Bits n Pieces NOV-DEC/2020

NOV-DEC 2020

B I T S ‘N P IE C ES

UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE

@ the Garbutt Community Centre Tuesday mornings Call 4779 7268 to book!

COMMUNITY GRO - PROGRAM UPDATE IMPORTANT—READ THIS NOW IF YOU NEED FINANCIAL HELP WITH THE PURCHASE OF ESSENTIAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, CAR EXPENSES, EDUCATION EXPENSES, MEDICAL EXPENSES. HAVE YOU LOST YOUR JOB DUE TO COVID-19?

NILS loans available @ both Garbutt and Upper Ross Community Centres What can NILS be used for?

These may include:

Does not include:

Household items like fridges, washing machines, TV’s and furniture Medical procedures and dental services, prescription glasses Education essentials such as computers and text books Car repairs, tyres or registration Some other items as requested

Food Rent Bills Cash Debts

FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE Our free legal advice clinic is available for both face-to-face and telephone appointments.

Tuesdays 4:00pm - 4.30pm Bookings Essential - CALL 4774 0144

Need to lodge your tax return??

Bookings are still available.

This is a FREE service sponsored by the ATO. Eligibility criteria applies.

Bookings are essential.

For more info or to book call Upper Ross 47740144 or Garbutt 4779 7268

UPPER UPPERROSS ROSSCOMMUNITY COMMUNITYCENTRE CENTRE

Hello Playgroup Families!

Our last Playgroup for 2020 will be on Thursday 10th December. We have lots of Christmas crafts and games planned. We will return on Thursday 28th January 2021.

I would like to wish you all safe and happy holidays, and I am looking forward to seeing you all for another great year! :) From Jean

UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE HIPPY 2020

HIPPY is a FREE two-year, home-based early learning and parenting enrichment program for Upper Ross families with young children.

Enrolment's are now open for the HIPPY Program for 2021!

If your child was born between 1/7/2016 — 30/6/2017 and turning 4 years of age then they are HIPPY ready.

What is HIPPY? HIPPY is a two-year home based early childhood enrichment program. HIPPY builds the confidence and skills of parents and carers to create a positive learning environment to prepare their child for school.

How old does my child need to be to start HIPPY? Children join HIPPY in the year before they start formal schooling (usually around four years old).

Your child will be kindy age if they were born between 1st July 2016—30th June 2017.

How will HIPPY help me and my child?

HIPPY helps parents/carers learn many things including: • how to be more involved in their child’s learning; • understanding more about child development and the way children learn; encouraging a love of learning in children.

HIPPY helps children by: • preparing them for a confident start to school;

• building their self-esteem and •

confidence in learning; providing opportunities to enjoy time with their parents.

How does HIPPY work?

Parents/carers and families are encouraged to read, play with and enjoy educational activities with their child for around 15 minutes per day, five days per week, over two years.

HIPPY is provided through a trained home tutor. The tutor visits the family fortnightly and delivers the program to parents/carers in their homes.

Parents/carers also attend regular group gatherings to practice new activities, listen to guest speakers and participate in fun games that they can then try at home with their children. They also meet other parents who are doing the activities at home with their own children at the same time as being employed to help other HIPPY families.

ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE UPPER ROSS UPPER COMMUNITY CENTRE Skilling Queenslanders for Work Big welcome to our new class of Skilling Queenslanders for Work participants.

This group began their studies with us in October and have been welcomed into the Community GRO family.

We are sad that our other class will be leaving us soon but excited for them as they are graduating and moving on to bigger and better things.

We want to say congratulations to Justin who has secured employment as a disability support worker, Donald who has gained employment as a Youth Worker.

Our young people Kevin, Stephanie and Lakiesha who will be starting their paid internship soon through the Commonwealth Scholarship program and to Paris who has also gained employment and still studying with us.

We wish all the other participants the best with their employment journey

UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE Upper Ross Community Connect Program

As we approach the end of 2020, I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has participated in the Shield of H.E.R.S Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Women’s Group. Your commitment and dedication to keeping this group active and alive has been a testament to your growth, strength and love for the group. I am so empowered by you all and would like to make a special shout out to Trisha, Leita, Nina and Christine - your continued support and contribution has been absolutely amazing - Thank you!

Although we were side-tracked with COVID this did not deter us. We connected through our Facebook page, as well as participating in Zoom catch ups. When we reunited, we were able to share some good yarns, creating strategies to empower each other based on discussion topics. I have shared some of the discussion/posters in this article and want to strongly encourage other Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Women to come and join us. We meet every Tuesday from 9.30am to 11.30am, our last day is Tuesday 8th December before we break for the festive season.

Come! You will not be disappointed

The Community Connect Worker is available to assist you with any worries, concerns or struggles you may be experiencing. If you need support, information, advice or referral to a service provider please give me a call at the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144.

