Bits n Pieces Oct-Nov 2012

Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross October/November 2012 Upper Ross Community Centre 1143 Riverway Drive, Rasmussen, 4815 Ph: 4774 0144 Fax: 4774 0909 Email: communitycentre@urcc.org.au A division of NQ Community Services

CONTENTS Ÿ New Fit Camp

classes now on Ÿ URCC

Christmas Closure Dates Ÿ NQCS AGM Ÿ Surviving

Christmas Ÿ Family

Portraits - Book Now Ÿ Preparing for

Cyclone Season Ÿ First Aid

Course

Volume 7, Issue 5

FAMILY PORTRAITS - BOOK NOW 3rd & 4th November

Upper Ross Community Centre will once again be hosting their annual fundraiser in conjunction with NQ Family Portraits offering professional family portrait sittings on the weekend of 3rd & 4th November.

Sittings cost just $15 and include a FREE 11 x 14" portrait* of your family.

With Christmas fast approaching quickly this is a great opportunity to have a professional photographic sitting done of the whole family.

A variety of pictures will be taken on the day and could provide the answer to your Christmas present confusion for those hard to buy for relatives and friends.

If you have not had a family portrait taken recently then this is a great, low-cost option to capture those memories.

Ÿ No Interest

Loan Scheme Ÿ Baby Bridges

Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144. *Free portrait must be a minimum of 2 generations and include children. Children may only attend one sitting.

UPPER ROSS HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHALLENGE KICKS OFF Saturday 1st September saw the official launch of the Upper Ross Healthy Lifestyle Challenge.

NQCS received over 50 applications for the program which has been funded by The E Robert Hayles & Alison L Hayles Charitable Trust managed by Perpetual. While it was difficult to turn people away when they were so deserving of a place we were limited by the funding we received.

Personal Trainers Christina and Rachel, from Rise and Shine Fitness, were overwhelmed by the response and blown away by the passion and commitment the chosen group showed.

Already some amazing outcomes have been achieved with participants losing kilo’s, riding a bike for the first time in 20 years and climbing Castle Hill’s Goat Track.

We wish the group well for the upcoming weeks and can’t wait to see the final outcomes.

CHEAP 2ND HAND BOOKS NOW ON SALE AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE 475504042

PRICES START FROM 50c

NO INTEREST LOANS NOW AVAILABLE ARE YOU ON A CENTRELINK BENEFIT? DO YOU NEED HOUSEHOLD GOODS BUT JUST DON’T HAVE THE CASH UP FRONT? CAN’T AFFORD THE HIGH INTEREST FROM PAYDAY LENDERS? The Upper Ross NILS Program could be the answer to your needs.

No Interest Loans are now available to Upper Ross residents on low incomes to assist with the purchase of household items such as; fridges, washing machines, essential furniture and other items that will make life easier.

Like any loan there is an application and assessment process and not all loans are approved.

Loans of up to $1,200 are available with a repayment time of up to 18 months.

The great thing is that you will only repay the amount of the loan you will NEVER be charged interest of any sort.

This is a revolving community fund - as repayments are made on loans more loans are made available for others.

UPPER ROSS MECHANICAL Repairs and Tyres

NILS is part of the MY MOOLA Program.

(Next to BP Servo)

Guaranteed Mechanical & Auto Electrical Repairs to all vehicles By highly qualified technicians Unit 2, 1231 Riverway Drive Rasmussen

Ph: 4789 1299 Fax: 4774 0980

To enquire as to your eligibility for a NILS loan phone the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144.

URCC CHRISTMAS CLOSURE DATES The Upper Ross Community Centre office will be closed for Christmas from 4pm Thursday 20th December and will re-open at 9am on Monday 7th January 2013 for counter & phone service .

Activities and programs will recommence the week of Monday 4th February.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry

Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please take it easy on the roads and we look forward to welcoming you back in 2013.

