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Community Newspaper Issue 76, May 2016
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Issue 76, May 2016
continued page 3
The Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is distributed in Point Cook
Please redistribute rather than discard this paper - give it to your friends, family or neighbours!
FIND US ON Facebook.com/aroundpointcookcommunitynewspaper
6 18 32 page $5000 GRANT
FOR POINT COOK LOCALS
HAPPY MOTHERING!
page page RECIPE PAGE
Point Cook local, Chee Wei TAY has gone back-to-back at the 49th WorldFest-Houston International Film & Video Festival. Picking up a Gold Remi Award for ‘Best Musical Score,’ for his work on the feature film, Bring Back the Dead, Chee Wei is making waves in a big way!
Bring Back the Dead also won the Platinum Remi Award in the ‘Best Fantasy/Horror Film.’ Additionally, Chee Wei represented several other titles that were awarded at Worldfest-Houston, having composed the music score and headed the sound post-production for the following winning titles:
• Platinum Remi Award (Informational/Cultural/Historical program - Series) - Singapore Archipelago
• Gold Remi Award (Informational/Cultural/Historical program - Series) - Route Awakening
• Gold Remi Award (TV series) - Zero Calling Season 2
The WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival is one of the three original international film festivals in North America and is the oldest independent film festival in the USA. There was a record number of over 4500 entries from over 70 countries in this year’s edition of WorldFest.
WorldFest discovered the likes of Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Ang Lee, Ridley Scott, The Coen Brothers, David Lynch, Oliver Stone, Francis Ford Coppola, and many more. To be amongst that list of
CONSECUTIVE WINS FOR POINT COOK LOCAL!Melissa Longo
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ABN 78 809 543 573
Advertising: [email protected] Contributions: [email protected]
Will: 0449 834 359Louise: 0403 191 084 Email: [email protected]
FROM THE EDITORHello out there…My pregnancy is travelling along at break-neck speed – by the time you read this, I should be at 25 weeks! The morning sickness, or as I like to call it, ‘around the clock
torture’, has finally wrapped up, so feel free to pass me the food!
Never one for a surprise, I couldn’t wait to find out what’s brewing inside, so without
further ado, it is my absolute pleasure to tell you guys that I am having a boy!!
Despite Willow’s many prayers for a sister, she took to this news wonderfully and is now telling anyone who cares to listen that she is getting a little brother! It is actually beautiful to witness her excitement and it has given me the inspiration for this month’s edition…a Mother’s Day Special!
Being a mama is my greatest job – the satisfaction I feel from watching
Willow grow cannot be matched. I love her unconditionally and it is a love that
never rests. She makes everything better and in fact, she makes me better. The fact that I am about to bring another life into this world is brilliant and I cannot wait to expand my heart a whole lot more for this little human!So let us celebrate all things Mum! If you have a mum, or a mother-figure in your life, if you are a mum, or about to be a mum …. Shout it from the roof tops!! It is the hardest gig ever, but the rewards are boundless. We have plenty of great content as always – my writers are from this community and are some of the most passionate and committed individuals going around – so a special thanks to them this month, as well as to all the mums out there – may we continue to inspire each other endlessly.
See you next month,Melissa Longo
PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHERWe, the interested parties, are currently focused on following the progress of the pregnancy of our Editor and her new assistant to be.
It is believed that regular reports will be issued and any of your questions will be answered.
Melissa and her little one, the gorgeous Willow, are both excited about the event.
I’m sure the family Facebook site will carry the news and would welcome you, as would the Around local newspaper of which Melissa is the Editor. You can receive your copy free via email on the first of the month simply by sending your request to [email protected], with ‘Please send me a free copy’ in the subject line.
Around Papers have been approached by a new local
Not for Profit Incorporated Community Association, named ‘Social Media Marketing Professionals Inc.’, for promotion of their concept and financial support. Their proposal is that we help them recruit Members, to manage sites for business clients, who require assistance with Marketing on Social Media and who don’t want to do this work for themselves.
If you have an interest in either side of the equation, email me at [email protected]
Bill McPherson
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Advertise with Around Point Cook/Altona community newspapers
Contact
WillM: 0449 834 359
LouiseM: 0403 191 084
PUT THE BUZZZBACK INTO YOUR BIZ!
winners is no small feat and Chee Wei is rightly proud of his achievements.
