Specialised Reproductive and Sexual Health Training for Youth Workers
The Nitty Gritty Face-to-face Course: Specialised Reproductive and Sexual Health Training for Youth Workers - REGISTRATIONS NEEDED BY 31st AUGUST
When: Wednesday, 11th December 2024
Time: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Where: Cavanbah Hall, 91 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Topics include:
- Defining and negotiating consent
- The low-down on STIs
- Contraceptive options
- Communicating with young people about reproductive and sexual health
For more information and how to register, visit: The Nitty Gritty Face-to-Face Course: Specialised Reproductive and Sexual Health Training for Youth Workers | Family Planning NSW (fpnsw.org.au)
Hands and Hearts Early Learning Centre – Vacancies for 2025
Hands and Hearts Coffs Harbour is an Exceeding-rated not-for-profit centre catering to 25 children per day. We have limited spaces available for 3, 4 and 5-year-olds for 2025.
Hands and Hearts Coffs Harbour consists of a team of dedicated educators, with combined decades of experience in early childhood education and very little staff turnover. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality care, building relationships with our children and families, and on our connection to our wider community. Our educational program is informed by input from our families and community and includes an intergenerational program with a local aged care facility.
Our play-based school readiness program is delivered with ongoing consultation from local schools, with a focus on preparing children socially and emotionally for the transition to primary school.
Please give us a call on 6652 2121 or email director@heartco.org.au to organise a tour.
Check out our Facebook page.
Family and Carer Mental Health Program – September Events
Mission Australias' Family and Carer Mental Health Program has a full calendar of activities coming up. Please see this flyer for activity times and dates
Walking Group—Come along and enjoy nature, do some gentle exercise and have a chat. Various locations such as The Jetty and Botanic Gardens in Coffs, Urunga, Nambucca and Woopi.
Art Group—The art groups are a chance for carers to use art as a gentle form of self-care through mindfulness. It can open the door to creativity even if you feel you have no artistic or creative talents or experience. You may surprise yourself. Activities vary.
Writing Group—This is an informal creative writing group that meets once a month to flex our creative muscle and to explore some deep emotions. No experience in creative writing is necessary. Just bring yourself, and a willingness to enjoy something new .
Rock Painting—Paint some stones, have a cuppa and a chat. A mindful escape.
CALD carers group— Learn some English, learn about caring and mental health services in Coffs Harbour, and also about how to look after yourself and have some fun.
The Carer Role & Self-care – The purpose of this group is to offer carers a foundational understanding of their role. The role of the mental health carer is put into context along with some insight into challenges, losses and gains, and boundaries. Carers are in a position of constantly giving and as a result lose sight of who they are, their rights and sense of self.
Exploring stigma and shame - One of the more difficult areas for carers of people with mental health challenges is dealing with societal and cultural stigma. This workshop will explore the causes and effects of stigma and unpack the impacts of shame on the individual.
Bringing Up Great Kids – Woolgoolga
Bringing Up Great Kids - Woolgoolga
A program for building good relationships with children. The Bringing Up Great Kids program is a fun 4-week group that focuses on how parents/carers communicate with their children. It offers opportunities for parents/carers to learn about how children
understand and use messages from their family in their own development. This program combines a reflective mindfulness-based approach to parenting with a focus on the emotional needs of children. For more information see the September flyer.
When: 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th September 2024
Time: 10am - 12 noon
Where: Woolgoolga Neighbourhood Centre
Forum Theatre Holiday Workshop
A powerful and exciting community theatre opportunity!!!
We are looking for 20 people to participate to participate in a 6-day Interactive Forum Theatre workshop, exploring issues of anti-racism and cultural integration in Coffs Harbour.
No acting experience is necessary, just a willingness to engage, to be open about your life experiences, and have a desire to play! We invite you to join us in developing this important and uplifting community event.
Find further information from this flyer or visit their website: Events — Umbrella Theatrical Productions (umbrellatp.com.au)
Where: This project will take place in Coffs Harbour, with the Friday evening performance at the Jetty Memorial Theatre.
When: Info Session / Introductory Workshop: Friday afternoon 20th September, 2024.
Session One: 3:30 – 5:30pm OR Session Two: 6:30 – 8:30pm
REGISTRATIONS are ESSENTIAL – contact connect@umbrellatp.com.au or 0422 570 346 to book.
Interviews: Saturday 21st OR Sunday 22nd September 2024.
Duration is less than 1 hour. You will be asked to do some improvisation work with Adrienne during the interview, but no preparation or prior experience is required – just a lived experience of the issues and a willingness to play!
Workshops and Performance:
Sunday 6th à Wed 9th October 2024, from 9:00am – 4:30pm
Thursday 10th October, 2024 from 10:00am – 5:30pm
Friday 11th October, 2024 from 1:00pm – 9:00pm
***Selected participants must be able to commit to all dates and times in October***
Thanks to funding from NSW Government and City of Coffs Harbour, along with the support of the Murwillumbah Theatre Company Inc., there is NO COST involved to participate in this project.
Little Wildlings Playgroup
Introduce your little wildling to the wonders of nature in this outdoor play group for children under 5.
Nature provides an endless supply of fun in our Little Wildlings outdoor play group. If you have a budding nature lover under the age of 5, join Coffs By Nature in the Botanic Gardens on the last Thursday of each month to explore, adventure and connect with the great outdoors and other little wildlings.
Ages: 5 years and under *All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Location: Meet at the Coffs Regional Botanic Gardens
For more information and what to bring, please visit the Our Living Coast website.
Taranta Festival
The Taranta Festival aims to celebrate Mediterranean arts and culture with a particular focus on contemporary folk music.
The festival’s objective is to diffuse Italian and Mediterranean culture and to create a platform for artists from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to collaborate.
Conferences, workshops and artistic collaborations will stimulate a trans-cultural dialogue, create a better understanding of Italian contemporary culture and establish new connections with other local migrant communities.
Read the Festival Flyer here
When: 1st - 3rd November 2024
Where: Bellingen Memorial Hall
For more information and tickets, visit: Taranta Festival 2024 – Taranta Festival
Dorrigo Youth Music Fest
Dorrigo Youth Music Fest is Dorrigo's first youth-led music festival!
Funded by Australian and NSW Government in partnership with Bellingen Shire Council, Dorrigo Youth Music Fest is an project idea of young people from Dorrigo High School.
Hosted at the Dorrigo Showgrounds, the event includes:
- Live music performances by local and youth bands and DJs
- Music and creative workshops
- Games and activities
- Food and drinks - free!
Transport: Buses will be available to help you get to the event, especially if you are coming from down the mountain or across the Plateau. Please indicate if you will need a bus when you register. More information on bus times and locations to come!
This is a FREE EVENT for young people aged 12-17 years old. This event is a zero alcohol, drugs, smokes or vape event.
For more information and tickets visit: Dorrigo Youth Music Fest | Humanitix
Housing Matters – Housing Forum
HOUSING MATTERS – Housing Forum – Homes for our Community.
When: Saturday, 7th September 2024
Time: 10am -1pm
Where: Bellingen Memorial Hall
Guest speakers: Alan Kohler and Kerry Pearse. Housing Forum - Homes for our Community | Humanitix
The Housing Matters Action Group is excited to host an affordable housing forum focused on local solutions to the housing crisis. We’re thrilled that esteemed financial journalist, Alan Kohler, is our keynote speaker. Alan’s reporting unpacks what’s gone wrong with the Australian housing market over the twentieth century and suggest what can be done at the macro level to fix our broken housing system.
For more details on the event, please see this flyer.
Community Yarn Up – Services in Bowraville
Carers NSW is hosting a community services information session in Bowraville. Come along on the day to find out about the services available and how they can assist you and your family.
Services available on the day include: Carers NSW (including Carer Gateway), HIPPY Australia,Service NSW, Bluesky, NDIS, Seniors Rights Service, Mujaay Ganma, Ngambaga BindarryGirrwaa Community Services, Wesley Mission, Jaanymili Bawrrungga, Uniting NSW, ShoreTrack and the Carer Coordinator for Mid Coast Local Health District.
