Community Diary

MONDAY

• The WASH House's term program runs until Friday, September 19. Mt Druitt sessions include beginners' yoga, Tai Chi, belly dancing, art group, creative writing, meditation and visualisation and a quit smoking workshop. Emerton sessions include mothers' yoga, yoga, basic sewing, learn to knit, ladies' social club and cooking group. Bookings: 9677 1962.
• The Blackett Waratahs Slimmers Club meets 10am Mondays at Rutherglen Community Centre, Anderson Ave, Blackett. Joining fee: $6. Weekly fee: $2.50. Inquiries: Maureen, 9628 0507.
• Wheezing Westies is a support group for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary and lung diseases. It now welcomes lung cancer survivors and their carers to meetings, 10.30am first Monday of the month at Rooty Hill Senior Citizens Centre, Rooty Hill Rd South, Rooty Hill. Inquiries: Christine Gleeson, 9832 9655.
• Rooty Hill Toastmasters meets at Rooty Hill RSL first and third Monday of the month. Details: Eric Bayliss, 9832 1253, or Eric Foster, 9625 0887. Email: secretary@rootyhill.freetoasthost.org
• The 1st Erskine Park Scout Group has vacancies in its Cub Pack for boys and girls aged 7 to 10. It meets 7pm-8.30pm during school. Inquiries: Andrew, 0431 118 165.
• Mt Druitt-St Clair group of the Australian Breastfeeding Association meets 10am first and third Monday of the month. Inquiries: Kate, 9835 0192.
• Red Cross St Marys branch meets 1.30pm first Monday of the month at St Marys RSL. Visitors, new members welcome. Inquiries: Adele Morphett, 9623 2651.
• The GROW Centre runs free self-help group sessions for those who suffer from depression or anxiety from 11am at the community health centre, Burran Close, Mt Druitt. Inquiries: 9633 1800.
• Ballroom/latin dancing at Rooty Hill RSL Youth Club from 6pm-8.30pm for beginner, intermediate and advance classes (ages 5 to 25). Inquiries: 9675 3677. 

TUESDAY

• New members needed for a ladies social club. Meets Tuesdays 10am at Mt Druitt Workers Club. Inquiries: Aileen, 9834 4058, or Jean, 9864 4491.
• Latin/ballroom classes held Tuesdays at Blacktown RSL. Child/teens 5.30pm-7.30pm, adults 7.45pm-9.15pm. Inquiries: 0414 457 601.
• RENEW Group is an educational support group for women with children in their care under the age of 12. It meets Tuesdays during school at Anglicare, Rooty Hill. Inquiries: Ruby, 9832 2300.
• Legacy Widows Club meets at St Marys RSL 11am second Tuesday of the month. Inquiries: Beryl, 9833 7377.
• Blacktown Support Group for those with mental illness and carers meets noon-2pm third Tuesday of the month at Doonside Community Centre, Hill End Rd, Doonside. Inquiries: Joshua 9831 6138, Joe (or Clint) 9879 2600.
• Rottweiler Club of NSW holds obedience/socialisation training Tuesdays 7pm-8.30pm at The Bill Spilstead Complex for Canine Affairs, 44 Luddenham Rd, Erskine Park. Non-members welcome; training open to all breeds. All dogs must be vaccinated. Inquiries: 0407 181 172 or www.rcnsw.com
• Latin/ballroom classes held at St Marys RSL Youth Club (Hall St and Mamre Rd) Tuesdays, 7pm-8.30pm. Cost: $7. No partner needed. Inquiries: Skye, 0421 827 495.

WEDNESDAY

• Probus Club meets 10.45am third Wednesday of the month at Rooty Hill RSL. Visitors welcome. Inquiries: Gerri Taylor, 9625 0175, or Tony LeBreton, 0412 416 727.
• St Marys VIEW Club meets 11.15am fourth Wednesday of the month at St Marys RSL. New members welcome. Inquiries: 9623 4180.
• A stepmothers' support group meets in Penrith first Wednesday of the month. Inquiries: email stepmums@optusnet.com.au or phone 0411 048 144.
• Pediatrician Dr Patrick Ho is available at the Western Area Adolescent Team, corner Burran and Kelly closes, Mt Druitt, by appointment every second Wednesday. The service, for young people aged 12 to 20, is free, confidential. Inquiries: 9881 1230.
• Pacific Islander Sewing Group meets 10am-1pm on Wednesdays at Graceades Community Cottage. Childcare available. The cottage also hosts other activities such as ceramics, beading and after-school tutoring. Inquiries: 9628 2045.
• A Little Company coffee and craft group meets 9.30am first Wednesday of the month at Tregear Presbyterian Church. Inquiries: 9625 6136.
• Sons and Daughters of Vietnam Veterans Social Network meets 7pm-9pm second Wednesday of the month at The Train, St Marys RSL, Hall St and Mamre Rd. Inquiries: Leanne, 0400 340 538. 

