This edition of Penrith Sector Connect news features Seasons for Growth training, local Carers Week celebrations, spring holiday activities, and community support services.
Seasons for Growth Children & Young People’s Facilitator Training
MacKillop Family Services offers training to become a certified Seasons for Growth Companion to facilitate small-group, social-emotional learning programs in school or community settings. Suitable for educators, counsellors, and youth workers, the training provides practical skills to support children and young people through change, loss, and grief, building their resilience and emotional literacy.
Tuesday, 1 December & Wednesday, 2 December, 8.45am-3pm
Penrith (venue information provided to registered participants)
Flyer
Registration
Contact: info.seasons@mackillop.org.au
Community
What’s Happening?
– TAFE Short Course: TAFE Statement in Education & Employment Pathway to Cert II Fashion: Commences Tuesday, 20 October, for 7 weeks, St Clair | Flyer
– Anglicare Disaster Recovery Volunteer Info Sessions: Face-to-face & online, October to December | Project flyer | Registration
Community Junction Looking for Management Committee Members
Community Junction is looking for community-minded people to join its Management Committee to contribute to the strategic direction and ongoing strength of the organisation. Meets bi-monthly, online or face-to-face.
Flyer
Contact: Barbara, 9673 3908 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
Libraries
Car Maintenance Workshops
Penrith City Library Service is hosting hands-on, interactive car maintenance workshops, led by Galmatic. Participants will gain practical automotive skills, confidence and independence on the road. For people of all ages and genders. Workshops are available for young drivers (16-25 years) and anyone 16 years and over.
- Workshop – 16-25 years: Thursday, 1 October, 10.30am-12.30pm | Registration
- Workshop – 16 years & over: Thursday, 1 October, 1pm-3pm | Registration
Carers
Friends of NADO Caring for Carers Event
People providing care and support to a family member or friend are invited to this National Carers Week event to recognise, celebrate, and raise awareness of unpaid carers. Includes two-course meal, gift and entertainment.
Friday, 16 October, 11.30am-2pm
Boronia Showroom, St Marys Rugby League Club, Cnr Forrester & Boronia Rds, St Marys
Flyer
Tickets: online or 1300 738 229
Carers Wellness Pamper Day
Community Junction is hosting a relaxing and uplifting morning to celebrate and support carers in the community. The event features pampering, lucky door prizes, and refreshments, and celebrates the opening of Carer Gateway’s We Care Project.
Wednesday, 14 October, 10am-1pm
Colyton Neighbourhood Centre, Cnr Willoughby & Jensen Sts, Colyton
Flyer
Registration: online or contact Jane, 9188 9065, 0450 188 036 or jane@communityjunction.org.au
Disability
NADO – Share My Ability Spring School Holiday Program
The program is packed with hands-on experiences designed to inspire creativity and fun. From meeting farm animals and reptiles to making bath bombs and slime, each session offers a safe environment, 2 hours of full access to the play centre, and morning tea.
57 Regentville Rd, Jamisontown
Flyer
Bookings
Contact: 1300 195 578
Domestic & Family Violence
Nepean Domestic Violence Network (NDVN) Domestic Family & Sexual Violence Service Expo
The Expo aims to connect services and build a more resilient and responsive sector addressing the needs of those affected by domestic and family family violence in the Nepean region. Over 35 services will provide information about their services, including financial support, counselling, mental health, accommodation, family support, women’s health, youth services, and more.
Thursday, 15 October, 10am-12pm
St Marys Memorial Hall, Cnr Great Western Hwy & Mamre Rd (access via 29 Swanston St)
Flyer
Contact: Erin Davidson, 4732 8028 or erin.davidson@penrith.city
White Ribbon Day Walk
Penrith Community Corrections invites professionals, community partners, and local domestic and family violence services to participate in a White Ribbon Day Walk. The event aims to stand against violence against women, raise awareness, and demonstrate a collective commitment to building safer and more respectful communities.
Wednesday, 25 November, 8.30am
Meet near Regatta Park Kitchen, 34 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains
Event info document
RSVP: by Monday, 23 November, Mandy.Zaccazan@correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au or carly.dale@correctiveservices.nsw.gov.au
Families & Children
What’s Happening?
– Connect Supported Playgroup Hub Spring School Holiday Family Fun Day: Tuesday, 29 September, Penrith | Flyer
– Story Factory 2026 Spring Holiday Creative Writing Workshops: Wednesday, 7 October & Thursday, 8 October, Online | Flyer | Registration
– Penrith City Libraries Spring School Holiday Events | Information & registration
– Community Junction & partners Children’s Week Events: Tuesday, 27 October, Werrington; Wednesday, 28 October, North St Marys | Flyer
– Gateway Family Services Term 4 Parenting Programs: Face-to-face & online – including Circle of Security; Tuning into Teens; and Bringing Up Great Kids | Information, flyers, and registration
Health & Mental Health
Family Drug Support (FDS)
FDS runs a non-religious, open meeting once a month in Penrith for those supporting someone with an alcohol or drug dependency. Open to anyone and providing opportunities to talk and listen to others in a non-judgemental, safe environment.
Third Wednesday of the month, 6pm-8pm
Uniting Church, 15 Evan Street, Penrith (behind Fire Station)
Contact: Lucinda, 0490 789 357 or Head Office, 4782 9222
FDS website
Seniors
Connect & Create Intergenerational Program
NADO and partners program bringing seniors and preschoolers together through fun, creative, and meaningful activities, creating connections across generations and building a stronger community.
Tuesdays, 13 October to 15 December, 10.30am-12pm
57 Regentville Rd, Jamisontown
Flyer
Bookings: online, 9623 9855 or SMS 0400 397 817
Plus sector resources & online training: