Anti-Poverty Week at Centacare NQ

ANTI-POVERTY WEEK AT CENTACARE NQ

Poverty and severe hardship affect more than a million Australians. Around the world, more than a billion people are desperately poor.

Centacare North Queensland is leading a number of community events to raise awareness and promote discussion and action about poverty in our region. We will be running several activities in Mount Isa, Cloncurry and Normanton during the week.

View our full event schedule and official flyers below!

Mid-September to October 14 – Mercy in Action Photography Competition, Mount Isa

What: The theme of the photography competition is ‘Mercy in Action’, which encourages students in the community to look at mercy and how that can be integrated positively into everyday life. To enter, students will capture a photo that represents mercy, and tell us the meaning behind their photo. There are four categories, with a bike and helmet up for grabs for a boy and girl in each group. The categories are prep, grades one and two, grades three and four, and grades five and six. All photography competition entries will be on display at Centacare NQ’s ‘Eat, Pray, Act’ dinner on October 20, where the lucky winners will be announced.

Monday, October 17 – Read.Know.Learn.Grow Literacy Event, Mount Isa

What: A fun literacy event for the family. Come along, grab a book from our selection and a pillow, and have a read with your little ones. There is a free pillow and book for every child. We will also have a Love Languages stall, where parents can learn about their unique love language, which will help them communicate more effectively with their loved ones.

Time: 4pm-6pm

Location: Civic Centre Lawn – 23 West Street, Mount Isa.

Tuesday, October 18 – Family Fun at the Park, Normanton

What: Lots of activities for parents and children, including playdough, craft, reading, and lots more. There will also be take-home activity packs, including ingredients to make playdough at home. Afternoon tea will be provided.

Time: 12:30pm-3:30pm

Location: Normanton Park.

Wednesday, October 19 – Cloncurry Shining Stars Literacy Event, Cloncurry

What: The Cloncurry Shining Stars event for under 5’s will share the love of reading and emphasise the importance of education, imagination and connection as a precursor for the eradication of poverty. Reading under fairy lights, free food and drinks will all be part of the morning’s activities at the Centre. The children will also be gifted a pillow and a book from Centacare NQ and engage in the experience of reading under the stars – parents are also invited to share the engagement of literacy and the love of reading with their little ones. RSVP to Jo Frame - jframe@centacarenq.org.au.

Time: 9am-12pm

Location: Cloncurry Neighbourhood Centre - 57 Sheaffe Street, Cloncurry.

Opening of Cloncurry Neighbourhood Centre, Cloncurry

What: The official opening will be a chance for the community to visit the new Centre and see what exciting programs, workshops, events, services and community initiatives Centacare NQ has in store. With performances by the local school, ceremonial blessings by both Father Mick and local indigenous elders, and sampling the Centres new pizza oven; the opening will be an event not to be missed! RSVP to Jo Frame - jframe@centacarenq.org.au.

Time: 3pm-7pm

Location: Cloncurry Neighbourhood Centre – Cloncurry.

Thursday, October 20 – ‘Eat, Pray, Act’ Dinner, Mount Isa

What: A free dinner open to all community members. ‘The Eat, Pray, Act’ Dinner is a way to reach the whole community and break down the barriers for anyone experiencing hardship or poverty, and create community ownership.  There will a range of activities such as craft, different presentations from local groups in Mount Isa, great food, and a service bingo. The service bingo will involve local businesses and organisations that people can access in Mount Isa during times of hardship. The service bingo will require people to speak with these services, get a stamp on the bingo card and enter to win 1 of 7 $50 Kmart vouchers. All entries submitted as part of the ‘Mercy in Action’ Photography competition will be on display, and the winners will be announced and awarded their prizes.

Time: 3pm-6pm

Location: Centacare North Queensland – 80 Short Street, Mount Isa.