Letterboxed to homes in Altona and Seaholme, with new distribution points in Altona North, Altona Meadows and Williamstown

member of

Continued page 3

Question Time at the North Pole

Altona Primary School teacher, Mrs Joanne Mathrick recently asked her Grade 3 and 4 students to write a list of questions they have always wanted to ask Santa but thought they were too old to ask.

Many students took the opportunity to remind Santa of their hard work throughout the year, like Gerry who wrote, “I have been trying to write good stories and write neat.” Others like Sugar requested a status check with, “Firstly,

am I on the nice list or the naughty list?” and Jayden, who wrote, “Do I deserve to have all the things on my wish list?” Julia asked, “how can you fit children’s names in your good list and your bad list?” Jack asked, “how many children are there in the whole world?”

Health and safety was also high on the priority list with Missy asking Santa, “Do you get tired when you ride the sleigh at night?” Danielle asked, “how does your sleigh stay in the air?” while Lola wondered, “Why does Rudolph’s nose light up?”

ISSUE 47www.aroundaltona.com.au

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Rambling with the Editor

Puddling with the Publisher

December is an exciting time for many as the year wraps up and celebrations accelerate. On behalf of the production team at Around Altona, we wish you a safe and happy season. Many thanks to our loyal contributors, volunteers, sponsors and advertisers for your commitment to this community conversation.

A huge thanks to our publisher, Bill who has worked tirelessly to get us through our fifth year.

Inside Mens Shed Coordinator Daniel Kuiper reminds us that this time of year also delivers sadness for some, but it is strong community connection fostered at the Shed and places like our Louis Joel Arts and Community centre, our libraries, clubs and public places, that may be the key to healing and bringing in some of life’s joy.

Next year, we’d like to grow the Around Altona team. If you are interested in becoming involved in the production and/or distribution of the publication, we’d love to hear from you. Either drop us a line at editor@aroundaltona.com.au or drop a note in at the Louis Joel Community Arts Centre or at WestSide Books at Harrington Square.

Until we meet again in February, enjoy the community conversation!

Petronella Boonen

It’s a community conversation– why not join in?

We owe a tremendous debt of inspiration and

enlightenment to all supporters of this local community news paper for the dynamic contribution they have made.

Christmas is a great time to say thank you to all who have supported our community conversation – volunteers, those who helped deliver, the production team, our contributors and journalists, the printing team, all those behind the scenes, all of our very important advertisers, without whom there would be no such community conversation,’ and you, our many thousands of readers – thank you.

I was thrilled to receive an email from residents John and Sophie Biggs as a result of the ‘Puddling’ story in last month’s issue.

If you missed it you can find it in the archives section on our website.

John had submitted an ad for a ‘little bi-plane’ and I had gone to see it and was intrigued by his skill – John’s email tells the story:

Hi Bill,

Many thanks for the lovely article that you wrote about the little plane. It has already been sold to a couple in Williamstown for their grandchildren for Christmas. They were the first people to have a look at it and bought it on the spot.

All the best,John & Sophie.

Until next month,Bill McPherson

Issue 47 Page 3

from page 1

Asking Santa if he lives in an iceberg, Jaden also questioned the well being of the elves. “Do you enslave your elves?” he asked while Olivia wondered, “When your reindeer get too old to do the job, do you have a retirement home for the reindeer?” With that, Grace asked, “How old is Rudolph?”

About the elves, Trent asked “Do all your elves have pointy ears?” while Hayley wondered if the elves made all the toys. Gabriella asked, “Do you mind me not having a chimney?”

There were also questions for Santa about what food and drink he prefers most and Gracie’s question: “What is your favourite colour?”

Patrick promised Santa a VB and cookies but like many of his fellow students, was a little concerned about Santa’s weight. As Madeline put it, “Do you have a diet because you eat so many cookies?”

Some research into this last question found that Santa’s somewhat stockier build was partially because of the harsh climate conditions at the North Pole combined with is fondness for the odd sweet cookie. Sources say Mrs Claus has said Christmas is a time when Santa does a lot of extra exercise but she does wish he reached for a saltine cracker a little more often.

TO ADVERTISE IN AROUND ALTONA

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Contact

WillM: 0449 834 359

E: will@aroundaltona.com.au

Issue 47Page 4

Waffles of Art

Harrington square now has something to waffle about – literally – with its new arrival, Waffee, the perfect marriage of waffles and coffee. Except of course when you have waffles and chai, freshly ground and brewed on site.

