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This booklet was produced by the Blue Mountains City Council. To download a copy of this booklet: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au (go to Council Services then Community Services then Childrens Services) For enquiries or orders contact: 4780 5542 Postal address: Locked Bag 1005, Katoomba NSW 2780 Council email: council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
The Blue Mountains City Council recognises the Gundungurra and Darug people as the traditional owners of the Blue Mountains. BMCC 2007
Welcome
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This guide connects you with everything the community has to offer you and the children you care about! Included are sections on childcare, preschool and school aged services through to parenting support, meeting other parents, health services and recreation activities. For on-line parenting information we recommend you visit the Raising Children Networks website www.raisingchildren.org.au. To download a copy of this booklet please visit www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au (go to Council Services then Community Services then Childrens Services).
Community Outcomes Team, Blue Mountains City Council
Contents
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Uniting Kids Care .......................................4751 9314 4 Lewin Street, Springwood Hours: 7.30am 6.00pm; 2-5 years
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PRESCHOOLS
Provide short day care beginning from ages 2-3 to enhance developmental outcomes and school readiness. Operate during school terms only. KU Hazelbrook Preschool.........................4758 7888 48-50 Oaklands Road, Hazelbrook Hours: 9.00am 3.00pm; 3-5 years Lapstone Preschool....................................4739 2606 173 Explorers Road, Lapstone Hours: 8.45am 2.45pm; 3-5 years Lawson Community Pre-School..............4759 1776 16 Honour Avenue, Lawson Hours: 9.00am 3.00pm; 3-6 years Springwood District Preschool................4751 3360 9 Macquarie Road, Springwood Hours: 9.00am 3.00pm; 3-5 years Wentworth Falls Pre School Kindergarten...............................................4757 1044 Corner Day and Armstrong Streets, Wentworth Falls Hours: 9.00am 3.00pm; 3-5 years Winmalee and District Preschool...........4754 1737 Whitecross Road, Winmalee Hours: 9.00am 3.00pm; 3-6 years
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OCCASIONAL CARE
Shorter hours, irregular days and/or occasional day care for children 0-6 years. Blue Mountains Occasional Child Care Service ................................0412 932 801 Offers occasional childcare at the locations below on a regular basis; phone to book. Blackheath: Baptist Church, Kubya Street, Blackheath Hours: Fridays 9.30am 1.00pm Lawson: Mid Mountains Community Centre, New Street, Lawson Hours: Wednesdays 9.30am 2.00pm Winmalee: Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre, 62 Whitecross Road, Winmalee Hours: Tuesdays 9.30am 2.00pm Blaxland: St Johns Road Complex, St Johns Road, Blaxland Hours: Mondays 9.30am 12.30pm Mikayla Childrens Services Inc ...............4782 4220 2 Edward Street, Katoomba Hours: Monday Friday 8.30am 5.30pm Occasional and permanent bookings available. Mountain Mobile Minders (MMM)........4758 6833 Offers onsite childcare to non-profit services running community groups and meetings.
SUPPORTED PLAYGROUPS
Supported playgroups particularly benefit children who have not accessed an early childhood education through formal centre-based care at either a preschool or long day care centre. Connect Child and Family Services ........4758 9966 48-50 Oaklands Road, Hazelbrook Provides Starting School supported playgroups in 15 schools across the Nepean region and general supported playgroups. Mountains Outreach Community Service ...................................4758 6811 48-50 Oaklands Road, Hazelbrook Supported playgroup program varies; contact service for current program.
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CHOOSING AN EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICE
All Childrens Services provide both care and education to children. In NSW, long day care, preschool, occasional care and family day care services are required to provide an early childhood education program as part of their service. Receiving a quality early childhood education has many long-term developmental benefits for children. All children are influenced by the quality of the early childhood education and care they receive. The overall quality of a childrens service is determined by six factors:
Working conditions for staff Positive work conditions, such as access to training and appropriate remuneration, support staff commitment to their work. High-quality programs based on good relationships Children learn through strong, positive relationships with staff who respond to their needs and provide play opportunities which help stimulate development. For more information visit www.rch.org.au/ccch (go to Products and Publications and then Policy Briefs).
