In the Community - Autumn 2026

Max Potential Turns 20!

From Mudgee to Kandos, Gulgong and beyond, Max Potential has supported hundreds of young people to grow in confidence, resilience and leadership - and make a real impact in their communities.

This year marks 20 years of Max Potential in the Mid-Western Region - a program where Year 10 and TAFE students are matched with trained local coaches for a 22-week journey to build confidence, strengthen habits, grow resilience, and create real community impact.

Thanks to the backing of local sponsors like Club Mudgee, ACEN Australia, and many others, the program continues to thrive.

Real stories, real change: Projects like intergenerational art classes, youth-run trivia nights and wellbeing initiatives are just some of the ways young people are stepping up, and stepping out - as local leaders. Want to get involved? Nominate a student, become a coach, or sponsor a place - and help grow the next generation of regional changemakers.

For more info please contact Carla Wilson:
[email protected] or 0428 166 743. 

Studies in Sustainability

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Mudgee Region is very excited to have +245 registered students since opening in March 2024. This achievement demonstrates how important and wanted is the opportunity for the youths within the region to pursue dreams and study online with any University in Australia, and for those already in the workforce a place to focus away from day-to-day distractions.

This recognition of need was supported further when CUC Mudgee Region recently secured a grant application funded by ANZ Bank and the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal to hold a ‘Studies in Sustainability’ event at the CUC in Autumn.

The event will bring together visiting and local experts to talk about what sustainability really means across all roles in business – from human resources, to supply chain to marketing and governance. The day will focus on how sustainability is everyone’s business within an organisation and explain the different career paths and study paths. It will show how sustainability is a mindset and an imperative for all businesses.

For more information visit: cucmudgeeregion.org.au

Keeping Families Together

If you have a child or infant being treated in the Paediatric Ward or Special Care Nursery in Orange Hospital you can now access Ronald McDonald House with their new DAY PASS program
Families can book in during the day from Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm to access the House and recharge with wrap around support, such as a nourishing meal, use of their family laundry, and their relaxing communal spaces.

The Ronald McDonald House team work with kind corporate and community groups across the region including Meals on Wheels in Parkes and Forbes. The meals they provide for our families who stay with them are now also available to families who visit the House through their new Day Pass program.

For more information visit: rmhccwnsw.org.au

Iconic wombats need your help

The biggest threat affecting wombats right across NSW is Sarcoptic Mange. This painful condition is caused by mites burrowing under the skin resulting in loss of fur, crusty and itchy skin, constant thirst and left untreated leads is fatal - but with your help we can help save this iconic Australian species.

The WIRES Community Mange Treatment Program empowers people to help treat wombats in their own communities.

Their short online course explains how to identify mange so you can safely treat affected wombats under the guidance of experienced WIRES volunteers.

To apply and to watch the Mange explanation video please visit wires.org.au/wombat-mange-program

Building Local Crisis Capacity

The establishment of the Lifeline Central West Mudgee Hub continues to strengthen local crisis response capacity, supported by a growing network of community and corporate supporters.
This local backing helps underpin day-to-day operations and ensures services are available when people need them most.

Since opening, the Mudgee Hub has more than doubled its local Crisis Supporter workforce - growing from eight to 17 trained volunteers - ensuring more national Lifeline calls are answered locally by people embedded in the community they serve.

Additional volunteers are currently undertaking training, with further opportunities to get involved available throughout the year.

Organisations or businesses interested in supporting Lifeline Central West’s work in the region are encouraged to get in touch with Dayle Lummis: [email protected]