Bits ‘n Pieces A FREE Community Newsletter for the Upper Ross September / October 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 5
CONTENTS Ÿ
Child Health Clinic
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Community Courses
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First Aid Course
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Social Groups at the Community Centre The Upper Ross Community Centre has regular weekly social groups and everyone is welcome. There are many people in the community, especially seniors and people with disabiitiy who are at risk of social isolation. These social groups provide social inclusion for all ages and provide the opportunity for sharing of skills and knowledge and building new social and support networks.
Free Computer Monday mornings Craft Group is an opportunity for people to come together in a relaxed social setting to enjoy a morning of Access craft, with participants bringing along their own individual craft Free Legal activities. The Community Centre has sewing machines and an overlocker available for use so if you like quilting or sewing there Advice is no need to bring along a machine. Community Tuesday mornings “Time Out” group is a fun morning of board calendar games and social cards. Tea and coffee is provided for all social groups. Cost of groups is $3 per person. After school September sees the return of seniors outings, with an outing activities planned for Friday 23rd Sept. Seniors will travel to Rollingstone for morning tea at Fisherman’s landing, followed by lunch at JP Service Bushland Beach hotel and an icecream and coffee at Macca’s on the return trip. Previous trips have enjoyed by all and we look No Interest forward to these trips once again becoming a regular outing for Loans seniors. Bookings are essential so be sure to book early. Call the Upper Ross Community Centre on 47740144 to book . Playgroup Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/upper.centre
What’s on in your community ... WHEN
EVENT
TIME
COST
REGULAR EVENTS 27/9 The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander WOMEN’S Group - 10.00 am 11/10 25/10 meet at the Upper Ross Community Centre every 2nd Tuesday. to 12.00 pm 8/11 22/11
Free
10.30 am to 12.30 pm
Free
6.30 pm
Free
6.00 7.00 pm
Free
Fun activities, arts & craft, education & support services. just come along and join in. Fridays Uncle Alfred’s Mens Suport Group - Delivering mentoring and 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: Sept 20th, Wednesdays: Sept 28th,
Oct 4th & 18, Nov 1st & 15th Oct 12th & 25th, Nov 9th & 23rd
Tue 11.30 - Free 12.30 pm Wed 9.30 -
Sept Sat 24th
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
Free 8.30 am to 4.00 pm
10.30 am 1.30 pm
Oct Fri 7th
Fri 14th
Light the Night Walk - Jezzine Barracks The Strand Join an inspiring lantern walk and help raise money for blood cancer Careers in Disability EXPO - Entertainment Centre The Careers in Disability Expo will showcase current and future jobs to support people with a disability in your community.
5.00 pm 8.30 pm
First Aid Training - Upper Ross Community Centre Contact the Community Centre to book Ph 4774 0144
8.00 am 3.00 pm
10.00 am - Free 3.00 pm
Nov Sat 12th
No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) Need a new fridge? Washer just died? Car Rego due?
Cost see pg 7
NO Fees NO Interest NO Charges
The NO INTEREST LOAN SCHEME (NILS) provides an alternative to renting or using payday lenders. Through NILS individuals and families on low incomes access to safe, fair and affordable credit. The loan (max of
$1,200) can be used to purchase essential household goods and services, including vehicle tyres and registration. It cannot be used to pay bills. Loan repayments are made through affordable fortnightly Centrepay Deductions (repayment amount calculated based on a maximum loan term of 12 months). If you receive a Centrelink benefit and live in the Upper Ross (Condon, Rasmussen, Kelso) you may be eligible. Contact the Upper Ross Community Centre on 47740144 for more information
2017 HIPPY enrolments now open HIPPY is a two year home-based early childhood enrichment program. The program builds confidence and skill of parents/carers to create a positive learning environment to prepare their child for school. The program is not super intensive and time consuming. Parents/Carers and families are encouraged to read, play with and enjoy educational activities with their child for 15 mins per day, five days per week throughout the two year program. The program is delivered through a home based tutor model where the HIPPY tutor visits the family. With the end of 2016 quickly coming to an end the HIPPY team are now taking enrolments for 2017 program. Eligible children must be aged 4 by 30 June 2017. The HIPPY team is keen to build on the success of the previous cohorts and look forward to welcoming new families in 2017. Two HIPPY Tutor positions will also be available commencing early 2017, with positions running for 2 years. Only parents/caregivers with a child participating in the program are eligible to apply for Tutor positions. The program is open to families from the Upper Ross area - Condon, Rasmussen, Kelso. Contact Liana Jones for more info: 47740144.
