Community Diary
Quest for Cure Exhibit
'Quest for Cure' is an exhibition where all gallery profits and money raised through art sales, raffle ticket sales and silent auctions will be donated to Westmead Cancer Research and Pink Finss, a local foundation that is setting up a support group for cancer sufferers in the Hawkesbury area.
This exhibition is unique in that many paintings are donated by the artists, prices are reduced to promote sales, and 100% of the sales and all gallery commissions will go straight to charity.
Please support this most worthwhile cause.
When: Saturday 17th of July to Sunday 15th of August 2010
Where: Purple Noon Gallery, 606 Terrace Road, Freemans Reach
For more information call up 02 45 796 579.
31 July 2010 is National Tree Day
Thanks to The Hills Shire Council and the Friends of The Hills Library, you can pick up your free native seedling from The Hills Shire Libraries.
Every member who borrows a library item will be able to pick up a free seedling while stocks last.
Where: Baulkham Hills, Carlingford & Dural Libraries
When: 10am - 1pm, Saturday 31 July 2010
For more information call up 9639 4874 or visit www.sydneyhillsAustralia.com.au
Free Memory Workshop by Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA)
Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA) is a charity that provides specialist epilepsy services for people living with the disease across Australia. Epilepsy is a complex disorder which can cause memory problems arising from seizures, epilepsy medications, or a combination of both.
For this purpose EAA is holding a free Memory Workshop which will cover topics such as:
- How memory works, the underlying neural networks and how epilepsy affects memory
- Lifestyle issues that affect memory, eg. sleep, diet, exercise, stress and mood
- 'Internal' memory strategies, such as dual encoding, method of loci, memory search strategies
- Use of 'External' devices like mobile telephone reminders, calendars and computers
When: 10:00am - 3:00pm on Saturday 7th August 2010 (lunch will be provided)
Where: Epping, NSW (location to be disclosed with registration)
To register for this free service please phone 1300 37 45 37 or email epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au by Thursday 5th August.
Doubt Showing at the Pavilion Theatre
The Castle Hill Players are presenting John Patrick Shanley's Doubt. It is about a popular, charismatic priest and his clashes with the iron-fisted school principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline. The movie version, released in January 2009, was directed by Shanley himself and starred Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.
When: Friday the 23rd of July, to Saturday the 14th of August 2010
Where: The Pavilion Theatre, Castle Hill Showground
Tickets are $25 for adults with concessions at $20.
For bookings, call up 1300 887 469 or 9634 2929 or you can book online by visiting paviliontheatre.org.au which gives information about the theatre's 2010 season.
The Castle Hill Players and the Pavilion Theatre have been partners in promoting performing arts in the hills for many years.
Excellence in Youth Awards 2010
The Hills Shire Council announces the Excellence in Youth Awards 2010.
All young residents of the Hills Shire between 12-24 years old can nominate themselves for any or all of seven categories:
- Arts and Culture
- Environment and Science
- Education and Training
- Business
- Sporting Achievement
- Young Achiever
- Youth Ambassador
This year's nominations must be made on line using e-request at www.thehills.nsw.gov.au.
Applications close on Friday 20th of August 2010.
For further information contact Shane Merry at 9843 0485 or by email at smerry@thehills.nsw.gov.au.
Adopt a Goldie
Do you want to lower your blood pressure, be motivated to exercise, and improve your mood without using drugs? Get a dog or better still, rescue one.
Think Golden Retriever Rescue or GRR as they are fondly known.
GRR specialises in homing Golden Retrievers rescued from families, pounds, shelters, and abusive puppy farms who couldn't or shouldn't keep them.
GRR started as a personal mission by people who care deeply about goldies. Eight years on, GRR still provides a highly personalised service of ensuring a good match between a goldie and its future owners.
If you're interested about GRR and their upcoming events, please visit their website at www.grr.org.au
Hills Shire Council Open Day
The Hills Shire Council will be opening its doors as part of the 2010 Local Government Week Celebrations.
