2013 is in full swing at the Centre with weekly group activities now operating for all to enjoy… Read on to find out about our Tai Chi classes, Broadband for Seniors tutoring, Playgroups, New Parents Groups, Friendship and Craft groups – all offered weekly at a low cost.

Monday morning offers Tai Chi classes which are now so popular that our deck area was not big enough! Thanks to the in-kind support of Cairns Regional Council we have been able to continue the group over the road at the Community Hall – so there is still room for more people.

The experience of Tai Chi is very relaxing. Studies show that the practice of Tai Chi helps to improve mobility, flexibility, coordination and balance. It also helps to stimulate circulation, strengthen the immune system, manage stress and build confidence. Certainly this is what we hear happening for our Tai Chi participants who gain confidence and also enjoy the social aspect of this regular get together.

Why not give it a try? Beginners classes are every Monday at 10am at the Community Hall at a cost of $3.
 
Also on Monday mornings, Seniors can come and get to know computers, emailing, and the workings of the World Wide Web. With a bit of guidance it is not as difficult as it may seem.

Pictured: Our new Broadband for Seniors tutors Peter Oberbilling and David Morrow catching up with our retired tutor, the legendary James Watson. 

Broadband for Seniors is a guided tour of all things computer - from the screen turn on switch to how to operate a mouse, to how to send an email. A workbook and tutor is provided and you work at your own pace with a friendly face on hand to answer questions. All for FREE!

Bookings are essential as only two computers are available. Phone 4099 5518 for a Monday morning or Friday morning session with a tutor. If these times do not suit, leave your details and we will see what can be done.
 
Tuesday and Wednesday mornings offer a chance for parents, grandparents, carers, and their children and babies as well to come and play together at the Centre’s weekly Playgroup.  

The Playgroup has been running since 2006 and is lots of fun, as our many graduates can tell you. It's a great way to get out of the house, meet other parents and get to know about other things that are on for children in our area. Drop in Tuesday or Wednesday from 9.30am to 11.30am. The cost is $4 per family.
 
Tuesday afternoons, the Centre holds a weekly get together for anyone new to the area or wanting to meet new people. The Friendship group is facilitated by the community support worker and attended regularly by a great group of people with a variety of interests.  

All are welcoming and supportive of each other and have fun sharing the week's news and helping with different community support activities. Last year this group ran a BBQ at the Health and Wellbeing expo, hosted the OzCare residents for afternoon tea with live music, decorated the Centre, and put together Christmas hampers – all rewarding activities as well as an excuse for a cuppa and a chat.

This year we have already put together donation packs for flood affected Queenslanders. New members and new ideas are always welcome. Drop in Tuesday afternoon from 1pm. The cost is $3 and includes a cuppa.
 
Thursday mornings, the Centre welcomes new parents and their newborn babies to the New Parents Group run weekly out on the deck area. The relaxing atmosphere and regular weekly catch up often leads on to a coffee date afterwards as new parents enjoy making friends with each other and sharing tips on getting through those challenging early weeks of parenting.

Also available by appointment at the Centre on Thursday mornings is the Child Health Nurse, Appointments for the nurse made by phoning 4084 1200.  To join the New Parents group just turn up on a Thursday from 10am to 12pm.

Thursday afternoons holds one of the long standing group activities at the Neighbourhood Centre - our weekly craft group. From candles, to jewellery to fully fledged Carnivale float costumes, the group is never short of creative concepts and business.

Currently the group is working on butterfly pins for the International Women’s Day fundraiser event on 8 March 2013 at Salsa. The group meets every Thursday at 1pm. There is no charge when working on Centre projects and just $5 when making your own items to cover materials.
 
Most activities are run by volunteers so if a group takes your interest and you have a skill you would like to share regularly let us know.

The Centre currently has 58 volunteers helping with a range of things from sales assistants at the NicNak second-hand store to reception, admin, assisting with groups, fundraising, promotion, and event support. New volunteers are always welcome. In fact we have had three new volunteer queries this week already! It’s a great way to meet people and become involved in community life.

As the Centre’s motto is 'Everybody = Welcome' we certainly hope to see you soon! Weekly contributions of between $2 to $5 for the groups helps to cover admin costs insurance etc, but if a lack of money is keeping you away please come and see a staff member, I am sure we can work something out.
 
If you can’t get into the Centre in working hours you could pop along to our first event of the year – our annual Trivia Night Fundraiser. Generously supported by K-Star Trivia, tickets are $10 and this year we are having it at the Central so it will be a great atmosphere. All money raised goes to help those in financial hardship who access the Centre’s Emergency Relief Program.
 
Call 4099 5518 for more information on any of the above or drop in to 6-10 Mowbray St Port Douglas or email manager@pdnc.org.au. Our website is currently being updated.

Homepage image by Gary Caroll