Level of staff training and qualifications Higher training and qualifications of staff influence the effectiveness of staff working with children. Ratio of staff members to children Smaller ratios are more beneficial for children, particularly those under 3. Group size Small group sizes are beneficial to children, particularly those under 3. Staff turnover Children need secure, trusting and responsive relationships with staff. It takes time to build good relationships; low staff turnover is therefore better for children.
Childrens Services benefit families by providing a place for parents to meet each other and receive parenting support. Centrelinks Child Care Benefit (CCB) is available to eligible families using long day care centres, occasional care and family day care services. For a full description of the CCB and the services it is linked to visit www.facs.gov.au (go to Families and then Child Care).
Mt Victoria Out of School Hours Care ...4787 1202 Mt Victoria Public School, Mt Victoria Hours: 3.00pm 6.00pm Noiseworks .................................................4739 8039 72-74 Old Bathurst Road, Blaxland East Hours: 6.30am 9.00am/3.00pm 6.30pm Pinnaroo OOSH ..........................................4754 1543 Winmalee Public School, Winmalee Hours: 6.30am 9.30am/2.30pm 6.30pm Tanderra.......................................................4751 5215 14 Raymond Road, Springwood Hours: 6.30am 9.30am/2.30pm 6.30pm Wentworth Falls After School Care ........4757 3399 Wentworth Falls Public School, Wentworth Falls Hours: 2.45pm 6.00pm
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Katoomba Neighbourhood Centre ........4782 2533 10 Station Street, Katoomba Hours: 7.00am 6.00pm Lapstone Out of School Hours Service ..4739 0410 Lapstone Public School, Lapstone Hours: 7.30am 6.00pm Mid Mountains Out of School Hours Service..............................................4758 8751 Hazelbrook Public School, Hazelbrook Hours: 7.00am 6.00pm Mountain Kidz Out of School Care .................0401 270 570/4759 1499 Lawson Public School, Lawson Hours: 7.00am 6.00pm Noiseworks .................................................4739 8039 72-74 Old Bathurst Road, Blaxland East Hours: 8.00am 6.00pm Pinnaroo OOSH ..........................................4754 1543 Winmalee Public School, Winmalee Hours: 6.30am 6.30pm Tanderra.......................................................4751 5215 14 Raymond Road, Springwood Hours: 7.00am 6.30pm Wentworth Falls Out of School Hours Care...................................................4757 3399 Wentworth Falls Public School, Wentworth Falls Hours: 8.00am 6.00pm
VACATION CARE
Long day care and activities during school holidays for children 5-12 years. Blackheath Vacation Care ........................4780 5652 Blackheath Public School, Blackheath Hours: 8.00am 6.00pm Jelly Bean Kids ............................................4739 8092 St Johns Rd Community Complex, St Johns Road, Blaxland Hours: 7.00am 6.00pm
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FAMILY DAY CARE
A home-based childcare service run by Blue Mountains City Council employing registered care providers offering full-time, part-time, occasional and out of school hours care for children 0-12 years. The service can also provide weekend, late night, in-home and overnight care in certain circumstances. Lower Mountains Family Day Care Scheme .......................................4739 5591 St Johns Road Community Complex, St Johns Road, Blaxland Upper and Mid Mountains Family Day Care Scheme .......................................4780 5688 2 Station Street, Katoomba
PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Orientation days for children starting kindergarten in the following year are held by most schools, ring for details. If you are new to the area call the school(s) where you are considering enrolling your child to arrange a time to visit. Blackheath Public School .........................4787 8253 Blaxland East Primary School..................4739 1766 Blaxland Public School..............................4739 2817 Blue Mountains Christian School...........4787 8645 Blue Mountains Grammar School..........4757 9000 Blue Mountains Steiner School ..............4758 6044 Ellison Public School..................................4751 5099 Faulconbridge Public School....................4751 2208 Glenbrook Public School...........................4739 1274 Hazelbrook Primary School .....................4758 6120 Katoomba North Primary School ...........4782 2743 Katoomba Public School...........................4782 1226 Korowal........................................................4757 2253 Lapstone Primary School..........................4739 2208 Lawson Public School................................4759 1196 Leura Public School....................................4784 1251 Megalong Public School ...........................4787 9159 Mount Riverview Public School ..............4739 2180 Mount Victoria Public School ..................4787 1255 Our Lady of the Nativity School..............4759 1787 Springwood Public School........................4751 1333 St Canice's Primary School.......................4782 1260 St Finbar's Primary School .......................4739 1796 St Thomas Aquinas Primary School .......4754 2554 Warrimoo Public School ...........................4753 6182 Wentworth Falls Public School ...............4757 1604 Winmalee Public School...........................4754 1574 Wycliffe Christian School .........................4753 6422
Mother Safe 24-Hour Hotline............................. 9382 6539/1800 647 848 Provides information on drug use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Multiple Birth Association: Blue Mountains........................4787 5443/4782 6606 Nepean ..................................................................4736 4794 A volunteer organisation established and run by parents of multiple births to provide support, resources and education. New Parent Support Groups: Springwood Health Centre ..........................4751 0100 288-292 Macquarie Road, Springwood Katoomba Health Centre..............................4782 8201 93 Waratah Street, Katoomba Information and support for new parents and a chance to meet other new parents in a group setting. Tresillian ......................................................4734 2124 1b Barber Avenue, Kingswood A centre for families with children 0-3 years providing guidance on parenting issues such as breastfeeding, sleep, settling and postnatal depression. Tresillian 24-Hour Help Line...............1800 637 357 24-hour advice and support for families with young children by professional midwives and early childhood nurses.
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PARENTING SUPPORT
Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre .........................................4782 6569 Clairvaux, 14 Oak Street, Katoomba Aboriginal Family Support Worker available to support Aboriginal families. Blue Mountains Family Support.............4782 1555 TTY for deaf or hearingimpaired callers .................................................4782 1671 10 Station Street, Katoomba Parenting support, crisis counselling, ongoing support services, early intervention support, referral and material aid for families and individuals in the Blue Mountains. Family Relationship Advice Line........1800 050 321 Confidential advice about the family law system for all people affected by family relationship or separation issues and difficulties. This Federal Government service is available Monday Friday 8.00am to 8.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm. Family Relationship Centre......................4720 4999 27 Lawson Street (Corner Henry St), Penrith Information, support and referral for families about starting relationships, making relationships stronger, relationship difficulties and parental separation. Parents separating can access professional support in dispute resolution and making a parenting plan. Therapeutic groups available for children. See www.familyrelationships.gov.au for more information.
Gunedoo Service........................................4782 5326 Clairvaux, 14 Oak Street, Katoomba Counselling and therapy for children and their families with child protection concerns. Katoomba Adolescent Family Counselling Service ...................................4782 4436 31 Waratah Street, Katoomba Counselling services for families about parentchild communication difficulties, family crises and change, including separation, teenagers leaving home, death and blended families. Kinship Care................................................4751 3033 Springwood Neighbourhood Centre, 108 Macquarie Road, Springwood Information, referral, support groups and social activities for anyone with the primary care of a relatives child/children living in the Blue Mountains, Penrith and Hawkesbury areas.
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Lower Mountains Early Intervention.....4739 5963 Lower Mountains Family Support, 72 Old Bathurst Road, Blaxland General parenting support, information, advice and referral services for parents with children 0-5 years and expecting parents in the Woodford to Lapstone areas. Lower Mountains Family and Adolescent Counselling............................4754 5411 56 Whitecross Road, Winmalee Counselling services for families about parentchild communication difficulties, family crises and change, including separation, teenagers leaving home, death and blended families.