Bring your family, friends and neighbours along for a fun day together. There will be free children's activities, Jumping Castle, guided tours of the chambers, Big Aussie Swap Shop, free native plants, sausage sizzle for a dollar coin, and much more.
The Hills Shire Council will also be awarding the winner of the Mayor for the Day competition.
When: Saturday 7 August, 2010 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: The Council's Administration Building cnr Carrington and Showground Roads, Castle Hill
For more information, click here.
Southern Cross Cultural Exchange
Education is for life and it is not limited to the classroom. It also happens right in the home through cultural exchange for Australian families who generously and caringly open up their homes to an exchange student from overseas.
Southern Cross Cultural Exchange is seeking host Mums or Dads to an exchange student from France, Germany, Holland, Spain, Japan, Scandinavia or the USA.
Southern Cross Cultural Exchange is Australia's own international, educational, not-for-profit exchange organisation. Since 1983 they have sent and received over 14,500 students around the world. Throught the exchange program, these students become more tolerant of cultural differences, more prepared to take responsibility for their world, and more capable of coping with challenge and diversity.
For more information call up Southern Cross Cultural Exchange today on 1800 500 501 or click here.
RSPCA Cupcake Day
Grab your mixing bowl, dust off your chef's hat and get ready to bake up a storm for the RSPCA because Monday 16 August 2010 is Cupcake Day. Last year 350,000 cupcakes were baked around the country raising $1.1 million. This year the RSPCA is hoping that with more people taking part, they can raise $2.5 million.
Every year the RSPCA cares for over 155,000 animals, and with less than 2% in government funding, they rely on the community to continue.
If you can't be involved on this date, you can still hold your Cupcake Day Party anytime in the month of August 2010.
To register, or for more information, click here.
Grandparents' Time-out Group
Grandparents' Time-out is an ongoing support group for grandparents who have custody of their grandchildren. Organised by The Hills Community Aid and Information Service Inc., the group provides:
- Information and referral on legal and support issues
- Occasional respite outings and information sessions
- A friendly ear over a cuppa
When: 10am every 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month
Where: The Hills Club, Old Northern Road, Baulkham Hills (Across the Road from Stockland Mall; Car park entrance at Jenner Road, Baulkham Hills)
For more information please call Christian on 96398620.
HIll Shire Libraries Calendar
Did you know that there's more to the Hills Shire libraries than books?
It's a meeting place for book clubs and knitting buffs, there are sessions for seniors on emailing and using the internet, and stay-home Mums with small kids can take their young ones to playtime with babies, pre-school storytime and lots more!
The Hills Shire has 5 library locations: Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Carlingford, Vinegar Hill and Dural. They all have staff who will provide friendly and efficient service in a relaxed atmosphere.
Pay them a visit and be surprised. Most events require no bookings.
For more information on the libraries' schedule of events, click here.
Rural Fire Service - AIDER Programme
NSW Rural Fire Service has a programme called Assistance for Infirm, Disabled and Elderly Residents (AIDER).
The AIDER Programme is designed to reduce bush fire hazards on bush fire-prone property of infirm, disabled and elderly residents.
The programme is a one off free service designed to support residents to live confidently on their bush fire prone properties.
Residents can get help with many services, including:
- Clearing gutters
- Thinning vegetation
- Removing leaf or tree debris
- Trimming branches
- Mowing grass
To find out more information about AIDER or to have an assessment of your property contact the AIDER Programme Coordinator on (02) 8741 4955 or click here.
Aunties and Uncles Co-operative Family
Parramatta & Baulkham Hills: Aunties and Uncles Co-operative Family Project has spent 35 years working towards building a better life for children
Our volunteer 'Aunties and Uncles' mentor children living in difficult circumstances by spending time with their linked child once a month. They help provide the child with stability and the benefits of an extended family. They support the role of the parent or carer of the child.
Currently the Parramatta, Baulkham Hills Area Co-ordinator is looking for new client referrals from social welfare agencies, counsellors or parents themselves.
Of course we are always looking for volunteer Aunts and Uncles too.
To make a referral please contact Aunties and Uncles Head Office on 9638 248
Do you play Duplicate Bridge?
