Bits 'n Pieces e-Newsetter Jan-Feb2013

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 Website: www.nqcs.org.au

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

CONTENTS Communty Garden Ÿ No Interest Loans Ÿ Playgroup Ÿ Craft Group Ÿ First Aid

Course Ÿ Free

Computer & Internet Training

2013 “Meeting Place” Upper Ross Family EXPO - Saturday May 25th ¥ Free Entertainment ¥ Free Entry ¥ Free Rides ¥ Free Activities ¥ Workshops ¥ Displays ¥ Market Stalls ¥ Food & Drink

Ÿ JP Service Ÿ Legal Advice

EVERYONE WELCOME

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 specific things about computers and the internet, but at their own pace.

Bookings are essential phone 4774 0144 _________________ WHETHER YOU THINK YOU CAN OR THINK YOU CAN’T, YOU ARE RIGHT!!

Henry Ford

CHEAP 2ND HAND BOOKS NOW ON SALE AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE PRICES START FROM 50c

Outdoor Fitcamps Tuesday afternoon 5.30pm Friday morning 5.45am Cost $10.00 per session email:riseandshinefitness@bigpond.com Call: Rachel 0423574747 Christina 0439751549

NO INTEREST LOANS NOW AVAILABLE ARE YOU ON A CENTRELINK BENEFIT? DO YOU NEED HOUSEHOLD GOODS BUT JUST DON’T HAVE THE CASH UP FRONT? CAN’T AFFORD THE HIGH INTEREST FROM PAYDAY LENDERS? The Upper Ross NILS Program could be the answer to your needs.

No Interest Loans are now available to Upper Ross residents on low incomes to assist with the purchase of household items such as; fridges, washing machines, essential furniture and other items that will make life easier.

Like any loan there is an application and assessment process and not all loans are approved.

Loans of up to $1,200 are available with a repayment time of up to 18 months. The great thing is that you will only repay the amount of the loan and you will NEVER be charged interest of any sort.

This is a revolving community fund - as repayments are made on loans more loans are made available for UPPER ROSS MECHANICAL others.

Repairs and Tyres (Next to BP Servo) To enquire as to your Guaranteed Mechanical & Auto Electrical eligibility for a NILS Repairs to all vehicles loan phone the By highly qualified technicians Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144.

Unit 2, 1231Riverway Drive Ph: 4789 1299 Rasmussen

Fax: 4774 0980

TUESDAY PLAYGROUP IS FUN FOR ALL A supported playgroup operates at the Upper Ross Community Centre every Tuesday between 9.30am and 11am. This is a chance for mums, dads, grandparents or carers to spend some quality time with their children while also enjoying the opportunity to socialise with other adults.

Bring morning tea, drinks, water bottle for children, sun hats and a piece of fruit as a snack for your child. Just turn up or phone 4774 0144 for more information _____________________

Senior’s Harmony Expo Willows shopping Centre 21st March 2013 10am to 2pm Display by Home & Community Care (HACC) and other aged related service providers. Find our more. Lots of free giveaways.

Need more info - contact Julie Fraser at Diversicare

47231470 / 0407045203 _____________________

FREE LEGAL ADVICE Do you need to speak to someone about a legal concern?

The Upper Ross Community Centre offers a free Legal Advice Clinic every Tuesday Bookings essential

Phone 47740144 to make

GUITAR AND BASS LESSONS Contact Henry Johnson All Styles and techniques Studio Airconditioned 25 years teaching experience Phone 4774 9545

Phleb-ruary Celebrate the giving - and collecting - of blood (Phlebotomy “to cut a vein”in Greek, it’s the process of making an incision in a vein)

Who can give blood?

Most people are able to give blood if they:> are fit, healthy and not suffering from a cold, flu or other illness at the time of donation or in the previous 7 days. >are aged between 16-70 years (in Qld 16-17 years olds requires parental consent) >weigh more than 45kg (16-17 years olds need to weigh more than 50kg) >drink up in the 24hrs before donation, especially in warm weather and have at least 3 good-sized glasses of water/juice in the 3 hrs before donating >bring ID. Please being at least one form of photo identification.

