20 Williams Street, PO Box 1035
Ph: 47 862111
Fax: 47863 872
E: [email protected]
Bowen Neighbourhood Centre
June/July 2012
Newsletter
Message from the Coordinator
June and July are looking like they are
very busy around Bowen and within
the community services sector !!
There are heaps of opportunities for
training and taking on new learning
opportunities such as Spanish lessons
!! how exciting that we can learn
Spanish in Bowen !!
There is also the Welcome to Bowen
event, as well as NAIDOC week and
Refugee Week activities.
The Bowen Neighbourhood Centre is
very grateful for all the support we
receive from the community so would
love to take the opportunity this
month to say a BIG thank you to the
wonderful people of Bowen.
We are also super thankful to
welcome a new program to the
Bowen Neighbourhood Centre the
Bowen Homelessness Support
Program, that will be kicking off in July
so watch this space for more
information.
Kate 
Welcome to Bowen
Expo
Whether you are new to Bowen
or been here for ages this
event is GREAT to find out what
is available in our community,
what clubs, sports and services
there are out there.
Then come along to this great
event !
HEAPs of freebies and great
free kid’s activities.
Saturday 16th June
10am-12pm
@ Cooinda Family Centre,
20 Williams Street, Bowen.
Whitsunday Crisis and Counselling Services
Is located at the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre and with qualified expert
counsellors, and court support workers here every week !! if you need
support around Domestic and Family Violence, youth/children at risk,
sexual assault or specialised family counselling please contact the office
directly on 49 462999.
Opening Hours
Monday
9am-4pm
Tuesday
CLOSED
(Open for
appointments only)
Wednesday
9am –4pm
Thursday
9am –12pm
1pm –4pm
Friday
9am-12pm
1pm-4pm
What’s Happening @ the Bowen
Neighbourhood Centre . . .
FREE Financial Counselling service
Visiting the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre the
4th Thursday every month from 10am-3pm.
Budgeting advice and assistance, helping managing
money and debt and financial advice, and general
budgeting advice available for anyone, absolutely FREE !!
Contact the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre 47 862 111 to book your one
on one consultation and take the stress out of your finances 
Refugee Week
Refugee Week is Australia's peak annual
activity to inform the public about refugees
and celebrate positive contributions made
by refugees to Australian society.
In 2012, Refugee Week will be celebrated
from Sunday 17 June to Saturday 23
June, to coincide with World Refugee Day
(June 20).
The theme for Refugee Week 2012 is
Restoring Hope.
Please see further down the newsletter for
activities in Bowen during refugee week 
Bowen
Community
Kitchen
A group of like
minded people who
meet to plan and
cook budget
conscious nutritious
meals every week at
the Bowen
Neighbourhood
Centre.
Participants are asked
to provide a small fee
of $10.00 for the cost
of groceries which is
shared amongst the
group as they prepare
and cook and eat the
meals at the Bowen
Neighbourhood
Centre.
Its a great way to
meet new people,
learn to cook
different nutritious
and budget conscious
meals.
There is also FREE
babysitting for people
who are registered as
part of the group.
WHEN: Thursdays
12pm-2pm
WHERE: Bowen
Neighbourhood
Centre, 20
Williams Street.
NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme)
Do you need a reverse cycle air conditioner for winter??
Maybe a computer for the kids???
Or even car repairs??
If you are eligible for a health care card then you are
eligible to apply for a NILS loan.
ALL loans are a negotiation between the NILS officer and
applicant, affordable repayment rates, no credit history
checks and very easy application process.
Pop into the centre Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Fridays
or give us a call for more information.
Participate in Prosperity
This program is offered from the Bowen
Neighbourhood Centre and provides Intensive support
and case management, for people experiencing
complex barriers to employment.
Our PIP case manager can support people with
addressing challenges and helping them to become
more employable through counselling and life skills
training, advocacy and flexible supports dependent on
the individual. Phone Megan at the Bowen
Neighbourhood Centre for more information
47862 111.
SAFE DADS
Parenting program for dads.
Do you get angry and can’t control it ? Does your
behaviour affect someone you love ? Is it effecting your
relationships with your children ? Do you want to learn
hoe to better manage your feelings?
SAFE DADS is an education & information program
promoting nonviolent parenting for men.
And its FREE !!!
This 4 part program consists of two hour sessions in a comfortable
totally confidential environment, facilitated by two professional
support workers.
 What does it mean to be a father?
 Discipline; a how to help you.
 The effects of Domestic & family violence
 Achieving Healthy relationships
Starting throughout the year, contact the Bowen
Neighbourhood Centre for more details, or to
register.