HIPPY is free and all children receive fun learning resources to keep. Upper Ross Community Voice - Championing community issues The Upper Ross Community Voice (URCV) community consultation group was formed in Feb 2016 with the purpose of providing Upper Ross community members a forum to voice concerns and keep up to date with what’s happening in the Upper Ross. The group provides residents with a collective and unified voice to address areas of concerns. Since forming in Feb the group has championed a variety of issues raised by residents, with representatives from QLD Police, QLD Dept of Transport and Mainroads, Townsville City Council regularly attending meetings to address issues raised. Charlie Manolis has also attended to provide an update on the redevlopment of the Rasmussen shopping precinct. Some of the items actioned to date include completion of road repair to Hammond Way bridge (right - URCV Secretary Soa Tini celebrating the repairs), the relocation of the Children’s crossing on Riverway Dr (near Illuta St), instalation of lined car park spaces in Gollogy Lane, Loam Island maintenance issues, slow removal of abandoned vehicles, Bus transport issues. Update on Riverway Drive duplication project: Plans are in the final stages and will be available shortly for community consultation and feedback. Mainroads representatives will be attending the October meeting. URCV Meetings are held 1st Tuesday of each month (excluding school breaks)
Help for job seekers The Upper Ross Community Centre is keen to establish a “Job Club” at the community centre to help people in their to search for work. We see a definite need for this type program in the Upper Ross. While most job search providers offer these services, residents in the Upper Ross are hindered by lack of transport and find it difficult to access these services. More and more job seekers make use of the computers at the centre. Each week we see people spending many hours searching for jobs online yet with a few simple tips and advice they can reduce the time spent on searching and put more time into writing a resume and application letter.
UPPER ROSS COMMUNITY CENTRE 1/43 Allambie Lane (next to PCYC)
Job Club will run Tues, Wed & Thurs 10.00am to 2.00pm with volunteers on hand to assist and provide tips on how to increase your job search skills and resume writing. Bookings not required. Just come along.
Are you 13 years or older and want somewhere to hang out and have fun with friends in a safe environment? We have a space for you to do this.
We are seeking a volunteer who can assist people with resume writing. If you have a few hours each week spare and keen to get involved please call Tracey on 47740144
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Do you need help to get into the workforce or undertake further study? TAFE Queensland North are proud to announce foundation skills training in Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways (FSK20113) in partnership with GTEC Training and Development. 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 will be delivered face to face Location l Upper Ross Community Centre 1/43 Allambie Lane, Rasmussen Cost l Funded by the Queensland Government to eligible applicants. A $200 co-contribution fee will apply Contact GTEC Ph 07 44132040 email: richard@gtectrain.com or register via www.gtectrain.com
Centrelink Service Officer available at the Upper Ross Community Centre No appointment needed See ‘What’s on in your Community” pg 2 for session days, times and dates.
Justice of the Peace (JP) Service available at the Upper Ross Community Centre Wednesday mornings 9.00 - 11.00 am No appointment needed
Ÿ FREE Computer Access Ÿ Free phone use Ÿ Free Wifi Available at the Community Centre Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm
Community Café Come along to the Community Café at the Upper Ross Community Centre Monday & Tuesday mornings 9.30 - 11.30 Tea & coffee, pikelets, scones, sandwhiches. Gold Coin Donation. Help support your Community Centre.