THURSDAY

• Mt Druitt Neighbour Aid will hold its annual general meeting on Thursday, September 4 from 2pm-3.30pm at Mt Druitt Workers Club, 247 Woodstock Ave, Dharruk. RSVP: Margaret Dixon, 9832 4585.
• St Marys branch of the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association meets every second Thursday at 2-6 Mamre Rd, St Marys. All welcome. Inquiries: 9623 9469.
• Folk art classes run from 1pm-3pm Thursdays at Noumea Public School. Inquiries: 9628 6929.
• The Erskine Park Women's Group needs new members. It meets at the community centre, 57 Peppertree Drive, 10am-noon. Inquiries: Jennie, 9834 3006.

FRIDAY

• St Marys District Baptist Church will hold arts and crafts market days on the third Friday of the month at Eden's Cafe, first floor, 58 Derby St, Kingswood (opposite the hospital). Inquiries: Merry Foy, 0438 864 827.
• The Penrith Valley Bards are a group of residents from St Marys interested in playwriting. The group meets Fridays once a month at the studio, St Marys Cultural Precinct, corner of Mamre Rd and Great Western Highway. Contact them for the next meeting date. Inquiries: Kathryn 9673 2169
• A weekly social group for young mothers (under 20), or expectant mums, meets from 10am-noon at Blacktown Women's and Girls' Health Centre, 6 Prince St, Blacktown. Transport can be arranged. Inquiries: Natalie, 9831 2095, or Kylie, 9831 2070.
• St James' Church op shop opens from 9am-noon at Mt Druitt Anglican Church, 40 Halinda St, Whalan.
   Mt Druitt Social Club, a recreation service for adults with mild intellectual disability, meets Fridays and Saturdays. Inquiries: 9677 1962.
• A cancer support group meets 9.30am on the first and third Fridays of the month at Rooty Hill Seniors Hall, 32 Rooty Hill Rd South, Rooty Hill. Inquiries: 9631 3289.
• Scrabble players wanted. Club meets 11am Fridays at Rembrandt Dutch Club, St Marys. Beginners welcome. Inquiries: Arie Holla 9890 4730, 0401 681 166 or 9625 3929. 

Saturday

• The Western Sydney Community Aboriginal Corporation will hold its annual general meeting on September 16, from 5pm. Address: 3/11 Eddir Rd, Minchinbury. Inquiries: Rex, 9832 3326.
• St Pauls Lutheran church need stall holders for their fair/car boot day on Saturday, October 18, at the church grounds, Milham St, St Marys. Cost: $25 per site. Inquiries: 0433 634 921.
• Explore your relationship with God from 6.30pm at St Paul's Lutheran Church, 22 Milham St, St Marys. Inquiries: Pastor David, 9834 3756.
• Westlink Respite Services needs individuals or families to share their time with a disabled child. Inquiries: 9832 2300 or 8805 0912.
• Rooty Hill Lapidary Club opens Saturday mornings for new members. Inquiries: 9625 6411.

Sunday

• Fancy a social game of squash? Players meet every Sunday at Emerton Recreational Centre from 2pm-4pm. Bring a racket. Inquiries: Harry 9625 2264 (after hours).
• Rooty Hill Naval Association meets 1.30pm first Sunday of the month at Rooty Hill RSL. Serving and former personnel welcome. Inquiries: John Clegg, 9625 3060.
• Service is held 3pm at North St Marys Community Church, North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre, Derincat Ave, North St Marys. Inquiries: 8807 7800.
• Contemplation followed by a snack and afternoon tea is held Sundays from 2.30pm at Archangel Michael St Bishoy Church, 59 Methvin St, Mt Druitt. All welcome.
• Jesus First Ministries runs motivational and biblical forums from 10am at Emerton Youth Centre.
• Come to church at St Marys Baptist Church, 253 Great Western Highway, from 6pm. All welcome. 

