Encouraging Stronger Connections: Building Community in Western Sydney

Western Sydney is one of Australia’s most culturally diverse regions, with 58% of residents speaking a non-English language at home1. Almost half of the population were born overseas, and some face challenges in feeling connected to their local communities.

As mental wellbeing plays a crucial role in overall health, it’s vital to create spaces where community members can build relationships, feel supported and foster a sense of belonging. Our team have dedicated time and resources to providing place-based services, offering Western Sydney residents opportunities to connect, thrive and grow together.

Local Services for First Nations Community

Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation 

Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation exists so individuals and families can find support and connections to services that will help them heal from the past and nurture a strong sense of confidence and pride for the future. Programs include Family Gatherings, Kurung Homework Club, Young Mums and Bubs and Speak Up Sis.  

  • Call (02) 8608 6054 
  • Address: 252 Luxford Road, Emerton NSW
The Shed

The Shed is a welcoming community environment that supports Aboriginal community members by connecting them to mental health, health, housing, financial, disability, legal and cultural services. This program offers the opportunity for people to be empowered with knowledge and to be linked to culturally appropriate services that address their holistic needs. 

  • Call 1300 550 099 
  • Address: Corner of Weber Crescent and Emert Parade, Emerton NSW

Local Services for Older People

The Care Finder program assists vulnerable older people in the community who are unable to arrange services without intensive support and do not have family members or friends who can help.

Care Finder services will connect a client with a care finder who will meet them, usually in person, at their home or another place they choose. We have engaged three dedicated Care Finder organisations who will facilitate clients with care finder support. They are:

Aspire4Life – For people living in the Blacktown and The Hills LGAs.

Your Side Australia – For people living in the Cumberland and Parramatta LGAs.

Wesley Mission – For older people experiencing homelessness or risk of homelessness.

Local Services for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities

STARTTS – Building Community Resilience

The NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) helps people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds develop a sense of community and belonging to improve their wellbeing.  

Their dedicated team run group sessions such as art classes, yoga, English lessons, health workshops, cultural days and outings to create a safe space for people to build trust, share their feelings and create a support network within the community.

From running youth ambassador programs, to LGBTQIA+ support groups, to their Keeping in Contact (KiC) group for seniors, STARTTS run programs that welcome people from all backgrounds.  

  • Call (02) 9646 6700 
  • Locations include Auburn and Blacktown

Additional Programs

This is just a snapshot of services and programs we fund or support. For more information about programs and services available to community in Western Sydney, please visit our Programs and Priorities webpage

 

1 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2021), ‘Census of Population and Housing 2021’, available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/population-census/2021

Information is correct as of 30 January 2025

 
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