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Community Newspaper Issue 67, August 2015
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Issue 67, August 2015
continued page 3
The Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is distributed in Point Cook
Please redistribute rather than discard this paper - give it to your friends, family or neighbours!
FIND US ON Facebook.com/aroundpointcookcommunitynewspaper
6 16 24page UP CLOSE AND
PERSONAL WITH KERRY THOMPSON
COUNTRIES AND THEIR CULTURE
page page
Neighbourhood Watch volunteers together with the Proactive Police Unit held a successful SAFE PLATE DAY despite the challenging weather conditions.
Neighbourhood watch volunteers and Police braved the chilly wet conditions fitting anti-theft screws to over 150 cars. Volunteers were please so many residents of Point Cook and surrounds turned up to show their support and gratitude despite the terrible conditions.
However the day was not without incident when an eight legged intruded appeared behind a number plate.
Although there were some calls for Police to shoot it, the intruder was remanded in custody and later released with a warning.
Volunteers want to thank the kind hearted neighbours of Point Cook who went the extra mile to buy our volunteers coffee, doughnuts and chocolates to help all of us continue to work in the cold. It meant a lot to know that residents appreciated our efforts.
Thank you to the Proactive Police Unit of Victoria Police who show tremendous support for our efforts and
SAFE PLATE DAY A BIG HIT DESPITE THE WEATHER
WHEN ORCHIDS DO MORE THAN JUST DELIGHT
Petronella Boonen
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ABN 78 809 543 573
Advertising: [email protected] Contributions: [email protected]
Will: 0449 834 359Louise: 0403 191 084
FROM THE EDITORCold is the word that comes to mind when considering the important information of the month just gone….. Very very cold. So cold in fact that on one occasion I could not open my car door, it was frozen shut! Bring on the warmth I say.
This paper needs some support. We have lost two major supporters this last month and need to replace them! If you would like excellent regular exposure and would like to team up with us to produce some wonderful content to share within the local community, please contact me [email protected] so that we may explore our options.
Our writers are producing some excellent content, so make sure you have a good explore through the paper from cover to cover. If ever you respond to an advertisement, make sure you tell the business where you saw the ad! It is the difference between us keeping or losing advertising. If there are no ads, then there is no paper. Annoying but true.
Have a wonderful August! Chat next month.
Regards
Daniel Allen
PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHERHelp! Help! We need help!Rupert Murdoch says newspapers are selling fewer and fewer copies as people are turning more and more to the Internet for their news. He would know. American billionaire, Warren Buffet is buying up community newspapers like this one!Here, at the home of your local community newspaper, we could ask you for money for your copy and call it ‘crowd funding‘, but we don’t think that would go down all that well.The help we need won’t cost you a cent, and will take you only a minute of your time.It would be a great help to this paper if you simply got on your computer (getting the kids to do the same on theirs) and request that we send you a copy of this paper by email on the first of each month. It would be free of charge just the same as the present hard copy issue. This time, however, you can forward it, likewise free of charge, to overseas and local friends. If you do this, it is possible that magic could happen. In just a few months we could tell potential sponsors like Coles, Woolies, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, Shell and all the companies that only talk through advertising agencies, that we have tens of thousands more readers. This can happen all because you took a few minutes to send us an email simply asking us to send you the paper each month.Imagine all your club or church members getting your message on the first of the month. Imagine if your school
got a message about their happenings, all free. We can do that for you by simply attaching your message to your group, free. All selling on the Internet talks in language like ‘We have a free bonus for you.’ So let us talk in their terms.Your bonus can be ‘The Internet Marketing Guide, - IMG’Prepared for us by Fred Gillen, our Internet Guru and regular writer, this 20 page magazine, in full colour, will be sent to you free, each month, for as long as he writes it and for as long as you want it. It is crammed full of gutsy stuff such as: how to benefit from Facebook and other social media, pages and pages of really good hints you will be proud to send on to others; ways your kids can learn to become internet gurus; ways that can help them get a job; important stuff like how they can get a job, while still at school, running a ‘Facebook’ site for old donkeys like me who own a business but don’t know how to benefit from social media. Each month ‘IMG’ can come to you free. So, please let the magic of the Internet help us all.Email now to [email protected]: ’ Please send me my local paper by email’ in the subject line
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assisted us throughout the day.
A huge thank you to The Brook on Sneydes for their flexibility and being such great hosts!
Written by : Miriam Spiess – Neighbourhood Watch
Photos by: Nat King – Nat King Photography
Advertise with Around Point Cook/Altona community newspapers
Contact
WillM: 0449 834 359
LouiseM: 0403 191 084
PUT THE BUZZZBACK INTO YOUR BIZ!
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A young man in the locality – the reference to age can be interpreted loosely – asked me how I managed to get writing for the papers. “I like your funny little articles,” he said “and would like to do something along the same lines.” I knew what he meant of course. He meant that he did not think much of them and that if I could get stuff published, anyone could.
He wanted some advice on how to get started and asked whether there was any money in the business. I answered the second question first: there is no money in the business and indeed it is getting to the stage where you have to pay someone to get anything published.
As to how I got started, it was the Melbourne wind. Have you any idea how hard it is to retain some dignity while you and your sandwich boards are blown along Swanston Street, like walking castanets? As if that isn’t bad enough, the straps chafe something terrible and young men seem to take delight in applying a hip-and-shoulder as they pass. So the sandwich-boards had to go and I took up writing instead.
To answer his query about how he might get started, I address myself to the general reader. My first suggestion is that you should start at the top. Send your thousand words to the New York Times and the London Review of Books; then try GQ and Esquire, Vanity Fair and Vogue and Time, gradually working your way down to Woman’s Day and Hello! and eventually the Sydney Telegraph.
Few of those will reply, but you are bound to receive one or two rejection slips which will look nice on your cv or at least on your wall. If you are going to be rejected, it is advisable to be rejected by the better-class publications.