Please see this flyer for more information: Community Yarn Up
When: Friday 13th September 2024
Time: 11am - 1pm
Where: Grants Hall, 80 High Street Bowraville NSW
Cost: FREE - morning tea & lunch will be provided.
Tuning Into Teens – Parent Workshop
A free, evidence-based workshop for parents/guardians of teenagers!
Parents/guardians report having stronger relationships with their teens and feeling more
confident and capable as parents after attending.
Participants learn about ‘emotion coaching’ and take away practical, effective skills to use right away!
The program is delivered in a group format with several sessions during the day.
Food and refreshments are provided.
When: Tuesday 17th September 2024
Time: 9 am - 3 pm
Where: Lifetime Connect, 157 Mann St,, Nambucca Heads
For more information, please view this flyer.
Men’s Behaviour Change Program – Engage2Change
Running in Nambucca Heads commencing 26th September 2024 and currently taking referrals from the Nambucca Valley region.
Men’s Behaviour Change Programs are for men who want to stop using violent, coercive and controlling behaviour in their intimate relationships.
The Engage2Change program is a 19-week group program that offers men an inclusive setting to examine
hurt and harm they have caused and the impacts of these behaviours.
The Engage2Change men’s behaviour change program provides an opportunity for men to develop safe and respectful
relationships and learn non abusive behaviours. The program is aimed at men who are ready to take responsibility
for their own actions. It is a unique, collaborative experience based on group work and assessments along with Safety and Accountability planning.
If you would like more information about the program or referral pathways please call the Coordinator, Wendy Atkinson, on 0437 737 818.
Link to website and online referral: Engage2Change Men’s Behaviour Change Program - Kempsey Families Inc.
2024 Glitz & Glamour Ball
Celebrate International Day of People with Disability at our Glitz & Glamour Ball with Sam Powers, Illusionist and Richie Gudgeon!
An inclusive evening out to celebrate and enjoy being with others of all abilities, offering all the fun that people with disability can often miss out on - a complimentary drink on arrival, 3 course meal, entertainment and dancing, all in a safe, accessible and inclusive environment. This is an 18+ event
When: Saturday, 12 October
Time: 05:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Where: Slim Dusty Centre, 490 Macleay Valley Way, South Kempsey
Tickets are $80 or $40 with a health care or concession card and are on sale online here on Eventbrite (note there is a small Eventbrite booking fee that gets charged on top of ticket price)
Tickets can also be purchased over the counter from Key Community Group at 14-18 Tozer Street, West Kempsey (cash only and no tax invoice able to be issued) - use this option if you wish to avoid booking fee.
Swim for FREE Day: World Swim Day
Dive into an aquatic celebration like no other! Join us on October 26th, 2024, as we make a splash on World Swim Day.
Experience the joy of swimming with a free entry swim day that's perfect for all water enthusiasts.
Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or just looking to cool off, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy our pristine pool facilities and dive into the refreshing waters. Bring your friends, family, and swimsuits, and together let's make a wave of excitement on World Swim Day.
Don't miss this chance to swim, laugh, and create memories that will last a lifetime—all while celebrating the universal love for swimming.
When: October 26th
Where: Kempsey Pool, 71 Belgrave St, Kempsey
Anglicare North Coast’s Mobile Pantry
Anglicare North Coast’s Mobile Pantry van provides grocery and fresh food items at very low cost to help stretch your budget further. The Mobile Pantry is run in partnership with communities and visits each location on a monthly basis. Purchases can be made by cash or EFTPOS.
When: 2nd Tuesday of the month
10.00-11.00am at All Saints Anglican Church, Stuart’s Point
12.30-1.30pm at Anglican Church, 53 Straight St, Hat Head
Our Mob Our Game – Come ‘n’ Try Basketball in Wauchope
Jump into the world of basketball, where you'll enjoy a fun day of 3x3 basketball! From the streets to the Olympics, 3×3 basketball is the number one urban team sport that’s taking the world by storm and it’s now an official Olympic sport! Come and enjoy this fun, action packed day. Don't miss out - bring a buddy and have a blast together!
