History of the Community Centre
NQ Training & Community Centre’s humble beginnings started with a meeting at the Garbutt State School on 16 February 1995. Local residents, councilors and the Department of Housing met together on this day to look at the need for a Community Centre in the area which would act as a focal point to draw people together, stimulate community involvement and create a wide
range of community activities in which the local residents may participate. Meetings continued at the school throughout 1995 during which time a Management Committee was formed and a survey was carried out by James Cook University students to identify the potential roles and activities of a Neighbourhood House in Garbutt. After a few setbacks in trying to secure a building, a submission was presented to the Department of Housing who offered a couple of vacant properties for use as a community centre. The current location of 15 Lonerganne Street was agreed upon and with the support of grants from the Townsville City Council and the Department of Housing, as well as a lot of hard work from local residents; the house underwent improvements which included making it disability accessible, the planting of gardens and the installment of furnishings. On 17 July 1997 the Garbutt Neighbourhood House was officially opened by Deputy Mayor, Councilor Ann Bunnell. Much of the early work of the Centre focused on community issues which included public transport, community safety and traffic issues as well as providing a facility for community forums. Additionally, Garbutt Neighbourhood House provided a valuable meeting space for local community organisations and activities and over time the use of the centre for this purpose has grown significantly. During this time the Garbutt Neighbourhood House took on the important task of preparing the local community newsletter, Chit Chat. This newsletter has undergone a few name changes and revamps but is still produced today under the title of NQTCC Community Newsletter. In 2001, Anna Bligh, then Minister for Families, Youth and Community Care announced continual funding for the Community House. This provided for a permanent, fulltime coordinator to be positioned at the house. After many months of debate, at this time the Management Committee came to the decision to change the House’s name to Townsville West Community Centre. This change brought about a much closer working relationship and community involvement with the suburbs surrounding Garbutt. The ongoing developments and additions to the Centre have enabled the expansion of activities and programs and the community’s use of the centre continues to increase each year. To reflect this growth and further encompass the larger community of North Queensland, the Centre is now known as NQ Training & Community Centre. Although there have been many changes and developments throughout the years, the Board and Management are continually reviewing the Centre’s policies and direction and remain dedicated to the philosophy and values it set out at the beginning of the journey. NQTCC Staff
Our experienced and friendly staff are here to help you enjoy your activities and make you feel welcome. Please drop in and speak with the centre’s staff about your needs for educational and personal development options or recreational and hobby choices. We would like to welcome everyone to visit us at NQ Training & Community Centre. CEO – Tara Harding
Office Manager – Teneale Grigg
Finance Officer – Maria Tremewan
‘A New Day’ Coordinator – Amee Porter
Administration Assistant – Jacqui Bawden
Head Gardener – Donny Seymore
NQTCC Board of Management
President – Marion Banks
Secretary –
Treasurer – Bill Kehoe
Board Member – Angelina Smith
Board Member – George Lee
Board Member –
NQTCC Volunteers
Broadband For Seniors Tutor – Bob Harris
Broadband For Seniors Tutor – Meg Bowman
Broadband For Seniors Tutor – Rex Grattidge
Broadband For Seniors Tutor – John McDougall
Broadband For Seniors Tutor – Zolton Szirom
English Class Teacher – Liz Hannah
English Class Assistant – Barry Reynolds
Event Day Staff – Sharon Harding
NQTCC Mission Statement
NQTCC empowers individuals, families and the community by fostering social interaction, diversity and education. Services
Office Services
Photocopying, printing and laminating. Each call costs 50 cents. Referral Service
If you are looking for assistance that we don’t provide, ask one of our knowledgeable staff who will be happy to help refer you to another organization or service that does. Justice of the Peace
Justice of the Peace services are available weekdays 9am – 3pm. Appointments are preferred by calling 4779 7268 or emailing [email protected]. If required, drop into the centre between these times to see how we can assist. Internet Access
