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

member of

Continued page 3

We Won’t Give Up Jill

ISSUE 53, AUGUST 2012

Page 1

The community continues to look for answers as news spreads of the horrible incident that occurred at Harrington Square on July 20, leading to the hospitalisation of Altona’s much-loved owner of WestSide Books, Jill Brookes.

Sometime between 3:30pm and 5:00pm Jill was brutally attacked in her shop and was left unconscious, to be found by her neighbouring traders. At the time of writing, Jill remains in critical condition.

Despite the incident having been reported in the mainstream press, a police information van parked at the Square and the SES sweeping the area for clues, help is desperately needed to find the person responsible.

Did you see anything odd that Friday? Please get in touch with Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au with any information.

The greatest injustice is in the fact that Jill has always given to the community in a selfless way. She has treated customers with both respect and care because she understands we are all different with stories to tell, much like the books to which she lovingly tends with such attention, dabbing eucalyptus on the covers to bring each back to life.

Jill is one of the Around Altona family, having supported the paper and its theme of community connection since day one. As readers know, Jill contributed to the paper with a quotes column, engaging us with the words of writers of the present and classics of the past. Many of the paper’s advertisers and writers are here as a result of her passionate encouragement to get involved. Jill also delivered the paper in her local area.

When Altona Meadows Aged Care where refused access to the community’s mobile lending library, Jill stepped in with several boxes of books to create the hostel’s own library.

Issue 53Page 2

I’d heard that Martin Didzys Pharmacy in Harrington Square carried new Mobile phones called ‘Easy call’ so I called to have a look.

Freda recently had a fall and I wanted to be in touch if I went out-(as is my wont), and I understood the Easy call phone had large numbers on the dial (we have a little difficulty with small print) and could be programmed to call a special number without having to dial it.

I walked in to the pharmacy and found, to my joy, this gorgeous pharmacist giving me her full attention and efforts to demonstrate the wonders

of the easy call.

To my delight I found that what I’d been told was true, it did have big numbers on the front and just one big red button for Freda to push if she was in trouble. So immediately I had the gorgeous girl set up two phones for me, check that they both worked and taught me how, and off I went to try them out.

After a five minute training session I left Freda and went outside and pressed my red button. Instantly my Easy call phone played a little tune indicating it was dialing Freda and I heard the signal indicating Freda’s Easycall phone was ringing.

In a few seconds Freda answered and we made contact – we had joined the digital world! After several tries to call each other we have found that we now have a stretching rubber band between us and I’m only as far away as the red button and all it cost initially was $80 out of the kids inheritance to buy the two phones!

Thank you Martin ( and the gorgeous girl)

Puddling with the Publisher

Issue 53 Page 3

from page 1

TO ADVERTISE IN AROUND ALTONA

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Contact

WillM: 0449 834 359

E: will@aroundaltona.com.au

The familiar Mr Squiggle and miniature red armchair welcomes smaller readers, while a larger lounge extends the welcome to all generations. Jill has been a great mentor to school children and teenagers providing endless encouragement and, as my own daughter puts it, “a place you can go and find the book you’ve wanted for a while that you can buy with your pocket money.”

As a community we need to find answers for Jill and for a stronger, safer Altona. Discussions have begun about appropriate security measures for Harrington Square but in the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are very much with Jill, her husband Michael and family.

Petronella Boonen

Issue 53

Congratulations to the Altona City Theatre and all associated with this very professional production.Freda and I sat there, enthralled, throughout the entire performance, wrapped in the songs and the quality of the performers even to the extent of a wet eye watching the performance of the well-known ‘I Still Call Australia Home’. Obviously a candidate for the next call for a new National Anthem, a call which seems to cycle every so oftenThe quality of the chorography was without fault, not a step was missed and the effect on the audience was electric.The theme, the story of the life of Peter Allen, was told in song and dialogue and left no doubt about the unusual life of Australia’s great performer.The lead role was played by David Postill who did a wonderful job emulating this great performer. Like all the shows I’ve seen at this wonderful Theatre, The Boy From Oz was again, a great success.

Bill McPherson

Page 4

The Boy from Oz - a Great Success!

