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Community Newspaper Issue 63, April 2015
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Issue 63, April 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
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TROISTWO WAR MEMORIALS IN ALTONA
page page
Well sometimes being an editor/writer for a community paper does have its ups as well as its downs. On this day I found myself waiting in a media only queue just prior to the gates opening at the 2015 Australian International Airshow. I left home early of course to avoid the traffic and managed to get there in good speed.
I chose a rather interesting day to attend. One hundred years ago to the day, the Bristol BoxKite was flown in Point Cook. Point Cook RAAF Museum had a major tent at the show and received a great plug in the MC’s daily introduction of flight displays.
As I sat down with the camera out, the MC indicated the show would “Trace the history of aviation from Gallipoli to the present day,” and so it did.
One of the stand-out static displays was the Global Hawk (pictured). This is one serious Drone, and it is the first time that this machine has been flown into an Airshow in Australia. Incidentally the pilot flying and landing the plane was sitting at a base in California.
But it was not all about planes! There was other hardware there in abundance, and whilst I will mainly
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW AT AVALON – WHAT A RIPPER!
FINDING OUR ANZACS
by Daniel Allen
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ABN 78 809 543 573
Advertising: [email protected] Contributions: [email protected]
Will: 0449 834 359Louise: 0403 191 084
FROM THE EDITORIt has been a very busy month!
Check out my Australian Airshow Article (not sure which page yet). That was an excellent show, I hope that some of you managed to get there to enjoy this truly remarkable event. We are lucky to have it occur so close to home. People travel from around the globe to see it!
We had a great meeting with most of the writers for the papers. One of our longest serving supporters, Peter, has been kind enough to offer to print up some business cards that will no doubt make life a lot easier in terms of getting stories to print.
Easter is not far away now, so prep your body to gain a few kilos here and there due to the vast amounts of chocolate that will no doubt be consumed! Well perhaps that is just me?
Ok thanks for the ongoing excellent efforts of our contributors and supporters. I hope you enjoy your read, please send me your feedback if you like a particular article and I will pass it on to the writer.
Have a fantastic month.
Daniel Allen
PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHERAustralia’s Gallipoli sacrifice -
8709 dead; 19,441 wounded;
It being Gallipoli’s 100th anniversary, we remember and salute those of our brave countrymen who put themselves in harm’s way, especially those who gave their all for “king and country” and loyalty to our Motherland. We remember the families and loved ones of those numbered among the terribly tragic statistics; 8709 dead; 19,441 wounded. Lest we forget. I am sure none of us will. I know I shan’t.
I’ve seen documentaries where wave after wave of troops were sent ‘over the top’ to be mowed down by machine guns and artillery before reaching the Turks’ trenches. Whole regiments, were almost wiped out in mad charges that achieved little or nothing. Tragically, this slaughter was repeated again and again in Flanders and on the Somme.
I still have a mental picture of a general back at his club with a cigar in one hand and single malt in the other whilst his troops fought in the mud and the blood! Fortunately, not all generals were like
that: Australian generals Monash and Chauvel for example. British General Birdwood (“Birdie”) was often seen in the front Aussie trenches at Gallipoli.
I once worked with a Colonel friend who told me a story about his General. He walked into the General’s office one day and there was a new cartoon hanging on the wall. The balloon said ‘There go my troops, they are a fine body of men, I am their Leader, I must catch them’.
So if you think our debt of loyalty to the ‘Old Dart’ is paid in full, you may think it is time to ask Malcolm to step up to the boss and suggest that it is time to once again put the Republic question to the voters, this time with bipartisan support.
Bill McPherson
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let the photos do the talking, one item stood out. This item was a 1943 GPW Ford Jeep also pictured.
Bevan Fenner Vice Pres of the Victorian Military Vehicle Corpse Inc. said they spent about twelve months resurrecting this vehicle from the grave. It served at a naval base during the war and ended up on French Island for many years as a “future project”. The person died, and it moved to another for the same reason, eventually making its way to Heathcote. It was there for some years before the VMVC acquired it and finally brought it back to original condition.
With so many advances in both military and civil aviation, the show continues to offer new and
exciting exhibits show after show. I have no doubt that when the next show opens, I will be there grinning, camera in hand, smelling of sun cream ready to do it all again.
(above) Condition of the engine prior to the restoration(right) A vastly improved engine bay
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1) A year of hard work pays off2) Bigfella3) Bombsquad
4) Reenactment5) Piloted and landed from a base in California
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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TWO WAR MEMORIALS IN ALTONAIn September 1946 it was decided that a war memorial in the form of an obelisk would be built in Altona Park, on the corner of Pier and Queen Streets, to record the names of Altona servicemen who had lost their lives whilst in the services. The cost was estimated at 250 pounds, with Werribee Shire donating 50 pounds, and the balance to be raised by public subscription.
These funds were raised by performances by local schoolchildren, a promenade concert, ball, picture night and house to house canvassing.
After a couple of delays the memorial was opened on the 15th December 1946, by Major General Ramsay, of El Alamein fame. He took the salute from a large group of ex servicemen and women, who marched along Pier Street to the park, accompanied by several bands. Three hundred and sixty ex servicemen
received wallets to commemorate the occasion.
