’s activities.
The target group will be a mixture of members of the community: schools/TAFE/university, service providers in the mental health and disability sector, consumers, community mental health as well as the indigenous and local community.
The aim is to raise awareness around mental health, overcome stigma, promote acceptance, educate people, promote the importance of physical health, have fun, share experiences and create community involvement. This event is designed to promote integration between several different populations in the community, including people affected by mental health in some way and those that may not have any known experience with mental health.
As the event is broad reaching and open to all members of the community, there will be a mixing of people with different experiences, and aeveryone will be given the opportunity to share their experience and learn from others.
Through this sharing of experience we hope the community can come together to recognise the everyday impact of mental health and show the strength of the community. This we believe is a formula for social inclusion, lasting wellbeing and promoting healthy communities.
Attendees can share their journey through participating in the soccer competition, being curious about the different organisations present, and/or sharing a meal.
Hastings Community Support Booklet
The Hastings Community Support Booklet is available to assist people living in the Port Macquarie and surrounding area to locate services and supports they may need.
Check out the booklet HERE.
Free Boxing Fitness Classes
For children 8-12 years and young people 13-18 years of age.
Where: Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre
When: Tuesday afternoons during the school term
Kids 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Teens 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Ph: (02) 6583 8044
See the flyer HERE.
Tea & Tummy Time
For infants 0-6 months and their caregivers.
Please bring a small blanket and toys if desired. Tea, coffee & morning tea are provided.
Please note this is a fully-funded program with no cost to families who attend.
Where: Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre, Cnr Muston & Dodds Street
When: Mondays 9am-10am
For more information click HERE.
Women’s Wellness Program
Are you a woman living in the Hastings area looking to invest in your health & wellbeing?
Come along each week as we chat and experience all things:
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Movement
- Self Reflection
- Self Care
- Nutrition Tips & Tricks
- Healthy Habit Stacking
When: Monday’s 11am-12:30pm
Where: Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre
For more information click HERE.
What’s Happening at headspace Port Macquarie
Stay in the know with what’s happening at headspace Port Macquarie!
For more information click HERE.
What’s On At The Library – Port-Hastings branches
Port Macquarie Hastings Council has public libraries in Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Laurieton, Wauchope, South West Rocks and Stuarts Point.
To see what’s on at your local library click HERE.
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.
Blue Sky NDIS Support Services
Blue Sky Community Services offers NDIS Support Coordination and Plan Management in the Manning-Great Lakes and Forster areas.
Blue Sky Community Services has expanded its services, and as a registered NDIS provider is now delivering best practice Plan Management and Support Coordination (including Psychosocial Recovery Coach) services to NDIS participants in the Manning-Great Lakes and Forsterareas.
Blue Sky has been delivering community services across the region since the early 1970s and has a wealth of experience and expertise in facilitating innovative connections to services and to the community for people living with disability.
Blue Sky has a team of passionate, skilled and dedicated staff, who have supported many participants and members of the community to achieve amazing outcomes and achievements, through inclusive, strength-based practices and a values-based culture.
These new NDIS support services complement the organisation’s vision of supporting people to thrive and creating communities where everyone belongs. The services will support NDIS participants with their support coordination and plan management through a strengths-based and person-centred approach, ensuring that participants maintain full choice and control over their plans.
For more information visit the Blue Sky Community Services website HERE
NDIS Sessions – Pathways to Post School Life
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) would like to invite NSW and ACT students with a disability in Years 10-12, their parents, carers and education professionals, to attend a virtual information session.
This is a session about building skills and paving a pathway to post-school life. We will discuss a range of NDIS-funded supports and other assistance to help young people build skills to prepare for their transition, and support them in achieving employment and other goals, post-school.
Sessions are happening in November 2022. To find out more and register click HERE.
Multicultural Mindfulness Resources
The Multicultural Mindfulness Resources aim to help people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities improve their mental wellbeing, by providing a set of culturally-adapted and in-language mindfulness exercises in audio and video format.
Find out more and access the resources HERE.
Volunteer Opportunity – Justice Advocacy Service
The Justice Advocacy Service is looking for volunteers! Volunteers support people with cognitive impairment at police stations, in court and at legal appointments. Join one of the 21 dedicated and passionate teams across NSW. Comprehensive training and ongoing support provider.
Find out more HERE.
IARC’s Lunchtime Immigration Series for Community Workers
The Immigration Advice and Rights Centre (IARC) is a not-for-profit, specialist community legal centre providing free legal advice and assistance in immigration and citizenship law to people throughout New South Wales.
IARC’s lunchtime legal education seminars are designed to help community workers who support people from migrant and refugee backgrounds better understand Australia’s immigration system.
Upcoming sessions:
- 22 September 2022 – Protection visas
- 20 October 2022 – Partner visas
- 17 November 2022 – DFV and Immigration
- 15 December 2022 – Visas and Migrant Worker Exploitation
Register here
Let’s Talk Disability – Disability Awareness Training by People with Lived Experience
Build your disability awareness with an education session from the Let’s Talk Disability team! This training is delivered by people with lived experience of disability.
Check out their website HERE.
Family & Carer Mental Health Program – Mission Australia
Mission Australia’s Family & Carer Mental Health Program supports families and carers of people with a mental illness through a comprehensive range of supports and services. Education and training sessions to build the skills and resilience of families and carers are held each month across the Mid North Coast, including Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Kempsey and Port Macquarie.
To obtain a copy of the education and training calendar for your area please email richardsonc@missionaustralia.com.au or to read more about the program click HERE.
Mental Health Coordinating Council – Resources & Tools
The Mental Health Coordinating Council has many resources and tools available to the community, including a very useful Recovery Oriented Language Guide.
Check out their resources and tools page HERE.
Let’s Clear the Air on Vaping
There’s a lot being said about vaping at the moment – and much of it is conflicting and confusing. That’s why we’ve developed a suite of new social media resources that you can share to help clear the air on vaping.
The new resources include simple images and videos addressing some of the common questions about vaping by providing the facts. They’re ready for you to copy, paste and post on your social channels to share with your community.
View the resources HERE.
Digital Distraction App – helping Children in NSW during Short Medical Procedures such as Immunisations
TLC for Kids is an established charity that has been helping sick children and their families since 1998.
We’ve developed a free smart device app featuring fun and colourful distraction games to divert children’s attention during short medical procedures. Distraction helps to reduce fear and anxiety and makes the whole process less stressful for the child, healthcare professional and the parent or carer. The app is completely kid-friendly, with no ads, sign-ups, plug-ins etc. Digital distraction is an anytime, anywhere distraction and can be used as a valuable resource now, and into the future, by your community.
Go to tlcforkids.app if you like and check it out – it’s really great!
The Daily Dose Podcast Series
The North Coast Public Health HARP team developed an 8-episode podcast that strives to reduce stigma in health care settings towards people who inject drugs (PWID), as a way of improving their wellbeing and treatment outcomes. The podcast series was launched by the NSW Health Minister (Kerry Chant) on World Hepatitis Day (28 July).
Research shows discrimination towards people who inject drugs is a barrier to seeking treatment to progress their health. Eighty per cent of people who inject drugs report having experienced discrimination when seeking help in health care settings. Furthermore, our rural region has some of the highest rates of hepatitis C, a blood borne virus (BBV) primarily transmitted via the sharing of injecting equipment.
The podcast features 8 stories (up to 45 minutes each) by local PWID that was arranged with quotes by Dr Alex Wodak and Prof. Carla Treloar.
Listen to the podcast series via the link HERE or scan the QR code on the flyer and download the series to your mobile phone.
The First 2000 Days Webinar Series
The First 2000 Days webinar series has been designed by the Mid North Coast Local Health District and Blue Sky Community Services to build the capacity of MNC service providers who support families and young children with the priority health areas identified in the First 2000 Days.