Others

• The North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre's annual Cancer Council Daffodil Quilt is being raffled again. Tickets: 50 cents or three for $1. Inquiries: Sharron, 9673 3908.
• Aunties & Uncles needs volunteer mentors for at least a year to spend time with a child who may be feeling isolated and vulnerable. Inquiries: Heather Coomber, 9638 2480.
• Volunteers are wanted for a glucosamine study. Are you 45-75 years old? Currently experiencing at least moderate knee pain from osteoarthritis? The Long-term Evaluation of Glucosamine Sulphate (LEGS) study is being conducted by The George Institute, a research organisation affiliated with the University of Sydney and funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. Inquiries: Lillias or Maria, 9657 0351 (work hours) or visit www.thegeorgeinstitute.org/LEGS
• St Clair Youth and Neighbourhood Team is trying to establish a regular patchwork evening class this month. Venue: Autumnleaf Neighbourhood Centre, corner Autumnleaf Parade and Timesweep Drive, St Clair. Time: 6.30pm to 9pm. Cost: $10 (week). Inquiries: Jenny, 9834 6413. 
• The North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre's annual Cancer Council daffodil quilt is being raffled again. Tickets 50 cents or three for $1. Inquiries: Sharron, 9673 3908. 
• A 30-year reunion is being organised for ex-year 10 students of Whalan High School from the class of 1978. All students and staff from 1975-`78 welcome to attend. Date: October 4; venue: Rooty Hill. RSVP: August 31, to Verena Osman (email cheekyv1@hotmail.com)
• Mt Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (MECA) provides settlement services, support, information sessions and workshops to newly arrived migrants and refugees from all ethnic backgrounds. Details: Rosey Singh, 9625 9300.
• EQUIP is a youth mentoring program targeting young people aged 12-18.  We're urgently looking for volunteers to be a part of equipping young people for change. Volunteer now, meet new people, gain new skills and support your community. Call Karen on 9628 0424 to register or for more details.
• Bidwill High School's class of '93-'98 10 year reunion will be held on November 1 at The Roxy, Parramatta, Entry by invitation only. Inquiries: Lisa Mitchell smith (McCabe) at mummato3girls@hotmail.com.au or 0410 992 121.
• Support service for parents/carers of a school aged child with a learning difficulty, adhd, aspergers. Information, referrals, library resources available. Free parenting workshop for families who have a child with ADHD and/or impulsive behaviour conducted in Blacktown LGA each school term. Inquiries: 9620 4194.
• A support group for people giving up smoking is being considered for St Clair. Inquiries: 0412 643 499.
• Community grants available for sexual health projects focused on marginalised young people.  Inquiries: Dave Worsley 47343956 or email Dave.Worsley@swahs.health.nsw.gov.au
• The North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre hosts the following activities: Heartmoves classes (Mondays, 10am-11am, $3), men's social group (Mondays, 11.30am-1.30pm, free), Claremont Meadows Youth Group (Mondays, 3.15pm-5pm), kids craft (5-12 years, Tuesdays, 3.15pm-4.45pm, $1), youth group (Wednesdays, 3.15pm-5pm), Heartmoves (Thursdays, 9.30am-10.30am, $3). Inquiries: 9673 3908.
• Volunteers required to befriend socially isolated residents in local aged care facilities. Fortnightly visits required. Inquiries: Jacqui, 98066513 or email jspice@chcs.com.au
• Erskine Park Neighbourhood Development Team runs the following courses at the community centre, 57 Peppertree Drive Erskine Park: gentle exercise, yoga (beginners), Evergreens seniors, tai chi, women's social group, children's drama, sewing for beginners/Intermediate, children's activities and Pulse youth group (after school). Child care available for some classes. Inquiries: Jennie or Kim, 98343006 (or email admin@ndtep.ngo.org.au)
  Minchinbury Playgroup meets at Minchinbury Neighbourhood Centre 9.30am-11.30am Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays (baby group) and 9.15am-11.15am Thursdays Inquiries: Kerry, 9675 1578.
• St Marys RSL Youth and Community Club runs affordable activities (including karate, boxing, trampoline, baton twirlers and judo) with qualified instructors. Venue: (behind St Marys RSL) Mamre Rd. Inquiries: Hugh, 0417 285 128.
• Any former students or teachers from Noumea Primary School (class of 1996) to contact K. Turner in regards to a reunion. Inquiries: email mumofheidi@bigpond.com.
  The 1st Whalan Scout Group needs new members and Leaders. Cubs meet 7.15pm Mondays; Scouts 7.30pm Fridays and Venturers 7.30pm Tuesdays. Inquiries: Dedre 9864 4500.