At some stage this obelisk was removed from Altona Park, but I cannot find out for sure when it was shifted and what happened to it. There is a common belief that the base of the obelisk was cut up and used as the base of the eternal flame outside the council offices in Civic Parade, but again I cannot find any evidence to support this, even though I was told it by several independent sources.
The eternal flame in Civic parade was built in 1964 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Anzac day, and is one of only 4 eternal flames in Australia. If you ever wanted to go to a dawn service but haven’t, this Anzac day, the 100th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli, at one of the 4 eternal flames in the country would be the one to go to.
The eternal flame is located at the Hobsons Bay council offices, 115 Civic Parade. The dawn service starts at 5.5am, and if you want to join the march there from the Altona RSL, the march leaves Sargood Street, Altona, at 5.45am. Check the RSL’s website before hand in case of last minute changes to the timings.
Greg Milne
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SUSTAINABILITY EXPO IN HOBSONS BAYA varied and exciting Sustainability Expo is due to be held at Altona’s Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre (28 April -10 May).
The event aims to raise awareness of sustainability and environmental issues among the wider population within Hobsons Bay and beyond.
To this end, a number of diverse activities will be on offer for adults and children alike throughout the expo.
Come and listen to two free presentations by organisations and experts specialising in sustainability and the environment.
Saturday 2 May, 1.00pm
Positive Footprints, designer and builder of sustainable
homes, will give a presentation on
cost-effective sustainability
for new and established homes
Saturday 2 May, 2.00pm
Altona resident and RMIT’s Professor
Mark Osborn leads research on the impact
of microorganisms in rivers, seas, agricultural
soil and drinking water pipes.
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He will talk about plastic pollution in our rivers and seas and its current and longer-term impact.
Readers are invited to attend these presentations, ask questions and engage in discussions with the speakers about these very current and relevant issues.
Also come and see:
Saturday 2 May, 11.00amA demonstration on how to make recycled jewellery from everyday items
Saturday 2 May, 3.30pmA demonstration and discussion of food preserving
Sunday 3 May, 11.00am and 12.30pmOpen House by Positive Footprints
Tuesday 5 May, 6.30pmA water tank information seminar (My Smart Garden)
Saturday 9 May, 1.00pm
A workshop for children of all ages on recycling old into new to make Mothers’ Day gifts.
Also come and see the plastic bottle wall, edible garden displays and much more throughout the event.
All activities are free and everyone is welcome. Bookings are essential.
To book, phone 93982511, email [email protected] or visit www.joelgallery.com.au.
For more information on plastic pollution, email Prof Osborn at [email protected] or tweet @MicrobialLife.
Fabienne Chevalier
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A SILENT BATTLE – BUT NOT WITHOUT SUPPORT
Mental health isn’t a casserole illness.
When someone suffers from depression, a personality disorder, or anxiety, it is highly unlikely to have a months worth of dinners delivered to your door. It’s not an obvious physical illness.
If someone with a mental health disorder manages to get out of bed in the morning and make it to work, no-one asks about Friday night’s psychiatric appointment.
The kids at school don’t ask to sign your cast.
Mental health is very much of a silent illness, yet so many people are affected by it.
In Australia, it is estimated that 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.
One in six people will experience depression, and one in four people will experience anxiety at one point or another in their
lives.
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Only in recent years have associations such as Beyond Blue and Reachout become fridge-magnet material.
With the help of such organisations, education and acknowledgement of mental health issues can be a community-wide endeavor.
Mental health is a story that needs to be told. The general population may feel distant from the issue; but for many, it is a reality we face on a daily basis.
By bringing mental health out of the blue and into the spotlight, we can come to accept it; not avoid it.
By coming to terms with mental illness, we can treat it, and not avoid it.
For those of us who experience mental health issues, a new take on mental health by the public that includes hope for treatment and a better standard of living, can eliminate the negative stigma associated with mental illness.
Wyndham is fortunate enough to home a number of mental health service facilities, including, but by no way limited to:
Phoenix Support GroupMeets at the Salvation Army Centre, 209 Watton Street, Werribee
Mental Illness FellowshipWestern Region Health Centre and Yarra Housing, 4/3 Synnot Street, Werribee(03) 9742 9600
Werribee Mercy Mental Health ServiceLevel 1 Footscray Plaza Building, Cnr Albert & Paisley Street, Footscray 3011 (03) 9928 7444
ISIS Primary Care (which encompasses the Primary Mental Health Team, Crisis Assessment and Treatment Services, and Orygen Youth Health)117-129 Warringa Crescent, Hoppers Crossing 3029 1300 657 259 (Triage) -24 Hours
Headspace Shop 13, 5 Duncans Road, Werribee 3030(03) 8001 2366
Bailey Allen
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SAILING IN A TWILIGHT RACE – WITH SAILOR ANN
When daylight savings time finishes, the summer sailing season and twilight races on a Wednesday evening stop too.
The twilight races conducted by the two Williamstown yacht clubs , begin at 6.00pm on the northern part of Port Philip Bay.
The fleet of yachts race around laid buoy markers. My first twilight race as a boat owner was scary. I had two other crew with me on Paramour.
