Nov dec 13 colour

Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross November / December 2013 Upper Ross Community Centre 1143 Riverway Drive, Rasmussen, 4815 Ph: 4774 0144 Fax: 4774 0909 Email: communitycentre@nqcs.org.au A division of NQ Community Services

CONTENTS Ÿ Christmas

celebrations Ÿ Driver Education Ÿ First Aid Course Ÿ Free Computer &

Internet Training Ÿ Free Legal

Advice Ÿ Free Counselling Ÿ HIPPY Ÿ Remembrance

Day Ÿ Women’s Group

Volume 8, Issue 6

Have a Safe and Merry Christmas

Christmas Break Closing Dates The Upper Ross Community Centre will be closed from the 19th of December 2013 and reopening on the 6th of January 2014.

Sorry for any Inconvenience.

Susan and Staff would like to take this opportunity to wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Remembrance Day Service 11 November - Cenotaph - Anzac Memorial Park Australians observe one minute's silence at 11am on 11 November each year to remember those who died or suffered from Australia's involvement in all wars and armed conflicts. It is commemorated on this day because It was at 11am on 11 November 1918 that the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years continuous war.

The hostilities ceased and it was an end to the Great War.

Riverway Snack Bar Only the best @ The Gumvale Shops Burgers, Large Mackerel, Family Packs, Sea Food, Tasty Snacks Great Range of Drinks Hours: Tuesday 4.00pm - 8.00pm Wed/Thur 11.00am - 2.00pm, 4.00pm - 8.00pm Fri-Sat-Sun 11.00am - 8.00pm os le

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See you There

Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters Bonita’s Story HIPPY is coming to the Upper Ross in 2014. For more information contact the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 or go to www.hippyaustralia.org.au for a fact sheet.

What is HIPPY? HIPPY, the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters, is an early child enrichment program that works with parents and carers of young children in their homes. Parents are supported by home tutors to help their preschool-age children to develop their reading, writing and social skills, which helps them start school ready to learn.

How does the program work?

HIPPY is designed for pre-school children aged four and five. Parents and families are supported by trained home tutors to read, to play with and undertake educational activities with their child for around 15 mins a day, five days a week, over the two years.

Parents also attend regular parent group gatherings and social activities to help build their connection to other local families.

Each local HIPPY service also provides local jobs and training for home tutors and co-ordinators.

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.

An Arrente woman from Alice Springs, Bonita was a stay-at-home mother and wanted to educate her children to prepare them for school, but wasn’t sure how. So when HIPPY came to Alice Springs in 2009, she jumped at the chance to mentor her son and grandson through the program. Passionate about the benefits of HIPPY, Bonita is now employed as a HIPPY home tutor, helping other families in her community.

Tutoring my son was a lot of help for him. When he started school the next year he already knew all the basic stuff.

He’s now in Grade 1 and doing really well. An important thing he got from HIPPY was confidence; being able to tell the teacher he knew the answer.

Three months after joining HIPPY I got offered a job as a home tutor and I’ve been doing this for three years now.

Being a mother, it’s good that my work hours are flexible. I work with parents and carers, mostly form Indigenous families and help them deliver the program to their kids.

I think the person who came up with HIPPY is a genius. It’s good for kids and parents!

Caramel Drops Ingredients: · 1/3 cup (75g) caster sugar · 2/3 cup (160ml) cream · 200g dark chocolate, chopped coarsely · 200g milk chocolate Place sugar with 2 tbs. water in a small saucepan, over medium heat, stir until it dissolves. Bring to the boil, when golden brown, add the cream, stir over a low heat until toffee pieces melt. Remove from heat, stir in dark chocolate and ½ tsp. salt flakes. Quickly roll the mixture into teaspoon size balls, place on a paper-lined baking tray and freeze for 30 minutes. With 5 minutes to go, place milk chocolate in a large microwave safe bowl and melt on high, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Using two spoons, dip truffles into milk chocolate and return to the tray. Top each truffle with a sprinkle of 4-5 coarse salt flakes. Refrigerate to set. Makes 24.

At the Upper Ross Community Centre.....

FREE Counselling At Upper Ross Community Centre on Thursday from 9.30am with Callie-Anne A Qualified Counsellor and member of the Australian Counselling Association Inc. Qualified in providing counselling for Individual and Family Therapy on coping with life’s concerns.

Bookings essential - please phone 4774 0144

FREE LEGAL ADVICE Do you need to speak to someone about a legal concern?

Free Legal Advice Clinic every Tuesday from 4pm.

Bookings are essential.

Phone 4774 0144

Free Computer Support & Access Are you aged 50+?

Want to learn about computers and the internet?

Need access to a computer or the internet?

FREE one-on-one support is available to residents aged over 50 who are interested in learning more about computers and the internet, but at their own pace.

FREE access to modern, internet ready computers Upper Ross is also available to those who do not have their own Child Health equipment. Bookings are essential on 4774 0144.

From 9am on Thursdays at the Upper Ross Community Centre qualified community health nurses are on hand to answer questions and offer support on: New baby health checks Breastfeeding New mum’s support No appointment needed

Parental Engagement in Children’s Schooling.

Parents play a vital role in the education of their children. It is clear that when parents display an open interest and are actively involved in their children’s learning, children generally achieve better results at school and are more engaged in learning. However, in many families these days parents are often time poor and find it hard to juggle their multiple commitments.

What happens at school is really important, but without backup from home its nothing more then just a good start.

The Queensland Teachers Union was quoted recently referring to research which shows that school is responsible for 20 per cent of a child’s learning, while family and social environment contribute 40 per cent each. Parents are the primary educator of their children.

The fact that many people feel very time poor seems to have added to the degree to which parents expect schools to take care of their children’s learning needs.

The simple truth is that without parental backup the children are unlikely to realise there full potential. Schools cannot take the place that parents hold in their children’s learning journeys.

As one prominent educator recently said of State Government plans to involve parents even more in the education of their children,’...(the plan) encourages parents to instruct kids to value the learning experience by creating a relationship between what’s happens in the classroom, home and the community... this is about recognising that school can not possibly do it all’ and how ‘vital parents are in the learning process’ (Courier 13/03/13).

Mail

UPPER ROSS MEDICAL CENTRE 1199 RIVERWAY DRIVE, RASMUSSEN BULK BILLING for all patients Open 7 days, extended weekday hours, female Doctors available.

Services include, Mental Health Nurse, Physio, Dietician, Skin and Health Checks and Chronic disease management.

Phone 4774 0299 for an appointment, We accept walk ins!

Driver Info Session 19 November 2013 @ 7pm Upper Ross Community Centre FREE 60 min education session for parents, relatives & friends who help young people get their 100 hours driving experience.

Did you know: Some of the important driving skills have changed since you learnt to drive?

Your children won’t pass the QSafe practical driving test or be safe drivers unless they are proficient in these updated skills and rule changes.

Call NOW to book your FREE session on 4772 2323 or email your name, suburb and contact details to info@gsom.com.au

Julbu Julbu Oman Women’s Group Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander women’s group

Come & have a Yarn!

Every 2nd Friday - Dates: 15 & 29 November 2013 10am to 12noon At Upper Ross Community Centre Contact Enid Surha - 0439 586 940 Babette Doherty - 0457 523 053

Finance Info Session Ÿ Financial Planner Ÿ Financial Counsellor Ÿ Centrelink Officer

At Upper Ross Community Centre On Tuesday 10th December 2013 At 10am Phone 4774 0144 for more info.

CHEAP 2ND HAND BOOKS NOW ON SALE AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE PRICES START FROM 50c

Repairs and Tyres (Next to BP Servo)

Justice of the Peace (JP) Service Available

Guaranteed Mechanical Repairs to all vehicles

Upper Ross Community Centre

RASMUSSEN MECHANICAL

Unit 2, 1231 Riverway Drive Rasmussen

Ph: 4789 1299 Fax: 4774 0980

Wednesday 9am to 11am

FIRST AID COURSE You just can’t afford NOT to have a First Aid Certificate these days. This one day course will provide you with all the skills necessary to perhaps save a life - maybe a family member or friend.

+ FIRST AID

Renew your CPR certificate for only $50 or take the full course for $100.

The next course is being held at the Upper Ross Community Centre on Saturday 9th November 2013 from 8am.

Places are strictly limited so book now by calling the office on 4774 0144

OPEN 7 DAYS Mon - Fri 8 - 8 Sat 9 - 3 Sun & Pub Hols 9 - 1 Ÿ Diabetes Agency Ÿ Discounted prescription prices Ÿ Medication (Webster) packing

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

Christmas Quiz 1) What is Santas nine reindeer names?

2) Who wrote How the Grinch Stole Christmas?

3) What is Santas wife name?

4) If you received all the gifts from the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas� How many gifts would you have?

Colouring In

Christmas Holiday Activities Carols by Candlelight!

Saturday, 7 December 5:30pm - 9.00pm Reid Park There will be pre-show entertainment showcasing some of Townsville’s local dance schools and up-and-coming soloists in the area plus safe-flame candles, amusement rides for the kids and a variety of food and beverage stalls. (Free Event)

Stable on the Strand!

18th - 22nd December 2013 The Strand Park is transformed into the historic town of Bethlehem, complete with Roman soldiers, traditional craftspeople, livestock, shepherds and sheep, wise men & camels There will be lots of activities to keep everyone entertained including face painting, craft, games, Roman soldier dressups, hammering & sawing in the carpenter’s workshop, eating fresh bread from the bakery, having a go at wool weaving and making pottery.

(Free Event)

“ Specialising in the Upper Ross”

Christmas Quiz Answers 1) Comet, Cupid, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Donner, Blitzen & Rudolph 2) Dr Seuss 3) Mrs. Claus

9 Connemara Course, Kelso www.rossriver.com.au

4) 364 Gifts

Worthwhile Achievements Looking Back Eighteen months has flown by since I was given the privilege of representing Thuringowa in State Parliament and I'm very proud of what we've achieved together for the people of the Upper Ross in that time.

Our schools are powering ahead, with the maintenance backlog and resources for early learning and special needs a priority. Thuringowa High has extra funding for a facelift. Rasmussen and Kelso schools are launching some great new programs and Good Shepherd keeps expanding. Good Start Early Learning at Kelso was transformed with almost $100,000 to landscape their outdoor space.

Sporting clubs in the Upper Ross have also benefitted from grants, with funding going to Riverway Rowing Club and Kelso Crocs. Upper Ross PCYC also received grants for equipment and training.

As the DHA development transforms the streetscape I look forward to the Upper Ross Community Centre's own project going ahead. I secured funding of $900,000 in the latest budget for the new Community Hub currently being planned. It will see the Community Centre joining forces with the PCYC and Men's Shed to create a shared space that will benefit everyone, no matter what their needs or interests.

Once finished, the Hub is set to become a beating heart in the Upper Ross.

Heading into storm and cyclone season, please get to know your neighbours and 'Get Ready' so we can all enjoy a stress-free summer.

Riverway Snack Bar Only the best @ The Gumvale Shops HOLIDAY HOURS; All days open 4pm to 8pm os ble p t Ef aila Av

Friday 27th

Friday 3rd

Saturday 28th

Saturday 4th

Sunday 29th

Sunday 5th

Normal trading hours Tuesday 7th

WHAT’S ON AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE November / December Activities Mondays

Ÿ 8:30-10:30am Community Garden Ÿ 9:30am Craft Ÿ 9:30-12:30pm Free Computer Access

Tuesdays

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

9:00am 9:30-11:00am 9:30-11:30am 4.00pm 5.00pm 5.30pm

Gentle Exercise Playgroup Timeout Legal Advice Walking Group Fit Camp

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

8:30-10:30am 9.00-11:00am 9.30am 10.30-12.30

Community Garden JP Service Seniors Computer Kiosk Computer Classes

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

9:00am 9.00am 9:00am 9:30am 5:00pm 5:30pm

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Child Health Clinic Social Cards Counselling Seniors Computer Kiosk Walking Group Fit Camp

WHERE TO PICK UP YOUR COPY OF BITS ‘n PIECES You can download the Bits’n Pieces newsletter online at our website http://www.nqcs.org.au OR you can grab a copy at the following places: *Kelso Fish Shop *UR Medical Centre *Gumvale Mini Mart *Riverway Chemist

*BP Rasmussen *Riverway Snackbar *Carlyle Gardens *McDonalds Rasmussen

OR you can always call into the Upper Ross Community Centre and say hello while picking up a copy!

Advertise in the Newsletter - Phone 4774 0144