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.
Collage & Canapés – Free Seniors Week Art Workshop
Join us for a beautiful afternoon of creativity, conversation and delicious bites.
As part of Seniors Week, Hamish will be guiding a relaxed, no-experience-needed collage workshop while Jade serves a selection of tasty canapés. Whether you’re feeling arty or just curious to try something new, this is a lovely way to connect, create and enjoy good company.
4pm – 6pm
Bates Hall, 265 Great Western Highway, Blackheath
Bookings essential: 4787 7770
Come for the art, stay for the conversation. We’d love to see you there!
CYBER SOCIAL 2026
Artificial Intelligence… what?
Curious about AI but not sure where to start?
Join us for Cyber Social 2026, a relaxed, social session where we chat about artificial intelligence, new tech, and what it actually means for everyday life. No jargon, no pressure — just conversation, questions, and learning together.
2nd Tuesday of each month
1:30pm – 4:00pm
Bates Hall
Afternoon tea provided
Perfect if you’re curious, cautious, confused, or just want to keep up with the changing digital world in a supportive space.
To book, call 02 4787 7770 or click here
Everyone welcome!
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
Call the Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre on (02) 4787 7770
or register online: https://forms.office.com/r/Ky9fXmRxDa
LOOKING FOR A REAL CONVERSATION?
TRY A MEN’S TABLE INTRO NIGHT – 16 FEB
GARDNERS INN HOTEL – BLACKHEATH
Tired of the usual blokey banter?
Hungry for real connected conversations with trustworthy men?
Join us at The Men’s Table
Find out more at the Blackheath Men’s Table Intro Night (Entree)
When:
Monday 16 February 2026 – 6:30 for a 7 pm start to 9 pm
Where:
Gardners Inn Hotel, 255 Great Western Hwy, Blackheath
(Cost of ticket covers your meal on the night)
TO GIVE IT A TRY
Scan this QR code
Or visit themenstable.org
or for inquiries call Al Stratton 0401863367 or call us @
1800 636 78
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.
Call Hamish on (02) 4787 7770
LOOKING FOR A JP?
BANC is now offering our Justice of the Peace service with Michelle (by appointment only) at the Neighbourhood Centre on Gardiner Crescent every Wednesday afternoon!
Bookings are essential, so please call us on 02 4787 7770 to schedule an appointment.
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
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
*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 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 3rd Tuesday (4pm-7pm), and the 2nd Saturday (1pm-4pm) of every month in the Bates Hall, Blackheath.
Proudly funded by the Department of Communities and Justice.
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 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..