Pictured: Community Café volunteers Connie and Mickie enjoying a morning of baking.
Free One-on-One computer lessons Tuesday12.30 - 3.30, Wednesday 9.30 - 3.30. Bring along your laptop, tablet or smartphone, or use one of the community centre’s computer
Bookings Essential Call 4774 0144 to book
FREE LEGAL ADVICE SERVICE Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Tuesday’s from 4pm Face to face or phone appointments Bookings are essential Contact the Upper Ross Community Centre to book 4774 0144
Books
The Community Centre has books for sale 50c each or bring in your old books and exchange books for free
Community Computer by Citylibraries Training @ Upper Ross Community Centre 1/43 Allambie Lane, Rasmussen
Cost: FREE Excel 12th October - 10am to 12pm Powerpoint 9th November - 10am to 12pm Bookings essential Ph: 4774 0144 FREE community event
THE BIG BREAKFAST In support of Anti-Poverty Week 16th - 22nd October 2015 Come along and enjoy a delicious breakfast with the friendly Upper RossCommunity Centre Staff & Community Members.
EveryoneWelcome Wednesday 19th October 8.00 – 11.00 a.m. Where: Upper Ross Community Centre
1/43 Allambie Lane, Rasmussen
Family Support Hub Have you been to our Thursday morning Playgroup yet? Come and see for yourself we are a friendly, welcoming playgroup. 9.30-11.30am. Gold coin donation. 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 of fine & gross motor skills, cognitive enhancement, social & emotional development and early language and literacy skills. A healthy morning tea is provided and we have free pick-up and drop-off transport available. Bookings are essential for transport. Call 47740144 to book transport. Free Homework Club - Wednesday 3pm - 4.00pm. Children can bring their homework, readers, spelling, sight words etc. and work with our tutors in a happy and relaxed environment. Afternoon tea provided. For Prep to Year 6. Free Arts & Craft - 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. For Prep to year 6. Note: All programs run during school terms only.
Our playgroup families learning through fun activities
And the Winner is...
Emma is our Master Shredder
Congratulations to Geoff Glenwright on winning the Upper Ross Community Centre Footy tipping competition.
August saw us welcome Emma Lynam to the team. Emma, who has downs syndrome, successfully operates her own shredding business and notches up another new client. Emma is an inspiration to all. Check our her facebook page and the ABC News story about Emma and how work can change the lives of people with disabilities.
Free tax help for lodgment of tax returns.
Need to lodge your tax return? Haven't lodged previous years returns yet? Don't panic. ATO trained Tax Help volunteers are available at the Upper Ross Community Centre up to 30th Oct 2016. They can help with the lodgement of your current and previous years tax return/s. Eligibilty criteria applies and bookings are essential. Contact the Community Centre on 47740144 for more info or to book. This is a FREE service.
Good news Story - Work for the Dole Participants Success Regular visitors to the Upper Ross Community Centre will notice a few new faces as new Work for the Dole participants begin their placements. The program requires job seekers to participate in a volunteer placement for 6 months during which time they are learning new skills, meeting new people and make contacts within the community to foster future employment opportunities. During placements we work with the volunteer to look at their skill set and how we can build on these to increase their capacity and confidence to go out into the workforce. We are always on the lookout for suitable employment opportunities for our volunteers. A number of our volunteers have been successful in gaining employment either during or at the end of their placement. Just this week two of our volunteers, Natalie Sipi (right) and Laurie Alberts secured employment. Awesome outcome ladies.
Bits ‘n Pieces is a Department of Communities supported initiative.
Phone: 47892918
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.
We all know someone, whether it is family or friends who have been affected by road trauma, from being involved in a road crash. Hello to Everyone, I was proud to launch Road Safety week with a morning tea at Woodlands Fire Station where we invited staff from Qld Fire and Emergency Services, Qld Ambulance Service, Qld Police Service, Main Roads and The Townsville Hospital to acknowledge and thank the Emergency Services for the work they do. Focus of the week 22 – 28 August, was 'speaking up for road safety' and built on the success of the inaugural event last year.