Lower Mountains Family Support..........4739 5963 72 Old Bathurst Road, Blaxland Parenting support, crisis counselling, ongoing support services, early intervention support, referral and material aid for families and individuals in the Lower Mountains. Parenting Young.........................................4758 6844 Mountains Outreach Community Service, 48-50 Oaklands Road, Hazelbrook Support groups and resources for parents under 24 years of age across the Blue Mountains. School Counsellors District Officer.........4751 2208 All public schools provide assessment services for children with learning difficulties and counselling for children and families. For more information contact your local school. Upper Mountains Early Intervention.....4782 1555 Blue Mountains Family Support, 10 Station Street, Katoomba General parenting support, information, advice and referral services for parents with children 0-5 years and expecting parents in the Mt Victoria to Hazelbrook areas. Wesley Dalmar Nepean Adolescent and Family Services...................................4721 8070 Suite 4, 2 Castlereagh Street, Penrith Counselling services for families about parentchild communication difficulties, family crises and change, including separation, teenagers leaving home, death and blended families.
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GROUPS FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
Family Links Program................................4739 5963 Lower Mountains Family Support, 72 Old Bathurst Road, Blaxland Provides groups such as 1, 2, 3 Magic and Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) to support parenting skills. Topics covered include developing support networks, behaviour management, communication, ADHD, divorce and blended family issues. Groups provided across the Blue Mountains. Gunedoo Service........................................4782 5326 Clairvaux, 14 Oak Street, Katoomba Parenting groups and groups for children where there has been family violence. Hazo Happenings ......................................4758 6811 Mountains Outreach Community Service, 48-50 Oaklands Road, Hazelbrook Offers a range of activities for children and families living within the Hazelbrook area. Informal Parent Discussion Groups .......4739 5963 Lower Mountains Family Support, 72 Old Bathurst Road, Blaxland Provides outreach parenting education and support in informal group settings across the Blue Mountains. Mountain Mobile Minders (MMM)........4758 6833 Offers on-site childcare for non-profit services running community groups and meetings. Mountains Outreach Community Services (MOCS) .........................................4758 6811 48-50 Oaklands Road, Hazelbrook Provides child and family information and resources, parenting and support groups, supported playgroups, occasional childcare and community education across the Blue Mountains. Playgroups NSW ............ 9604 5513/1800 171 882 Provides information on regular informal gatherings of parents, carers and children 0-5 years across the Blue Mountains. Can also assist those setting up new playgroups. Parenting Young.........................................4758 6844 Mountains Outreach Community Service, 48-50 Oaklands Road, Hazelbrook Support groups and resources for parents under 24 years of age across the Blue Mountains. Play Partners...............................................4758 9966 Connect Child and Family Services, 48-50 Oaklands Road, Hazelbrook An integrated playgroup for children 0-6 years with developmental delays and/or disabilities and their families. Please see also Supported Playgroups on page 5.
HEALTH SERVICES
Aboriginal Health Worker........................4759 8700 Lawson Community Health Centre, 8-12 Honour Avenue, Lawson Aboriginal worker for advice, consultations and referrals for the Aboriginal community. Child and Adolescent Development Unit.....................................4784 6671 Blue Mountains Anzac Memorial Hospital, Woodlands Road, Katoomba Services for children and young people with mild developmental delays and disorders. Also physiotherapy and nutritional dietetic service provided for all families.
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Community Health Centres: Katoomba Community Health Centre ...4782 8201 93 Waratah Street, Katoomba Springwood Community Health Centre .....................................................4751 0100 288 Macquarie Road, Springwood Lawson Community Health Centre .........4759 8700 8-12 Honour Avenue, Lawson Provide information and services in relation to alcohol and other drug usage, mental health support services, family and relationship counselling and other health-related matters. Speech therapy, hearing services, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and opthalmology (vision) services for children 0-12 years. Community Health In-take Number ....................................1800 222 608 Referral to the range of community health services available through the Sydney South West Area Health Service. Dental Services...........................................4751 0100 Springwood Community Health Centre, 288 Macquarie Road, Springwood Free service for children 0-14 years.
Early Childhood Clinics: Lower Mountains Clinic Co-ordinator ....4751 0100 Upper and Mid Mountains Clinic Co-ordinator...........................................4782 8201 Monitor growth and development of children 0-5 years and provide support for parents. Contact the numbers above for details of your nearest clinic. Hearing Services: Katoomba Community Health Centre ...4782 8201 93 Waratah Street, Katoomba Springwood Community Health Centre .....................................................4751 0100 288 Macquarie Road, Springwood Free service for children. Immunisation Clinics: Katoomba Community Health Centre ...4782 2133 93 Waratah Street, Katoomba Springwood Community Health Centre .....................................................4751 0100 288 Macquarie Road, Springwood Provide immunisation treatment and information about the prevention of infectious diseases. For the details of your nearest clinic contact your local community health centre.
