Crescents & Lions Ride Tandem for Bike Track Appeal
CCN Special Report
WITH the start of the new school year, it’s an ideal time to look forward to what the academic year may bring for our children. Some children will just breeze through school, most will have a little difficulty, and many will struggle, while some, no matter how hard they try, will just never comprehend the two times tables, or how to write their name, or things as simple as telling us what they did on the weekend. For these children making friends is difficult and a change to a routine can be very traumatic. Communicating their basic needs is a constant struggle. These are some of the children that are attending Kuraby Special School.
Kuraby Special School currently has enrolments of 68, catering for children from age 5 to 18 years, with either an Intellectual Impairment or Autism Spectrum Disorder. The classes are small and concentrated to allow more attention on each child’s individual needs. The children have a varied program focusing on independence, social and life skills as well as academic subjects. Among the many activities the children participate in are music therapy, swimming, shopping, sensory awareness, and cooking for local cafes.
Kuraby Special School is a school that celebrates every student’s achievements, with some successes so small that only a dedicated teacher or devoted parent would find joy in. Maybe it’s a new word spoken, using scissors or concentrating on a task. The school is called special, not only for the wonderful children who go there, but also for every teacher, support staff, administration, and parent who belong to the school family. It indeed does break one's heart to see some of the obstacles these children have to face on a daily basis, but it strengthens one to know, that in a small way, their lives can be made just that little bit easier - with a little help from everyone.
To challenge the children and to support the healthy lifestyle program encouraged by the school it was suggested that a bike track be built. Currently the children are using a small concreted area to ride
their bikes, which is only permitted for short periods at a time. The proposed bike track would be a 100m long concreted, and fully fenced circuit that includes extra sensory components that would stimulate the children and encourage them to build their sensory awareness.
Currently, there is no other track like this in Queensland schools. The new track could be used all day, especially at lunchtime, to support the fitness program. The school already has a number of bikes, mostly made to order, to cater for those that do not have the strength or ability to control a standard two wheel bike. Some of these bicycles encourage the child to take control of the bike giving them a false sense of freedom, while an adult pushes from behind. The bike track would cost approx $18,000 and the components another $20,000, with the school having to
raise the funds.
Crescents of Brisbane, in association with the Lions Club of Kuraby, has offered to help with raising some of these funds.
They will be holding a Fundraising Dinner at Michael's Restaurant on Saturday March 17.
The evening will include a five-course halal menu, guest speaker, auctions, raffles, and entertainment.
If for some reason you cannot attend the function you can still purchase a ticket as a donation.
It is for a very worthy cause, after all!
Model of the proposed Bike Track
The School is very mindful of its community responsibility and has called on the Muslim community for advice and assistance to support it's Muslim children. The School is also very keen to foster a positive partnership with the Muslim community.
MBN AGM
The Muslim Business Network (MBN) held its Annual General Meeting last Sunday.
Of the three positions on the nine-person Executive Board that became vacant two nominations were received and accepted unopposed. Yusuf Hussein rejoins the Board and Mariam Essof, who is about to complete her CA exams in a few months time, will cut her teeth as the only other female on the committee.
As a member of the Crescents of Brisbane team as well, Mariam will sometimes find herself having to switch between the two hijabs frequently - a feat she will, no doubt, acquit herself with equal aplomb.
The meeting gave approval to the committee to
head-hunt for someone to fill the third place on the Board.
‘Supermarket Savvy’ shopping tips and Free Workshop
NUTRITIOUS eating can save you money. Healthy Inspirations’ consulting dietitian Matt O’Neill developed these 10 tips to help you get the best value for your health conscious dollar at the supermarket, and come home with a healthy hamper:
1.Make a list – check your fridge and pantry to see what supplies you need and plan your shopping list to avoid impulse buying and cost blowouts.
2.Make a menu plan – plan the week’s meals in advance so you know what you’ll need, and consider using leftovers.
3.Shop before you run out – otherwise you might have to pay a premium when you need a particular item.
4.Compare units – size up the value of different-sized packages of the same product per 100ml or per 100g. Buying two packs of a smaller size on special may be cheaper than buying a larger value pack.
5.Time it right – you’ll find more discounted items shopping before 9am, at night and late on weekends.
6.Develop a routine – whether it’s small regular shops or larger less frequent shops, consistency helps maintain your healthy eating pattern.
7.Learn your supermarket layout – so you know where things are and organise your shopping list according to the store layout.
8.Don’t shop when you are hungry – or when you are stressed, bored or rushed. Make sure you eat something before you shop, or eat a healthy snack while shopping.
9.Leave the kids at home – to avoid pester power.
10.Avoid the confectionary aisle – if you know you’ll come out of it with high-calorie items in your trolley. You can also choose a ‘confectionary-free’ checkout aisle or keep your eyes focused away from the goodies! Go
To get more detail on how to make these and other tips operational every time you shop attend the free “Supermarket Savvy” workshop at Healthy Inspirations, Sunnybank Hills on Wednesday 21st of February from 5:30pm. RSVP on 3345 5533 to reserve your place.
For more information about Healthy Inspirations, phone 1300 LOSE WEIGHT (1300 567 393) or visit www.healthyinspirations.com.au
World's Greatest Shave
Which part of the body do you reckon these three 'faces' represent?
And stay tuned to next week's CCN to see how you can become a part of this year's World's Greatest Shave.
DNA test shows Hanson's Middle Eastern heritage
FORMER One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, the outspoken proponent of polarising immigration policies, has discovered she is of Middle Eastern heritage.
