Join the fun and learning by taking part! Free activities include cultural talks, environmental workshops, art therapy, fire safety seminars, family fun days, parenting workshops, mental health first aid, basket weaving, yoga, eco dying, and regular events like our free monthly community dinner and the annual BANC Christmas Day Lunch.
Read our report about the success of a recent project called The Hub.
At BANC we believe a successful community is one that supports the social, cultural, and creative life of its people.
To apply to book, click here
Do know about our upcoming Intergenerational Playgroup in Blackheath. These 10 weekly workshops are open to seniors in the Blue Mountains and are free of charge. You can read about the last one we conducted, here: https://blackheathnews.com/intergenerational-play-in-blackheath/
The next sessions will be on Tuesdays in Blackheath starting on the 27th August until the 24th September & then there’s a two week school holiday break and resuming on the 15th October until the 12th November.
We have some participants signed up already but we are hoping you might be able to help to get the word out so more seniors can participate in this wonderful program. Thank you.
![Monthly Community Lunch 1](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/monthly-community-lunch-1.jpg)
BANC Community Lunch
The First Tuesday of every month
See you Tuesday 3rd September for our community lunch
U3A ukulele group will be playing, meet others, enjoy a delicious lunch, have some fun 12:30 to 2pm – Bates Hall
Bookings essential, call 4787 7770
OR to book, click here
![Logo Updated STEM Your Community Needs You 1](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/logo-updated-STEM-Your-Community-needs-you-1-848x1200.jpg)
STEM – Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics
YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU !
Children in years 3 and 4 at Blackheath Public School are embarking on a STEM enrichment program with the University of Sydney.
The students are very motivated in this program and would like to work with YOU – adults in our community – to identify issues that you are connected with, so that they can step into their next learning phase and find solutions to these issues.
If you would like to attend the community education session, please contact Jo at or use the “apply here” button below.
To apply to book, click here or call 4787 7770
Weaving Workshop – FREE
with First Nation’s woman Anastasia
Friday 30th August 2024
from 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Ages 16 years plus, No experience required, all materials provided
to be held at 125 Wentworth Street (The Hub), Blackheath
Dharug and Gundungurra Country
Bookings essential
To apply to book, click here or call 4787 7770
![Updated2 New Weaving Workshop](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/updated2-new-Weaving-Workshop-848x1200.jpg)
![Karon Coombs On Grief And Loss](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Karon-Coombs-on-Grief-and-Loss-848x1200.jpg)
Karon Coombs on Grief and Loss
Come join Karon (Author & Palliative Care Nurse) as she discusses her book.
The Grief Journey – Inspirational Stories and strategies to move and motivate you to successful healing.
Connect and share experiences of grief in a safe and understanding environment.
Saturday – 21st September 2024
10am to 12pm
at 125 Wentworth Street, Blackheath
FREE – Light refreshments provided
Bookings are essential –
To apply to book, click here
![Updated Learn How To Perform CPR](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/updated-Learn-how-to-Perform-CPR-848x1200.jpg)
Learn how to perform CPR – FREE
18th October 2024 10am to 12pm
125 Wentworth Street, Blackheath
Followed by light refreshments
You will learn how to recognise a cardiac emergency, how to call for assistance, perform CPR, to increase someone’s chances of survival.
Bookings are essential
To apply to book, click here or call 4787 7770
![Shared Reading Mount Victoria Now Meeting](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Shared-Reading-Mount-Victoria-now-meeting-848x1200.jpg)
![Life Universe And Stories Mt Vic Page 2 Testimonials](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Life-Universe-and-Stories-Mt-Vic-page-2-testimonials.jpg)
To apply to book, click here
![Untitled Design](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Untitled-design-848x1200.jpg)
To apply to book, click here
BLACKHEATH COCKATOO PLAYGROUP
125 Wentworth Street
Blackheath
1pm to 3pm
Every Wednesday
ALL WELCOME !
Just turn up and meet other children, parents and carers in a friendly setting.
Journey from a Nomadic Life
Saturday 28th September 2024
4:30pm to 7:30pm
at Bates Hall, Blackheath
FREE – Light supper provided
Bookings are essential –
To apply to book, click here
![2nd Updated With LogosJourney From A Nomadic Life Poster](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2nd-updated-with-logosJourney-From-A-Nomadic-Life-poster-848x1200.jpg)
You are invited to Learn More About Local Aboriginal Culture
Join with Darug elder, Chris Tobin, to learn about Aboriginal culture around the first contact and impact of colonisation on local Aboriginal communities and Country.