NQCS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The NQ Community Services AGM was held at the Upper Ross Community Centre on the evening of Monday 3rd September. Many members were in attendance as well as Cr Jenny Lane and Sam Cox MP. 2011/12 was yet another successful year for NQCS and a/President Jim Evanson outlined many of the achievements of the organisation as well as the support of local, State and Federal Government NQCS staff were recognised during the Director’s report and later in the evening Chris Ralph was presented with a certificate acknowledging her 12 years as Administrator.

The meeting listened attentively while Member for Thuringowa Sam Cox MP presented initial concept ideas for the new Community Centre which the Government hope to start construction for in 2013.

OPEN 7 DAYS WE DELIVER TO KELSO, RASMUSSEN, CONDON & KIRWAN 4/1465 Riverway Drive, Kelso PH: 4789 1223 PIZZA BAZAAR BEST BY FAR TRIED THE REST NOW TRY THE BEST

PET FOOD NEEDED

During October the Upper Ross Community Centre is accepting donations of pet food (dog and cat) to donate to the Townsville Animal Shelter. If you can help by providing an Item or more of pet food it would be appreciated.

FITCAMP IS HERE! Want to get fitter, stronger or healthier?

Upper Ross Fitcamp can help you achieve your goals.

Fitcamp is fun, outdoor group fitness training.

Join our professional trainers to improve fitness, body strength and flexibility through resistance training, interval cardio training and core strength movements.

Fitcamp sessions will include; Ÿ Circuit training Ÿ Boxing Ÿ Body weight & resistance training

Fitcamp is suitable for all levels of fitness.

Fitcamps are held every Tuesday @ 5.30pm and Friday @ 5.45am at the Upper Ross Community Centre.

Sessions cost just $10 each

WHETHER YOU THINK YOU CAN OR THINK YOU CAN’T, YOU ARE RIGHT!!

Henry Ford

JP SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY 9am to 11am AT UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE

COST OF LIVING RELIEF There will be some relief from the cost of living pressures, thanks to a freeze on car rego costs and electricity tariffs.

Member for Thuringowa, Sam Cox, said the State Budget delivered cost of living relief, while still keeping Queensland's debt and deficit under control.

“Thuringowa residents will also welcome the offer of the first home buyer's grant of $15,000, if they buy a newly built home, or one off the plan,” he said.

The Budget also invested in local schools, roads, and the Townsville Hospital.

“State schools will get more power to decide how to fix urgent maintenance issues through the Advancing Our Schools Maintenance Fund,” Mr Cox said.

Above: Sam discusses local issues with Community Centre Manager Helen Hobson

Parents and Citizens organisations will be able to apply for up to $160,000.

OPEN 7 DAYS Mon – Fri 8 – 8 Sat 9 – 3 Sun & Pub Hols 9 – 1 · Diabetes Agency · Discounted prescription prices · Medication (Webster) packing Cnr Riverway Drive and Gollogly Lane, Rasmussen

Phone: 4755 4654

DO YOU HAVE A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY AGED 0 to 5yrs?

If so, Baby Bridges™ may be of interest to you.

Baby Bridges™ is a unique and innovative respite/therapy/playgroup program that will provide an opportunity for respite, and also a learning environment for both parents and carers, and their children. It aims to bridge the gap between parents and carers of young children with a disability, and supports in the community.

Baby Bridges™ provides respite for carers of children with a disability aged 0 – 5 years. During this respite time, carers receive information, training and support in order to increase their capacity to care for their child now, and in the future. The children benefit from specialized play activities with input from qualified therapists.

For further information, please phone Tracey Wilson, Baby Bridges Facilitator 47729000.

PREPARING FOR CYCLONE SEASON Every year between November and April, the coastal regions of Queensland are at risk of being hit by cyclones.

Being prepared is your responsibility Preparing your family and your home for a cyclone is your responsibility.

Every person who lives in the cyclone-prone areas of Queensland must recognise this and make it a priority between the months of November and April.

Before the Cyclone Season There are many important things that you can do now to prepare your family and your home.

How to prepare your family ·Compile a list of emergency phone numbers and keep it somewhere that is visible to all family members. ·Nominate an interstate family member or friend to be a point of contact in case you and your family become separated during the cyclone. ·Find out if your home is located in an area that could be prone to storm surge or flooding by contacting your local council. ·Identify the strongest part of the house (usually the smallest room) and ensure everyone knows where this is in case you need to seek shelter in your home. ·Ensure at least one person in your household knows first aid.

Prepare an Emergency Kit Every family should have a fully stocked Emergency Kit stored safely in their home.

This should include a portable radio, a torch, spare batteries, first aid kit, nonperishable food, sturdy gloves, waterproof bags, candles, matches, essential medications and copies of important documents (eg insurance details, birth certificates, prescription refills) in sealable plastic bags.

What to do when a Cyclone Watch or Warning is issued A Cyclone Watch is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) when gales or stronger winds are expected to hit within 24 - 48 hours

PREPARING FOR CYCLONE SEASON cont.

If you hear either a watch or a warning you should: ·Keep listening to your portable radio and watch the BoM website (www.bom.gov.au) to monitor the movement and severity of the cyclone ·Check that your Emergency Kit is complete and easily accessible ·Check that your neighbours are aware that a cyclone watch or warning has been issued ·Prepare an evacuation kit that includes warm clothes, essential medications, baby formula, nappies, valuables, important papers/photos/mementos in waterproof plastic bags, pillows, sleeping bags and blankets ·Clear your property of all loose items. This means bringing outdoor furniture, children’s toys and gardening equipment inside or under cover ·Secure any boats and move all vehicles and bicycles under cover ·Fill buckets and bath with water in case water supply becomes restricted and ensure you have sufficient water purification tablets to make the water drinkable ·If your windows are fitted with shutters, ensure these are closed securely. If not, tape your windows in a criss-crossing fashion using strong packing tape. This may not prevent your windows from shattering but it will hold the broken glass in place ·Bring children and pets indoors and remain inside until further advice is given.

During a Cyclone If a cyclone is approaching and an official evacuation order has not been issued, you may decide to shelter in your home until the cyclone has passed through.

If you decide to shelter at home: ·Turn off all electricity, gas and water and unplug all appliances ·Keep your Emergency Kit close at hand ·Bring your family into the strongest part of the house ·Keep listening to the radio for cyclone updates and remain indoors until advised ·If the building begins to break up, immediately seek shelter under a strong table JUDY ROSE CLEANING or bench or under a heavy ABN: 72 782 255 456 Domestic, Spring, Builders, Bond, Pre-sale Cleans. mattress ·BEWARE THE CALM EYE Professional and reliable.

OF THE CYCLONE!! Some We do the things you do not have time to do. people venture outdoors during the eye of the Ph: 0411 581 950 Marie/Judy 0448 314 159 cyclone, mistakenly believing that the cyclone Email: marierose3@optusnet.com.au has passed.

Six Tips to Survive Christmas While the Christmas message is peace on earth & goodwill to all men; For some it can be a nightmare. Here's how to rise above the pressure: 1. Shop smart Resist the temptation to spend, spend, spend. Do-it-yourself gifts, like a framed photo or homemade jam, not only save you money, they mean more than shop-bought items. Other money-saving ideas include having the family agree that you'll only buy presents for children, setting a $ limit on presents and giving 'time vouchers' instead, such as one hour's babysitting, an afternoon's weeding).

2. Aim for relative peace One reason Christmas can be tense is that it's often one of the few times the family gets together. The solution is to think through all the potential difficulties and challenges ahead of time. For example, if a 'problem' person is coming to visit, work out a coping strategy, such as doing safe things, like playing board games or cards, or going for a walk .

3.

Lower your expectations Don't try to make Christmas perfect — it won't be. Decide that you'll be happy if you have a nice day with good food and a few laughs. If things end up better than you expected, that's a bonus. Keep it simple!

4.

Pamper your partner Any problems bubbling under the surface of your relationship will inevitably come to a head at Christmas — your partner still won't help around the house and you still won't get on with your in-laws. Make the most of the holidays by setting aside time for activities to do together as a couple.