Issue 53 Page 5

gROW

Grow has been providing free, anonymous and on-going peer support groups for people struggling with mental and emotional health issues since the late 1950’s. “Grow-Better Together” provides similar support groups for caregivers, family and friends of people struggling with mental health and other issues. The approach is non-clinical and strengths-based for recovery and personal development. It empowers people to discover their own capacity to deal with the issues they face. At the meetings people share the practical changes they have made (with the support of their peers) and the everyday wisdom of the Grow Program to regain and maintain their mental health and wellbeing. Grow and “Grow-Better Together” meetings have a solution focus to enable people to play an active part in their own recovery or in their role as caregiver.

For more information contact 9528 2977/ 1800 558 268 or email vic@grow.net.au or see our website: www.grow.net.au

Some recent comments from group participants:

“Grow has helped me enormously. I have received great support from my friends in Grow over the past 4 years. This has been invaluable to me, especially when I’m going through a difficult patch (eg bad anxiety & depression) and /or dealing with new challenges & changes in my life. My Grow friends have helped me deal with these changes, and have encouraged me to avail of other community supports which were available. This has helped me feel more engaged with the wider community, and has helped me settle in to my new suburb over the past few months. Also, the warmth and friendliness of my new Grow group has helped me to feel at home here.”

“Grow-Better Together has also helped me in my role as Carer. It has shown me that even when my husband is sick I can be well if I look after myself. I have been encouraged to hand more responsibility back to my husband and work out how to overcome his difficulties rather than doing everything for him.

One example is helping him prepare to go to doctors on his own rather than me going with him all the time.”

The Laverton ‘Grow-Better Together’ caregivers group meets the 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month from 10.30am -12.30pm. Venue is Laverton Community Centre, Merton Street, Altona Meadows (Melway 53 F10).

Grow mutual support self help groups for people experiencing emotional or mental health issues or life challenges meet in:

• Footscray on Tuesdays at 7.30pm -9.30pm at Footscray Church of Christ, 252 Gordon St, Footscray (Melway 28 A12);

• Laverton on Wednesdays at 10am – 12noon at Laverton Community Centre, Merton Street, Altona Meadows (Melway 53 F10); and

• Hopper’s Crossing on Fridays at 12.30pm- 2.30pm at Central Park Community Centre, Lonsdale Circuit (off Franklin Bvd.), Hoppers Crossing (Melway 206 J2).

Issue 53Page 6

KiCKinG HiGH!

I would like to introduce an inspiring young athlete by the name of Olivia Grech. Olivia is a student of the Shorinjiryu Kennankan Karate School in Point Cook, guided, encouraged and mentored by the inspiring and gracious teacher; Marnie Roberts. Olivia is focused on competing in the 2014 World Cup and intends to continue the study of martial arts in Japan and New York, hoping to eventually open her own Karate School.

With only three years training behind her and currently studying Year 11 at Williamstown High, Olivia recently competed in her first tournament, the WKKF Oceania Cup. She placed second in the 16-17 year old Division with her teacher, Marnie Roberts, placing 1st and 2nd in kata (2 divisions). Extraordinary achievements for both!

Olivia began her journey into Karate inspired by her father who is a 9th Dan black belt. It is with the enduring support from her mother, the strong and unyielding direction from her teacher Marnie and a quiet but determined inner strength, that propels Olivia forward to reach her goals. Olivia says she

practices karate because it gives her a mental and physical challenge, focus throughout her life and makes her happy.

Marine’s students range from primary school to mature age, possess a strong sense of self, fitness and focus. At a recent exhibition performed at the Point Cook Market, you could witness the students love for their sport, with large smiles and focused faces. Another amazing student, Deji Balogun, who also competed well in the Oceania Cup, displayed a strong performance in both a self defence

sequence with Olivia and a demonstration in kata and shiai.

Shorinjiryu Kennankan Karate is one of the major modern Okinawan martial arts. Founded by Choshin Chibana in 1933 it is characterised by natural breathing and stances, using direct, rather than circular movements. Marnie`s school offers the opportunity to increase flexibility and balance and learn practical self defence with training offered at all levels. There are even parents and their children learning together in the same class!

Congratulations to Olivia for your outstanding achievements in sport and to Marnie for inspiring achievement in her students.

For further details about the Shorinjiryu Kennankan Karate School, Please contact Marnie Roberts on: 0418 564 382 or email: kennankan@hotmail.com. Classes available in Point Cook and Altona.