For youth aged 12 - 17 years.
When: Thursday, 3rd October
Time: 10am - 02pm
Where: Wauchope Indoor Stadium, Cameron Street, Wauchope
Register your spot on the Port Macquarie Hastings council website and grab a free t-shirt.
My Kids Market
My Kids Market is your local market to buy, sell and recycle pre-loved and new baby and kids' goods. A place where families, small businesses and local services can come together in a fun and friendly community atmosphere.
Our stallholders are Mums and Dads who have chosen to pass on pre-loved items including clothing, shoes, toys, puzzles, books, prams, bikes, cots, highchairs and other nursery and maternity items instead of adding them to landfill, allowing shoppers to snap up many of the popular baby and kids brands for a fraction of the retail price, in sizes ranging from newborn to tween. You’ll also have the opportunity to browse a selection of small business stalls showcasing their unique new/handmade goods and services.
For more information or to register for a stall check out the My Kids Market website.
When: Saturday, 21st September
Time: 9am-12pm
Where: Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium, Hibbard Dr, Port Macquarie
Brain Health in Sport Seminar
The Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community Alliance is excited to host a special seminar on Brain Health in Sports. This seminar will focus on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
This event will feature two of Australia's foremost brain health authorities: Dr. Rowena Mobbs, a leading neurologist and CTE specialist, and Kayleen Doyle, founder of connecters.org.au, which supports those living with CTE. Robbie O'Davis, a former player for the Newcastle Knights, will join as a guest speaker to discuss his experiences with CTE.
Sporting groups, educational institutions, and medical and health professionals are all encouraged to attend this enlightening event.
When: Saturday 21st September
Time: 6 - 8:30pm
Where: Sails Resort, 20 Park Street, Port Macquarie
For ticket information, please book below or check out the Port Macquarie Dementia Friendly Community website for more information.
Women’s Health Week Screening Day
The Mid North Coast Health team is running cervical and breast screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women during Women's Health Week.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided
When: Thursday, 5th September
Time: 10am to 2pm
Where: Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Wrights Rd, Port Macquarie
Cultural Room, Level 2
Register on the day or contact:
Jade Chelman
Jade.Chelman@health.nsw.gov.au
0428 608 999
2024 Spring Fair: The Lost Plot Community Garden
The Lost Plot community garden is back for another year of Spring Fair fun for the whole family! The Fair is our annual fundraising event and brings the community together in a day of family fun to celebrate the garden.
We will have plants and seedlings for sale, food and market stalls, live entertainment, workshops and kids activities.
BYO Keep Cup and we'll see you there!
When: Saturday 21st September
Time: 9am to 2pm
Where: The Lost Plot community garden, Central Rd, Port Macquarie
Kendall Skate Jam
Enjoy free skateboarding lessons from Skate and Create, then show off your skills in the skate jam or watch the pros in action. There will be plenty of prizes and giveaways throughout the day. Stay refreshed with a BBQ and cold drinks provided by the Kendall Tennis Club.
Skate lessons: 10am - 11am and 11am - 12pm
Skate Jam: 12.30pm - 2pm
Register for your skate lesson: Kendall Skate Jam Tickets, Sun 15/09/2024 at 10:00 am | Eventbrite
When: Sunday, 15 September 2024
Time: 10am to 2pm
Where: Kendall Skate Park, Graham Street, Kendall
Port Macquarie Hastings Council: Community Grants
The next community grants round opens on 1st September. These fund activities and events that deliver social, cultural, or environmental outcomes within the Port Macquarie Hastings LGA. Community grants support community-driven activities that contribute to a diverse, capable, creative, resilient, and connected community.
The Community Grants program requires organisations to demonstrate a local need for the activity, community consultation, and to clearly articulate the community benefit including how project outcomes will be measured and reported.
For more detail and to see if you are eligible to apply go to the Community Grants webpage.
