Mar Apr 2015 Newsletter

Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross March / April 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

The New Upper Ross Community Centre

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

This week sees the handover of keys for the new Upper Ross Community Centre to NQ Community Services Inc. After operating from Riverway Drive for 28 years the Community Centre is relocating to the new premises located next to the PCYC in Allambie Lane. The doors at the current centre will close for the final time on Thursday 2nd April and it is anticipated the transition between the two premises will take two weeks, with the new centre opening on Monday 20th April.

Centre staff look forward to seeing you at the new community centre. Once the move is complete and the centre is up and running we will be holding an Open Day for everyone to come and visit the new community centre and find out about all the fantastic things we do and services we offer. Access to the centre is through the PCYC carpark.

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/upper.centre to keep updated on our move and our Open Day.

Upper Ross Community Markets - Saturday 21 Mar; 4 & 18 Apr 7 - 11.30 am - next to Rasmussen McDonald’s

What’s on in your community ...

WHEN

EVENT

TIME

COST

REGULAR EVENTS Every Wed

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander WOMEN’S Domestic Violence Support Group - meet at the Townsville West Community Centre. Transport available

10.30 am to 1.30 pm

Free

Every Sat

Riverway Park Run - Tony Ireland Stadium Held every Saturday. Run at your own pace

7 am

Free

7.15 pm 3rd Fri of Dive-in movie Nights at Riverway Lagoon the month 10.30 am 3rd Sun of Family fun Day - Perc Tucker Gallery the month Drop into the gallery for five minutes or two hours and take part in to

FREE family art activities Every 2nd Upper Ross Community Markets Sat Cnr Riverway Drive & Allambie Lane, Rasmussen

Free

12.30 pm 7 am to 11.30 am

Free

MARCH Sun 1st

depends on Free Clean Up Australia Day - 20th Anniversary Checkout www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au for a list of local sites the site you can join

Wed 18th

HIPPY Welcome Lunch - held at the Upper Ross Community Centre. See page 3 for more info

10.30 am to Free 1.30 pm

Sun 22nd

3rd Annual Melanoma March - The Strand There will be a sausage sizzle, jumping castle & face painting

7.30 am to 11 am

Free Free

Tues 24th Senior’s HARMONY Expo - Willows Shopping Centre

Heaps of interesting activities including cultural cooking, song & dance from difference lands, Tai Chi, Origami. Learn about Community Care & Aged Care service provider. Lots of free giveaways. See page 6 for more info Free

CORES - Community Response to Eliminating Suicide One day suicide intervention course See page 8 for more info Toad Day Out - Raintree Grove - Riverway Join the fight against the toad’s invasion and humanely reduce toad numbers in local habitats.

9 am to 5 pm

Townsville Artist Market - Riverway Arts Centre Local arts, craft & homemade food. Find the perfect gift and

2 pm to 5 pm

Free

Wed 22nd Self Advocacy Workshop for People with Disability Thur 23rd Limited places so book early. See page 9 for further info

10 am to 4 pm

Free

Wed 25th

5.30 am

Free

Sat 28th Sun 28th

8.30 am to Free 12 pm

APRIL Sat 18th

ANZAC Day Dawn Services - Services held at The Strand, Jezzine Barracks, Alma Bay, Thuringowa Cenotaph, and Balgal Beach

Don’t forget to check out the City Libraries school holiday program

2015 HIPPY UPDATE HIPPY Upper Ross familes recently met for a ‘Picnic in the Park’ at Charles Moroney Park, Kelso. It proved to be a wonderful opportunity for our new Age 4 and Age 5 Hippy families to meet in a relaxed atmosphere before commencing our 2015 HIPPY year.

We will baving a ‘WELCOME LUNCH’ at our first official Parent Group meeting on Wednedsy 18th March at the Upper Ross Community Centre from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm.

All Age 4 and Age 5 children and their families are welcome to come along and join in the fun activities, hear more about HIPPY and meet with other families to start our HIPPY journey together.