After a few years of this, you will realise that editors are a masonic of old-school boys and girls who probably have special passwords and secret handshakes and that you may need to dilute your purple prose and be prepared to sell yourself for a mess of pottage.
Good luck with the pottage.
Frank O’Shea
WRITING FOR THE PAPERS
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When the Urban Diner opened at Pacific Werribee, on Thursday 25th of June, I could not have been more excited.
When I moved to Wyndham 30 years ago, the Werribee Plaza was a fairly modest establishment, surrounded by cow paddocks and not much else.
With each new renovation, our little local shopping Centre grew a little larger, as did the population surrounding it. This latest facelift is shaping up to be truly spectacular, if the Urban Diner is anything to go by.
The new food precinct is abuzz with activity – people are packing each new restaurant to the rafters. Schnitz, Grill’d, Dumpling Story and The Sporting Globe are just a few of the places that have taken up residence at the newly dubbed Pacific Werribee.
With The Pancake Parlour set to open for trade before the end of the month, the Plaza of old will be but a distant memory.
Being a massive foodie, I have obviously already given each new place a thorough going over. Where once I would need to go out of town for a decent feed, I am now more than satisfied to eat local.
Combine this with the newly renovated Village Cinemas and a great night out really is just around the corner.
Living in Wyndham for most of my life, I feel a great sense of pride to witness this latest metamorphosis. Wyndham is finally giving its ever-expanding population something to brag about.
Melissa Longo
THE URBAN DINER IS OPEN TO THE PEOPLE
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This article e x p l o r e s a special tradition of the people of Niue, one of the smallest P a c i f i c i s l a n d s a b o u t 350 miles southeast of
Samoa. Although they are an independent nation, they are governed by an infrastructure set up by the New Zealand administration. One of the special events celebrated by the Niuean community is the Hair Cutting Ceremony.
Jordan Kincaid Faavae, 6-years old and a year 2 student at Seabrook Primary School considers himself very blessed and lucky. He had very long hair when he was really young and when he started school here in Australia, his classmates were a little confused if he was a girl or a boy. He had to keep explaining to them about his long hair until it was “time” for his hair cutting ceremony. Then the day came, he was very excited as it was held at the community hall in Altona.
There were so many visitors. All his relatives a r o u n d Melbourne, P e r t h and some who even t r a v e l l e d all the way
from New Zealand arrived to witness the event and celebrate with him. Friends of his parents and grandparents, including grand uncles and aunties were there too. It was a huge party with a lot of food covering Niuean menu and contemporary dishes and of course, presents for him.
Hair cutting tradition is a rite of passage for young boys common in Polynesian culture, where the boy sits on a chair draped with tivaevae or quilts. As his hair is cut, members of the community plaster the boy with money and other gifts. This custom serves to maintain reciprocal ties within the extended family and the community. Guests are invited to cut a prepared section of the boy’s hair. Then after all have done so, the boy’s hair will be trimmed appropriately by a barber onto its final shape (As told by family and as referenced from Wikipedia). Jordan’s gifts of money will be used for his education and for his future, and the other gifts will be enjoyed by him as well. It took a while before Jordan got used to his new look after all this was his very first and official haircut, but is really looking forward to playing outdoors without worrying too much about his hair getting caught by the wind.
Mimi Laurilla
Captions: Image1
Jordan surrounded by his cousins who put money around his necklace
Captions: Image2
Jordan's mum Rosa checks to ensure that Jordan is ready to walk before friends and family at his hair cutting ceremony
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Countries and their Culture
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THIS MONTH IN 1928The below movie review was written in 1928, obviously before they invented spoiler alerts. So if you have not yet seen the 1928 movie “Open Range”, stop reading now, so you don’t find out about the cattle stampede in the last reel.
Werribee Shire Banner, Thursday 9th August 1928
STORY AT THE NEW WERRIBEE THEATRE. The hero, the heroine, and the bad man. They're with us again, but in slightly different form. This time, as enacted by Lane Chandler, Betty Bronson and Fred Kohler, they're at the New Werribee Theatre next Wednesday in a new Zane Grey Paramount Western, "Open Range." The hero is a handsome, cocksure cowpuncher, who doesn't give a hoot about anything or anyone until he meets the heroine. And, if you can imagine the "Peter Pan" girl as a daughter of the old west, you'll know that this heroine is not one of the usual stereotyped sisters of love. As for Fred Kohler, if you saw him in "The Rough Riders" or "Underworld," you'll realize that he's one man who never enacts the same characterization twice. The
picture is interesting, too because of the cast. It is the first chance we have had of seeing Lane Chandler, whom Paramount is hailing as its newest discovery. He merits their enthusiasm. Chandler is a big good looking lad who looks like a cowboy and not like an actor in chaps. Then there is Betty Bronson in crinolines. She is the girl who becomes famous overnight as the screen "Peter Pan." This is her first Western, and she easily proves in it that Barrie's whimsical story is not the only type of role for which she is fitted. In "Open Range," Betty performs convincingly as a pretty girl of the frontier. Fred Kohler, known as "the wolf of the screen," is the villain. He is such a "bad un" in "Open Range" that this reviewer had to suppress a feeling of friendliness for a man who could be so altogether sinful. The big punch in the picture comes in the last reel. Indians attack the town of Marco, where lives the heroine, and they are driven out only when the hero stampedes a herd of cattle into the town. It fairly lifts the audience from their seats.
GREG MILNE
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‘She’s a beauty!’
Journalist and contributor to 'The End of the Road', Gideon Haigh quoted Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley at the launch of Australia’s first wholly mass-produced, locally manufactured car, the Holden FX. The vehicle, launched in 1948 is said to be responsible for the increase of car ownership in Australia in fact, by 1958, around 43 percent of car sales in the country were Holdens.
‘It Happened in a Holden’, the book edited by author and screenwriter Paddy O’Reilly and the opening
event at this year's Williamstown Literary Festival was as the book itself suggests, ‘a celebration of Holden and the Australians who drive, ride, love and bicker in it’.
