Sep/Oct Edition of Bits 'n Pieces

Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross September / October 2015 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 10, Issue 5

&CONTENTS Ÿ Child Health &

Midwife Ÿ Community

Courses Ÿ First Aid

Course Ÿ Free Computer

Access Ÿ Free Legal

Advice Ÿ HIPPY Ÿ Homework

Program Ÿ JP Ÿ No Interest

Loans Ÿ Playgroup Ÿ Puzzle

Community Open Day 7th November 2015 10.00 am - 2.00 pm The Upper Ross Community Centre andthe Upper Ross PCYC are holding a Community Open day on the 7th November. The day will also mark the official opening of the new Upper Ross Community Centre.

Come along and enjoy a fun and informative day.

There will be loads of free entertainment, children’s activities and rides. Grab a bite to eat, a cool drink and relax and enjoy a fun family outing. Local service providers and support organisations will also be on hand with information about the various services available in the Upper Ross.

If you haven’t yet been to visit the friendly staff at the community centre come along to the open day and have a look at the new centre and meet the crazy, friendly staff.

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

Upper Ross Community Markets - Every 2nd Saturday 8.00 am to 1.00 pm - next to Rasmussen McDonald’s

What’s on in your community ...

WHEN

EVENT

TIME

COST

REGULAR EVENTS Every Tues

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander WOMEN’S Group meet at the Upper Ross Community Centre. Fun activities, education & support services. See page 7 for more info Every Sat Riverway Park Run - Tony Ireland Stadium morning Held every Saturday. Run at your own pace 3rd Fri of Dive-in movie Nights at Riverway Lagoon the month See Townsville City Council website for more info.

Every 2nd Upper Ross Community Markets Sat Cnr Riverway Drive & Allambie Lane, Rasmussen Upcoming dates: 11th & 25th July, Aug 8th & 22nd, Sept 5th & 19th

10.00 am to 12.00 pm

Free

7 am

Free

7.15 pm 8.00 am to 1.00 pm

Free

September Fri 11th

4.00 pm Free Walk with Me - Disability Action Week A fun walk for the whole family along the strand. Family entertainment, activities, food, bring a blanket & enjoy the movie in the park. http://www.walkwithme.org.au/event/wwmtownsville2015 Sat 11th Townsville & Thuringowa Country Music Assoc. Country Music Fun Day St Joseph’s School , 65-75 Ross River Rd, Mundingburra Sausage sizzle & drinks on sale, BYO Chair. Great Music 10.00 am - Free Wed City Libraries FREE Computer Training - Upper Ross 12.00 pm 7th & 11th Community Centre - See page 4 for more info

October Wed City Libraries FREE Computer Training - Upper Ross 5th & 12th Community Centre - See page 4 for more info

10.00 am 12.00 pm

Free

Wed 14th

8.00 am to 10.00 am

Free

8.00 am 3.00 pm

$50 - $160

The Biggest Breakfast - Upper Ross Community Centre See page 4 for more info

November Sat 8th

First Aid Course - Upper Ross Community Centre See page 4 for more info

Volunteer Position available We are looking for someone to assist with our playgroup on Thursday mornings. You would be required from 8.30 am to assist with set-up and drive the bus to pick up families. Must be available to drive families home after playgroup at 11.30am.

No bus licence required as you will be driving a Toyota Hiace bus.

A Bluecard is required or we help you obtain one.

Does this sound like you!!

If yes then please contact Kerry on 4774 0144 to discuss.

Community Centre Update We have settled into our new premises and participation in the Upper Ross Community Centre is going from strength to strength. We are really happy to be able to provide the community with free access to phones and computers.

The Community centre offers something for everyone, any age. Why not come and join one of our seniors groups, women’s and men’s group or start your own group. There are also after school activities for kids and our playgroup (see pg 6 for more info).

We now have a great playground and loads of new play equipment. The centre offers a safe and supportive environment and families are welcome to come anytime to make a cuppa and watch their children play.

Our young people are also getting the message that they are welcome too - welcome to come and lounge around, listen to music, use the computers and make use of the kitchen.

The kitchen is available for everyone (just not small children). All the staff love freshly baked bikkies ........ hint, hint!!

As you read through the Bits n’ Pieces you will see there are many other services we provide but I think the most important service is the simplest, the access to phones, computers and resources that some of us take for granted. ... and so it made us feel sad when were recently broken into and computers were taken. This impacts in a lot of ways - the obvious is the financial cost of replacing the computers and fixing doors and windows. We hope that it doesn’t happen again because the growing financial burden will mean not replacing computers and that will impact on the community.

