Western Sydney Community Centre

14/09/2026

Food Pantry Open Today!

Need to stock up on fresh produce and household essentials? Our Weekly Food Pantry is open today from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm!

Thanks to our wonderful volunteer Yu, in partnership with OzHarvest, we offer a range of affordably priced fresh fruit, vegetables, and household products to help support our local community.

No registration required – simply drop in while stocks last!

OzHarvest

11/09/2026

Be Connected: Sharing Our Experiences

On 13 August 2026, participants from our Arabic and Chinese community groups had the opportunity to share their experiences as part of the Be Connected program evaluation.

The consultation was facilitated by Lee Folland from Verian, an independent research agency evaluating the program on behalf of the Australian Government.

Participants shared their thoughts on how Be Connected has helped them build digital skills, confidence and greater independence. They enjoyed the opportunity to have their voices heard and felt their feedback was valued and could help improve the program for older people in our community.

Thank you to everyone who took part and shared their valuable experiences. Your voice helps shape the future of Be Connected!

10/09/2026

ADVOCACY IN ACTION: THE RIGHT SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their goals, build confidence and live as independently as possible.

Our Support Coordinator, Fatema Merhi, recently demonstrated the difference dedicated advocacy can make for two NDIS participants.

CASE STUDY 1 | Advocacy That Increased Independence
Working closely with the participant, family and allied health team, Fatema advocated for a bathroom safety rail and additional Core Supports. Through strong evidence and ongoing advocacy, the participant’s NDIS funding was doubled, providing greater access to the supports he needs.

CASE STUDY 2 | Turning “No” Into “Yes”
When a participant’s request for Core Supports was initially declined, Fatema continued advocating on his behalf. By coordinating detailed allied health evidence and working closely with his family and support team, the request was ultimately approved.

These outcomes show the value of having the right Support Coordinator in your corner, someone who listens, understands your needs and advocates for the supports that can make a real difference.

Through our NDIS services, we support participants to:

✨ Build confidence
✨ Develop life skills
✨ Increase independence
✨ Connect with others
✨ Participate in social and community activities
✨ Navigate their NDIS plan and access the right supports

Interested in learning more about our NDIS supports?
Contact us on 9649 2063 to speak with our friendly team.

09/09/2026

Would you like to connect with others, learn something new and take part in informative community activities?

Our Community Engagement Group brings people together for educational sessions, discussions and opportunities to connect with the community.

Recently, our group had the opportunity to attend an informative lung cancer awareness session with Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD). Participants learnt about risk factors, prevention, smoking and second-hand smoke, and the importance of early detection. The session also gave everyone the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences.

Interested in joining our group?

Contact Ilham on 9649 2063 or [email protected] for more information.

07/09/2026

💜Dementia Action Week 2026 | 21–27 September

We’re sharing this great initiative from Cumberland City Council, who are running a range of free sessions throughout Dementia Action Week to support people living with dementia, their families and carers.

🍽️ Mealtime with Dementia
🏃 Exercise with Dementia

These sessions are a great opportunity to learn practical tips, connect with others and discover ways to support people living with dementia.

If you or someone you know may benefit from these sessions, we encourage you to find out more and get involved. 💜

📅 21–27 September 2026

🔗 Find out more about Cumberland City Council’s Dementia Action Week program:
www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/dementia-action

Cumberland City Council

💜 Dementia Action Week 2026 – 21–27 September

Join us for free sessions supporting people living with dementia, their families and carers.

🍽️ Mealtime with Dementia
🏃 Exercise with Dementia

Learn practical tips, connect with others and discover ways to support people living with dementia.

For more information, visit:
www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/dementia-action

07/09/2026

HEALTHY DAY – FREE HEALTH CHECK-UPS!

Join us for Healthy Day and take advantage of:

🦷 FREE Dental Check-Ups
👂 FREE Hearing Check-Ups
👁️ FREE Sight & Vision Check-Ups
💚 FREE Health Advice from Western Sydney Local Health District
🫁 Information and advice about lung cancer, including risk factors, warning signs and prevention.

Who can access the free dental, hearing and sight checks?
Anyone holding a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.

Session Details:
When: Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: 98–100 Auburn Road, Auburn
Open to all ages – everyone is welcome!

REGISTER NOW! by contacting Ilham on 9649 2063 or by emailing [email protected]

Bring your valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card to access the free services.

One visit. Better health. Brighter future.

Proudly brought to you by Western Sydney Community Centre, in partnership with Mobileyes Dental Foundation Ltd and Western Sydney Local Health District.

07/09/2026

IT & Digital Skills for Carers

On 3 September, Arabic, Afghan and Chinese carers came together for an informative and interactive IT session provided by Carer Gateway – The Benevolent Society, with speakers Bella Jiang and Sayanthan Kumaran.

The session gave carers the opportunity to:
- Learn more about IT and digital technology
- Discover useful digital tools and services
- Ask questions and share experiences
- Build confidence using technology in everyday life

The feedback from carers was wonderful, with participants enjoying the opportunity to learn together and gain practical knowledge.

“It was a great opportunity to learn about IT and ask questions. I would like to attend more sessions like this.”

“I really enjoyed the session and found the information useful for my everyday life.”

Interested in joining this group or finding out more?

Contact Amira on 9649 2063 or email [email protected].

Everyone is welcome!

Carer Gateway

21/08/2026

Community Engagement Group – Exploring AI Technology

Our Community Engagement Group recently participated in a practical AI technology session.

Participants learned how AI can help them translate emails and written information into their preferred language, making it easier to understand messages and respond independently.

The group actively participated in the demonstration and were interested in how AI could be used in everyday life to help with communication and accessing information.

A simple and practical session helping our community build digital confidence and independence.

20/08/2026

Community Engagement Group – Immigration Information Session

We recently welcomed Walaa from Legacy Migration Services to our Community Engagement Group for a valuable and interactive session about immigration and migration-related matters.

The session was not just about listening to information — it gave participants the opportunity to ask direct questions about their own situations and circumstances. Participants were able to discuss matters that they or their families may currently be facing and receive practical guidance to help them better understand their options.

Walaa provided information about:

✅ Migration and immigration services
✅ Visa pathways
✅ Residency and citizenship processes
✅ Community support resources

The open and interactive discussion allowed participants to raise questions that were personally important to them. Walaa helped clarify concerns, provided guidance and encouraged participants to seek appropriate professional advice where required.

It was a great session that provided practical, relevant information in a welcoming environment, and participants appreciated having the opportunity to have their questions heard and addressed.

Our group provides a welcoming space to connect, ask questions, learn about important topics and access useful information and support.

Interested in joining our Community Engagement Group? Contact Ilham on 9649 2063 or email us at [email protected].