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Welcome

Welcome to the second edition for this year of the West Pilbara Communities for Children Program newsletter.

In this newsletter we announce a new stakeholder agreement with YMCA, provide a list of upcoming events and workshops from throughout the Pilbara and give you an update about the Fish to Feed program.

We introduce Natalie Dewson from the Early Years Karratha program and the Bookworms team report on the success on their program.

Finally, check out our tasty and healthy kid’s recipe.....

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The Y on board with C4C

YMCA,CEO Ron Mell with Executive Manager of Children’s Services Jennie Burns

West Pilbara Communities for Children has granted funding to the Perth YMCA to deliver a mobile resource hub program in the West Pilbara region.

The YMCA will deliver services in collaboration with West Pilbara Communities for Children (WPC4C) and the Shires of Ashburton and Roebourne, in addition to a number of other community partners and agencies.

In particular, families with young children under 12 years of age will be targeted, including single parents, young mothers and fathers and other carers.

As part of the program, the YMCA will also connect and consult with existing community groups to discuss and identify gaps in local services, with a view to increasing the engagement by community members in relation to local services and resources.

Jennie Burns, Executive Manager of Family and Children's Services at the YMCA said the program is aimed at improving family functioning, while facilitating better outcomes for children living in the local area.

"The YMCA is committed to providing quality services for children and young adults in the Pilbara, and elsewhere in regional WA," she said.

"This funding will enable us to support parents to learn more about, subjects such as, positive parenting techniques, the importance of early literacy and the value of good nutrition."

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Events Calendar

There are so many events coming up in the next few months and here’s a snapshot of what’s on.

To find out more about these events please contact Communities for Children.

Ph: 08 9144 0651

Email: projectofficer@rdapilbara.org.au

Date

Event

Location

26th May

1,2,3 Magic Workshop

Tom Price

2nd June

1, 2, 3 Magic Workshop

Tom Price

10th June

Building Brains

Tom Price

14th June

Additive Alert Workshop

Tom Price

15th June

Additive Alert Workshop

Paraburdoo

17th June

1, 2, 3 Magic Workshop

Paraburdoo

24th June

1, 2, 3 Magic Workshop

Paraburdoo

14th-18th June

CLAN WA – FREE Parenting workshops
Topics covered include:
About boys, Boundaries for children, How to talk so your children will listen, your adolescent daughter and From bull to buddy

Tom Price

15th July

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Karratha

26th August

Karratha Literacy Forum, held at the Karratha Community Library, more details to come

Karratha

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Early/Middle Years Karratha Group

Grrrr, little tiger enjoying the days activities

The Karratha Early Years Group (KEYG) continues to meet on a monthly basis. At our recent meeting we were fortunate to have representatives from the Shire of Roebourne provide updates on the new infrastructure scheduled for Karratha that will support young children and families. There are many changes ahead and it was wonderful to have this information provided to the group.

Literacy Showcase 2010

National Book Week and Literacy Week coincide at the end of August in 2010 and the KEYG are supporting a Literacy Showcase for children in Karratha.

An Early Years Literacy Showcase will be held on Thursday August 26th encouraging families to access the Karratha Community Library and will aim to promote pre-literacy development. A showcase for children aged 5 to 12 will be held in conjunction with the Walkington Theatre performance of “Tashi and the Big Stinker” will be held on August 17th/18th to promote ongoing literacy development.

Pilbara Play Day

On the 25th March the Pilbara Play Day was held in Karratha to celebrate National Playgroup Week. Program Coordinator Natalie Dewson said the Karratha Early Years Group (KEYG) provided face painting at the event which proved popular amongst the children.

An annual community event, the Pilbara Play Day was hosted by Karratha Community House for families with young children to showcase the role that playgroups in our community.

“Families attending the event were invited to participate in a wide range of play and craft activities as well as enjoy wonderful entertainment,” said Natalie

“We surveyed families throughout the morning to identify activities, projects and programs that can improve the well being of young children with our main priority to identify community needs for young children,”

The survey indicated that over a third of respondents have lived in the Shire for between 1 to 5 years and that almost a quarter of them would like to see an indoor playground in Karratha.

“Our thanks go to Frontier Services, Local Information Network Karratha and the students of St Luke’s for their vital assistance ensuring that both children and their parents had a wonderful day.” said Natalie.

Introducing Natalie Dewson, Early Years Coordinator

Natalie has been with the Early Years group (now the Yearly Middle Years group) since its inception 18 months ago gradually increasing her involvement and responsibility in the program.

Natalie commented on what she likes most about her role with Early/Middle Years.

"I like knowing what is going on in Karratha. There are so many fantastic opportunities and I enjoy finding out what's going on," she said.

"I would like to see the Early/Middle Years program continue to be a valuable resource for early years information in the community." she said.

With two young sons aged 2 and 5, Natalie knows what the early years are all about and balances her role with her family, while somehow finding time for sporting commitments.

"I play netball, basketball and I enjoy the challenge of triathlons," said Natalie.

To find out more about the Early /Middle Years program feel free to give Natalie a call or click here to email her.

