• Visit Blacktown website hosts an extensive events calendar specifically for the Blacktown area.
• Blacktown Council Events Calendar lists local events
• Baulkham Hills Library Events Calendar lists local events
• Business seminars and events may be found in the Small Business Events section

March 2010

'Parenting tips' with Ian Wallace

• When: Tuesday 16th March Time: 7.30 - 9pm
• Where: Marayong House, 64 Falmouth rd, Marayong
• Invited back because of the overwhelming feedback from parents. Ian will present a talk covering general parenting issues that arise from questions in the audience.
• Ian approaches parenting issues in a practical, supportive and no nonsense style.
• Do not miss this opportunity!
• Ian has appeared on "Mornings with Kerri - Anne' and " A Current Affair' and written several books
• Cost: Free Bookings / Enquiries: Megan on 96266620

Hills Shire Library Events (Baulkham Hills, Rouse Hill, Castle Hill & other branches)

• March-April -Hills Pioneers 1810-1910 display at Castle Hill
• Glen McNamara - discusses his book 'Dirty Work' detailing his time undercover in the Australian Police Force
• March/April- Family Fun Fest at Rouse Hill.
  • Hands on activities, entertainment and lots of fun!
• March/April- Youth week photography competition, see staff for more details
• Nutrition Therapy seminar and cooking demonstration at Rouse Hill
• April - Musical Reptile Show at Castle Hill during the school holidays
• April - Science workshops at various branches during the school holidays
• Book events online: http://thehillsshirelibraryservice.eventbrite.com

Pre-school Storytime

Storytimes for preschoolers are held during school terms at all Hills Shire Library branches. These lively sessions are a great way to introduce preschoolers to a love of books.

• Baulkham Hills Tuesday & Friday 11.00am
• Carlingford Wednesday & Friday 10.30am
• Castle Hill Tuesday & Wednesday 10.30am & 11.15am
• Dural Thursday 10.30am
• Rouse Hill Tuesday & Friday 10.30am
• Please note: due to space restrictions participant numbers are limited at Castle Hill and Rouse Hill Special group visits are welcome by appointment at any branch

Disability Discos

• 10th March, 14th April (2nd Wednesday of each month) 6.30pm - 9.30pm
• Location: Castle Hill RSL
• Monthly discos for people with disabilities will be held at Castle Hill RSL.
• These discos are accessible for the wider community.
• In some cases carer support is required.
• Bookings with North West Disability Services are essential Email: enquiries@nwds.org.au or Ph: 9686 4155
• Cost: $10
• Web: www.nwds.org.au

Parenting Seminar with Dannielle Miller

• Date: Tuesday 16 March Time: 7.00pm - 8.30pm
• Location: Castle Hill Library
• Wake Up Sleeping Beauty : helping our daughters move beyond Bratz, Britney and Bacardi Breezers.
• Join Dannielle Miller, one of Australia's foremost educators and authors on teenagers, for a presentation on the issues affecting our daughters today such as self esteem and binge drinking.
• She draws upon her years of experience as an educator and student welfare advocate to give you the tools to help your daughter cut through the negativity and bloom into a happy, confident teenage girl.
• A must for all parents of tween and teenage girls.
• Cost: $15pp (Tickets essential)
• Contact: 9761 4510 Tickets available from 15 February.
• Book events online: http://thehillsshirelibraryservice.eventbrite.com

Tiny Hands - Baby Sign Workshop

• Date: Friday 19 March 2010 Time: 10.30-11.30am
• Location: Castle Hill Library
• Discover your child's potential and alleviate their frustration in this fun introduction to Baby Sign workshop.
• Participants will learn about the benefits of using speech and sign with your baby as well as taking home 56 signs and 2 sign songs.
• Cost: $10 pp (Tickets essential)
• Contact: 9761 4510 Tickets available from Monday 15 February.
• Book events online: http://thehillsshirelibraryservice.eventbrite.com

The World's Greatest Shave - Dean Park Community Development Project

• Friday 12th March 2010
• The World's Greatest Shave is being held at the Dean Park Community Development Project at 9 Yarramundi Drive Dean Park.
• We are seeking donations so that Karen Tyler the Dean Park Community Development Worker and Adam Bullivant from Marayong House will shave their heads on the day!
• If you aren't brave enough to shave with them come down and have your hair coloured on the day for a donation.
• We can colour your hair from 8.30am or come to the official shaving at 10.30am and enjoy morning tea and make a donation.
• You can make a donation at the centre or on line by following this link http://my.imisfriendraising.com.au/personalPage.aspx?SID=94483
• For more information on how you can be involved and support this great project please call Karen on 96265128

Sherwood Ridge Show

• Saturday, March 27th 10:00am - 3:00pm
• Sherwood Ridge Public School 34 Rosebery Rd, Kellyville
  • Rides, Attractions and amusements for all the family
  • Live Entertainment (plus a visit from Easter Bunny)
  • Craft & Gifts
  • Face Painting
  • Show Bags
  • Trash n' Treasure
  • Gourmet Food & Treats
  • Plaster Painting
  • Yummy Cakes, Ice creams & Snacks
  • Chocolate Wheel & Raffles
  • Pony Rides
  • Animal Farm
• Outside Stall Holders Invited - Contact: Julie Warner, P: 9634 8489 E: julie.warner@bigpond.com

Disability Discos

• 10th March 6.30pm - 9.30pm
• Future dates: 14th April (2nd Wednesday of each month)
• Location: Castle Hill RSL
• Monthly discos for people with disabilities will be held at Castle Hill RSL.
• These discos are accessible for the wider community.
• In some cases carer support is required.
• Bookings with North West Disability Services are essential Email: enquiries@nwds.org.au or Ph: 9686 4155
• Cost: $10
• Web: www.nwds.org.au

Play In The Park (Rouse Hill area)

• Thursdays 11th Feb - 18th March 10.00am - 11:00
• Location TBC (Rouse Hill area) $2.00/week 4yrs and under
• Registration ESSENTIAL- Emma 8805 7288 or emma.ludlow@wesleymission.org.au
• Come down and meet other mums and kids from the area!
• There will be toys, art, singing and playtime for everyone to get involved with!
• Don't forget to bring some morning tea and a hat!

"The First Friday Club" - Book Club

• Begins Friday the 5th Feb 2010 & will meet first Friday of each month
• Meetings to be held at Centenary Oval, Rouse Hill - near the play equipment.
• Whilst there will be no childcare, the play are is fenced if you would like to bring your child.
• Come along with some ideas of your favourite books, or those that you just haven't got around to reading yet!
• If you would like to come along, register you interest by calling Emma on (02) 8805 7288 or emma.ludlow@wesleymission.org.au

Drop In Service for 9-15year olds

• Tuesdays & Wednesdays 3:30 - 6:30 pm (During term time)
• Fun, Free activities for boys & girls 9 - 15 yrs with free refreshments offered.
• PCYC Luxford Rd, Shalvey
• Ongoing throughout school term
• Cost: One off Yearly $6 Membership
• Web: www.pcycnsw.org
• Fully supervised, structured activities
• Parents welcome to come in and have a look around.
• For further information Email: nitanoble@exemail.com.au

Walking Group

• Every Tuesday morning from 9.00am-10.00am
• Venue: Doonside Cottage 2 Astral Drive, Doonside
• Walking group
• Plus other programs run every term at Doonside Cottage 2 Astral Drive, Doonside
• Contact: Michelle Ph: 9621 2937

Supported Playgroup

• Every Wednesday 10.00-12.00am
• Venue: Doonside Public School
• Supported playgroup
• Plus other programs run every term at Doonside Cottage 2 Astral Drive, Doonside
• Contact: Michelle Ph: 9621 2937

Grandparents as Kinship - Carers Information Forum

• 21 March 2010 - 11.00am for 2 hours
• Venue: The Hills Club, Jenner Road, Baulkham Hills
• Cost: FREE
• Special guest speaker: Barbara Holborow, well known and respected retired children's court magistrate. Barbara Holborow served for 12 years as a magistrate in the children's court, where her compassion and outspokenness were legendary - perhaps because of her own beginnings. Barbara will talk openly about the formative influences on her life, the kids she has fostered and adopted and her ongoing commitment to reforming the judicial system for children.
• Bookings: Ph 9639 8620
• This event brought to you by The Hills Community Aid
• Contact email: enq@hca.org.au
• Website: www.hca.org.au

Multicultural Pre-School Storytime

• Fridays from 10.30am - 11.15am
  • Friday 5th March: Italian
• Location: Vinegar Hill Memorial Library (Rouse Hill)
• These special storytimes are a great way to introduce your child to other languages and cultures.
• They will include traditional children's stories told in Italian, Chinese, Persian, Korean, Maltese and Indian as well as songs, games and crafts.
• All stories will also be told in English.
• Suitable for 2-5 year olds.
• Cost: Free
• Contact: 8889 5200 (Bookings essential)

TUESDAY TRAILBLAZERS

• Tuesdays 10.00am Tuesday 9th Feb - 16th March
• Location TBC
• Cost: FREE
• Registration Advised - Emma 8805 7288 or emma.ludlow@wesleymission.org.au
• Come along and get fit whilst seeing some of the local area in Rouse Hill. Bring your prams, bring your neighbour or even bring your dog for a walk around the neighbourhood. We will have morning tea afterwards!

