This section covers community groups, centres & community aid organisations for adults and families. Click on the relevant link below to take you directly to your area of interest.

• Community Groups, Support Services & Centres
• One to One Support from Hills Community Aid
  • Feature article - The Hills Community Aid & Information Service
• Service Clubs - such as Rotary Clubs & Lions Clubs
• Rouse Hill Families Connect
• Hills Community Care Mental Health Respite Program
• Single Parent Groups (in Adults Social Section)

If you would like to know about playgroups for children, please refer to Playgroups in the Children's Entertainment section.

For a full downloadable contact list of local community agencies and services, go to Resources & Links  (Courtesy of the Community Resource Network, Blacktown area).

Community Groups, Support Services & Centres

The Hills Community Aid and Information Service Inc.

• 390 Windsor Road, Baulkham Hills
• Ph: 9639 8620
• 9.30-3pm Mon-Fri
• Email : enq@hca.org.au )
• Web: www.hca.org.au
• Check out the feature article on Hills Community Aid here
• One to One Support Group provides volunteers to visit frail and isolated people needing companionship.  Volunteers usually visit once a week for about an hour to chat and keep people company.  Contact: The Hills Community Aid and Information Service Inc – 9639 8620.
• Bus for hire – community bus available for outings at minimal cost with volunteer drivers also provided.  Contact The Hills Community Aid and Information Service Inc for bookings on 9639 8620.
• Tax Help   trained volunteers (ATO) will assist people on low income with their tax return.  For appointment phone 9639 8620, The Hills Community Aid and Information Service Inc.
• Parents Again is a support group for grandparents who have full time care of their grandchildren.  Meets 1 st and 3 rd Tuesday of the month at The Hills Club , Jenner Street, Baulkham Hills. Contact: The Hills Community Aid and Information Service Inc – 9639 8620.
• Northwest No Interest Loans Scheme provides low income applicants with no interest loans for the purchase of essential item (fridges, furniture etc). Also sports & rec costs for school aged children.  Contact: The Hills Community Aid and Information Service Inc – 9639 8620

Parramatta Community Justice Clinic - Free legal advice (eligibility criteria apply)

• The Parramatta Community Justice Clinic (PCJC) provides free professional legal information, advice and referral services to the people of Western Sydney who cannot afford legal advice.
• The PCJC provides information and advice on a range of areas of law including:
  • Neighbourhood disputes
  • Traffic offences
  • Family law matters
  • Criminal law in the local court
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Home building matters
  • Tenancy disputes
• Client hours are 10am - 1 pm, Monday to Friday.
• To discuss client eligibility in greater detail please contact the Clinic on 8688 7873.
• We are located on level 1 of the Justice Precinct Offices on Marsden St, Parramatta (in the heart of the courts precinct and next to Legal Aid).
• To read more about our services and to download our brochure go to www.uws.edu.au/pcjc
• NEW SERVICE - Immigration Clinic From the 18th November an Immigration Clinic will be offered every Thursday between 10am - 1pm. A pro bono Immigration Law specialist will offer information and advice on a range of topics including humanitarian visas and temporary work visas.
• Appointments are essential.

Blacktown Council Community and Neighbourhood Centres

• General enquiries 9839 6000

• Ph: 9626 6620

• Ph: 9899 2944

• Location: No 1, Horwood Place, Level 4, Parramatta, 2150
• Mailing Address: PO Box 1081 Parramatta NSW 2124
• Phone: (02) 9687 9901
• Fax: (02) 9687 9990
• E-mail cso@thhpmrc.org.au
• Web: www.thhpmrc.org.au
• Office Hours: (Mon-Fri) 9-5pm (Switch-9-4)
• See special feature for full details

• 72, Glenwood Park Drive, Glenwood

• 157, Ridgecrop Drive, Castle Hill
• Ph: 9899 5163

• Level 2, 125 Main Street, Blacktown
• Ph: 9621 6633
• See special feature for full details

• St Vincent de Paul Society
• 9/7-9 Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills
• Ph: 02 9686 1281, Fax : 02 9686 1312
• Web: www.vinnies.org.au
• Donation hotline: 13 18 12
• Family members and friends of problem gamblers are also welcome.
• The service employs Registered Psychologists trained in various interventions to treat this problem.
• Gambling Help is also participating in a research trial of the University of Sydney to determine the effectiveness of different treatment options. This service is free of charge. Services include:
  • Face-to-face individual counselling
  • Appropriate referrals to legal & financial services (both free of charge)
  • Support counselling
  • Follow up for a period up to 2 yrs after completion of treatment
  • Crisis counselling
• Appointments given within 24 hrs

• Ph:1300 364 277
• Advice and counselling for relationships
• Family dispute resolution and family relationship centres (inc. contact centres locally)
• Web: www.relationships.com.au

• A service for familes with children 0-8 years old who are experiencing issues or concerns in areas such as addiction, mental health, family violence, isolation & lack of family support, learning difficulties, intellectual disbilities, parenting difficulties & child behaviour management issues.
• For further information contact Ph: 9838 7400

• The Mature Workers Program for people over the age of 40 years is available at the Salvation Army Joblink 6 Colyton Road, Minchinbury.
• Assistance to prepare for, seek & obtain training and employment, resume preparation, covering letters, fax and photocopy service.
• Free service to eligible applicants.
• For further information contact Joanne on 9832-2399.

• No.2, McMullen Avenue, Castle Hill.
• Contact: David Williams, Vice President
• Ph: 9894 9564
• Various activities and interests
• Welcomes new members
• Membership only $15 per year

• Location: Prospect
• The Green Gym encourages health and well-being in its volunteers through active volunteering in environmental conservation activities.
• Volunteers meet twice a week, for four hours each day and do activities such as planting, weed removal, mulching and bird monitoring.
• The Green Gym is open to all people over 15 year of age.
• Contact: Liz Cowan Ph: 9564 1244
• Email: ecowan@conservationvolunteers.com.au
• Web: www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

• For all mothers raising children without the love, support and guidance or their own mothers due to their incapacitation or having passed away.
• Meetings are generally held on the Third Wednesday of the month from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
• Location: Marie Therese Building, St Michaels Family Centre, 522 Windsor Road, Baulkham Hills
• Child Care: Provided for children 0 - 5 years of age, at $5 per child (prebooking required)
• Morning Tea is provided
• Costs: Free of charge, but a small donation is appreciated to cover administrative costs of the group.
• Contact person: Jill - Email:hillsmotherlessmums@yahoo.com.au or St Michael's Family Centre on 9639 0155

• Community arm of Hillsong church who provide support for people facing challenges from all walks of life
• Most services are free and include emergency relief; drug & alcohol service; Shine (self esteem for women) ; personal support programme; refugee support; support after sexual abuse; domestic violence support; stronger families programms; LIFE courses; & other outreach services.
• Other services which incur a costs include professional counselling, health centre and some courses.
• For current courses refer to the Events Section or contact Hillsong Citycare directly
• Location: Suite 1, 125 Main Street Blacktown NSW 2148
• Ph: 02 9679-7900 Fax: 02 9679-8900
• Email: citycare@hillsong.com
• Web: www2.hillsong.com/citycare

The Men's Shed - Crisis Drop In Centre For Men

• Location: In the grounds of the Holy Family Church, Luxford Rd, Emerton, 2770
• Open Mon - Fri 9am till 4pm
• Contact: Ph: 02 9628 6317

• Blacktown Toastmasters International provides a mutually supportive learning enviroment in which every member has the ability to learn and practice communication and leadership skills which in turn foster self-esteem and personal growth.
• Contact: Noal Annabel Ph: 0407 451 331

Lions Club of Blacktown City

• We are seeking new members for our service club - why not join us?
• We are only a small group of 25 Members. The satisfaction that YOU get out of giving donations to worthy causes or people in need is well worth the effort put in to this Club.
• We run regular fundraisers for numerous Community Projects
• Our Club is not all work - we have lots of social outings too.
• For more information please phone Ella Miles on 9672 4858 and see our Lions Club feature article here.

Lifestyle Solutions

• Lifestyle Solutions is your local charity for services and programs to adults with disabilities and children and young people in out-of-home care.
• For further details contact Mandi Christensen Ph: 02 8801 3200 or Email: mandi.christensen@lifestylesolutions.org.au

Hills Living Library

• Balcombe Heights Community Buildings "Learning in the Hills", Turner Buildings (4 & 5), 92 Seven Hills Road, (opposite Jasper Rd Public School) Baulkham Hills
• What is it?
  • The Hills Living Library is a library of Living Books - people with special and unique stories to share.
• How does it work?
  • The Living Library works exactly as a regular library, only that the ‘books’ for borrowing are living books - people.
• Borrowing a Living Book fosters an appreciation of the individuals who make up our community, and allows us to reconsider stereotypes and prejudices.
• When you come to the Hills Living Library you will find many 'books' to borrow. You can choose a book that is available at the time and have a 20 to 30 minute chat. The Living Library creates a safe space for such exchanges.
• Inquires to Learning in the Hills Ph: 9639 7918 or Oscar at Hills Community Aid Ph: 9639 8620