Free internet and computer access is available at our internet kiosk. Bookings are preferred; however you are more than welcome to drop in and use the computers if they are available. Hall Hire
The NQTCC hall is available for groups, organisations and businesses to hire on a one-off or ongoing, regular basis. The air conditioned hall can accommodate up to 50 people comfortably. Hall facilities include tables, chairs and a large screen television with DVD player. A white board and projector screen are available on request. The kitchen facilities include an oven, microwave, fridge and freezer available for use. Please feel free to drop into the centre to have a look at the facilities on offer, and hall availability. Ensure you book your date/s early to avoid disappointment. Hall Hire Fees
½ day - $50
½ day (not for profit organisation / group) - $30
Full day - $100
Full day (not for profit organisation / group) - $60
Documents – NQTCC Application for Hall Hire, NQTCC Hall Hire Conditions of Use, NQTCC Membership Form 2010-2011, NQTCC Emergency Evacuation Plan
Sports Equipment Library
NQTCC realise that one of the major barriers for us not getting involved or having a go at many sport and recreational activities is that it costs too much. Either the equipment is too expensive to buy, or you don’t want to buy a piece of equipment without first knowing that you enjoy using it! The Sports Equipment Library gives everyone the opportunity to try items before they buy them, or to borrow and use instead of buying their own! By removing the cost of equipment from the sport and recreation equation we hope that more people will be able to become more active, whether in an organised capacity or simply by being involved in more active play. Equipment available
Open the Sports Equipment Library Brochure to view all of the available equipment in our library or stop in to have a look at 15 Lonerganne Street, Garbutt. Documents – NQTCC Sports Equipment Library Brochure
How to Borrow
Check out the equipment in the Sports Equipment Library Brochure. Become a financial member of NQTCC (renewed annually). Complete the Registration Form. Come in, call, fax or email to reserve your item. Collect your equipment on the reserved date. Each time you borrow pay a gold coin donation which will go towards the maintenance of the equipment. Now get out there and get active! Documents – NQTCC Sports Equipment Library Borrower Registration Form, NQTCC Membership Form 2010-2011
Centre Programs
NQTCC offers something for everybody. Broadband For Seniors
Weekdays
Cost: FREE
Broadband for Seniors is a free computer & internet training program offered at NQTCC. The program is aimed specifically at seniors who have never used a computer before, are just starting out or would like to refresh their skills. The centre received two internet kiosks as part of the Federal Government’s $15 million Broadband for Seniors initiative. The kiosks are used to provide training and access to online resources with the aim to build seniors’ confidence in using technology and the internet. Information on neighbourhood housing, libraries, bowling clubs, retirement villages and organisations representing activities in hospitals, as well as a host of other useful information to improve the quality of life for older Australians, is accessible via the kiosks. It is never too late to become up to date in the technological age. By getting better connected you will discover a whole new social experience on the web and can learn how to stay in touch online with friends and family as well as gaining access to the wealth of information available online. NQ Training & Community Centre’s Broadband for Seniors Kiosk comprises two computers with free internet access for use by older members of our local community and also provides a free one-on-one training course to support those who are new to computers and the internet. We have tutors available now to provide free training to seniors, so if you are new or beginning with computers and the internet, call us today and start learning in a friendly and relaxed environment. Information on kiosk hours, training and session bookings can be obtained by calling 4779 7268 or emailing [email protected]. Documents – NQTCC Broadband For Seniors Profile Capture, NQTCC Computer Use Policy, NQTCC Photography and Publicity Release Form
Computer Training
Take advantage of our Community Computer Training Courses held regularly by experienced teachers here at NQTCC. Improve your skills in a friendly and supportive environment. The following courses are available on a regular basis:
Operate a Personal Computer
The basics of using a computer. Learn how to start up and correctly shutdown a personal or business computer, navigate the desktop environment, create files and folders and use a range of basic functions. Keyboard Skills
This course improves your skills and knowledge on a keyboard. Learn about the different functions on a keyboard and basic touch typing techniques. Microsoft Word