Road crashes are preventable, so the week was an ideal opportunity to reflect on raising the community's commitment to making our roads safer for everyone. It was great to also attend the Road Safety Expo at Jezzine Barracks which had a number of interactive events on. Please stay safe on our roads. Thank you to all Emergency Services. Warm regards, Aaron Harper State Member for Thuringowa
Child Dental Benefit Scheme (CDBS) is ending in Dec 2016. Families to lose. The Child Dental Benefit Scheme allows each eligible child between the ages of 2 and 18 years to receive up to $1000 of dental care and treatment. Unfortunately there are so many parents and families that are unaware of this service and now the CDBS is ending in Dec 2016. Staff at 1300SMILES Rasmussen said they always encourage parents to bring in their children to visit the dentist even if they do not think they need any treatment. They are able to the opportunity to educate the children and their parents on how to maintain good proper oral and dental health, correct brushing techniques, healthy eating habits and preventative measures. Especially now that the CDBS is ending they are encouraging parents to book an appointment and have their children’s dental health checked whilst the service is still bulk billed. Pictured right: 1300SMILES Rasmussen Practice Manager Jana Klekar presents Upper Ross Community Centre CEO Susan Perry and Centre Manager Tracey Peace with a hamper filled with dental hygiene goodies.
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
Cnr Riverway Drive and Gollogly Lane, Rasmussen Phone: 4755 4654
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
First Aid & CPR Course @ Upper Ross Community Centre Saturday 12th Nov 8.00 am - 3.00 pm Cost: First Aid (including CPR) $100 Perform CPR only $50 Anaphylaxis $40 Asthma $40 Bookings essential To reserve your place call 47740144.
Upper Ross Child Health Drop-in Clinic Thursdays 9.00 a.m.- 12.00 pm at the Upper Ross Community Centre A 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
RASMUSSEN “ Specialising in the Upper Ross” MECHANICAL
Repairs & Tyres Unit 2 / 1231 Riverway Dr Rasmussen
Next to Puma Servo
9 Connemara Course, Kelso
www.rossriver.com.au
N & J DEVALTER 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
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.
Spring Time
Try this on your family and friends ... 1.. Pick a number between 2 and 9 (it can include 2 & 9) 2. Multiply your number by 9. 3. Now you have a two digit number. Add the two digits together 4. Subtract 5 5. Now find the letter of the alphabet that matches with your number e.g. A =1, B = 2, C = 3
BLOSSUM BUDS CROCUS DAFFODIL FLOWER GARDEN GREEN GROW LILACS MELTING PUDDLE RAIN RAINBOW ROBIN SEASON SEEDS SHOWERS SUN UMBRELLA WARM WEATHER
6. Think of a country that begins with your letter. e.g. “’C” might make you think of Canada or “F” could be France. 7. Take the 2nd letter in the name of the country and think of an animal. 8. Now close your eyes and think of your animal whiIe I read your mind. 9. Say “I didn’t know that there were elephants in Denmark”
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
Tuesdays Wednesdays
Thursdays Community Garden
Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
9:30 - 11.30am 9:30 - 11:30am 12.30 - 3.30pm 4:00 - 4.30pm 10.00 - 2.00pm
Community Cafe Timeout - Games/Cards Free Computer Lessons Legal Advice Service Job Club
Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
9:00 - 11:00am 9:30 - 3.30pm 3:15 - 4.30pm 10.00 - 2.00pm
Free JP Service Free Computer Lessons Homework Program Job Club
Ÿ 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 10.00 - 2.00pm
Child Health Clinic Social Cards Sewing morning Playgroup Free Computer Lessons Children’s Arts & Craft Job Club
Ÿ Ÿ
9:00 - 12.00pm 8:00 - 12.00am
Friday Saturday
F
vvv Centre Opening Hours vvv Monday - Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm
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