Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross January / February 2017 Upper Ross Community Centre 1/43 Allambie Lane, Rasmussen, 4815 Ph: 4774 0144 Fax: 4774 0909 Email: communitycentre@nqcs.org.au A division of NQ Community Services Volume 12, Issue 1

CONTENTS Ÿ

Child Health Clinic

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Community Courses

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First Aid Course

Ÿ

Free Computer Access

Ÿ

Free Legal Advice

Ÿ

Community calendar

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After school activities

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JP Service

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No Interest Loans

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Playgroup

Upper Ross ‘Voice’ success The Upper Ross Community Voice is a community consultative group, providing the residents of the Upper Ross a unified voice to address concerns. The meetings also provide a forum for council and government representatives to keep residents informed about local issues. Meetings are 6-7pm on the first Tuesday of each month.

Next Meeting: 6th February Come along at 5.30 for a meet and greet and sausage sizzle

COMMUNITY GARDEN Saturday 18th February 7am - 11 am Free Sausage Sizzle Our garden is looking a bit sad and needs some TLC. Come join us and help us get the garden looking good. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/upper.centre

What’s on in your community ... WHEN

EVENT

TIME

COST

REGULAR EVENTS Tuesdays Weekly

Empowering Mamas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander WOMEN’S Group - meet at the Upper Ross Community Centre every Tuesday. Arts & craft, education & support services. Fridays Uncle Alfred’s Mens Suport Group - Delivering mentoring and Weekly guidance of Cultural men’s business. Call Uncle Alfred 0422 872 011 or Karl McKenzie 0417735336 3rd Fri of Dive-in movie Nights at Riverway Lagoon the month 20th Jan - Alvin & the Chipmunks 1st Tues of Upper Ross Community Voice meeting the month Come along and voice your ideas/concerns about issues in the Upper Ross. Tues & Centrelink Service Officer Outreach Service Visits Wed

Tuesdays: 24th Jan, 7th Feb, 21st Feb, 7th Mar Wednesdays: 18th Jan, 1st Feb, 15th Feb, 1st Mar

10.00 am to 12.00 pm

Free

10.30 am to 12.30 pm

Free

6.30 pm

Free

6.00 7.00 pm

Free

Tue 11.30 am Free 12.30 pm Wed 9.30 10.30 am

January Sat 26th

6am - 12pm Free Australia Day Celebrations - Jezzine Barracks Join in the fun run along The Strand, starts 7am followed by a free

February Tues 21st Money ‘Smart ‘How to stay on top of your money’ at the

Upper Ross Community Centre Sat 25th

CORES - Community Response to Eliminating Suicide CORES educates community members how to be proactive to prevent somebody taking their life, or harming themselves. Bookings essential Where: Mental Illness Fellowship NQ. 59a Cambridge St, Vincent Contact Ross Romeo 0427455313 email coresqld@kentishrc.com.au

Thursday mornings 9.30-11.30 am @ Upper Ross Community Centre Playtime and fun activities in a friendly and supportive environment Healthy morning tea provided Gold Coin Donation free transport available in the Upper Ross area call 47740144 to book transport

10.00 am 11.30 am

Free

8.30 am to 4.00 pm

Free

Do you enjoy helping kids learn? We are looking for a volunteer to run our After School Program, helping primary school children with homework, reading and providing school learning activities. Wednesday afternoons 3pm - 4pm. Contact Jean, our Family Support Coordinator for more info. Ph 47740144 or 0428 399293

Free one-on-one computer training

Free Learn How Sessions @ Upper Ross Community Centre by CityLibraries Townsville

Make the most of your Smartphone Wednesday 8th February, 10am - 12pm

Make the most of your Tablet Device

Our volunteer tutor can teach you whatever you want to learn about. Lessons are Tuesday, Wednesday Bookings are essential Ph 47740144

Wednesday 8th March, 10am - 12pm

First Aid & CPR Course

.

Bring along your device and learn how to make the most of your Smartphone, iPad or Android tablet in these friendly relaxed sessions. Bookings required Upper Ross Community Centre Ph 4774 0144

@ Upper Ross Community Centre

Saturday 4th Mar. 8.00 am - 3.00 pm Cost: First Aid (including CPR) $100 Perform CPR only $50 Anaphylaxis $40 Asthma $40 Bookings essential To reserve your place call 47740144.