Ms Hanson said she was "amazed" and "mystified" to learn of her ancestry.
A recent DNA swab, taken with Ms Hanson's permission by The Sunday Mail, has revealed the controversial former MP's genetic makeup is drawn from a rich multicultural background, with 9 per cent originating in the Middle East, 32 per cent from Italy, Greece or Turkey and 59 per cent from northern Europe.
It seems our friendly ifa-ian volunteers are yet a step closer in 'lending a helping hand'. A team of inquisitive and dedicated volunteers has patiently been waiting to find out more about this project and their curiosity was satisfied with an insight into the Mater Volunteer Program held on the 15th February, at Maryville House.
We are proud to have had so many of you as part of this project, and we will keep you updated as the experience unfolds!
SUMMIT 2007 – Invitation to contribute
ECCQ has received a State Government grant towards the cost of holding the Multicultural Summit 2007. A Steering Committee has been established to plan and organise the Summit which will be held in Brisbane some time in November 2007.
Represented on the Steering Committee are: MDA, Multilink, Al-Nisa, Brisbane City Council, MAQ and ECCQ.
The Steering Committee has established that the overall theme of the Summit will be ‘Multiculturalism – Investing in our Future.’
The Steering Committee is keen to ensure that the Summit program meets the needs of, and reflects the issues of, all those with an interest in commenting on or contributing to the development and application of policy in a multicultural community.
You are therefore invited to a Community Planning Workshop at ECCQ House on Tuesday, February 20, from 6pm to 7.30pm.
ADDRESS: ECCQ House, 253 Boundary Street, West End.
Light refreshments will be provided.
For catering purposes please RSVP to Laraine Brandon, 3844 9166
Quran online
Following hard on the heels of a trend in which day to day software applications* can be accessed and used directly off the Internet (requiring no expensive software purchases or even hard disk space on your side) is ..........
A CHILD sex offender fed vegetables, nuts and "fatty and salty" tinned meat because prison authorities would not provide him with fresh halal meat prepared in accordance with Muslim religious laws has won a discrimination case against the Queensland Government.
In a ruling the Government fears could trigger an avalanche of claims from other prisoners denied special dietary requests, the Supreme Court found Sharif Mahommed, who was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment in 2000, had been discriminated against.
He will be allowed to keep $2000 in compensation and will not need to contribute to a legal bill of tens of thousands of dollars, which will be funded from the public purse unless the Queensland Government attempts to take the matter to the High Court.
Australian memory champion, Tansel Ali, runs a company called Mindmechanix which helps people improve their memories.
He also applies "world record breaking memory techniques to memorise the Holy Quran".
His online course focuses on techniques that reduce repetition, enable increased comprehension and allows you to memorise not just the Arabic, but the translation as well!
The next Islamic Women's Association of Queensland (IWAQ) event will be a Bus Trip to Paradise Point on Tuesday 27th February 2007.
See below for details:
Paradise Point (Gold Coast) Outing
Location: Paradise Point
(Lunch in the park and bus tour of local area).
Date: Tuesday 27th February 2007
Cost: $15.00 per person (Adults and kids)
Two pick up locations
Depart Rochedale Mosque: 8.45am
Depart K-Mart Woodridge: 9.00am
Arrival Time K-mart Woodridge: 4.15pm
Arrival Time Rochedale Mosque: 4.30 pm
Please RSVP to the office on (07) 3272 6355 / (07) 3272 6422 by the 23rd of February 2007
Please bring along your lunch, thermos, cups, mats, and chairs.
Book a seat fast as numbers are limited!
Congratulations!
Yunus and Zeenat Hussein (ex Zimbabwe) announced the engagement of their daughter Suraya to Hasan eldest son of Bashir and ShameneKarimshah (ex Zimbabwe) that took place in Brisbane on the 10th February 2007.
CCN Supporting Local Entrepreneurship
Adam has the distinction of having served as a chef in a number of famous hotels in different parts of the Middle East. You can get everything from Kebab Hallah (a Sudanese traditional lamb curry) and Arabic salad to Kabsa Saudia and scrambled eggs.
Iraqi Rapper
The CCN Chuckle
Spending fever has reached all walks of South African life. Here's a fellow who lives in a squatter camp beyond Somerset West in Western Cape who now wants a television set - a new one, mind, not that second-hand piece in the pawn shop window - so he buys one from the High Street furniture retailer.
But he's back next day, saying it keeps switching off just at the crucial moment. The shop checks it out and can find nothing wrong, but soon enough he's back with the same complaint.
This time the shop sends out a technician to pop round to see what the problem is. When the technician gets there, he discovers our guy's shack draws its electricity from a nearby traffic light, and
that the TV only works when the light is green.
The Inbox
Dear Editor
Just a word of celebration...we have had two clients sign up as a result of seeing your newsletter so thank you very much for your efforts and enthusiasm.
To confirm your answer to the World's Greatest Shave image either:
1. Stand on your head and look at the screen, or
2. Turn your monitor upside down.
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Disclaimer
Articles and opinions appearing in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Crescents of Brisbane team, CCN, its Editor or its Sponsors, particularly if they eventually turn out to be libelous, unfounded, objectionable, obnoxious, offensive, slanderous and/or downright distasteful.
It is the usual policy of CCN to include from time to time, notices of events that some readers may find interesting or relevant. Such notices are often posted as received. Including such messages or providing the details of such events does not necessarily imply endorsement of the contents of these events by either CCN or Crescents of Brisbane Inc.
Australian memory champion, Tansel Ali, runs a company called Mindmechanix which helps people improve their memories. 
