May-June Bits 'n Pieces Community Newsletter

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

May/June 2018

CONTENTS Ÿ

Child Health Clinic

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Free Computer Access

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Free Legal Advice

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Community calendar

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JP Service

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Playgroup

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CVS

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Women’s Day Celebration

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Puzzle page

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Shield of H.E.R.S

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 13, Issue 3

Join us for our Annual EXPO – Sat 2nd June Come join us in celebrating our great community. At this year's EXPO we will also be celebrating the launch of our organisations new name, Community Gro Inc. Brand new name but same familiar faces.

Bring the whole family, bring a hat, pull up a chair, relax and enjoy a day of entertainment and activities including cultural song and dance, children's activities, face painting, baby animal farm and amusements rides. Food and drinks will be on sale. There will be market and info stalls and lots of freebies.

If you haven’t visited the Community Centre before why not come along and have a chat with our friendly staff and find out what ’s programs and activities a re o n o ffe r at t h e centre.

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 ...

May 12th May 14th May

18th May 20th May

Free - Micro-chipping Day Deadly Digital - For ATSI people who are just beginning their technology journey and would like to learn more about emails held at Thuringowa City Library. Contact 4727 9666 for info Riverway - Dive-In Movie Night - “Captain Underpants” Heritage Day - is a free family friendly event that promotes Townsville unique heritage. - free entertainment and free fairy floss - held at West End Park

Sat 8am-11am Mon 10am-11am

Free Free

Fri 6.30pmFri 10am-2pm

Free Free

June 17th June 17th June

Sun 9am-3pm Community Tree Planting - held at Dalrymple Service Road, between Sun Nathan & Dee Street 8.30am-10am Free face painting Free sausage sizzle

Pet Expo - Jezzine Barracks - all pets are welcomed

Free Free

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 (CVS) is a national program funded by the Australian Government.

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 their special friend. You can enjoy walks, reading the news, joining in the homes activities or even go on an outing. The visitor is matched with a resident with similar interests. The funding provides for reimbursement of fuel costs. For more information please contact the program c o o r d i n a t o r, Ti n a G l e n w r i g h t o n 4 7 7 4 0 1 4 4 o r e m a i l : tglenwright@communitygro.org.au

The Upper Ross Community Centre - A place for everyone.

The Community Centre is a hub for the community where friendships are formed and people of all ages and walks of life can really feel that they belong. Playgroup, Child Health Clinic, Legal clinic, computer lessons, JP Service, ERF, Family and Individual Support, Social Groups, men's and women's groups. These are just some of the activities and programs you will find at the Upper Ross Community Centre. We 'connect the disconnected' to help build stronger resilient individuals, families and the greater community. Drop in and meet the wonderful staff. Don't forget to like us on facebook to keep up with what's happening in your community.

“Empowerment is providing people with the resources, opportunity, vocabulary, knowledge and skills to increase their capacity to determine their own future and to participate in and affect the life of their community”. J Ife.,2013. Australia.

QLD Health Breast Screen Clinic to visit the Upper Ross From May 2018 the Breast Screen Townsville Clinic will relocate from the Townsville Hospital to Domain Central. Mobile services will continue to operate at various locations throughout the Townsville region including a visit to the Upper Ross from May 21st to 25th. The mobile clinic will be located in the carpark to the right of the PCYC, 43 Allambie Lane, Rasmussen. The free Breast Screen program is specifically designed to target women 50 to 74 years as this is the age group most at risk of developing breast cancer. However, the program also accepts women in their 40s or 75 years and over identify as high risk.

“When you’ve worked hard, done well and walked through the door of opportunity, do not slam it shut behind you. Reach back and give another person the same chances that helped you succeed”. Michelle Obama.

May 2018 Each May, Queensland marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month to raise community awareness of domestic and family violence and to send a clear message that violence of this sort will not be tolerated.

Shifting community culture is key to changing or reducing the amount of DFV related incidents. As a result of significant exposure through multiple media mediums, I believe communities now have set expectations on Domestic Violence, that it impacts the family and will not be tolerated any longer.

The Not Now, Not Ever report contained 140 recommendations and outlines a framework to achieve a long-term vision where all Queenslanders can live free from domestic and family violence and as at 30th November 2017, 85 of the 121 recommendations directed at Government has been completed and work has commenced on the remaining

36. Tackling domestic and family violence and its causes is one of the Government's highest priorities and we are making significant investments in Townsville to address its causes and impacts.

Here in Townsville we provide annual funding of more than $1.23 for services including children's domestic violence counselling, court-based services, local domestic and family violence service systems, as well as perpetrator intervention programs. We are also providing funding to Sera's Women's Shelter so that women in the area have a safe place to go when they make the brave decision to leave a violent relationship. More than $1.48 million is provided to the shelter for services including mobile support and temporary supported accommodation.

To get help for yourself or someone you know, call DV Connect Womensline on 1800 811 811 or Mensline on 1800 600 636.

Warm Regards Aaron Harper State Member for Thuringowa.

