Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross March/April 2019 CONTENTS Ÿ
Child Health
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Free Legal Advice
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Youth Night
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JP
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No Interest Loans
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Kids Club
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Playgroup
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Women’s Day
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Shield of H.E.R.S
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HIPPY
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QUIHN
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Community Connect Program
Upper Ross Community Centre 1/43 Allambie Lane Rasmussen, 4815 Ph: 4774 0144 Fax: 4774 0909 Email: communitycentre@communitygro.org.au A division of Community Gro Inc. Volume 14, Issue 1
WOMEN’S DAY 8th March 2019 !!!...Take Charge of your Change...!!! Come join Community GRO for a morning of informative presentations & activities to celebrate QLD Women's week. Each year we celebrate QLD Women's Week with our event, providing women in our community the opportunity to come together to celebrate women, providing a real life grass roots event as an alternative to the corporate events held for International Women's Day. Our events held in previous years have been well supported and we anticipate this year's event to be the best yet.
address the issues that contribute to women's financial disadvantage and economic insecurity. Our guest speakers will empower and motivate you to "Take Charge of Your Change". The morning kicks off at 10am with light refreshments served after the guest speakers. Come along and share your budgeting & money saving ideas. There are prizes for the ideas with the most scores. For more info contact the Upper Ross Community Centre.
The focus for this year's QLD Wo m e n ' s We e k i s a r o u n d encouraging and supporting women to improve their financial literacy and capability and raising awareness in the community of how we can
To advertise in the newsletter contact www.facebook.com/communitygro Community GRO on Phone: 47740144
What’s on in your community ... March 10.03-08.12 Renegade Handmade - Locally made Jewellery, Fashion, Arts, Every 2nd Sun Crafts, Baby wear, gifts & Homewares all in one large
8.00am1.00pm
hall.MARION SCHOOL HALL-140 Corcoran St, Currajong Volunteering & Tourism in Townsville- Join conservation volunteers Australia in Townsville for a day or two of volunteering in outdoor conservation projects. You will get to experience Townsville’s nature and outdoors from a different prospective while helping with activities such as macro-invertebrate surveys, water quality monitoring, weed removal, beach clean ups and native plant propagation. 17.03.19- Family Fun Day @ Perc Tucker Regional Gallery 15.12.19 Join Perc Tucker Regional Gallery for their FREE Family Fun Day. - Free art making activities for the family - All materials are provided - Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Gates open Sat 16 Mar 1300SMILE Stadium - NQ Toyota Cowboys 6.35pm First home game of the season - NQ Cowboy’s vs St George Illawarra Dragons. Gates open Sat 30 Mar 1300SMILE Stadium - NQ Toyota Cowboys 4.30pm NQ Cowboys vs Cronulla Sharks. 10.12.1820.12.19
Every Mon Youth Night @ the Upper Community Centre. Come in and meet 5.00pm-
8.30pm others and join in some fun activities and game. Dinner is provided. Every Tues Drop in Tuesday @ the Upper Ross PCYC (for ages 10-17yrs) 2.30pm -
FREE
FREE
FREE
Cost apply
Cost apply FREE
FREE
4.30pm
Every Thurs
Thursday Night Sports @ the Upper Ross PCYC If you enjoy sports this might be just what your looking for.
6.00pm 7.30pm
FREE
1300SMILE Stadium - NQToyota Cowboys NQ Cowboys vs Canberra Raiders. 1300SMILE Stadium - NQ Toyota Cowboys NQ Cowboys vs Melbourne Storms.
Gates open Cost apply 4.30pm
April Sat 6 Apr Fri 12 Apr
PLAYGROUP every Thursday
9.30am-11.30am
Gates open Cost apply 7.55pm
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Enrol now for HIPPY 2019 The Hippy team are now taking enrolments for the 2019 program. HIPPY is a 2 year homebased 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 2019. HIPPY is FREE. Join in the fun. QuIHN Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment Clinic. Our clinics are run by an experienced Nurse Practitioner, nursing staff and harm reduction staff. Our team can: · · · · · · · ·
Offer Hep C testing Fibroscan on-site Start you on treatment Provide support and education at all stages of treatment Help out with access to other services and information you may need Discuss reinfection and re-treatment options Offer peer worker support Provide overdose education and Naloxone scripting
Also we are running a Hep C clinic from our office every second Tuesday – www.quihn.org Phone: – 074735 8828 CRAFT GROUP every Monday 9.30am-11.30am
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE COMMUNITY VISITORS SCHEME Do you have one spare hour a fortnight and would like to visit the elderly in the local Aged Care Homes in Townsville? Why not make this a family outing, where the children can get involved with visiting someone special? The Community Visitors Scheme 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. As a community visitor, you need to be committed to visiting your resident friend at least once a fortnight. And become a special friend to them. You can enjoy walks, reading the news, joining in the homes activities or even go out on an outing. The funding provides for reimbursement of fuel and administration required for the necessary police checks. The hours provided by the visitor are voluntary. The visitor is matched with a resident with similar interests. There is no set schedule for information sessions.You could make contact with our coordinator and schedule a time to have a meet and greet. The Coordinator contact details are: email tglenwright@communitygro.org.au or phone 4774 0144.
