COMMUNITY NEWS ARTICLES
Neighbourhood Centres support Christmas giving.
Tuesday 23 November, 2021
Well-known and much-loved community member Noel Pope from Lawson Post Office has helped raise $500 so far to support the Belong Blue Mountains Community Christmas Hamper & Gift efforts by wearing a dress to work to encourage the smiles and generosity of locals. “I’m always keen to have a laugh and get behind a good cause. The local community is always so generous.” said Noel. Read more >
Blue Fringe Festival 2021 an inspiring success!
Wednesday 3 November, 2021
The annual Blue Fringe Art & Literature Festival was held during the month of October and was bigger than ever. Now in its 29th year, this was the second year the festival was held online as a virtual event which has made the Blue Fringe experience available to more people than ever before. This year the number of art and literature entries increased by more than 80% with more youth entries than ever before, and a whole lot of people who had never been involved before participated in our online workshops. Read more >
Neighbourhood Centres support and connect community during lockdown.
Thursday 12 August, 2021
Neighbourhood Centres are usually a hive of community activity and connection. While face-to-face community groups, activities and events are on hold as everyone stays at home, Belong Blue Mountains Community and Neighbourhood Services are still working to support the community in many different ways both in-person and online. Read more >
Neighbourhood Centre welcomes everyone in.
Friday 21st May, 2021
To celebrate National Neighbourhood Centre Week, the Belong Blue Mountains Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre in Blaxland held a community open day on Wednesday welcoming everyone in to connect with each other, enjoy a free sausage sizzle and children’s activities, and to meet all of the staff and volunteers who serve the community through the Neighbourhood Centre. Read more >
Money worries?...
You’re not alone.
Wednesday 19th May, 2021
If you're feeling overwhelmed by money or personal issues, it can be hard to know where to turn. One in three Australians find dealing with money stressful and overwhelming. The COVID pandemic and the end of Jobkeeper has meant that many of us are finding it harder than ever to make ends meet. But you don’t have to go it alone. Read more >
Community Gardens improve wellbeing and communities.
Wednesday 21st April, 2021
Most of us know that being outside and connecting with nature by doing things like bushwalking and gardening can improve our health and wellbeing significantly. Being part of a Community Garden is a great way to improve your own wellbeing but also improve the wellbeing of your whole community. Read more >
‘Airing of the Quilts’ Event supports Palliative Care.
Wednesday 31st March, 2021
The Belong Blue Mountains Palliative Support Service is a very special service supported by a very special community. It is a free service run by Belong Blue Mountains Community and Neighbourhood Services with a team of dedicated volunteer visitors who provides care and support for people who are terminally ill, as well as care and support for their Carers. The ‘Caring Hearts Quilters’ are a much-loved part of our local Palliative Care community - a group of kind and talented people who donate their time and creativity for the comfort of others. Read more >
Playgroups are more than just child’s play.
Wednesday 17th March, 2021
Community-based playgroups have been a positive and fun part of life for many children growing up in the Blue Mountains and across Australia. But playgroups are about much more than just children playing for entertainment’s sake. Playgroups offer significant benefits for children, parents and carers, and community. Read more >
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Are you over 65 and ‘Standing Strong’?
Wednesday 20th January, 2021
With all the restrictions we have had on our daily lives over the last year, it has been more difficult, but more important than ever, to find safe ways of keeping fit and healthy, especially for people over 65. The ‘Healthy Elders Active Living’ (HEAL) Team from Belong Blue Mountains Community and Neighbourhood Services has developed a group exercise class called ‘Standing Strong’ that is run by experiences physiotherapists and specifically designed for people over 65 years of age to develop strength, balance and mobility in a friendly, social and a very COVID-Safe environment. Read more >
Free Community Christmas Day Lunches.
Wednesday 16th December, 2020
The Blue Mountains community Christmas spirit is burning bright with the team of volunteers who are gearing up to host the ‘Belong at Christmas’ Community Christmas Day lunch events at the Belong Blue Mountains Lower Mountains and Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centres in Blaxland and Lawson. Read more >
Community groups bringing people together again.
Wednesday 18th November, 2020
Many community groups are starting to bring people together again now in a COVID-Safe way. If you would like to get out of the house and meet new people in a supportive and positive environment, then there is likely to be a community group for you! Read more >
Katoomba High Year 8 Class Wins top prize at the Blue Fringe Art & Literature Awards.
Monday 2nd November 2020
The Blue Fringe Art & Literature Awards presentation was held at the Katoomba Community Centre on Saturday 31st October with special guests Susan Templeman MP, Mayor Mark Greenhill and many other well-known community members, following the launch of the first ever virtual exhibition for Blue Fringe. Read more >
Springtime fun at KOOSH these school holidays.
Wednesday 23rd September 2020
Katoomba Out of School Hours (KOOSH) Vacation Care will be filled with springtime fun these school holidays and places are still available.
Bringing our community together online.
Wednesday 26th August 2020
While COVID-19 continues to impact the way we live in our community, the team at Belong Blue Mountains Community and Neighbourhood Services continue to provide essential face-to-face services in a safe way and are also working to keep our community connected and supported online. Read more >
Giving Community a Voice.
Wednesday 29th July 2020
Belong Blue Mountains would like to thank everyone who took part in the recent Community Voice Survey. The survey was an opportunity for anyone in the community to share how life has been since last summer’s fires and the arrival of COVID-19 and to highlight the most important issues and challenges facing our community now. Read more >
Belong Blue Mountains Community Services Go Digital for Neighbourhood Centre Week 2020.