We recently met up with Shane and Yong Liuw, two of the three minds set to create a waffle revolution in Altona, a welcome addition to Harrington Square’s revival.

“Basically, Waffee specialises in authentic Belgian Liege waffles as well as coffee, “Shane said.

“In order to perfect our Belgian waffles, we have travelled all the way to Belgium to learn from a waffle master.”

Key ingredients are imported from the region, for example the chocolate waffles explode with a glorious ooze of Belgian chocolate compound while the rich and satisfying sprinkle of cinnamon has come all the way from Belgium’s neighbouring country, The Netherlands.

“In Belgium most people buy the waffles as a take away item. We do manly take away here and some people buy waffles to toast when they get home.”

The magic is in the dough (not batter as you’d expect of a waffle as we know it). In fact, the boys

have broken many misconceptions about the sweet treat, urging customers to take a bite before asking for toppings - and they’re right. The choice range includes original, blueberry, chocolate glaze, cinnamon, coffee and sultana, all packed with delicately balanced flavours in their own right. Perfect when accompanied by your favourite beverage.

Waffee’s facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/WaffeeWafflesCoffee is filled with photos of delighted customers and their feedback.

“We say our waffles bring you happiness,” Shane added. “Children’s faces don’t lie. When they bite into a waffle and they smile it gives us a great sense of satisfaction.”

I know I’ll be back but don’t take my word for it, visit the boys at 25 Harrington Square, Altona or check out their menu on facebook.

Petronella Boonen

Issue 47 Page 5

A word from Jill Hennessy MP

The upcoming holiday season is a great time to catch up with family and friends. We have much to celebrate in the West, great people, great places and a fantastic community spirit. Let’s enjoy it and keep safe over the holiday season.

My community newsletter will be out shortly so I will keep this update brief, more details are included in the newsletter which should be in your letterboxes soon.

We have had some news on the Green Wedge front. Local residents have led a great campaign. A “residents” action group has been formed and a further rally was held on the steps of ParliamentHouse on 12 October to protest against the development of ‘green wedge’ zones across Victoria.

With the most recent release of the Growth Areas Authority (GAA) West Growth Corridor Plan the land we have been fighting for in Point Cook seems to be located within the Green Wedge, which is a very positive sign. We cannot however be assured that this land is safely protected until we have confirmation from the GAA. The GAA is now accepting submissions in relation to this plan. If you would like further information please visit their website at: www.gaa.vic.gov.au

We will communicate the outcome of any decisions as soon as the info is available.

I hope you have a fantastic December, and have a happy and safe festive season.

RegardsJill Hennessy MP

WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON

Issue 47Page 6

ALTONA GARDENS

MAGENTA CHERRYSYZYGIUM PANICULATUM

The Magenta Cherry is a beautiful, shapely evergreen tree that grows to around 12 metres in height. However, it has an almost impossible scientific name. If you can manage to get your tongue around the genus name, Syzygium, you will find the specific name, paniculatum, a breeze!

The natural habitat of the Magenta Cherry is in widely separated localities of the subtropical and littoral rainforests between Bulahdelah and Jervis Bay on the New South Wales coast. Sadly, it is an endangered species that is in serious risk of disappearing from its natural habitat within a few years if current land use continues.

Sixty-two species of Syzygium, commonly called Lilly Pilly, Brush Cherry or Satinash, are found in Australia.

As these trees have attractive glossy foliage, several species are grown as ornamental plants.

Some species produce edible fruit that can be eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies. Syzygium paniculatum, the Magenta Cherry of this essay, makes a delicious, glowing, deep purple conserve.

For many years during the 1980s and 1990s, my mother and I purchased our typewriter ribbons and ink jet cartridges from a mail order business in Yarraville.

Because Mum lived close by, instead of having the owners mail our orders, we would call in and collect them personally.

Issue 47

But be careful where you plant this Lilly Pilly because, when ripe, the fruits will drop and make messy purple splotches on your footpath.

Helene WildResident Artist Habitat Trust

Page 7

During one of our visits, a large and very beautiful Magenta Cherry in their front garden was absolutely dripping with fruit, so I asked if I may cut a piece to paint. Grinning from ear to ear, the owners told me to take as much as I wanted. As is usually the case when I request a specimen, the gardeners are obviously delighted that I want to paint their plant.

