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Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross March / April 2014 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 9, Issue 2

2014 Upper Ross Family Expo - “Reconciliation” Saturday 14 June - 10am CONTENTS Ÿ Child Health Ÿ Community

Courses Ÿ First Aid Course Ÿ Free Computer

Access Ÿ Free Legal

Advice Ÿ HIPPY Ÿ JP

¥ Free Entertainment ¥ Free Entry ¥ Free Rides ¥ Free Activities ¥ Workshops ¥ Displays ¥ Market Stalls ¥ Food & Drink

Ÿ No Interest

Loans Ÿ Playgroup Ÿ Puzzle

EVERYONE WELCOME

HIPPY Upper Ross is now taking Enrolments

HOMEWORK PROGRAM Free Homework Program every Wednesday from 3pm. Take advantage of volunteer tutors helping with homework.

All tutors have blue cards. More Volunteer tutors wanted.

All children welcome - All ages.

For more information please phone the Upper Ross Community Centre on

The Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters, HIPPY is a free two-year home-based early childhood enrichment program that works with families in the year prior to formal schooling and the first year of school. HIPPY builds the confidence and skills of parents and carers to create a positive learning environment to prepare their child for school.

HIPPY is delivered through a mix of home visits and parent groups. HIPPY Upper Ross is open to families who live in Condon, Rasmussen and Kelso.

Expressions of interest are also being taken for HIPPY Home Tutor positions. Home Tutors must be parents enrolled in the HIPPY Program and will receive on-going training and be supported in this role. They do not need to have previous work experience. A position description is available for interested parents.

To learn more, enrol or discuss the Home Tutor positions please contact Wendy on 0427 251 993.

4774 0144.

RASMUSSEN MECHANICAL Repairs and Tyres (Next to BP Servo)

Guaranteed Mechanical Repairs to all vehicles Unit 2, 1231 Riverway Drive Rasmussen

Ph: 4789 1299 Fax: 4774 0980

CHEAP 2ND HAND BOOKS NOW ON SALE AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE PRICES START FROM 50c

Meet the Coordinator of HIPPY Upper Ross My name is Wendy and I am the Coordinator for the new HIPPY program starting at Upper Ross Community Centre.

HIPPY, Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters, is a great program that has been in different communities around the world for 40 years and I am very excited to be establishing the program here in the Upper Ross. HIPPY is great fun!

I am originally from northern NSW (and NO, I don't support the Blues, much to my families disgust)!! I spent over 10 years on the Gold Coast working with Children’s Services before marrying and moving to Townsville. For the first few years here I concentrated on my family (I have one son and three step daughters) whilst doing some relief work in schools and child care centres.

For the past 4 years I have been working with Good Beginnings Australia designing and implementing playgroup programs at Aitkenvale, Currajong, Wulguru, Vincent and Garbutt State Schools. I also coordinated a Young Parents Support Group in that time. My work at Good Beginnings allowed me an opportunity to work with and learn a lot about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and I got to know many awesome families and professionals. I am really excited to now get to know the Upper Ross community.

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

No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) Provides individuals and families on low income with access to safe, fair and affordable credit.

NO Fees; NO Charges; NO Interest.

What are the loans for?

Household items like fridges, freezers, washing machines, stoves, clothes dryers and some furniture; Some medical and dental services; Educational essentials such as computers and text books; Some other items as requested.

How does NILS work?

As the diagram on the right shows, there is an application process.

Successful applicants then make repayments which go back into the bank, making funds available for others in the community to borrow.

KAZAM’S BARBER SHOP HAIRCUTS FOR EVERYONE NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

DISCOUNTS FOR Ÿ Seniors Ÿ Defence & Services Ÿ Non-working Veterans

GREAT PRICES GREAT STAFF GREAT SERVICE “SPECIALISING IN SCALP PROBLEMS” Gumvale Stores 2/981 Riverway Dr, Rasmussen

At the Upper Ross Community Centre.....

Centacare Courses For bookings ph: Centacare on 4772 9000

Course

Course Overview

Date & Time

Parenting Teens 4 x 2 hour session

This course offers an in depth understanding of adolescent development.

Wednesday 23, 30 Apr, 7 and 14 May (10am to 12noon)

Managing Strong Emotions 1 x 2 hour session

A supportive and positive Wednesday 18 Jun session on expressing anger (10am to 12noon) in healthy way.

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

Phone Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144

UPPER ROSS MEDICAL CENTRE 1199 RIVERWAY DRIVE, RASMUSSEN BULK BILLING for all patients Open 7 days, extended weekday hours, female Doctors available.

Services include, Mental Health Nurse, Physio, Dietician, Skin and Health Checks and Chronic disease management.

Phone 4774 0299 for an appointment, We accept walk ins!

Community Computer Training

PLAYGROUP

by Citylibraries Venue: Upper Ross Community Centre, 1143 Riverway Dr, Rasmussen When: 1st and 2nd Wednesday of the month.

Cost: Free April Classes: Basic Computer, Learn how to use and organise folders.

Bookings essential, Ph: 4774 0144

Upper Ross Community Centre Thursday Morning 9.30 - 11am Gold Coin Donation No bookings - Just turn up!

FREE transport available - please book the day before.

