Well the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre is open for the year and we have hit the ground running.

Tai Chi for Fall Prevention has started and will continue every Monday morning from 8.30am and costs $3.00.

This is a great program for older people and already regular participants are finding  this group of benefit. Jenni S said that since starting Tai Chi for Fall prevention “my balance is so much better.”

Our Bits and Bobs group (our craft classes) are starting on Thursday 3 February. Leslie Ann Ronaldson will be conducting four Beading Workshops at a cost of $5.00 which includes your materials.

Playgroup and New Parents groups have started and we have all enjoyed the sounds and sights of happy little people running up our ramp and coming outside to play.

Our Lunch and Friendship group has changed to an arvo tea and friendship group and our first afternoon is Tuesday 31 January. We have been promised a beaut chocolate cake, and we'll play bocce, name games, table tennis and board games. Already some of the regular participants have become volunteers.

Unfortunately, we are down to one tutor for our Broadband for Seniors program so if you have some time available and are willing to give up a couple of hours a week to teach older people how to use the internet and email we would love to hear from you.

We are also hoping to form a computer club, where people bring their own laptops and learn computer skills from interested tutors, and each other.
 
Our Nils program is giving out heaps of loans (see Inside Port next week), and we are starting a new ADDS up program, where if you have paid off a NILS loan,  you can apply to be given $500 (with conditions).

Our financial literacy educator is ready and able to help those of us who may have overspent on Christmas, and the Lifeline Financial counsellor who comes to the Centre on a fortnightly basis is also keen to help people sort out their debts.

Come along and meet people, and enjoy some of the fun activities we have lined up for you.

The Community Garden Group is meeting regularly and has started work on the design. We also have the Community Garden CD’s for sale.  All the local artists donated their songs, and remember all  the profits go towards establishing the community garden here in our town.

Visiting Services are also back in the swing of things. Neato and Ostaria, both Job Search Australia agencies, visit fortnightly.

The women’s legal and health services start back in February. The Drug and Alcohol worker is back every Tuesday, the Baby Health Nurse is here every Thursday, and the staff from the Office of Corrections are also here on a Thursday.

Upcoming events are The Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre Trivia Night proudly sponsored by Cornetts IGA on Friday 24 February kicking off at 6.00pm ($10.00 per head). Tables of six and a BBQ and licensed bar will be available.
 
This year we have two International Women’s Day Events, Vicki and Wendy Per Se.  Don’t miss this opportunity to share real life experiences of two friends. Set in a hair salon, Vick and Wendy share Secret Women’s Business. This will be held on Tuesday 6 March and entry is $10.00.
 
The Famous Annual International Women’s Day Luncheon at Salsa Bar will be on 9 March with more details closer to the day. For more info please ring Mel on 4099 5518 or email cdw@pdnc.org.au.  

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