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 O N E 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 O N E 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, Dietician Phone for an appointment – walk in's also accepted

Our New Community Garden Project The Upper Ross PCYC has generously allowed us to use a corner of their field to establish our new community garden. Our fantastic Family hub co-ordinator, Kerry Toscano, has worked tirelessly on planning for a new garden. Working in conjunction with Brett Pritchard from JCU Horticulture and Break Thru People Solutions, Kerry has been coordinating a ‘Work for the Dole’ scheme which will engage up 15 unemployed residents from the Upper Ross region in the construction of our new garden. Brett has been instrumental in the design and planning of the garden and Break Thru has provided the funding to employ Brett to oversee the project.

The concept for new garden incorporates environmentally friendly wicker style garden beds, a brilliant watering system, shaded seating, a worm farm, vegetable and herb beds, and a fruit tree area. In keeping with the environmentally friendly aspect, the design of the new garden incorporates recycled materials from the old community garden.

The project has enormous community benefits, both short and long term. Participation in the construction phase will provide participants the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge which may assist them in future employment opportunities. Upon completion, the garden will be a wonderful community facility that will be used by both residents and support groups such as Endeavour, OzCare, House with No Steps.

We would like give a very big thank you to Taubman’s Trade Centre who generously donated the paint and brushware for the project.

Pictured: Left - Participants preparing the timber for the garden beds and seating for the new community garden; Right - Brett Pritchard and participants taking a rest from recycling materials from our old garden.

The new community garden will be friendly and welcoming for all to share. If you would like to be involved in the development of the community garden project and take the opportunity to learn how to make and design your own garden from scratch please contact Kerry Toscano at our centre on 4774 0144.

Don’t throw it ... recycle it In keeping with our dedication to being eco friendly and recycling materials from our current garden in the construction of our new community garden we’ve come up with a few fun recycling ideas for using plastic drink bottles.

Get creative...

Post pics of your creations on our facebook page.

DON'T DUMP YOUR OLD ANALOG TV & REMOTE IF THEY STILL WORK Drop them off at the Upper Ross Community Centre . The TV’S will be given to Mission to Seafarers and from there they will find a new home in Papua New Guinea. The Mission to Seafarers is on Wharf 9 and offers a variety of services and care to the many seafarers who visit our city.

Free Homework Program Every Wednesday from 3 - 4.15 p.m.

All ages welcome.

Phone 4774 0144 for more info

Upper Ross Child Health Clinic Thursdays from 9.00 a.m. at the Upper Ross Community Centre Qualified community health nurses are on hand to answer questions and offer support. Ÿ new baby health checks Ÿ Breastfeeding advice Ÿ New mum’s support

No appointment needed Thuringowa Brass Band invites brass and percussion players of all ages and abilities to come and join us. We are your local community band, serving the community through music. Enjoy the music, enjoy the company! Visitors welcome. Rehearsing Monday nights (excluding public holidays) at the Thuringowa Soundshell (behind the Council offices) 7:15 for a 7:30pm start.

For more info, phone the Secretary on 0419667933 email info@thuringowabrass.org or just show up

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.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Comlink provides transport and care services for the elderly, transport disadvantaged, and younger people with disabilities. In Townsville the services available include: * assisting with transport e.g. to & from shopping, medical appointments * providing social support to assist people with participating in community group activities or one-on-one special outings Priority is given to age 65+ however people aged 50-65 can also participate in group outings if spaces are available. Transport is available to all ages. If you or someone you know would like to participate in the organised social activities contact COMLINK on 1300 761011 for more info or to book.

The monthly outings schedule is available from the Upper Ross Community Centre and can also be emailed to you so you don’t miss out.

COMLINK - WHAT’S ON AND WHEN WHEN MARCH

EVENT

TIME

COST

pick up 11am $6 transport return 2 pm & morning tea

Wed 18th

Mystery Park Tour - Morning tea at one of the many beautiful places around Townsville. Picnic morning tea provided

Fri 20th

Morning Tea at Otto’s Market or Lulu’s Café 66, followed by movie 9 am to 12 pm of your choice at 10.30 am at Warrina Cinema. RSVP asap

Thu 26th

Lunch at BOGARTS RESTAURANT on The Strand

Tue 31st

pickup 10 am $30 for a two First Anniversary Lunch - ComLink would like to invite you to celebrate their first anniversary at The Pier Restaurant. RSVP asap return around course meal 2 pm and transport as spaces are limited.

