Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross May/June 2017 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 12, Issue 3

CONTENTS Ÿ

Child Health Clinic

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Community Courses

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First Aid Course

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Free Computer Access

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Free Legal Advice

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Community calendar

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After school activities

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JP Service

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No Interest Loans

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Playgroup

2017 Upper Ross Community EXPO - 3rd June 10am -2pm

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 ... WHEN

EVENT

TIME

COST

REGULAR EVENTS @ the Upper Ross Community Centre Tuesdays Weekly

Fridays Weekly 4th Wed of the month 1st Tues of the month Every 2nd Thursday

1st Tues of the Month Wednesday & Thursday

To be advised

Empowering Mamas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander WOMEN’S Group - meet at the Upper Ross Community Centre every Tuesday. Arts & craft, education & support services. Upper Ross Mens Support Group - Delivering mentoring and guidance. Transport available. Call Karl McKenzie 0417735336 NEW - Butterfly Foundation Support Group for people with eating disorders. Sessions are guided by professionally trained counsellors and are recovery focussed. Upper Ross Community Voice - Community action forum Come along and voice your ideas/concerns about issues in the Upper Ross. Bubba Jab Vaccination Clinic for indigenous children Come along and speak to the QLD Health staff about your children’s vaccinations to make sure they are up to date. Starting 25th June NEW - ADHD Support Group - Get together with like minded parents to chat about strategies, share ideas in an informal setting. After school children’s activities Kids bored after school. Bring them along to our Arts & Craft and fun activities. let them have some fun in a safe and supported environment. Afternoon tea provided. NEW - Art Workshop. Open to budding artists who are interested in learning new skills and sharing their skills with other artists. 9 places only.

10.00 am to 12.00 pm

Free

10.30 am to

Free

5.00 pm 6.30 pm

$20

6.00 pm 7.00 pm

Free

9.00 am 12.00 pm

Free

12.00 pm 2.00 pm

Free

3.00 pm 4.00 pm

Free

12.00 pm 2.00 pm

Free

10 am

Free

9.30 am to 4.00 pm

Free

Other Events Every Sunday Fri 7th July

Northreach Baptist Church - Library Annex at the Thuringowa High School 26-54 Vickers Road South. FREE TRANSPORT AVAILABLE Phone Michael for more information 4789 2918 Naidoc March - Leaving from outfront of Kirwan High School at 9.30 am marching to Riverway Presinct. Followed by Naidoc Deadly Day Out

15th June Roadworks for the duplication of Riverway Drive to 4 lanes. Please plan ahead for traffic disruptions and delays and consider using Beck Dr as an alternative route.

Townsville City Council Mobile Apps -

Free Learn How Sessions @ Upper Ross Community Centre by CityLibraries Townsville

Learn Windows 10 Wednesday 14th June, 10am - 12pm Upgraded your computer and not quite sure about Windows 10. See what’s different and learn a few tricks to get the most out of your Windows 10 computer.

Online Shopping and Banking & PayPal Wednesday 10th May, 10am - 12pm The world is your oyster when you master online shopping and banking. Learn how to shop safely using PayPal. .

Session numbers are limited so Bookings are essential. Call 47740144 to book your place.

Providing safe, affordable and fair credit to low income earners to buy essential household items, including car repairs and registration. Unlike payday lenders and rental hire agreements, you ONLY pay back what you borrow. No Interest, No Fees, No Charges. Loan repayments are made through affordable fortnightly Centrepay Deductions. Call the Upper Ross Community Centre Ph. 4774 0144 for more info. For some great information, money saving tips and budgeting tools visit: Ÿ www.goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au/ Ÿ www.moneysmart.gov.au Too many debts, don’t know what to. Talk to us about seeing a Financial Counsellor.