5.

Delegate There's no reason why everyone in the house shouldn't help out. Decide in advance whose job it is to wrap presents or set the table. If everyone knows what their task is, there will be fewer arguments. If you're hosting Christmas dinner, ask guests to bring the starter and/or a salad or dessert, so you only have to tackle the main course. If you just can't cope with cooking, organise to eat out.

6.

Run away Not spending the day with parents or relatives can be interpreted as not loving them enough, but if you really want to escape, don't feel guilty: reassure them that you'll see them before you go and when you get back. If you are separated from family and friends through work or distance, helping out in a shelter for the homeless or delivering meals for the elderly can be very rewarding when everything seems so commercial

... e r a We Your CONCRETERS

Ross 0407 654 951

Chicken Curry Serves: 5 Ingredients: 500g skinless, boneless chicken breast fillets, diced 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 2 onions, chopped 4 green chillies, chopped 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 - 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper 2 cups water 1 tablespoon garam masala powder 1 pinch turmeric salt to taste Preparation method Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 35 minutes 1. Rinse chicken pieces and pat dry. Set aside. Grind poppy seeds into a paste.

2. In a large frying pan, cook onions and green chillies in oil until golden brown. Add ginger and garlic and cook.

Add poppy seed paste and reserved chicken pieces and continuing cooking. Stir all together then add the cayenne pepper and water.

3.Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. The oil should be floating on top of the frying pan liquid. Add the garam masala and turmeric powder and turn off the heat.

Stir all together and serve with rice and naan bread.

FIRST AID COURSE The final First Aid and CPR Refresher course for 2012 will be held at the Upper Ross Community Centre on Saturday 10th November.

In just one day learn how to administer first aid and perform C P R i n a n e m e r g e n c y situation.

Just think, the life you may have to save could be a family member or friend.

First AidCourse - $100 CPR Refresher - $50 Bookings are essential as there are limited places available. Prepayment is required.

To reserve your place phone the Upper Ross Community Centre on 4774 0144 or email nqcs@urcc.org.au for more information.

“ Specialising in the Upper Ross�

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

WHAT’S ON AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE October/November

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 8.30-10am Community Garden 9.00 Gentle Exercise 9.30am Craft 10am Counselling Seniors Computer Kiosk

8.30-10am Community Garden 9.00am Gentle Exercise 9.30-11am Playgroup 9.30-11.30am Timeout 9.30-11.30am Computers 4.00pm Legal Advice 4.30pm Walking Group 5.30pm Fit Camp Seniors Computer Kiosk

8.00am Midwife Clinic 8.30 - 10am Community Garden 5.30pm Zumba Seniors Computer Kiosk One Day Wonders monthly

5.45am Fit Camp 8.00am Midwife Clinic 9.00am Child Health Clinic 9.00am Social cards 4.30pm Walking group 6.30pm Tai Chi Seniors Computer Kiosk

SATURDAY 8.30-10am Com. Garden 3/4th November

Family Portraits Bookings Essential 10th November

First Aid & CPR Course

WHERE TO PICK UP YOUR COPY OF BITS ‘n PIECES

Don’t have the internet or a computer at home? You can still grab a copy of the Bits ‘n Pieces newsletter every two months at select business outlets throughout the Upper Ross.

Look for the Bits ‘n Pieces newsletter holders at the following places; *IGA Rasmussen *Gumvale Mini Mart *Riverway Chemist *Kelso Fish Shop *UR Medical Centre *Carlyle Gardens *McDonalds Rasmussen *BP Rasmussen and of course you can always call into the Upper Ross Community Centre and say hello while picking up a copy!!

HANDY HARDWARE OP EN & SE VE N ELECTRICAL DA Y

S

Try us first For all your maintenance needs in the Upper Ross

PHONE: (07) 4773 2428 Bike Tyres and Tubes Hand Tools Household Keys Welding Supplies

Cnr Gollogoly Lane & Riverway Drive, Condon