IN MOTION - Tuesday 4:00pm

• Tuesday 9th Feb - 16th March
• Rouse Hill Families Connect, Rouse Hill
• $35.00 Ages 4 - 12yrs: siblings welcome
• REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL - Emma 8805 7288 or emma.ludlow@wesleymission.org.au
• In Motion for kids believe in a healthy, happy and active society, where all children - regardless of skill level - are celebrated for their participation. Children acquire skills to interact with others and a positive attitude towards regular physical activity. In Motion also enhances and provides further opportunities for the development of social skills in an outdoor, physical environment.

ART AND CRAFT GROUP - Wednesdays 4:00pm

• Wednesday 10th Feb - 17th March
• Rouse Hill Families Connect, Rouse Hill
• $35.00 Ages 5 - 8yrs
• REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL - Angela on 8805 7288 or angela.cleal@wesleymission.org.au
• Come along and join us for some afterschool fun. This term we will be making our own storybooks.
• Places are limited, so don't forget to book in!

PLAYTIME FOR YOU AND YOUR BUB - Fridays 10:00am

• Friday 12th Feb - 19th March
• Rouse Hill Families Connect, Rouse Hill
• $2.00/wk Ages: 0-12mths
• REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL - Emma 8805 7288 or emma.ludlow@wesleymission.org.au
• A chance for new mums with bubs under 12mths to come together and have a play,
• Some reading, singing and learning more about your little one!

FAMILY FUN DAY - BOUGHT TO YOU BY IN MOTION

• Sunday 21 st March - 10:30am
• Rouse Hill Regional Park , Rouse Hill
• Cost: FREE
• REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL - call Emma 8805 7288 or email emma.ludlow@wesleymission.org.au
• Come down to Rouse Hill Regional Park for a FREE family fun day with the In Motion team!
• These guys will have games, activities and team events for the whole family to take part in! Don't forget to wear your trainers and hat, and bring some morning tea for you and your family!

"Play in the Park" (Marayong Area)

• March Wednesdays 3rd and 11th
• Time: 9.30 - 11.30
• Where: Marayong Park, Davis Rd (Weather permitting )
• Come along and enjoy a morning of fun filled activities specifically for children 0-5 years.
• Reading and music time will be included. Great morning out!
• Cost : Free
• Bookings / Enquiries: Megan on 96266620

'Parenting tips' with Ian Wallace

• When: Tuesday 16th March Time: 7.30 - 9pm - Book NOW!
• Where: Marayong House, 64 Falmouth rd, Marayong
• Invited back because of the overwhelming feedback from parents. Ian will present a talk covering general parenting issues that arise from questions in the audience.
• Ian approaches parenting issues in a practical, supportive and no nonsense style.
• Do not miss this opportunity!
• Ian has appeared on "Mornings with Kerri - Anne' and " A Current Affair' and written several books
• Cost: Free Bookings / Enquiries: Megan on 96266620

'Marayong Mums and Bubs'

• When : Mondays starting on 1st Feb - 22nd March, and continues each Term
• Where: Marayong House, 64 Falmouth Rd, Marayong
• Time: 10am - 12
• This group provides opportunities for children to play, learn and develop and for mums to talk about 'being a parent'.
• It is a social group revolved around being a parent.
• Information will be available on parenting and child development.
• Also information and referral on other services in the area will also be available i.e. playgroups in the area.
• Bookings /Enquiries: Megan on 96266620 Cost: Free

Uniting Care Northmead - Groups For Term 1, 2010

• 3 Hammers Rd, Northmead Phone: 8839 5100

Living With Teenagers

• Dates: 23rd February to 30th March Time: Tuesdays 7pm to 9pm
• Where: The Cottage, 3 Hammers Rd, Northmead.
• A group for parents led by our Adolescent & Family Counsellor, exploring such issues as:
  • How to communicate with your teenager
  • Building self esteem
  • Guidance and Discipline
  • Drugs and Alcohol
  • Depression in young people
  • Caring for yourself
  • Cost: $15 for manual
  • Book early for this popular course!
  • Phone: 8839 5107 or Phone: 8839 5100

