Central West

The Deaf Society supports Deaf people in the Central West region, covering the area from the Hunter Valley and Blue Mountains (in the East) to Condobolin (in the North West) to ACT border (in the South), and includes Bathurst, Orange, Forbes, Young and Parkes.

This region has one of the oldest and longest running Deaf Clubs in NSW. In 2007, the Central West Deaf Club based in Orange celebrated its 25th anniversary. The Central West Deaf Club publishes a local newsletter; new members and subscribers are welcome.

Deaf Society Community Worker provides direct support to the Deaf clients in this region, and links local service providers to support the Deaf community according to need. Services include community support, information and referrals to other organisations.

During biannual regional visits, we can provide Deafness Awareness sessions and seminars on working effectively with interpreters and assist regional services to consult with the local Deaf community. We also arrange special interest seminars and social events with local Deaf people.

A Drop In service is available at Orange City Bowling Club every third Friday from 3-5pm. To find out the next date for Drop In, contact the Deaf Society staff member supporting the Central West region, click here.

We support individuals and generic services by request at any time of year and work collaboratively with local generic and disability agencies to make sure Deaf people get the services they need and agencies receive guidance and support to deliver their services effectively to Deaf people. Agencies and individuals can contact us at any time that they need individual and family support.

Interpreting Interpreting services for the Central West region are available through the Deaf Society’s Interpreting Service. To find out more, click here.

The Deaf Society also has secure video remote interpreting services for those times when it is not possible to get a local interpreter.

Events The Deaf Society supports Deaf community events in the local regions and we encourage local Deaf social and sports groups to provide us with information to post on the Deaf Society website. Regular community events include:

• Central West Deaf Club meets at Orange Ex-Services Club every Thursday night, Saturday night and Sunday morning
• Deaf Fun Night at Orange Bowling Club every Friday night
• Auslan Cuppa (Coffee Club) meets at Beekeeper Inn, Vittoria (between Bathurst and Orange) on the first Sunday of each month at 2pm. (Runs Auslan classes and provides an opportunity for Auslan students to communicate with Deaf people).
• Annual community BBQ and Information Day run by the Deaf Society in Orange

For more information about events, check out:

• Deaf Society Events for the Central West
• Deaf Community Noticeboard
• NSW Deaf Herald (newsletter)

Local Staff Member To see the contact details for the Deaf Society staff member supporting the Central Westregion, click here.