During my wanderings around Altona, I have seen a few Magenta Cherry trees in private gardens. Fluffy white flowers appear in summer then, a few weeks later, the fleshy magenta-coloured, grape-size fruits appear. When the fruit is ripe the birds, especially the blackbirds, flock to feast on its bounty.

Issue 47

It’s heading towards Christmas time, the time of year that holds extra emotional significance for many of us. Some of it good... some of it not so good. I am amazed every year when I find out how many men spend Christmas alone, trying hard to ignore the memories and emotions of what this time of year once held. It is also a time of year when suicide rates rise significantly, hospital admissions rise significantly, drug and alcohol use increases significantly, domestic violence and social isolation increases significantly. If this is in fact the case then I ask why are we so slow in addressing it as a community? This is not a new occurrence or a new trend - it has always been like this.

The Mens Shed movement is one way that men try and combat this as a microcosm of the community at large. I have a clear understanding of why its so important to keep the doors open, especially around these times of year, so that no matter how many or how few come through the door, there is always a welcoming, inclusive and

loving place for men to be. The irony of this is that its not so much poverty, unemployment or illness that contributes to isolation and distress at Christmas time, it is memories of loved ones lost, opportunities gone by, families that hurt and relationships that failed, that contribute most. Christmas time can be a stark reminder of failure. It makes me smile when I think of Christmas as a child and teenager. My mother used to work her fingers to the bone cooking a Christmas feast for the whole family, beginning well before the yuletide with pudding production.

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Shed TalkHi all.

Issue 47

Until next time, bear witness to each others’ beauty and do something nice for someone just once, without telling them! That outta upset the apple cart!

Yours in serviceDaniel Kuiper | Coordinator | Hobsons Bay Mens Shed

Editor note: Thanks Daniel for your courageous expression in honour of those who were and are unable to speak for themselves. The warm, happy environment of the Mens Shed has become a fabulous meeting place for men of all ages and backgrounds.

Why not come and see for yourself some of the wonderful activities on offer or just kick back and join in on the Shed barbie.

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By the time all was said and done she was a highly explosive mess, and by the time the inevitable detonation occurred, Christmas day was ruined for all!! Yet we all went back year after year for another dose of Christmas misery! Some of us experience the drunken brothers fighting syndrome, or the outcast uncle attending Christmas lunch and the air being thick enough to cut with a scythe! Insanity, some say, is repeating the same mistake expecting different results! And I might add, it’s hard to be grateful with plum pudding flying around the place!

What is Dad supposed to do for the first Christmas, he is separated from his family by divorce? What about Grandad who has lost Grandma after 60 years of marriage? Or the parents who have tragically outlived their own children?

I am reminded of my ex-brother in law, Stephen, who was one of the nicest yet shattered men I have ever met, who only twelve months ago took his own life. A man who loved my sons like a father, and who was liked and held in good regard by all he met, who couldn’t stand the grief of love, who just couldn’t talk about it.

His brother Robert died in Sunshine, crumpled in the front doorway of his own home several years ago from a drug overdose. A man whose demons finally got the upper hand, a man who left behind a seven year old son who idolised him and friends that loved and respected him.

It is at this time of year especially, that I’m reminded why I do what I do. One thing is for certain, I will always have somewhere to be and people to be with at Christmas time no matter what life dishes up.

So in the lead up to the festive season, I ask you all to consider this- how are we going to help support those who may not be doing so well at Christmas time?

Why not donate some time, money or resources to the Hobsons Bay Mens shed so we can help men better? If you can’t do it yourself, or have no idea where to start, we do, and at this time of year every bit of assistance counts.

Give me a call down at the Shed on 9398 2383 or 0430 092 316 if you would like to help in any way make Christmas a better time of year for some of the men in Hobsons Bay.

Don’t struggle alone – support is out there:Lifeline 13 11 44

MensLine Australia is a unique telephone support, information and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.

For more information visit www.menslineaus.org.au

MTAA readthesigns is a campaign encouraging young men in trade industries, to participate in help seeking behaviour and to watch-out for ‘mates’ who may be at risk of suicide.