Speaking after the awards, Chee Wei said: “I know it’s been said before, but events like this show again just how music transcends language, people, places and other divisions between us. When I saw the people at WorldFest-Houston found the films so obviously enjoyable and thought provoking, even when it is not presented in their native language, it just reinforced for me how important a good music score really is to all of us, so I really have to salute the efforts of our crew of talented musicians and sound engineers."
Chee-Wei TAY is a Singapore-born award winning film composer, who now calls Point Cook home. Recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s leading music composers, he has worked on feature films and numerous television series for International Broadcasters such as National Geographic Channel, Discovery, PBS (NOVA), ARTE, Channel NewsAsia, BBC Worldwide and Animal Planet.
Chee-Wei’s musical style encompasses both strength and energy, yet at the same time it can be subtle and intimate. Coming from the melting pot at the cross-roads of Asia, yet with influences from all around the world, Chee-Wei’s music has a unique quality not heard elsewhere and clearly it is resonating on an International level.
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7-year-old Golfer Takes on the WorldTaegen Dodds, a 7-year-old golfing enthusiast from Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club in Point Cook, travelled to Yeppoon last week, to attend the 2016 Australian Age Group Golf Championships, hosted by the Capricorn Golf Resort, from the 5th to the 8th of April.
After three days of golf, Taegen placed third in the Under
8 age category. During the final day’s play, which incorporated him playing in the group that had the defending Veritas World Age Group Champion in it, Taegen shot the day’s lowest score, a fine 39 from 9 holes.
Due to this performance and his attitude and determination shown during the week, Taegen was selected to represent the 2016 Australian Team, that will travel to the IJGA World Stars of Junior Golf to be held in Las Vegas in July, 2016. He has also
been invited, along with the 2016 Australian Team to compete at the Inaugural 2016 West Coast AAU Junior Olympic Games Golf Championship, to be held in Temecula, California, also in July.
Tournament Director, Shelley Scott had this to say, "We would like to say a huge thank you to Byron and Taegen Dodds for travelling to the Capricorn Coast, to compete in the 2016 Australian Junior Age Division Golf Championship. Taegen’s performance was outstanding, finishing 3rd in the 7-8 years’ age division, against some tough competition, including the Veritas World Junior champion and he fought all the way to the end. You should be proud Taegen and hold your head high. . .. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Byron and Taegen and we look forward to a great relationship for many years to come.'
Taegen started playing golf from the age of 3 and was a regular at golfing clinics in the western suburbs. Since joining Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club, of which he is the youngest ever member at 6 years of age, he is a regular fixture at the practice facilities.
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KICK TO KICKThe Boy was young when he gave up AFL. AusKick lead to Under 9’s and 10’s, and even with modified rules, a smaller ground and the players prohibited from tackling, he wasn’t loving it. Each and every week was a trial, and finally he begged us not to take him again. The Boy had spat the dummy. I could tell Hubby was shattered. I was secretly rejoicing.
A few years before, he’d started indoor soccer. With a smaller pitch and only seven a side, futsal is focused on skills and speed, and not so much about roughhousing, which suited him down to the ground. He took to it like a duck to water, taking on the big pitch soon after. Field soccer was the next conquest with different rules, more space to run, and passing and control so important. The Lefty found he had a few tricks up his sleeve from the
get go and had finally found something he loved.
After a while it all came together, and with three consecutive Lightning Cups and Premierships under their belt, the boys were on a roll. Then something happened. Moving from under 14’s to under 16’s they all went their separate ways. Some progressed to the next age group where they were taller, stronger, and had to shave before leaving home. Some went to other clubs to play in different leagues, and some moved codes altogether.
And The Boy is now back where he started.
So here I am. No longer a soccer mum, now a footy mum. There’s something that doesn’t feel quite right about that statement. Is it the new uniform? The new rules? Or is it that I don’t even know any of the other parents? It’s probably a combination of everything. But as a mum I am here none the less, and no matter what the code, no matter what the team, one thing remains the same. The socks after the game will be just as stinky xx
Dee Simpson
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HAPPY MOTHERING! IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
© Glow Images. Models used for illustrative purposes
Today’s woman is multi-faceted. She can be a wife, daughter, sister, aunt, mother and grandmother.