Free Computer Access & Wifi (for byo users) Available at the Upper Ross Community Centre Office services are also available - printing, faxing, scanning, laminating, emailing Costs apply to office services

Enrol now for HIPPY 2017 There are still a few places available in the age 4 HIPPY program. HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters) is a 2 year home-based early childhood enrichment program. The program builds confidence and skills of parents/carers to create a positive learning environment to prepare parents/carers for their child’s schooling. The program is open to families from the Upper Ross area (Condon, Rasmussen, Kelso) and eligible children must be aged 4 by 30th June 2017. Employment Positions available. The HIPPY program has two HIPPY Tutor positions available, commencing in Feb 2017. Employment in the program is for 2 years, with tutors completing study (either a Certificate or Diploma in their chosen field of study) in their 2nd year of employment. Only parents/care givers with a child participating in the program are eligible to apply for Tutor positions. The HIPPY Program is FREE Make a difference and give your child a headstart for their schooling. Enquire Now: Contact the HIPPY Coordinator Liana Jones Ph. 47740144

Work for the Dole Program achieves successful outcomes Many people would be aware of Work for The Dole Programs where recipients of Centrelink Newstart benefit are required to perform up to 25 hours per week voluntary work. The program requires job seekers to participate in a volunteer placement for 6 months during which time they are learning new skills, meeting new people and making contacts within the community to foster future employment opportunities. Throughout 2016 the Upper Ross Community Centre partnered with Workways to provide placements for 13 participants. Our staff work with each volunteer to look at their skill set and how we can build on these and provide learning opportunities to increase the volunteers capacity and confidence to go out into the workforce. We are always on the lookout for suitable employment opportunities for our volunteers. In 2016 eight of our volunteers achieved successful outcomes finding employment. Our current participants all completed the Gtec Cert II Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways held at the Upper Ross Community Centre in October/November. All participants said they enjoyed the course and are now keen to step up their job search using their newly created resumes and job search skills. All said they would definitely recommend the course to other job seekers.

Do you need help to get into the workforce or undertake further study? TAFE Queensland North in partnership with GTEC Training and Development will be delivering foundation skills training in Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways (FSK20113) at the Upper Ross Community Centre throughout 2017. Aim of the program This qualification is designed for individuals who require further foundation skills development to prepare for vocational training pathways. It is suitable for individuals who require: 타 A pathway to employment or vocational training 타 Reading, writing, numeracy, oral communication and learning skills at Australian Core Skills Framework Lvl 3 타 Entry level digital literacy and employment skills 타 A vocational training and employment plan Program details Course duration l 5 weeks Delivery l Training is delivered face to face When: Next course Monday 21st Feb 2017 Location l Upper Ross Community Centre 1/43 Allambie Lane, Rasmussen Cost l Funded by the Queensland Government (eligible applicants) A $200 co-contribution fee will apply however Gtec will fund this for eligible participants. Contact the Community Centre to book Ph 4774 0144 or register via http://www.gtectrain.com/registration-form.html

NO Fees NO Interest NO Charges Providing safe, affordable and fair credit to low income earners to buy essential household items, including car repairs and registration. Only pay back what you borrow - No Interest, No Fees. Loan repayments are made through affordable fortnightly Centrepay Deductions.

If you receive a Centrelink benefit and live in the Upper Ross (Condon, Rasmussen or Kelso) you may be eligible for a NILS loan. Contact the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 for more info. INVITATION TO ATTEND... A FREE, FUN AND INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION ON:

“HOW TO STAY ON TOP OF YOUR MONEY’

MONEYCARE

Promoting Financial Health and Wellness

Date: 7th February Time: 10.00am to 11.30am Address: Salvation Army, Beck Dr, Condon Date: 21st February Time: 10.00am to 11.30am Address: Upper Ross Community Centre 1/43 Allambie Lane, Rasmussen

Range of topics include: 1. Simple money tips 2. Keeping everyday costs down 3. Shopping smart 4. Paying bills on time 5. Creating new money habits 6. How to create and maintain your own budget

For further details or to book a place contact: Jennifer Barclay-Smyth, Ph 4723 5607, 0477432125. Email: jennifer.barclay-smyth@aue.salvationarmy.org OR Upper Ross Community Centre Ph 4774 0144. Email: tpeace@nqcs.org.au

We’ve moved to a New Location

Do you know ... Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme The Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme is a Queensland Government initiative designed to support low-income households experiencing sudden or temporary financial difficulties who are unable to pay their current electricity account. The scheme provides a one-off emergency assistance up to $720 (in any 12 month period for a maximum of 2 consecutive years) to help with paying your home energy bills. If you are experiencing difficulties paying your bill you should contact Ergon to discuss their Customer Assist program. For more information, to discuss eligibility details, including the types of emergency situations you might get help for, or to apply for HEEAS contact Ergon on 131046.

School Transport Conveyancing Allowance Do you drive your children to school? You may be eligible to receive a conveyancing allowance if you live more than 3.2 km (primary school) or 4.8 km (secondary school) from the closest school of the type your children attend (e.g. state or private)? Minimum payment is $10.40 per week, calculated weekly and paid twice a year in June & December (20 weeks per period). For more info on eligibilty and to obtain the application form visit: https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/other-tickets/school-tickets-andfares or phone 131230

Learning Links...