• The New Pioneers Social Club is a non-profit club for adult singles 45 years and older in western Sydney. The club hosts weekend functions including house parties, monthly dances, restaurant evenings, theatre nights, weekend escapes, bushwalking, barbecues and an annual ball. Visitors, new members welcome to functions: Inquiries: Sue, 4731 6528, or Carol, 0421 477 330.
• The UnitingCare Susanna Children's Centre at 57 Brisbane St, Oxley Park, runs from 6.30am-6.30pm. Inquiries: 9623 4519.
• St Marys Area Community Development Project runs workshops and classes in tai chi, gentle exercise for women, a community arts project, tapestry group, card-making classes, knitting and crochet group, art classes, creative writing group, historical costume sewing group, folk art classes and pottery (including for kids). Sessions run Mondays to Saturdays. Venue: St Marys Community Cultural Precinct, corner Mamre Rd and Great Western Highway. Inquiries: Kathryn or Lisa, 9673 2169.
• The 1st North Mt Druitt Scout Group are looking for Scout Leaders and Venturer Scouts to help run adventurous activity training such as abseiling or gliding. Inquiries: Harry Anderson, 9628 0124.
• Free Quit clinics for smokers available at your local community health centre. Inquiries: 9881 1200.
  The Mt Druitt Integrated Youth Service needs volunteers. Inquiries: Lisa 9628 0424.
  The Western Sydney Cicada Support and Social Group needs members. Inquiries: Rhonda Greene at rhondagreen@optusnet.com.au or phone 9625 8959; or Anna Kaszonyi at kaszonyi@tpg.com.au or SMS 0414 979 577.
• Mt Druitt Neighbour Aid needs volunteers to help the frail by making home visits, shopping and taking clients to medical appointments. Car, comprehensive insurance required. Training provided; petrol costs reimbursed. Inquiries: Margaret Dixon, 98324585 or 0418237059.
• Aunties & Uncles needs volunteer mentors for at least a year to spend time with a child who may be feeling isolated and vulnerable. Inquiries: Heather Coomber, 9638 2480
• Mt Druitt Seniors are looking for members aged over 50. Activities include bingo, carpet bowls. Inquiries: 9625 3665.
• Rooty Hill & District Seniors Computing Club Inc runs advanced and beginners classes and internet lessons Mondays to Thursdays during school at 34a Rooty Hill Rd South, Rooty Hill. Inquiries: 9864 6528.
• Karelle Life Enrichment Service runs the Carer Support Project in the Blacktown Local Government Area. Inquiries 9623 1999.
• Tender Loving Cuisine, a non-profit organisation, home delivers homestyle ready meals around Mt Druitt. Many of the meals are Heart Foundation approved. Free brochure: phone 1800801200 or visit www.tlc.org.au
• Compeer trains volunteers to by companions for people with a mental illness. Male volunteers aged 30-45 and female volunteers aged 45-65 needed in Mt Druitt area. Details: Rhonda, 96222411 or email compeer.blacktown@vinnies.org.au
• The St Clair Youth and Neighbourhood Team is running the following during term three: basic computer classes, social group for over-40s women, gentle exercise classes for over-40s, panic/anxiety learning support, kids craft, youth drop-in, beginner patchwork and a homework centre for 12 to 18 year-olds.Inquiries: 9834 2708.
• A juvenile diabetes coffee club provides friendship, support and information for parents of children with type 1 diabetes in western Sydney. Inquiries: Louise, 9966 0400.
• Meals on Wheels at Mt Druitt needs volunteer drivers and people to help cook. Inquiries: Pam, 9625 8702
• Have you experienced crime, violence or road trauma or know someone who has? Contact Julie at Enough Is Enough on 95424029 for details about support groups.
• Blacktown Community Transport needs volunteers to drive around the Blacktown City for the frail or elderly, disabled, carers and transport-isolated. Inquiries: Linda or Vicki, 9621 5518.
• Mt Druitt PCYC runs a free playgroup on Thursdays 9.30am-11.30am, with one-off charge for membership. Try indoor hockey on Monday nights. Free drop-in runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 4.30pm to 7.30pm. XBox, pool, internet and sports activities members only. Seniors $10; juniors $5. Inquiries: 9628 2628.
• Do you want to be a volunteer and change someone's life through a social support program? Petrol reimbursement, training provided. Inquiries: Agnes Galea 8831 9270.
• The Mt Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency provides settlement services and support for new migrants and refugees of all backgrounds. Inquiries: Rosey Singh, Patricia or Abulla 9625 9300.