As a mum, she juggles her life with raising children, running a home, work or study.
As a grandmother, she often plays an important role in looking-after her grandchildren.
For these women, mothering is a serious responsibility and a treasured privilege.
While it’s a demanding life, it can be made easier when it incorporates happy mothering, which is good for your health.
Celebrate Happy Mothering
Each year Mother’s Day celebrates the contribution women make to family life and acknowledges the importance of mothering.
My earliest participation in this celebration, was the morning I proudly carried the breakfast tray into my mother's room for the first time.
Serving my Mum breakfast in bed was my way of thanking her for the love and caring she was giving me.
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Of course, I didn't fully appreciate all she was doing to raise me to be a happy, healthy, good person.
Yet my mother did this each day with boundless grace and love.
TIPS:
- Relish the challenges of parenting. Be pleased that you’re doing your best as a mother.
- Take pleasure in the fact that you get your children to school each day, so that they can receive a good education - that you’re able to feed, clothe, and give them a safe, loving home; that through your efforts, you are giving them a good start in life.
- Be glad to “Direct your children onto the right path (so that), when they are older, they will not leave it.” The Bible, Proverbs 22:6.
- Feel satisfied that through your spiritual values and example, your children will become model citizens, knowing right from wrong, treating everyone with respect and kindness, and being a blessing to others at home, school and in the community.
- Have inner contentment. Find joy in allowing meditation or prayer help you to be a happy mother. "Take time to be holy, Be calm in thy soul; Each thought and each motive beneath His control." - W.D. Longstaff .
- Be grateful for your mother’s nurturing and the selfless caring that women around the world give their own children and others.
“Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires
all mankind to share it.” Science and Health p. 57 – Mary Baker Eddy.
- Be joyous. With the help of a divine Mother-love you can fulfill your parenting tasks with poise and grace, and celebrate happy mothering.
Beverly Goldsmith is a health writer and practitioner and teacher of Christian Science
healing. www.spiritualityandhealthconnect.com
Twitter: @GoldsmithBev
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Osteoporosis or brittle bone disease is a crippling health problem - one in two women and one in three men will be affected during their lifetime.
There are no symptoms - until you break a bone. But it can easily be avoided.
We tend to think of osteoporosis as an older person's, and particularly a women's condition.
With menopause there is a sharp decline of the hormone oestrogen, which plays a central role in maintaining healthy bones and protecting calcium stores.
The mineral content and the connective tissue of bones is reduced with the loss of oestrogen, making the bones brittle and prone to fractures, especially of the hip, wrist or spine.
While the majority of women develop osteoporosis later in life, there are increasing cases of young women in their twenties and thirties, who are jeopardising the health of their bones through eating disorders, like anorexia and bulimia, and over exercising, which can disrupt normal periods. Both of these can reduce oestrogen levels in the body and contribute to thinning of the bones.
Your bones reach peak strength by about 18 to 20 years, with a great increase in strength in adolescence. At about the age of 35, bones start to lose calcium at approximately one percent per year, except for women around menopause, who for 5 to 10 years, lose calcium at a much faster rate than men. The healthier your bones are when they reach their peak bone mass, the stronger they will be later on in life. Because females are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis, it is particularly important that teenage girls and young women have the highest possible peak bone mass in early adulthood.
Whatever age you are, you can build better bones by making smart diet and lifestyle choices.
BONE BOOSTERS
Supplements. Calcium, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Potassium, Evening Primrose Oil capsules.
Essential Fatty Acids. Oily fish, Sunflower Seeds, Sunflower and Linseed Oil, Soya beans, Walnuts, Eggs.
Phytoestrogens. Soya Beans, Tofu, Chickpeas, Lentils, Linseed.
Calcium. Milk, Cheese, Yoghurt, Almonds, Sardines and Salmon.
Micronutrients. Apples, Pears, Oranges, Leafy Vegetables, Broccoli, Brazil Nuts, Wholemeal Flour.
Exercise. Weight bearing exercise three times a week for half an hour to an hour.
Yours in the best of health,Cherie de Haas
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ARE YOU SAFEGUARDING YOUR BONES?