Mya Ashley

Issue 53 Page 7

This month I would like to talk about the State Governments cuts to TAFE services in the recent State Budget.

I have had many calls from residents in the western suburbs who are concerned about the Baillieu Government’s savage funding cut to our local TAFE services. Residents and students can now sign a new on-line petition against these savage cuts.

The Labor opposition has launched a new website, www.fightTAFEcuts.com.au, calling on the Baillieu Government to rethink its TAFE funding cuts. The cuts will cost jobs and force course closures.

I urge residents to sign the petition to send the Premier a message his cuts were wrong.

The petition will be presented to parliament.

Education in the western suburbs is going backwards under the Baillieu Government and these cuts to local TAFE services will make the situation even worse.

Altona families have a chance to send a clear message to Mr Baillieu that his savage cuts are wrong.

Under these cuts, teaching jobs will be lost, campuses could close and Altona students could be hit with higher course costs.

A word from Jill Hennessy MPIf Mr Baillieu and his government cared about providing Altona’s children with the courses and skills required he would not have made these cuts in the first place.

It is extraordinary that during a jobs crisis, the Baillieu Government’s cuts would add more people in Altona to the unemployment queue and would limit opportunities to access affordable skills and training with course closures.

As more jobs are lost, western suburbs families need to have access to services that can provide training and skills to get them a job.

“The Baillieu Government either doesn’t understand or doesn’t care that these funding cuts will cost western suburban jobs and hurt students and teachers, that is why I am standing with the community to fight these cuts.”

Altona residents can sign the petition at www.fightTAFEcuts.com.au

Until next monthRegards

Jill Hennessy MPMember for Altona District

Issue 53

Dog Grooming BasicsWinter is here and it’s this time of year that our pooches tend to get a bit messy from the wet weather. They may require a little more maintenance grooming at home due to knots and matts. Knots and matts are quite common and can occur from not regularly brushing your pooch.

So firstly, what is the difference between knots and matts? Matts are very thick patches of hair that occur very close to the skin and are unable to be brushed out, whereas knots are smaller and can generally be removed by using a comb.

Before giving your dog a bath, it is recommended you brush their coats out to remove any knots and prevent matts from occurring. Knots left in the coat can cause discomfort to our pets and can contribute to many skin conditions such as rashes, irritations and even infections if they are left untreated. A slicker brush can be used followed by a comb, to make sure that little knots are removed and to help break the hair apart. Always make sure not to pull on your dog’s hair when brushing as this can cause pain and therefore create a bad experience for your pooch.

Grooming is important to maintain your dog’s coat and to avoid matting. It helps your dog to become accustomed to the grooming process and it is also a great way to keep an eye out for any changes in your dog that may be abnormal. When grooming your dog at home you may be able to spot lumps and bumps, skin conditions and any joint or muscle sensitivities that can then be followed up by a veterinarian.

Keep an eye on areas such as the armpits, behind the ears, around the neck, rear and hind legs, tail and around the groin area, as these areas are more vulnerable to knots. If there are matts that seem quite close to the skin and are unable to be brushed out it is important to leave them. In these cases it is best to seek a professional dog groomer to ensure these are removed safely.

Don’t forget that if your dog requires a short haircut this Winter, be sure to grab them a little coat to keep them nice and toasty!

Cindy Taylor

Page 8

Issue 53

West Transport Options Continue to Disappoint

Two months after Metro’s CEO, Mr Andrew Lezala assured the community of Altona he would investigate cancellations and scheduled times on the Altona Loop, reports on Facebook’s Altona Loop Group continue to tell a familiar story:

“The 8.52am Seaholme to City didn’t show up today, no announcement. Then 9.12am was delayed. The 5.14pm Laverton from Flinders was at platform 8/9 (they didn’t distinguish and it kept changing) instead of 14 was delayed until well after 5.20pm.”

- Adele Walsh

“Wife and nine month old stuck at Slowport, three trains in a row were ‘out of service’.”

- Tim Rippon

“Took the 8.25 am train from Westona to Flinders St this morning. Was stuck in the train for almost half an hour as it wasn’t able to move into North Melbourne.”

-Anthony Ang Wee Kiat

“No trains running between Footscray and Newport, faulty train. 5.36 Laverton train cancelled. 5.11, 5.33 & 5.44 Werribee trains cancelled. NOW - Buses to replace trains, MAJOR delays expected, line suspended.”

- Allan Williams

Further along the line, Jill Hennessey reports she has yet to receive a response to questions lodged in the Victorian Parliament requesting data about bus services in the City of Wyndham.

“The provision of adequate bus services and bus stops to meet the needs of our growing local community must not be ignored by the Baillieu Government,” Member for Altona District, Ms Jill Hennessy said today.

Since February this year Ms Hennessy has been trying to get the Baillieu Government to answer questions about the number of bus stops and how far those bus stops are from residents homes.

“In Government, the data often drives the allocation of resources. I am worried that the Baillieu Government doesn’t understand the unacceptable distance so many residential homes are from bus stops,” Ms Hennessy said.

“As the estates open up, the bus stops and routes need to grow to meet the needs of local commuters.

“Is it any wonder our local train station car parks are over flowing because the access to regular buses services to those stations is so inadequate?” she said.

Page 9

Issue 53Page 10

NoticesCHANGES TO AUSTRALIAN TAX RATES

It is essential that when doing planning that may include strategies to legally minimise taxation; that you are working with information that is up-to-date and relevant. It is important to make sure that income is received in the most tax efficient way through the appropriate choice of structure and ownership.

I am sure you are aware that from 1 July 2012; the Government introduced the new carbon tax. The introduction of the carbon tax coincided with changes in the tax thresholds and provides tax cuts mainly for Australian taxpayers with a taxable income below $80,000.

This is intended to increase disposable incomes to compensate low and middle income individuals and families for the potential increase in living costs as a result of the carbon tax, as well as providing further incentives for individuals, including part time workers, to participate in the workforce.

The differences in tax rates (excluding Medicare levy) on the various legal structures are summarised as follows:

Marginal Tax Rates

Current Financial Year – 2012/2013Tax Threshold Resident Tax Rate Non-Resident Tax Rate$0 - $18,200 0% 32.5%$18,201 - $37,000 19% 32.5%$37,001 - $80,000 32.5% 32.5%$80,001 - $180,000 37% 37%$180,000 + 45% 45%• For residents, Medicare levy may be payable

in addition to the above, currently 1.5%.• Non-residents are not required to pay the Medi-

care levy.

Resident Tax Rates for Minors

Children under 18 are taxed quite heavily on their unearned income. Unearned income doesn’t include salary and wages, but does include interest and income from shares and managed funds and distributions from a family trust. The reason for this harsh tax treatment is to discourage parents investing in the name of their children to take advantage of lower tax rates.

Some minors are excluded from the above treatment of minors and are called excepted persons. Any income received by an excepted person is taxed at the ordinary rates of tax.

The current tax rates for a minor earning unearned income are as follows:

Unearned Income Minor Tax Rate

$0 - $416 Nil$417 - $1,307 Nil + 66% of the excess over $416$1,307 + 45% of the total amount of income that is not excepted income

Excepted income is taxed at the ordinary rates of tax and if eligible, can claim the Low Income Tax Offset, as listed below. Examples of excepted income include employment income and taxable payments from Centrelink.

Low Income Tax Offset

Resident Adults – 2012/2013Tax Threshold Tax Offset$0 - $37,000 $445$37,001 - $66,667 $445 – [(Taxable Income - $37,000) x 1.5%]$66,667 + Nil

In the current financial year, you can effectively receive $20,542 of income and you will pay no tax.

Issue 53

The low income tax offset has been decreased, due to the increase in the tax free threshold.

Other Structures

Type Tax Rate Company 30%Superannuation – Accumulation Phase 15%Superannuation – Pension Phase 0%

Income distributed from a trust (for example a family trust or managed fund) is taxed at the beneficiaries Marginal Tax Rate.

For more details on tax rates and the various tax offsets and rebates available we recommend that you contact the ATO via their website at www.ato.gov.au or speak to a tax professional.

We are happy to refer you to an Accountant, or work with your existing Accountant if you require detailed taxation advice.

Please contact Melinda Houghton at the office of Houghton Strategic Solutions on 9394 6344 if you would like to receive further information on strategies that may assist you to minimise tax whilst maximising your overall financial position.

