At BANC we believe a successful community is one that supports the social, cultural and creative life of its people. Join the fun by taking part! Scroll down to see current and future activities, and regular support and social groups. Or click the button above to view photos and community feedback from recent events
BANC has been chosen as a recipient of the Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors Grant from the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice. The NSW Government’s vision is that all people in NSW experience the benefits of living longer and enjoy opportunities to participate in, contribute to and be included in their communities. Our BANC Seniors Hub will contribute to this vision by providing a variety of free workshops, events, and activities for older people in our community.
Exciting news! BANC has obtained funding for a Creative, Community, Wellbeing and Resilience Hub. Activities are on until mid-2023 in Blackheath and surrounds. Current Hub events are listed below. Note that current health regulations will apply to all. These projects are implemented through joint Commonwealth/ State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements via the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
Events Calendar
FREE
Every month we update this handy calendar of all BANC’s upcoming events, workshops and activities. It’s an easy way to peruse all the exciting options. When you’ve decided, just come back, look up the listings below that you are interested in and book. Download a copy for reference or request to go on our circulation list here
Download the latest one HERE
Blue Paws Pet Painting & Drawing Workshop
Blackheath Hub, 125 Wentworth St, Blackheath
Wednesday 12th April 2023, 10am – 12 noon FREE
Although not compulsory, this could be your opportunity to create a Blue Paws artwork for exhibition on 13th May. This fabulous and fun workshop will be facilitated by Edwina and Jo and is open to all ages and abilities (Children must be accompanied by an adult).
All materials provided. Bring a photo of your pet to inspire you!
Bookings are essential as places are limited
Family Holiday Art play Workshop: Birds & Beetles
Wednesday 19th April 2023, from 10am -12 Noon
Blackheath Hub, 125 Wentworth Street, Blackheath
For children aged 5-12 and their parents/ caregivers. Free!
Join us for a special family school holidays art workshop playing with paints and exploring the wonderful world of birds and beetles!
All materials provided, but places are limited, so bookings essential. Please contact Marg on 4787 7770 or e:
This project has been implemented through joint Commonwealth/State Disaster Funding Arrangements via the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
Art and Craft Morning at Thrive Katoomba
Thrive Services, 2 Station Street Katoomba
Wednesday 19th April 10am – 12pm
Age 5-12years old
Thrive is hosting a fun (and tasty!) art and craft morning for primary school-aged kids, decorating cupcakes and pancakes and a chocolate Easter egg hunt!
Person-Centred Emergency (PCEP) Planning
By Appointment on Wednesdays, Feb – May 2023
Are you interested in how you can use the PCEP process to develop your individual emergency plan? Would you like to work one-on-one with a trained emergency planning companion to develop your own emergency plan? If you answered yes to one or both questions then contact BANC on 4787 7770 to book a one-one session
The initial session with be for 1 – 1.5hours with further sessions if required. We work at your pace so you can ensure the plan meets your needs. Sessions are usually on Wednesdays and morning/ afternoon tea will be provided.
This project is built on the original P-CEP that received support under the joint State and Commonwealth Natural Disaster Resilience Program (PREPARE NSW, 2017-18)
Blue Mountains Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Workshops
April – May 2023 across multiple venues *At BANC on April 17 & 18
Bookings now open for Blue Mountains Mental First Aid (MHFA) Training Workshops at the Neighbourhood Centres of Blackheath, Springwood and Winmalee this April and May.
Our BANC sessions will be held on Monday 17th and Tues 18th April from 9am – 4:30pm and will cover MHFA for the older person.
The cost is $95 waged or $40 unwaged.
For all enquiries and bookings, please contact Jane Armstrong, Principal Master MHFA instructor on 0422 363 912 or e:
Creative Dementia Workshops
Katoomba RSL, 86 Lurline St, Katoomba 2780
First Tuesday of the month, commencing Tuesday 4th April, 2023
Support for people in regional areas living with dementia and their carers, focussing on art, music, mindfulness and movement. The workshops provide a safe, inclusive and creative space that generates a sense of calm, memory, stimulation, confidence and ongoing connection with others in the community. Light refreshments will be provided.
Free. Bookings essential as places are limited, please contact Lucian Keegan on 0415 232 901 or Liz Romalis e:
Blue Mountains Local Citizen of the Year Awards
We have countless heroes in our community. Could you help BMCC celebrate these heroes by nominating a Citizen of the Year?
There are 3 nominations:
Citizen
Senior Citizen
Community Achievement of the year
Nominations close 16th April 2023.
For more info: https://www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/media-centre/nominate-a-local-legend-for-a-blue-mountains-citizen-of-year-award
Triple P Online Parenting Program for Baby
Build a positive foundation for your baby and you, proven positive strategies to help every family – now free in Australia. Create the best environment for your baby’s development, as new life begins! Positively nurture your baby’s potential, with a full toolkit of tips and ideas. And learn strategies for coping with changing emotions and relationship strains, too.