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MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Access .....................................................1800 650 749 Community Assessment Liaison Centre, Barber Road, Nepean Hospital, Penrith 24-hour mental health assessment and referral service. The Access team is the communitys first point of contact to access the range of mental health services available. Commonwealth Care-link Centre....................................1800 052 222 General information about the range of mental health, disability and aged services available. Community Health Mental Health Teams: Katoomba Community Health Centre .....................................................4782 2133 93 Waratah Street, Katoomba Springwood Community Health Centre .....................................................4751 0100 288 Macquarie Road, Springwood Information about mental health services available in the Blue Mountains, including case management. GROW.....................................................1800 032 120 Provides information, education and support groups to people with a mental health illness and their carers. GROW has a range of local Blue Mountains groups. SANE .......................................................1800 187 263 Non-profit organisation providing information and referral to mainly community and non-profit mental health and depression services. www.sane.org.au Westworks ..................................................4721 8187 123 Evan Street, Penrith Provides employment for people with mental illnesses plus a carer support and respite service in the Blue Mountains and Penrith.
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CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND DISABILITY SERVICES
Child Development Information and Services:
Early Intervention Workers: Lower Mountains Family Support............4739 5963 72 Old Bathurst, Blaxland Blue Mountains Family Support ...............4782 1555 10 Station Street, Katoomba Advice about childrens developmental milestones and support for families with children who have a developmental delay. School Counsellors District Officer.........4751 2208 All public schools provide assessment services for children with learning difficulties and counselling for children and families. For more information contact your local school. Lapstone Early Development Program/Lapstone Pre-School ................4739 2606 173 Explorers Road, Lapstone Screening, information and advice service for children with disabilities in the Lower Mountains. Springwood Childrens Centre.................4751 4642 70 Macquarie Road, Springwood Integrated music and movement program for preschoolers and children with disabilities, including speech therapy and remedial assessment. Visit www.local.com.au/scc for more information. Vision Australia ....................................1300 847 466 TTY for deaf or hearingimpaired callers ...................................................9334 3260 Provides programs to facilitate development and access to education for children and adults.
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YOUTH CENTRES
Mid Mountains Youth Centre..................4759 1012 Great Western Highway, Lawson Mountain Youth Resource Centre (MYRO)............................................4739 4416 11a Calver Avenue, Mt Riverview Mountains Youth Servic Team (MYST)...4751 1005 183 Macquarie Street, Springwood Upper Mountains Youth Centre..............4782 2875 31 Waratah Street, Katoomba Winmalee Youth Centre ...........................4754 5125 46 Whitecross Road, Winmalee Youth Centres provide young people aged 12-18 years with access to free drop-in after school recreational activities such as drama, music, cooking, graffiti art, art and craft. Information and referral to other services also provided. For information on other youth services and activities, contact the Youth Services Development Officer, Blue Mountains City Council, on 4780 5546.
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CHILD PROTECTION
DoCS Helpline ..................132 111 (TTY 9633 7698) This 24-hour telephone reporting service for the NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS) is for anyone who has concerns for the safety of a child or young person. If the child or young person is assessed as at risk of harm, DoCS will try to work with the family, other agencies and professionals to make sure the child is safe. If a child is in immediate danger, they will be moved to a safe place. DoCS will aim to involve the child or young person and their family as much as possible in decisions which affect them. Child Abuse Prevention Service (CAPS)..................9716 8000/1800 668 009 This 24-hour community-based telephone service provides phone counselling, information, support and reporting services for parents and individuals concerned for the safety of a child. The service aims to provide warm and understanding support to parents and carers who are under stress or who are concerned they may harm their child.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Fire/Ambulance/Police Emergencies..................000 Rural Fire Service ..................................1800 049 933 State Emergency Service...............................132 500 Integral Energy Emergency Number ..........131 003
ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY
The Gundungurra and Darug people are recognised as the traditional owners of the Blue Mountains area. Aboriginal Culture and Resource Centre .........................................4782 6569 Clairvaux, 14 Oak Street, Katoomba Informal and friendly gatherings and discussions. Aboriginal Family Support Worker available to support Aboriginal families. Aboriginal Health Worker........................4759 8700 Lawson Community Health Centre, 8-12 Honour Avenue, Lawson Aboriginal worker for advice, consultations and referrals for the Aboriginal community.
Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation.................................................4577 5181 PO Box 36, Kellyville NSW 2155 Darug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation......9671 3991 PO Box 441, Blacktown NSW 2148 Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council ...............................................9832 2457 271 Beames Avenue, Mt Druitt NSW 2770 Gundungurra Local Aboriginal Land Council ...............................................9602 5280 2/103 Moore Street, Liverpool NSW 2170 Gully Traditional Owners .........................4757 3223 Gundungurra Tribal Council ....................4782 9354 Clairvaux, 14 Oak Street, Katoomba Working for self-determination and self-sufficiency for Gundungurra people. Link Up .........................................................4759 1911 5 Wallis Street, Lawson Works with Aboriginal adults who have been separated from their family of origin. NSW Aboriginal Land Council .................9689 4444 Available for discussion with children and families interested in Aboriginal culture.
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Learn to Swim Programs ......................... 4782 1748 Operate throughout the Mountains; see page 27 for more information. Library Services and Activities.................4780 5750 Operate throughout the Mountains; see page 27 for more information. Parks Managed by Council.......................4780 5000 Eighteen parks across the Mountains; see page 29 for more information. Swimming Pools ........................................4780 5000 Five pools across the Mountains; see page 31 for more information. Team Toddler ..............................................4723 5111 Springwood Aquatic Centre; see page 24 for more information. Tumbling Tots Gymnastics.......................4782 1748 Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre; see page 24 for more information.
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OTHER GOVERNMENT SERVICES
NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS): Katoomba.............................................................4782 3066 Penrith....................................................................4731 6222 Responsible for monitoring, investigating and responding to reported concerns in relation to the abuse and suspected risks of harm of children 0-18 years. To report ALL child protection concerns call the DoCS Helpline..................132 111 Department of Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs........................1300 653 227 Responsible for social policies, programs and general enquiries in relation to the living standards of Australian families. Centrelink Appointments .............................131 021 Provides information and assessment of eligibility for pensions and benefits such as unemployment benefits, Austudy, Abstudy, sole parenting pensions, youth allowances, aged care pensions and disability pensions. Family Assistance Office ...............................136 150 Provides information and assessment of eligibility for family assistance payments, baby bonus payments and other family tax rebate entitlements.
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Katoomba Youth Refuge ..........................4782 3646 Short-term crisis accommodation in a home environment for youth 15-18 years. Open House Accommodation Services ........................................................4751 3105 Short-to medium-term accommodation in a home environment for youth 15-18 years. Youth outreach and indigenous youth housing services also available.
Legal Aid Commission of Australia ........4732 3077 95 Henry Street, Penrith Provides information and assistance in relation to financial assistance for legal matters.
LEGAL SERVICES
Childrens Legal Service ............................4731 5155 95 Henry Street, Penrith Provides information and assistance in relation to legal matters affecting children and young people. Domestic Violence Court Assistance Schemes: Lithgow and Katoomba Courts..................4782 4155 Penrith and Mt Druitt Courts .....................4731 5098 Provides assistance to women dealing with court proceedings in relation to relationship violence. Elizabeth Evatt Community Legal Centre ................................................4782 4155 6 Station Street, Katoomba Provides free legal support, education, information and referral services. Family Relationship Advice Line........1800 050 321 Confidential advice about the family law system for all people affected by family relationship or separation issues and difficulties. This Federal Government service is available Monday Friday 8.00amto8.00pm,andSaturday 10.00amto 4.00pm.