Melinda Houghton

Authorised Representative of Aon Hewitt Financial Advice Limited

Authorised Representative No. 290343

Page 11

Aon Hewitt Financial Advice Limited | 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 whenpreparing 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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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.

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Issue 53

Black & WhiteWhere to for Education in the West?

TAFE courses in the West have been cut by the Victorian Government dramatically effecting training options and further education for all. Victoria University, the biggest education provider in the West, has had a multitude of courses cut, from Certificate II to Advanced Diploma level. Courses that are remaining will have tuition and material fee increases of up to 70% as well as the reintroduction of student amenity fees. Tuition and material fee concessions will be of little benefit due to the massive course increases and students will be forced to take on Government loan schemes to pay for training.

Many students will be ineligible for study payment support and as the new costing model brings Certificate 11 – IV course fees up to existing skills funded Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels, countless people will feel defeated and financially unable to upgrade and regain much needed skills. As an example, a Certificate III/IV previously set at a concession rate of $185.00 plus materials will now be approximately $1900.00. A freeze on apprentice fees will also be removed lifting the cost for those students by about $100 to $200 a year to bring them into line with other trainees. VCAL and VEtiS study options will also be affected.

The Victorian Government is inflicting a targeted $450 million cut in education spending with its aim to increase the budget surplus. In 2009 the Brumby Government introduced a new Training eligibility criteria for student study. The state financial outlay soared from $800 million to $1.2 billion in the space of two years as student numbers rocketed to 425,000 in the current year. One has to wonder if this package worked too well.

Private training providers have multiplied from 165 to 366 in just two years and are representative of an uncapped market. Private provides are more able to offer on- line and reduced fee costs for the same courses previously offered at TAFE with limited Government financial support.

However concern should be directed toward the quality of study material, teacher qualifications and support networks for students as well as the monitoring, auditing and maintenance of quality delivery.

TAFE groups are vigorously challenging the changes, however Administration and teaching staff have already been mandatorily retrenched, School departments closed and midyear course intakes halved. Courses such as Science, Animal Studies, Boat Building, Hospitality and Event Management have been completely eradicated; stopping students from completing courses or up skilling in 2013.

TAFE institutes and those that preceded them have always had a special position in Australian society, building the capacity of people and their communities, offering alternative educational pathways to improve the workforce. Often many students are those requiring more than one chance to find their way through post-secondary education. TAFE offered a community based affordable and supportive training option; and education for all. It seems that education is becoming a privatised business. So, where in the West will your children go now?

Mya Ashley

Page 12

Issue 53

Map

Compass

Direction

Coordinates

North

South

East

West

Navigation

Distance

Orientation

Bearings

Travel

destination

Route

Road

River

Ocean

Sea

Place

Satellite

Location

Plan

tour

sail

drive

cruise

treck

Page 13

Travel Word Search

S S O I E C H T S A E D E E T J O T R R E R T L F G E T C R C G K U I E T B U R G S U N A N O I T C E R I D O G T O A V S S M K P E N N L N S I R T E E J J P V L H T I L N N N S L L Y O I A Z A R A A E A S I D H T R O N S A C L T V T H D R L U D B L E S P E I I I A Y I X H A C B A E S G X J O Y S V C O O R D I N A T E S N N G E L V R Q D B T L O C A T I O N T O U R M I M J F J I J S M Q V Y H A O C E A N A L U U E N D B P N Q R D C P U Z E T F W

Issue 53Page 14

Laverton, Wednesday 11 July 2012: Altona, Laverton/Altona Meadows, and Point Cook Community Bank® Branches will launch its Community Grants Program on Thursday 9 August 2012 at the Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club.

Community Bank Chair, Henry Da Silva, said under the Community Bank® model is different as it is managed by local people. The key difference is that the choice of where their banks’ profits go, is made by the local people. “Thanks to our customers, our local Community Bank® branches can contribute to community projects and organisations to enhance Altona, Laverton, Altona Meadows and Point Cook,” Mr Da Silva said.

“The launch will provide local community groups, clubs and non-for-profit organisations with information about the Community Bank®concept and how to apply for funding from our Grants program.”

Over the past 12 years the Altona, Laverton/Altona Meadows and Point Cook Community Bank® Branches have supported 100’s of local groups and initiatives and contributed in excess of $1.7 million dollars to the community.