WOMENS GROUP Every second Friday 11am-1pm (during school term) The women's group is a unique opportunity to socialize with other ladies just like yourself. The ladies meet up for 2 hours and participate in range of different activities, including self defense sessions, cooking classes, parenting education and craft. We provide free child minding, we do ask however that you book the day before so that we can be organised and have the day well planned. If you would like more information please contact Jean on 4774 0144 or 0428 399 293.
Meet our new Trainee... My name is Leonte' Gizar and I am the new Trainee at Community Gro's Upper Ross Community Centre. I have recently graduated year 12 in November 2018 and now currently doing a Business Administration Traineeship with my placement here at the Community Centre. I am both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander of the Birri- Gubba and Meriam people. I was born here in Townsville and grew up in the suburb of Garbutt. Although I have never been outside the state of Queensland a future goal of mine would be to travel. The first place I would go would be to Rio de Janeiro to see their big statue of Jesus and also for their Carnival festival. But before I travel anywhere I am wanting to study Indigenous History to teach the future generations about traditional history. In the mean time I am enjoying my time here working and also getting to know and understand the community from a different prospect. I like working here as the centre is a comfortable and caring environment for all ages. In my spare time I love eating pizza, watching movies and hanging out with my family and friends.
KRAFTY KAPERS GROUP every Tuesday 9.00am-11.30am
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Help Through Flooding Period
A big shout out to the crew at Samaritans Purse for their help in supporting community affected by the recent floods. Volunteer teams headed out each day to help with the clean up, directly helping over 100 families. A very big thank you also to Michael Stainbrook & the team of volunteers at North Reach for their support in setting up a recovery centre, providing food, clothing & toiletries to those in need. The efforts of all volunteers who assisted in the flood recovery will be forever appreciated.
Bits 'n Pieces is changing... This will be the final edition of our Bits 'n Pieces Newsletter in its current format. Following a review of our current newsletter and feedback from our readers we are moving to an online newsletter in 2019. To ensure we cater for readers who prefer to read a hard copy newsletter we will continue to print a paper newsletter. What this will look like is still to be finalised... It may be a single or double page flyer that comes out fortnightly so it has more current up to date news.. keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates. facebook.com/upper.centre
NEW ERGON PROGRAM Would you like a monthly bill instead of 3 monthly? Would you like to win prizes for playing online games? Would you like to learn more about energy saving? Ergon is trialing new digital meters for families on regional Queensland. This means Ergon will be able to read the meters remotely and therefore send you a bill more often...smaller bills, easier to budget for. To be eligible for the program you would need: Ÿ To be the Ergon account holder Ÿ To have dependent children Ÿ To be on a low income Ÿ To have access to a phone and email account Ÿ To live in regional Queensland (ALL of Townsville qualifies) Ÿ To meet the technical criteria (meter board must be compliant or upgraded and Ergon will assess this once you register your interest)
Free Computer Lessons every Monday/Tuesday 12pm-3pm
www.facebook.com/communitygro
one of the Community Recovery Hubs or contacting the hotline on 1800 073 349 to find out about the support available or v i s i t t h e w e b s i t e www.qld.gov.au/communityrecovery
Dear Residents, Well I don't have to tell you about the unprecedented rain event and flooding that was experienced recently in the city of Townsville. During the event, it was with great excitement as we saw our Ross River Dam be filled in a matter of days and then trepidation as the rain did not show any signs of easing. Having attended the Townsville Disaster Management Meetings that occurred twice daily during the unpredictable weather event, I had every confidence of those in the leadership positions that they would make the right decisions to ensure the safety of the residents, as best they could, with the information at hand. To those directly affected, I feel for your loss and grief and I have seen firsthand the massive effort being undertaken to help with the clean-up. My family and I have participated in the clean-up which is a very demanding, hot and dirty job, and is extremely overwhelming for those who have lost their possessions and sentimental items.
On another note, one of my parliamentary roles is the Chairperson of the Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee. This Committee examines Bills, presented to the Legislative Assembly, to consider the th policy to be enacted. On the 14 February, the Health Committee released the Issues Paper on Aged Care, End-of-Life and Palliative Care and Voluntary Assisted Dying. We are seeking the views of Queenslanders on these matters and in particular, if Voluntary Assisted Dying would be supported. This is an historic and significant issue for Queensland, as this is the first time it will be considered by the Queensland Parliament. Full details on this Inquiry is available at www.bit.ly/InquiryAgecCareEOLPCVAD and you would like to comment on this Inquiry, details on how to make a submission is on the website. The final date for submissions th is 15 April.