The discussion was particularly fitting as a festival opener given its focus on story-telling. Panelists, Paddy O’Reilly, Anson Cameron, John Romeril and Gideon Haigh were joined by members of the audience revealing many personal, often hilarious, real life stories that speak a passion for the vehicle and celebrate what writing is all about.
Stories like traveling four hundred miles to watch the sunrise from the back of a Holden Ute with four kids, a mattress, pillow and sandwiches and a canopy. Memories that have become town folklore, as author Anson Cameron described the smell of new leather when his father’s friend ‘Lucky Simpson’, brought home Shepparton’s first Statesman DeVille and later filled it with yellow-belly after a midnight fishing trip.
The stories also describe a different time in Australian history when as O'Reilly put it, you did not know if you would get to your destination. Cameron added
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the first hot day of Summer, there'd be cars broken down all over the place.
These days, O'Reilly said, “Cars don't break down but we always replacing kettles and toasters.”
Holdens were robust, as Cameron said, "Holdens are a wonderful fortress - if you're in trouble you can take refuge and hold the buttons down!"
Haigh said Australia's post war prosperity had a lot to do with the car industry - Aussie's stuck with a brand and changed models. These days are more cosmopolitan - car buyers have a choice of about sixty brands. The technology in vehicles has left us disengaged.
So the attraction to older vehicles continues not just for the value of the memories attached to them. At a recent Car Torque event, Mens Shed member Clyde Richie said part of the charm lies with the fact that they are repairable.
"People prefer the older vehicles because they are more basic," he said. "If you see something that's wrong, you can fix it.”
'It Happened in a Holden' may well be the perfect
Father's Day gift that is bound to bring memories alive to the whole family. You'll find a copy at Angus and Robertson or ABC Online Shop.
Words - Petronella BoonenPhotos - Jenny Bates
Photo Captions are the file names: It Happened in a Holden - Editor Paddy OReillyIt Happened in a Holden - Willy Lit Fest Facade could have been another time
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In today’s fast-pace, multitasking world, we’re required to make hundreds of quick decisions every single day. It becomes so overwhelming that it’s sometimes hard to know which of those decisions matter and which require nothing more than just a fleeting thought.Sometimes what we really need is a moment to step back and look at the bigger picture.Ask yourself, would you drive your car without insuring it? Would you risk not insuring your home? The likely answer would be a resounding no. So why then do thousands of Australians go to work every day without insuring perhaps one of their most crucial assets - their income?Did you know?• A 26 year old male whose income is $60,000 per year could earn close to $4,500,000 over their working life.• How much do you rely on your income? 38% of working Australians can live less than one month without their income. This includes exhausting their leave entitlements and personal savings.1How important is YOUR income to your family?• If you were unable to work due to illness or injury, would you have enough money set aside to cover your day-to-day bills and look after your family?
• Even if you think you’d be ‘okay’, how long would things be okay for?
Whilst it’s tempting to think ‘it won’t happen to me’, the reality is that for many Australian families when it does happen they’re without income for over three months. Three months! Is that a risk you’re be willing to take?
So, how does income protection work?
• Generally, income protection policies will cover up to 75% of your income plus superannuation contributions for the period that you are off work due to illness or injury.
• A waiting period of anywhere from 14 days to 2 years may apply.
• Depending on the policy, if you’re unable to return to work you may receive payments from anywhere between two years from making the claim
to until you are 70 years old.
• Whilst the payments made under an income protection policy are assessed as taxable income, the yearly premium payments themselves are tax deductible.
• You can own income protection through your superannuation account.
Speak to the team at Vostro Private Wealth if you’d like a no obligations quote for income protection insurance.
1. Source Zurich Misinsurance whitepaper February 2014
Vostro Private WealthPhone: 03 9867 4345 Website: www.vostroprivate.com.au Email: [email protected]
Income protection - protecting your biggest asset
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In case you missed it, over the past couple of months Point Cook has seen a lot of media time. Wrapped up in a publicity stunt our aim was to highlight on the national stage, the issues we see in day in day out around our suburb, and indeed the City of Wyndham as a whole. It was a cry for help, an out-side-the-box call out to our politicians to listen to our plight and to get them to lay their cards on the table.
We said we wanted a referendum for locals to vote on creating our own nation.
As crazy as that sounds, it got air time on The Today Show, The Project, and a tonne of media in between. One message we said loud and clear, that the numbers of police in Wyndham are well below the state average, yet domestic violence reports DOUBLED on the prior year. In a nation that has White Ribbon Day, it is sad to read that police are not only stretched, but also Wyndham does not have a crisis centre to deal with these issues.
Lack of police numbers is the tip of the iceberg. The “Get Wyndham Moving” campaign run by our council shows that there are significant issues with our roads, rail and buses. People having to travel into Altona to attend a public school shows the provision of schools in Point Cook is well below adequate. The 70% of the workforce leaving the suburb to go to work, highlights the inadequate supply and diversity of local jobs. We have been hit hard by poor planning. These have been allowed to fester for quite some time, decades in some cases.
It was the former Prime Minister, Ms Julia Gillard, that said FIFTEEN years ago, “there is the question of upgrading the necessary infrastructure if the site were to be devoted to housing development. For example, Point Cook Road—the road that links the base with the major freeway, the Princes Freeway—is in no way capable of taking extra traffic and is under standard for the volume of traffic that it currently is required to cater for. “
POINT COOK ISSUES
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Point Cook is an incredible community, growing at what the mayor called an “unrelenting rate” yet we still don’t know what Government intends to do to fix the issues. All levels of government have been aware of these issues for years, and many of these require solutions asap, especially where Police Resources are concerned.