Fortunately we didn’t have the big colourful spinnaker sail flying when a really strong northerly wind gust blew through the fleet as we were heading down wind...whooooaah. I was quietly shrieking expletives!
All around us there were bigger boats out of control and spinnakers sails being torn. There was even a man overboard incident nearby.
We could see two other Division C boats Tandeka and Nunyarra ahead of us, still racing.
We rounded the bottom mark and headed out for the east side of the course to avoid the ‘traffic’ coming downwind towards us.
The Division C boats had gone over to the west side of the course. We sailed our yacht over to join them and began to ‘cover’ our competition –“keep between them and the finish line”.
The result was that Paramour crossed the finish line three minutes ahead of Nunyarra, to gain 9th place in our Division C of 14 boats. A happy ending for our first twilight race.
There a more stories of breezy adventures under sail in Ann’s published book found on www.blurb.com/bookstore/sports&adventure titled “Going About”.
Ann Goodwin
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FROMAGE A TROISCheese and Cider go together like bees and honey.
This statement was proven factual on Sunday 15th March, at Wyndham City’s second annual Fromage A Trois Festival. With the glorious Werribee Mansion providing the perfect back drop to this relatively new event, the people of Wyndham turned up in their thousands to sample the wares of over 50 exhibitors.
The weather started out a little grey, but eventually the clouds gave in to the sunshine. With a stage for live music, the atmosphere was brilliant. Picnic rugs and hay bales dotted the lawns of Werribee Park; umbrellas provided shade from the glorious sun.
Lawn games and photo booths gave the day an old-world charm that was impossible to resist. Watching children enjoy a game of croquet, or table tennis, whilst grown ups relaxed near-by, made a nice change from the hustle and bustle of the modern world we live in.
With a demo stage set up, industry experts taught the more serious foodies the ins and outs of a gourmet kitchen. Being a part of the Melbourne food and wine festival, this event really was all about the gourmet. I enjoyed Caprese skewers, and pulled pork sliders and some chili cheese that made my taste buds do a little jig. The Maggie Beer cider was a highlight for me, but with so many options for sampling, there was never any doubt as to how much I would enjoy the day.
The event was brilliantly organized and executed. I look forward to making this a regular fixture on my calendar and I cannot wait to sip some cider from my Fromage A Trois glass – a perfect keepsake, from a perfect day.
Melissa Longo
The decision to start a family is a time met with excitement for most, but unfortunately for some, it can be a time of frustration when they don’t conceive as quickly as they hoped. This is the sad reality for about one in six Australian couples who experience difficulty conceiving.
As Clinical Director at Melbourne IVF Werribee I see many couples who are experiencing difficulty conceiving. We’re fortunate now that we can provide them access to initial fertility investigations through to advanced treatment options, such as in-vitro fertilisation, without ever having to travel to the city.
We also offer women wishing to start a family on their own access to the Melbourne IVF donor program, or if they’re not ready to start their family they can access egg freezing technology to preserve their fertility for future.
Our fertility specialists at Melbourne IVF in Wyndham include Dr Chandrika Parmar, Dr Michael Gronow, Dr Joseph Sgroi and A/ Prof John
McBain, AO. They each offer a range of expertise specialising in all aspects of female and male infertility, fertility preservation, preconception health, fertility surgery and obstetrics. Their priority is to assess your needs and determine the most effective plan to help you achieve your dream of having a family, whilst supported by our dedicated fertility nurses, counsellors and administration staff.
If you’ve been trying to conceive for more than 12 months (or six months if you’re over 36) I encourage you to see a fertility specialist to discuss your options.
Melbourne IVF Werribee is located at Wyndham Private Medical Centre, Level 1, 242 Hoppers Lane, Werribee. To discuss seeing a fertility specialist at Melbourne IVF Werribee call 1800 111 483 or visit mivf.com.au/werribee
Dr Shlomi BarakFertility specialistClinical Director, Melbourne IVF Werribee
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AMBULANCE CRISIS - PUBLIC FORUMA few weeks ago, the Premier and I visited the Altona Ambulance Branch and released the Interim Report of the Ambulance Policy and Performance Consultative Committee.
It was great to visit our local ambulance branch and to talk about this very important report.
We know that every minute counts when it comes to saving lives.
We established this Committee because we wanted to hear first-hand from our hard working paramedics about the issues they’re facing, and find opportunities to improve the ambulance service.
The report found that ambulance response time performance have fallen dramatically over recent years; that dispatching an ambulance to a Code 1 incident in the metropolitan region takes, on average, one minute longer compared to six years ago; that public demand for emergency ambulance services has increased 5 per cent over the past six
years; and that in recent years, almost 60 per cent of all emergency incidents were classified as Code 1, but on arrival paramedics found that a Code 1 response was not required.
The report also found that our paramedics are experiencing excessive fatigue, low morale and unacceptable injury and violence, with around 45 per cent of the workforce last year saying they would not recommend the service as a good place to work.
The Committee has proposed a number of opportunities for reform, and we hope the community will now provide feedback so that we can really work together to fix the ambulance crisis.