If you, family or friends have been affected by this rain event, and if you Aaron Harper MP haven't done so, I recommend visiting State Member for Thuringowa
CARDS - 500 We are looking for people who are interested in playing cards (The game 500). If you are interested in playing and would like to join a couple of lovely ladies play on a Thursday morning please contact the office on 4774 0144 for more information. TIMEOUT GROUP every Tuesday 9.30am-11.30am
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Shield of H.E.R.S Honour - Empower - Respect - Survive
I am very excited to announce that the Shield of H.E.R.S Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander women's group has commenced for 2019. At our very first get together we were blessed to have Mumma Jean attend our group. Mumma Jean is a respected elder in our community, and for her to take the time out to attend our group was well received and we are truly grateful.
knowledge, experience, stories and support that women bring when together is truly powerful and amazing. As women we play many roles in our family and community so it's important to celebrate each other's contribution and seek support if need be.
know that there is no one like you. The contributions you have all made to make this women's group a success have been captured in this special book. Please cherish the wonderful memories and I look forward to working with you all in the New Year.
I truly encourage all you deadly Continue to be the Deadly women to take time out to do strong black women you are!! what you love, make time for yourself, so that you can continue to take care of you and your family. I invite you to pop into the centre on a Wednesday from 11am to 1pm, you will not be disappointed. If you require further information on the women's group, please feel free to contact me at the centre on 4774 0144.
Since we commenced in November 2017, family members have made connections, old friends have reunited and new friendships have been created. If you would like to meet other women in your community, have a yarn and laugh, participate in activities and share a meal together we would love to see you. The You have so much to offer and TIMEOUT GROUP every Tuesday 9.30am-11.30am
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FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE @ Upper Ross Community Centre Tuesday’s from 4pm Face to face or phone appointments. Bookings are essential Please Ph. 4774 0144
ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER WOMEN'S LEGAL SERVICE Providing a free legal service at the
UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE Once a month on a Wednesday Appointment times available from 1pm to 4pm th Next legal clinic start 20 March For more info or to make a booking ATSIWLS 1800 082 600 or 4721 6007 Bookings can also be made by contacting the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4474 0144
Container Refund Scheme Containers for Change has been established to help increase recycling and reduce the number of drink containers that litter our environment. The scheme will also provide social enterprises, community organisations, schools and sporting clubs the opportunity to fund raise through donations. Community GRO is participating in the Containers for Change Program. We have two collection points, the Upper Ross Community Centre and the Garbutt Community Centre. If it is more convenient to take your recyclable items to an alternative refund point and you want Community Gro to receive the refund, please Quote - Scheme ID No. C10005794. Not all containers are eligible for a refund however they can still be recycled through the normal kerbside recycling collection. For information on what drink containers are eligible or excluded visit: https://www.containersforchange.com.au/how-it-works Join the recycling movement and at the same time help Community GRO by donating your containers.
Start Making a Change Today TIMEOUT GROUP every Tuesday 9.30am-11.30am
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OPEN 7 DAYS Mon - Fri 8am - 8pm Sat 9am - 3pm Sun & Pub Hols 9am - 1pm Ÿ Locally Owned and run business Ÿ Easy access and plenty of parking at front and rear
Cnr Riverway Drive and Gollogoly Lane, Rasmussen Phone: 4755 4654 TIMEOUT GROUP every Tuesday 9.30am-11.30am
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“Specialising in the Upper Ross”
RASMUSSEN RASMUSSEN MECHANICAL MECHANICAL
www.rossriver.com.au
Repairs Repairs && Tyres Tyres Unit Unit22/ /1231 1231Riverway RiverwayDr Dr Rasmussen Rasmussen
Next Next to to Puma Puma Servo Servo
Ph: Ph: 4789 4789 1299 1299 Guaranteed GuaranteedMechanical Mechanical Repairs Repairsto toall allvehicles vehicles
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 L A N E - C O N D O N - P H . 4 7 7 3 5 1 7 0 Open 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 we provided are - Mental Health Nurse, Exercise Physiologist, Dietitian, Diabetes Educator, Psychologist Phone for an appointment – walk in's also accepted
Bits ‘n Pieces is a Department of Communties Initiative
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.
WHAT’S ON AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE Regular weekly Activities Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
9:30 - 11:30am 12:00 - 4:00pm 9:00 - 11:30am 9:30 - 11:30am 12:00 - 4:00pm 4:00 - 5:00pm
Craft Group Free Computer Lessons U3A Craft Group Timeout - Games/Cards Free Computer Lessons Free Legal Advice
Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
9:00 - 11:00am 11:00 - 1:00pm 12:00 - 2:00pm
Free JP Service ATSI Women’s Group ATSI Men’s Group
Mondays
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Tuesdays Wednesdays
Contact Karl McKenzie 0417735336
Thursdays Fridays
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9:00 - 12:00pm 9:30 - 11:30am 3:00 - 4:00pm
Child Health Clinic Playgroup Children’s Arts & Craft
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11:00 - 1:00pm
Women’s Group (Wk 2)
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.communitygro.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 Rasmussen *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. Thinking of renting appliances or furniture? STOP. Consider how much the cost of these contracts are over the term of the agreement (usually 3-4 times the original purchase price). NILS (No Interest Loans Scheme) is a great alternative to rental arrangements and payday lenders. Loans can also be used for car repairs, rego and tyres. Contact the Community Centre on 47740144 or drop into the centre.