We as a community, should be able to see what plans there are for the roads, schools, job access, and services of the area at each of these population levels:-
Reference: http://forecast.id.com.au/wyndham, Accessed: 1 May 2015
Given that this forecast data is available, that the issues we see today were raised by Ms Gillard in parliament in the year 2000, why is it so hard to get information on what government will provide to our community at the levels above? Why is it so challenging for planning to actually plan for our community. And why is there a push for more and more housing (even on RAAF land) when we have the issues of over population right now?
Ms. Jill Hennessey advised that schools are underway and an additional 10 police officers are being deployed to Wyndham. Whilst we do applaud these initiates, in Ms Hennessey’s own words, “there is no silver bullet.” Especially when you consider that 10 officers is 101 short on what the Police Association says we need, or families are forced to drive past Seabrook Primary each day while taking their kids to Altona.
We feel that there is still no strategic vision for Point Cook or of Wyndham as a whole. Surely a pause on precinct structure plans (PSP) and “unrelenting growth” could be initiated until such time that the community of Point Cook (and of Wyndham) has had
an opportunity to help develop the overall vision for our suburbs, our homes and our future.
What makes this more disappointing, is the Metropolitan Planning Authority is assessing a PSP on Lincoln Heath South right now. In their own words : ” Preparation of a precinct structure plan for the remaining Logical Inclusions area will include the undertaking of a social infrastructure needs assessment to identify additional schools, community facilities and sporting reserves required in the precinct and will identify a shortfall of
infrastructure in the Point Cook suburb should it exist.”
So a PSP is being developed (and almost ready for approval) for more homes in Point Cook, and the body overseeing this has not prepared a needs assessment for the area. How many other PSPs have been approved like this? Is this unique to Point Cook? How far reaching is this issue across Melbourne?
Is it any wonder we have concerns?
Our campaign is to get Point Cook’s issues addressed for the long term. This isn’t chasing a silver bullet; it is asking what we can expect to see over the next 25 years. Surely if the government expects Wyndham to increase 91%, then it should know what increases we can expect in Police, Ambo’s, Firefighters, Schools and Hospital Beds. The maths isn’t that hard.
To see what we presented, visit http://pointcookindependence.weebly.com/
Tony Hooper
Forecast year
2011 2016 2021 2026 2031 2036PopulationWyndham Number 166,663 209,750 251,722 295,283 340,688 384,275
Growth (%) - 4.71 3.72 3.24 2.90 2.44
Point Cook Number 33,362 48,972 58,746 63,461 65,914 67,429Growth (%) - 7.98 3.71 1.56 0.76 0.46
DwellingsWyndham Number 59,757 74,903 89,844 105,877 123,292 140,259Point Cook Number 11,623 16,804 20,252 22,219 23,532 24,482
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Family violence affects thousands of Victorians, including sadly many here in the West. It is the leading cause of death and disability in women under 45 and one of the biggest law and order challenges we face, not just in this state, but around the country.
Earlier this year, the Andrews Labor Government established the Royal Commission into Family Violence to investigate the entire family violence support system and justice system from the ground up.
We know that the current system is failing victims, with weak legal consequences and a justice system that victims feel is unsafe and difficult to access.
The Royal Commission is currently undertaking public hearings, and a number of local organisations have made written submissions, including Hobsons Bay Council, Wyndham Legal Service and Bringing Justice to Wyndham.
The Government will accept all of the recommendations of the Royal Commission when it is handed down, and we are already investing in family violence services.
We have provided a $3.5 million boost to Family Violence Counselling Services, with Western
Melbourne identified as an area of greatest need, a $1.4 million boost to Domestic Violence Victoria, $2 million for more family violence workers to help respond to Victoria Police referrals, and the funding for a Safe Steps program which provides shelter for the pets of victims fleeing violence.
Locally, Wyndham Council has established the Preventing Family Violence Sub-Committee which engages with police and community groups. You might also be interested in attending St Eanswythe’s Anglican Church’s interactive forum on Preventing Violence against Women on Monday 31 August, 11am – 1.30pm. The forum will be facilitated by Dr Ree Bodde. Entry fee is $10. To RSVP, contact 9398 5765 or [email protected].
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact Safe Steps Family Violence Response on 1800 015 188 or the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
If you have any questions or other constituent matters, please contact me on 03 9395 0221 or [email protected]. Visit my website www.jillhennessy.com.au for updates and news throughout the month.
A WORD FROM HON. JILL HENNESSY MP, MEMBER FOR ALTONA DISTRICT
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UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OUTGOING WYNDHAM CITY CEO KERRY THOMPSON
The recent resignation of Wyndham City’s CEO Kerry Thompson signals a new chapter both for her personal and professional life. In spite of her very busy schedule finishing up in the office, we asked Kerry to give us her thoughts regarding her time as the CEO of Wyndham City. Here’s our brief Q&A:
What do you consider as your biggest achievements as CEO of the Wyndham Council?
“There are many achievements that I am proud of which span my 35 years of working in local government. Being appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wyndham City would be one of my
most memorable accomplishments as it’s an honour and a privilege to lead an organisation during a period of substantial growth.”
“Over the past five years we have accomplished many things here at Wyndham City, but some of the recent highlights include the opening of AquaPulse and the Encore Events Centre and the Stage 1 completion of Eagle Stadium.”
“There is a lot of hard work and planning that goes on behind the scenes so you always feel a sense of pride when these projects come to fruition.”
What do you think are the current challenges of the Wyndham local government?
“Wyndham is currently the fastest growing municipality in Victoria and with that this comes some inherent challenges such as ensuring that we have the infrastructure and services in place to meet the growing needs of our community.”
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What do you envision to be Wyndham's direction in the next 5 years?
“Over the next 10-20 years Wyndham will continue to grow and by 2040 its population is expected to double. From Wyndham City’s perspective this will mean that we will see new services, facilities and infrastructure being built in the City.”
What is the next challenge for Kerry Thompson both professionally and personally?
“I have absolutely loved my time as the CEO of Wyndham City but I am looking forward commencing the next phase of my career and life.”
“I am excited about the future and my role as the CEO of the Lost Dogs Home.”
