Jan Feb Bits 'n Pieces Newsletter

Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross January/February 2018 Upper Ross Community Centre 1/43 Allambie Lane, Rasmussen, 4815 Ph: 4774 0144 Fax: 4774 0909 Email: communitycentre@nqcs.org.au A service of Community Gro Inc. Volume 13, Issue 1

CONTENTS Ÿ

Child Health Clinic

Ÿ

Community Courses

Ÿ

First Aid Course

Ÿ

Free Computer Access

Ÿ

Free Legal Advice

Ÿ

Community Calendar

Ÿ

After school activities

Ÿ

JP Service

Ÿ

No Interest Loans

Ÿ

Playgroup

PCYC 24/7 GYM OPENS Residents of the Upper Ross will no longer have to drive across town to access a quality fitness centre. PCYC Upper Ross launched their new 24/7 Gym at their Open Day last Saturday.

The Gym is well equipped with top of the line weights and cardio equipment and will be a fantastic resource for the Upper Ross Community.

PCYC is a 'not-for-profit' organisation and through community support PCYC invests back into the local Community. The centre employs Youth workers and Program Coordinators to deliver Crime P r e v e n t i o n a n d Yo u t h Development programs within the local community.

The centre also provides a range of activities such as School Aged Care, Rock Climbing, Martial Arts, seniors fitness and more!

Drop in to the Upper Ross PCYC and check out the new gym.

PRE-SALE EXTENDED until end of February.

Call Upper Ross PCYC on 47892145 for more info.

Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with what’s happening at the Upper Ross Community Centre : www.facebook.com/upper.centre

What’s on in your community ...

WHEN

EVENT

TIME

COST

REGULAR EVENTS @ the Upper Ross Community Centre Wednesday Upper Ross Mens Support Group - Delivering mentoring and 12.00 pm Weekly guidance. Transport available. Call Karl McKenzie 0417735336 to 2.00 pm 1st Tues of Upper Ross Community Voice - Community Action Group the month forum

Thursday

Every 2nd Friday Every Wed

Every 2nd Friday

6.00 pm 7.00 pm

Come along and voice your ideas/concerns about issues in the Upper Ross. NEXT MEETING 6th February 3.00 pm After school children’s activities Kids bored after school? Bring them along to our after school Arts 4.00 pm & Craft and fun activities. Let them have some fun in a safe and supported environment. Afternoon tea provided.

Jewellery Making Class- come along get creative and learn how 10.00 am 12.00 pm to make different beading of necklaces, bracelets, earrings...

11.00am ATSI Women’s Group - a new yarning group for Indigenous woman to have a yarn and a cuppa. Child minding & transport is 1.00pm provided. (bookings are required by Tuesday afternoon) see pg 6 Meetings commence on 24th January Women’s Group - a social group getting together to chat, have a 10.00am 12.00pm cuppa and do a range of craft activities. Child minding is provided. Meetings commence on 2nd February

Free Free

Free

Free Free

Free

COMMUNITY EVENTS Sat 20th Jan

Fri 16th Feb

Little Day Out at Raintree Grove, Riverway. Spend an afternoon playing, creating and discovering. Drinks and snacks available to purchase.

Riverway Dive-In Movie Night - CARS 3 will be showing on the big screen.

5.00pm 9.00pm

Free

7.15pm 9.00pm

Free

Townsville Libraries - Computer sessions Upcoming courses for February & March to be held at the Upper Ross Community Centre Wed Feb 14th 10.30 am – 12.00pm. Topic - iPad & iPhones Wed Mar 14th 10.30am – 12.00 pm. Topic Android Tablets & Phones Bring your own device along with you and join in with this friendly and relaxed session where you can ask questions and learn something new.

Bookings are essential as limited places are available.

Call the Upper Ross Community centre on 4774 0144 to book.

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 you are new to the area you’re probably wondering what the centre is about and what do we do at the centre..

The Upper Ross Community Centre offers something for everyone so please feel free to drop in and say hello, have a cuppa, use the computers or just sit and read a book. Here’s a brief summary of what’s available at the centre: Ÿ Free community access to computers, Wifi and phone. Ÿ Free one-on-one computer lessons for adults. Did you get a new computer, tablet or phone for Christmas and need help. Just book in for a lesson and our wonderful tutor will help you. Don’t worry if you don’t get it first time. You can keep coming back each week. Ÿ Free Child Health Clinic for new mums on Thursdays, from 9.00 am. No appointment needed. Ÿ Play Group - Thursday mornings 9.30-11.30am. Gold coin donation.