Merry Christmas! Stay Safe & Blessed: Topsy Tapim - Community Connect Worker

YOUTHROSS HUB COMMUNITY CENTRE UPPER Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights @ the Upper Ross Community Centre 3:00 pm - 8:30 pm Come along and chill, have a feed - all free.

For Ages 10-17 years.

Come along to the “Rock and Water� on Monday nights with Kalo.

Rock and Water decreases bullying and depressive feelings, and increases self-esteem, self-regulation and social acceptance.

There is a limit of 10 participants per session so come and sign in early to reserve your spot.

TRANSPORT AVAILABLE!!!

If you have any questions please contact the Youth Coordinator 0411843130 Tiddas Yarning Circle @ the Garbutt Community Centre Fridays : 10:00am Join us for a friendly cuppa and morning tea!

UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE

COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMUNITY UPPER ROSSINFO...

COMMUNITY CENTRE

Financial Counselling Support How does a Financial Counsellor Support people with Money concerns Financial Counsellors work with people who are experiencing financial difficulty by completing a review of the individuals’ financial situation and discuss options that might be available.

Such as: O Rebates and grants O Financial options various lending products and debts such as phones / internet / power and energy.

O Referrals to other community agencies such as community legal support and other community supports.

We work with an empowerment model however advocacy support may be available for extenuating circumstances.

How should I priortise one bill over another, now that our household income has been reduced?

Everyone’s situation will be different therefore it will depend on the individual circumstances. Covering essential living expenses can be a good starting point. Determining whether a debt is of higher priority than the other could also assist.

How do I book an appointment to talk to someone about my money?

Further information can be obtained by contacting the National Debt Help line on 1800 007 007. National Debt Helpline is a government funded service run through Uniting Car. Calls are taken by qualified Financial Counsellors.

Who would you recommend Financial I don’t think I am bad with money, Counselling to, or who do you think it’s just that I don’t have enough.

It’s most helpful for?

What can a financial counsellor do to Financial counselling is available for anyone who is experienchelp me? ing financial difficult in meeting debt obligations as a result of changes in their circumstance. Financial Counselling can provide a safe and non judgemental environment to review peoples financial situation and discuss options.

The scope of financial counselling varies and includes budgeting and financial education up to bankruptcy. This includes reviewing the budget, discussing financial goals, re-

Council Mobile Apps To report a problem to Townsville City Council online visit Report a Problem or download the Council Mobile Apps: iCouncil for iPhone and iPad Snap Send Solve for Android

COMMUNITY INFORMATION UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE

COMMUNITY VISITORS SCHEME TOWNSVILLE - Recruiting Volunteers NOW The Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is a national program funded by the Australian Government. The CVS aims to enrich the quality of life of residents of aged care homes who are socially isolated or lonely, and would benefit from a friendly visitor.

Due to the social distancing measures for COVID-19 our volunteers are unable to visit their residents at this time however we know that when the social distancing measures are lifted there will be many residents of aged care facilities that will be in need of social interaction and would benefit from having a CVS volunteer visit.

During this period we are working hard to build up our wonderful team of volunteers so that we will be ready to recommence the visits when the social restrictions are lifted. If you can spare an hour each fortnight and would like to visit an elderly resident of a local aged care home in Townsville please call our Upper Ross Centre on 4774 0144. or Garbutt Centre on 4779 7268.

SUPPORT OURCOMMUNITY ADVERTISERS...

UPPER ROSS CENTRE We bulk bill for services provided to DVA, HCF “More for Teeth” program & children and teenagers are eligible through the Child Dental Benefits Scheme • • • • • •

Tooth Cleaning Fillings Extractions Dental Sealants Dentures Crowns

• • • • • •

Bridges Veneers Root Canals Cosmetic Dentistry Whitening

Mon—Fri Saturday Sunday & Public Holidays

8-8 9-3 9-1

Locally owned and run business • Easy access and plenty of parking at front and rear Cnr Riverway Drive & Gollogly Lane, Rasmussen Phone: 4755 4654 •

Rasmussen Tyre and Mechanical (Next to Puma Servo) Repairs & Tyres Guaranteed Mechanical Repairs to all vehicles www.facebook.com/rasmussenmechanic/ rasmussenmechanical@outlook.com

PH: 4789 1299 Unit 2/1231 Riverway Dr Rasmussen

UPPER ROSS COMMUNITYGARBUTT CENTRE COMMUNITY CENTRE

GARBUTT COMMUNITY CENTRE GARBUTT COMMUNITY CENTRE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE

GARBUTT COMMUNITY CENTRE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE

FRIDAYS, 10AM TO NOON (Excluding school holidays) Gold coin donation or bring a plate to share

GARBUTT COMMUNITY CENTRE

Bits ‘n Pieces is a Department of Communities Initiative.

Disclaimer: This newsletter is produced with assistance and contributions from the community. The contents of this publication does not, therefore, necessarily reflect the views of the organisation.