Cafe Play - A Drop in Playgroup

• Mondays 9.30am- 11.30am (during school terms)
• For Children and their Mums, Dads, Grandparents and Carers
• Northmead Uniting Church Hall 5 Hammers Rd Northmead

KIDS CLUB PROGRAM

• Fortnightly on Fridays 6pm-7.45pm in Church Hall
• Call Meryn O'Brien 9688 1803 for details of program
• For school years 3 to 6
• Cost $2 per night unless otherwise stated.
• February 12th "Let's go Bananas" Bring one banana for a banana split!
• February 26th Games and Craft
• March 13th and 14th Kid's Camp Out at Wedderburn
• March 26th Get Ready for Easter - Hot Cross Buns

Adolescent and Family Counselling Service - Free of charge

• We provide a counselling service for young people aged 12 to 20 years and their families.
• The service is free and is available to anyone who lives in the Hills/Parramatta area.
• Adolescence can be a difficult time for some young people who may experience conflict with their families, problems in school or in relationships with their friends.
• Talking with a counsellor can help them to sort out these problems before they become too serious.
• Parents can find that parenting adolescents is very challenging and find it helpful to talk to a trained family counsellor.
• Sometimes a family needs to talk to someone who can give them a new perspective and assist them to find better ways of communicating with each other.
• Our counsellor is trained in Family Therapy and is a registered Psychologist, who is very experienced in working with young people and their families
• Contact Faye Hansen on 8839 5107 for an appointment

NORTHMEAD @ 5 - A group for High School Students

• Meets on Sundays at 5pm
• Nurturing Faith, Activities, Fun and Food
• Contact 8839 5100 for detailed program
• Cost $4 per night unless otherwise stated

The Hills Indian Subcontinent Women's Group

• Tuesdays 11am to 1pm
• Venue: Beaumont Hills Community Centre, Corner Arnold Janssen Drive and The Parkway, Beaumont Hills
• Come & have a great time, make friends, meet new people, learn & gain important life skills.
• A new group is starting for women from the Indian Subcontinent, at Beaumont Hills Community Centre.
  • Work skills
  • Time management
  • Information sessions
  • Healthy living
  • Art & craft
  • Meet people and share cultures
  • Make new friends
• Child care can be provided
• For more details please contact Anu or Kamlini on 9899 5163 at The Hills Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Resource Centre Outreach Office

Lifeline Western Sydney Needs You!

• Our Centre seeks volunteers to provide support to our community in the form of Telephone Counselling.
• Training includes basic counselling and crisis intervention skills.
• Day and Evening options available.
• For an information pack email: training@lifelinews.org.au or call 02 9689 2860

Computer Lessons For Beginners - FREE - Book for February course now!

• Every Friday from 12.30 till 3.30pm (commencing February)
• Always wanted to learn how to use a computer but were too afraid to ask?
• Would you like to take part in a beginners class for FREE?
• We are now taking bookings for the 2010 course to commence in February.
• To be held at the Dean Park Neighborhood Centre 9 Yarramundi Drive Dean Park
• Inquiries to Karen Gay on 9626 5128

Computer Pals Blacktown - Volunteers Required!

• We run classes for seniors over the age of 55 years - we need volunteers to help tutor our seniors.
• We have classes for two hour periods twice a day Mon - Sat.
• We need some support with teaching of Microsoft Office, Internet, Emailing plus some photography software.
• If you feel that you help us please call Wendie on 0407 410 072

Relaxation Classes - Feeling stressed? Need to relax?

• Every Tuesday at 11.30am in school terms for only $2
• Feeling stressed? Need to relax?
• Come along to a one hour Relaxation Class at the Dean Park Community Development Project at 9 Yarramundi Drive Dean Park.
• For more info call Karen on 9626 5128

Art classes

• At Learning in the Hills on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.
• No experience needed.
• Individual assistance in basic techniques, composition and colour mixing.
• Landscapes & still life, catering for beginners & advanced.
• Cost $60 for the term.
• Contact
  • Learning in the Hills on 9639 7918 during school term on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays 9.30am to 2.00pm, or
  • The Hills Community Aid and Information Service during school holidays Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3.00pm on 9639 8620.

