What's on this month?
1. You can come in to GECKOS to use our play equipment and rest in the airconditioning with your children happily active under your supervision at any time. If you come during Camkids time it is understood that you are participating in CamKids.
White Ribbon Launch on Thursday 12 November, starting at 1130h, GECKOS @ Lavarack will be the venue for the launch of White Ribbon Day. The wearing of the white ribbon is seen as a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. COMD 3 Brigade, BRIG Stuart Smith, is an Ambassador for White Ribbon Day.
YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR MORNING TEA
We have an 'Open House' morning tea at GECKOS on the third Wednesday of each month starting at 0930h. Please bring a plate to share. This is a great time for mixing and getting to know this place and her people. We look forward to you coming along. See you on Wednesday 18 November 2009.
Morning teas are held on other days too for guest presenters, and particular events. As a Defence partner you are welcome to join in.
MESSY PLAY
This month GLOOP and GLUG is on the menu for Messy Play. Wednesday 25 November from 0930 to 1030hrs sees parents and children 'getting down and get dirty'. Wear old clothes for this one! And a change of clothes for all participants will be essential.
Every month there is an opportunity for young kids (and Mum or Dad!) to muck in the way we used to be able to do years ago. Come along ready for lots of laugher and fun.
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
This month we are offering something new at GECKOS. Professional artists will pass on their knowledge and passion for different types of art.
November 15 sees the centre visited by Mr Clive Hutchinson (senior lecturer in Digital Imaging at JCU) sharing his love of photography. Bookings are essential (as places are limited) and can be made by calling Selena Smith on 0407 290 742 or email sdcl@bigpond.com. Please bring your own camera and some lunch.
November 22 introduces us to the creative process of Mandala. If you have never tried an artistic endeavour then this is the place to start. The process is based on Buddhist principles and is ideal for both budding and experienced artists. Please contact Selena Smith to reserve your place on 0407 290 742 or email sdcl@bigpond.com.
AUSTRALIAN ARMY CATERING CORPS CAKE DECORATING COMPETITION
Unbeknownst to us mere mortals, the chefs among us (that is the Army chefs) have been secretly getting ready for the Townsville version of 'Masterchef' and the outcomes will be on show for judging at GECKOS from 1130h on Monday 16 November. If you would like to get up close and personal with some amazing culinary creations, make sure you come along.
As well as judging the 'Masterchef' of Lavarack Barracks, one of the culinary creations will be raffled off with all proceeds going to Legacy.
DEFENCE CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY
The word is finally filtering out (I hope!) about the Defence Children's Christmas Party to be held here at the centre. We are all holding our breath and being VERY, VERY good because Santa and Mrs Claus are on their way! Word is that they are coming in their sleigh with one of their reindeer and they have been stocking up on presents for all the children.
There will be lots of good things to eat and drink. And lots of rides and activities for the kids to participate in and enjoy.
Mark the 29th November in your diary and get the kids to help countdown on the calendar. We will see you here at GECKOS at 1400h to celebrate the best time of the year! Well, maybe second best next to Reduced Tempo Period.
If you would like your children to participate, please contact GECKOS staff on telephone 4411 7031 as soon as possible.
CAROLS @ LAVARACK
Straight after the Defence Children's Christmas Party, on the 29th November (at about 1630h), GECKOS will be hosting Carols @ Lavarack. This year Chaplain Bailey and families with deployed members will be taking us through the Christmas Story and the 1 RAR Band have volunteered to assist with all those great, traditional carols. For those of us that are a little rusty on the words for those carols, songbooks are provided.
As a special treat, our nativity scene has a few 'woolly' additions that are very cute and cuddly and willing to BAA! for the kids.
Please take the opportunity to enjoy this low key, traditional Christmas activity. Light refreshments are provided.
AFTER HOURS ACCESS TO GECKOS
Everyone is invited to come to GECKOS at any time to use the outdoor facilities even though the building will be locked after hours. We have a tennis court (with great lighting for evening use) and an expanded children's playground (this too has lighting for evening use). Please remember to turn the lights off if you use the facility at night time.
 |
| November 2009 Programme |
Additional Information
Craft, Sewing or Mending
Who: Have you got a craft or sewing project you want to finally finish, or maybe the zipper's broken on your favorite jeans? GECKOS have sewing machines and overlockers available for you to use - and a litle assistance if you don't know what to do. Always open to everyone interested in either starting or finishing off a craft project.
Come along and use the sewing and overlocker machines in airconditioned comfort.
There is also a craft and cookery library full of ideas to help you make special gifts for Christmas and personal celebrations.
Justice of the Peace
Who: Why stand in a shopping mall where there is no privacy to have your personal documents witnessed or legal papers processed when there is an alternative. You can discretely and comfortably come to GEKCOS any Monday from 1200 to 1300hrs to see a JP (Qualified).Other times are available by appointment.
This services is for all who have base access.
Who: Open to all Defence families.
Morning tea occurs every Tuesday from 1000hrs. Sometimes there are special guests and other times it is a low key chat and biscuit time. Come along and make new friends.
Contact: Kim Loadsman 4411 7031
Domestic Goddess
Who: All Defence partners
What: Four segments covering -
Self Care
Cookery for one adult
Basic vehicle and home maintenance
Finance
Guest presenters are used to present on one of four life skills streams: cookery for one adult (useful when your partner is away from home); basic domestic finances; basic home and vehicle maintenance; and self care.
Contact: Kim Loadsman 4411 7031
Weekly cleanup & afternoon tea
When: Any afternoon at any time.
What: Whenever you are free to come in and help us with the houskeeping tasks that have to be done to keep GECKOS looking fresh and being a safe place for everyone who comes here.
Who: Whoever can give an hour here or there as a volunteer helper at GECKOS
Contact: Kim Loadsman 4411 7031