I will be holding a public forum on the 21st of April at 7pm at The Phoenix Hotel, 40 Wallace Ave Point Cook, and I would love for you to come along.
This will be an opportunity to hear about the work that has been done so far, discuss your concerns and have a say on what happens next.
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The Interim Report can be found at www.health.vic.gov.au/ambulance.
SONS OF THE WEST
It was a real honour last month to help launch the 2015 Sons of the West program along with Bulldogs legend Tony ‘Libba’ Liberatore.
This is a fantastic program which is all about supporting men in the west to lead healthier lives and I encourage everyone to get along to the Men’s
Health Expos being hosted by the local councils in coming weeks.
Visit their website for more information - http://sonsofthewest.org.au/ - and be sure to encourage your fathers, brothers, husbands and mates to sign up.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me via [email protected] or 9395 0221.
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PURRS OF POINT COOKIn November 2014, Leah Singh and Karin Dew began an organization designed to find homes, for the abandoned and stray cats of Point Cook. In the short time it has been running, Purrs of Point Cook, with the assistance of over 25 foster carers, have saved the lives of more than 150 cats and kittens, and found appropriate homes for over 60 of them.
Foster families are screened for their suitability, before opening up their houses to the oftentimes sick or injured animals. Beyond rehabilitation, these cats thrive on the love and affection that they receive, preparing them brilliantly for their ‘forever home’.
With roughly 100 felines still under the care of this wonderful organization, Purrs are achieving amazing results, with very limited resources. The costs involved with maintaining this operation are numerous. Veterinarian fees for the variety of health issues
impacting the felines are ongoing, as well as the never-ending need for food and kitty litter.
With feline numbers currently at capacity, Purrs need your help! Adoption is the ultimate goal; so if you are looking for a new addition to your family, look no further. The standard adoption fee is $220 – this covers vet checks, worming and flea treatments, micro chipping, desexing, as well as the first F3 vaccination.
If you are not a cat person, but still feel moved to help this worthy cause, there is plenty you can do to assist. Monetary donations will go a long way towards keeping this operation running smoothly, but consumable donations, such as food, litter etc. will also be gratefully accepted. Donation bins will soon pop up around Point Cook’s local supermarkets.
For more information on the excellent work that Purrs of Point Cook are doing, check them out at https://www.facebook.com/PurrsOfPointCookAdoptions, or shoot them an email at [email protected].
Melissa Longo
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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.
Community Café Weekly
Laverton Community Centre(the Hub) 95-105 Railway Ave Laverton
Every Wednesday, 12noon-1pm Altona Meadows Community Centre 28
Trafalgar Avenue, Altona Meadows
Every Friday, 12noon-1pm 3 course meal, both days cost: $8/$5 (conc)
Bookings essential by Monday/ Thursday
Phone:8368 0177
ADAVIC ANXIETY & DEPRESSION
SUPPORT GROUPConnect with others in a safe environment to share experiences and coping strategies.Every Tuesday 7:30-9:30pm at the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre, Sargood St, Altona.$5 Casuals / $3 MembersFor more info phone: (03) 9853-8089 | email: [email protected] | visit:www.adavic.org.au
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
Join in the fun and select from a huge range of
quality toys available to borrow for children
aged up to 5 years. Meet other parents with
young children. New members welcome.
Open hours Point Cook Community Centre:
Tue & Fri 9.30-11 Sat 9.30-11.30
Wyndham Park Community Centre:
Mon & Fri 9.30-11, Sat 10-11.30.
For more info:
www.littlebuddiestoylibrary.com.au
8353 1196 or 9741 1366
What’s on
at Jamieson Way
Social Seniors Group
Mondays 1-4pm
Mummy & Me Dance Class
Wednesdays 1.30-2.30pm
Open Dance Classes
Mondays 4-5pm
Jamieson Jotters- Creative Writing
3rd Friday of every month 12.30-2.30pm
For more information contact Jamieson Way
Community Centre on:
9395 3777 [email protected]
ALTONA MEADOWS /LAVERTON UNITING CHURCH
over 50% of our families live in Point Cook
61 CENTRAL AVENUE, ALTONA MEADOWS.
You are welcome to join us any Sunday
at 10am and some Sundays at 5.30pm (Night Owl service).
We worship in a circle and have groups for
children during part of the service. Our Fijian
congregation has amalgamated with us this year.
We also have Bible study groups, discussion
groups, kids club, playgroup, etc
Contact Rev. Susan Malthouse on 9369 0384
Enquiries concerning the use of our building
to Lauris on 0409 354 932
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Community Board
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.
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]
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
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
Point Cook Walking Group
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.
Thurs & Fri at 9.00am
Leaving Jamieson Way Community Centre,
59 Jamieson Way, Point Cook
9395 1953
Help support you local community
group and join as a member at
www.pointcookactiongroup.org.au
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
Featherbrook
Community Centre
7:30pm until 9:30pm
Every 2nd & 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 Ceilidh 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 Community Bank
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
Coming up at Seabrook Community CentreHoliday Mini Picassos-creative arts program for 5-12
year olds. Half and full day sessions 1 and 8 April.