Complete in only two weeks . . 4 two hour sessions, Tuesdays and Thursday
evenings !! Contact the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre for more Information or
to REGISTER, on 47862 111 or via email on [email protected]
Bowen Homelessness Support Program
The Bowen Homelessness Support program is about to begin !!!
This is an exciting moment for Bowen and the Whitsundays as it demonstrates what can be
achieved when people and organisations work together for the better of the community. ONE
VOICE whitsunday housing action group have worked hard over the last two years and have
been successful in attracting the funding to the region.
What does this mean??
It means that we will very shortly, have A BRAND NEW WORKER on board in Bowen to support
people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
This person will work intensively with people and support them through their barriers and
challenges to support them to get housed appropriately, and/or achieve their identified goals.
The model of the program will be a holistic case management model that is client focused.
If you would like more information about this program please contact Kate at the Bowen
Neighbourhood Centre on 47862111 or [email protected]
General Community Development News . .
WHAT IS BING ????
BING is the Bowen Interagency Networking Group that involves local and regional
community service providers, health workers, government representatives and or
employees with a space to share information, collaborate on projects and update each
other on services that are available to the people of the Bowen and surrounding
communities.
WHY IS BING OF ANY USE TO ME ???
BING is useful to everyone working with people, Supporting people and/or funding
organisations that do so, its integral as a community and/or health worker to have
great knowledge of what other services and stakeholders can do for you, and your
clients, the best work mostly comes from collaboration. NOT to mention the support we
can give each other personally and professionally.
BING is also an email database that allows you to communicate with workers across
services, agencies and departments and share information, ask questions and learn
about new opportunities, including training, networks and events.
So if you are a worker in the community services sector, health and or allied health,
employment, education and or any other industry that wants to know whats
happening and available in your region and would like to join BING please email Kate
at the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre on [email protected] to be added to
the email list.
Or just turn up at Bowen Flexi Care on the 4th Monday of every month at 12.30pm for
the 1 hour meeting 
BOWEN
MEN’S SHED
A Place for Men!
[email protected]
Ph) 0417 642 303 Emily (co-ordinator)
Or 0428 477 876 Neil (President)
Cnr Dalrymple & Sinclair St, Bowen
2nd
Opening Hours:
8.30-12.30pm Tuesdays
12.30-4.30pm Thursdays
and 4th Saturday of each month
OPENS IN JUNE 2012 !!!
The Bowen Men’s Shed was founded as a non-profit community group
in 2012.
Our group objectives are:
 To provide a space for men of all ages to meet to socialise, discuss issues,
meet new friends or reconnect with old ones in a safe and friendly
environment.
 To provide the opportunity for men to come together and share their
varied skills, or learn new ones, whether that be from a fellow member, or
a specially organised workshop organised by the shed to teach new skills
using a specialized instructor.
 To provide a central place where men can access men’s health information
in a safe and private environment.
 To provide a hub of men willing to partake in projects that will benefit
various areas of the community, and other community groups,
whether this be through the passing on of information, volunteer
assistance and helping people in need.
NAIDOC Week Family Fun Day
Saturday 7th July 9am-2pm
Bowen Soundshell
Proudly presented by Girudala Community Co-op
FREE FAMILY FUN
NAIDOC Family fun day – join in the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s
important annual event. Celebrating and promoting the oldest living culture in the world. Be
part of reconciliation promotion in the Whitsundays.
9.00am- Street Parade
9.30am – Welcome
10.00am- Dash for cash
10.00am-12pm – Bowen’s Got Talent Quest
12pm – Lewis and Lunchtime Turtle Tagging
Other activities include, art competition judging, traditional arts and craft stalls, traditional
dancers, food stalls, Jumping Castle, Kup Murri – Lunch, Vintage Car Display, vintage car
display and artifact display.
Post Separation Cooperative Parenting (PSCP)
A Free Service for Separated Parents in Bowen !!! Visits
the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre once a month !!!
The PSCP visiting service to Bowen offers:
Free, individual and confidential parenting support
Counselling and resources for separated parents
Minimise the impacts to children after separation
THESE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE
Please phone or email the PSCP Team to arrange an appointment
Ph: 4944 2300
Email: [email protected]
‘Conflict costs kids too much’
Dates PSCP visiting Bowen 2012 @ Bowen Neighbourhood Centre –
please phone Marg PSCP 4944 2300 to confirm date
July - Thursday 5th
Free Mental Health Workshops
All workshops are suitable for anyone working with people experiencing mental illness, or
support in family or friends who have loved ones or colleagues experiencing mental illness,
or just anyone wanting to know more.
Indigenous Australians and Mental Health
Practical skills for working with Indigenous Australians with
mental illness
When: Tuesday 26th June, 9am To 12pm
Where: Bowen Flexi Care, Williams Street Bowen
Establishing Relationships that support the personal
efforts of the Recovery Journey
Learning about the recovery framework and how to Support the person
with their Recovery journey.
When: Tuesday 26th June, 9am To 12pm
Where: Bowen Flexi Care, Williams Street Bowen
Contact Kate at the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre to register.
Want to improve Maternity services and support in Bowen ???
Then support our campaign for continuity of care for Bowen Mums
and Mums to be by clicking the link below . . .
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/bowen-continuity-of-carepetition.html
Cooinda Family Centre News . .
..
Australian Breastfeeding Association
This is a newly formed breastfeeding support group
for mothers and families to be able to access support,
swap information, as well as meet up and form
new social connections.
Now meets at Cooinda Family Centre, contact Maria
McDonald for times and dates, if you have any questions or
want more information on 47 866 110.
Do you want to help improve maternity services for
Bowen?
Do you think having the same midwife with you for
your antenatal, birth and post natal experience is a
good idea?
Please help us with the campaign to develop
'continuity of care' for Bowen mums and mums to be.





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Continuity of maternity Care for Bowen Mums means having the same midwife
throughout your antenatal care, having that same midwife travel with you to
Proserpine to birth with you and having them support you and your new baby
through your post natal care.
We need your signature to make this happen. By signing the petition, offering
your time and support to get others to sign the petition or spreading the word
about the petition you will contribute to making the maternity services better for
Bowen.
Sharing this information with friends, family, in the workplace or through
multimedia such as websites or facebook would be helpful.
Petitions to support developing a continuity of care model for Bowen hospital and
Bowen mums are being distributed to local businesses and organisations around
town. Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, Hickmotts SupaNews, Nibbles Cafe and
Cooinda Family Centre have so far supported this great cause.
We are currently seeking local businesses or organisations to display the petitions
to support the cause and people to collect signatures and spread the word.
If you have any other ideas about how to get the Continuity of Care petition out
there or want to help get signatures please contact Beth Shaw at Cooinda Family
Centre on 47863866, email [email protected] or leave a message for
Cooinda Family Centre on facebook.
Mother and Daughter Creative
Collaborative Workshop
CREATIVE COLLABORATION (MOTHER AND DAUGHTER)
4 LESSONS AT 2 HOURS
This is an opportunity for mothers and daughters to explore the other’s
life experiences through music and poetry, then painting their responses
on canvas/journal pages under the direction of a professional artist.
DATE: 11th July to 1st August 2012
VENUE: Cooinda Family Centre, 20 Williams Street
SESSION TIMES: Wednesdays 7 - 9pm (FOR 4 WEEKS)
FEES: $15.00 PER SESSION PLUS MATERIALS 4 WEEKS COST WILL BE $60 PAID
UPFRONT
Class SIZE: MAXIMUM 8 PARTICIPANTS
BOOKINGS: 47 863866 or email [email protected]
NO CATCH UP LESSONS WILL BE OFFERED
MOSAIC CREATIVE WORKSHOPS
Pam Finlay
“Inspiring creativity”
An Introduction to Mosaic - a small project for beginners
Dates:
Time:
Venue:
Costs:
Bookings:
Monday nights starting 9th July for a period of 4 weeks
7pm to 9pm
Cooinda Family Centre, 20 William Street, Bowen
Classes are $15 per two hour session for 4 weeks
Material costs are extra with all materials including tiles available for purchase at
Pam Finlay’s workshop studio after week 1’s lesson.
Additionally, a list of material requirements is detailed on the requirement list.
Phone 47863866 or email [email protected]
NO CATCH UP LESSONS WILL BE OFFERED IF PARTICIPANTS MISS A CLASS AS 4 WEEK BLOCKS ARE ONLY RUN
INTERMITTENTLY
Bowen Cross Cultural Group Activities &
News
WORLD CAFÉ
MONTHLY
INTERNATIONAL
FEAST
Join us for a social evening. Bring
a small plate of your favourite
food to share. An opportunity to
make new friends and enjoy an
informal chat with people of all
ages from many different
backgrounds and cultures.
If you do not have a car we can
arrange to pick you up.
1ST WEDNESDAY OF EACH
MONTH - 6.30 to 8.30 pm @
Bowen Neighbourhood Centre
All welcome come
along for a chat and
meet new people
from Bowen & all
across the world.
EVERY Tuesday
10.30 am - 12 noon
@ the Bowen
Neighbourhood
Centre.
ALL WELCOME
Contact the Bowen
Neighbourhood Centre for
more info on
47 862111.
English Lessons
There are now 3 English classes available at the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre.