Wednesday 1st May 2020
Neighbourhood Centre Week, 8-15 May 2020, is a nationwide initiative to celebrate the critical role of Neighbourhood Centres in local communities across the nation. It is a week normally marked by people coming together at all sorts of community events and festivities. This year however, will be a little bit different. Read more >
COMMUNITY CONTACTS
Here is a list of other useful community contacts in the Blue Mountains with links to their websites. Please also view the PDFs below for a more comprehensive community services list. If you can't find what you need, or would like help or support to contact other services, please contact us.
* COVID-19 SUPPORT
National Coronavirus Helpline - Department of Health coronavirus information phone service operating 24 hours 7 days a week - t. 1800 020 080
Australian Government Website - for the latest information about coronavirus and the Government's response
Services Australia Website - Information and services to help you if you’re affected by coronavirus or looking for more details.
Department of Social Services Website - for information on financial and emergency support regarding coronavirus
Older Persons Advocacy Network - phone service to discuss concerns about COVID-19 available weekdays from 8am to 8pm - t. 1800 237 981
ABORIGINAL SERVICES
Blue Mountains Aboriginal Culture & Resource Centre - family and elder support, information, referral, cultural activities and more - t. 02 4782 6569
Closing the Gap Health Program for Aboriginal & Torres Straight Islander People - Nepean Community & Neighbourhood Services - t. 02 4706 0299
AGED CARE SUPPORT
My Aged Care is an Australian Government website and national phone line assisting older people, their families and carers by providing access to up-to-date information on aged care programs and services - t. 1800 200 422
Ageing & Disability Abuse Helpline - a free, confidential helpline offering information, advice and referrals for people who experience, witness or suspect abuse of the elderly or people with a disability - t. 1800 628 221
BUSHFIRE PREPAREDNESS & SUPPORT
Step by Step Recovery Support Service - for those affected by bush fires and other emergency events - Gateway Family Services - t. 1300 316 746
Blue Mountains City Council Bush Fire & Disaster Recovery - information and support services for those affected by bush fire or disaster - t. 4780 5000
Lifeline Bushfire Recovery - confidential crisis support and information for people affected by bush fires and their family and friends - t. 13 43 57
CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
Thrive Family Services - practical support, emergency relief, drop in, family work, parenting support for families with children - t. 02 4782 1555
Gateway Family Services - emergency relief, drop in, playgroups, family work, parenting support for families with children - t. 02 4720 6500
MOCS - Mountains Outreach Community Service - occasional care, supported playgroups, mobile minder, parenting support - t. 02 4758 6811
Parent Line - free confidential counselling for parents - t. 1300 130 052
Kids Helpline - free confidential counselling for 5 - 25yrs - t. 1800 551 800
Child Protection Helpline - to discuss and report a child at risk - t. 132 111
DISABILITY SERVICES
Dare Disability Support - for people with a disability, community inclusion, supported accommodation, supported employment - t. 02 4751 5266
Lifestart Co-operative - support for children and young people living with a disability aged 0 to 24 yrs, inc. playgroups and therapy - t. 1800 953 390
ESSENTIALS RELIEF SERVICES
Blue Mountains Food Services - Meals on Wheels and other services for frail elderly, people with disabilities, mental health and carers - t. 02 4759 2811
Gateway Family Services - emergency assistance for individuals and families, food and essentials, utility bills, information and referrals - t. 02 4720 6500
FINANCIAL & LEGAL SERVICES
Wesley Financial Counselling - free financial counselling services for people who find themselves under financial stress. t. 1300 827 638
Elizabeth Evatt Community Legal Centre - provides free legal advice for the Blue Mountains community - t. 4704 0207 or 1300 363 967
HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS SUPPORT
Wentworth Community Housing - provides affordable, rental housing and other assistance to eligible people in the Blue Mountains - t. 02 4777 8000
Link2Home - homelessness information and referral telephone service open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - t. 1800 152 152
Blue Mountains Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service - free confidential service to assist Blue Mountains tenants - t. 02 4704 0201
Platform Youth Services - support for young people aged 12 to 25 in the Blue Mountains who are homeless or worried about it - t. 02 4760 0800
LGBTI SUPPORT
Pink Mountains - online information guide for LGBTI people, their friends and supporters, living in or visiting the Blue Mountains
The Gender Centre - services to support transgender, gender questioning and gender diverse people to make informed choices - t. 02 9519 7599
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Headspace Katoomba - mental health support, health advice, and general information for young people aged 12 - 25 years - t. 1800 478 626
Blue Mountains Women's Health & Resource Centre - providing health and support services, groups and activities for women - t. 02 4782 5133
Mental Health Line - a 24-hour mental health telephone access service for assessment and referrals - t. 1800 011 511
Lifeline - 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention service - t. 131 114
Beyond Blue - provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health - t. 1300 22 4636
TRANSPORT
Active Care Network - flexible small group transport for eligible Blue Mountains residents who can’t drive or use other services - t. 02 4722 3083
YOUTH SERVICES
MYST Mountains Youth Services Team - assistance for young people aged 12 to 24 who are suffering homelessness or hardship - t. 02 4754 5125
Platform Youth Services - support for young people aged 12 to 25 in the Blue Mountains who are homeless or worried about it - t. 02 4760 0800
Headspace Katoomba - mental health support, health advice, and general information for young people aged 12 - 25 years - t. 1800 478 626
For a more extensive list of Blue Mountains Community Services, view and download the service guides as PDFs here >