Evening immunisation session: Tuesday 28 April 7-8.00pm. Four year old needles can be had from 3 ½ Biggest Morning Tea – Relax and enjoy a cuppa from
10.30 – 11.30am and raise money for the cancer council Call 9932 3010 for more information about any of our programs and services
Marriage & Parenting
SeminarsFri 10th - Sat 11th April
Point Cook Senior Secondary CollegeHear practical tips on how to have a better marriage & family from Brett Ryan, CEO of Focus on the Family.
Register online at www.lightpointchurch.com
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
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CONQUER BAD MEMORIES. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
Can one ever forget being shot at, bombed, flying over enemy territory in a helicopter gunship, or performing on a stage where Australian singer Cathy Wayne had been shot dead just days earlier?
My memories of singing for troops in the Vietnam War live on, and are rekindled each ANZAC Day. I vividly recall performing with my brother in 133 shows in 120 days, living in a Vietnamese village in Da Nang, travelling all over South Vietnam, singing on the back of trucks, open air stages such as Freedom Hill, and at American military and fire bases. It was my first time away from home and the peaceful suburbs of Melbourne.
While my memories aren’t as profound as the soldiers who later suffered psychological trauma, depression, drug problems, alcohol abuse and suicidal thoughts, nonetheless they had an impact. For the first two weeks after returning home, I simply lay on my mother’s couch unable to get up or speak about Vietnam.
I was very underweight, physically exhausted and mentally traumatized by memories of war, death, racial tension, and ‘culture shock’.
Conquering bad memories I was helped back to mental and physical health through the support of my family. Their loving care and prayers had a restorative effect. I was able to conquer bad memories, regain my confidence and calmness, and cope with life again.
Tip: Stop trying to control things all by yourself. Realize that you aren’t responsible for everything that happens in life. Let others comfort you. Draw on their courage and strength of spirit.
- Allow spiritual thinking to reconnect you to the world and help you feel part of a greater whole.
- Refuse to replay bad memories over in your mind. If they try to return, (1) shut them out, and (2) immediately replace them with constructive, happy, healthy, good memories. (Science and Health p. 392, Mary Baker Eddy.)
- Have faith that dark thoughts can be conquered. Kindle the flame of hopefulness that exists within your thinking. Believe that it’s possible for everyone to live a normal and fulfilling life, free from bad memories.
Health writer Beverly Goldsmith, is a practitioner/teacher of Christian Science healing. Twitter: @GoldsmithBev www.spiritualityandhealthconnect.com
The Temple Two of ‘Sugar & Spice’, at Freedom Hill, Da Nang, South Vietnam, Photo: courtesy of Beverly Goldsmith
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BRIDGE, ANYONE?You rarely hear the call “Anyone for Bridge” these days. It went out with smoking rooms, liveried butlers and the private clubs of nomadic politicians.
Besides, rubber bridge, the gambling form of the game, has gone out of fashion, and an innocent invitation to a stranger to “join me for a rubber” might easily be interpreted as a different proposition altogether.
One of the great contributions that the game of bridge has made to civilisation is that it helps to bring out the worst in people. Let me explain.
In recent times, the word partner has taken on a meaning away from the card table, implying that two people are living together in a permanent or semi-permanent sharing of bond, board and bed.
The theory is that if they can put up with each other in such close proximity, there is a chance that the arrangement might be successful in the longer term.
That’s the theory; in practice, it is just an excuse for ... well, you know what I mean.
How much better, less expensive and less stressful on parents it would be if the couple in question were to form a bridge partnership.
If that lasted more than a year, there is a sporting chance that they are compatible.
Should there be any such people reading this, I assure them that if they can find a person of a gender appropriate to their preference who can execute a Reverse Squeeze or a Scissors Coup at the bridge table, there is every chance that they may be able to carry out equivalent manoeuvres in a loving relationship.
The role of referee or umpire at a bridge evening is taken by a person known as the Director, blessed with a thorough knowledge of the rules, and the ability whenever a violation occurs to give an adjudication that rivals in length and complexity a High Court arbitration.
In the region of Melbourne where this publication is read, bridge is played twice weekly at Altona Sports Club where the role of Director is taken by the affable Tim who also runs regular beginner classes.
bridgewebs.com/williamstown/
Frank O’Shea
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FROM USHUAIA TO USHUAIA – A CRUISE TO THE ANTARCTIC
The Falkland Islands
In mid January, my wife and I embarked on an adventure to the Antarctic Peninsula. After quite a deal of research, we decided that the best trip for us was one that started at Ushuaia, at the bottom of Argentina, and took us to our destination via the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Islands. It is not the most direct route, but it does take in
some spectacular scenery, wildlife - and plenty of water!
Our ship was the M.V. Hanseatic, a passenger ship with the highest ice class, and one that could accommodate about 180 passengers. A “small” ship has the advantages of being able to get closer to land and enable all of the passengers to go ashore on remote locations via Zodiacs.
After a day at sea our first port of call was the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas); an archipelago of two main islands with 338 smaller islands, located 483km from the coast of Argentina. The Falkland Islands has about 3000 permanent residents, 500,000 sheep and an average annual temperature of 5.6c - so it can get a bit chilly at times! Sheep farming and tourism are the major industries.
Our first landing was at New Island where we observed a colony of nesting Rock Hopper Penguins and Black Browed Albatross. It was a truly spectacular sight, thousands of penguins “hopping” up and down steep, windswept cliff faces. Wisely the penguin chicks did not move far from their nests and waited patiently for
The Falklands pier at Stanley
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mum or dad to bring them some food. The albatross, with their chicks, nested calmly amongst the penguins. In flight, these birds with 2-3 metre wingspans were a truly spectacular sight.
In the afternoon the Hanseatic sailed on to Carcass Island. Many of us disembarked for a hike across the island to McGill’s Settlement. The hike was not too demanding and we were able to walk across the paddocks and hills of this very remote settlement - not so easy once winter sets in. Six people live at McGill’s settlement and only three on New Island. It is a long boat ride to visit your neighbours and an even longer trip to the bright lights of Stanley.
Overnight the Hanseatic sailed on to Stanley, the capital town of the Falkland Islands. It is a somewhat unusual feeling that you have on arrival – an English village in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean! And an English village it is, with quaint little streets and houses, pubs with warm beer, fish and chips, an old English Post Office, a Government House – and English accents everywhere!
The Falkland Islands do not belong to the sub Antarctic region, but form a spectacular start point for the trip ahead. Our next port of call was the South Georgia Islands, two days sailing away.
John Dickenson
The Stanley Post Office
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GREEN TEA FOR YOUR WELLBEING
It has been proven that green tea is good for wellbeing even during the ancient time - from cure for coughs and colds, sinus problems, use as antiseptic, used to aid digestion or even use to soothe the nervous system.
The workshop that I attended on "Grow your Own Herbal Teas Workshop!" organised by the Wyndham City as part of the Green Living Series Events was held at Featherbrook Community Centre, Point Cook.
The expert in edible gardening Karen Sutherland of Edible Eden Design conducted the workshop in collaboration with Tessa O'Brien of the Wyndham City and a representative from the City West.
The workshop was attended by 26 participants (four are males).
Karen show the easiest way to use herbs medicinally is by drinking herbal tea by infusion (steeping the tea leaves in just boiled or heated water to release the delicious flavour!).
She advised using the freshly boiled water (not heated in a microwave); to use china or glass teapot and not metal which can affect the properties of the herbs.
If you want to sweeten your green tea, raw honey
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is preferable and not the runny type sold at the supermarket. I bought my pure raw honey from Craig Castree.
Karen demonstrated to us how to make herbal teas - prepare the tea by adding 1 cup of boiling water to 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh herb. She demonstrated the traditional method is to tie herbs in bunches and hang them upside down to dry (for air flow). If you decided to dry individual leaves in cane basket, it should be shuffled around every day or so to prevent any mould developing. When fully dried (usually two weeks) they should be stored in a well-sealed jar or tin, and kept in a cool dark place.
For me, why dry when I have some of them in my garden. I just picked it fresh, the taste is refreshing and delightful!
The different varieties of herbal teas you can use are: thyme, mint (peppermint, chocolate mint, apple mint), pineapple sage, lemon myrtle, sage and lemon grass.
I have a lemon grass plant and did not know that I can use the leaves in making green tea. It is lemony delicious and very refreshing.
PS: If you are pregnant or have a serious medical conditions, Karen advice is to seek with your doctor before taking any herbs medicinally as herbs may affect any pharmaceutical drugs you may be taking.
Some of the pictures of the different varieties of Herbal Teas and their Therapeutic uses (compliments of Karen of Edible Eden Design [copyright 2015 www.edibleedendesign.com]).
Maria Pagunsan
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From the same writer/director duo that brought us the instant classic, Crazy Stupid Love, Glenn Ficarra and John Requa give us another angle from which to view love, in Focus.
A mash up of genres, this flick takes everything fun about heist movies and mixes it with a little romance and drama to boot.
Will Smith plays Nicky, a con artist at the height of his game, running a rag-tag team of thieves – so far, so Ocean’s 11.
In walks Australia’s very own Margot Robbie and suddenly the film kicks up a notch.
Obviously Robbie is very nice to look at, but this young actor is so much more than that. She is proving to be quite the power player in Hollywood, outshining the usually charismatic Smith in every scene.
Much like George Clooney, Will Smith does not have to do a lot to keep viewers happy.
Smith is a little under in this film, but Ms. Robbie more than makes up for it.
A little slow at times, this film works best when it avoids the romantic element.
There are plenty of plot twists - some more entertaining than others, but overall a pleasurable viewing experience.
Keep expectations low and simply enjoy the ride!
Melissa Longo
Flick Chic Reviews
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FINDING OUR ANZACS - THE CONNOP BROTHERS
Two of the sons of John and Margaret Connop of Little River, went off to the First World War and did not return.
The younger brother, Edward Joseph, enlisted on the 19th July 1915, and arrived in France in late March 1916.
He was concussed by a shell at Pozieres in August, but after six days recovering he re-joined his unit, the 7th Battalion.
Edward was involved in the fighting around Menin Road in September 1917 when he was badly wounded. He died of these wounds three weeks later.