Take the challenge and learn something new CityLibraries Townsville, in partnership with Learning NQ and the Community Information Centre has developed Learning Links. The program provides community-based informal learning in friendly, relaxed surroundings that links new learners with volunteer tutors, either on-on-one or in small groups. It consists of a register of volunteer tutors who are willing to help people learn new skills. Perhaps you would like to try crochet or learn to play the guitar or maybe you want to brush up on your writing skills. For more info contact the Learning Links Officer, Community Information Centre (07) 4771 4230 or email LearningLinks@townsville.qld.gov.au.

Pathfinders National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program Are you enrolling children into school for the first time, or maybe you are wanting to apply for your drivers licence and don’t have a birth certificate. Pathfinders program can help. About 1/3 of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia each year do not have their births registered or obtain birth certificates, making them vulnerable to missing out later in life. The Pathfinders Program provides free birth certificates for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged between 0 and 21. Contact the Upper Ross Community for more information and assistance.

Child Health Drop-in Clinic

Midwife Clinic

Thursdays 9am-12pm at the Upper Ross Community Centre

Visiting the Upper Ross Community Centre (pre-arrangeded appointments)

A qualified community health nurse on hand to answer questions and provide support. Ÿ New baby health checks Ÿ Breastfeeding advice Ÿ New mum’s support

Contact the Birth Centre to discuss your maternity care options. Ph: 44332779 or midwife Penny 0428 694 788.

UPPER ROSS MEDICAL CENTRE 11 9 9 R I V E R W AY D R I V E , R A S M U S S E N - P H . 4 7 7 4 0 2 9 9 Open 7 days - Extended weekday hours

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 . 4 7 7 3 5 1 7 0 Open 5 days (Monday to Friday) 8am to 5pm

www.urmc.com.au FAMILY ORIENTATED - BULK BILLING FOR ALL PATIENTS 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, Phone for an appointment – walk in's also accepted

OPEN 7 DAYS

Mon - Fri 8 - 8 Saturday 9 - 3 Sunday & Public Holidays 9 - 1 Ÿ Locally Owned and run business Ÿ Easy access and plenty of parking at front and rear

Cnr Riverway Drive and Gollogly Lane, Rasmussen Phone: 4755 4654

COMLINK – Social Activities & Transport assistance Are you lonely, wanting to meet new people or simply want to get out and about and do something new? Then maybe CommLink’s regular social outings might be just what your looking for. They offer a wide range of activities including visits to museums, mosaic tile workshops, theatre shows, morning teas and lunches, Tai Chi, shopping, movies, going to craft markets. Cost is $12 for transport plus the cost of the activity. Priority is given to age 65+ however people aged 50-65 can join outings if spaces are available. The monthly outings schedule is available from the Upper Ross Community Centre or can be emailed. Bookings are essential. Contact CommLink on 1300 761 011 or 4417 1700 to book.

Seniors Bus Trips to continue in 2017 The Upper Ross Community Centre seniors bus trips were well supported last year and will continue throughout 2017. The trips are planned for the last Friday of each month and will offer a variety of destinations including trips to the Burdekin, Ingham, Charters Towers, shopping, and maybe even Maggie Island. February’s trip will be to the Burdekin, with the bus leaving from the Upper Ross Community Centre at 9am and returning 4pm.. Morning tea is provided. Cost will be $20 per person plus cost of buying own lunch and drinks.

Loam Island Scouts Are you up for the Challenge? Enjoy the Outdoors? Ready for adventure? Cubs (7-10 yrs) meet every Tues night 6.30pm - 8.30pm Scouts (10-14 yrs) meet every Wed night 6.30pm - 8.30 pm Venturers (10-14 yrs) - To be advised

To find out more contact Julie Harvey Sutton Ph 0422 064 120 or google Loam Island Scouts

