Forum: Connecting the Dots – Mental Health in Western Sydney:
WentWest Ltd – Western Sydney Primary Health Network forum providing an opportunity for primary care, mental health services, commissioned and community-based providers, Aboriginal mental health perspectives, and people with lived experience to come together.
The forum will provide a shared space to explore common challenges and build awareness of local supports. It will focus on practical ways to strengthen navigation, referral pathways, and service coordination, highlighting connection, belonging, and shared responsibility in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Wednesday, 14 October, 6pm-9pm
The Epping Club, 45-47 Rawson St, Epping
Registration
Contact: 8811 7117 or events@wentwest.com.au
Community
Climate Fresk Workshop Parramatta
A workshop hosted by People for Nature in partnership with Parramatta Climate Action Network (ParraCAN). Participants will learn about the elements driving climate change and work on solutions collectively. Guided by a facilitator, teams use a card game based on the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports to identify cause-effect relationships in the climate system. The workshop includes a productive discussion on solutions and actions.
Wednesday, 14 October, 5.45pm-8.45pm
Parramatta Mission, 119 Macquarie St, Parramatta
Registration
Contact: c.defago@peoplefornature.org.au or 0424 926 410
Reminder + Communications Toolkit: Vibrant Parramatta
This City of Parramatta Council initiative supports projects enhancing visual appeal and cultural identity through murals, architectural lighting, and restored facades. Property owners with transformable blank exteriors are encouraged to submit proposals. Artists are invited to submit expressions of interest to create original murals celebrating local stories, people, and place.
Submissions close Tuesday, 6 October, 11.59pm
Communications toolkit
Guidelines & submission information
Contact: 9806 5574, 9806 5251 or grantsandprojects@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Reconciliation for Western Sydney Inc Re-Connections Event
Featuring engaging conversations with First Nations speakers to explore a future grounded in First Nations wisdom. Participants will gain insights on truth-telling, discover a new sense of belonging to “Country”, and find opportunities for action, hope, care, and unity.
Wednesdays, 14 October or 28 October, 7pm-9.30pm
Uniting Church, 115 Station St, Wentworthville
Registration
Contact: Richard or Maria Maguire, 9896 3839 or rec4WS@gmail.com
Disability
Speak with Confidence Workshops for People with Disability
Side by Side Advocacy workshops bringing together people with different communication styles and different levels of experience, to learn from each other and practice ways to feel more confident when communicating.
Fridays, 2 October or 6 November, 10am-12pm
PHIVE, 5 Parramatta Sq, Parramatta
Registration: Nicola, nicolab@sidebysideadvocacy.org.au or 9808 5500
Side by Side Advocacy website
Health & Wellbeing
Meet your Neighbour: Western Sydney Mental Health Networking Event
Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF) and Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) are hosting a networking event for the community services workforce. Through panel discussions and shared learning, participants will explore local challenges and opportunities to deliver connected, person-centred support for people living with mental health and co-occurring needs.
Tuesday, 13 October, 10am-1pm
Parramatta Square Business & Event Centre, Podium Level 2, 2 Darcy St, 4 Parramatta Sq, Parramatta
New Webpage: Suicide Prevention in Western Sydney
WentWest Ltd – Western Sydney Primary Health Network has developed a webpage to make it easier for health professionals, community partners and people across Western Sydney to find relevant information on suicide prevention. It also explains why suicide prevention must extend beyond clinical and crisis services.
Suicide Prevention in Western Sydney webpage
Young People
Nature Walkshop
headspace Parramatta and The University of Sydney interactive event designed for young people 12-25 years. Facilitators will guide participants through gentle walks and mindful activities to learn about local flora and fauna, explore mindfulness practices, and connect with peers in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Friday, 9 October, 1.45pm-4pm
Meeting point: Parramatta Park, Macquarie St Gatehouse Entrance, near Rumsey Rose Garden, Parramatta
Plus sector resources, new publications of interest & online training: