Nov-Dec Bits 'n Pieces Newsletter

Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross November/December 2017 Upper Ross Community Centre 1/43 Allambie Lane, Rasmussen, 4815 Ph: 4774 0144 Fax: 4774 0909 Email: communitycentre@nqcs.org.au A service of Community Gro Volume 12, Issue 6

CONTENTS Ÿ

Child Health Clinic

Ÿ

Community Courses

Ÿ

First Aid Course

Ÿ

Free Computer Access

Ÿ

Free Legal Advice

Ÿ

Community calendar

Ÿ

After school activities

Ÿ

JP Service

Ÿ

No Interest Loans

Ÿ

Playgroup

Shuttle Bus servicing Upper Ross

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 Wednesday Upper Ross Mens Support Group - Delivering mentoring and 12.00 pm Weekly guidance. Transport available. Call Karl McKenzie 0417735336 to 2.00 pm 1st Tues of Upper Ross Community Voice - Community Action Group the month forum

Thursday

Every 2nd Friday

Every 2nd Friday

Every 2nd Friday

6.00 pm 7.00 pm

Come along and voice your ideas/concerns about issues in the Upper Ross. NEXT MEETING 5th December 3.00 pm After school children’s activities Kids bored after school? Bring them along to our after school Arts 4.00 pm & Craft and fun activities. Let them have some fun in a safe and supported environment. Afternoon tea provided.

Jewellery Making Class- come along get creative and learn how 10.00 am 12.00 pm to make different beading of necklaces, bracelets, earrings...

NEXT Class 17th November NEW ATSI Women’s Group - a new yarning group for Indigenous woman to have a yarn and a cuppa. Child minding is provided. First MEETING 17th November Women’s Group - a social group getting together to chat, have a cuppa and do a range of craft activities. Child minding is provided. NEXT MEETING 24th November

Free Free

Free

Free

10.00am 12.00pm

Free

10.00am 12.00pm

Free

COMMUNITY EVENTS Thu 16th Nov Willows

Fri 17th Nov

Santa Christmas Parade - Thuringowa Rotary Club is 6.00pm 7.00pm running the Santa Xmas Parade from The Thuringowa City Library to the Willows Shopping Centre. Bring the kids and enjoy the Xmas festivities

Free

7.00pm 9.00pm

Free

1.00pm 2.00pm

Free

5.00pm 9.00pm

Free

7.00pm 9.00pm

Free

Riverway Dive-In Movie Night - STORKS will be showing on the big screen Thu 30th Nov Christmas Arts & Craft - Christmas is coming! Come into the library and get crafty and creative with all things Christmas.

Sun 10th Dec Join Townsville City Council and celebrate in the Christmas spirit with the 2017 Carols by candlelight at Reid Park Complex.

Fri 15th Dec Riverway Dive-In Movie Night - BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will be showing on the big screen

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 21st December 2017 and re-opening on 15th January 2018.

Monday Night Youth Drop-in Hi my name is Nathaniel Geia, I am 16 years old and I am a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young man. My heritage stems from Kubin Island in the Torres Strait and Palm Island. I am very proud of my culture and owho I am.

I have been attending youth drop-in for the past 4 months and I really enjoy it. It is a good place to come and meet new people and start new lifelong friendships. At youth drop-in we chill out to some music, enjoy Susan's wonderful cooking, play chess, play cards, ride on scooters, play tiggy, play touch football, go on the computers, we even have dance offs.

The youth drop-in is like a second family, we all respect each other and look up to our elders. I encourage other youths to come into the Centre on Monday nights. You will feel comfortable, you will fit straight in, you will feel loved and more importantly you will get to meet me. Youth Drop-in is on from 5pm to 8.30pm every Monday night (even on the holidays) So come along, you will have fun.

As we near the close of the 55th Term of the Queensland Government, I have reflected back on achievements made in Thuringowa, in particular the Upper Ross Area. Of course key infrastructure delivery has been very important so to see the delivery of the $35M Stage 1 Riverway Drive duplication well underway is a major achievement for me as it has become a jobs generating project and a catalyst for other development in the area.

There is demand for increasing Public Housing, in particular focused on those with a disability, so to see the Condon 16 unit Complex on Riverway Drive near completion is exciting as this has supported over 220 trade jobs.

at the QPS RAP Hub and the establishment of the Townsville Stronger Communities Action Group co located at the Hub has seen encouraging signs in addressing crime related issues. This group has just handed down its first year achievements in the local government area and a 19% reduction in vehicle theft is a good start, but I know we have more work to do and I am committed to keep working with the community on this issue. Finally the creation of the Upper Ross Community Voice has created a great local platform on addressing local issues. I commend all involved in the URCV. As we head to the holiday period I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas.

