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.
June 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
Cyber_Tuesday Social Afternoon
Tue 13th and 27th June, 1:30-3:30pm
FREE event!
Join Simon & the CYBER_SHED team for an afternoon of digital fun, tip sharing & maybe learn a new skill. Plus afternoon tea too!
Bates Hall, Blackheath Community Centre.
Bookings please to Marg @ Neighbourhood Centre 02 4787 7770
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
Shared Reading Group
Weekly on Thursdays, 10am – Noon
Blackheath Hub, 125 Wentworth Steet, Blackheath
Sharing stories is one of humanity’s oldest and most profound traditions.
Out Shared Reading Group provides the opportunity to experience stories and the meaningful conversations that can arise from them. Why not join us? You can choose to read, join the discussion or just listen and enjoy.
Blackheath Playgroup
Blackheath Public School – School Hall
Mondays (during school term) 9:30am to 11am
ALL WELCOME !
Just turn up and meet other children / parents / carers in a friendly and informal setting.
What to bring: Gold coin donation and a piece of fruit to share at morning tea.
Contact Thrive on (02)4782 1555 for more information.
‘Go with the Flow’ Art Therapy
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)
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
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)
CYBER_SHED
Regular programs during term time
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.
Learn How To Support Someone Who Is Feeling Suicidal
Mental Health First Aid Training will teach you practical skills to support someone who is feeling suicidal. Make a real difference to people in your community.
Saturday 17th June 2023, 9:30am to 1:30pm
Cost: $40 waged and $25 unwaged
Venue: The Hall, 125 Wentworth Street, Blackheath NSW 2785
For all enquiries or to book your place, please contact: Jane Armstrong, Principal Master MHFA instructor on 0422 363 912 or email:
The Blue Mountains is one of the world’s most fire-prone areas. ARE YOU READY?
Free Community engagement seminars for all Upper Mountains residents. What you need to know – getting yourself and your home ready for the bushfire season.
Choice of dates:
Thursday 6th July 6 to 8pm OR
Tuesday 1st August 10am to 12 noon OR
Saturday 2nd September 10am to 12 noon
At the HUB – 125 Wentworth Street, BLACKHEATH
Please contact Marg on 4787 7770 or email: to register your attendance
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!
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
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
Past Events
Leonard the Lyrebird Day
Join award-winning children’s author, Jodie McLeod, to learn all about the lives of these amazing native birds.
Listen to a reading of Leonard the Lyrebird, enjoy face painting, craft, lyrebird mimic competition and more.
Sunday 4th June – 10.30am-12.30pm or 1.30-3.30pm
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mt Tomah
$18 per child (5-12 years). Parents free.
Booking essential: bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au/what-s-on
The Bluegums: ‘Somewhere to Live’ launch
You’re invited to The Blue Gums’ video launch of their social justice song, ‘Somewhere to Live’
The song has been created and developed by locals who came together to voice their concerns about the housing crisis. Come along and watch the video about the making of the song, hear guest speakers and enjoy light refreshments.
Friday 2nd June at 6pm
Phillips Hall, 265 Great Western Highway, Blackheath
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:
BANC’s Community 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 favourite ‘local hero’, family member or landscape with an accompanying story of why they are important to you!
Deadline for entries Thursday 11th May, Artworks to be delivered to Blackheath Neighbourhood Centre. Preferred sizes: A1, A4 or A5.
BANC’s Community Art Exhibition is sponsored by BANC and curated by our Community Projects team.
For more information please contact Marg at BANC on 4787 7770
Neighbourhood Centre Week 8-14th May
Wednesday 10th May: Morning Tea 9.30-10.30am
41 Gardiner Crescent, Blackheath
Please come and join us for tea, coffee and cake and learn about the Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre – what we do, the services and events we provide.
Festival Colombiana
Saturday 6th May
Philip’s Hall, Cnr Great Western Highway and Gardiner Crescent
1-4pm
FREE
Join us for Festival Colombiana!
Colombian Food
Music & Culture
Live Performances
NO BOOKINGS NECESSARY – JUST TURN UP!
Fridays at 125 – Caring for Country and Cultural Talk
Friday 5th May
FREE
Janelle Randall-Court is kindly doing a Caring for Country and Cultural Talk called ‘Treasures’ and will be making damper.
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!
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:
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: