May June Bits 'n Pieces Newsletter

Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross May / June 2016 Upper Ross Community Centre 1/43 Allambie Lane, Rasmussen, 4815 Ph: 4774 0144 Fax: 4774 0909 Email: communitycentre@nqcs.org.au A division of NQ Community Services Volume 11, Issue 3

CONTENTS Ÿ Ÿ

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Arts & Craft Activities Community GardenChild Health Community Course First Aid Cours Free Computer Acces Free Legal Advic HIPP Homework Progra J No Interest Loan Playgroup

Annual Expo Family Fun Day Saturday 11th June 10am - 2pm At the Upper Ross Community Centre & PCYC Come along and enjoy a fun and informative day. There will be loads of free entertainment, children’s activities and rides. Grab a bite to eat, a cool drink and relax and listen to some great live music and enjoy a fun family outing.

Local service providers and support organisations will also be on hand with information about the various services available in the Upper Ross.

Join us for morning tea Wednesday 25th May 10.30 am - 12.30 pm @ Upper Ross Community Centre Raffles and Lucky door prize

Gold coin donation to help raise funds for Cancer Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/upper.centre

What’s on in your community ...

WHEN

EVENT

TIME

COST

REGULAR EVENTS Tuesdays

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander WOMEN’S Group meet at the Upper Ross Community Centre. Fun activities, arts & craft, education & support services. Contact the Community Centre for more info.

Tuesdays Uncle Alfred’s Mens Suport Group - meets at the Upper Ross Community Centre. Delivering mentoring and overall guide of Cultural men’s business. Contact Uncle Alfred 0422 872 011 Friday & Community Garden - Behind PCYC Saturday Get involved in your local community garden See pg 8 for details Every 2nd Upper Ross Community Markets Sat Apex Park, Riverway Drive Rasmussen (Opposite Shops) Upcoming dates: 7th & 21st May, 4th & 18th June, 2nd & 16th July

10.00 am to 12.00 pm

Free

2.00 pm 4.00 pm

Free

Fri 9-12 Sat 8-12

Free

3 pm to 7.00 pm

Free

May Tues 3rd

Free Upper Ross Community Voice - Upper Ross Community Centre 6.00 pm Get involved in your community and help make a change.

Meeting held 1st Tuesday of the month Sat 7th 10.00 am to Free Deadly Families Fun Day - Pioneer Park, Riverway 2.00 pm Celebrating Healthy and Respectful Relationships.

Fun for the whole family and community. See pg 7 for more info Wed 18th Diabetes Information Session - ‘Know your Score’ 1.00 pm to Free 2.00 pm Upper Ross Community Centre, Allambie Lane Rasmussen See pg 4 for more info Sat 21st 9.00 am to Free Turning the screws on crime - Reid Park Complex 2.00 pm Townsville residents are encouraged to come along and have vehicle number plates fitted securely with tamper proof screws.

Spend a few minutes to avoid the incovenience of having to replace stolen plates.

Sat 21st 12.00 pm to Free African Festival - Pioneer Park, Riverway 9.00 pm A fun filled day of music, food and friendships. Bring a blanket and watch the African community showcase and celebrate their culture. Live entertainment. Food and drinks on sale.

Wed 25th Biggest Morning Tea - Upper Ross Community Centre 10.30 am - Gold coin Come along and share a cuppa & morning tea and help us raise 12.30 pm donation fund for cancer research & education programs

June Fri 3rd Sun 5th

Sat 4th

Pacific Festival - The Strand and Jezzine Barracks Official opening Fri 5pm followed by carnival at Jezzine Barracks Parade of floats and bands along The Strand on Sunday from 11 am. for the whole family. Fireworks Friday & Saturday nights First Aid Training - Upper Ross Community Centre First Aid $100, Anaphalyxis $40, Asthma $40, CPR Refresher $50 Contact the Community Centre to book Ph 4774 0144

Fri 5-9pm Free Sat 4-9pm Sun 11am 4pm 8.00 am 3.00 pm

$50 to $100

Bridge at the Upper Ross Community Centre The Bridge Program is a mobile program of the Townsville Flexible Learning Centre. There is a maximum of 12 teenage boys (or girls) who have trouble at school. The program helps us to get back into school well. We are having fun learning.

We do all types of things like go to the Community Centre in Rasmussen and the PCYC. At the Community Centre we use the kitchen to cook a feed and the learning space to do our work activities. The workers at the Community Centre like to eat what we cook. Written by Zac (student)

Rasmussen State School - Under 8's Day An Early Start at Learning in a Smart Start to a bright future! Celebrating 60 years of Under 8's Week 2016 is the year of Early Learning, Everyone Benefits * Queensland Celebrating 60 years of Under 8's week

Some very exciting events are being planned to celebrate 60 years of Under 8’s Week!

We are encouraged to explore the many ways children deliver a message, and show children we are listening by responding in positive and respective ways.

TO UPPER ROSS FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS You are invited to come and participate in our Under 8's Day with the children from Prep to Year 3 at Rasmussen State School.

DATE: Friday May 27th 2016 TIME: 8.30am until 10.30 am Families and caregivers with young children from the Upper Ross Community as well as playgroups, kindy’s and childcare centres are invited to participate.

Our year 6 students will assist with the preparation and running of activities.

Refreshments will be on sale for $1 at the “Gobble and Munch” Tuckshop as well as free pancakes put on by our wonderful P&C and Chappy Dan

Our aims: * To encourage parents and those working with young children to participate in a range of learning solutions * To develop partnerships with the Upper Ross Community * To celebrate play as the focus of learning for young children * To show the links from Prep through to Year 3 at our schools

Come and join in the fun!

Activities will promote diversity and may include: PRINTING, CRAFT, THREADING, STORY TELLING, MUSIC, DANCE, COOKING, SAND PLAY, GAMES, BUBBLE BLOWING, OBSTACLE COURSE, DISPLAYS, SPECIAL GUESTS Donations needed for Rasmussen Under 8's Day - Arrowroot Biscuits, icing sugar, food colouring, fruit loops, 100'w & 1000's, margarine, playdough ingredients, string, ribbon, craft items (feathers, buttons, straws, streamers), detergent for bubble blowing, sponges, paper towel, craft clue, cotton buds, chalk

Community Computer Training

First Aid and CPR Course

by Citylibraries

@ Upper Ross Commmunity Centre 1/43 Allambie Lane, Rasmussen

Next Course Date: Saturday 4th June 8.00 am - 3.00 pm.

Cost: FREE Powerpoint 10am - 12pm 11th may Linda.com (online learning) 10am - 12pm 15th June Bookings essential Ph: 4774 0144

First Aid (incl. CPR) $100 Perform CPR only $50 Anaphylaxis $40 Asthma $40 To reserve your place call the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 or email: communitycentre@nqcs,org,au

for Prep - Yr 6 students all materials provided

Thursday 3.00-4.00pm at the Upper Ross Community Centre

Free Homework Club Wednesday 3-4.00 pm (school terms) for Prep - year 6 students Let our tutors help take the stress out of homework

Afternoon Tea Provided

Upper Ross Community Centre Thursday Mornings 9.30 - 11.30 am No need to book, just come along.

Healthy morning tea provided for parents and children.

Gold Coin donation per family.

☎ 47740144 to book transport (must book by Wed)

Reduce your risk Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed. Learn everything you need to know by attending a free one hour information session.

On: Wednesday 18th May 1.00 - 2.00 pm Where: Upper Ross Community Centre Bookings: 4774 0144 Helpline 1300 136 588 email: knowthescore@diabetesqld.org.au

diabetes.qld.org.au

Bringing Up Great Kids Support Program

Have you ever wondered why bringing up great kids seem so hard? Do you feel like you just don’t know what to do to get your kids to behave, go to bed or go to school?

Parenting is hard work and can be lonely. None of us are born knowing how to be a good parent or carer and we often fall back on things we learnt from our own families - some good, some not so good.

Bringing Up Great Kids is a free six week program that will help you become a happier, more confident parent or carer who can enjoy time with your kids. You will come to understand how to build healthy positive relationships with your child and make a happier home.

The course runs Thursdays 10am - 12pm and transport may be available.

For more info or to book contact the Upper Ross Community Centre or Denise JohnsonFines on 4771 8888

Upper Ross Child Health Clinic Thursdays 9.00 a.m.- 12.00 p.m. 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

No appointment needed

Looking for help in Townsville?

We provide FREE professional alcohol and drug counselling, support and information.

GIVE US A CALL TODAY! We’re here to support you take the next steps.

To make an appointment or to find out more about alcohol and drug counselling call our Townsville office on 1300 727 957 or email your query to townsville@liveslivedwell.org.au Our friendly, professional counsellors will talk to you about how we can best help you achieve your goals.

Counselling sessions can be held either at the Upper Ross Community Centre or at 3/22 Harvey Range Rd, Kirwan.

Contact Neela on 0447 980 390 to book an appointment.

Want more information?

For more information about alcohol and drug counselling and other Lives Lived Well programs go to www.liveslivedwell.org.au

DIDG & DANCE WORKSHOPS Grandfathers*Fathers*Brothers*Sons*Grandsons

Come share in Culture Rhythm, Song & Dance Wednesday Nights 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm at the Upper Ross Community Centre Contact Ashley 0432365428 Reinhard 0467067553

Bits ‘n Pieces is a Department of Communities supported 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.

iCan - providing financial counselling in Townsville Life can take over your finances and sometimes things can get out of hand. Ican can help you take back control of your finances. iCAN’s services are free, independent and confidential and are available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as nonIndigenous peoples, from Townsville to the Torres Strait. iCan specialises in providing quality financial counselling including debt management, advocacy, payment negotiation and budgeting. They can help organise and prioritise clients debts and set up realistic payment arrangements that suit the client’s needs. Through their consumer advocacy services they are able to negotiate with Creditors and Debt Collectors on clients behalf and be a point of contact, thus reducing the stress associated with these dealings.

They can also assist with applications for bankruptcy (where there are no other viable options). iCan Financial Counsellor appointments can be held at the Upper Ross Community Centre. Contact iCan for further information or to book an appointment.

Payday lending, renting and NILS We’ve seen the ads on TV many times. Short term money lenders willing to lend cash at short notice.

Rental companies telling us how simple and easy it is to rent appliances with affordable repayments, but at what cost?.

Financial Counselling in Townsville!

Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network

we can

help We are a Free, confidential and Not for profit organisation here to help you in all your financial matters

Short term money loans (payday lenders) allow you to access funds quickly and easily, too easily.

But beware, fees, interest, and other charges are hefty. Useful for accessing cash for emergencies if you have no other option. but do not fall into the trap of using these frequently. Important... read the fine print before signing so you know exactly what the cost is and any extra fees which you may pay such as default fees which can be hefty.

Rent to buy arrangements can be even worse. By the time you have paid the item off you may end up having repaid over three times the original cost of the item.

An alternative is NILS - No Interest Loan Scheme. NILS provides loans of up to $1,200 to low income earners for essential household items, computers, medical equipment, vehicle registration and repairs. Affordable fortnightly loan repayments are paid through Centrepay Deductions.

NILS - No Fees, No Interest iCan Townsville: 2/99 Denham St, Townsville CBD Call for an Appointment Ph. 07 4417 1900 or Ray Kent 0427 706 344

Contact the Upper Ross Community Centre for more info. Ph. 47740144 Visit the Money Smart website for more info: www.moneysmart.gov.au/borrowing-and-credit/ payday-loans#Option

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.

Eliminate Dengue Townsville Field Trial Deadly Families Fun Day Eliminate Dengue Townsville is part of an The ‘Deadly Familes ARE Happy, Safe and international research collaboration developing Strong’ Family Fun Day is being held on 7th May a natural and safe method to reduce the ability 2016 at Pioneer Park, Riverway. of mosquitoes to pass dengue between people.

The aim of the day is to have fun and raise Townsville is the location of Eliminate Dengue’s awareness of the issue of domestic and family first city-wide field trial, which began in October violence and the supports that are available in 2014 with community support and government the community with education information and approval. This follows on from ongoing small- activities galore. scale trials in Cairns, Vietnam, Indonesia and There will be a free sausage sizzle and loads of Brazil. Research in Townsville will help free entertainment for the whole family, researchers to refine methods, paving the way including jumping castle, amusements and to reduce the burden of disease in dengueloads of kids activities. endemic nations.

The aim field trial is to establish Wolbachia in the local mosquito population through a series Wolbachia mosquito releases. Wolbachia is a naturally occurring bacteria that reduces the ability of mosquitos to pass dengue between people, These mosquitos breed with the wild mosquitos and pass on the Wolbachia to the next generations of mosquitoes through their eggs.