Phone 4774 0144

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.

“ Specialising in the Upper Ross”

9 Connemara Course, Kelso www.rossriver.com.au

Qualified Early Childhood professionals will be available to fully support you interacting with your child.

Building those allimportant bonds and making your “together time” FUN!

Meet the Coordinator of Family Support Hub Hi Everyone! My name is Kerry Toscano. I have lived in Townsville for 11 years with my husband Shane and our 9 year old son Maison.

My life is always full of laughter and energy and I am always super busy, which I love! I am a bit of a social butterfly and a girlie girl but I love to ride my “pink� dirt bike around on the weekend with my son and get covered in mud.

For 16 years I have worked within the Early Childhood industry with 7 of the most recent years being in the Community Services sector for Townsville City Council.

I really enjoy engaging with people and getting out into the community to support an array of activities and events. My family is football crazy and the Cowboys are definitely the team that we support!

I am very excited about my role here at the Upper Ross Community Centre for NQ Community Services Inc. as the Family Support Hub Coordinator.

The Upper Ross Family Support Hub offers services to support families with children.

Support services that focus on activities like playgroups, parent groups, referral, community education and resources for child care services. My focus is to support families and promote the wellbeing of children.

Come and meet me at Playgroup on Thursdays or call in for a cuppa!

Justice of the Peace (JP) Available Upper Ross Community Centre

Wednesday 9am to 11am

FIRST AID COURSE First Aid and CPR Refresher with Anaphylaxis and Asthma course will be held at the Upper Ross Community Centre on Saturday 12th April, 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.

Senior First Aid Course - $100 CPR Refresher - $50 Anaphylaxis - Asthma - $40 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

Upper Ross Child Health Clinic From 9am on Thursdays at the Upper Ross Community Centre.

Qualified community health nurses are on hand to answer questions and offer support on: Ÿ New baby health

checks Ÿ Breastfeeding Ÿ New mum’s support

No appointment needed

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

MEN’S SHED Behind PCYC Allambie Lane

We welcome men who like to come together to apply their skills (or learn new ones) for the good of the Townsville community.

Opening Times: 8am 12.30pm Monday, Wednesday & Thursday.

Mingling at the Meet & Greet at the Upper Ross Community Centre

Colouring In

JOKE TIME A guy spots a sign outside a house that reads “Talking Dog For Sale”. Interested, he walks in.

“So, what have you done with your life?” he asks the dog.

“I’ve lived a very full life,” says the dog. “I lived in the Alps rescuing avalanche victims. Then I served my country in Iraq. And now I spend my days reading to the residents of a retirement home.”

The guy flabbergasted. He asks the dog’s owner, “Why on earth would you want to get rid of an incredible dog like that?”

The owner says, “Because he’s a liar! He never did any of that.”

C N F B U N N Y L D

H C G R A S S F A H

I J H I D E W I M U

C K L I N E G G E FW V S P R I T A L C A R C H P A L M N D B A B E A S N T U L

L Y S L U Z N G D R A W Y Q S K T E I P

D H Y R E R F A L B O B W I E T R S S I

Easter Word Hunt BASKET BUNNY CHICK DYE EASTER EGGS FIND FLOWERS GRASS HIDE HUNT

LAMB LILY NEST PALM PARADE RABBIT SEARCH SPRING SUNDAY TULIPS

Public transport group builds better bus network Recently households were sent “A better bus network for Townsville and surrounds” - your guide from Sunbus and the Queensland Government. This guide outlines some of the recent changes to the local bus network, including more services on Sundays and public holidays and better connections between buses.

Last year I created a Public Transport Working Group. The aim of the group was to bring together our transport providers with local and state government representatives to discuss the important issues affecting public transport users in the Townsville region. One outcome of this group was the free bus services for New Years’ celebrations. The Department of Transport and Main Roads and the Townsville City Council have also signed an agreement to work together in improving our public transport network.

A survey undertaken before launching the Public Transport Working Group indicated that more people would use public transport if it was improved. Areas for improvement included more efficient timetables and better access to information.

Sunbus has implemented changes this year to reflect the changing needs of public transport users.

If you have used the new services or would like another copy of the “Better bus network” guide please phone my office on 4773 3116, email me directly at t h u r i n g o w a @ p a r l i a m e n t . q l d . g o v. a u o r f i n d m e o n F a c e b o o k a t www.facebook.com/SamCox.Inp

Ÿ Fast Friendly Service Ÿ Webster Packing Ÿ NDSS Sub Agent

OPEN 7 DAYS Ÿ 8 - 8 weekdays

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

WHAT’S ON AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE March / April 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 9:30 Ongoing 9:30-11:30am 4:00pm 5:00pm 5:30pm

Gentle Exercise Free Computer Access Timeout Legal Advice Walking Group Fit Camp

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 Ÿ

9:00am 9.30am 9:30am 9:30-11:00am 5:00pm

Child Health Clinic Social Cards Seniors Computer Kiosk Playgroup Walking Group

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: *BP Rasmussen *Kelso Fish Shop *Riverway Snackbar *UR Medical Centre *Gumvale Mini Mart *Carlyle Gardens *Riverway Chemist *McDonalds Rasmussen *Woolworths 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