For more information visit www.readthesigns.com.au

Issue 47Page 10

POETS CORNER

PETER THE POSTMAN

Spare a thought for good old Peter,Forty years delivering the mail:Rain hail or other foul weather,He turns up each day without fail.

He’s one of the unsung heroesWho’ve kept us in touch with each other:You’ll see these reliable fellowsIn places all over Australia.

Amid familiar sights and soundsOf the leafy streets of suburbia,Peter makes his daily roundsOn his trusty motor scooter.

The people see him approachingAs he stops to make each delivery:Always happy, brightly smiling,In distinctive postal livery.

As folk see their postie coming,Decked out in brightest yellow,They will have a friendly greeting,For this bloke’s a very nice fellow.

Pete can remember a far-off timeWhen the postman came twice daily:An era of a lot less crimeWhen folk could walk the streets safely.

There was an air then of expectationAs folk wrote each other letters:Lost art of communicationBefore E-mails and SMSes.

Now it’s just envelopes with windows,Brochures, junk mail, advertising,Notices, bills or other bad news:Fodder for paper recycling.

But here we are in December;Pete’s daily load is increasing;People’s smiles are so much brighter‘Cause he’s bearing cards of greeting.

There is bound to, alas, come the dayWhen all mail is sent electronically:The posties will just fade away,Replaced by modern whizzbangery.

Jack Nystrom

Issue 47 Page 11

News from The Rotary Club of Altona Inc.

A vocational visit was conducted at Whitten Oval with an invitation from the Fresh Program. Coordinator of SpiritWest, Chris Christoforou welcomed us at the new meeting and catering facilities at the Oval. Chris, accompanied by Belinda, the Fresh Program coordinator, took us on a tour of the new facilities prior to lunch showing us the players education & training facilities and the coaching facilities. We all enjoyed a very nice complimentarylunch after which President Peter presented Chris with a cheque to support the community programs conducted by SpiritWest. Chris was very appreciative andindicated he was very keen to maintain close contact with our Club and invited members to arrange future visits. After lunch we all travelled down to 576 Barkly St to the Western Bulldogs Community Program Centre where the Fresh Program is conducted. We met and chatted with other Fresh staff before Belinda took us on a walk around their facilities. All staff were enthusiastic saying they have high expectations of students whilst providing high support from the staff. The FRESH Program is a community education service for young people (15-20) who have experienced difficulties with mainstream education. It offers them the opportunity to complete senior secondary equivalent qualifications in a flexible and supportive environment. FRESH seeks to develop academic, social and work related skills in young people as a way of addressing historical barriers. The program aims to nurture students towards sustainable future options.

Participants get the opportunity to attend camps, go to TAFE and undertake a range of arts based work-shops. All programs are provided to students at no cost. FRESH is generously sponsored by Olex Australia, Qenos and Macquarie Sports, and is supported by a range of organisations including the Lions Club of Footscray, City West Water & Victoria Police.

For all enquiries please contact the FRESH Program Centre on 9689 9722 or email the form to education@westernbulldogs.com.au.

A community worker who recently visited the Fresh Program was very impressed and said about the program. “Students were at risk of getting an education.

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Squiggl

e

GAMES WE PLAYMonopolyCluedoLudoSolitaireCanastaChessKnuckle bonesPick up sticksSonic the hedgehogWiiXboxNintendoUNOSkipboScrabbleBattleshipsMastermindArticulateTwisterMousetrapDominosJengaCardsPokerTable tennisBilliardsTrivial pursuitYatzeeBingoHide and seekDuck duck goosePictionaryCharadesChinese checkersSpace invadersTen pin BowlingPuzzlesQuizDungeons and dragonsCar racingMarbles

Issue 47

SUPERANNUATION - an Investment Structure, not an Investment Choice

Page 14

Superannuation is an investment structure that enjoys special taxation treatment to encourage people to provide for their retirement. Most investments held by an individual, whether they are Cash, Fixed Interest, Property, or Shares, can also be held through the superannuation structure.

Advantages?

The advantage of Superannuation is that investment earnings are taxed at a maximum of 15%, compared to investments held in your personal name which can be taxed at up to 46.5% (including Medicare levy). In addition, if you convert your superannuation into a retirement income stream this tax on earnings reduces to 0%.

What assets can be invested?