Build a closer bond as you create a positive start to family life. This is your toolkit for new parents, now yours at no cost. Choose what works for you and feel more confident and happier as a new parent/carer. Partners and other family members can do the program free too, so everyone’s on the same page and there’s less conflict.
Free support for your positive parenting journey. Interactive easy-to-use online program, including videos and activities and a downloadable workbook. Each module only takes about an hour or less and you can do just a few minutes at a time. Available anytime, at your place, at your pace!
Triple P Online for Baby for parents/carers to be, or with a baby under 12 months old.
Start your FREE Program today triple-parenting.net.au
Triple P Online Parenting Program for kids under 12
Stronger relationships to help kids now and in the future. Proven, positive strategies to help every family – now FREE in Australia.
Why Triple P Online Makes all the difference: You want to support your child’s development, grow closer and solve problems – positively. Now you can do the parenting program developed here in Australia, now used around the world. It’s backed by research, proven by parents. and it’s free!
Free Support for your positive parenting journey. Your complete positive parenting toolkit, now yours at no cost. Choose what works for you, to help give your kids key life skills and help the whole family stay calm and positive. Partners and other family members can do the program free too, so everyone’s on the same page and there’s less conflict.
Interactive, easy to use online program, including videos and activities and a downloadable workbook. Each module only takes about an hour or less and you can do just a few minutes at a time. Available anytime, at you place, at your pace!
Start your FREE Program today triple-parenting.net.au
Fear-less Triple P Online for families
Help kids cope with challenges, and break free from anxiety. Some children become extra-worried, and amicus feelings can start to affect everyday life. They may often be upset and fearful, become withdrawn, or feel ‘sick with worry’. But you can positively support you child to develop their own toolkit of coping skills. It’ll bring you closer and help them manage anxiety and deal with difficult emotions in healthy ways – now, and in the future.
Fear-less Triple P Online offers Proven, positive strategies to help every family. Practical steps you can take to help your child or teenager to feel calmer and more capable. When you know how, you can help them be more emotionally resilient, and teach them new skills. Watch them gain confidence as they learn to tackle fears and situations they’ve been avoiding.
Start your FREE program today triple-parenting.net.au
Youth Week Blue Mountains Festival 2923
at Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre, Lawson
Friday 21st April from 2pm – 5pm
FREE All ages event, drug and alcohol free, fun for all ages! Great Prizes to be won! Activities include:
Art Competition from 2pm – 5pm, Categories include Realism, Abstract, Digital/Photography *Entries need to be submitted on Canvas by 13th April to the Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre
Battle of the Bands & Solo Artists from 2pm – 5pm in the Mavis Wood Hall *Entries close March 31st (unless full prior) With special guest performance by Paint Job.
Movie Screening 3pm – 5pm in the Joy Anderson Room
For more info contact Paige Thurlow-Want on 0490 347 778 e:
You can also scan the QR code on the poster to download the Battle of the Bands and Art Competition Entry forms.
Need Transport?
‘Near or Far’ Transport have you covered providing FREE transport to and from the event from central locations throughout the Lower and Upper Mountains!
Download the poster for the full timetable. *Returning buses leave the venue at 5:45pm
This event is sponsored by Mountains Youth Services (Myst) and Blue Mountains City Council as part of NSW Youth Week.
Blue Mountains Youth Council is recruiting for 2023
The youth council is an exciting opportunity to be a voice for young people in the Blue Mountains.
Becoming a part of the youth council is a great opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain an understanding of the local government and advocacy while also being a standout feature on your resume. The Youth Council meet monthly and develops a program of actions to increase opportunities and improve services for young people and also to share their opinions and ideas with Councillors and staff.
The focus of the Youth Council is determined by its members each year – that means you get to set the agenda.
If you are aged between 12 and 19 and you live in the Blue Mountains LGA you are eligible to join the Youth Council. Applications close Sunday 16th April: yoursay.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/youthcouncil
Blue Paws Art Exhibition
13th May 2023
Blackheath Hub, 125 Wentworth St, Blackheath
Entries now open!
We are looking for stories, photos, pictures, sculptures and paintings of your pets along with an accompanying story of why they are important to you!
There will also be a people’s choice award, and raffle prize with all proceeds going towards WIRES, so be sure to tell your friends and family to save the date and come along to vote for their favourite pet portrait!
Deadline for entries Thursday 4th May, Artworks to be delivered to Blackheath Neighbourhood Centre. Preferred sizes: A1, A4 or A5.
Blue Paws was made possible by a generous grant donation from BMCC BFR 1919 Wellbeing Sub- Committee. Special thanks goes to patrol of Blue Paws Jane Hamilton
For more information please contact BANC on 4787 7770
Card Making with Cathy Workshop
Blackheath Hub, 125 Wentworth St, Blackheath
Sunday 28th May 2023, 10am – 12 noon FREE
Bookings now open and places are limited for this beautiful card making workshop with Cathy in May, for ages 16 +
Bookings are essential as places are limited
2023 ANZAC Day Golf Classic
The Rotary Club of Blackheath in conjunction with Blackheath Golf Club
Tuesday 25th April 2023
Blackheath Golf Club, from 7:30am – 4pm
The Rotary Club of Blackheath in conjunction with Blackheath Golf Club warmly invites you to be part of the 2023 ANZAC Day Golf Classic at Blackheath Golf Club, for a jammed-packed day of Golf, Breakfast and lunch, an auction and ANZAC Dusk service on Tuesday 25th April.