To book an appointment to donate or further information Call 131495 or visit www.donateblood.com.au

JP SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY 9am to 11am AT UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE

The Close the Gap Campaign Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people still die 10-17 years earlier than other Australians, but by working together we can Close the Gap within a generation. The Close the Gap campaign, formed by over 40 peak Indigenous organisations in 2006 has come a long way. The Federal Government and Opposition and major political parties in most states and territories have signed the Close the Gap Statement of Intent, committing them to take action in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisations. Over 185,000 Australians and many thousands of organisations from councils to corporations have supported the campaign.

National Close the Gap Day – Thursday March 21, 2013.

Investing in a Healthy Future

O P E N

7 D A Y S

M o n – F ri 8 – 8 S a t 9 – 3 S u n & P u b H o ls 9 – 1 ·

L o c a lly o w n e d a n d r u n b u s in e s s · E a s y a c c e s s a n d p le n t y o f p a r k in g a t f r o n t a n d r e a r

C n r R iv e r w a y D r iv e a n d G o llo g ly L a n e , R a s m u s s e n P h o n e : 4 7 5 5 4 6 5 4

New Community Hub for Upper Ross Member for Thuringowa Sam Cox has been working closely with Helen Hobson to plan the future direction of Upper Ross Community Centre.

Mr Cox proposed the construction of a new centre at Allambie Lane to link with the PCYC and Men's Shed. This will create a community hub where locals can get together to socialise, be informed, pursue their interests and help others.

“This project will provide the people of Upper Ross with a place to gather for sports and recreation, meetings, adult education and cultural celebrations,” said Mr Cox. He is especially pleased with the upgraded facilities this new site will offer.

“We can design a centre that will meet all the requirements of Upper Ross residents, from internet access to kitchen facilities,” he said.

“The whole family will benefit from this new community hub design. The kids may be on the climbing wall in the PCYC while Dad is in the Men’s Shed. Mum could be taking a fitness or language class while the grandparents learn more about the internet.”

“Bringing these resources together will bring people together,” Mr Cox said.

Sam Cox with Helen Hobson.

PREPARING FOR CYCLONE SEASON

Every year between November and April, the coastal regions of Queensland are at risk of being hit by cyclones.

Being prepared is your responsibility Preparing your family and your home for a cyclone is your responsibility.

Every person who lives in the cyclone-prone areas of Queensland must recognise this and make it a priority between the months of November and April.

Before the Cyclone Season There are many important things that you can do now to prepare your family and your home.

How to prepare your family ·Compile a list of emergency phone numbers and keep it somewhere that is visible to all family members. ·Nominate an interstate family member or friend to be a point of contact in case you and your family become separated during the cyclone. ·Find out if your home is located in an area that could be prone to storm surge or flooding by contacting your local council. ·Identify the strongest part of the house (usually the smallest room) and ensure everyone knows where this is in case you need to seek shelter in your home. ·Ensure at least one person in your household knows first aid.

Prepare an Emergency Kit Every family should have a fully stocked Emergency Kit stored safely in their home.

This should include a portable radio, a torch, spare batteries, first aid kit, nonperishable food, sturdy gloves, waterproof bags, candles, matches, essential medications and copies of important documents (eg insurance details, birth certificates, prescription refills) in sealable plastic bags.

What to do when a Cyclone Watch or Warning is issued A Cyclone Watch is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) when gales or stronger winds are expected to hit within 24 - 48 hours

PREPARING FOR CYCLONE SEASON cont.

If you hear either a watch or a warning you should: ·Keep listening to your portable radio and watch the BoM website (www.bom.gov.au) to monitor the movement and severity of the cyclone ·Check that your Emergency Kit is complete and easily accessible ·Check that your neighbours are aware that a cyclone watch or warning has been issued ·Prepare an evacuation kit that includes warm clothes, essential medications, baby formula, nappies, valuables, important papers/photos/mementos in waterproof plastic bags, pillows, sleeping bags and blankets ·Clear your property of all loose items. This means bringing outdoor furniture, children’s toys and gardening equipment inside or under cover ·Secure any boats and move all vehicles and bicycles under cover ·Fill buckets and bath with water in case water supply becomes restricted and ensure you have sufficient water purification tablets to make the water drinkable ·If your windows are fitted with shutters, ensure these are closed securely. If not, tape your windows in a criss-crossing fashion using strong packing tape. This may not prevent your windows from shattering but it will hold the broken glass in place ·Bring children and pets indoors and remain inside until further advice is given.

During a Cyclone If a cyclone is approaching and an official evacuation order has not been issued, you may decide to shelter in your home until the cyclone has passed through.