Yoga classes

• Learning In The Hills has yoga classes available on Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 10.00am to 11.30am at Turner Buildings (4 & 5), Balcombe Heights Community Buildings, 92 Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills (opposite Jasper Road School).
• Join the classes and enjoy a gentle approach to Hatha Yoga, with an accent on breathing awareness and relaxation techniques.
• Cost: $60 for a term.
• Contact
  • Learning in the Hills on 9639 7918 9.30am to 2.00pm, or
  • The Hills Community Aid and Information Service during school holidays Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3.00pm on 9639 8620.
  • For further enquiry & to find out term dates please contact on 9639 7918 (9.30-2.00pm).

Hills Shire Library Events

Pre-school Storytime

Storytimes for preschoolers are held during school terms at all Hills Shire Library branches. These lively sessions are a great way to introduce preschoolers to a love of books.

• Baulkham Hills Tuesday & Friday 11.00am
• Carlingford Wednesday & Friday 10.30am
• Castle Hill Tuesday & Wednesday 10.30am & 11.15am
• Dural Thursday 10.30am
• Rouse Hill Tuesday & Friday 10.30am
• Please note: due to space restrictions participant numbers are limited at Castle Hill and Rouse Hill Special group visits are welcome by appointment at any branch

Other Hills Shire Library Events

• Dream Flowers- flower arranging workshop at Castle Hill
• Chinese New Year storytime for ages 3-7 at Carlingford
• Worm farming workshop at Dural
• Culture Kids - Multicultural Pre-school Storytime at Rouse Hill
• Internet for Seniors at Rouse Hill and Castle Hill

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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
• Wednesdays (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

Riverstone Rembrandts Playgroup - New Members Welcome!

• Join a friendly local playgroup in Riverstone!
• Meets on Tuesdays 10am till 12 noon
• Location: Sam Lane Community Centre, Park St, Riverstone.
• Facilities for all people including people with disabilities.
• The age group of children in this playgroup is 0 to 5 years old.
• Lots of room available so friends can join together.
• Costs $3 per session but the first 2 sessions are free.
• Everyone is welcome
• For more information call Sarah on 0415 431 068 or email riverstonerembrandts@hotmail.com

Parramatta Farmers Market

• Venue: Church Street Mall, Parramatta (just outside Westfields)
• Every Saturday from 8am
• Features stalls of local produce including fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, jams, flowers, dairy and meat, as well as arts, crafts, jewellery, clothing and home wares.

Farmers and Fine Food Market

• Rouse Hill Market Square, Rouse Hill Town Centre
• 4th Saturday of every month, near bus transit
• Starts 8am
• Ph: 4572 6260
• www.hawkesburyharvest.com.au

Hawkesbury Harvest Farmers & Gourmet Food Market

• Castle Hill Showground, Carrington Rd, Castle Hill
• 2nd Saturday of each month
• Hours: 8am - 12pm
• Contact Ph: 4572 6260 or 0412 991 079

Rotary Club - Rouse Hill

• Meets every week on Fridays 6.45am for 7am-8.15am.
• Location: Mean Fiddler Hotel, Greenway Room, off Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill
• Rotary is establishing 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 classau@ozemail.com.au if wishing to attend
• Rotary at a glance: 33,099 clubs in 207 countries, 532 Districts.
• See our feature article Why Join Rotary? here

Motherless Mothers Support Group

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

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Artsmart - Art Group For Children 2.5-5 years old

• Rouse Hill Families Connect in partnership with Cotton Kids will be running this art group for children 2.5-5 years old
• When: Thursday mornings
• Location: Cotton Kids, Annangrove Ph: 9679 1124 for more details and bookings

Young Mums Group

• For local mums under 25 years old
• Come along and join us for a weekly playgroup where you can meet new mums in the area and have a chat over coffee, while you bubs play.
• Call Amy for more details. Phone: 8824 3266 or email: amy.messer@wesleymission.org.au
• Brought to you by Rouse Hill Families Connect Ph: 8824 3266, Mile End Community Church, Mile End Road, Rouse Hill, Past Hudson building supplies

Free Budgeting Advice

• Are you a Mum and/or Dad living in the Mt Druitt area
  with children 0-5 years old?
  • Having trouble paying your bills?
  • Always running out of money?
• Free budgeting advice available every week
• Phone Cheryl for an appointment on 9832 2300
• Appointments Essential
• Brought to you by Anglicare

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

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If you are running a local event, you can send the details to us on an Events Publicity form and we can publicise the event here (free for charitable non profit organisations). Alternatively, you can simply email us at info@mylocalguide.net.au

If you know of a local event that you would like to see here contact us using a feedback form or email us at info@mylocalguide.net.au