Numbers are strictly limited so gather your team and book early For bookings and more info call the Pro Shop on ph: 4787 8406, option 2.
Net proceeds raised through the ANZAC Day Golf Classic will go towards: Blackheath Cares. Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre & other local Rotary projects.
Still Here By Dave and the Daves, Comedy night
Blackheath Hub, 125 Wentworth St, Blackheath
Wednesday May 3rd, from 6pm
Bookings now open for this must-see depression comedy exploring mental health challenges through storytelling, song and laughter. Entry by donation, bookings essential as places are limited.
Contributed to by joint Commonwealth/ State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements via the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.
(Free Entry for anyone named Dave! * Must show I.D.)
Public Reading for Beginners
Bates Hall, 256 GW HWY Blackheath
Introductory Session: 2nd May 2023
4 Weekly Workshops: 2pm – 4pm
9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th May
Learn how to master public reading with this series of free workshops facilitated by Norman Lindgren. Read, applaud and have fun!
Bookings essential via Reception at BANC on 4787 7770
Shared Reading Group
FREE
Sharing stories is one of humanity’s oldest and most profound traditions. This group is a great way to experience great stories and meaningful conversations.
At the Shared Reading Group you can choose to read a story aloud, join the discussion or just sit in silence, listen and enjoy a cup of tea. No pressure!
The group returns on Thursday 2nd February 2023
Meetings are from 10am-noon on Thursdays at the Blackheath Hub, 125 Wentworth St Blackheath,
For more information or to book:
0468 346 834
Fridays at 125
FREE
Join your community for a relaxed and enjoyable evening of music, games, and free wood-fired pizza. A great way to make new friends and wind down from the week. All ages and all abilities are welcome. Come solo or bring the family. Thanks to Vinnies for the financial support allowing us to hold this event.
5pm-7pm First Friday of the month
125 Wentworth St
Blackheath
NO BOOKINGS NECESSARY – JUST TURN UP!
The Inklings Writing Group.
Fridays from the 17th Feb for 10 weeks
12:30 – 2pm
Blackheath Creative Hub, 125 Wentworth Street, Blackheath
Build a bridge to the world in words – join poet, James Gering and dedicated local writers in the art and craft of creative writing. Develop your skills to express yourself boldly on the page in memoir, poetry, story, creative non-fiction….
$15 per session (also concessions as req). Enquiries to James:
Go with the Flow art therapy groups
FREE
Come and connect with others through creativity. Creativity can assist with managing depression, anxiety, and other related issues. No artistic skills required. Note that this is not a drop-in group and bookings are essential
Group 1 – Go With the Flow
Location: 125 Wentworth St, Blackheath
Day: Every Monday (during school term times) returning 16th Jan 2023
Time: 10.15 am-12.30 pm
The Blackheath Hub
Presbyterian Hall, 125 Wentworth St, Blackheath.
Bookings essential. Waiting list currently in operation
Group 2- Go With the Flow for people living with depression and anxiety
Day: Every Monday (during school term times) returning 16th Jan 2023
Time: 1.30pm-3.30 pm
The Blackheath Hub
Presbyterian Hall, 125 Wentworth St, Blackheath.
Bookings essential. Waiting list currently in operation
Contact Sue Wildman 0438 830 390
DURING OFFICE HOURS ONLY (M-F: 9-5)
Art Play on Wednesday
FREE
You’re invited to join Lindena Robb for a series of fun, creative and social art workshops. Have fun, connect and explore your creativity! No experience is needed and all materials are provided.
Art Play with Lindena happens every Wednesday during school term times, and runs from 10am – 12 noon at Blackheath Hub, 125 Wentworth Street Blackheath (in the Presbyterian Church Hall).
* Places are limited and bookings essential.
Bookings essential: Contact Lindena Robb for more information and to register on 0410 310 205
CYBER_SHED
Returns Tues 17th January 2023
In addition to our regular programs, and our Video on how to download the Fires Near Me app, we’ll soon be announcing dates for tutorials such as how to download your COVID-19 vax certificate and (for those who like a large-key device), how to drive an Easy-Tel phone. Watch this space.
Regular events and social groups
Heathens Choir
Wednesdays, 2-4pm during school terms
Location: Phillips Hall
Cost: $75 per 10-week term
Blackheath’s celebrated community choir welcomes novices, experienced singers and even people who think they can’t sing! If you like music join in the fun. We perform at concerts, festivals and community events
More info: Christine Wheeler,
0408 276 436