“I knew that I wanted to work for the not-for-profit sector at some stage in my career, so to be able to combine this with my passion for animal welfare was an opportunity that I couldn’t resist. I will still be working closely with the local government sector on animal welfare.”
What is Kerry's message to the people of Wyndham as its outgoing CEO?
“My message for Wyndham as the outgoing CEO is very simple – The City of Wyndham is a wonderful place and will grow and progress and all residents can contribute to making it even better.”
(article by Mimi Laurilla)
Photo credited to Wyndham City Council
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Point Cook Community
Garden/Kitchen Swap
4th Sunday of the month at Kingsford
Park (Kingsford Dve) Point Cook from
10.30am
Come and swap your excess plants, seeds,
flowers, fruit, vegetables, garden
items or home baking, magazines and
books.
Enquiries : [email protected] or
Volunteers for Emergency relief neededLaverton Community Centre need Volunteers forEmergency relief will be trained.
Must be able to use computer.Please contact. Ellen Volunteer
Coordinator PH: 8368 0172
Community Board
LAVERTON COMMUNITY CHOIR
The Laverton Community Choir invites you to attend a rehearsal as a guest before you
decide if you would like to join.
Experienced conductor, different and fun musical arrangements. No experience is
necessary just a love of singing. The choir rehearses every Thursday
7pm – 9pm at P-12 College, Bladin Street, Laverton.
Contact Ann on 0401 411 297 or Caroline 0449 507 873
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
CENTREINFORMATION ADVICE
AND REFERRAL SERVICE
MONDAY TO FRIDAY
10AM – 3PM
LEGAL SERVICE
THURSDAY FORTNIGHTLY
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
PHONE NO: 9398 5207
Featherbrook Walking Group
Make new friends and improve your fitness by joining the Featherbrook Walking Group for a 45 minute stroll every Wednesday at 10am. Meet at
Featherbrook Community Centre, 33-35 Windorah Drive Point Cook. It’s free to join in and mums with prams are welcome. For more information call the
community centre on 8353 4000.
For more information phone Wyndham City’s Healthy Communities Team on 9742 0777, visit
www.wyndham.vic.gov.au or like our Healthy and Active in Wyndham page on Facebook.
VIEW
VIEW (Voice, Interests, Education for Women) provides a low cost social outlet for women. Meets first Wed of every month 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm start. Pt Cook Community Learning
Centre, Cheetham Road, Pt Cook. Light supper provided. New members always welcome. Come and make new friends
and enjoy social outings. Contact Helen on 0425 803 965 for details or just
come along.
LEARN MALTESE
The Maltese Language Teachers Associations of Victoria are organising Maltese language classes at different levels in Werribee, Sydenham and Mill Park. Interested? Registrations for Terms 3 & 4 adult classes are now open. Hurry, limited seats available. For more information email [email protected] or call Mark on 0400307945
Hobsons Bay Mens Shed Gen Y Support Group
wish to contact Gen Y persons seeking employment without success with a view to assisting reducing the current high level of 25.2% - email [email protected] with ‘Gen Y interest’ in the subject line for details
Wyndham Scottish Social Dance
Featherbrook Community Centre
33-35 Windorah Drive, Point Cook
7:30 pm until 9:30 pm Every 2nd and 4th
Friday of the Month
Come along and have fun, meet new friends.
Healthy exercise for mind and body.
You need soft shoes. No rubber ridged soles.
No partner necessary.
We do Celidh dance which is a mixture of
Waltz, Set and Barn dances.
For information phone Deryck 0415 250 284
or Alison 0413 295 133
Sponsored by the Bendigo Bank.
Wyndham Little
Buddies TOY LIBRARY
Children learn through play.
Borrow different toys every 2 weeks.
For children aged 0 - 5 years.
New members welcome.
Open hours:
Point Cook Community Centre:
Tue 9.30-11 Fri 12-1.30 Sat 9.30-11.30
Wyndham Park Community Centre:
Mon & Fri 9.30-11, Sat 10-11.30.
For more info:
Website: www.littlebuddiestoylibrary.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 8353 1196 / 9741 1366
Point Cook
Evening Branch CWA
(Country Women's Ass)
We meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month
at D'Oliv e on Point Cook Road at 7 pm. Open
to all women for friendship, community
service , social issues, creativity, women's
and children' s issues, personal development
and crafts. In return for your time, the CWA
will deliver fun, friendship and a feeling of
belonging to Australia's leading women's
organisation. Contact: Chris 0424014757
or Karen 0411035217
What’s on at Seabrook Community Centre?
Free Tax Help – Low income earners can
have their tax completed with the help of a
Tax Help volunteer. Appointments available on a Wednesday
Propagation and Seed/plant shop
workshop will be held on Saturday 29
August from 2pm as part of the My Smart
Garden program. www.mysmartgarden.org.au
Drop in to visit at 15 Truganina Avenue,
Seabrook or phone for more details 9932 3010
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Help support you local community
group and join as a member at
www.pointcookactiongroup.org.au
Community Board
POINT COOK TOASTMASTERS CLUB
IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
IN A MUTUALLY SUPPORTIVE AND FUN ENVIRONMENT
EVERY 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAY @ 7.30pm
****New Venue!!!****Laverton Community Hub
95-105 Railway Ave, LavertonEmail: toastmasterspointcook@
gmail.com for more info
AMESBecome an AMES Volunteer Tutor
AMES Werribee requires volunteers
for 1 to 2 hours a week to help new
arrivals learn English. Free training
program provided.
Details: Katherine: 8744 0011
email: [email protected]
CHINESEFor all ages interested in Saturday
Chinese (Mandarin) classes at
Suzanne Cory High School
conducted by Victorian School of
Languages (governm
ent funded), express your interest
contact Marjory Palmer 03-5277
9833/email marjoryp@
vsl.vic.edu.au
Ex Service men/women
The VVAA Melb West Sub Branch has moved. We now oper
ate from "The Lodge"Altona RSL on Mondays and
Tuesdays.For pensions and welfare enquiries call 9398 2865 or leave a message
at Werribee/Altona RSL
Point Cook WalkingGroup
Women and Men of all Ages Welcome.
• Discover Point Cook
• Meet New Friends
• Keep Fit and Healthy
• Friendly and Relaxed
Mon, Tues & Wed at 9.00am
Leaving from Point Cook Town Centre at the Dry
Cleaners- Coles Precinct EVERY week day
at 9.00am
9395 1953
FAITH LIFE CHURCH
Are you or someone you know in need of physical healing?
Join us at our Healing Service.
Details @ www.faithlifechurch.com.au or 9393 2333
LIGHTPOINT CHURCH
A contemporary Christian Church Meets Sundays 9:30 & 11:15am
Point Cook Senior Secondary School Cnr Boardwalk Blvd & Bergamot Drive,
Point Cook Youth Group meets Fridays during term 7-9:15pm at the same venue
More info call 0425 722 868 www.lightpointchurch.com
Would Enjoy Some Social Walking?We are Sanctuary Lakes Social Walking Group. We walk Tues and Wed from Jamison Way Community Centre and Thurs and Fri from Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club car park. Each walk is different and lasts approx an hour. We meet at 9am. All speeds and ages catered to. We also meet for lunch on a monthly basis.
Contact:Tracy 0438 607850
Sian 9395 1182
Are you interested in:• Meeting People• Crafts ( Thursdays 1-3pm)• Playing Cards or Board Games (Mondays 1-4pm)• Train TripsJoin the Point Cook Social Seniors Group at Janieson Way Community Centre, 59 Jamieson Way, Point Cook (Mondays 1-4pm)Contacts:Bev: 9395 1953 or 0417 324 489Maree: 9395 4120 or 0408 526 897
Seniors – Point Cook
Werribee and Districts Cancer Support GroupWe are a positive, uplifting, supportive group for all cancer patients, carers, family and friends. All welcome for a cuppa and chat on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Wayaperri House, 106 Duncans Road, Werribee. Monthly meetings occasionally include guest speakers, or are held over dinner and creative and therapeutic activities can be arranged upon interest shown.Contact Steve Marburg (Convenor) on 0418 587 086 or by email on [email protected] or by post at PO Box 4405 Hoppers Crossing 3029or you can contact Koula on 9734 6498.
HOBSONS BAY LIFE
ACTIVITIES CLUB
If you're 50 plus and enjoy Dining Out, Movies,
BBQ's, Coffee Morning etc then we are just what
you are looking for.
Meet new people, make new friends, and join
like minded people in a variety of activities, both
week days and weekends.
Try us out by attending a couple of functions
of your choice, without obligation, before you
decide.
For further information and a copy of our Club
Newsletter please contact:
or Liz 9397 1043
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More than 30 years ago, I always said that there was one job I never wanted to do, waitressing. Even though I admired all waitresses, I thought it was a hard job, on the mind and body.
At the time I was raising my son alone. My Mother came for a visit and informed me that she just got back from a Tupperware party, and she had found me a part time job and I was to start that night. ‘Hey what is it, how did it happen and why?’. I have always believed in saying Yes and facing my fears so off I went.
I was scared stiff, but everyone was so nice, I finished that long tiring shift and to my surprise I was asked back. The name of the place was Bogart’s Disco Restaurant in North Melbourne.
The owners were Bill and Freda and I worked with the daughter Libby who was head Waitress.
Bill was the DJ also and he really knew how to give everyone a great night. Nearly everyone danced during the night, even me, when I had finished my work.
I loved working there nearly every weekend and I did for around 2 years, their family and mine became good friends. One of my sisters even had her Wedding Reception there.
Just a few days ago, I found a photo of those days and I was yearning to see Bill, Freda and Libby again.
I felt intuitively guided to go to Point Cook and while I was there, I spontaneously picked up a copy of Around Point Cook, and chose to read it while having coffee and lo and behold, I see a photo of Bill McPherson and then read that he is the Publisher of the paper.
I could not wait to ring Bill, and luckily (Phew!) he recognized my voice and remembered me immediately. I can not express how happy I am to find Bill again because I followed my intuition. I encourage you all to do so as well. It may not make sense but you never know what may happen.
Carolyn Nicholson
SYNCHRONICITY
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Reimagining Gallipoli - Joshua Funder
The Williamstown Literary Festival of 2015 presented many interesting writers and events, but most suited to this year was Joshua Funder’s session “Reimagining Gallipoli”. Joshua discussed his book “Watson’s Pier” which has been described as a “beautifully told mixture of fact and fiction”, a book Tom Keneally proclaimed was “A remarkable re-creation”, and Air Chief Marshall Sir Angus Houston said was ‘A great story sensitively told and carefully researched”. A 1915 article in the Melbourne Argus shows the emergence of the Anzac spirit, “this race of athletes proceeded to scale the cliffs without responding to the enemies fire”. While the soldiers were recognised for their athleticism and bravery during the landing and battle, the building of Watson’s Pier, with the successful evacuation of tens of thousands of men, cemented the newly born Anzac legend. Joshua’s great-grandfather, Stan Watson, amongst the first ashore, had the role of building a pier, undoubtedly saving the lives of thousands of men. While Joshua admitted it was fear inducing to write this story, he noted that his generation would be the last to have had direct contact with the generation who fought at Gallipoli. He wanted to write this book as one mans experience of Gallipoli, while sharing his
great-grandfathers story. At the launch of Joshua’s book, Major General John Cantwell said it was one of the best books about Gallipoli he had read, but the only one where you get an “emotional gift, you get to experience through Josh’s words - through Watson’s eyes, the way it was for an individual, the emotional delivery is what makes this book stand out”. During the Reimagining Gallipoli session Joshua explained how he was able to create such an emotional impact. When writing about the birth of Watson’s daughter (Joshua’s grandmother) Joshua used his experience at the birth of his own daughter, his emotion as he spoke of this event was apparent, his were not the only slightly damp eyes at the Town Hall. Not having any military experience himself Joshua interviewed WW2 and Afghanistan veterans, as well as Holocaust survivors, but to be able to write this story “I had to put myself in the situation, but then had to detach myself”. It is a brave man who is willing to place himself emotionally in such horrific situations, however, his bravery has produced a book deserving of the praise it has received.