Learn about preparing text documents and tricks and hints for Word. Intro to the Internet
So you are connected to the internet, what now? Learn about the internet, what you can use it for, and how to use it. Microsoft Excel
Learn basic spreadsheets, how to record & sort data, turn data into graphs, create & manage databases and do financial calculations. Set up & use Email
Email is the most popular form of communication. In this class you will set up your own email account and learn the basics of using email to communicate with people. Get into Facebook
Set up your own Facebook profile and learn to navigate around. Managing Photos, Files & Folders
Learn how to copy photos from a digital camera to a computer, organise photos into files & folders and send photos as email attachments. Open the Computer Course Timetable Flyer for further information on course dates and fees or contact us on 4779 7268 or [email protected]. Documents – NQTCC Community Computer Training Information Flyer, NQTCC Community Training Registration Form, NQTCC Membership Form 2010-2011
Click Clack Knitting Group
Meets every Thursday, 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Cost: $1.00
Are you a keen knitter or crocheter? Would you like to learn? The Click Clack Knitting Group is a social group that donates a lot of what they knit to charity. Come along to meet new people, have a chat, a knit and a laugh. Just bring your wool and needles and we will provide afternoon tea and friendly conversation. Share patterns, ideas, problems, solutions, anything! Knitters of all skill levels, age and gender are welcome to join. We look forward to seeing you there! If you or your organisation are in need of knitted or crocheted items, please contact us as the group is always looking for new projects. Donations of wool would be most appreciated by the group. Even the small ends can be used to make the tiny beanies for premature babies. Please drop the wool into the centre at 15 Lonerganne Street, Garbutt or call us to arrange collection. Documents – NQTCC Click Clack Knitting Group Promotional Flyer
Mahjong
Meets every Wednesday, 9.00am – 11.00am
Cost: $2.00
Join Townsville’s most friendly group of mahjong players. Come along to make some new friends in a relaxed atmosphere, improve your skills or learn this exciting game! Playing mahjong is great for strengthening and stimulating the mind. It is both intricate and addictive but the basics are quite easy to learn. Once you know how to play you will rarely miss a game. Beginners to advanced players welcome. Documents – NQTCC Mahjong Promotional Flyer
English Classses
Every Thursday, 9.30am – 12.00 noon
Cost: $5.00
Improve your English communication skills. Learn and practice speaking, reading and writing. Make new friends and learn about Australia, its people and customs in a friendly, informal and relaxed environment. Documents – NQTCC English Class Promotional Flyer, NQTCC English Class Registration Form, NQTCC Photography and Publicity Release Form
Tai Chi
Every Tuesday, 9.15am – 10.30am
Cost: $4.00
Mind, Body and Spirit are all exercised simultaneously by this one ancient Chinese Health Exercise. Boogie Beats Disability Disco
Held the third Friday of every month, 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Cost: $2.00
Bop til you drop! We play all the hottest music as well as your old favourites. Each month has a different theme so make sure you’re up to date and get your grooviest gear on to boogie the day away at NQTCC.
$2 Door Entry
$1 Drinks & Chips
$1.50 Sausage Sizzle
Documents – NQTCC Boogie Beats Disability Disco Promotional Flyer
Largest Loser Program
12 week program
Next program starts 2012
Looking for the perfect opportunity to shed your unwanted kilos? The Largest Loser Program is for individuals who are interested in meeting once a week in a confidential, supportive and encouraging environment with the common goal to lose some weight through information, healthy eating and exercise. Running for twelve weeks, the program includes healthy morning teas, motivational speakers, weekly incentives and more. Participants are weighed-in each week and there are prizes for the person that loses the most weight. In the final week there is a breakup celebration with the Largest Loser announced and presented with a cash prize. Documents – NQTCC Largest Loser Promotional Flyer
Tax Help
Weekdays from July to October each year, by appointment
Cost: FREE