I look forward to continuing to deliver more local infrastructure for the Thuringowa electorate in 2018.

Warm regards, Aaron Harper Importantly, delivering 20 additional police State Member for Thuringowa

The Homelessness Service Hub - Australian Red Cross The Homelessness Service Hub has been established to assist people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This includes having a key focus on people who have traditionally experienced difficulties accessing the homelessness service system, including families and women in need of support, people who are sleeping rough and those with complex needs.

The Homelessness Service Hub assists clients to access the most appropriate services to meet their needs.

Staff at the Upper Ross Community Centre can support clients through the referral process to access the services available through the hub. Contact the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 or the Hub directly.

Housing Connection 296 Ross River Rd Aitkenvale QLD 4814 Phone 4795 2980 Email hsh@redcross.org.au Free Phone, Computer & Wifi Access at the Upper Ross Community Centre

Printing, faxing, scanning, laminating, emailing service available at the Community Centre. Costs apply. Ask our friendly staff.

Enrol now for HIPPY 2018 With the end of 2017 quickly coming to an end the Hippy team are now taking enrolments for the 2018 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 2018.

Employment Positions available. The HIPPY program has two HIPPY Tutor positions available, commencing early 2018. 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 Coordinator - Liana Jones for more info 4774 0144

HIPPY is FREE and all children receive FREE fun learning resources to keep.

HIPPY families outing to Billabong Sanctuary Our Hippy families recently had the opportunity to participate in an excursion to Billabong Sanctuary. The outing was made possible for families, with the cost of bus travel and entry fee into the Billabong Sanctuary paid through funding provided by HIPPY Australia and Community Gro. The outing linked with the children’s Educational Activity Packs in both the Age 4 and 5 groups. The parents and children had a wonderful day walking around and looking at all the different animals and we watched Snapper the Crocodile being feed. The children fed ducks and kangaroos and were able to pat a wombat.

It was a special day also for Oliver Jackson who celebrated his birthday.

His family took along a cake to share and we all sang Happy Birthday to Oliver.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE Tuesday’s from 4pm Face to face or phone appointments Ÿ Bookings are essential

Ÿ Ÿ

Contact the Upper Ross Community Centre to book Ph. 4774 0144

Justice of the Peace (JP) Service Every Wednesday morning at the Upper Ross Community Centre 9.00 - 11.00 am No appointment needed

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

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Group @ Upper Ross Community Centre Commencing Friday 17th November 2017 (every fortnight)10am to 12noon Please book for child minding and transport Contact Topsy or Kirsty on 4774 0144

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.

If you receive a Centrelink benefit you may be eligible for a NILS loan. Contact the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 for more info.

NILS - 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

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.

Free 1-on-1 Computer Lessons Just starting out on your IT journey and need some basic help or maybe you have good IT skills but need a refresher. Maybe you have a tablet or smart phone and not sure how to use it. Try our free one hour 1-on1 computer lessons. Use our computer or byo laptop/tablet/phone. Lessons are Tuesday, Wednesday Bookings are essential Call now to book - 47740144

Upper Ross

Jesus, Reaching People

Christmas Church Service - Sunday 24th December 2017 - 10am

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

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

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 Tuesdays

Fridays

9:30 - 12.00pm

Ÿ

9.00 - 12.00pm 9:30 - 11:30am 12.30 - 3.30pm 4:00 - 5.00pm 9:00 - 11:00am 9:30 - 3.30pm 9:00 - 12.00pm 9.30 - 12.00pm 9:30 - 11:30am 3.00 - 4.00pm 10:00 - 12.00pm 10.00 - 12.00 pm

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Wk 1 Ÿ Wk 2 Ÿ Ÿ

Wk 2 Ÿ

Craft Group

U3A Craft Group Timeout - Games/Cards Free Computer Lessons Free Legal Advice Clinic Free JP Service Free Computer Lessons Child Health Clinic Social Cards Playgroup Free Kids Arts & Craft Jewellery Making Women’s Group (see pg 6 for session dates) 10.00 - 12.00 pm ATSI Women’s Group (see page 2 & 7 for details)

Centre Opening Hours Monday - Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Christmas Closure - 21st December to 15th January 2018

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