Jan feb 2015 colour

Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross January / February 2015 Upper Ross Community Centre 1143 Riverway Drive, Rasmussen, 4815 Ph: 4774 0144 Fax: 4774 0909 Email: communitycentre@nqcs.org.au A division of NQ Community Services Volume 10, Issue 1

CONTENTS Ÿ Child Health Ÿ Community

Courses Ÿ First Aid

Course Ÿ Free

Computer Access Ÿ Free Legal

Advice Ÿ HIPPY Ÿ JP Ÿ No Interest

Loans Ÿ Playgroup Ÿ Puzzle

Upper Ross Community Markets The inaugural Upper Ross Community Market was held on Saturday 10th January.

Stall holders included sellers of fruit & veg, plants, household brica-brac, clothing, food and drink stalls. Feedback from stall holders and the public was enthusiastic and everyone is looking forward to the next market day - 24th January. The markets are held on the corner of Riverway Drive and Allambie Lane, Rasmussen every second Saturday morning from 7 - 11.30 am.

Rotary comes to Upper Ross Are you interested in becoming involved in your local Rotary club? The Rotary Club of Townsville Daybreak has developed a satellite club in the Upper Ross. The creation of this satellite club will allow members to be a part of a Rotary Club close to where they live that focuses on the opportunities and needs of residents in their region. It also provides the opportunity to network with like minded people in the community.

Read the full storyon pg 4.

Upper Ross Community Markets - Fortnightly Saturday 7 - 11.30 am Corner Riverway Drive & Allambie Lane, Rasmussen

At the Upper Ross Community Centre...

A big welcome to all new residents who have moved into the Upper Ross Community over the holiday period.

If your new to the area your probably wondering what the centre is about and what we do here.

The Upper Ross Community Centre offers something for everyone so please feel free to drop in and say hello, have a coffee, use the computers or just sit and read a book. Here’s a brief summary of what’s available at the centre: Ÿ Free computer access - catch up with friends on social media, check your emails, centrelink reporting etc. prepare & submit job applications Ÿ Free one-on-one computer lessons for seniors. Did you get a new computer or tablet for Christmas and need help. Just book in for a lesson and our wonderful tutors will help you. Don’t worry if you don’t get it first time. You can come each week. Ÿ Free computer lessons (conducted by Townsville Libraries). The topic of the lessons change each month so be sure to check what’s coming up. Ÿ Free Child Health Clinic for new mums on Thursdays, from 9.00 am. No need for an appointment Ÿ Free Midwife clinic, Tuesday and Thursday mornings Ÿ Family Play Group - Thursday mornings 9.30-11.30am. Morning tea provided for parents and children. Free transport available. Gold coin donation Ÿ Free Homework program (school term) - Wednesday’s 3.15-4.00p.m. Ÿ Free Legal Advice Service - Tuesday 4-4.30 pm. (bookings essential) Ÿ Free Justice of Peace service - Wednesday 9-11.00 am Ÿ Weekly group activities - Craft, cards, board games (see back page for Ÿ what’s on when). Ÿ NILS (No Interest Loans Scheme). Available for essential household items e.g furmiture, fridge, washing machine. see pg ... for more info. Ÿ Office services e.g. printing, faxing, photocopying, laminating (small charge applies). Ÿ Free Tax Help Service (available July - Oct). Provides lodgement of tax returns for low income earners. Ÿ Help with accessing a range of resources available through other organisations and agencies.

But wait.... There’s more... lots, lots more that we do. The community centre is here for everyone so please come visit us. The centre opening hours are: Mon - Thurs 9.00am - 4.00pm.

CYCLONE SEASON ARE YOU PREPARED? PLAN

PACK

LISTEN

Make a household emergency plan

Pack an emergency kit

Stay informed

Cyclones are a part of life here in North Queensland. It is a timely reminders that Cyclones are can be powerful and unpredictable storms and it is vital to be prepared. Here are some handy tips and reminders to help ensure you and your family are ready. Ÿ Prepare an emergency and evacuation plan. Make sure fall family members know what to do. Remember your pets. Ÿ Pack an emergency kit - website below have information on what should be included in your emergency kit. Ÿ Clean up around the yard and secure loose items Ÿ Charge mobile phones, laptops etc. Ÿ Keep up to date with cyclone warnings. If you don’t have access to the internet, local radio and television stations broadcast updates regularly. Ÿ sign up for sms alerts from BOM or Townsville City Council Don’t leave your preparation until a cyclone is coming. DO IT NOW...

You can find more information on the websites: https://www.ergon.com.au/network/safety/home-safety/storm-and-cyclonesafety http://www.emergency.qld.gov.au/emq/css/beprepared.asp http://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/resident/Disaster/cyclones/Pages/default.aspx

Emergency Numbers: 132500 - State Emergency Service 000 - Police / Fire / Ambulance 131670 - Ergon (report fallen power lines) 132296 (report power outage) 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.

