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 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
Hello dear community,
You may have noticed there’s some construction work going on around the park side of the neighbourhood centre and on and around the path leading to the women’s toilets in the Blackheath Gardens park.
Now that these works have commenced the area is now considered a Construction Site and precautions, and no access areas apply for everyone’s safety.
This work is due to the upgrade of the Community Hall.
These community benefits are possible because of the generous funding from the NSW Government as part of the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program and the Office of Responsible Gaming (ORG). WestInvest is funding more than 200 transformational infrastructure projects across Western Sydney . These projects include new parks, gardens, pools, cycling and walking tracks, new and upgraded arts centres and community halls.
This particular project will transform Blackheath Community Centre into an energy secure facility that is fully functional as a multipurpose arts and cultural centre. Examples of the improvements being made are:
1. Installing 104 off-grid solar panels with 64kw hours of battery backup
2. Replacing un-flued LPG heating with ducted reverse-cycle air conditioning
3. Installing high-quality theatre-style drapes for improved acoustics and energy efficiency
4. Sealing of gaps around doors and windows to minimise noise intrusion from external sources, heat and cooling losses.
5. Installing energy-efficient lighting throughout, and installing an on-stage lighting bar
6. Upgrading the sound, lights, and projection system to professional standards
7. Installing water tanks for water harvesting for use in bushfire defence
Please be aware that access to the women’s toilet and parts of the path may be impeded on coming days while this work is being conducted. We will keep you informed of any other restrictions as we move through the project.
Please take care when walking near the construction zones. Thank you.

School Holiday Lego Workshop With Bryce!
Friday 24th of January 10am-12pm
125 Wentworth Street, Blackheath
Caregivers must remain on site during workshop
All Materials are provided and this workshop is Free!
Bookings are essential.
To book click HERE or contact us on 4787 7770

Calling All Seniors!
Are you interested in taking part in our intergenerational playgroup sessions with local Blackheath preschoolers starting in February?
If you are 65 and over, 55 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and interested in this program, please call Jade on 4787 7770
Please note, a Working With Children Check is required so contact us as soon as possible so we can help you apply for one before the program begins.
Bookings essential.
Please click HERE or call 4787 7770
Proudly funded by the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Healthcare Network

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
OR click HERE

BANC’s Craft Circle
Gather- Connect- Craft
Come along to our monthly 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 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Bates Hall, Blackheath 4pm til 7pm.
Click HERE to book
Proudly funded by the Department of Communities and Justice.

The Welcome Table is Back!
Come along every Friday and meet your host, Lindena, established locals and new residents in an informal, welcoming, and informative social setting.
This group is a way to learn about what’s happening in our area, and meet new friends.
Held every friday afternoon at the Gardners Hotel, front room over looking the highway. 3.30- 5pm.
No bookings needed, just turn up!
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


Person Centred Emergency Planning (PCEP)
Are you interested in learning how to plan for an emergency?
BANC offers one-on-one sessions in planning and preparing for an emergency on Wednesdays. You will create your plan with support from a trained facilitator, and take home a booklet with your plan mapped out.
Book your session with Cathy today! Click HERE

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.
These groups are proudly funded by the Connecting Seniors Grant from NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
The upcoming meetings will be:
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, Book HERE
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 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..
