Nov Dec 2016 Newsletter

Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross November / December 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 6

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

Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal The Mayor’s Christmas Tree Appeal has assisted thousands of local families and individuals in need for over 20 years, providing over $113,000 in food, gifts and cash donations.

This year the Upper Ross Community Centre is supporting the appeal as a collection host for donations of food and gifts.

Donations of Christmas Gifts for people of all ages (add gender and age if you chose to pre-wrap the gift) as well as Nonperishable food items (i.e. tinned food, biscuits, pasta, noodles, bottled sauces, lollies, Christmas puddings etc) can be left at the Community Centre and will be collected and distributed to needy families.

Tickets to the major fundraiser are also available at the Upper Ross Community Centre. You have to be in it to WIN it!

For only $2 a ticket you have the chance to win one or more of our 15 prize packages. Come and buy a ticket and support the Mayor’s Christmas appeal.

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/upper.centre

Crhi The Upper Ross Community Centre will close for the Christmas period -closing on 22nd December and will re-open 16th January 2017.

What’s on in your community ...

WHEN

EVENT

TIME

COST

REGULAR EVENTS Tuesdays Weekly

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander WOMEN’S Group meet at the Upper Ross Community Centre every Tuesday. Fun activities, arts & craft, education & support services. jCome along and join in.

Fridays Uncle Alfred’s Mens Suport Group - Delivering mentoring and Weekly guidance of Cultural men’s business.

Call Uncle Alfred 0422 872 011 or Karl McKenzie 0417735336 3rd Fri of Dive-in movie Nights at Riverway Lagoon the month 16th Sept - Minions, 21st October - Interstellar 1st Tues of Upper Ross Community Voice meeting the month Come along and voice your ideas/concerns about issues in the Upper Ross.

Tues & Centrelink Service Officer Outreach Service Visits Wed

Tuesdays: Nov 29th, Dec 13th 2016, & 24th Jan 2017 Wednesdays: Nov 23rd, 7th Dec & 21st Dec 2016, 18th Jan 2017

10.00 am to 12.00 pm

Free

10.30 am to 12.30 pm

Free

6.30 pm

Free

6.00 7.00 pm

Free

Tue 11.30 am Free 12.30 pm Wed 9.30 10.30 am

November Friday 25th Julbul Julbul Oman Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Sat 26th

Women’s Domestic Violence Support Group QLD Health Campus 138 Thuringowa Dr, Kirwan Contact Olita Leone 0403 301 630 CORES - Community Response to Eliminating Suicide CORES educates community members how to be proactive to prevent somebody taking their life, or harming themselves. Bookings essential Where: Mental Illness Fellowship NQ. 59a Cambridge St, Vincent Contact Ross Romeo 0427455313 email coresqld@kentishrc.com.au

10.00 am to 12.30 pm

Free

8.30 am to 4.00 pm

Free

December Sat 3rd

Sun 4th

9.00 am Carlyle Gardens Monster Christmas Market to 60 Beck Drive, Condo. Come along and grab some Christmas 12 pm presents.

5.00 pm Carols by Candlelight Reid Park - Under the big top. Special guests - Wilbur Wilde and to 9.00 pm Frankie J Holden

Free

Staff at the Upper Ross Community Centre would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

The Community Centre will close for three weeks over the holiday period Closing 22nd December 2016 and re-opening on 16th January 2017.

Seniors Day Out - Next stop Burdekin September saw the commencement of monthly seniors bus trips, with a group of seniors taking a trip out to Balgal Beach and stopping at the Bushland Beach Tavern for lunch. The bus trips were a regular event a few years ago and after a few enquiries and discussions from seniors who regularly visit the centre an outing was planned. The day was a huge success with everyone who went along saying they enjoyed the outing.

October saw a trip to Ingham, stopping off at Forrest Beach for lunch on the return trip.