Rotary backs Community Growth The Rotary Club of Townsville Daybreak has developed a satellite club in the Upper Ross region to address the needs of the expanding Upper Ross community. With a number of planned and proposed developments the region is expected to grow considerably over the next decade, resulting in an increased demand on services and infrastructure and impacting on our community socially. A group of local business and community leaders committed to serving the growing needs have created the satellite club which will allow members to be part of a Rotary Club that focuses on opportunities for residents in their local region.

5 new members were inducted into Rotary Club of Townsville Daybreak on 18th December and will form the foundation of the new satellite club, Riverway Rotary.

Riverway Rotary has already participated in community activities including volunteering at the recent Wingate Properties Family Fun Day and helping to organise a local market, the Upper Ross Community Market which as already mentioned will be held fortnightly on a Saturday morning on the corner of Riverway Drive and Allambie Lane. See the front page for more information about the market.

For more information about Riverway Rotary, satellite club of Rotary Club of Townsville Daybreak please contact Marcel McLeod on 0412 071 309.

Photo: New Rotary members Susan Perry, Dianne Sainty, Susan Langmaid, President of Rotary Club of Townsville Daybreak Trevor Hyatt, Jorge Solano and Mark Purvis.

“ Specialising in the Upper Ross�

9 Connemara Course, Kelso

www.rossriver.com.au

FREE Computer Access at the Upper Ross Community Centre No Bookings Needed

Community Computer Training

by Citylibraries Townsville Libraries hold free computer lessons at the Upper Ross Community Centre on the 1st & 2nd Wed of each month. Topics change each month so keep checking to see what’s coming up.

Do you have an iPad or tablet and no sure how to use it. Help is here...

Book in for our upcoming classes.

Feb 4th - iPad basics Feb 11th - iPad photo’s Mar 4th - Android photo’

First Aid and CPR Refresher with Anaphylaxis and Asthma courses are held every 2nd month at the Upper Ross Community Centre.

Next course date: Saturday 14th Feb 8am - 2pm In just one day learn how to administer first aid and perform CPR in an emergency situation.

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

Courses available:

First Aid (incl. CPR) - $100 Perform CPR only - $50 Anaphylaxis & Asthma - $60

10am to 12noon

Bookings are essential as there are limited places available. Prepayment is required.

Limited spaces - Bookings Essential

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

Venue: Upper Ross Community Centre

Ph: 4774 0144 to book

JP Service Available at the Upper Ross Community Centre

Wednesdays 9am- 11am

VOLUNTEERS WANTED For our Community Visitor Scheme.

The scheme partners volunteer visitors with an elderly resident of a nursing home who may be lonely and does not receive regular visitors.

We make every effort to match the visitor with an elderly person who has similar interests.

If you are interested and you have a few hours spare a week or fortnight please contact Tina at the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144.

Address: Shop 8/981 Riverway Drive Rasmussen QLD 4815 Phone: 07 4723 3160 Email: mosesfamilyco@bigpond.com find us on facebook

Mitchell Moses: 0439 730 288 Russell Moses: 0427 519 013

Your volunteering can help: 타 Improve the quality of live of residents in nursing homes 타 Assist residents to maintain their independence 타 Enhance residents social contacts 타 Minimise residents isolation from the community in which they previously resided

Building progress on the new Upper Ross Community Centre Above: Rear of the building showing veranda, entrance to a meeting room, roller door access to kitchen and rear storage room.

Right: Staff members Tracey, Chris, Jan and Peddie laughing on a recent visit to the new centre. They had just seen the size of their office.

FREE BOOKS Our new centre is almost finished and we are busy sorting and packing.

So we are giving away books/novels. If you like reading and would like some books please call into the centre.

2015 HIPPY UPDATE Our first year of HIPPY was a huge success and we are now looking forward to continuing the program’s success in 2015.

This year we welcome Peddie Cafarella as the new Hippy Coordinator. Peddie has just recently returned to North Queensland after four and a half years working as an Early Childhood teacher in two very different remote communities in the Northern Territory.

Peddie spent 8 months working in the tiny Walpiri community of Lajamanu on the edge of the Tanamai Desert, giving her and her husband their first real taste of living in the rich red beauty of the desert landscape. Peddie worked with both Preschool and Transition children and her husband was a pilot for Lajamanu Air. Peddie and her family also spent 5 years at Yirrkal, North East Arnhem Land (in the late 80's to early 90's).

With their experiences lingering in their hearts it wasn’t surprising that they found themselves back in Yolngu country on Elcho Island in late 2010. Peddie worked alongside Yolngu assistant teachers and tutors in a busy stimulating Preschool. Her husband flew for Marthakal Airlines before setting up a woodworking venture with the young men of Galwinku, creating affordable, functional furniture and artefacts.

Previously Peddie had 5 years at Tully Community Preschool followed by 4 years at Mourilyan Community Preschool from 2001 to 2009 so it also comes as no surprise that they find themselves back in the North Queensland, the place they have always affectionately called 'HOME'.