1.5 hour talk with Uncle Chris Tobin, followed by light refreshments
Saturday – 12th October 2024
10:30am to 12:30pm
Bates Hall, Blackheath
Bookings are essential –
To apply to book, click here or call 4787 7770
![Updated Learn More About Aboriginal Culture](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/updated-Learn-more-about-aboriginal-culture-848x1200.jpg)
![Fully Booked Updated 2 With Funding Statement Creating Resilience Group](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Fully-Booked_updated-2-with-funding-statement-Creating-Resilience-Group.jpg)
Creating Resilience Group
A specially tailored art therapy program to assist those who experience depression and / or anxiety
No artistic skills necessary – Just a willingness to explore, reflect, create and have fun in a safe, friendly environment.
Connect with others, gain new insights and purpose, learn helpful strategies and recognise and building on strengths.
All art materials and afternoon tea provided
Commencing on Monday 29th July 2024 and continues for 10 weeks
1:30pm to 3:30pm
at the HUB, 125 Wentworth Street, Blackheath
This is NOT a drop in group, registration is essential
Please phone Sue Wildman on 0438 830 390 on Wednesday or Fridays or email Sue at
![Updated Fully Booked With Funding Statement Art Of Letting Go](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/updated-fully-booked-with-funding-statement-Art-of-letting-go.jpg)
Art of Letting Go
A creative therapy group to help reduce stress, increase self-awareness and confidence
No artistic skills necessary – Just a willingness to explore, reflect, create and have fun in a safe, friendly environment.
All art materials and afternoon tea provided
Commencing on Monday 29th July 2024 and continues for 10 weeks
10:15am to 12:15pm
at the HUB, 125 Wentworth Street, Blackheath
This is NOT a drop in group, registration is essential
Please phone Sue Wildman on 0438 830 390 on Wednesday or Fridays or email Sue at
![JP At The NC](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/JP-at-the-NC.jpg)
Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre
41 Gardiner Crescent, Blackheath
now has a JP available on a Wednesday.
Please phone the NC on 4787 7770 before arriving to check on availability.
Walk on Country with Uncle David King – FREE,
NOW FULLY BOOKED
Open to those who have not previously attended.
Join David King for a walk at Katoomba Gully,
Gather at 8:50am at the Welcome Wall. Near Gates Ave Katoomba.
There will be a discussion, a walk in The Gully followed by a light lunch.
8:50am to 12pm, 16th August 2024
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
To apply to book, click here
![Fully Booked Updated 3 August 16th 24Walking On Country](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Fully-booked-updated-3-august-16th-24Walking-on-Country-848x1200.jpg)
![Cyber Social 2024 Updated](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cyber-Social-2024-updated-848x1200.jpg)
CYBER_SOCIAL_2024 continues a season on Artificial Intelligence –
how will it change our daily lives?
Each month the discussion will focus on AI Artificial Intelligence. The topic for June was AI and Medicine.
The upcoming meetings will be:
1:30 to 4pm Monday 12th August 2024
1:30 to 4pm Monday 9th September 2024
1:30 to 4pm Monday 14th October 2024
1:30 to 4pm Monday 11th November 2024 and
1:30 to 4pm Monday 9th December 2024
in the newly refurbished Bates Hall, Blackheath Community Centre.
All members welcome.
Afternoon tea provided, so your RSVP much appreciated via… https://tinyurl.com/fu98vmsd
At the Neighbourhood Centre, we have the very friendly and knowledgeable Sophie and Anita from Mary Mackillop Today, providing No Interest Loans (NILS) applications. They are here on a fortnightly Thursday and appointments can be made by calling the centre on 4787 7770 or emailing .
For No Interest Loans (NILS) you can
Borrow up to $2000 for:
Household items (fridge, washing machine, furniture and more)
Education fees and equipment
Laptops and technology
Car repairs and registration
Medical and dental costs
Borrow up to $3,000 for:
Bond and Rent in advance
Rates
If you have been impacted by a natural disaster
To enquire about a NILS loan and book an appt with Mary Mackillop Today contact BANC on 4787 7770
![Are You Interested In No Interest Option 1](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Are-you-interested-in-no-interest-option-1.png)
Blackheathens support their community by donating their 2024 energy bill rebate!
In July, we can make a meaningful contribution to our community without reaching into our pockets.
If you can, please donate all, or part of, your energy bill rebate to the Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre (BANC).
BANC supports people in need in the Upper Blue Mountains.
BANC’s account details can be found in the “about us” tab of the website: https://banc.org.au/banc/donate/
Your support is gratefully appreciate, financial or volunteering. We make a bigger difference together.
![Blackheathens Support Their Community By Donating Their 2024 Energy Bill Rebate](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Blackheathens-support-their-community-by-donating-their-2024-energy-bill-rebate-848x1200.jpg)
Become a Mental Health First Aider
17th & 24th September 2024
8:45am to 4pm
in Bates Hall, Corner GWH and Gardiner Crescent, Blackheath
Facilitators: Chel and Howard
BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL – please scan the QR code or visit:
https://mhfa.my.site.com/MHFA/s/direct-course-link?course=fxRBZ1&exp=false
![Mental Health First Aid Sept 24](https://banc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mental-Health-First-Aid-Sept-24.jpg)