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WANT TO RESET YOUR HORMONES?FOCUS ON WHAT YOU PUT ON YOUR FORK
Leading Melbourne Naturopath and Nutritionist, Caterina Morrison, talks about nutritional
endocrinology, explaining 5 ways to change your hormones by what you put on your fork.
1. Diversify Your Gut Bacteria
Your gut bacteria, or micro biome plays a large role in whether you are fat or thin. They control how you respond to the food you eat: whether you store it as fat, or use it as fuel. To turn on your ‘skinny bacteria’ and turn off your ‘fat bacteria’, eat more probiotic-rich foods, such as: organic miso, sauerkraut, Kim chi, Kombucha and other fermented foods. Taking a probi-otic, which has between 15 and 50 billion CFU per day, is a great start. If you’re new to probiotics you need to start low, less than 5 billion CFU per day, and gradu-ally work up to avoid the ‘die off’ reaction, feeling like you have the flu issues.
2. Increase the Fiber.
Our foods are becoming more processed and less whole, with fiber being processed away. Increased fiber intake has been shown to reduce cortisol, (the main stress hormone), stabilize insulin and blood sug-ar, and lower bad estrogens, (which may reduce your risk of breast cancer). As a broad statement, women should consume 35 to 45 grams of fiber per day, as part of a healthy food plan; men slightly more than this. To compare, most women only consume about 13 grams of fiber per day. Eating a combination of fiber rich foods, such as vegetables, fruit, chia seeds and flax seeds and taking a fiber supplement is a great start. But beware: increase your fiber intake slowly, by no more than 5 grams per day. Going faster may cause gas, bloating, and even constipation.
3. Forgoe the Grains.
If you struggle with your weight, have sugar cravings or have pre-diabetes or diabetes, you need to flick the grains off your fork. Eating too many refined carbohydrates and grains often causes hormonal havoc - more stress, higher cortisol levels, lower sex hormones, (such as testosterone). Focus instead on low-starch vegetables and clean protein, eaten slowly and mindfully. After a period of mastering your hormones, many people can add back grains, but focus on the slow burning types, especially sprouted grains that do not contain gluten.
4. Ditch the Dairy.
Dairy and conventional cheese often cause food intolerance to casein, the main milk protein. If you are sensitive to casein, avoid it, as intolerance raises cortisol, contributes to leaky gut syndrome and internal Inflammation issues that disrupt hormones in your body.
5. Make Your Liver HAPPY.
Many Westerners have an ‘Acute Fatty Liver’, which leads to problems with how you utilize hormones in the body, since your liver helps synthesize your hormones. What helps? Avoid fructose, sugar, sugar substitutes and highly fried or fatty foods. Focus on getting liver detoxifiers such as beets, dandelion leaves, St Mary’s thistle and artichokes into your diet.
For more tips for Your Best Health Ever, visit Caterina’s Facebook page:
Caterina Morrison, Naturopath, Health and Wellbeing Expert.
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WHEN THEY ONLY WANT YOU! - HOW TO MANAGE A 'CLINGY' CHILD!
At times, your child may display a stronger sense of attachment towards you or your partner. Unless you or a health professional are significantly concerned regarding this behaviour, it may be safe to assume that this may be a short term clingy-ness. Even though the logical side of you knows it’s ‘just a phase’, it doesn’t make it any less tiring or challenging for both you and your child. Here’s some of my Dos and Don’ts to manage this:
Don’t:
Try and find particular causes or reasons for this: Sometimes a child just wants you and that’s all there is to it. Finding out reasons may lead you to particular solutions for this ‘problem’, creating more conflicts and dramas around the house.
Try and distract yourself or your child unless absolutely necessary for survival: Self explanatory. If your child recognises that you are trying to ‘get rid of her temporarily,’ for something or God forbid, someone else, it may make them feel insecure and hence react strongly.
Regret parenting… (just yet! Wait till they are teenagers maybe?) - Like all stages and all ages of your child’s life, this phase is just a part of it. Don’t give into your negative thought patterns that can hint towards thoughts such as, ‘this is it! I will never be able to breathe’!
Do:
Accept it: Remind yourself, it’s just a phase. Ask those around to remind you, it’s just a phase. Without trying to fight this situation, work towards acceptance! It saves energy, time and a lot of heartache for both you and your child.