Peddie and Juanita are busy preparing enrolments for the 2015 HIPPY. If you have a child turning 4 between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2015 and you would you like to know how you can be your child's first teacher contact Peddie at the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 for more information about HIPPY. HIPPY Upper Ross is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, through the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters.

The program is managed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) on behalf of the Australian Government, through HIPPY Australia. BSL has sub-license arrangements with NQ Community Services to deliver the program in the Upper Ross

HOMEWORK PROGRAM Get the school year off to a good start by booking your child / children in our Homework Program. The program runs every Wednesday from 3 - 4.15 p.m. Children of all ages welcome.

Phone the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 for more information or to book.

UPPER ROSS MEDICAL CENTRE 11 9 9 R I V E RWAY D R I V E , R A S M U S S E N , P H O N E : 4 7 7 4 0 2 9 9

PINNACLE MEDICAL CENTRE 9 7 5 R I V E R W AY D R I V E , C N R G O L L O G LY S L A N E , C O N D O N - P H O N E 4 7 7 3 5 1 7 0 www.urmc.com.au

FAMILY ORIENTATED - BULK BILLING FOR ALL PATIENTS Open 5 days (Monday to Friday) 8am to 5pm, female Doctor available, experienced GP's Special interests include - Skin & Health Checks, Women's Health, Chronic Disease Management, Aged Care Other services provided by - Mental Health Nurse, Physiotherapist, Dietician Phone for an appointment – walk in's also accepted

Upper Ross Child Health Clinic Thursdays from 9.00 a.m. at the Upper Ross Community Centre Ÿ Qualified community health nurses are on hand to

answer questions and offer support.

No appointment needed

$95 Gumvale Shopping Centre Cnr Gollogly Lane and Riverway Drive, Rasmussen

1300 00 ASPIRE 1300 00 2774

Comprehensive Examination & Scale and Clean

Riddle TIME 1. I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old. What am I? 2. In a one-story house, there was a pink person, a pink cat, a pink fish, a pink computer, a pink chair, a pink table, a pink telephone, a pink shower, everything was pink. What colour were the stairs?

3. What is the longest word in the dictionary?

4. Throw away the outside and cook the inside, then eat the outside and throw away the inside. What is it?

5. If a blue house is made out of blue bricks, a yellow house is made of yellow bricks and a pink house is made of pink bricks, what is a green house made of?

Answers: 1. A candle; 2. There weren’t any stairs, it was a one story house; 3. Smiles, because there is a mile between each ‘s’; 4. Corn on the cob; 5. Glass.

Upper Ross roads to be upgraded Last year I had amazing support from the residents of the Upper Ross with Operation Riverway Drive. With your help, I presented a petition to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads calling for an update of the inadequate and outdated road infrastructure. We also held a rally where hundreds of drivers honked their horns to show their support.

The Minister listened and has announced $1 million for planning upgrades to Riverway Drive. This is a great outcome for the Upper Ross.

I also promised to work with the Townsville City Council and other stakeholders to find other ways of improving traffic problems in the Upper Ross.

In more good news, Wingate Properties has a planning development application with Council that promises additional road improvements. Managing Director Mr Stephen Williams says Wingate's multi-million dollar project includes significant road upgrades to Allambie Lane and Beck Drive and major drainage works to provide flood protection for local residents.

Thanks to everyone in the Upper Ross for making yourselves heard.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE Ÿ Every Tuesday from 4pm Ÿ Now providing face to face and phone service Ÿ Bookings are essential

Phone Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144

Bits ‘n Pieces is a Department of Communities supported initiative.

WHAT’S ON AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE November/December Activities Mondays

Ÿ 8:30-10:30am Community Garden Craft Ÿ 9:30am Ÿ 9:30 Ongoing Free Computer Access

Tuesdays

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

9:00am 9:00am 9:30 Ongoing 9:30-11:30am 4:00pm 5:00pm

Gentle Exercise Child Health Clinic Free Computer Access Timeout Legal Advice Walking Group

Wednesdays

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

8:30-10:30am 9:00-11:00am 9:30am 9:30 Ongoing 3:00pm

Community Garden JP Service Seniors Computer Kiosk Free Computer Access Homework Program

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

9:00am 9.30am 9:30am 9:30-11:00am

Child Health Clinic Social Cards Seniors Computer Kiosk Playgroup

Thursdays

WHERE TO PICK UP YOUR COPY OF BITS ‘n PIECES You can download the Bits’n Pieces newsletter online at our website http://www.nqcs.org.au OR you can grab a copy at the following places: *Kelso Fish Shop *UR Medical Centre *Gumvale Mini Mart *Riverway Chemist

*Woolworths Rasmussen *Riverway Snackbar *Carlyle Gardens *McDonalds Rasmussen

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

Advertise in the Newsletter - Phone 4774 0144