LEEP Events
LEEP Events
Most LEEP events are held at the Central West Adaptive Skills Hub, 176 Mort Street, Lithgow.
Lithgow Workforce Forum
The Lithgow Workforce Forum is a structured mechanism for bringing together employers, training providers, educators, unions, government agencies and community organisations to coordinate workforce priorities for the region. The Forum will help ensure decisions are evidence‑based and responsive to emerging needs, and will support the co‑design of training programs, validation of workforce demand, and monitoring of progress. Contact us to get involved – leep@lithgow.nsw.gov.au
- Lithgow Workforce Forum 2026 #1 – Wednesday 4 March, 2–4pm
- Lithgow Workforce Forum 2026 #2 – Wednesday 22 April, 2–4pm
- Lithgow Workforce Forum 2026 #2 – Wednesday 20 May, 2–4pm
- Lithgow Workforce Forum 2026 #5 – Wednesday 22 July, 2–4pm
- Lithgow Workforce Forum 2026 #6 – Wednesday 2 September, 2–4pm
- Lithgow Workforce Forum 2026 #7 – Wednesday 21 October, 2–4pm
- Lithgow Workforce Forum 2026 #8 – Wednesday 25 November, 2–4pm
First Friday local business networking meet-ups at the Tin Shed
First Friday local business networking meet‑ups – kick‑starting collaboration, connection and local procurement opportunities in Lithgow! Come along, bring a colleague, and let’s grow local connections together.
Join us at The Tin Shed on the first Friday of each month for an informal, friendly networking coffee hosted by the Lithgow Emerging Economy Plan (LEEP).
These sessions are all about:
- connecting with other local businesses
- discovering collaboration and partnership opportunities
- surfacing local procurement possibilities
- sharing ideas, challenges and innovations
- strengthening our local economy, one conversation at a time
No speeches. No presentations. Just good coffee and authentic connection.
2026 Meet‑ups:
- Friday 6 March
- *(No April meet‑up – Public Holiday)
- Friday 1 May
- Friday 5 June
- Friday 3 July
- Friday 7 August
- Friday 4 September
- Friday 2 October
- Friday 6 November
Time: 7.00am–8.30am
Where: The Tin Shed, Lithgow
Who’s invited: Any local business, entrepreneur, sole trader, start‑up or organisation working in or with the Lithgow region.
Grant Writing Workshop – 9 July
Build your skills and confidence to secure funding with this practical, hands‑on grant writing workshop, delivered in Lithgow by the University of Sydney’s Centre for Continuing Education.
Designed for businesses, community organisations and sole traders, this session will help you become ‘grant ready’ – covering how to identify the right opportunities, align your project with funding priorities, and write compelling, high‑quality applications.
You’ll gain practical tools and strategies to plan, prepare and submit strong grant applications, with a focus on achieving real outcomes and improving your chances of success.
Retail Masterclass – 28 July, 6-8pm
A hands‑on session for local retailers and shopfront businesses focused on what really works on the shop floor. Learn simple, affordable changes to improve conversion, increase average spend and strengthen overall business performance.
Plus: A limited number of businesses can access a free one‑on‑one consultation with retail expert Marguerite Bell (28–29 July) – allocated on a first‑in, first‑served basis.
Business Capability Uplift Program – EOI Open
A new pilot program supporting up to 10 local businesses with:
- Structured diagnostic assessment
- Tailored business improvement planning
- Up to 20 hours of mentoring and specialist support
Designed to build resilience, strengthen capability and support businesses to prepare for economic transition.
Mature Age Talent Hub – Thursday 17 September, 2026
Are you 45+ and thinking about returning to work, changing careers, or updating your skills? Join us at the Mature Age Talent Hub at the Adaptive Skills Hub – a friendly, practical session connecting you with local support, training options, and employment opportunities.
When: Thursday 17 September 2026, 9.30am–1pm
Where: The Adaptive Skills Hub, 176 Mort Street, Lithgow
Meet local employment and training services, discover programs that can help build confidence and skills, explore volunteering or job opportunities, and hear why mature‑age workers are so valuable in today’s workforce. This free event is open to all –bookings are not required, just drop by between 9.30am and 1pm.
Hosted in partnership with Workforce Australia Local Jobs.
Health and Community Services Career Expo – Expressions of Interest – Date TBC
Lithgow’s aged care and disability sectors are growing and vital to our community. To support providers and attract new talent, LEEP is looking to host an Aged Care & Disability Career Expo.
The event will bring together:
• Aged care and disability providers
• Training and education partners
• Employment services
• Jobseekers and career changers
The Expo will highlight real pathways and real stories, showing people they can enter the sector from many backgrounds.
Who Should Participate
- Residential aged care providers
• Home and community support organisations
• Disability service providers
• Training and education providers
• Allied health and community care organisations
• Employment services
Key Details
- When: TBC
• Where: TBC
• Cost: Free for providers
• Hosts: LEEP, in partnership with Local Jobs Program and local providers
Expression of Interest
To register your interest in attending or speaking (or to offer a facility tour), please complete the EOI form: EOI for Aged Care & Disability Services Expo
Or email leep(at)lithgow.nsw.gov.au with:
• Organisation name
• Contact person
• Interest in a speaking slot or offering a facility tour
• Accessibility or equipment needs
• Any staff career stories you’d like to share
Annual Community Workshop
This event will support the development of the community’s ideas about Lithgow’s future, provide an opportunity for cross-pollination of ideas and transitions management opportunities to flourish, and ensure the LEEP program remains aligned with the community’s vision.
The annual community workshops will commence from late 2026 or in 2027, as Lithgow City Council is already undertaking extensive community consultation and future visioning work in 2025 and 2026 through its refresh of the Community Strategic Plan and Growth Management Strategy.