In 2011 17 local groups received Community Grants, sharing $50,000.00 for projects in the local communities. For example Somers Parade Kindergarten received a grant for activity equipment for the 3-4 year old Kinder groups. And the Rainbow Club of Point Cook received a grant to establish a local swimming instruction program for children with autism that has created great results in other communities.

This Year's launch will start on the 9th August at 7:00pm at the Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club.

For more information or to RSVP, please call into the branch or call Sarah Stapleton on 93698434

COMMUNITY BANK® LAUNCHES COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

Issue 53 Page 15

EVER ANSWERED QUESTIONS?

From the Inbox

Can you cry under water?

~ ~ ~

Why does a round pizza come in a square box?

~ ~ ~

What disease did cured ham actually have?

~ ~ ~

How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels

on luggage?

~ ~ ~

Why is it that people say they ‘slept like a baby’ when babies wake up like every two hours?

~ ~ ~

Why are you IN a movie, but you’re ON TV?

~ ~ ~

Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They’re going to see you naked anyway...

~ ~ ~

Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp?

~ ~ ~

If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made

from?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog’s face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

~ ~ ~

Why do banks charge a fee on ‘insufficient funds’ when they know there is not enough money?

~ ~ ~

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you

say the paint is wet?

~ ~ ~

Why doesn’t Tarzan have a beard?

~ ~ ~

Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

~ ~ ~

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have

materialised?

~ ~ ~

Why do people keep running over a thread a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach

down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

~ ~ ~

Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?

How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures?

~ ~ ~

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that’s falling off the table you always

manage to knock something else over?

~ ~ ~

Issue 53Page 16

Gardeners who are reluctant and resentful mowers of large areas of high maintenance lawn could consider using Dichondra repens as a lawn substitute. Alex and I are in that (reluctant) category so, if we ever get to build our dream home, I am determined we won’t plant a single square inch of lawn!

This attractive green ground cover prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate as much as 80% shade. Gardeners can also use the Kidney Weed in pots, hanging baskets, between pavers and stepping stones, in rockeries, on steep banks, and in other difficult-to-get-at positions. It tolerates frosts and dry periods; is not rampantly invasive; and plants can be pruned to thicken and to control. Another plus is Dichondra repens will form a living mulch that inhibits weeds and reduces evaporation.

Some nurseries sell Dichondra repens in punnets. Recommended plant spacing is 10cm apart.

My watercolour features Dichondra repens growing amongst lichen encrusted basalt rock.

Helene Wild

I feel as though I am jumping all over the place with my essays because, to date, I have told you about a few species indigenous to the Basalt Plains, some great Aussie natives from other parts of our beautiful continent, and have featured a few commonly cultivated plants originating in other parts of the world. Now I am taking a backward leap to tell you about a widespread species that occurs in our area as well as many other parts of Australia. It also occurs naturally in the Land of the Long White Cloud - New Zealand, on the other side of the Tasman Sea.

Dichondra repens is commonly known as Kidney Weed in Australia and Mercury Bay Weed in New Zealand. It is a small, prostrate herbaceous plant that has a creeping habit with roots forming at the nodes. The small leaves are kidney-shaped, and measure 0.5cm to 2.5cm long. Although the tiny creamish-green flowers appear mostly in summer, they can be produced at any time of the year. The fruit is a hairy, two-lobed capsule.

Kidney Weed (I consider it an unfortunate name because it is most definitely not a weed) occurs naturally in forests, woodlands and grasslands.

DICHONDRA REPENS

Altona Gardens

Issue 53 Page 17

MARVELLOUS MELBOURNEpoem by Jack Nystrom

Hurrah for marvellous Melbourne,Metropolis on the Yarra;Colourful gardens and green lawn,Port Phillip its water feature.

‘Twas John Batman who planned a village,But folk flooded in searching for gold;During Australia’s golden age,Melbourne was built by the brave and bold.

First capital of Australia,From nineteen one to twenty-seven;Then the Feds moved to Canberra,Abandoning this Earthly heaven.

Melbourne’s a centre of culture;There’s no philistinism here;Many good restaurants, that’s for sure,And without doubt Australia’s best beer.