Back in Australia, less than two weeks before Edward stepped ashore in France, his brother John Edmund was enlisting in the 29th Battalion.
John followed his brother, arriving in France in November 1916, probably unaware that his brother had been promoted to Sergeant only weeks before.
In early March 1917 John was wounded in the back,
and spent some time at the 1st Eastern General Hospital at Cambridge before re-joining his unit again in France. Only 5 days after his brother Edward died of his wounds, John was also wounded and died the following day at the 17th Casualty Clearing Station.
In 1920 the Army requested from the family inscriptions for the graves of John and Edward. Their mother chose some inscriptions and sent them to the army. For John she chose-
“Oh for a touch of the vanished hand, Oh for the sound of the voice that is still.”
And for her son Edward, Margaret chose- “ Eternal rest give unto him Oh Lord. May his soul rest in peace.”
The Army wrote back saying that John’s inscription was too long, and it must be limited to 66 characters, with the space between words counting as a character.
Margaret replied, changing John’s inscription to “Sacred heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.” Although she had given two sons to the war, in this letter Margaret also apologized to the army for the inconvenience she had put the army to, by putting in an inscription that was too long.
The two brother’s names are recorded on the soldier’s memorial in Watton Street, Lest We Forget.
Greg Milne
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HELP GET KIDS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES SOME IPADS
Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities Inc. (ADEC) has been supporting people living with disabilities as well as their carers for over 30 years.
We are now undertaking our first crowdfunding campaign so that children can gain confidence; and improve their communication and social skills using technology.
Digital Respite is a program that innovatively blends the magic of computer games, educational software, and new technology.
It provides enjoyable, engaging, and valuable social respite time for children and their carers.
Digital Respite also allows participants to make new friends, play, and laugh together, colouring their imaginations, while crafting their skills as they grow.
Make a small, one off, affordable donation to assist ADEC in providing the best digital respite experience possible.
Every cent of every dollar you pledge will go directly to the Digital Respite effort to obtain some iPads for this cause. Your contribution is vital to enabling ADEC’s fun-loving youth to make life-changing discoveries in our amazing world.
There is more information available on the fundraising webpage.
Act today, pledge your support now by visiting our fundraising page: letsact.com.au/projects/ipads-4-kids-with-digital-ability
It may be easier to just goto letsact.com.au and look for our project on the front page.
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AUSTRALIAN PELICAN(Pelecanus conspicillatus)
The Australian Pelican is a large waterbird common and widespread on Australia’s coastal and inland waters. It is also found in New Guinea, Fiji, parts of Indonesia and, occasionally, a stray bird is seen in New Zealand.
If you spot a very large white bird with black wings and a huge pink bill paddling about on, for example, Cherry Lake, you can be sure it’s a pelican.
However, by pelican standards, the Australian species is only medium sized. It has a wingspan between 2.3 and 2.6 metres and it weighs from 4kg to 13kg. Even by pelican standards, the pale pink bill is enormous. In fact, it’s the largest bill in the avian world. The male bill can reach as much as 50cm in length while female bills measure around 35cm at maturity.
Pelicans are commonly seen on large expanses of open water such as large lakes, reservoirs and rivers as well as estuaries, swamps and coastal lagoons. Australian Pelicans follow the availability of food rather than be in a certain place at a particular time of year.
The occurrence of drought frequently determines movements. When the normally barren Lake Eyre floods, only a handful of pelicans remain in coastal areas, but when the lake dries again, the population disperses once more and thousands of birds migrate to the coast.
A social bird, the Australian Pelican works in groups to drive fish to shallower water, thus making them easier to catch.
Birds are particularly fond of introduced species such as goldfish, European carp and European perch, but will eat native fish whenever possible, a favourite being Leiopotherapon unicolour, an Australian perch.
Birds also feed regularly on insects and aquatic crustaceans, especially shrimps and the common yabby.
Pelicans also take birds such as the silver gull and grey teal, including eggs, nestlings, fledglings and adults, and reptiles and amphibians when available.
In southern Australia, Pelicans breed in spring, their nests being a shallow depression in earth or sand, sometimes with a grass lining. The one to four eggs are chalky white and often appear scratched and dirty.
Incubation is 32 to 35 days and the chicks are naked when they hatch. Young pelicans fledge at around three months of age.
Helene Wild │ [email protected]
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2015 WYNDHAM MULTICULTURAL FIESTA A SUCCESS!
The Wyndham Multicultural Fiesta can be summed up in 4 F’s – flavourful, fun, fiery and fabulous.
FLAVOURFUL – this one day activity on March 22 2015 is surely a taste of various cultural influences. The performances of the live entertainment are a good glimpse on what each cultural group can offer. The costumes are authentic and colourful. Every
song and dance is top-notch. Performers are crowd-pleasers. Never was there a dull moment.
FUN – there’s lots to do catering to guests of all ages. There are some booths offering activities and hands-on workshops. Under the sweltering heat of the afternoon sun, families can enjoy a picnic under the cooler and shaded areas of the Werribee Park.
Lehenda Ukrainian Dance Company
People and Places
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Kids are entertained by roving balloon maker, face painters and so much more. Crafts sold by various groups showcase talents and skills native to their heritage.