Please help to continue to provide a community centre that is available to everyone and useful to everyone.

Come into the centre, have a cuppa and say hello. Susan.

Supporting Locals The Upper Ross Community Centre is proud to support local girl Briseis Tamwoy who has been selected to participate in the QLD School Sport 10-12 year Rugby League competition to be held on the Gold Coast. Congratulations to Briseis who was one of seven girls chosen from the Townsville region to compete.

Pictured is Susan handing a cheque to proud mother, Sandra.

Upcoming Events ...

Community Computer Training

by City Libraries Venue: Upper Ross Community Centre Cost: FREE 1/43 Allambie Lane Rasmussen

When: 1st & 2nd Wed every month Time: 10.00 am to 12.00 pm

Upcoming Classes: OCTOBER 7th & 14th - IPad NOVEMBER 4th & 11th - Reading magazines online Bookings essential. Call to book Ph: 4774 0144

UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY MARKETS Every 2nd Saturday 8.00 am to 1.00 pm

Where: Cnr Riverway Dr & Allambie Lane (next to Rasmussen McDonald’s) When: September 5th & 19th October 3rd, 17th & 31st November 14th & 28th

FIRST AID Apply First Aid CPR Refresher Anaphylaxis & Asthma

Next Course Date: Saturday 14th November 2015 8.00 am - 3.00 pm

Bookings are essential as there are limited places available.

Call the Community Centre on 4774 0144 to book

Community Garden Update The final stage of the community garden is set to get under way in mid September as a ‘Building our future” project. The “Building our Future” project is an Indigenous VET Partnership project funded by QLD Government Department Education and Training. The program will see a cohort of 20 young indigenous people aged between 15 and 25 completing the garden. The project will be managed by Gtec, in collaboration with NQCS and TAFE North.

The program will be delivered through a flexible hands-on approach over 12 weeks, with participants learning and developing their skills in construction, gaining employable skills in concreting, paving, garden construction, fence building, construction and carpentry. The participants will also gain qualifications in Certificate I in Construction, White Card, Working at Heights and Apply First Aid. During the program the participants will gain life skills in the workforce which will increase their employability status.

Supervisors and mentors will assist in identifying career pathways and offer individual support to transition participants into long term sustainable employment. The program will also be encouraging community and family involvement and provide a sustainable and enjoyable space for members of the Upper Ross Community. Exciting times ahead... this project is going to be amazing.

Photos: Some of the participants who successfully completed the previous ‘Building our Future” project.

SHALOM CHRISTIAN COLLEGE MANY CULTURESiONE FAITH

“POSITIVE BY CHOICE AND PROUDLY INDIGENOUS” Prep to Year 12

· Free Bus Service Provided · Free Breakfast Program · Small Class Sizes · Cultural, Respect and Support

· National Curriculum Followed · Literacy Support Enrol Now: Phone 07 4750 3400 Website: www.shalomcollege.qld.edu.au

Family Support Hub

FREE

Thursday 3.00-4.00 at the Upper Ross Community Centre for Pre- Yr 6 students All materials supplied

Afternoon Tea Provided

Playgroup: Have you been to our Thursday Playgroup yet? Come and see for yourself we are a friendly, welcoming playgroup.

Our playgroup focus is “children learning through play”, in a safe and secure environment. Parents / grandparents / carers can relax and enjoy a cuppa while their children grow, learn, achieve and thrive in a friendly and welcoming setting.

Playgroup families have access to an array of age appropriate, children focused activities that promote the development fine & gross motor development, cognitive enhancement, social & emotional development and early language and literacy skills.

Early Readers Program: FREE Age 3-5 New - starting Tuesday 15th Sept Tuesday afternoons 2.00-2.30pm.

Arts & Craft activities: FREE Prep - Yr 6 New - Starting Thursday 17th Sept.

Every Thursday 3pm - 4.00 pm. Bring the kids along for a fun afternoon of art & craft. Sit and have a cuppa while the children get creative or drop off and pick up. Afternoon tea provided.

HomeworkClub: FREE Prep - Yr 6 Every Wednesday 3pm - 4.30pm. Children can bring their homework, readers, spelling, sight words etc. and work with our tutors in a happy and relaxed environment. Afternoon tea provided.

Upper Ross Community Centre Thursday Morning

9.30 – 11:30am No need to book, just come along Healthy and nutritious morning Tea provided Free transport available (must book transport) Check out our facebook page to see all the fun our families are having at playgroup each week. www.facebook.com/upper.centre

Seniors Expo & Luncheon This year saw the Townsville City Council’s Seniors Lifestyle Expo and Seniors Luncheon being held at the RSL Stadium.

The change of venue from previous years at Reid Park was welcomed by the many seniors who attended.

Jeanette Eadie, one of the Community Centre regulars, attended both the Expo and the Luncheon. Jeanette chose to drive to the EXPO and catch the bus to the Luncheon. There was plenty of close parking which gave easy access to the venue. The venue is also easily accessible by public transport, with the bus from Willows stopping at Stockland and Castletown before dropping visitors a short distance from the Stadium.

Jeanette said RSL Stadium received her tick of approval, with the air-conditioned, spacious venue making both events very enjoyable. Rhonda Birchmore was great and could be heard througouth the Stadium.

Jeanette thanked the Upper Ross Community Centre for organising the Luncheon tickets. She said they thoroughly enjoyed both outings and hopes that next years event is again held at the Stadium.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Women’s Group Coming together to make new friends, social activities and support.

At: Upper Ross Community Centre When: Tuesday mornings 10am -12 pm Light refreshments provided

The Women’s Group provides a happy, healthy community environment for women to yarn with other women and connect with the local community through meeting new people.

Feedback from women who have attended previous meetings is that there is a need for these women’s groups as they provide a vital link in making new friends within their local community.

Discussion topics include health & wellbeing, child services and Justice.

Contact Jean Austin 0432 288 795 or simply come along.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE: Ellen Ellen has volunteered at the Upper Ross Community Centre for 7 months and has recently signed on as a ‘Work for the Dole’ participant at the Community Centre. She is really excited about participating in the program as it gives her the opportunity to gain valuable skills which will assist her in future employment. Ellen is learning aspects of office administration and reception. The skills she gains through this experience are transferrable to any future employment role and she is determined to learn as much as she can during her time at the community centre. Ellen is also keen to complete a Certificate III in Business Administration to formalise all that she is learning during her participation in the program.

Don't forget to say hi to Ellen next time you visit the community centre.

Justice of the Peace “ Specialising in the Upper Ross” (JP) Service available at the Upper Ross Community Centre

Wed mornings 9.00 - 11.00 a.m No appointment needed

RASMUSSEN MECHANICAL

Repairs & Tyres Unit 2 / 1231 Riverway Dr Rasmussen

Next to Puma Servo

Ph: 4789 1299 Guaranteed Mechanical Repairs to all vehicles

9 Connemara Course, Kelso

www.rossriver.com.au

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 costs.

Upper Ross Child Health Clinic

Upper Ross Midwives

Thursdays 9.00 a.m.- 12.00 pm at the Upper Ross Community Centre

Midwives, Penny & Honey, from the Townsville Birth Centre visit our centre on Monday and Tuesdays.

Qualified community health nurse on hand to answer questions and provide support. Ÿ New

baby health checks Ÿ Breastfeeding advice Ÿ New mum’s support

No appointment needed

The Townsville Birth Centre is a selfreferral unit - no need for a referral from your GP. Please contact midwife directly to discuss your maternity care options Penny 0428 694788

By Appointment Only

UPPER ROSS MEDICAL 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

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

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, Dietician

Free Computer Access & Lessons The Community Centre has computers available for everyone to use. FREE - No bookings required.

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

We also have FREE one-on-one computer lessons. Our volunteer tutors will teach you whatever you want to learn about. From beginners to those who want to learn more, our tutors can help.

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.

Spring Time

NO INTEREST LOAN SCHEME

NO Fees -

NO Interest -

NO Charges

Through NILS we help low income families and individuals in the Upper Ross Community with the purchase of essential household items.

Call Upper Ross Community Centre on 47740144 for more information.

WHAT’S ON AT THE UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE Regular weekly Activities Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays

Ÿ 9:30 - 12.00pm Ÿ 9:00 - 4.00pm

Craft Free Computer Access

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

9:00 - 4.00pm 9:30 - 11:30am 12.30 - 3.30pm 4:00 - 4.30pm

Free Computer Access Timeout Free Computer Lessons Legal Advice Service

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

9:00 - 11:00am 9:30 - 3.30pm 9:00 - 4.00pm 3:15 - 4.00pm

Free JP Service Free Computer Lessons Free Computer Access Homework Program

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

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

Child Health Clinic Social Cards Playgroup Free Computer Lessons Free Computer Access

F

Centre Opening Hours Mon - Thurs 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Friday Closed

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 Centre *Gumvale Mini Mart *Riverway Chemist *Riverway Snackbar *McDonalds Rasmussn *Woolworths Rasmussen 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