Blacktown Youth Association

• BYSA is a not-for-profit organisation providing support, educational & recreational activities to young people (12-24 years)in the Blacktown LGA
• Services Available:
  • Links To Learning
  • Drop In
  • Homework Help
  • Skate Programs
  • Music Programs
  • Community Outreach
  • Support, Referrals and Advocacy
• Hours of Operation:
  • 9am-5pm Monday -Friday
  • Extended hours for Drop In & individual projects

Rotary Club - Rouse Hill

• Fridays 7am-8.15am
• Location: Mean Fiddler Hotel, Greenway Room, off Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill
• Rotary has established a breakfast club at Rouse Hill to provide opportunities for business and professional people to meet and network on their way to work.    
• Meetings feature an interesting variety of speakers covering a wide range of topics and a light breakfast.
• Rotary consists of a cross section of every business community, its members come from all walks of life.
• Rotarians help each other and collectively help others.
• Email RouseHillRotary@tpg.com.au if wishing to attend
• Rotary at a glance: 33,099 clubs in 207 countries, 532 Districts.

The Rotary Club of West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook

• The club meets Mondays, 6.30 p.m. for 7.00 p.m.
• Location: Springfield Function Centre, 254 New Line Road, DURAL NSW
• Contact: Rob Hamer Ph: 0400 335 091

Anglicare Services

• Are you a Mum and/or Dad living in the Mt Druitt area with children 0-5 years old?
• Anglicare offer a range of free courses each term including:
  • Free Budgeting Advice (runs every week)
    • Having trouble paying your bills?
    • Always running out of money?
    • Appointments Essential
  • FREE 8 week Parenting courses (1-2-3 Magic & The Early Years - Life with Your 0 to 5 year olds)
  • First Aid and Home Handy Hints
  • Support Groups for parents with children who have been placed in care
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Pacific Islander Parenting Courses
• Phone Cheryl for an appointment or further details on 9832 2300

Parramatta View Club

• Ladies only group
• VIEW stands for Voices Interest Education of Women, we work and raise money for the Smith Family, we send donations direct to the Smith Family and also raise funds to support 2 Learning for Life Students.
• Meets 1st Wednesday of month at 11am with lunch and guest speaker to follow.
• Location: Parramatta RSL Macquarie St, Parramatta.
• Phone: Lois 9639 3231

Woodcroft Physical Culture Club

• Dance Studio providing performance opportunities and competitions in the Woodcroft/Blacktown area for disadvantaged and low income families
• Contact Cheryl Burke Ph:4576 3562, Mob: 0414 763 562

Mainly Music

• Fun, interactive music sessions for young children (birth to school age) and their parents/caregivers
• Wednesdadys (school term only) 10am
• The Salvation Army, 2 Kempsey Street, Blacktown (near the hospital)
• To register, phone 9831 5694 or 0411 321 660
• Weekly donation $4 per family

Parramatta Bridge Club

• Bridge sessions held 5 times a week
• Bridge lessons for beginners held several times a year
• Enquiries to Secretary Ph: 9639 1364

Living with Addictions Group

• For family members and people experiencing substance use issues
• Has your life been affected by your own or someone else's alcohol or other drug use?
• Would you like to know more about how to manage the effects on your life and relationships?
• Have you thought about making changes but don't know where to start?
• This group will run on a continuous cycle every Wednesday morning 10am to 12pm - feel free to join at any time
• Facilitator : Kelli Bradicich
• Where: At Bridges, 119 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown For more information or to book phone: 9622 7511
• Flyer can be downloaded from: http://www.bridges.org.au/cms/

PRA (Psychiatric Rehabilitation Australia)'s Recovery and Resource Services Program

• Shop 3, 211-217 Queen Street St Marys NSW 2760
• Ph: 1300 779 270
• Monday, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
• For consumers in the Blacktown LGA. Recovery and Resource services is available to people who are managing a mental health problem, aged over sixteen years and want support to join in mainstream community activities, i.e TAFE, find a job, community craft group.

Aunties & Uncles

• Our organisation is an early intervention program that links children from 2 to 12 years living in difficult circumstances with volunteer 'Aunts and Uncles who spend time with the children and mentor them.
• Many of the children are kept out of the foster care and juvenile justice systems, enjoy greater success at school and some go on to university, many break the welfare cycle in their family.
• Our offices are
• Aunties & Uncles Co-operative Family Project Ltd Head Office Tel: 02 9638 2480 Mon -Fri 9-5
• Parramatta/Ryde 02 98734776
• Blacktown 02 98711518
• Web: www.auntiesanduncles.org.au

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