PLAYGROUPS/CHILDCARE

Monday

• Oakhurst Gumnuts Peanuts Playgroup meets at the Oakhurst Neighborhood Centre Mondays, 9.30am-11.30am, for children up to five years old. Inquiries: Michelle 9625 2428.
• Minchinbury Playgroup meets at Minchinbury Neighbourhood Centre on Mondays, 9.30am-11.30am, for children up to five years old. Inquiries: Kerry 9675 1578.
• Rooty Hill Rugrats Playgroup meets at Rooty Hill School of Arts Hall Mondays, 10am-noon for children up to five years old. Inquiries: Kathy 0425 205 814.
• Monday Kids Club meets at Bidwill Uniting Church, Mondays 3.15pm-4.30pm. Inquiries: Brad, 9835 2970.
• St Clair Wiggily Worms meets at Cook Parade Neighbourhood Centre, Mondays 9.30am-11.30am. For children up to six years. Inquiries: Jolene 9670 6943.

Tuesday

• Sing Play & Chat-supported playgroup for families with children up to six years old within the Penrith LGA. It meets Tuesdays 9.30am-11.30am at Kindana Before and After School Care, 30a Moore St, St Clair. Details: TeRina Tarawa, 4731 8399, 0411 892 242, or email ttarawa@anglicare.org.au
• Bidwill Playgroup for Koori families meets Tuesdays, 9.30am-11.30am during class at Bidwill Public School, Bunya Rd, Bidwill. Inquiries: Dianne 9628 2444.
• Dharruk Dawson Playgroup meets at Dawson Public School, Tuesdays 9am-11am. Children up to five years old. Parents and carers welcome. Inquiries: Tracey 9832 8789.
• Emerton Little Teddies Playgroup meets at Emerton Public School, Tuesdays 9.30am-11.30am for children up to five years. Inquiries: Angela 0404 129 446.
• Mt Druitt Jumping Beans Playgroup meets at Mt Druitt Community Health Centre, Tuesdays 10am-noon, for children up to six years. Inquiries: Therese 9625 5257.
• Colyton Little Tigers Playgroup meets at Colyton Neighbourhood Centre, Tuesdays 10am-noon. Parents and carers welcome. Inquiries: Nicole: 9623 7735.
• Noumea Playgroup for infants up to five years runs 9.15am-11am, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Noumea Public School, Shalvey. Inquiries: Terry, 9628 6929. 

Wednesday

• Rooty Hill Playgroup meets at Rooty Hill School Of Arts hall, Wednesdays, 9.30am-11.30am, for children up to 6 years. Inquiries: Kathy 0425 205 814.
• St Clair Jelly Beans Playgroup meets at Cook Parade Neighbourhood Centre, Wednesdays 10am-noon for children up to six years. Inquiries: Diane 9834 2881. 

Thursday

• St Clair Buddies Playgroup meets at Autumn Leaf Neighbourhood Centre, Thursdays 11am-1pm for children up to five years. Inquiries: Helen 4647 7997.
• Oakhurst Scally Waggs Playgroup meets at Oakhurst Community Centre, Thursdays 9am-11am for children up to five years old. Inquiries: Deb 8840 8803.
• Erksine Park Kids Club Playgroup meets at Erskine Park Community Centre, Tuesdays 9.30am-11.30am for children up to six years. Inquiries: Rochelle 9834 2859.

Friday

• Mt Druitt Lighthouse Club meets Fridays 4pm-6pm at the Presbyterian church hall, Mt Druitt Rd, Mt Druitt. No cost. Inquiries: Dennis or Elizabeth, 9625 2849.
• Hassall Grove Rugrats Playgroup meets at Hassall Grove Neighbourhood Centre, Fridays 9.30am-11.30am for children up to five years. Inquiries: Olivia 9628 2634.
• St Clair Chipmunks Playgroup meets at St Clair Youth and Neighbourhood Centre, Cook Parade, Fridays 10am-noon. Children up to five years. Inquiries: Michelle 0412 495 301.
• St Mary's Little Angels Playgroup meets at St Marys South Primary School Fridays 10.30am-12.30pm. For children up to six years. Inquiries: Linda 0430 481 771.

Community Calendar is free. Information must be in writing and must include a contact telephone number. Send your information by mail or fax (contact details in Your Guide on Page 2), or email editor@mtdruittstandard.com.au or visit www.mtdruittstandard.com.au by the Tuesday one week before the desired publication date.