If you want free help filling out your tax return and you are on a low income our trained Tax Help volunteers may be able to help you. Tax Help is for people on low incomes including, but not restricted to, those who are also seniors, students, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people with a disability, Aboriginal people or Torres Strait Islander people. Since tax can be complex, volunteers are only able to help with fairly straightforward tax returns. They can help identify and record income received through pensions, Australian government benefits and allowances, salary and wages, dividends, managed funds and interest. The following table will help you determine if you are eligible for Tax Help. If you are … and your taxable income is …
a single person $40,000 or less. married or de facto $40,000 or less plus $2,500 for each child. a single parent $40,000 or less plus $2,500 for each child. To make an appointment call 4779 7268 or email [email protected]. Community Workshops
NQTCC hold a variety of community workshops throughout the year. In 2011 we plan to hold mobile phone training, 1st Aid for your Pet, Internet Safety & Awareness, Write Your Life Story / How To Prepare a Family Tree, Internet Safety & Awareness, 1st Aid for Kids. Volunteering
We encourage local residents to volunteer at the centre and become involved in our community. Opportunities available range from assisting with functions and events to computer tutoring. Through volunteering you will gain valuable skills and meet some great new friends! Contact us for more information. Current volunteer position vacancies
Computer Tutors - If you have basic computer skills and a few hours to spare why not consider becoming a Seniors Computer Tutor with our Broadband for Seniors program. Training and support will be provided by the Community Centres Staff. Beginners Tai Chi or Yoga Instructor - Looking for someone to teach a weekly beginners gentle exercise class as a part of our community health promotion initiative. We already have a group of people looking for a teacher for these type of lessons. You do not have to be highly qualified, just willing to assist with basic instruction. English Class Assistants - Are you interested in having a chat? Are you interested in meeting new people? Come along to assist in our new weekly English Classes. No experience necessary and no need to be fluent yourself, just a willingness to come and help out the students by giving them a chance to practice speaking English. Event Day Staff – NQTCC is always having different events from our River Cruise Days, to luncheons, celebrations and markets. We need staff that are willing to help set up and pack down different events, assist with decorations, food preparation and sales. It’s a great way to get hospitality experience. If you are interested in any of these positions, contact NQTCC Volunteer Coordinator Teneale Grigg on 4779 7268 or [email protected]. NQTCC Events
Harmony Day
Friday 25 March 2011, 12.30pm. Bring a plate of food to share. Join NQTCC for a multicultural Lunch, music, fun & games. Please bring a plate of food to share. If you have the recipe for your dish, bring this along as well as I am sure once they try your food, everyone will want to try cooking it at home! Documents – NQTCC Harmony Day Promotional Flyer
Volunteer Week & Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Thursday 12 May 2011, 9.30am – 11.30am
Cost: Donation for morning tea (proceeds go to the Cancer Council)
Join NQTCC in raising funds for the Cancer Council at Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. This is a good chance to get to know more about your community centre from staff, volunteers and members from our various groups. It is also National Volunteer’s Week so we will be recognizing the great work that our volunteers do here at NQTCC. Enjoy a scrumptious morning tea, raffles, trivia and musical presentations. Documents – NQTCC Volunteer Week & Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Promotional Flyer
River Cruise Day
Wednesday 25 May 2011, 9am – 4pm. Cost: $6 adult & $3 child. Includes a cruise, BBQ lunch & a drink. NQTCC in conjunction with Leisure Accessible would like to invite the community to join us at Riverway for a day of cruising the river in Rosie, a BBQ lunch, fun and games. Rosie is a fantastic boat, designed specifically for seniors and people with a disability. Here is your chance to see a different view of the river and enjoy spotting the abundant wildlife and even a croc or two! Make a day of it at Riverway and enjoy swimming, Pinnacles Art Gallery & Willows Shopping Centre. Documents – NQTCC River Cruise Promotional Flyer & Form – 25 May 2011, NQTCC River Cruise Information Sheet – 25 May 2011
Community Markets
Saturday 16 April 2011, 8.00am – 11.00am (Kids Market Day)
Saturday 25 June 2011, 8.00am – 1.00pm (also incorporating NQTCC Open Day, Members BBQ & Red Nose Day). Saturday 30 July 2011, 8.00am – 1.00pm. Saturday 27 August 2011, 8.00am – 1.00pm. Come along and bag a bargain! Arts & Crafts, Second Hand Goods, Books, Clothes & Toys, Fruit & Vegies, Sausage Sizzle, Face Painting, Morning Tea. STALL HOLDERS WANTED! Make some extra money and clear that clutter.