Team Toddler ..............................................4723 5111 Springwood Aquatic Centre, Plateau Road, Springwood Classes for children 2.5-5 years aimed at developing gross motor skills. Tumbling Tots .............................................4782 1748 Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre, Farnells Road, Katoomba Introduction to gymnastics classes for children 2-5 years. Also see Caring for a Baby on page 10 and Groups for Parents and Children on page 13.
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ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN 5 YEARS AND UP
Aikido Classes.............................................4782 2430 Martial arts classes the Aikido Way for ages 5 and up; parents participation encouraged. Blue Mountains Academy of Classical Ballet and Dance........................................4754 3515 Classical ballet, contemporary, jazz ballet and national dancing for children four years and up. Blue Mountains Yoga Studio, Katoomba....................................................4782 6718 Iyengar yoga classes for beginners and advanced yoga students; ages 7 to 70 welcome. Girl Guides Association of NSW..............4739 6087 Group activities for girls and young women aimed at building confidence, self-respect and community responsibility. Katoomba Dance Theatre ........................4787 5157 Classes and workshops in modern dance, performance and production. Horse Riding, Centennial Glen Stables................................................4787 1193 Horse riding, sulky and pony rides, mountain trail riding for children 3 years and up. Riding for the Disabled.............................4739 6829 Horse riding for children and adults with a disability; for children 5 years and up. Scout Association of Australia Blue Mountains..........................................4739 4287 Group activities aimed at encouraging the development of young people for the betterment of themselves, families and communities. This is a sample list of recreational activities. Please refer to the Yellow Pages for information about other activities for children.
BUSHWALKING
The walks listed below are suitable for families and small children; however, care must be taken as many walks can become uneven and pass through water and near cliff edges and large drops. This is purely a guide and judgement should always be used based on the individual childs capacity for outdoor activity. Children should always be closely supervised while enjoying the Blue Mountains natural bushland. For more information on the bushwalks listed below, or bushland-related activities, please contact your nearest National Parks and Wildlife Office.
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Bushwalks
Knapsack Gully Viaduct Glenbrook/Warrimoo Grade: Easy/Length: Approx 2 km return/ Time to walk: 1 hour Lapstone Zig Zag/Knapsack Gully Viaduct Glenbrook/Warrimoo Grade: Easy/Length: Approx 3 km return/ Time to walk: 1 hour Madoline Glen/Birdwood Gully Springwood Grade: Easy/Length: Approx 2.5 km return/ Time to walk: 1.5 hours Denei Reserve Interpretive Walk Springwood Grade: Easy/Length: Approx 1.5 km return/ Time to walk: 1 hour Dantes Glen/Empire Pass/Frederica Falls Lawson Grade: Medium/Length: Approx 4 km circuit/ Time to walk: 2.5 hours
South Lawson Waterfall Circuit Lawson Grade: Medium/Length: Approx 4 km circuit/ Time to walk: 2.5 hours Charles Darwin Walk Wentworth Falls Grade: Easy/Length: Approx 2.5 km (one way)/Time to walk: 1.5 hours Katoomba Falls Round Walk Katoomba Grade: Medium/Length: Approx 1 km circuit/ Time to walk: 1 hour Minnehaha Falls Katoomba Grade: Medium/Length: Approx 2 km circuit/ Time to walk: 1.5 hours Popes Glen/Govetts Leap Blackheath Grade: Medium/Length: Approx 6 km return/ Time to walk: 3 hours Berghofers Pass Mount Victoria/Mount York Grade: Medium/Length: Approx 3 km return/ Time to walk: 1 hour Coxs Road/Nature Walk Mount Victoria/Mount York Grade: Medium/Length: Approx 3 km return/ Time to walk: 2 hours
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Bushwalking Groups
Freeman Experience ............................1300 132 906 Guided bushwalks covering geology, flora and fauna, and Aboriginal and European history. Blue Mountain Guides..............................4782 6109 Guided bushwalks. Tracks graded for both novice and advanced walkers, including families with young children. Blue Mountains Conservation Society ................................4757 1872 Provides information on bushwalks suitable for very small children and families with prams.
