The latest Hawkesbury community sector news features the Thrive Wellness Festival, Merana Family Fun Day, seniors social calendar for October, library activities, and family support programs.
Parent & Child Community Music Program
Mission Australia music program for parents/carers and their babies and toddlers, to engage in a fun and interactive way, supporting early childhood development and motor skills, and strengthening parent/carer and child relationships.
Mondays, 19 October to 14 December, 10am-12pm
Strong Nation Church, Cnr Macquarie & Brabyn Sts, Windsor
Flyer
Bookings: Shana, 0475 977 770
Community
Hawkesbury Library Service October-December Programs
Activities include Tech Help; Introduction to the Digitisation Studio; Paper Preservation Workshop; Book Club; Christmas Card Making; Author Talks; Santa Storytime; and more.
What’s Happening in the Community
– RSL LifeCare Homes for Heroes Program Outreach: Confidential specialist support for current and former ADF members and their families experiencing housing stress or homelessness | Every second Wednesday, 14 October to 9 December, South Windsor | Bookings: 4570 7530 or hawkeburyvfh@rsllifecare.org.au | Website
– Hawkesbury Now Exhibition Opening Event: Hawkesbury Regional Gallery exhibition celebrating the creativity of artists, makers and local art societies with a connection to the Hawkesbury – 24 October to 6 December, with opening event on Friday, 23 October, 6pm-8pm, Windsor | Tickets
– Animal Welfare League NSW Hawkesbury Chip & Vax Day: Subsidised cat and dog vaccination and free microchipping day for those in the Hawkesbury and Penrith LGAs who hold a concession card | Saturday, 24 October, 9am-2pm, South Windsor | Flyer | Bookings
– Hawkesbury Halloween Fun: Hawkesbury Regional Museum is opening Howe House for a fun and not-too-scary adventure for the family, followed by a lantern-lit guided tour for adults and teenagers | Saturday, 31 October, Windsor | Information & registration
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Merana Family Fun Day
- Farm animals
- Face painting
- Games & activities
- Jumping castle
- Ball pit
- …and more
Friday, 9 October, 10.30am-1.30pm
2/20 West Market St, Richmond
Flyer
Contact: 4588 5144 or admin@merana.org.au
5th Western Sydney Forum 2026 – Women Are Dying: What Are We Missing?
Merana and Be One Collective Aboriginal Corporation are holding the 5th Western Sydney Forum bringing together people working across prevention, men’s behaviour change, policing, youth, family violence, community services and lived experience to yarn honestly about what still needs to change in Western Sydney.
Monday, 26 October, 9am-12pm
Atura Blacktown, 32 Cricketers Arms Rd, Prospect
Ageing
Penrith & Hawkesbury Seniors Social Calendar October 2026
The Benevolent Society – Wellbeing Connector calendar of social and lifestyle activities in the community for seniors during October. The Wellbeing Connector program connects seniors to social and lifestyle activities to reduce social isolation and improve wellbeing.
October calendar
Flyer
Contact: ageingHSP@benevolent.org.au or 1800 236 762
Carers
Wellways Carer Gateway We Care Project Opening Day
Over two months, Wellways Carer Gateway hosted workshops across Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, Penrith, and Lithgow, where over 300 participants completed 120 hoops to represent the often unseen and unpaid caring roles undertaken by family members and friends, in honour of celebrating carers during Carers Week.
Thursday, 15 October, 1pm-3pm
Hawkesbury Library, 300 George St, Windsor
Uniting Family & Carer Mental Health Program Nepean Blue Mountains Newsletter October 2026
The program is for family members or carers of people living with mental health concerns. It provides education and training, one-on-one support, and support groups.
Newsletter
Program flyer
Referral form (also available online)
Contact: 8880 8160 or fcmhinfonbm@uniting.org
Families & Children
What’s Happening for Families & Children
– Richmond Community Services Parenting Groups & Workshops October-November: Topics include Navigating the Spectrum; Respond, Don’t React; Understanding ADHD; Helping Kids Navigate Big Feelings; and Parenting When You Have ADHD | 20 West Market St, Richmond | Information & registration
– Hawkesbury City Council Child Car Seat Safety Check: Ensures children are safe, with an inspection by a Transport for NSW Authorised Restraint Fitter. Families can have their child car seats and booster seats checked for safety and correct fit | Tuesday, 24 November, 9am-1pm, Bligh Park | Flyer | Bookings: 4560 4278
Job Vacancy: Managing Director Education and Community, Hawkesbury Community Outreach Services (HCOS) Inc
This role brings together two things HCOS needs in one leader: the professional expertise of an experienced Early Childhood Teacher, and the organisational leadership to run a multi-program community organisation well.
Closes Wednesday, 14 October
Health & Wellbeing
Thrive Wellness Festival
Hawkesbury Community Outreach Services (HCOS) festival of connection, self-care, community and well-being. Market stalls, live music, support services, workshops, motivational speakers, animal therapy, interactive stations, roving performers, and more.
Saturday, 24 October, 11am-4pm
McMahons Park, 30 McMahons Park Rd, Kurrajong
Flyer
Contact: Dannii Warner, 4573 2922 or community2@hcos.org.au
Young People
Online Workshop for Parents & Supervisors of Learner Drivers
Hawkesbury City Council workshop offering information and practical advice aimed at parents and driving supervisors:
- Current driving rules and requirements for L and P platers
- How learners benefit from supervised on-road driving
- How you can help make learning to drive a safe and positive experience
Monday, 2 November, 6pm-7.15pm
Plus community sector resources, new publications of interest & online events:
Read full Hawkesbury Community Sector News 30 September 2026