PIALBA BOWLS ON A ROLL

their education.

Additionally, by providing troubled students with a safe space to turn to at school it can reduce disciplinary measures, such as suspension or expulsion, which can have long-term negative impacts on a student's education and future prospects.

It's a comfortable and inviting space with games, blankets, toys and games for the children to play with.

“The space was created out of need. There are some kids that struggle to enter the classroom at 9am, so we give them 10 minutes while everyone is moving around and then we'll take them in to class,” Jackie said.

“We are a school and we are here for learning but we often need to give the kids a space to talk, walk them through their troubles, talk them down and then go back into the classroom to reengage.

“They can sit with a blanket for comfort,

A Splashing Good Time

VISITORS to the Hervey Bay Masters Swimming Club annual meet were welcomed to the region recently with a surprise in their goodie bag thanks to the RSL.

sit quietly in the tent, read a book, play with playdough, or play a game.

“We usually see kids who are affected by trauma and are not coping very well, and we have kids with special needs.

“They are never in trouble with Chappy Jack, so they come here and they know it's a safe space.”

Chappy Jack also links the wider community to the school to provide services to our students and staff, assisting to find volunteers for the school's reading programs, additional volunteers for the breakfast club and finding groups who donate essential supplies such as stationary.

“I love it. It's a great job,” she said. “I loved being a teacher and a counsellor and for me, it has brought those two roles together.

“We are just so appreciative for the grant from the RSL.”

There was lots of fun and frivolity at the Pialba Bowls Club annual Rainbow Carnival recently.

It was a spectacular day out on the greens for the 22 teams who travelled far and wide to attend the event.

The Hervey Bay RSL was proud to be a Major Sponsor of the carnival.

Playing bowls provides several health benefits, particularly for seniors, including improved fitness, coordination, increased confidence, self-esteem and forming friendships with likeminded people.

All the smiles and laughter on the green and during the presentations certainly confirmed that.

A big congratulations to the first-place winners Carol Thompson, Lyn Gray, Charmaine McLeod and Marilyn O'Rourke.

As well as a $850 Hervey Bay RSL Community Grant to cover the cost of pool hire fees at the Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre, 100 members and guests also received a gelato voucher to use at the club after a long day in the pool.

Treasurer William Reid said the small gesture added to a wonderful day of competition with swimmers travelling from all over Queensland to attend.

“All of our members enjoyed the carnival and they all thought the free gelato voucher was a special treat!”

William said the grant for pool hire fees also had a positive impact on members.

“This grant benefited our club by enabling it to hold a swim meet, and by holding an annual swim meet it helps improving our Masters Swimming Queensland members confidence with swimming, racing mainly.

“It also provides a social event where like-minded swimmers from other clubs can meet and socialize together.

“This event also provides much needed motivation for our members to continue training throughout the year and encourages our members to maintain a healthy fitness level.” The club is home of the Humpback Masters Swimmers that welcomes anyone over 18 interested in taking a dive into a new club.

They are a family group with a big emphasis on fun. They can help anyone of any age improve their swimming ability, no matter what level they are at!

Find out more by visiting herveybayhumpbacks.com.