The outings provide seniors the opportunity to get out, meet other seniors and helps break down social barriers. The monthly trips are planned for the last Friday of each month with 20 seats available. The November trip is heading to the Burdekin for the day on the 25th November. The bus leaves from the Upper Ross Community Centre at 9.00 a.m. and returns around 4 p.m. Morning tea is provided. Passengers pay for their own lunch and drinks. Cost is $15 per person plus cost of buying own lunch and drinks.

The Community Centre has partnered with Comm Link who provides their fantastic driver Robert and their 20 seater bus. Comm Link are also able to provide transport and other social outings. Contact the Community Centre to book your seat on the next trip or to find out about what other outings are available through Comm Link.

2017 Biggest Breakfast - Supporting Anti-Poverty Week

A big thankyou to the following businesses for their support. Our event . . would not be possible without their generous donations:

Family Support Hub

Have you met Jean Barnett yet?? Jean is our new Family Support Hub Coordinator.

Jean Barnett joined NQ Community Services in October and has been very busy getting to know all our wonderful families.

She has lots of fun and exciting ideas to build the family support programs in the new year.

Our FREE Homework Program will kick off in the new year with a new name. We are currently running a competition for school children to come up with a new name for the program.

The program not only offers help with homework, children can come along to do extra work or just do some reading. Watch this space.

The Hub programs (Playgroup, Homework and Arts & Craft will finish for the year week ending Friday 9th December 2016 and will recommence in Feb 2017. Jean is busy getting out and about in the community, spreading the good word about our programs.

Enrol now for HIPPY 2017 With the end of 2016 quickly coming to an end the Hippy team are now taking enrolments for the 2017 program. HIPPY is a 2 year home-based early childhood enrichment program. The program builds confidence and skills of parents/carers to create a positive learning environment to prepare parents/carers for their child’s schooling. The program is open to families from the Upper Ross area (Condon, Rasmussen, Kelso) and eligible children must be aged 4 by 30th June 2017.

Employment Positions available. The HIPPY program has two HIPPY Tutor positions available, commencing early 2017. Employment in the program is for 2 years, with tutors completing study (either a Certificate or Diploma in their chosen field of study) in their 2nd year of employment. Only parents/care givers with a child participating in the program are eligible to apply for Tutor positions. Contact the HIPPY Cordinator - Liana Jones for more info 47740144 HIPPY is FREE and all children receive FREE fun learning resources to

Farewell to Glen Page (year 5 HIPPY Tutor) As the year draws to a close, so too does Glen’s time as a HIPPY Tutor.

Having completed her Diploma in Community Services, Glen is keen to focus on working with youth. Over the past two years Glen has achieved great outcomes for many local families and made many friends within the community. We wish Glen all the best. Don’t forget to visit us.

Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme The Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme is a Queensland Government initiative designed to support low-income households experiencing sudden or temporary financial difficulties who are unable to pay their current electricity account. The scheme provides a one-off emergency assistance up to $720 (in any 12 month period for a maximum of 2 consecutive years) to help with paying your home energy bills.

If you are experiencing difficulties paying your bill you should contact Ergon to discuss their Customer Assist program. For more information, to discuss eligibility details, including the types of emergency situations you might get help for, or to apply for HEEAS contact Ergon on 131046.

We’ve moved to a New Location

Child Health Drop-in Clinic Thursday mornings - 9.30-11.30 sm @ Upper Ross Community Centre Playtime and fun activities in a friendly and supportive environment, Healthy morning tea provided Gold Coin Donation free transport available Call 47740144 to book transport in the Upper Ross area

Thursdays 9am-12pm at the Upper Ross Community Centre A qualified community health nurse on hand to answer questions and provide support. Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

New baby health checks Breastfeeding advice New mum’s support

Beware: The real cost of rental agreements In recent months we have seen an increase in clients taking out rental agreements without understanding the true cost of the rental contract. As we head into summer and the Christmas period it can be all too tempting to purchase items using a rental purchase agreement. But be warned. The repayments quickly add up and you could end up paying more than you bargained for, especially if you miss payments.

Rental agreements paid over two or three years will usually result in the consumer repaying three to four times the original purchase price of the item purchased.

Before you sign read the contract carefully. If in doubt, seek advice.