The webinar series is split into 13 sessions:
- The Importance of the First 2000 Days
- Antenatal Care
- Get Healthy in Pregnancy
- Early Breastfeeding
- Tresillian – Navigating early parenting
- Nutrition and Feeding
- Child and Family Health Nurses
- Perinatal Infant Mental Health
- Smoking Cessation Support
- Physical Activity and Screen Time
- Refugee Health
- Oral Health
- Speech Pathology
Links to register for the remaining sessions are available via the Blue Sky Training and Events page.
Connecting you to My Aged Care Services Factsheet now available
The Connecting you to My Aged Care services factsheet is now available on the Services Australia website in 21 languages.
This factsheet informs older Australians how agency staff, including Aged Care Specialist Officers, can help with their aged care matters.
Key topics include:
- what we can help with
- where to find more information
- what Aged Care Specialist Officers can help with
- how to find an Aged Care Specialist Officer.
To access the factsheet click HERE.
Ways to Support Parents of Children with Mild to Moderate Anxiety
Anxiety occurs across a long continuum, from occasional ‘butterflies’, to feelings of panic which can be recurring and disabling. Even though most children who experience mild or occasional anxiety will not need to see a mental health professional, there may be circumstances that mean a referral to a specialist service is important. Learning more about the child’s experience of anxiety helps practitioners and parents to decide when support from a mental health professional may be required.
Co-produced with the Parenting Research Centre (PRC), we have developed two practice guides for children aged 4–8 years and 9–12 years who may be experiencing mild to moderate levels of anxiety. By being aware of anxiety and responding early to their experience, practitioners may prevent children from developing severe and/or persisting anxiety or other mental health concerns in the future.
View the practice guides HERE.
Free After Hours GP Telehealth Service
Healthy North Coast GP Telehealth can provide:
- after-hours GP appointments and advice
- information, diagnosis and treatment
- prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy
- medical certificates
- specialist referral (where eligible)
- care summaries provided to patients, regular GP and My Health Record.
Healthy North Coast GP Telehealth services are only offered where it is safe and clinically appropriate. In medical emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).
For more information click HERE.
NILS for Cars
NILS has launched a new loan program for no-interest loans for cars. The loan can be up to $5000 which is paid back over 5 years via $57.70 fortnightly repayments.
Other programs of interest:
- DV clients may be eligible for a $2000 loan
- Flood disaster, clients may be eligible for a $2000 loan.
(*NOTE: NILS is not able to pay for rent or food)
To be eligible for NILS, you need to earn less than $45,000 a year for a single or $60,000 for a family (after tax).
For more information contact Anne Stuart at fssintake@lifetimeconnect.org.au
Dealing with Dangerous Online Challenges
Apps like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram allow young people to connect with peers, be creative and express themselves through images and videos.
Online dares and challenges encourage users to share videos of themselves or others taking part in a challenging activity. Sometimes, these dares can be creative and inspiring and build a sense of belonging. But young people can also feel pressure to participate, even if the challenge might result in harm to themselves or others.
Platforms usually don’t allow activities that might cause harm. For example, TikTok’s Community Guidelines ban dangerous challenges.
TikTok has also just released a package of information and safety features to help users stay safe around online challenges. The package includes a 4-step process that users need to go through before taking part in challenges, and they’ve also made it easier to report dangerous challenges.
Learn more about dangerous online challenges and how you can talk to young people about them and minimise the potential for harm.
13YARN – Call 13 92 76 – 24 /7 Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
13YARN [Thirteen YARN] is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. We offer a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 13YARN empowers our community with the opportunity to yarn without judgement and provides a culturally safe space to speak about their needs, worries or concerns.
If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
This is your story; your journey and we will take the time to listen. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. We’re here for you.
We have co-designed this line using Lifeline expertise with several Aboriginal mental health professionals including NACCHO, Black Dog Institute Aboriginal Lived Experience team and the Centre for Excellence in Suicide Prevention, along with input from Torres Strait Islander, remote, regional, and urban peoples with lived experience.
We work to explore options for ongoing support, and community members will always be reassured they will be connected to another Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who will understand where they are coming from and value knowing HOW to listen, without judgement or shame.
For more information click HERE.