The city has fine architecture,Though some of it’s controversial,Well laid-out streets and street sculpture;But some of this art did some appal.

We’ve got the race that stops the nation,As well as Phar Lap’s hair and hide;Nellie Melba, singing sensation,In this fair city did abide.

Melbourne is where Ned Kelly rests,Bad-boy hero, national icon,Aussie epitome of gameness:Remembered in movie, poem and song.

Birthplace of Aussie Rules Football,Which we proudly call here “our game”;As sporting capital, standing tall,Melbourne has many claims to fame.

One of Earth’s most livable cities,Better than London, Paris or Rome;A place of great possibilities;Around three million call Melbourne home.

Melbourne, the Queen City of the South,A title which can’t be denied,‘Cause it’s been spread by word of mouthThat it’s a great place to reside.

Jack Nystrom

HOBSONS BAY LIFE

ACTIVITIES CLUB

If you’re 50+ and enjoy Movies, Dining Out,

BBQ’s, Hikes etc

then we’re just what you’re 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, with no obligation, before you

decide.

For more information and a copy of our Club

Newsletter please contact:

Alicia: 9741-4313 or Myra: 0432 258 804

COMMUNITY INFORMATION CENTREINFORMATION ADVICE AND REFERRAL SERVICEMONDAY TO FRIDAY 10AM – 3PMLEGAL SERVICE THURSDAY FORTNIGHTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLYPHONE NO: 9398 5207

Issue 53Page 18

A Word from the Mayor

Hobsons Bay City Council recently adopted its 2012-2013 Budget with highlights including a total operating expenditure of $104.75 million and a $20.94 million capital works program.

The budget will ensure the Council can continue to provide the community with high quality services, facilities and infrastructure.

The Council will deliver on a number of large projects across the city, and in Altona and Seaholme the works includes the next stage of the Cherry Lake picnic and play area upgrade and sensory garden installation, upgrades to Kim Reserve, Fell Reserve, Apex Park, the Altona Central Sports Precinct and the Altona foreshore.

The operating budget will also ensure the Council can continue to provide vital services, including home delivered meals, home and respite care, kindergarten and childcare places, counselling for young people and deliver quality materials through our libraries.

The full budget is available for inspection at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, all Hobsons Bay library branches and online at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

In other news, the Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for the seasonal use of two proposed new reserves.

The Council has two areas of undeveloped land that require further work at Laverton Park North Reserve and HD Graham Reserve, Altona Meadows.

While the sport and recreation needs of some local clubs are only partially catered for by current facilities in Hobsons Bay, the Council would like to know more about what local clubs and organisations need now and into the future.

To submit an Expression of Interest, go to www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Council/Have_your_say or call the Council’s Recreation team on 9932 1000.

Expressions of Interest close at 2.00pm on Friday, 7th September 2012.

On the works front, two car parks are being built at the Altona Boat Ramp – a ‘car only’ car park on the south side of the pavilion and a ‘car and trailer’ car park. Weather has delayed these works, however the ‘car only’ car park should be completed in about two weeks.

The Council has also received the new trommel to collect seaweed at Altona Beach. The trommel will substantially reduce the amount of sand from the collected seaweed, making it easier to recycle into liquid fertiliser.

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Detailed planning into the rehabilitation of Bluegum Drive is now occurring. The works will include reconfiguring car parks and installing fencing. The work will then focus on Sugargum Drive and the construction of two car parks at the Altona Hockey and Little Athletics Clubs.

This is a large project, with work expected to begin in early 2013. Some aspects of the project will be subject to further funding being allocated.

The Council is also finalising a detailed design of the new footpath on Queen Street from Apex Park to the Men’s Shed. The project requires VicRoads approval for the section in front of Truganina Explosives Reserve before it can begin and this approval has been sought. It is hoped work will start in August/September.

Finally, tickets are now available for the 2012 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards gala dinner on Friday, 7th September at the Williamstown Town Hall, 104 Ferguson Street.

To purchase a ticket to the gala, contact Sally Curtis or Katherine Renden on 9932 1000 or email business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Please email tbriffa@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au if you wish to receive local community updates. I am also available on facebook and twitter.

Cr Tony Briffa JPMayor of Hobsons Bay

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Tides

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No day in which you learn something is a complete loss.

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The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us.

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