Even better - DON’T enter into a rental agreement. Consider using NILS instead.

NILS - No Interest Loans Scheme is a better and much more affordable option. You only repay what you borrow - No Interest, No Fees. NILS provides individuals and families on low incomes access to safe, fair and affordable credit. The loan can be used to purchase essential household goods such as electrical and furniture,. vehicle expenses such as tyres, repairs and registration. Loan repayments are made through affordable fortnightly Centrepay Deductions.

If you receive a Centrelink benefit and live in the Upper Ross (Condon, Rasmussen or Kelso) you may be eligible for a NILS loan. Contact the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 for more info.

NO Fees NO Interest NO Charges

INVITATION TO ATTEND... A FREE, FUN AND INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION ON:

“HOW TO STAY ON TOP OF YOUR MONEY’

MONEYCARE Promoting Financial Health and Wellness Date: 29th November 2016 Time: 10.00am to 12pm Address: Salvation Army, Beck Dr, Condon

Our range of topics will include: 1. Simple money tips 2. Keeping everyday costs down 3. Shopping smart 4. Paying bills on time 5. Creating new money habits 6. How to create and maintain your own budget

For further details contact: Jennifer Barclay-Smyth, Ph 4723 5607, 0477432125. Email: jennifer.barclay-smyth@aue.salvationarmy.org

Youth Drop in night for 13-18yrs v Every Monday 5-9pm at the UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE Allambie Lane (next to PCYC) Come along and join in the Christmas activities (Last night for this year will be 19th December)

Do you need help to get into the workforce or undertake further study?

TAFE Queensland North in partnership with GTEC Training and Development will be delivering foundation skills training in Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways (FSK20113) at the Upper Ross Community Centre throughout 2017. The course was recently held at the Upper Ross Community Centre and participants all agreed the local community will benefit greatly from attending this training. Holding the training in the Upper Ross will benefit community members who face transport barriers Aim of the program

This qualification is designed for individuals who require further foundation skills development to prepare for vocational training pathways. It is suitable for individuals who require: Ÿ A pathway to employment or vocational training Ÿ Reading, writing, numeracy, oral communication and learning skills at Australian Core Skills Framework Lvl 3 Ÿ Entry level digital literacy and employment skills Ÿ A vocational training and employment plan Program details Course duration l 5 weeks Delivery l Training is delivered face to face When: Next course commencing in Feb 2017 Location l Upper Ross Community Centre 1/43 Allambie Lane, Rasmussen Cost l Funded by the Queensland Government (eligible applicants) A $200 co-contribution fee will apply however Gtec will fund this for eligible participants.

Contact the Community Centre to book or register via http://www.gtectrain.com/registration-form.html Pictured: Paricipants brushing up on their computer skills during the course held in October at the Community Centre

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

Well everyone, time is flying past,

This focuses on a Whole of Government response to addressing these issues in our five print plan. Phase 1 started with the extra 30 Police taking part in Operation Oscar Merchant which has yielded significant results already. .

In the next couple of months Christmas will be upon us so I hope you are lucky enough to take a break over the Christmas/New Year period.

I look forward to seeing a reduction in crime as part of our Stronger Communities Plan moving forward and I have full confidence in taking this direction which will make our community feel Like a lot of people, I am also concerned with safe again. t h e re c e nt c r i m e i s s u e a ffe c t i n g o u r To find out more about Stronger Communities community. After regular interactions with p l e a s e h a v e a l o o k a t locals and agency representatives I have made www.qld.gov.au/townsville. numerous representations to various Ministers I wish you all a wonderful and safe break and a and directly to the Premier. great Festive Season!

As a result of that work I am proud to announce Warm regards, the recent Stronger Communities initiative. Aaron Harper, State Member for Thuringowa T

I

FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE - Tuesday’s from 4pm Face to face or phone appointments. Bookings are essential Contact the Upper Ross Community Centre to book Ph. 4774 0144

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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Legal Service NQ Inc

Providing legal service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in Townsville and rural and remote areas of North Qld

Reaching out to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to provide legal advice and advocacy.