Morning tea is provided for parents and children. Free transport is available (transport bookings essential - call the centre by Wednesday afternoon to book). 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 - Arts & Craft, Timeout (cards, board games) and Social Cards (see back page for what’s on and when). Ÿ NILS (No Interest Loans Scheme). Available for essential household items see pg 5 for more info. Ÿ Community Visitors Scheme - Volunteers spend 1-2 hrs each fortnight visiting residents in aged care homes. (see pg 5) Ÿ Office services - printing, faxing, photocopying, laminating, scanning and emails (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 information and services provided by other agencies and organisations.

We welcome ideas, feedback and suggestions from the community, so drop in and have a chat with us.

Don’t forget to like us on facebook. That’s the best way to keep up to date with what’s happening at the community centre.

Enrol now for HIPPY 2018 Welcome to 2018. Hippy team are now taking enrolments for the 2018 program. HIPPY 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 2018.

HIPPY is FREE. Join in the fun.

Get Started Vouchers help with the cost of sport & recreation activities Up to $150 per child is available for children and young people who can least afford or may otherwise benefit from joining a sport or recreation club. Parents can apply for a voucher to help pay for club membership and/or participation fees.

Clubs must be registered with the Get Started Voucher program to accept the vouchers.

Round 11 Funding Key Dates: Applications open on 24th January 2018 and close on 28th March 2018 or earlier if all vouchers are allocated.

Vouchers must be presented to a registered club by 11th May 2018.

For more info or to apply go to: http://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/getinthegame/getstarted/ apply

Community Visitors Scheme.

The scheme partners volunteer visitors with an elderly resident of an aged care 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 Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144.

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)?

Example; If you reside in Kelso and your child/children attend Ryan Catholic College Junior Campus (0-yr 6) your eligibility would be assessed based on the distance from your home to the Good Shepherd Catholic School as this is the closest school of the type your children attend. However, if your child/children attend Ryan Catholic College Senior Campus the distance would be calculated from your home to the College as this is the closest school of its type. Minimum payment is $10.65 per week, calculated weekly and paid twice a year in June & December (20 weeks per period).

For more info and the application form visit: www.translink.com.au/ticketsand-fares/other-tickets/school-tickets-and-fares/conveyance-allowance

NILS - No Interest, No Fee Loan Is your car rego due? Do you need car repairs? Maybe your fridge or washer has died? Not sure how you are going to cover the cost? You may be eligible to apply for a NILS loan. Contact us at the Upper Ross Community Centre to find out more.

Too many debts, don’t know what to?

Talk to us about seeing a Financial Counsellor.

For some great information on money saving tips and budgeting tools visit: Ÿ www.goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au Ÿ www.moneysmart.gov.au

Child Health Drop-in Clinic Thursdays 9am-12pm at the Upper Ross Community Centre A qualified community health nurse is on hand to answer questions and provide support. Ÿ New baby health checks Ÿ Breastfeeding advice Ÿ New mum’s support

FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE Tuesday’s from 4pm Face to face or phone appointments Ÿ Bookings are essential Ÿ Ÿ

Contact the Upper Ross Community Centre to book Ph. 4774 0144

Upper Ross

Justice of the Peace Service (JP) Every Wednesday morning at the Upper Ross Community Centre 9.00 - 11.00 am No appointment needed

Jesus, Reaching People

Having Difficulties Accessing Opportunities

WORK SKILLS QUEENSLAND Want to change your life & get a JOB!

Not at School or thinking of leaving School

Are You 15-19

Get Set for Work is a FREE training program for eligible young people 15-19 Yrs old who are not at school or thinking about not going back to school.

The aim of the program is to provide training, combined with learning support and core skills so that participants can successfully transition to employment and/or further education and training. You will gain two nationally recognised qualifications in Certificate II Skills for Work & Vocational Pathways and Certificate III Business Administration.

The program includes dedicated support to assist participants to connect with employers, to secure employment and to maintain long term employment by receiving continued support after you get a job and any assistance to link in with additional support services as needed. Please contact the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 or 0458 823 765 to talk to the Work skills trainer Marlina to check your eligibility.