NILS is based on TRUST and RESPECT

Domestic Violence - NOT NOW, NOT EVER

Stand up, speak out and act now to stop domestic violence and abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence and need help or support, please speak to the Community Connect worker at the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 or contact one of the following domestic violence support services... Ÿ DV Connect Womensline 1800 811 811 (24 hrs) Ÿ Elder Abuse Helpline - QLD 1300 651 192, rest of Australia (07) 3867 2525. (9am to 5pm Mon-Fri) Ÿ DV Connect Mensline 1800 600 636 (9am to 12pm midnight) Ÿ State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 010 120 (7.30am to 11.30pm, 7 days) Ÿ 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 (24 hrs) Ÿ North Qld Domestic Violence Resource Service Ÿ Kids Helpline 1800 511 800 (24 hrs) 4721 2888 (9am - 5pm) Ÿ Mensline Australia 1300 789 978 (24 hrs)

May is Domestic Violence Month Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is an annual event held each May to raise community awareness of the social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence and the support available to those affected. The key aims of the month are to: · Raise community awareness of domestic and family violence and its impacts; · Promote a clear message of no tolerance of domestic and family violence in Queensland communities; · Ensure those who are experiencing domestic and family violence know how to access help and support; · Encourage people who use abuse and/or violence to take responsibility for their abusive behaviour and seek support to change. Please come and be a part of our annual event: Sausage Sizzle and information sharing at the Upper Ross Community Centre on Wednesday 31st May 2017 (in the playground area), from 9am to 11.30am. For further information please contact Topsy Tapim, Community Connect worker at the Upper Ross Community Centre. Phone 4774 0144

Free Legal Help We can work with you to find the best service to suit your personal circumstances. Some services hold outreach clinics/appointments at the Upper Ross Community Centre. · ATSIWLS-NQ (Aboriginal & Torres · · · · ·

·

Strait Islander Women’s Legal Service NQ) Ph 4751 6007 ATSILS (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Legal Service) Ph 4722 5111 Nth Qld Women’s Legal Service Ph 4772 5400 QLD Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service Ph 1800 887 700 Townsville Community Legal Service Ph 4721 5511 Legal Aid Call Centre - provides free legal information over the phone on almost all areas of law. Ph 1300651188, 8.30am-5pm M-F Legal Aid Office - Domestic Violence Advice/Clinics held on Tuesdays. No appointment needed. Ph 4760 7507 Lvl 3 Northtown Centre, Flinders St.

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 coordinator, Tina Glenwright on 47740144 or email Tina on tglenwright@nqcs.org.au

OPEN 7 DAYS

Mon - Fri 8 - 8 Saturday 9 - 3 Sunday & Public Holidays 9 - 1 Ÿ Locally Owned and run business Ÿ Easy access and plenty of parking at front and rear

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

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, Phone for an appointment – walk in's also accepted

Child Health Drop-in Clinic Thursdays 9am-12pm at the Upper Ross Community Centre A qualified community health nurse is on hand to answer questions and provide support. Ÿ New baby health checks Ÿ Breastfeeding advice Ÿ New mum’s support

Bubba Jab Vaccination Clinic at the Upper Ross Community Centre The Bubba Jab clinic (run by QLD Health) aims to ensure indigenous children are up to date with their vaccinations. This is a drop in clinic - no appointment needed. Fortnightly on Thursday mornings 9.00 am to 12pm Next clinic 25th May

Midwife Clinic Visiting the Upper Ross Community Centre (pre-arranged appointments) Contact the Birth Centre directly on Ph. 44332779 or Midwife Penny 0428 694 788. to discuss your maternity care options.

Queensland Injectors Health Network (QuIHN) Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) outreach service operating at various local areas. Monday 9.30-11.30 Dean Park - Morehead St, 11.45-1.45 Bicentennial Park, Queens Rd Hermit Park 2.15 - 4.15 Woodlands Skate Park, Palm Dr Deeragun Wednesday 9.30-11.30 Mountview Park, Mill Dr, Kirwan 11.45-1.45 Next to Upper Ross Medical 1199-1207 Riverway Dr, 2.15 - 4.15 High Vista Soccer Park, Banfield Dr & Bayswater Rd Mt Louisa Friday 9.30-10.30 Dean Park, Morehead St, Sth Tv 10.45-11.45 Oonoomba Park, Shannon St 12.00-2.00 Next to Upper Ross Medical 1199-1207 Riverway Dr, 2.15 - 4.15 Dragonfly Motel, 10-16 Peel St Garbutt

http://www.facebook.com/quihnorg

Hello to Everyone, On the 2nd May I was very proud to finally announce to the local community that the Riverway Drive duplication is a reality! The tender was awarded to a local Townsville company, BMD Constructions Pty Ltd and I can confirm this project will start by the end of this month (May). Since I became the Member for Thuringowa in 2015, Riverway Drive has been my number one priority on my list to deliver for the Upper Ross suburbs. As a local of Kelso, I to know the importance of delivering this vital project. The many representations I have made to the Deputy Premier and Main Roads Minister on behalf of constituents has certainly helped achieve this fantastic outcome resulting in 2016 funding announcement of $30M and the process of detailed design began.