Beginners English
Tuesdays 7pm-8.30pm
Intermediate-Advanced
Tuesdays 5.30pm-7.00pm OR 7.00pm-8.30pm
Where: Bowen Neighbourhood Centre, 20 Williams Street, Bowen
Cost: Gold Coin donation
Hola ! Como estas
NEW NEW NEW NEW !!! Spanish lessons for beginners !!
Learn basic Spanish conversation skills in just 10
lessons for 2 hours each lesson. Lots of fun and
learning with Claudia Carrasco, STARTING 12th JUNE 2012
WHEN: 6pm-8pm, Wednesdays
WHERE: Bowen Neighbourhood Centre
COST: $5.00 per lesson or $50.00 for all 10 lessons
Contact the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre to register or
for more information.
Refugee Week . . . Sunday 17th June to Saturday
20th June
This Year’s Theme: ‘Restoring Hope’
Refugee Week is celebrated in Australia every year to inform the public about refugees and to
recognize contributions made by refugees to Australian society.
It coincides with WORLD REFUGEE DAY on the 20TH June.
The BOWEN FILM GROUP and the BOWEN CROSS CULTURAL GROUP
cordially invite you to join us to view Clara Law’s award winning film ‘Letters
to Ali’ at the PCYC. Screening details below.
The film is a documentary and follows an Australian family –Trish Kerbi a doctor and mother of four.
Trish had been writing to a teenaged asylum seeker in detention. Trish, her husband Rob, and their
four kids became a surrogate family for the young Afghan boy, Ali. They wrote, they telephoned
regularly, they found a lawyer for him and twice they made the 8000-kilometer drive from Melbourne
to Western Australia’s Baxter detention center.
The film works on 3 levels:
One; As an inquiry of how it is that since the Vietnam war Australia has hardened its official heart
against asylum seekers.
Two: The journey we take with this family shows us how breathtakingly beautiful Australia is.
The third level is that of a psychological probing of what makes for optimism, altruism, resilience –
what are the images of despair?
‘Letters to Ali’ poses hard questions, most tellingly about the long-term effect on those kept in camps.
It also gives us reasons to hope. The Kerbi-Silbersteins speak for the many Australians in this country
who do not accept the harsh policies of detaining refugees. (Excerpt from a review by Julie Rigg)
WHEN: Tuesday 19th June, 7pm (Doors open at 6pm)
WHERE: Bowen PCYC
Tickets are $15.00 per adult, ($12.00 for concession) Includes movie and supper.
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Neighbourhood Centre
Monday
BOWEN SOUP KITCHEN..FREE nutritious
meals... Open every Monday from - 12.00pm3.30pm
Cooinda
MY TIME – 9.30-11.30pm- support for parents with a child
with a disability, FREE child care provided on site, contact
Cooinda to register for this group 47 86 3866.
Whitsunday Crisis and Counselling Services –
Counsellor is here at the centre every Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday and every second Friday for
Domestic and Family Violence and sexual
assault counselling – direct contact is 49
462999.
Tuesday
CENTRE IS
CLOSED
Open for
Appointment
s Only
Wednesday
Thursday
Leanne Folling Psychological Services –
available @ the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre.
Leanne Folling Psychological Services –
available @ the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre.
Bowen Cross Cultural Group WORLD CAFĖ
Social group, morning tea have a coffee
Café Cooinda - 10.30 to 12.30 cappuccino’s and coffee’s
and a chat.10:30 – 12noon
available while the kids play and relax.
Whitsunday Crisis and Counselling Services –
Counsellor is here at the centre every Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday and every second Friday for
Domestic and Family Violence and sexual
assault counselling – direct contact is 49
462999.
Leanne Folling Psychological Services –
available @ the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre.
Bowen Soup Kitchen
Open every Wednesday for dine in or
takeaway 12pm-3.30pm
Emergency Relief -9am – 11am
Heart Foundation walking group
Leaves from front of the Centre at 4.30 pm
Friday
ZUMBA – 9.15am -10.15am come and ZUMBA at Cooinda
Family Centre every Tuesday with babysitting available for
children aged 0-5 years.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Meets at 7:00 pm
Whitsunday Crisis and Counselling Services –
Counsellor is here at the centre every Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday and every second Friday for
Domestic and Family Violence and sexual
assault counselling – direct contact is 49
462999.
Bowen Soup Kitchen
Open every Friday night for dine in or take
away 7pm-8.30pm
Pram Pushers Walking Group – meet at Hansen Park
Playground at 9.15am to walk the track together. Bring hat,
water, fruit snack and the kids!
Craft Café - Wednesdays 9.30am to 12 - bring a craft for you
or your child and have a coffee while children play.
Girudala Mother’s Group
Meets at 10:00 am – Midwife comes once a fortnight.
Bowen Bumblebees Playgroup
For children 0–5yrs Meets at 9:30 am