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Library Services for Children and Families
Babytime Sessions Monthly sessions for parents and their children 0-2 years. Library staff read books, tell tales, sing songs and finish with open discussion time and gentle baby massage. Fab Friday A monthly after school club for children 5-12 years filled with craft, games, stories, pen pal schemes and lots more. Selected libraries only. Holiday Fun Holiday activities for a range of ages. Special Events Special sessions for groups, playgroups and preschools available on request. For details call the Childrens and Youth Services Librarian. Storytime Sessions Weekly sessions filled with stories, songs and crafts for children 0-12 years. Toy Library Borrow toys for children 0-12 years for up to three weeks. Catalogues to view available toys are at every library. Joining fee $12-$15, with concessions available.
MOVIE THEATRES
The Edge ......................................................4782 8900 225-237 Great Western Highway, Katoomba Mt Vic Flicks ................................................4787 1577 Harley Avenue, Mt Victoria Glenbrook Cinema.....................................4739 4433 Great Western Highway, Glenbrook Penrith Cinema ..........................................4732 1121 Penrith Plaza, Corner Riley and Jane Streets, Penrith
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Gordon Falls Reserve Lone Pine Avenue, Leura Small play equipment centre, picnic settings, shelters, BBQ and access to bushwalk tracks. Wentworth Falls Lake Sinclair Crescent, Wentworth Falls Two large play equipment centres, toilets, picnic settings, jetty, tame ducks and geese. Wilson Park Falls Road, Wentworth Falls Large play equipment centre, toilets, picnic settings, shelters and close to Charles Darwin Walk. Wilson Park Bernards Drive, Lawson Large play equipment centre, toilets, picnic settings, shelters and easy access to Lawson Pool. Golden Horizons Park Blue Hills Road, Hazelbrook Small and medium play equipment centres, unsheltered picnic settings and BBQ. Gloria Park Lester Road, Hazelbrook Medium play equipment centre, toilets, picnic settings, shelters and sportsgrounds. Glenbrook Park Park Street, Glenbrook (wheelchair accessible) Small and medium play equipment centres, toilets, picnic areas, shelters and BBQ.
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Thomas Park Boorea Street, Blaxland East Small and medium play equipment centres, BBQs, picnic areas and shelters. Else-Mitchell Reserve Prince Street, Springwood Medium play equipment centre, picnic area, shelters and BBQ. Buttenshaw Park Great Western Highway, Springwood Large play equipment centre, benches, picnic areas, BBQs and access to Springwood Pool. Jackson Park Sir Henrys Parade, Faulconbridge Medium play equipment centre, shelters, toilets and access to short bushwalk tracks. Bulls Camp Reserve Great Western Highway, Woodford Open grassy area with small lake, toilets, picnic settings and shelters.
SPORTS CLUBS
This is a sample list of sporting and activity clubs for children 5 years and up. Please refer to the Yellow Pages for information on other sporting clubs for children. Blackheath Soccer Club ............................4787 7283 Blaxland Soccer Club.................................4739 8201 Blue Mountains Indoor Sports................4759 2333 Blue Mountains Netball Association .....4739 1515 Blue Mountains Soccer Club....................4739 5121 Glenbrook District Little Athletics..........4735 3475 Hazelbrook Soccer Club............................4758 9537 Katoomba District Little Athletics..........4757 3806 Katoomba Junior Rugby League .......0414 825 343 Lower Mountains Church Soccer Club..................................................4753 6602 Lower Mountains Touch Football Club...............................................4751 4441 Springwood and Districts Basketball Association..............................4739 8999 Springwood District Little Athletics.......4754 4055 Springwood Tennis Centre.......................4751 5383 Wentworth Falls Cricket Club .................4757 3649
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Lawson Swim Centre.................................4759 1458 Wilson Park, St Bernards Drive, Lawson Heated and open October to April. Springwood Aquatic and Fitness Centre.............................................4723 5111 Plateau Road, Springwood Indoor heated 25m pool, pool with ramp access, leisure pool with children's beach area, water slide, turbo pool, spa, sauna, steam room, fitness centres, childminding, fully catered cafeteria and fitness accessories shop. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
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Project Co-ordination: Maria Losurdo Editing: Community Outcomes, BMCC Design: Pro Bono Publico Printing: Bennetts Printing BMCC 2006