organisations at Loam Island. Recently I took their concerns back to the Minister for Main Roads and I am pleased to announce there will be an additional $5 million in funding which will deliver maximum benefits to the community such as new pedestrian boardwalks, improved facilities and ensuring roadside parking will remain for community events in the area. Not to mention a higher standard of lighting will also be installed along the shared pathways which helps improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. All of these will also increase our civic pride. This project is the single largest infrastructure spend Thuringowa has seen in years. It has also become a catalyst for other projects in the area, such as the redevelopment of the Riverway Shopping Precinct, and will serve our increasing growth in the area with River Parks, Pinnacles, Bluewattle and Wingate's Riverstone Residential estates. We have exciting times ahead in Thuringowa!

Warm regards, I have been working closely with the Aaron Harper Upper Ross Community Voice and local State Member for Thuringowa

Good news stories: Inspirational.... Emma Lynam, The Master Shredder. Emma is a successful young business woman, a volunteer, a great friend, budding cook, lover of theatre, and a good appreciation for local music talent. She just happens to have downs syndrome, autism, hearing loss and a cleft palate. She doesn't speak, yet despite all this, the local community continue to support her business to grow. Despite being written off by doctors as being ‘not valuable’ within hours of her birth she has achieved so much success. Emma was recently awarded the John McDonald award for her achievements in the community. Last weekend Emma moved into her own unit to begin her life as an independant young woman. In September this year she is off to Japan for a working holiday. The working part will see her making a presentation to Nippon TV. The Upper Ross Community Centre support Emma’s business and we are extremely proud of her accomplishments. Go girl. Congratulations and yhank you to Sam. Sam (who has autism) has been volunteering at the Community Centre for 9 months, learning about the workplace environment, expectations and responsibilities and gaining skills to help him transition into employment. This week was Sam’s last week with us as he has now found employment. We have all enjoyed having Sam working at the centre and wish Sam all the best. NQ Community Services is a strong advocate for people with disability and recognise the huge benefits of providing people with disability the opportunity to learn about the workplace environment and build their skills and capacity in order to transition into employment. Come check out our new artwork. The artwork began as an interactive art project at our recent Qld Women’s Day Event. The day was one of celebration of women’s achievements and sharing stories. Our guest speaks were very inspirational and all who attended agreed Local Artist, Michelle Tyhuis generously donated her time and skills to take on the project from beginning through to the end. The artwork reflects the QLD Women’s Day message... “Be Inspired, Lead the Way” . Well done Michelle. A big thank you and well done to the Kelso Rams Under 8's football team. The team recently rallied together and collected non-perishable food, water, toiletries, baby items and cleaning products for victims of Cyclone Debbie. Team Manager, Rachel Tapau, along with Garret-Morgan Tapau, Adie & Tisharlah travelled to Bowen to deliver the items to the Bowen Community Centre. Great community Spirit. 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.

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

RASMUSSEN “Specialising in the Upper Ross” MECHANICAL 3/1219 Riverway Dr, Rasmussen

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 Repairs to all vehicles

PHONE: 0429 648 399 Electrical Contractor No. 69820

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 Our Regular weekly Activities Mondays

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9:30 - 12.00pm

Craft Group

Tuesdays

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

Timeout - Games/Cards Free Computer Lessons Free Legal Advice Clinic

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9:00 - 11:00am 9:30 - 3.30pm 3:15 - 4.30pm

Free JP Service Free Computer Lessons Free Kids Activities

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

9:00 - 12.00pm 9.30 - 12.00pm 9:30 - 11:30am 9.30 - 3.30pm 3.00 - 4.00pm

Child Health Clinic Social Cards Playgroup Free Computer Lessons Free Kids Arts & Craft

Ÿ

10:00 - 12.00pm

Jewellry Making Group

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

F

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.nqcs.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.

Advertise in the Newsletter - Phone 4774 0144