Phone: 08 9144 0651

Email: karrathaeyg@rdapilbara.org.au

Off to Kindy?

The School Readiness Program has commenced for 2010 with the groups almost being fully booked. Karratha Early Years group presents a 3+ playgroup that supports skills required for children starting school.

The School Readiness Playgroup will be delivered by Early Childhood Professionals to help support social and emotional development through self help skills.

Where: Karratha Baptist Church
When: 9-11:30am every Thursday during school terms
Cost: $40 for the series

You can still register your interest by contacting Natalie Dewson at Early/Middle Years Karratha

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Early/Middle Years Tom Price Group

Wal the wombat was a huge hit with the kids
Father daughter time at the picnic in the park

Picnic in the Park

The fourth annual Tom Price Picnic in the Park was held on Friday May 14th in Lions Park. Early/Middle Years Tom Price Coordinator Michelle McGregor said that the Kangaroo Creek Gang put on lively performance.

“Ranger Nic, Wal the Wombat and Kev the Kangaroo had the children singing and dancing in the park to famous Australian songs,” said Michelle.

Many of the children came along in a costume of their favourite Australian animal, with Munyah and Jakson taking out the prizes for best costume.

“I’d like to congratulate Asha, Bella and Missy on their winning Art competition entries. It was a very difficult decision for the judges to make as we received over 60 entries,” said Michelle.

The Lions Park was a hive of activity with 25 display stalls, information booths, SES, Police car, Ambulance, Fire Truck rides, face painting, bouncy castle, CHILD Australia, Pilbara Population Health and lots of activities for the kids.

“I would like to thank all our sponsors who made the day possible including, the Department for Communities, Rio Tinto, Shire of Ashburton, West Pilbara Communities for Children, Learning Ladder, Tom Price Gymnastics Club and Tom Price Toy Library.

“A big thanks also to the Tom Price Early/Middle Years team for all their organisation of this wonderful event, we look forward to holding the event again in 2011.”

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Fish to Feed – Onslow Update

A great day out: some of the children taking part in the Fish to Feed program
Sun, sand and surf: Fish to Feed Program

The Fish to Feed Program is an initiative of West Pilbara Communities for Children and is aimed at encouraging the local children of Onslow to attend school on a regular basis.

Targeted towards children between the ages of 4-10 and their families, Fish to Feed already has 50 children registered for the program. The program is supported by local police, teachers and community members who monitor each child’s attendance at school as well as their behaviour.

Program organiser Marcelle Coakley said that the program is designed to encourage children to attend school and they are seeing early signs of success.

“We have had many successful events with the most recent being a fishing competition which bought children and families together to catch a few fish, share a meal and have fun,” said Marcelle.

At the end of the year the Fish to Feed program will reward 24 of the highest attending students by taking them on a camping trip to Mackerel Islands off the coast of Onslow. To find out more contact Marcelle Coakley.

Email: starbugs05@hotmail.com

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Bookworms Early Literacy Program

The Bookworms Early Literacy Program is now running two successful sessions each week attracting new families to the program.

Kate Taylor, Program Coordinator said that they have 140 families on the distribution list and are increasingly seeing new faces turn up to the sessions.

“We recently had our biggest group ever with 69 children participating,” said Kate.

Bookworms has begun, rebranding its image a new logo and roll out of a pull up banner, flyers and a new look newsletter.

Bookworms has been active in community events with participation in the Child Friendly Community Expo and the Pilbara Play Day.

“We are also in early discussion with the Early/Middle Years Group in regards to Bookworms involvement in the Literacy Forum for Early and Middle Years to be held in August,” said Kate.

Work is currently underway to produce a Bookworms song booklet which will include photographs taken by a professional photographer as well as 52 favourite Bookworms songs and tips for parents - so stay tuned.

Healthy Kids Recipe

If you’re stuck for what to cook for your kids, here’s a fantastic healthy and tasty option.

Mini Meatloaves

Cooking Time 30 minutes Makes 12

Ingredients

  • 2 small carrots, peeled
  • 1 small zucchini
  • 550g lean beef mince
  • 70g (1 cup) breadcrumbs made from day-old bread
  • 1/2 small brown onion, coarsely grated
  • 55g (1/3 cup) frozen peas
  • 2 1/2 tbs tomato chutney
  • 1 egg, lightly whisked
  • Mashed potato and tomato sauce, to serve

Method
1.
Preheat oven to 210°C.

2. Kids' task: Use the coarse side of a grater to grate the carrots and zucchini. Use your hands to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Place the carrot and zucchini in a large bowl. Add the beef mince, breadcrumbs, onion, peas, tomato chutney and egg, and use your hands to mix until well combined.

3. Kids' task: Divide mixture evenly among 12 medium (125ml/1/2-cup) muffin pans, pressing it firmly into each pan and smoothing the tops.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden on top and cooked through. Remove from the pans and serve with the mashed potato and tomato sauce.

ENJOY..... Mmmmm

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Regional Development Australia Pilbara
Shire of Ashburton
Shire of Roebourne