Words and photographs - Jenny Bates
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WHEN ORCHIDS DO MORE THAN JUST DELIGHT YOUR EYES…..
There is a popular saying --“Flowers are like your friends; they bring colour to your world”. I now understand why orchid lovers and other flower aficionados braved the very cold and wet winter weather last Saturday 11th of July to see the Maribyrnong Orchid Show held at the Maribyrnong Community Centre.
This is a yearly event hosted and organised by the Maribyrnong Orchid Society and I checked it out with my mum and hubby.
The orchid displays are so alluring that it makes you feel you are indeed looking at a thing of beauty that lasts forever.
This coincidentally reminds me of John Keats’ “a thing of beauty is a joy forever.” The orchid competition is not only about growing the best, healthiest and most beautiful plant or species; it is also about bringing them to life through flower arrangements.
The competition enables both the novice and seasoned
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growers to showcase their horticultural skills. To see that coveted ribbon pinned next to the contestants’ respective displays is an affirmation that they have what it takes to succeed in their field.
There was also a bonsai exhibit, and a “for sale” area where people can buy the orchids and other planting materials at a reasonable cost to get them started straight away. We also got to learn more about succulents from one of the vendors at the exhibit with his mini-lesson on the different types available to collect.
Of course attending the orchid show is not just about enjoying the flowers and taking their photos as a memento of the event. For my mum who is the green thumb of the family, she considers this as an opportunity to appreciate the orchids up close, and moreover to derive pleasure and inspiration seeing that she too can grow them like the experts do. And this is a fantastic way to shop for the flowers of your choice! Curious? If you want to attend the next Orchid Show, the Spring Event will be held on the 12th and 13th of September. Hope to see you there!
Mimi Laurilla
Photo captions
a) bonzai exhibit
b) succulent exhibit
c) orchid display
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MEN’S SHED TO OPEN AGAIN FOR MEN’S BUSINESS
The Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed will open again for men’s business on schedule in early July – but women are welcome too. Hobsons Bay City Council recently contracted for $514,000 of repairs to modernise the Hobsons Bay Workshop in the Truganina Explosives Reserve. While the building is owned by the State Government, Council has ‘Committee of Management’ responsibilities for the facility, and must ensure it is fully compliant with modern building codes. Cherry Lake Ward Councillor Sandra Wilson said that the workshop is a much loved and well-used community building. “The workshop is home to the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, Altona City Theatre Group, Williamstown Musical Theatre Company and the Truganina Explosives Reserve Preservation Society,” said Cr Wilson. The repairs included asbestos removal and updating the building with accessible ramps, toilets, handrails and new doors so that it meets current building regulations. The refurbishment also made the building more functional, pleasant and appealing for the community groups that use it. “It is important to note that Council has ‘Committee of Management’ responsibilities for this building, and I am extremely satisfied that this valued space has been brought up to modern standards and is now fully compliant,” said Cr Wilson. “It is now in good stead for community use for many years to come.” Cherry Lake Ward Councillor Jason Price said that groups like the Men’s Shed and the Truganina Explosives Reserve Preservation Society do great work in our community and it is important that Council makes suitable investments into community buildings that can
house them. “While we take no pleasure in shouldering the repair costs for a building owned by the State Government, we believe the investment is well worth it for the value these groups bring to our community,” said Cr Price. Les Auld, Secretary for the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, said that the revitalised building would help the group further their commitment to men’s health and become more accessible to people with disabilities, which is an important part of their charter. “Council has excelled itself in what it has achieved,” said Mr Auld. The Hobson’s Bay Men’s Shed has more than 300 members who meet weekly to socialise with their mates while manufacturing and repairing items for the community, including woodwork, technology, motoring, scale model making, cooking and photography. There is also a cycling group and a youth group called the Future Generation Workshop. The Men’s Shed is a place where men can socialise, network, make friends and share skills – with the goal of fostering a sense of community and reducing men’s social isolation. A representative from the Williamstown Musical Theatre Company said: “The works will greatly improve the sense of community for members of our theatre group.” Cr Wilson and Cr Price invited all community members to visit the workshop and learn more about the community groups that use it. For more information on use of the building, or information on the groups that use it, please visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or call 9932 1000. To join the Men’s Men, drop in to the workshop at any time it is open (see website at http://www.hobsonsnet.com/). Membership is $30 per year.
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Get over Mondayitis! It’s good for your healthFor many of us, getting back to work after a relaxing weekend can seem a grind – especially when it involves making a daily commute in peak-hour traffic! While “Mondayitis” is often joked about, some people genuinely dread the start of a working week. Yet there’s a way to get over Mondayitis, and it’s good for your health.
Beat the elephant-in-the-room
Many workers feel pressured to earn a decent wage so they can put a roof over their head, food on the table and clothes on their back for themselves and their family. Others feel stressed by a demanding workload. When such strain occurs, the depressing elephant-in-the-room question raises its head: “How can I get through all that I need to?” The answer is, that you can, and you will. It’s possible to end the Monday-blues and bring order and peace to your workplace. Here are some tips.
TIPS for Sunday:
- On Sunday night, train yourself to think differently about going to work in the morning.
- Shut out negative thoughts. Refuse to entertain feelings of self-doubt.
- Confidently affirm that you’re able to complete what you need to do, as you need to do it.
- Take charge of your thinking. Daily challenges are not greater that your ability to cope with them.
- Don’t underestimate yourself. “We are all capable of more than we do” - Science and Health ,
Mary Baker Eddy
- Mentally stand firm: you can tackle your workload in an orderly, stress-free manner.