If you play duplicate bridge and enjoy meeting people, the ARV Hopetoun Village Bridge Club would love you to come and have a game.
Situated in the Anglican Retirement Villages, Castle Hill, they meet 4 afternoons a week; Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 1.00 pm. Why not ry them out. You may even want to join.
If you live within the Villages, you are invited to join the club free of charge. For others, there is a small fee.
Please contact Tony Jenkins on 0418 234 666 or email secretary@arvbridgeclub.org.au and find out more.
Come along and meet some bright, fun-loving people.
New Fire Danger Ratings for NSW
The NSW Rural Fire Service has announced a new system of fire danger ratings are now in force. They new ratings are Low-Moderate, High, Very High, Severe, Extreme and Catastrophic
"With hot, dry and windy conditions forecast, some parts of the State have moved into the new category of Severe," said NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons.
"At Severe, leaving early is your safest option for your survival. Your home will only offer safety if it and you are well prepared and you can actively defend it during a fire.
"So our advice is very clear to the community. Prepare your home and prepare yourself, by ensuring you and your family knows what to do if a fire does start".
For more information on the new fire danger rating system and the current rating for areas of NSW visit http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/
Parramatta National Seniors
The Parramatta National Seniors' Evening Branch meets at Parramatta RSL Club on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 7pm. This is a friendly, active group of people aged 50 and over who enjoy friendship, outings and social activities. New members and visitors are welcome.
There is a $5 charge and a lucky door prize. Inquiries: Margaret 9631 7570. Further information is on our website at http://sites.google.com/site/nsaparramatta/
The Parramatta RSL Club is located at the cnr Macquarie and O'Connell streets, Parramatta
Life Drawing Workshop
Interested in drawing? Then this workshop is for you. Come along and participate in the self directed life drawing sessions with Heath Franco. Easels, board and model provided, but please bring along paper or canvas and any other medium you would like to use.
Location: Parramatta Artist Studios, 45 Hunter Street, Parramatta
Date: Every Wednesday Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Cost: $ 10.00 per session Booking: Required: 9687 6090
Ghost Tour at Old Government House - 3rd Friday each Month
Explore the 205 year old Georgian Mansion by candlelight and hear tales of strange incidents and psychic encounters in this property which has witnessed so many significant events in Australia's early history. Refreshments and supper included. $28 per head. Time: 7.10pm-10.30pm Please meet in courtyard. Not suitable for children. Bookings essential, call 9635 9149.
Experiment Farm Cottage - 9 Ruse St Harris Park
The National Trust welcomes all visitors Tuesday to Friday 10.30am to 3.30pm. Weekends and public holidays are from 11am to 3.30pm, closed Mondays. Entry fee is $6 for adults, $4 for concession and $14 for families.
Experiment Farm Cottage stands on the site of the first land grant in Australia, made in 1789 by Governor Phillip to the former convict, James Ruse. It is thought to have been built around 1835. It is one of Australia's longest standing properties.
Ghost tours are run on the third Friday of every month at the house.
Old Government House Tours
The National Trust welcomes all visitors to Old Government House. Old Government House is open Tuesday to Friday - 10:00am to 4:30pm
(last tour at 4pm), Weekends and Public Holidays - 10:30am to 4pm,
Mondays - booked groups only.
The atmosphere of the property and its history as explained through tours gives a clear picture of life in the early colony; the household, the business of governing, controlling the army, the place of convicts and the conflict with Aboriginal people. This is the only known example of a faithfully recreated household of this size and era to be found in Australia.
Ghost tours at the house are run on the third Friday each month (in the evening). Entry fees: National Trust members free, Adults $8, concession $5, families $18
Toongabbie Music Club
Tired of playing music at home alone? Tired of singing in the showers? Why not go along to the Toongabbie Music Club, and make some new friends? All styles, levels and performers welcome. Poets, storytellers, and audience also welcome.
On the 2nd & 4th Fridary of the month at 8pm, at Northmead Scout Hall, Whitehaven Rd Northmead (Number 600 bus from Parramatta). It's just $5 including supper. Enquiries: toongabbiemusicclub.webs.com
Breast Cancer Awareness
Did you know more than 50 per cent of breast cancer survivors report they have been affected by depression or anxiety after their breast cancer diagnosis?
The Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and beyondblue: the national depression initiative have launched a new Depression and Breast Cancer Fact Sheet to provide information about the issues and where to get help.
The Depression and Breast Cancer Fact sheet, available through Breast Cancer Network Australia or beyondblue, gives practical advice on dealing with depression.
To obtain a copy of the fact sheet contact Breast Cancer Network Australia on 1800 500 258 or visit the website bcna.org.au
For more information on depression, available treatments and how to help someone call the beyondblue information line 1300 224 636 or visit beyondblue.org.au
Parramatta Library - Story Time
Children are invited to Parramatta City Library to participate in Story Time, and join in on songs, stories and rhymes.
Sessions are held Every Tuesday from 10.30am - 11.15am and 11.30am - 12.15pm. Sessions are free and no bookings are needed.
Children under the age of two are invited to Parramatta Library Every Tuesday to participate in Bibs and Books, a program of rhymes and stories.
Session times are 10.30 am – 11.00 and 11.30am – 12.00pm. Sessions are free and no bookings are needed.
Sydney Single Parents and mature aged singles.
There is no need to stay at home alone. Why not enjoy the fellowship of other single parents and mature aged singles.
Your local Hills Parents Without Partners has a lot on this month. For the adults there are house parties, barbeques, social tennis, dining, and more.
There are family activities every week-end for the children as well as excursions and special outings.
Over 1,000 affordable functions a year in the Sydney region organised by volunteer single parents.
Why not join, meet new people and make friends.
Check out their web site for more information and contact details at www.SydneySingleParents.org.au
Parramatta Library - Homework Help
Parramatta City Library will be offering free Homework Help to all school students. Held after school, the Homework help sessions will provide students with free assistance from qualified volunteers.
Sessions are held Monday to Friday (school terms only) at 3.30pm
Sessions are free and bookings are not required
Focus for Women
FOCUS conducts a weekly program of stimulating activities for women, with on site care provided for pre-school age children. A nominal fee of $5 is charged per person, which covers morning tea, and childcare for 2 hours. Carlingford Court acts as the overarching support structure for the FOCUS program, and offers it's community room rental-free.
When: Thursdays, 11.30am to 1.30pm during School Terms. Where: Community Room, Level 3, Carlingford Court, Corner Pennant Hills & Carlingford Roads, Carlingford. Cost: $5.00 per visit.
NSW Seniors Peer Education Centre
The NSW Seniors Peer Education Centre is offering free information sessions on depression to seniors groups, clubs and services. Entitled Beyond Maturity Blues, the session, increases awareness of the symptoms, causes, and treatments of depression, and that it is not just a part of getting older.
Around one million Australian adults live with this treatable illness each year, so it's a topic of great relevance to all older people, carers, friends and families. The sessions comes with free high quality handouts, too.
NSW SPEC is a Not for Profit organisation, auspiced by COTA SA. The beyond maturity blues is funded by beyond Blue. To find out how to book a session, contact NSW SPEC on (02) 9286 3868 or email them at nsw@spec.net.au
History of Medicine & Nursing in Parramatta
Open on Thursdays. Brislington – Cnr Marsden & George Streets Parramatta
Brislington was built in 1821 by convict John Hodges and was occupied by members and descendants of the Brown family from 1857 to 1949. It is now a museum of the medical and nursing history of Parramatta, with photographs and memorabilia. Brislington is situated on the grounds of the old Parramatta Hospital. Open 2nd & last Thursday of every month.
Parramatta National Seniors Evening
The Parramatta national Seniors Evening Branch meets at Parramatta RSL Club, cnr macquarie & O'Connell Streets, Parramatta, on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 7PM. This is a friendly, active group ofpeople aged 50+ from Parramatta and the Hills Districts, who enjoy friendship, outings and social activities.
Details of their activities are avaliable on their website, or by contacting Margaret Maynard on (02) 9631 7570.