If you decide to shelter at home: ·Turn off all electricity, gas and water and unplug all appliances ·Keep your Emergency Kit close at hand ·Bring your family into the strongest part of the house ·Keep listening to the radio for cyclone updates and remain indoors until advised ·If the building begins to break up, immediately seek shelter under a strong table or bench or under a heavy mattress ·BEWARE THE CALM EYE OF THE CYCLONE!! Some people venture outdoors during the eye of the cyclone, mistakenly believing that the cyclone has passed. __________________________________ Disclaimer: This newsletter is produced with assistance and contributions from the community. The contents of this publication do not, therefore, necessarily reflect the views of the Organisation

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES @ the COMMUNITY CENTRE CRAFT Mondays from 9.30am If you love your craft, like to have a chat, enjoy sharing ideas, want to learn new skills and make new friends as well, then our Monday morning Craft Group is just what you are looking for. Why sit at home alone quilting, sewing, knitting, scrapbooking or doing whatever craft you enjoy? Come along and join other craft-lovers, pick up and share tips, ideas and friendship.

TIME OUT Tuesdays from 9.30am Lonely? Bored? Nothing to do? Feeling isolated?

Try Time Out - a friendly, social morning for men and women who just want to get out the house, catch up with old friends or make new ones and enjoy a cuppa and a chat.

Everyone Welcome!!

CARDS Thursdays from 9am Looking for something different to do? Enjoy a good game of cards? Want to make new friends Come along and join our social cards group. __________________________________________

Did you know that you can have early childhood health check ups, for your baby, each week at the Upper Ross Community Centre?

A child health nurse is available every Thursday to ensure that your new baby is progressing well.

Beat the traffic, by-pass the parking problems and forget about uncomfortable, busy waiting rooms.

Just turn up and meet and discuss your childs progress with the child health nurse. _____________________________ Carlyle Gardens will be commencing regular craft markets the first Saturday each month from 9am -12noon 2nd March 2013. All local and hand made.

Airconditioned hall and refreshments available

No-Fail Meatloaf Serves: 8 Ingredients ·750g beef mince ·1 egg ·1 onion, peeled and chopped ·1 cup dried bread crumbs ·salt and pepper to taste ·1½ tablespoons mustard ·½ cup tomato sauce ·1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Preparation method Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 1 hour 1. Preheat oven to 180 C. 2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion and bread crumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste and place in a lightly greased 22cm loaf pan or form into a loaf in the middle of a lightly greased baking tray.

3. In a separate small bowl, combine the mustard, tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and pour over the meatloaf.

4. Bake for 1 hour.

FIRST AID COURSE First Aid and CPR Refresher with Anaphylaxis and Asthma course will be held at the Upper Ross Community Centre on Saturday 1st June 2013 In just one day learn how to administer first aid and perform CPR in an emergency situation.

Just think, the life you may have to save could be a family member or friend.

Senior First Aid Course - $100 CPR Refresher - $50 Anaphylaxis - Asthma $40.00 Bookings are essential as there are limited places available. Prepayment is required.

To reserve your place phone the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 or email nqcs@urcc.org.au for more information.

“ Specialising in the Upper Ross”

The Upper Ross Community Centre is now on Facebook. Visit our page and hit the “LIKE’ button plus suggest us to your friends.

9 Connemara Course, Kelso www.rossriver.com.au

WHAT’S ON AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE January/February

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 8.30-10am Community Garden 9.30am Craft Seniors Computer Kiosk

8.30-10am Community Garden 9.00am Gentle Exercise 9.30-11am Playgroup 9.30-11.30am Timeout 9.30-11.30am Computers Classes 4.00pm Legal Advice 5.00pm Walking Group 5.30pm Fit Camp Seniors Computer Kiosk

8.30-10am Community Garden 5.30pm Zumba Seniors Computer Kiosk One Day Wonders monthly

5.45am Fit Camp 9.00am Child Health Clinic 9.00am Social cards 5.00pm Walking group 6.30pm Tai Chi Seniors Computer Kiosk

SATURDAY 8.30-10am Com. Garden

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 for the Bits ‘n Pieces newsletter holders at the following places; *IGA Rasmussen *Gumvale Mini Mart *Riverway Chemist *Kelso Fish Shop *UR Medical Centre *Carlyle Gardens *McDonalds Rasmussen *BP Rasmussen and of course you can always call into the Upper Ross Community Centre and say hello while picking up a copy!!