The next phase of the field trial is the Upper Ross area. The trial needs local residents to grow and release mosquitos that carry Wolbachia. Participating is easy - You will be given a mozzie box containing Wolbachia mosquito eggs and food. It takes less than a minute to set up; just add water and let the mozzies do the work! New mozzie boxes will be delivered every two weeks for about 10-12 weeks. The trial can only commence once it has enough community support so sign up now.

For more info go to: www.eliminatedengue.com/townsville Call 1800 005 622 to sign up. or register online : signuptownsville.com

FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Tuesday’s from 4pm Face to face or phone appointment Bookings are essential Contact the Upper Ross Community Centre to book 4774 0144

HIPPY Update Enrolments for this year are now closed however we are already taking expressions of interest for enrolments for 2017. If you child will be aged 4 by 30 June 2017 and you live in the Upper Ross area (Condon, Rasmussen & Kelso) and would like to give your child a headstart with their education and learning enquire now.

HIPPY is free - All children receive free learning resources.

For more info contact our HIPPY coordinator, Liana Jones on 0427 251 993 or 4774 0144

The Upper Ross Community Garden is an initiative of NQ Community Services Inc. it has been designed to be a meeting area and resource centre for locals who want to grow healthy organic herbs and vegetables in their own yards. As well as being a living seed bank and demonstration of the wide range of food plants that will grow in our climate, it is also a food waste recycling centre and outdoor classroom. Volunteers are needed to help maintain the garden.

RASMUSSEN “ Specialising in the Upper Ross” MECHANICAL 9 Connemara Course, Kelso

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

PHONE: 0429 648 399 Electrical Contractor No. 69820

OPEN 7 DAYS Mon - Fri 8 - 8 Sat 9 - 3 Sun & Pub Hols 9 - 1 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

Free Computer Access The Upper Ross Community Centre provides free access to computers.

Free wifi is also available if you wish to bring your own laptop or tablet.

Office services are also available - printing, faxing, scanning, laminating (costs apply) Advertise in Bits ‘n Pieces - help locals support locals 12,000 print copies distributed annually to local businesses, organisations and local residents. Contact the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 for more info.

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, Dietician Phone for an appointment – walk in's also accepted Wow the year is certainly moving fast. Now that the Townsville City Council elections are over, I would like to congratulate Mayor Jenny Hill on her re-election, Mr Mark Molachino on his successful appointment as the new Councillor for this area and I also extend my congratulations to all the newly elected Councillors. I look forward to working with Jenny and Mark and the others in the near future.

The most exciting news is that I have now secured the funding of $30 million for the Stage 1 Duplication of Riverway Drive. This road upgrade is well deserved as it will create jobs and the Upper Ross is a growth area so this can only help in encouraging investors to the Upper Ross. I know there is much more to do and I will continue to fight for infrastructure projects for our area.

It's great to see the Upper Ross Community Voice meetings being well attended. Don't forget the next meeting is on Thursday 5th May at 6:30pm at the Upper Ross Community Centre. This is a great opportunity for our community to join in and help change the image others have of the Upper Ross..

Warm regards, Aaron Harper State Member for Thuringowa

Books

The Community Centre has books for sale 50c each or bring in your old books and exchange books for free

Justice of the Peace (JP) Service available at the Upper Ross Community Centre Wed mornings 9.00 - 11.00 a.m No appointment needed

Happy Mother’s Day Get creative with colouring

If mothers were flowers, I’d pick you!

H AMAZING LOVING STRONG HAPPY SELFLESS CREATIVE

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WHAT’S ON AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE Regular weekly Activities 9:30 - 12.00pm Craft Mondays 9:00 - 4.00pm Free Computer Access Ÿ Ÿ

Tuesdays Wednesdays

Thursdays

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9:00 - 4.00pm 9:30 - 11:30am 12.30 - 3.30pm 2.00 - 3.00 pm 4:00 - 4.30pm

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

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

Free Computer Access Timeout - Games/Cards Free Computer Lessons Dept of Human Services Legal Advice Service Free JP Service Free Computer Lessons Free Computer Access Homework Program F

Child Health Clinic Social Cards Sewing morning Playgroup Free Computer Access Children’s Arts & Craft

New Centre Opening Hours Monday - Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm We are now open on Fridays

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 & Pinnacle Medical Centres *Gumvale Mini Mart *Riverway Chemist *Riverway Snackbar *McDonalds Rasmussn *Woolworths Rasmussen *Salvation Army Beck Rd 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