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Services for seniors
BANC encourages local seniors to participate in all its programs and events. However, we have two programs that are exclusive to our community’s elders.
The first is a fun fortnightly bus trip to an interesting location, where participants can socialise and share a meal. Enquiries here. The other is Blackheath Cares, a volunteer service that provides practical and social help for people who are less mobile or who need a hand during difficult times such as illness or hospitalisation. Our lovely volunteers can do everything from driving you to the shops to pet-minding, occasional help with cleaning and gardening, or simply dropping in now and then for a cuppa and a chat. To apply fill out this short form. To volunteer, click here.
Free computer training
Everyone needs smart phone and computer skills these days. Cyber_Shed Co-ordinator and volunteer tutor Simon Hare offers a range of courses all free of cost. Silver Surfers is for over-50s who are just starting to use communication technology. Working at your own pace, one on one with a volunteer over four one-hour sessions, you will soon be confident online. Cyber_Shed also provides tutoring on using Twitter and disaster preparedness apps, scanning photos and documents and keeping track of passwords. To join in fill out this short form and we’ll get back to you to arrange a booking.
Office services
Drop into the Neighbourhood Centre on Gardiner Crescent during opening hours to use our WIFI, scanner and computer free of cost, or do your photocopying for a small charge.
Help with food and utility bills
When money is tight, or you’re facing difficulties like illness or the effects of natural disaster your Neighbourhood Centre can lend a hand. We have a food pantry that is open regularly at our offices. We’re also able to provide vouchers to pay for gas and electricity bills if you are eligible for these. If you’d like to know more or donate food and other items, click here.
No interest loans
The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) helps people who are on a low income to buy new essential items such as white goods, mobile phones and computers, medical equipment, furniture, CTP insurance, car repairs, and education/training of up to $1500 in value. Users repay the loan, usually over a year. To be eligible, you will need to have lived at your current residence for at least three months and not qualify for other loans. Fill out this short form and we’ll get right back to you with more info and appointment times.
Tax help
If you earn less than $60,000 a year, you may be eligible for free help from our team of ATO-trained and accredited volunteers. They can lodge your return or complete your non-lodgement advice and can also claim a refund of franking credits. Appointments are only available from beginning of August to the end of October each year. To learn whether you qualify for the service and the documents you will need, please fill out this short form.
The Welcome Table
If you’re new to the area or want to make new friends, Welcome Table hostess Lindena would like to extend a warm invitation to join in the fun and chat at the Ivanhoe Hotel every Friday at 3.30. Many firm friendships have been made around the table over a hot cuppa. It’s also a great way to keep in touch with what’s going on in your community. Contact Lindena on 0410 310 205. For more local events, groups and activities click here.