Aboriginal Rural Allied Health University Scholarship – Now Open
The NSW Ministry of Health and the Health Education and Training Institute (HETI), with support from Regional NSW, are pleased to offer Aboriginal allied health students with a rural background an opportunity to apply for the Aboriginal Rural Allied Health University Student Scholarship.
This Scholarship supports students undertaking full-time studies in an accredited allied health course in their chosen field and assists with the expenses associated with undertaking tertiary studies.
Applicants are offered the opportunity to apply for a one off $10,000 scholarship (pro rata for part time study) to assist with fees, technology or placement costs. Applications are now open and will close on 4 October 2024.
We invite Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who are enrolled in an Allied Health degree and from a rural background to apply.
Download the Scholarship Guidelines for full application details and eligibility criteria.
How to apply
To apply, please complete the application form on the HETI webpage.
For further information, please email the Rural and Regional Health Scholarship team at MOH-RuralScholarships@health.nsw.gov.au.
National Child Protection Week 1-7 September 2024
It’s National Child Protection Week (1-7 September), a time when all Australians are asked to come together to learn how to keep children safe and happy.
In 2024 the theme of National Child Protection Week is ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’ , a message which is accompanied by an important message that ‘Every conversation matters.’
Having conversations about key child protection issues is one simple way that all facets of the community, but particularly those working in early childhood education and care (ECEC) can support children and young people to be safe and to feel heard.
Conversations are powerful tools to keep children and young people safe and well.
Conversations can help those having them to understand issues, craft solutions, value community knowledge, and build the brains and social connections of children and young people.
During National Child Protection Week, reflect on the value and impact of conversations between:
- children and their caregivers (these matter from the very earliest days)
- children and their peers
- families and teachers, doctors, and other professionals
- friends or neighbours
- decision-makers and the communities they serve
NAPCAN is calling ALL Australians this National Child Protection Week to start a new conversation, and to showcase the importance of protecting our country’s youngest citizens.
NAPCAN has a number of tools and resources not only to promote National Child Protection Week, but also to support ECEC professionals to play their part.
Visit the resources section of the NAPCAN website to learn more.
STEPtember 1-30 September 2024
STEPtember is Australia’s favourite, and most inclusive, virtual health and well-being fundraising challenge. By participating, you’re helping to create a world of opportunity for people with cerebral palsy. Every step you take and every dollar you raise makes a significant impact.
STEP up and challenge yourself to move 10,000 steps a day throughout September to support people with cerebral palsy, or sponsor a friend or colleague, or simply make a donation.
For more information on STEPtember and to register check out the STEPtember website.
Women’s Health Week
Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week is Australia’s largest event dedicated to the health and wellbeing of all women, girls and gender-diverse people.
Every September, over 200,000 people gather in the boardrooms, tearooms and community centres of Australia to share vital, up-to-date health information. The 2024 event will be held from 2-6 September.
Visit the Women’s Health Week website for more information, events and resources.
5 Ss Housing Assistance Flowchart Resource for Community Service Workers
Local housing support workers and the Child and Family Interagency groups across the Mid North Coast, recently formed working groups to create localised resources. These flowcharts help guide community service workers and volunteers through the process required to support families experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless.
The flowcharts break the process into five steps - Safety and Services, Shelter, Situation, Support and Self-Care (5 Ss). Local support services are highlighted throughout.
There is a version available for each of the following regions: Coffs Harbour, Nambucca Valley, Bellingen, Kempsey, Port Macquarie Hastings and Mid Coast (Taree/Forster/Gloucester).
The resources are beneficial for workers in organisations where housing support is not their core business, however, they support customers who may also be experiencing challenges with securing or maintaining housing. This assists the worker to maintain a holistic and supportive approach to families and foster relationships and trust.
Head to the Blue Sky Community Services website to learn more about the 5 Ss and to download the latest versions for each region.
Concessions, Rebates and Assistance – Service NSW
Support is available across a wide range of household bills and activities. Find out what you could be eligible for! It could be a Companion Card, assistance with cost of living or simply how to navigate services.
Visit the Service NSW website