Allied Health Community of Practice for the NSW Mid North Coast
Hello, all AHPs and AHAs on the NSW Mid North Coast,
We need to find you all! Can you help by supporting the current initiative of the development of an Allied Health Community of Practice for the NSW Mid North Coast? Please see the flyer below for more information:
This Community will be inclusive of ALL disciplines and ALL cohorts – Health, Disability, Aged Care, Early Childhood, Education, Private Practice, Government and Non-Government.
The problem is, we don’t know who you are! Are you an Allied Health Professional or Allied Health Assistant working on the NSW Mid-North Coast? Do you know other AHPs or AHAs working in the region?
We want to ensure that everyone is aware of the Community of Practice and knows that they are welcome to join.
To this end, we are collating a contact list here.
We would be so grateful if you could:
- check to see if we have found you yet – and if we have do we have all of your info?
- add information that you are comfortable sharing
- add yourself if you are not already there
- share this email with anyone who you notice is missing from the list.
For more information, contact Ashlee Law at Ashlee.Law@ndis.gov.au
Learning Together Resources by Australia Centre for Disability Law
The Australian Centre for Disability Law (ACDL) gives free legal advice to people with disability who live in New South Wales, including students and families with disability.
We have created the online toolkit “Learning Together – Tools to help you get the support you need at school” so that students with disability and their families can understand their rights in education, and advocate more effectively for the supports they need – HERE.
This website contains the toolkit and its accessible versions, information about upcoming training and other useful resources. The toolkit will be translated into community languages and free translated training will also be offered in those languages from May 2022. The first round of languages is Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese.
We are keen to work with community groups and organisations to plan face-to-face training sessions in these languages, so would love to discuss further.
Online Mental Health Supports
There are many options for accessing mental health supports online.
Don’t hesitate to reach out, as we all need help from time to time.
Check out the flyer via the link below to explore these options.
Disability Advocacy Referrals
Disability Advocacy on the Mid North Coast is taking referrals, however, there is a considerable wait for non-urgent matters.
For more information click HERE.
Women’s Legal Service NSW – Telephone Advice Lines
Wellbeing Yarning Line
Feeling stressed or worried? Not coping so well at the moment?
Call and have a yarn with our Aboriginal Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Staff on 0408 985 916.
For more information click HERE.
StandBy Support after Suicide
Who do we help?
We support anyone who has been bereaved or impacted by suicide including:
- individuals, families, friends, witnesses
- schools, workplaces and community groups
- first responders and service providers.
To find your local StandBy site, please visit our website.
For more information click HERE.
Strengthening Rural Communities – Small & Vital
The Strengthening Rural Communities program gives small rural, regional and remote communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds that can benefit and help secure their future prosperity. Grants are available for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.
Applications from not-for-profit organisations in communities of fewer than 15,000 people are prioritised, particularly those communities whose size, remoteness and relative access to services, funding, and resources present particular ongoing challenges. The Strengthening Rural Communities program accepts applications any time. FRRR considers applications and makes grant distributions on a quarterly basis.
For more information click HERE.
Aboriginal Home Ownership – Grants and Support
If you’re an Aboriginal person and have been thinking about buying a home there are support grants available as well as support on how to purchase a home.
Check out the grants HERE.
And you can also call Debbie Avery | 0491 228 003 | homeownership@aho.nsw.gov.au | Northern Region
Pride Foundation Australia – Small Grants
This Small Grants program (up to $750) supports projects proposed by individuals and or organisations and or communities who would otherwise be limited by the constraints of other funding programs. The project needs to directly or indirectly assist, involve and benefit LGBTQIA+ people and promote positive social outcomes and mental health in the community.
There are three small grant rounds in 2022, with the following closing dates:
- Round 1 closed on Monday, 7 March 2022
- Round 2 closed on Monday, 11 July 2022
- Round 3 closes on Monday, 14 November 2022
Applications that are particularly creative and innovative are welcomed, as are those put forward by individuals, communities and organisations who have not received small grant funding in the previous 2 years. Projects that work as partnerships between individuals and organisations are also regarded favourably.
For more information, click HERE.