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 lunch and craft circle.
Read our report about the success of a BANC project called The Hub.
At BANC we believe a successful community is one that supports the social, cultural, and creative life of its people.
CALLING ALL DUNGEON MASTERS!
Could you lead the next great adventure?
BANC is looking for a volunteer Dungeon Master to help run Dungeons & Dragons game afternoons for local young people in Blackheath.
We’re looking for someone who knows and loves D&D, enjoys creating a fun and welcoming game, and would like to share that enthusiasm with a new generation of adventurers.
We’ll provide:
🎲 The space
🧙 D&D equipment and supplies
🍕 Snacks for the adventuring party
🐲 Young players ready to roll the dice!
You bring the stories, imagination and Dungeon Master magic.
Interested, or know someone who might be perfect for it? Please get in touch with Hamish:
📧
📞 0431 871 762
CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL D&D PLAYERS!
Interested in playing Dungeons & Dragons in Blackheath?
BANC is looking at starting D&D sessions for local high school students and we want to know who’s keen!
Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or you’ve never played before, you’re welcome.
Hang out with other local young people and eat yummy snacks!
BANC will provide the Dungeon Master, space, D&D gear and snacks.
INTERESTED?
Go to: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/f7xMudugQLfill to out our quick Expression of Interest form.
or call us: 4787 7770 – Menu Option 5
Expressions of interest only at this stage, session times will be worked out based on when people are available.
Love cooking and want to support your local community?
BANC is looking for local volunteers to help cook for our food programs, including:
Community Lunches
Soup Kitchen
Frozen meals for our emergency pantry
Cooking is generally once a month, we provide the equipment, and volunteers are reimbursed for ingredients.
It’s a practical, hands-on way to help local people and to share your good food along the way.
For more information, contact Hamish:
📞 (02) 4787 7770, menu option 5
📧
Love books, good conversation and a relaxed way to meet local people?
The Blackheath & Surrounds Relaxed Bookclub meets every second Friday for a friendly, low-pressure catch-up.
There’s no set reading list—we read what we want and come together to chat about books, swap recommendations and enjoy a cuppa.
📅 Fortnightly Fridays
🕥 10:30am–12pm
📍 Neighbourhood Centre 41 Gardiner Cres, Blackheath (entrance at back through the park)
☕ Tea, coffee and biscuits provided
For more information, call (02) 4787 7770, (menu option 5), or message Eloise through joining the Upper Blue Mountains Relaxed Bookclub Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1322039580032608
FREE BIRTHDAY CAKES FOR KIDS (Medlow Bath to Mt Vic)
We provide free birthday cakes for local children whose families may be experiencing financial hardship or difficult circumstances.
Each cake is lovingly made by local volunteers, with a choice of flavours and toppings available.
To request a cake, please contact us at least a week before the birthday. All requests are treated with kindness and confidentiality.
Email or chat to Hamish at the Neighbourhood Centre
📧
📞(02) 4787 7770 (Menu option 5)
Monthly Death Cafe
Join us for an evening of open, honest, and hearty conversation about death, dying, and living well – over cake and a cuppa. In a world where death is often a taboo topic, a Death Cafe offers a rare space to talk openly about our mortality, our fears, our hopes, and how we make meaning of our time here.
WHEN: On the 3rd Tuesday of every month
TIME: 7–9pm
LOCATION:
Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre
41 Gardiner Cres, Blackheath
Ring the doorbell at the rear door (Park side)
*A Death Cafe is not a grief support group or counselling session
Hosted by Hamish Dunlop & the Death Cafe Holding Team
YOU MUST REGISTER AS SPACE IS LIMITED
📞Hamish on 4787 7770 (menu option 5)
Reading Buddies Wanted!
At Blackheath Public School
Do you have just 30 minutes a week to spare? You could make a big difference in a child’s life by becoming a Reading Buddy.
BANC is partnering with Blackheath Public School to support students in building confidence, joy, and a lifelong love of reading. It’s a small commitment with a huge impact, helping kids feel supported, encouraged, and excited to learn.
No special skills are needed, just a friendly face, a little patience, and a willingness to share the magic of books. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, retiree, or simply someone who loves supporting kids to read, we’d love to hear from you.
Not sure if it’s right for you? Have questions? Or maybe you’re ready to jump in? Get in touch and we’ll chat it through.
📞Hamish on 4787 7770 (menu option 5)
BANC Community Lunch
The First Tuesday of every month (except January)
Meet others, enjoy a delicious lunch, have some fun
12:30 to 2pm – Bates Hall
Bookings essential, call 4787 7770 (menu option 5)
Proudly sponsored by Katoomba RSL via ClubGrants
SOCIAL BUS-TRIP OUTINGS FOR SENIORS
New Day, Comfier Ride- Same Great Adventures!
Our much-loved bus trips for seniors are getting an upgrade! Now running fortnightly on a Friday, with a spacious, more comfortable bus, these social outings are better than ever.
Join us for relaxing, social day trips to beautiful destinations like Mayfield Gardens in Oberon, Lewer’s Gallery in Penrith, Bathurst, and more! You’ll get to help choose where we go next, so every trip is shaped by your interests and ideas. Each trip includes a stop for morning tea and then a visit to a lovely spot for lunch.
Trips run every second Friday
Bus will pick you up at your door around 8:30am, return around 3-4pm
Cost is $20 for the bus (you pay for your own morning tea & lunch)
(Please note, door pick-up is only available if you live in the Blackheath/Medlow/Mount Vic areas. You will need to travel to meet the bus before it leaves Blue Mountains City Council in Katoomba if you live elsewhere)
TO BOOK YOUR SPOT CALL Jade on 4787 7770 (menu option 5)
*Preference given to people with a Commonwealth Home Support Package via My Aged Care. We can help you apply for this if you don’t already have a My Aged Care package*
BANC’s Monthly Craft Circle
Gather- Connect- Craft
Come along to our Craft Circle with local crafter, Francie!
Bring a project you’re working on, or do something we provide and meet other crafters in an informal, social setting.
Held on the 2nd Saturday of the month 1-4pm
THE BLACKHEATH SHOW
Tune in to BANC’s own radio show with your hosts, Murray Reid and Tad Breezee!
Hear what’s happening in the Blackheath area and listen to some tunes.
Thursdays 10am til 12pm on RBM 89.1FM
NILS No Interest Loan Scheme
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 appointment at the neighbourhood centre with Natalie from Mary Mackillop Today, contact 6331 2010
Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA)
Finding it hard to pay your electricity or gas bill due to short-term affordability issues or a crisis or emergency? BANC and Blackheath Vinnies has appointments available to apply for vouchers to help.
This NSW Government program offers payments to help individuals facing a short-term financial crisis or emergency, like:
- unexpected medical expenses
- a loss of income
- high energy bills
- family illness
- family crisis
- other unexpected expenses or bills.
Before seeking help
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bill, talk to your energy provider first. All energy retailers in NSW have programs to help customers in financial difficulty to manage their bills. If you can’t work it out with your provider, make an appointment for an EAPA assessment by calling us on 4787 7770 and let your provider know you have an upcoming EAPA assessment so they don’t disconnect you or add late fees to your account.
Call the centre on 4787 7770 (menu option 5) to book your spot.