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

Free 1-on-1 Computer Lessons Are you just starting out on your IT journey and need some basic help or maybe you have good IT skills but need a refresher. Maybe you have a tablet or smart phone and not sure how to use it. Try our free one hour 1-on1 computer lessons.

Use our computer or byo laptop/tablet/phone.

Lessons are Mondays & Tuesday. Your welcome to come every week.

Bookings are essential. Call now to book - 47740144

OPEN 7 DAYS

Mon - Fri 8 - 8 Saturday 9 - 3 Sunday & Public Holidays 9 - 1 Ÿ

Ÿ Locally Owned and run business Easy access and plenty of parking at front and rear

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

v i s i b i l i t y o f o n c o m i n g t ra f f i c a n d pedestrians. *It is also important to note that the detour and staged works has been Dear Residents, arranged to minimise the risk of damaging Happy New Year! It is great to see the Upper the 1200 diameter pipe which supplies Ross area progressing well with the water to 75% of Townsville. introduction of new businesses such as Zaraffa's Coffee and Pie House on Gouldian The speed on Riverway Drive has been Avenue who opened up shop in December. reduced to 60km/hr and 20km/hr advisory For great coffee, cake, pie or donut, drop in signage placed on the approach to the and support your local businesses. temporary roundabout. If motorists are Remember to also support the other small driving to the conditions and the advisory b u s i n e s s e s i n o u r a r e a , s u c h a s speed limits, then the cross fall / camber is hairdressers, butchers, news agent, bakery, adequate. Please be aware of the changing tobacconist, takeaway food outlets and traffic conditions in this area - slow down Mini-marts to name a few. Every purchase and obey all signage and traffic control. counts in supporting jobs in our region.

Best wishes to the students who will be The Department of Transport and Main starting a new year of school and to the Roads (TMR) has begun constructing the parents who are handing over their young Riverway Drive and Allambie Lane ones to start school for the first time. intersection as part of the Riverway Drive Sporting groups will also be commencing Duplication project. This means motorists for 2018, so ensure you get in early and sign wishing to access Allambie Lane are being your children up to your local community detoured via Baldock Street and Miles group, whether it be Football, Rugby Avenue. A temporary painted roundabout League, AFL, Horse Riding, Swimming, has been adopted to assist with traffic flow Scouts, etc. Applications for the “Get through this intersection while the Started� $150 vouchers opens on the 24th Riverway Drive and Allambie Lane January, and you can apply directly online : intersection is constructed. The layout has https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports been designed to allow for B-doubles and /funding/getinthegame/getstarted/apply other large vehicles to navigate through the intersection so that trailers can track over Warm regards, the island. The painted roundabout will Aaron Harper MP also provide safer travel movements State Member for Thuringowa through the intersection and maintain sight Free Phone, Computer & Wifi Access at the Upper Ross Community Centre

Printing, faxing, scanning, laminating, emailing service available at the Community Centre. Costs apply. Ask our friendly staff.

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

RASMUSSEN “Specialising in the Upper Ross” MECHANICAL 3/1219 Riverway Dr, Rasmussen

Repairs & Tyres

www.rossriver.com.au

Unit 2 / 1231 Riverway Dr Rasmussen

N & J DEVALTER

Next to Puma Servo

YOUR LOCAL BLOKE SERVICING THE UPPER ROSS AND SURROUNDS

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

Ph: 4789 1299

SERVICING ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

Guaranteed Mechanical Repairs to all vehicles

PHONE: 0429 648 399 Electrical Contractor No. 69820

Disclaimer: Ths 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.

WHAT’S ON AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE Our Regular weekly Activities Mondays

9:30 - 12.00pm 12.00 - 4.00 pm 9.00 - 12.00pm Ÿ 9:30 - 11:30am Ÿ 12.00 - 4.00pm Ÿ 4:00 - 5.00pm

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Tuesdays

Craft Group Free Computer Lessons U3A Craft Group Timeout - Games/Cards Free Computer Lessons Free Legal Advice Clinic

Wednesdays

Ÿ Ÿ

9:00 - 11:00am 11.00 - 1.00 pm

Free JP Service ATSI Women’s Group (see page 2 & 6 for details)

Thursdays

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

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

Child Health Clinic Social Cards Playgroup Free Kids Arts & Craft

Fridays

Wk 1 Ÿ 10:00 - 12.00pm Wk 2 Ÿ 10.00 - 12.00 pm Ÿ

Jewellery Making Women’s Group (see pg 6 for session dates)

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