This week’s Parramatta Community Sector News features a Youth Action forum on postcode wars, WSCF social impact report, Duck River Nature Trail on Dharug Country First Nations art commission, and a migrant professional support program.
Youth Action Forum: Postcode Wars – Understanding Local Experiences & Exploring Solutions
An interactive forum bringing together youth workers, local services and community organisations to explore the impacts of postcode wars. Through a frontline worker panel and facilitated group discussions, participants will share experiences and identify community-led solutions to better support young people and strengthen local responses.
Wednesday, 18 November, 10am-12.30pm
Room 69, Level 5, Western Sydney University – Parramatta City Campus, 169 Macquarie St, Parramatta
Community
Report: Delivering Impact Under Pressure – Funding, Reporting & Community Wellbeing in Western Sydney
Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF) and UNSW Centre for Social Impact have launched a research report on the contribution that local place-based services make to community wellbeing.
The report identifies opportunities to strengthen and coordinate approaches to social impact measurement and outcomes reporting across the community sector.
Community Noticeboard
– Christmas in Parramatta: Events include tree lighting, markets, carols, and a senior’s celebration | Events information
– Submissions Open – The WestWords Accelerator: Supports Greater Western Sydney writers at a critical development stage, offering tailored mentorship and guidance to shape completed fiction or narrative non-fiction manuscripts for publication. Closes Monday, 7 December | Information & entry form
Museums of History NSW Community Spaces
Museums of History NSW is inviting applications from community organisations for the use of its museum spaces for creative and cultural purposes. This initiative supports museums as inclusive, community-centred places, creating opportunities for people to connect, gather, and grow together. In Western Sydney, community spaces are available at Elizabeth Farm and Rouse Hill Estate.
Information & application
Contact: hmpfm@mhnsw.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Expressions of Interest (EOI): Duck River Nature Trail Public Art Commission
City of Parramatta invites First Nations artists to create a 2D artwork for balustrades along the 4 km Duck River Nature Trail on Dharug Country. Guided by Traditional Custodians, this commission is an opportunity to create a substantial public artwork that responds to Duck River as living Country.
Expressions of Interest close Thursday, 26 November, 11.59pm
Ageing
Parramatta Library Digital Skills Workshops for Seniors
Seniors can bring their smartphone or tablet, and a trained youth digital mentor will provide them with one-on-one guidance and support.
Friday, 4 December & Fridays, 15 January to 19 March, 10am-11am
Parramatta Library, 5 Parramatta Sq, Parramatta
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)
Thrive in Australia
Thrive in Australia is a new initiative by Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC), helping newly arrived professionals navigate Australian workplaces and communities. The program helps participants build local connections, learn about cultural history and heritage, and build a sense of belonging.
Online information sessions are running throughout November.
Flyer
Program information
Information sessions registration
Contact: thrive@cmrc.com.au
Health & Wellbeing
MYND Initiative Art Therapy Session
A calming space to reduce stress and promote relaxation, with activities that build self-awareness and enhance psychological wellbeing.
Saturday, 28 November, 2.30pm-3.30pm
Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library – Learning Lab, 10 Footbridge Bvd, Wentworth Point
Plus community sector online training and resources, new publications of interest & more: