Bits 'n Pieces Newsletter

Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross Upper Ross Community Centre 1143 Riverway Drive, Rasmussen, 4815 Ph: 4774 0144 Fax: 4774 0909 Email: communitycentre@urcc.org.au A division of NQ Community Services Volume 7, Issue 2

CONTENTS Ÿ Communty

Garden Working Bee Ÿ No Interest Loans Ÿ Youth Activities

@ Apex Park Ÿ Upper Ross

Biggest Morning Tea Ÿ Market

Stallholders Wanted Ÿ Position Vacant -

Community Garden Coordinator Ÿ First Aid

Course Ÿ Free Computer

& Internet Training Ÿ Community

Volunteers

April/May 2012 MANY CULTURES - ONE COMMUNITY 2012 Upper Ross Community Expo Saturday 12th May 10am - 2pm ¥

Free Entertainment ¥ Free Entry ¥ Free Rides ¥ Free Activities ¥ Workshops ¥ Displays ¥ Market Stalls ¥ Food & Drink

A fun day for the whole family, this is a great way to celebrate the many different cultures that make the community we live in such a great place.

Enjoy entertainment by Spirit of Africa, The Rhythm Connection Drum Circle, Group Capoeira Brasil & much more. Try Parkour or Sand Art, grab some food from the International food corner and relax. See You There!!!

EVERYONE WELCOME

YOUTH ACTIVITIES @ APEX PARK Keen to have some fun?

Looking for something different?

Come and try Parkour, do some art and craft or just hang out.

UnitingCare Community's youth programs YACCA and DETOUR host youth activities for 10 to 17 year olds. Activities are held at Apex Park, Rasmussen every Monday (3pm to 5pm) and Wednesday (3:30pm to 5:30pm) during the school term. All activities are FREE of charge and fully supervised by youth workers. A healthy afternoon snack is provided. For more information please contact Catherine or Steve on 4775 9100

STALLHOLDERS We are ...

WANTED Your CONCRETERS We are currently looking for stallholders interested in having a stall at the Upper Ross Commmunity Expo on Saturday 12th May. For more information phone 4774 0144

Ross 0407 654 951

SIGN UP FOR THE E-NEWSLETTER Don’t miss out on getting your copy of Bits ‘n Pieces. Have it delivered directly to your inbox and enjoy reading it in full colour as well as receive updates on new programs, activities and special events.

How? Drop us an email: communitycentre@urcc.org.au and ask to be put on the newsletter mailing list.

UPPER ROSS BIGGEST MORNING TEA Join us at the Upper Ross Community Centre on Wednesday 2nd May for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea as we raise much needed funds for the Cancer Council.

This year we will be hosting the Bi g g e st Mo rn i n g Te a i n conjunction with Musical Moments and invite you to come along for a morning of fun and frivolity.

Be entertained by Dave South and his musical mates from the Townsville Folk Club. Feel free to join in the fun and sing your heart out, stomp your feet, clap your hands, even get up and dance if the mood takes you.

Enjoy home made goodies and a cuppa with your gold coin donation (or more) going to the Cancer Council to help in the fight against cancer.

Did you know that just $25 can help transport a cancer patient to and from hospital for treatment? Or that $50 can help the Cancer Council Helpline provide free and confidential information and support on all aspects of cancer? And that $500 can help fund ground-breaking research into new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

The fun kicks off at 9.30am and we promise to have you home in time for lunch.

YOUR LOCAL BLOKE SERVICING THE UPPER ROSS AND SURROUNDS

N & J DEVALTER

Join us in the fight against cancer!!!

See you there!!

RSVP by Monday 30th April for catering purposes to 4774 0144.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING AND SPLIT SYSTEMS AIRCONDITIONING INSTALLS AND MAINTENANCE SERVICING ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

PHONE: 0429 648 399 Refrigerant licence No. Lo56918 Electrical Contractor No. 69820

FREE COMPUTER SUPPORT & ACCESS FOR SENIORS Are you aged 50+?

Want to learn about computers and the internet?

Need access to a computer or the internet?

FREE one-on-one support is available to residents aged over 50 who are interested in learning more about computers and the internet, but at their own pace.

Don’t have your own computer but would still like to access the internet?

FREE access to modern, internet ready computers is also available to those who do not have their own equipment. Both are available at the Upper Ross Community Centre. Bookings are essential on 4774 0144

CHILD HEALTH CLINIC A newborn and family drop-in service operates from 9am every Thursday in “The Hut”at the Upper Ross Community Centre.

Qualified community health nurses are on hand to answer your questions, offer support and provide advice in areas such as; Ÿ new baby health checks Ÿ breastfeeding Ÿ new mum’s support Ÿ health promotion information Ÿ playgroup access No appointments needed.

MIDWIFE CLINIC Every Thursday a TGH community midwife visits the Upper Ross Community Centre to provide antenatal checks for local expectant mums.

Save time and hassles by attending locally. The clinics are held in “The Hut” which is located in the grounds of the community centre.

Appointments preferred, phone Penny on 0457925745.

CHEAP 2ND HAND BOOKS NOW ON SALE AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE & AT THE COMMUNITY EXPO ON 12 MAY. PRICES START FROM 50c

FIRST AID COURSE You just can’t afford NOT to have a First Aid Certificate these days. This one day course will provide you with all the skills necessary to perhaps save a life - maybe a family member or friend.

Renew your CPR certificate for only $50 or take the full course for $100.

The next course is being held at the Upper Ross Community Centre on Saturday 26th May from 8am.

Places are strictly limited so book now by calling the office on 4774 0144

POSITION VACANT COMMUNITY GARDEN COORDINATOR We are looking for a passionate, energetic, social, green thumbed volunteer to take on the role of Coordinator for the Upper Ross Community Garden.

You will need to know your way around a garden and be capable of motivating and engaging other volunteers.

Whist this is a volunteer role and no financial payment will be made, you will, however, receive fresh fruit and vegetables and make lots of friends in return for your time.

For more information phone the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 or email communitycentre@urcc. org.au

NO INTEREST LOANS AVAILABLE NEED TO PURCHASE NEW HOUSEHOLD GOODS? HAVE NO OTHER OPTIONS FOR A LOAN? KNOW YOU COULD AFFORD TO PAY A FEW $$$ PER WEEK? The Upper Ross Community Centre accepts applications for No Interest Loans and you MAY be eligible!!

What is the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)?

NILS offers small loans free of interest and charges to individuals and families on low and limited incomes.

Loans are generally for the purchase of essential household items such as fridges or washing machines, and are paid off in affordable amounts, usually over a 12 - 18 month period.

Who can use the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)?

NILS is for people on low incomes and are in receipt of Centrelink payments.

What does the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) offer? 타 Loans of up to $1200 (availability of loans is limited) 타 Manageable repayments for approved applicants 타 A

respectful assessment process

For more information on the NILS program supported by the Upper Ross Community Centre or to make an appointment phone us on 4774 0144

KELSO VETERINARY CLINIC 3 Inglong Street, Kelso Dr Jennie Showers BVSc & Associates Dr Paula Hastie BSC BVMS Dr Debbie Clark BSC BVMS Dr Katrina Moon BVSc

Providing Personalised Veterinary Services to the Upper Ross Community since 2002

PHONE: 4774 0433 Clipping and Grooming available

COMMUNITY GARDEN WORKING BEE

Did you know that there is a community garden located at the rear of the Upper Ross Community Centre? This garden is a free community resource for ALL local residents who would like to become involved.

The next WORKING BEE will be held on SATURDAY 19th MAY between 7.30am and 10am.

Everyone is welcome to attend and we encourage families with children. You will need to wear closed in shoes and a hat and make sure you bring your water bottle.

There are many benefits in being involved in a community garden, such as; Ÿ Sharing in the harvest which will reduce your grocery bill Ÿ Being able to afford to eat more fresh fruit and vegies Ÿ Making new friends Ÿ Increasing family relationships by undertaking an activity together Ÿ Improving your health and wellbeing through physical & social activity Who can be involved?

The garden is a place for ANYONE, for instance: Ÿ A place for multicultural groups & individuals to grow culturally appropriate fruit and vegetables Ÿ Families and individuals who are not able to start a garden at home Ÿ Anyone who wants to learn more about growing fresh fruit and vegies Ÿ People looking to make new friends Ÿ Those just wanting to get out of the house and try something new How much time do I need to give?

You can spend as little as an hour a week or you can come every day. There is always something to do and the harvest is shared between those who have attended and distributed based on the percentage of time given.

When can I come along?

After the working bee you can come anytime but we are trying to coordinate some set times so the garden is also a place for socialising and making new friends.

Call the centre on 4774 0144 for times

ONE DAY WONDERS Seniors Day Trip Hit the road with the crew from the Upper Ross Community Centre as we head off into the great unknown on a Magical Mystery Tour.

The destination might be a mystery but after leaving the community centre around 8am on Wednesday 23rd May, you are guaranteed a day of fun, laughter, friendship and exploration, returning by 4pm.

Bookings are essential and there is a cost involved. Be quick as the April trip booked out within two days.

For more information or to make a booking call the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144

WELCOME OUR NEW CHILD & FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER NQ Community Services would like to welcome Darren Gobbey to the team. Darren is a local boy and has taken over the role as Child and Family support worker.

UPPER ROSS MECHANICAL Repairs and Tyres (Next to BP Servo)

Darren h a s recently returned to the Upper Ross after a number of years in Melbourne as a youth worker and we are excited about the skills he brings to the team.

Guaranteed Mechanical & Auto Electrical Repairs to all vehicles By highly qualified technicians Unit 2, 1231 Riverway Drive Rasmussen

Ph: 4789 1299 Fax: 4774 0980

TAI CHI CLASSES NOW ON Tai Chi classes are now running every Thursday night from 6.30pm at the Upper Ross Community Centre.

Qualified instructors Mike and Denise Soric who run Tai Chi for Busy People at locations across Townsville initially ran a six week introduction to what traditionally was an ancient Chinese form of martial arts.

This Tai Chi for ... 'Health' program will start you with the basic moves (Forms) for beginners and lead you through to the more advanced moves (Forms) and are based on the modified ‘Sun and Yang' styles of Tai Chi. Also included are12 safe warm up exercises and a basic Qi Gong breathing exercise to help you relax. With ongoing classes and continued practice, participants should develop better balance, improved blood circulation, some relief from joint pain and feel a reduction in stress levels as well as notice improvement in concentration levels and focus.

Overall, Tai Chi aims to achieve an improvement in health and well being and is a great alternative to the gym and much safer than walking alone.

Kelso Country Music Club Thuringowa RSL Club - Kelso Sunday Country 2pm - 7pm (Walkups) Ÿ 20th May Ÿ 17th June Ÿ 15th July Friday Night Cabaret 7.30pm - 11pm Entertainment by invited guests Ÿ 27th April Ÿ 25th May Ÿ 22nd June Ÿ 27th July

475504042

INDIGENOUS SUPPORT Are you Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander?

Do you live in the Upper Ross?

Need help, but not sure where to go or who to see?

The Upper Ross Community Centre offers a range of services to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents to access the services and support they need.

Such as: Ÿ Referral service Ÿ Midwife & Child Health Services Ÿ Playgroup Ÿ Family Support Ÿ NILS program Feel free to drop in and visit us Monday to Thursday 9am to 4pm

COMMUNITY VISITOR SCHEME Can you spare one hour per fortnight to visit a nursing home resident that does not receive regular visitors? The Community Visitor Scheme links volunteers with nursing home residents to provide social and health benefits that will improve the quality of life of nursing home residents, assist them to maintain their independence and minimise their isolation from the local community. If you think you would be interested in being part of this program phone 4774 0144 for more info.

SOCIAL CARDS Every Thursday morning at the Upper Ross Community Centre the Social Cards group come together between 9am and 11.30 for a few fun hours of card playing and socialising.

If you enjoy playing cards, have a few hours to spare on a Thursday, want to meet new people and are looking for a fun morning then the social cards morning is for you.

Feel free to just turn up or phone 4774 0144 for more information.

OPEN 7 DAYS Mon – Fri 8 – 8 Sat 9 – 3 Sun & Pub Hols 9 – 1 · Diabetes Agency · Discounted prescription prices · Medication (Webster) packing

Cnr Riverway Drive and Gollogly Lane, Rasmussen

Phone: 4755 4654

WHERE TO PICK UP YOUR COPY OF BITS ‘n PIECES Don’t have the internet or a computer at home? You can still grab a copy of the Bits ‘n Pieces newsletter every two months at select business outlets throughout the Upper Ross.

Look out for the Bits ‘n Pieces newsletter holders at the following places; *IGA Rasmussen *Riverway Chemist *Upper Ross Medical Centre *McDonalds Rasmussen

*Gumvale Mini Mart *Kelso Fish Shop *Carlyle Gardens *BP Rasmussen

and of course you can always call into the Upper Ross Community Centre and say hello while picking up a copy!!