A common comment I hear from people who have not yet received advice is that they do not wish to invest further into superannuation because of the risk of volatility. They assume that because their default options in their funds are in medium to high risk investments such as shares and property; that this is what “Superannuation” is.

However “Superannuation” is an investment structure, not an investment choice.

Most superannuation funds offer a wide range of investment options. There are four main asset classes you can invest your superannuation into:

- Cash, Fixed Interest, Shares (Australian and International), and Property

You can usually invest into one of the above asset classes or a mixture, and financial advisers can discuss this with you, and assist you to invest appropriately for your needs.

It is important to note that many Superannuation Funds have competitive fee structures, and access to investments such as Term Deposits, Alternative Assets, Infrastructure and Direct Shares. The Superannuation administration market is becoming more flexible and transparent in fee structures, and more competitive in its offerings and costs.

Disadvantages of investing in Superannuation?

The main disadvantage of investing into superannuation is that the Australian Government has strict rules about when you can access your money, as it is designed to fund your retirement. In most cases, the earliest you can access your superannuation is at Age 55.

Superannuation is a very attractive structure for retirement saving due to the special taxation treatment; however advice should be sought if you are planning to make extra contributions. Your overall situation, goals, objectives, and risks should be considered when making any financial commitment.

Issue 47

For many people, this structure and the opportunities for tax rebates or deductions on contributions or the potential for a government co-contribution make the limited accessibility a minor issue, particularly as the funds are earmarked for retirement anyway.

However for others; reducing debt, saving for a home deposit, or having access to an emergency cash account should take priority. Well-structured financial advice can assist you to reach the right investment/cash flow/debt reduction/superannuation mix for your circumstances. We can help you plan for your “now” and for your future.

Taxation issues

Contributions tax on Initial Investments, tax on Investment Earnings and tax on Withdrawals are important issues to understand, and plan for appropriately. Some people will be eligible for a tax rebate, tax deduction or the Government Co-Contribution.

Remember, if you convert your superannuation into a retirement income stream, any tax on earnings (and capital gains) reduces to 0%. Also, most people will be able to access their superannuation as either a lump sum or pension tax free after age 60, however tax may be payable if your superannuation is taken before age 60.

The Superannuation structure in Australia is highly regarded, and can provide excellent savings opportunities when understood and used appropriately. It is likely to be the most appropriate place to invest in order to save for an affordable and comfortable retirement.

However the rules can be complex, may change regularly, and all risks should be properly considered. It is also vitally important when maximising your Superannuation opportunities, that you regularly review your strategies, products, fees, the rules and your investment choices.

Please contact Melinda Houghton at the office of Houghton Strategic Solutions if you would like to receive further information on financial advice options on 9394 6344.

Melinda Houghton Authorised Representative of Aon Hewitt Financial Advice LimitedAuthorised Representative No. 290343

Aon Hewitt Financial Advice ABN 13 091 225 642 AFSL No. 239183

This information may be regarded as general advice. That is, your personal objectives, needs or financial situations were not taken into account when preparing this information. Accordingly, you should consider the appropriateness of any general advice we have given you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. Where the information relates to a particular financial product, you should obtain and consider the relevant product disclosure statement before making any decision to purchase that financial product.

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HO

W YO

U CA

N H

ELP U

S KEE

P UP T

HE G

OO

D W

ORK

! By supporting our advertisers

How this will help you, our readers?

If our advertisers get some business from advertising in Around Altona, they will continue to support the paper and you can continue to receive the Around Altona free.

Simply mention you saw their ad in the Around Altona!

What else can you do?

Send us your email address and on the first of each month, we’ll automatically email a copy of the paper before it hits the streets.

Free of price and paper free as well!

Hobsons Bay Art Society

Committee Meeting:7pm 2nd Monday of the month

Monthly Get-Together:7pm 4th Monday of the month

January School Holiday Arts Program at Footscray

Community Arts Centre:

During the January School Holidays let the budding young artist in your family explore a world of creativity with three jam packed days of fun, facilitated by leading artists, including classes in music, puppetry, circus, animation,

and visual arts.

Tutors: Razz Mussen, Justine Warner, Trish Thorpe, Felicity Horsley, Darien Pullen &

David Pennay Date: Tuesday 24, Wednesday 25 & Friday

27 January 2011 Time: 10am – 3pm

Price: $156 full / $108 concession (3 days), $64 full / $48 concession (single day) Beforecare and Aftercare: $8 (8.30am –

10am) / $15 (3pm – 5pm) Age: 6 – 12 years

More Reasons to Get Out and Around...

Issue 47Page 18

West Side Quotes Leading by Example

A proverb is a traditional saying, which offers advice or presents a moral in a

short pithy manner.

The following proverbs are from The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs…

• A cat in gloves catches no mice

• A drowning man will clutch at a straw

• Eagles don’t catch flies

• The early bird catches the worm

• First catch your hare

• Honey catches more flies than vinegar

• Keep no more cats than will catch mice

• If you run after two hares you will catch neither

• If the sky falls we shall catch larks

• Set a thief to catch a thief

What is a Proverb? Pier Street Medical Centre now has the resources to expand its services thanks to one of 189 Federal grants to upgrade GP services nationwide.

Founder Dr Larry Light says the $150,000 grant will be used to expand its consulting rooms allowing the Centre to provide training for nurses, medical students and young doctors in general practice.

Local Federal MP Nicola Roxon applauded the practice as one well deserving of “recognition for its endeavours to become a teaching practice.”

Issue 47

supplier of pre and post natal Yoga in Wyndham Danielle states their pre natal yoga classes “We get a lot of feedback that the meditation and breathing exercises practiced during our yoga classes have helped expectant mothers to stay calm and in control throughout labour. “

Western Wellness offer Wyndham resident’s flexibility when choosing classes that suit their schedule offering over 17 classes weekly, customers are spoilt for choice. Danielle and Stuart are also passionate community advocates and in 2012 will be running a monthly “community class” where 100% of the class profits are donated to a local charity or cause. This initiative is part of the Western Wellness Community program which presently includes a life coaching sponsorship program for the Laverton Magpies football team.

If you would like to nominate a local charity or cause to be part of our community program for 2012 or would like further information on Western Wellness classes go to www.westernwellness.com.au or contact Danielle Harrison on 0414 938 686.

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Yoga & Wellbeing

Last month Western Wellness a new yoga and wellbeing centre opened in Point Cook offering local residents a variety of specialised yoga classes for families, pregnancy and postnatal health.

Western Wellness is owned and operated by local husband and wife team Stuart and Danielle Harrison. Unique to Western Wellness is the offering of specialised yoga classes such as pre natal yoga, mums and bubs yoga classes and meditation, all of which are in limited supply in the Western Suburbs. Western Wellness also offers general and advanced yoga classes with a variety of styles from restorative classes for relaxation, stress and injury management as well as dynamic classes which assist with building strength and muscle tone.

Yoga teacher and owner Danielle Harrison states “Western Wellness is not just about yoga and keeping healthy it’s about creating a community, meeting new people and developing a support network with others who are experiencing or have experienced similar challenges.” Owners and Point Cook residents Danielle & Stuart have been teaching yoga & meditation in the local community for over 18 months and said “It’s very rewarding to hear success stories as to how yoga and meditation has helped people to reduce stress and improve their general health and wellbeing”. Being the sole

Issue 47Page 20

A word from Cr Tony Briffa

Welcome to my column at the beginning of what will no doubt be a great summer in Altona and Seaholme with lots of activities in the local area. Altona and Seaholme have never looked so good!

Hoon drivers will again be the target of Hobsons Bay City Council and local police as the weather heats up. Hobsons Bay is on its way to recording a fatality free year and the Council and Victoria Police would like to keep it that way.

The increased regulations on hoon drivers and road safety strategies have helped put the squeeze on hoons but there is always more that can be done.

To deter dangerous and careless driving on our roads, the Council has installed speed humps, extended the trialed alcohol free zones across the municipality and in conjunction with the Altona Traders, will hire security to monitor activities around local hotspots and popular areas in Altona during summer.

Local police have advised that the biggest weapon against hoons is an active and vigilant community. Residents should report hoon drivers to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Over the summer, police will again deploy additional resources for the summer period including a police surveillance van, fitted with 360 degree view surveillance cameras as well as a police motorcycle and mounted branch.

With the festive season now upon us, Hobsons Bay Libraries will again help local charities with the annual Food for Fines program.

Customers of the local libraries will be able to ‘pay’ their overdue fines with food instead of cash to benefit local charities, which are inundated by requests for help at this time of year.