Empowering them to make \ informed legal choices face to face appointment continuing casework (including court representation Ÿ referrals to other legal services Ÿ assisting women to access support services Ÿ community education workshops

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Ÿ

Midwife Clinic returning in 2017 Midwives, Penny & Honey, from the To w n s v i l l e B i r t h C e n t r e w i l l recommence the Midwife Clinic at the Upper Ross Community Centre in January 2017.

The Birth Centre is a selfreferral unit no need for a referral from your GP. Contact the Birth Centre to discuss your maternity care options: Ph: 44332779 or midwife Penny 0428 694 788.

Ph 07 47216007 or 1800 082 600 for phone advice or to book a face to face appointment.

Outreach service coming to Upper Ross Community Centre in 2017

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.

Good news Story - Donations help team participate A big congratulations to the Serenity Sisters. The Townsville Womens football team were runners up at the NQ All Blacks Carnival held in Cairns. Well Done ladies.

The ladies would like to acknowledge the support provided by our local politicians, Member for T h u r i n g o w a M r A a r o n H a r p e r, M e m b e r f o r Mundingburra Coralee O'Rourke and Member for Townsville Mr Scott Stewart who all generously donated funds to help the ladies get to the carnival.

Without their assistance and the backing of the local community supporting the teams fundraising events the ladies would not have been able to participate.

Justice of the Peace (JP) Service

Free One-on-One computer lessons

Centrelink Service Officer

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

Tuesday & Wednesday Bring along your laptop, tablet or smartphone, or use one of the community centre’s computers

at the Upper Ross Community Centre No appointment needed See ‘What’s on in your Community” pg 2 for session days, times and dates.

Bookings Essential Call 4774 0144 to book

“ Specialising in the Upper Ross”

RASMUSSEN MECHANICAL

9 Connemara Course, Kelso

www.rossriver.com.au

Repairs & Tyres

N & J DEVALTER

Unit 2 / 1231 Riverway Dr Rasmussen

YOUR LOCAL BLOKE SERVICING THE UPPER ROSS AND SURROUNDS

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING

Next to Puma Servo

SERVICING ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

Ph: 4789 1299

PHONE: 0429 648 399

Guaranteed Mechanical Repairs to all vehicles

Electrical Contractor No. 69820

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.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Calling Birds Christmas Drumming Days French Hen Drummers Geese

Golden Rings Laying Leaping Lords

Maids Milking Partridge

Pear Tree Pipers Piping Swans

Swimming Turtle Doves Twelve

Attention Car Owners Here’s 4 reasons why you should use our $25 Wash and Vacuum service: If your tired of poor quality washes, inflated prices and lack of service you need to visit Cranbrook Car Wash. Here are just four of the many reasons you will love this service....

1.

2.

3.

4.

Hassle free.... We do it all for you.

Satisfaction guaranteed! (If your not happy we’ll hand wash it) $25 Fuel with your 10th Purchase Book online to win $100 fuel (drawn monthly)

So don’t struggle to do it yourself or put with overpriced poor quality service any longer. Book online at www.cranbrookcarwash.com.au or come in and see us today at 470 Ross River Road, Cranbrook. Or call us on:

(07) 4723 3231 Present this coupon to receive your FREE interior car care pack Valued at $15.00 With your wash and vacumm purchase.

WHAT’S ON AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE Regular weekly Activities 9:30 - 12.00pm Craft Mondays 9:30 - 11.30am Community Cafe Ÿ Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

9:30 - 11.30am 9:30 - 11:30am 12.30 - 3.30pm 4:00 - 4.30pm

Community Cafe Timeout - Games/Cards Free Computer Lessons Legal Advice Service

Wednesdays

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

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

Free JP Service Free Computer Lessons Homework Program

Thursdays

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

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

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

Community Garden

Ÿ

9:00 - 12.00pm

Friday

Tuesdays

F

vvv Centre Opening Hours vvv Monday - Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm

Christmas Closure Closing 22nd December - re-open 16th January 2017

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