Meet our newest staff member... Sarah Staunton Since returning to Australia from Dubai in the Middle East in 2015, I have commenced a Bachelor of Arts (Human Services) through James Cook University and am currently the Business Development Manager for Community Gro. I have been integral to the re-branding of Community Gro Inc, formerly known as NQ Community Services Inc. Community minded values underpins the delivery of services through Community Gro. 'Helping change lives' is the motto behind services at both Upper Ross and Garbutt through a myriad of programs and services. The new logo for Community Gro represents growing community capacity through working with individuals and families, that is, from small things big things grow, and the circle adopts the fundamental value of inclusion. Community Gro has a long standing position within the Community and whilst we might have a new name you can trust that we will continue to provide the high quality services we are known for. Regardless of an individual's need, they can find support with us, through our welcoming and friendly community centres. If you see me around any of our centres please stop and say hi, I always have time for a chat and a coffee‌

Great things never come from comfort zones. Take a chance, try something new.

!!!!...2018 Women’s Day Celebration...!!!!

All the staff at the Upper Ross Community Centre would like to say a big thank you to everyone who came along to our QLD Women's Day event on Friday 9th March.

We had such a great turn out on the day and hope that all you beautiful ladies enjoyed the “Take time for Me” pampering, and listening to our wonderful guest speakers and got to take home a gift bag.

A special thank you to our guest speakers and to the many local businesses who donated items or services for our event. Without your generous support we would not have been able to hold such a wonderful event.

Thank you to all the wonderful businesses who generously donated their time, services and products: Subway Medilink, Oliver Brown, Brumby’s Medilink, Cakes on Carthew, Phelan’s Pies.

Muffin Break Willows, Priceline Stockland, Calanna Pharmacy Kirwan, Discount Drugstore Thuringowa and Rasmussen, Riverway Pharmacy, Riverside Pharmacy, Sandwich Express Sunland Plaza, Woolworths Rasmussen, Rockmans Willows, Baker & Barista, Cheesecake Shop Willows.

Jade Bailey - Nails, Lisa Miller - Facials, Simone’s Massage, Kel’s Hair and Beauty.

“Flawsome ‘ - (adj) an individual who embraces their “flaws”and knows they’re awesome regardless. (TheMindsJournal.com)

FREE TRAINING Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways

Starting Wednesday 23rd May 2018 Are you no longer at school or in an education program?

Are you currently not working?

Are you looking for help to find a job?

Are you wanting to gain a nationally recognised qualification?

If you answered yes to the above questions our Get Set for Work program may be for you. Contact Marlina, our Work Skills Coordinator, on 0458823765 to check your eligibility for the next intake of the Get Set for Work Program.

Commencing June 2018, TAFE Queensland will be delivering a series of FREE educational workshops on a range of topics with a focus on community and health. Sessions will be held at the Upper Ross Community Centre. For more info contact the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no-one can take it away from you� . BB King.

Shield of H.E.R.S Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Women’s Group My name is Nina Mairu, I am a 40 year old mother of 1. I am a Torres Strait Islander and was born and bred in Townsville. I have been a volunteer at the Upper Ross Community Centre for the past 2 years. I run the kid's arts and crafts every Thursday afternoon and I also help out with the Shield of H.E.R.S. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women's group every Wednesday. We ladies have a lot of fun at Women's group. We laugh as we create our scrapbooks for Naidoc. We discuss important issues that affect us, our families and the community.

It feels great to step out of my every day routine and do something different with my time. It is also a great way to meet new people and make some new friends…

So come and join us here at the centre every Wednesday 11am - 1pm and have a little fun with us.

“When you forgive, you in no way change the past but you sure do change the future”. Bernard Meltzer.

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 Child Health Drop-in Clinic Thursdays 9am-12pm at the Upper Ross Community Centre 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

Wednesday mornings 9.00 - 11.00 am Upper Ross Community Centre No appointment needed

Free Computer Access & Wifi Available at the Upper Ross Community Centre Office services are also available printing, faxing, scanning, laminating, emailing Costs apply to office services.

“Specialising in the Upper Ross”

RASMUSSEN MECHANICAL

3/1219 Riverway Dr, Rasmussen

www.rossriver.com.au

Repairs & Tyres Unit 2 / 1231 Riverway Dr Rasmussen

Next to Puma Servo

Ph: 4789 1299 Guaranteed Mechanical Repairs to all 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 Communities supported initiative.

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 Regular weekly Activities 9:30 - 11:30pm Craft Group Mondays 12:00 - 4:00pm Free Computer Lessons Ÿ Ÿ

Tuesdays Wednesdays

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9:00 - 11:30pm 9:00 - 11:30am 12:00 - 4:00pm 4:00 - 5:00pm

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

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9:00 - 11:00am 11:00 - 1:00pm 12:00 - 2:00pm

Free JP Service ATSI Women’s Group ATSI Men’s Group Contact Karl McKenzie 0417735336

Thursdays Fridays

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9:00 - 12:00pm 9:00 - 11:30pm 9:30 - 11:30am 3:00 - 4:00pm

Child Health Clinic Social Cards Group Playgroup Children’s Arts & Craft

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10:00 - 12:00pm

Women’s Group (see pg 7)

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 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.

What would you like to see in the Bits ‘n Pieces Newsletter. Recipes, good news stories?? We want to hear what the community would like to see in the newsletter? email you suggestions to publisher@communitygro.org.au

Advertise in the Newsletter - Phone 4774 0144