Library members with overdue materials have until Friday, 16th December to donate one food item to pay up to $10 in overdue charges, with no limit on how much they can pay.

Last year, the Council received 1,956 items of food, which was passed on to seven Emergency Relief Organisations across the Hobsons Bay area.

A total of 779 people participated in the program, with 10 people able to clear library fines of more than $50.

While borrowers will have the option to pay for their overdue fines with food or money, people with no fines can also contribute to the collections.

Non-perishable staple foods, such as tinned meat, fruit and vegetables or specialty Christmas items such as puddings, mince pies or shortbread are ideal for donation. Expiry dates of the items must be 2012 or later.

Coordinators from emergency food relief agencies will then collect the food, package it into hampers and deliver the hampers to local families in need.

This is a great initiative and I encourage everyone to get into the spirit of the season and help those in need.

For library branch details, call 9932 1000 or visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Finally with summer now here, it is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the warm weather and plenty of great events.

The Council’s summer events continue to grow in popularity and this year is no different with something for everyone.

Issue 47 Page 21

AROUND ALTONA ONLINE

www.aroundaltona.com.au

Tides

Enjoy the Summer Sounds concert series in Logan Reserve, as well as Movies by the Bay.

The Altona Beach Festival will be back in March and the Midsumma Festival features a bevy of activities, including, sailing, rock climbing, unique performances, a wellbeing workshop, visiting authors, art, cabaret and more!

For all of the dates and times for the Council’s summer program, keep an eye out for updates at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

To raise any local issues, please call the Council on 9932 1000 or email tbriffa@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Cr Tony Briffa JP

Deputy Mayor and Altona Ward Councillor

Issue 47

If you’d like

to get involved,

contact the group

via their facebook

page: Altona Loop

Group - no change

for our trains -

don’t derail Altona!

Mayor of Hobsons Bay Councillor Michael Raffoul has called for a greater investment in transport across the west in a meeting with the Prime Minister the Hon. Julia Gillard last week.

Speaking at Community Cabinet last month, Cr Raffoul said gaps in public transport, major arterial roads and bicycle path networks need to be addressed to ease congestion and improve accessibility.

“I would like to see a project that centres on an underground road tunnel as an alternative to the Westgate Bridge. The tunnel would surface in the Brooklyn Industrial Precinct and would not only reduce traffic congestion but would create jobs and significantly improve the environment,” said Cr Raffoul.

Page 22

Letter to the Editor:

The Altona Loop is nothing else but a bad joke.

Travelling to Werribee from Westona and having to change at Laverton and wait sometimes more than 20 minutes for a connecting train is bad enough, but travelling back to Westona can become a nightmare.

On four occasions now I have been trapped on Platform One with a full heavy shopping jeep to pull up the stairs at Laverton Station because the lift is out of order. I am an eighty-year-old woman and am not able to use the stairs and there is no other way off this platform.

On one occasion with the lift out of order again the maintenance man was at the station and fixed the lift temporarily so I could get out. Twice I have had to travel to Newport and come back to Westona that way.

On Wednesday 16th November I was stuck on platform once again with the lift out of order; I called across for help to the station staff.

NEWS THE ALTONA LOOP GROUP

Suggestions for transport alternatives

go underground

A women staff member came across to help me but the jeep was to heavy for her as well; and she had to call another member of staff over to help her carry my shopping jeep up the stairs for me. I was one of many customers they had helped that day with similar problems because the lift wasn’t working. I have since learned that the male staff member that helped me had a ‘very bad knee’ and the women who helped me also had a back injury and is now wearing a back brace for it.

Supposedly the train goes strait through the Altona Loop on weekends, so I thought I would go to the city on Saturday 19th November. I made the trip in with no upsets but on the return trip when the train got to Newport it was announced that the train wasn’t going via the Altona loop but straight to Laverton. I travelled to the city the next day and the same thing happened.

I need this train to run properly according to the timetable; and I need the lift at Laverton station to be reliable and safe. And I am not the only one.

Maureen O’Donohue

(80-years-old and Altona resident for 46 years).

Issue 47 Page 23

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Volunteer walkers needed - can you cover a street or two? Contact us at editor@aroundaltona.com.au

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Monday - Thursdays at AltonaFridays at Port Melbourne

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Send your stories, articles and let-

ters to editor@aroundaltona.com.au

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Issue 47