- Go to sleep thinking hope-filled, positive, expectant-of-accomplishing-good, thoughts.
TIPS for Monday:
- On arrival at work, take a moment to settle thought down before beginning.
- Keep your thinking relaxed, at ease. Mentally say ‘no’ to any worrying doubts or fears.
- Focus on one activity at a time. Don’t run ahead in your mind.
- Be confident that you can complete your ‘to do list” without anxiety and stress.
- If you do feel pressured, stop for a moment. Allow a higher, comforting Presence, to calm your fears and guide your thinking throughout the day.
- Affirm that just as a shepherd cares for a little lamb, so divine Love cares for you.
- Let this poem reassure you. “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need…he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths...” Psalm 23
-When you get to the end of the day, fill your thinking with gratitude for all you accomplished. Give yourself a mental pat-on-the-back. Go home with the knowledge that you've done WELL.
Health writer Beverly Goldsmith, is a practitioner/teacher of Christian Science healing.
Twitter: @GoldsmithBev Blog: www.spiritualityandhealthconnect.com
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Surviving Winter in Westeros….
I have heard it said that there are only two kinds of people in this world – people who read books and people who don’t.
I have always been the first kind of person, and to be honest I do not really understand people that have no desire to lose themselves in a truly good book.
Unless you have been living under a rock for the past five years, you will have heard of a little something called Game of Thrones.
This little slice of awesome is a television series, based on books by author George R.R. Martin.
Up until last month’s season five finale, I had not had a lot of drive to get into the books, but that has now well and truly changed.
The tagline of Game of Thrones is ‘Winter is Coming…’ and as you have probably noticed, winter is well and truly here.
On one particularly chilly day, I picked up the first book in the series and I have not stopped reading since.
The saga is set in the fictional land of Westeros, where the battle for the Iron throne is all consuming.
With many noble families pitted against each other in their claim to power, the drama and intrigue is intense.
With more than a hint of fantasy thrown in for good measure, there is no telling where Martin will lead us next.
Each chapter is written entirely from the perspective of one of the many characters that make up the realm, keeping the pacing of the story ticking along beautifully.
Never too wordsy, as fantasy novels have a tendency to be, Martin has managed to build an entire universe, with a history that could fill another set of novels easily.
Whether you are new to the series, or a HBO junkie like me, A Song of Ice and Fire has much to offer.
I am currently re-watching each season in conjunction with each book and it is a truly terrific way to brave the cold of this never-ending winter.
Melissa Longo
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Laugh Out Loud
Now that they are retired, my mother and father were discussing all aspects of their future.
"What will you do if I die before you do?” Dad asked Mom.
After some thought, Mom said that she'd probably look for a house-sharing situation with three other
single or widowed women who might be a little younger than herself, since she is so active for her age.
Then Mom asked Dad, "What will you do if I die first?"
He replied, "Probably the same thing."
*****
As I hurtled through space, one thought kept nagging my mind -
every part of this rocket was supplied by the lowest bidder.
~ John Glenn
*****
When the white missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said
' Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
~ Desmond Tutu
*****
America is the only country where a significant proportion of the population believes that
professional wrestling is real but the moon landing was faked.
~ David Letterman
*****
After the game, the King and the pawn go into the same box.
~ Italian proverb
*****
Men are like linoleum floors. Lay 'em right and you can walk all over them for thirty years.
~ Betsy Salkind
*****
The only reason they say 'Women and children first' is to test the strength of the lifeboats.
~ Jean Kerr
*****
I've been married to a communist and a fascist, and neither would take out the garbage.
~ Zsa Zsa Gabor
*****
You know you're a redneck if your home has wheels and your car doesn't.
~ Jeff Foxworthy
*****
When a man opens a car door for his wife, it's either a new car or a new wife.
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CSS SHENANDOAH
‘Twas Confederate raider ShenandoahThat sailed into Port Phillip Bay.In our southern clime, it was high summerWhen that sea wolf came seeking prey.
Americans were at war with each other,A civil war in its fourth year:North versus South, and brother ‘gainst brother,Fighting for things they both held dear.
Captain Waddell’s orders were specific;That’s to attack Northern shipping,Including whalers, in the Pacific.The South was copping a whipping.
He could without fear engage in these sportsAs Union warships were elsewhere,Busy blockading Confederacy ports;But his ship was needing repair.
She was hauled up at Williamstown’s slipwayWhere they scraped barnacles and rust.As soon as could be she was on her way,But while here there’d been lots of fuss.
Repaired, resupplied, with fifty more crew,Shenandoah put out to sea.With vigour her mission she did pursue,Writing a page in history.
Shenandoah would have a merry ride,Taking or sinking forty ships.Of a vanquished nation she was the prideDue to work done on “Willie”’s slips.
This re-equip led to controversyThat would cost Great Britain a lot.Her colony had breached neutrality:A combatant Britain was not.
This sea wolf’s war ended in Bering StraitMonths after the South’s surrender.There the Captain learned of his country’s fate:Their dreams had been dashed asunder.
Now they were all in a predicament:The Captain was declared pirate.To Liverpool England was where they went;On the Mersey they’d learn their fate.
To the British the Captain surrendered.He and his crew were all set free.No more of the piracy charge was heardAfter that day on the Mersey.
A successful campaign this ship did wage:For that ‘twas the Brits who would payMillions of dollars for all that damage,Because of the Williamstown stay.
Jack Nystrom, 30.11.2014
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Calling on Point Cook Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.
Email your contributions to [email protected] or post to the PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028
Point Cook Kids CELEBRATE LIFESing
Dance
Paint
Draw
Run
Exercise
Breathe
Create
Cook
Swim
Relax
Work
Shine
Smile
Laugh
Explore
Imagine
Cry
Share
Entertain
Build
Plan
Help
Volunteer
Enlighten
Encourage
32 Please redistribute rather than discard.