$10 per stall - limited tables available! Phone 4779 7268 BOOK NOW! Documents – NQTCC Kids Market Day Promotional Flyer – 16 April 2011, NQTCC Community Market Day Stall Application Form
Members BBQ
Saturday 25 June 2011, 11.00am – 1.00pm (as a part of the NQTCC Market Day)
Cost: FREE
Come along to renew or start your membership with NQ Training & Community Centre Inc and enjoy a complimentary BBQ lunch with us. By becoming a member before the 30th July 2011 you will automatically go into the members draw to win an exciting prize! Documents – NQTCC 2011-2012 Members BBQ Invitation, NQTCC Membership Form 2011-2012
Senior’s Week
20 – 28 August 2011
Senior’s week celebrations promote positive attitudes towards older people and ageing, encourage older people to lead active lifestyles, and to foster inter-generational relationships. Seniors Picnic in the Park – The Townsville City Council presents the Seniors Picnic in the Park including the Amcal Bamford Lane Pharmacy Lifestyle Expo to be held in Sherriff Park, Mundingburra on as a part of Seniors Week 2010 Celebrations. This year NQTCC will be applying for some seats to take some of our senior members to the luncheon. We will also be setting up a display to promote the Centre, our projects and activities. We would love to have members of some of our groups staffing the stall on the day so that they can have a chat to people about their experiences and hopefully encourage them to come along and join in! If you are interested in volunteering your time to assist in working on the stall and promoting the centre, please call us to register your interest and nominate your preferred time. Community Expo & River Cruise Day
Saturday 17 September 2011, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Cost: Expo & Entertainment FREE, River Cruise Tickets $3 per person
Similar to our two huge River Cruise Days which we hosted in 2010, NQTCC will be hosting a bigger and better event with an increase in participating organisations providing information stalls, interactive activities and entertainment. Along with the free entertainment, River Cruises provided by Leisure Accessible in Rosie will run all day. Rosie is a fantastic boat, run by volunteers and designed specifically for seniors and people with a disability giving everyone a chance to see a different view of their local river. There will be a BBQ lunch and cold drinks available for purchase. This Community Expo and River Cruise Day will be a significant platform for building a stronger community and strengthening networks between service providers, families and individuals in the North Queensland region. The community will have the chance to engage and get to know each other while participating in fun outdoor activities in a festive setting. It will also be a fitting celebration of Disability Action Week. Purchase your river cruise tickets early to avoid disappointment. Tickets available for purchase from NQTCC. Girl’s Night In
Friday 7 October 2011, 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Details coming soon! Melbourne Cup Luncheon
Tuesday 1 November, 12.30pm – 3.00pm
Details coming soon! Christmas Function
Friday 2 December, 12.30pm – 3.00pm
Details coming soon! Newsletter / Media
NQTCC Community Newsletter Editions
Documents – 2010 Newsletters, 2011 Newsletters (in chronological order with the most recent top of the list)
Advertising in the NQTCC Community Newsletter
The NQTCC Community Newsletter is delivered locally to over 5000 houses and businesses in West End, Garbutt, Vincent and Gulliver as well as having a postal and email distribution of over 200 copies. We produce six editions each year. The production of the Newsletter is due to support from local businesses through advertising. This newsletter is community based and is one of the largest papers of its type in Queensland. It is dedicated to passing on information and giving the community an avenue to reach out in a neighbourly and informative way. NQTCC would like to discuss your business working with our community in keeping this newsletter alive and getting your message across to local residents. Contact us today and our editor will be happy to discuss your advertising requirements in further detail. Documents – NQTCC Newsletter Advertising Packages, NQTCC Newsletter Advertising Agreement
Media Articles
Documents – NQTCC Published Media Articles
Media Releases
Documents – 2011 Media Releases (in chronological order with the most recent top of the list)
Media Contact
Tara Harding
CEO
Phone 4779 7268
Email [email protected]
Sponsorship / Membership
Sponsorship
By helping us to increase Centre patronage and providing your support, you will reap the benefits of greater exposure and visibility in the community through positioning yourself as a trusted local business. Through the generous support of our sponsors and donors, the NQ Training & Community Centre promises to be a major landmark and visible focus for the community while significantly contributing to the development of all. Documents – NQTCC Sponsorship Package
Donations
There are many different ways to support NQTCC as any form of assistance is greatly appreciated. Your imagination is the limit! Some ideas are:
• Gift Vouchers to be used as prizes at our events and functions
• Raffle Items and Lucky Door Prizes
• Discounts on items we may need to purchase
• Materials such as furniture, stationary, storage solutions, hardware, gardening tools, art and craft items, groceries etc. We run many programs at the centre with little or no cost to the participants. Donations of goods would help NQTCC continue to provide these quality services. For example our school holiday programs use lots of craft products and our knitting group always needs more wool! Your generous donation will allow us to deliver many community development programs and activities as well as to continue the maintenance and welcoming atmosphere of the centre which is here for everyone. Your business will be thanked for the generous support in our newsletter and on any promotional materials associated with the particular related event, program or activity. Membership
NQ Training & Community Centre offers membership to all centre participants and to those who live, work or study within the local areas. Yearly membership entitles you to:
- Participation in community meetings and forums.
- Personal invitations to the Centre's special events.
- The right to nominate and elect the Board of
Management as well as voting rights.
- Membership card & entry to members draws
- Access to information about the Centre's programs: such as newsletters, brochures, mail-outs, etc. Pick up a membership form from our office otherwise call or email us and we will send you one. Documents – NQTCC Membership Form 2010-2011