One can also enjoy sightseeing along the frontage of the Werribee Mansion!
FIERY – food offered by different stalls and food businesses also provide a flavour of their culinary expertise.
An interesting mix of picnic food is also on offer.
FABULOUS – where can you find at least 17 performances representing their cultural groups, big time guests and speakers, 12 major sponsors, around 48 groups representing businesses and organisations that have participated through stalls, exhibits, and sports clinic and demonstrations?
A cast of hundreds gathered together on one magnificent blending of sights, sounds, colour and language. Truly an event that can be considered a success!
Mimi Laurilla
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Alegria Latin Carnival
Dempsey Irish Dancers
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HEALTHY EATING TIPS FOR EASTER
‘Laughter is brightest where food is best.’ – Irish proverb
1. Keep calm and eat chocolate
Treat chocolate as a luxury – in moderation after a meal or snack. Chocolate hasn’t made it as a food group! (yet ;)
Pick dark chocolate: it’s good for your heart! That’s the findings of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
2. Go on that Easter egg hunt
Get the whole family out of the house, away from the tv and the stash of Easter eggs.
Take in the sunshine, fresh air, and fun on that Easter Egg hunt, visit the Werribee Zoo, or frolic at the beach. Visit ExperienceWyndham.com.au for what’s on.
3. Variety is the spice of life
Try a few new recipes with a range of colourful and seasonal ingredients. Bake, grill, and steam instead of frying. Use olive oil instead of margarine or cream.
Use less salt, more herbs, and more vegies. Play with funky ingredients like quinoa, chia, lentils, chickpeas, and lychees. Visit taste.com.au for ideas.
4. Eat, drink, and be merry
Easter is the perfect time to catch up with loved ones over food. Linger over breakfasts, plan picnic lunches, and look forward to bbq dinners.
Take turns to cook, or… go on, a little take away won’t hurt! Explore jamieoliver.com or kidspot.com.au for quick, tasty, healthy meals even the kids will adore.
Above all, sit back and savour fresh, tasty food cooked with love and shared with good company throughout the Easter break.
HAPPY EASTER!
- Cynthia Marinakos
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Laugh Out Loud
GETTING OLDER
A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor's office. "Is it true," she wanted to know, "that the
medication you prescribed has to be taken for the rest of my life?" "'Yes, I'm afraid so,"' the doctor
told her. There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied, "I'm wondering, then, just how serious is my condition because this prescription is
marked 'NO REFILLS'.."
~~~~~~~~~~
An older gentleman was on the operating table awaiting surgery and he insisted that his son, a renowned surgeon, perform the operation. As he was about to get the anaesthesia, he asked to speak to his son. "Yes, Dad , what is it?" "Don't be nervous,
son; do your best, and just remember, if it doesn't go well, if something happens to me, your mother is
going to come and live with you and your wife...."
~~~~~~~~~~
Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it. This is so true. I love to hear them say "you don't
look that old."
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The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.
~~~~~~~~~~
Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me! I want people to know why I look this way. I've travelled a long way and some of the roads weren't
paved.
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When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.
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One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being
young.
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Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
~~~~~~~~~~
First you forget names, then you forget faces. Then you forget to pull up your zipper... it's worse
when you forget to pull it down.
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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 Hi Kids
Cook’s Chocolate Bunny Droppings
Happy Easter. Or it would be if Mython the Python hadn’t banned Easter. Outright. Just like that. She’s the Matron here at the Institute for Performing Humanimals, where I live.
It’s Squidge’s fault – it was her note passed around during decorum lessons, even when everyone knows ‘one must pay attention in class, at all times.’ (even when they’re snoring!)
Now there’s no Easter egg hunt this Sunday after Mass. But, I’m not worried.
(‘cuse I found a recipe for Chocolate Bunny Droppings in the scullery when I was on dishes duty. And now, I can’t wait. I just know I’ll find an eggstra special treat in my semolina pud come Sunday supper.) Yumbo. Scrumbo. I hope so.
Cook always thinks of us humanimals. (especially when Python’s being mean.) Uh oh. Matron’s coming. Don’t tell the adult-humans. If word gets back we’re having an Easter treat, there’ll be hell to pay! ‘Til next time. Mweow for Ciao.
C.A Thornton
COOK’s RECIPIE for Chocolate Bunny Droppings
INGREDIENTS
1 cup of Dark or Milk Melting Chocolate
1½ Tbsp of crushed twigs - walnuts or peanuts
1½ Tbsp of shredded grass - coconut
1 Tbsp of chopped fruit – sultanas
6-8 Mini Patty Pans
METHOD
1. Put chocolate in a jug. Place jug in a pot of water on the stove. Simmer water to melt the choco-late over the heat.
2. Once Chocolate melts, slowly stir in walnuts, coconut and sulta-nas.
3. Take jug out of pot and place on a warmed towel waiting on bench.
4. Fill the Mini Patty Pans with chocolate mix. Sprinkle with crushed walnuts and place in the fridge for an hour or so.
5. When set, take droppings out of Patty Pans and enjoy with a glass of milk!
36 Please redistribute rather than discard.