Come Join in the fun. Contact 4789 2145 for more info. Activity

Member's Fee

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Active Oldies (seniors circuit) $5.00 9.00am - 10.00am Boxing With Trainer (10yrs+) Adult $7 /Child $4 6.00pm - 7.30pm 6.00pm - 7.30pm 6.00pm - 7.30pm Circuit Class Adult $7 /Seniors $5 9.00am - 10.00am IMPACT Youth Team (12-17yrs) FREE Monday to Friday 8.00am - 8.00pm Gym Adult $7 /Child $5 Japanese Jujitsu (16yrs+) Adult $7 /Child $4 6.00pm-7.30pm Judo - Junior (5-13yrs) Child $4 5.00pm - 5.45pm Judo - Senior (14yrs+) Adult $7 /Child $4 6.00pm - 7.30pm Karate - Juniors (5-13yrs) Child $4 5.45pm - 6.30pm Karate - Seniors (14yrs+) Adult $7 /Child $4 6.30pm - 8.00 pm Kendo Adult $7 /Child $4 7.00pm-8.30pm Learn to Skate $5 pcyc +$3 TARS 6.00pm - 7.00pm Weekly $5 /Monthly $20 9.00am - 12md Men's Shed 9.00am - 12md 9.00am - 12md 9.00am -12md Over 50’s Social Club $3.00 9.00am - 11.30am Paper Craft Group book in advance $5 + resource fees 9.30am - 1.30pm Pee-Wee Fitness (5-12yrs) $4.00 4.30pm - 5.00pm QPS Beep Test $10.00 By Appointment Rockclimbing Adult $10 /Child $7 5.30pm - 8.00pm. Group Bookings 5.30pm - 8.00pm Member $10 Rock Wallabies (6-12yrs) 4.15pm - 5pm Non-Member $15

Friday 9.00am - 10.00am

6.00pm-7.30pm 5.00pm - 5.45pm 6.00pm-7.30pm 5.45pm - 6.30pm 6.30pm - 8.00pm 7.00pm-8.30pm

By Appointment

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.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE Wednesday mornings 9.00 - 11.00 am

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

Upper Ross Community Centre No appointment needed

“ Specialising in the Upper Ross”

@ Upper Ross Community Centre Tuesday’s from 4pm Face to face or phone appointments. Bookings are essential Contact the Upper Ross Community Centre to book Ph. 4774 0144

RASMUSSEN MECHANICAL

3/1219 Riverway Dr, Rasmussen

www.rossriver.com.au

Repairs & Tyres

N & J DEVALTER

Unit 2 / 1231 Riverway Dr Rasmussen

YOUR LOCAL BLOKE SERVICING THE UPPER ROSS AND SURROUNDS

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

Next to Puma Servo

SERVICING ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

Ph: 4789 1299

PHONE: 0429 648 399

Guaranteed Mechanical Repairs to all vehicles

Electrical Contractor No. 69820

Attention Car Owners Here’s 4 reasons why you should use our $25 Wash and Vacuum service: If your tired of poor quality washes, inflated prices and lack of service you need to visit Cranbrook Car Wash. Here are just four of the many reasons you will love this service.... 1. 2. 3. 4.

Hassle free.... We do it all for you. Satisfaction guaranteed! (If your not happy we’ll hand wash it) $25 Fuel with your 10th Purchase Book online to win $100 fuel (drawn monthly)

So don’t struggle to do it yourself or put with overpriced poor quality service any longer. Book online at www.cranbrookcarwash.com.au or come in and see us today at 470 Ross River Road, Cranbrook. Or call us on:

(07) 4723 3231 Present this coupon to receive your FREE interior car care pack Valued at $15.00 With your wash and vacumm purchase. 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.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Legal Service NQ Inc

Outreach service available at the Upper Ross Community Centre on the 2nd Friday of each month Commencing 10th Feb 2017

Providing Ÿ face to face appointments Ÿ continuing casework (including court representation Ÿ referrals to other legal services Ÿ assisting women to access support services Ÿ community education workshops

Ph 07 47216007 for phone advice or to book an appointment.

WHAT’S ON AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE Regular weekly Activities 9:30 - 12.00pm Craft Mondays 9:30 - 11.30am Community Cafe Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

9:30 - 11.30am 9:30 - 11:30am 12.30 - 3.30pm 4:00 - 4.30pm

Community Cafe Timeout - Games/Cards Free Computer Lessons Legal Advice Service

Wednesdays

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

9:00 - 11:00am 9:30 - 3.30pm 3:15 - 4.30pm

Free JP Service Free Computer Lessons Homework Program

Thursdays

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

9:00 - 12.00pm 9.30 - 12.00pm 9.30 - 12.00pm 9:30 - 11:30am 9.30 - 3.30pm 3.00 - 4.00pm

Child Health Clinic Social Cards Sewing morning Playgroup Free Computer Lessons Children’s Arts & Craft

Ÿ

10:00 - 12.00pm

Jewellry making

Tuesdays

Fridays

F

Centre Opening Hours Monday - Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm

WHERE TO PICK UP YOUR COPY OF BITS ‘n PIECES Our Bits’n Pieces newsletter is available online at our website http://www.nqcs.org.au OR you can grab a copy at the following places: *Kelso Fish Shop *Carlyle Gardens *Thuringowa RSL *Gumvale Mini Mart *Riverway Chemist *Riverway Snackbar *McDonalds Rasmussn *Woolworths Rasmussen *Salvation Army Beck Rd *Upper Ross Medical & Pinnacle Medical Centres OR you can call into the Upper Ross Community Centre to pick up a copy and stay for a chat.

Advertise in the Newsletter - Phone 4774 0144