Let’s get Sir James Foote Day Therapy Centre at The Good Shepherd Home has developed some short term programs for all community active ! members. Various activities such as: Easy seated Workout, Sit Down Zumba, Pottery, Cooking for 1, Wandering Wildlike Watchers, Men’s Group, Stepping on Program (physio).

Contact ComLink for more details

pickup around

$10 transport $10 Movies $10 transport $10 meal

once a week From $20 to for four to $30 for a 6 six weeks week program $10 transport

RASMUSSEN MECHANICAL

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

(Next to BP Servo) Guaranteed Mechanical Repairs to all vehicles Unit 2, 1231 Riverway Drive Rasmussen

Ph: 4789 1299 Fax: 4774 098

First Aid and CPR Refresher with Anaphylaxis and Asthma courses are held every 2nd month at the Upper Ross Community Centre from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm.

Next course date: Saturday 11th April

Courses available:

First Aid (incl. CPR) - $100 Perform CPR only - $50 Anaphylaxis & Asthma - $60 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 communitycentre@nqcs.org.au

What is NDIS? The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the new way of providing community linking and individualised support for eligible people with Permanent & Significant Disability, their families and carers.

The NDIS approach: * Empowers and enables by giving people choice and control over how, when and where they receive support. *

Supports are tailored to individual needs to enable people to achieve their goals. If required, the NDIS will also fund reasonable and necessary supports such as equipment, therapies, mobility aids, home modifications.

* Takes a lifetime view - planning looks beyond immediate needs to ensure people receive the support they need over their lifetime.

Independent Advocacy Townsville is holding a ‘Self Advocacy Workshop’ for people with disability. The workshop aims to provide self advocacy skills and tools which will assist individuals in making choices - which is what NDIS is all about. This course is free to attend.

Need access to a computer to search or apply for jobs ?

No problem. The Upper Ross Community has computers which are available to use for searching and applying for jobs.

We also have office services available (printing, faxing, scanning) to assist you.

If you wish to attend this two day workshop please contact Independent Advocacy Townsville on 4725 2505 to book.

“ Specialising in the Upper Ross”

9 Connemara Course, Kelso

www.rossriver.com.au Joke:

Where does the Easher Bunny get his eggs?

From Eggplants.

The 2015 Education and Lifeskills Program run by Centacare provides the following courses:

find us on facebook

* 123 Magic and Emotion Coaching * Engaging Adolescents * Parenting Apart * Budgetting * Stress Management Courses are run at various times throughout the year at the Upper Ross Community Centre.

To attend any of these courses you will need contact Centacare on 4772 9000 to register your interest in any of the above courses.

Ÿ Tuesday’s from 4pm Ÿ Face to face or phone

appointments Ÿ Bookings are essential

Ph Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144

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

Ÿ 9:30 - 12.00pm Ÿ 9:00 - 4.00pm

Craft Free Computer Access

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

9:00 - 4.00pm 9:30-11:30am 12.30 - 3.30pm 4:00pm

Free Computer Access Timeout Seniors Computer Kiosk Legal Advice Service

Wednesdays

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

9:00 - 11:00am 9:30 - 3.30pm 9:00 - 4.00pm 3:15 - 4.00pm

Free JP Service Seniors Computer Kiosk Free Computer Access Homework Program

Thursdays

Ÿ 9:00 - 12.00pm Ÿ 9.30 - 12.00pm Ÿ 9:30-11:00am

Tuesdays

F

Child Health Clinic Social Cards Playgroup

Centre Opening Hours Mon - Thurs 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Friday Closed

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 *UR Medical Centre *UR Medical Centre *Gumvale Mini Mart *Riverway Chemist *Riverway Snackbar *McDonalds Rasmussn *Woolworths Rasmussen 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