Milk it!: Indulge in the attention being showered upon you! It won’t happen for too long, or too often. Feel the need to be needed so much by this one little being you created :)
Plan and Prepare: Since you are aware of the situation, use this inside information to better prepare for daily activities, so as to save time and energy, to be present for your child when they are around you. Do things around their sleep times, ask for help and let go of things that won’t challenge your existence.
Self Care: Spend a few minutes here and there, consciously engaging in activities you enjoy. Coffee, shopping, gym-ing, internet surfing etc. Tell yourself ‘my child doesn’t need me for the next two minutes, (or longer if you are lucky) and I will spend this time by doing……’
Make yourself feel special and give yourself a break.
Though I am a superwoman, like all other partnered and single mums out there, it was important for me to recall that saving the world wasn’t as important, as providing my child with the attention and connection she needed from me.
If you are struggling with something similar and nothing seems to work, feel free to contact me and we can work on a plan together.
*A longer version of the article mentioning my recent struggle is available on the blog section of my website.
Neha DaveRegistered Psychologist
Www.nehadave.com
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FUN THINGS TO DO WITH MUM TO CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY
As Mother’s Day is fast approaching we now scramble for that special something we can do for, or with Mum!
I share with you my top 5 things which I did for and with my Mum when she stayed with my family last year. Although these are not necessarily all done specifically for Mother’s Day, you can consider these as options, so that you can do something different this time.
1. Event Shopping – you can take your Mum to an event that is currently happening, like a festival, a fair,
an exhibition or a performing arts show.
Last year I took my Mum to several flower and garden shows, as she is an aficionado and a green thumb.
She loves plants and ornamentals so much; it was fitting to take her to her happy place.
Check out what’s on offer at your local community or civic centre, or find other events around Melbourne through the eyes of a ‘visitor’ by checking out relevant Melbourne Arts and Events websites.
2. Relaxation and Spa experience – We all know that Mums work 24/7 and there is never a rest day for her, even on the weekend!
Give her a gift voucher for a spa, massage or beauty therapy session to ease those tense muscles and joints, or at least to have time for a manicure/pedicure, a trim or facial treatment.
You can also have a mother-daughter date, if you want to join her on a day out for some ‘me-time.’
3. Treat for the foodies - I am not going to suggest booking a table at her favourite restaurant, as this is usually what is already commonly done.
What I am inclined to suggest is booking to attend a food festival, or a wine and cheese tasting trip somewhere really nice, so that she can experience food in a different way.
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You could possibly contact a professional chef, who could prepare her favourite meals for her in an exclusive restaurant, or organise a barbecue with friends and family, this time bringing a plate to share.
Or if she prefers to learn at the same time, you can book her some cooking lessons of cuisines she has never tried before.
Even cake decorating classes for example. I introduced a website and an app to my mum, for her to use - she discovered the joys of using the internet to search for recipes to try out at home.
4. Day trips – When time allows, take Mum out on a day trip to a place or location she has never been to.
We did this a lot when Mum was around.
She generally preferred not to stay overnight when we travelled, so most of our trips were day trips.
Plan your itinerary so that she is able to see and go to places and points of interest within the area.
If there is time to sample a local dish, make reservations to eat at popular eateries in the area.
When budget and time allows, book Mum for a longer land, air or sea travel to another state or country.
5. Good ‘old-fashioned’ family time – When you have time to organise, you can request family members, (especially those your Mum hasn’t seen for a long time) for a visit.
Here you can get the kids to prepare a song or dance number, or even some story telling time with Nana.
A family lunch or dinner at home will allow for a much-sought after family reunion.
There could be gift-giving for all Mums present at the gathering, with flower offerings from members of the family to show their appreciation for all mothers in the family.
There you have it – this list is not exhaustive, but it could give you a start in planning for that special day – good luck and let me know how it goes.
Mimi Laurilla
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THE SETTING SUN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
Those of you familiar with me now, are fully aware of my love for the Sun Theatre.
The Yarraville Cinema is my favourite place to watch a flick and I think that us Westies are incredibly lucky, to be able to frequent such a fabulous establishment.
A particularly wonderful thing about the Sun Theatre, is its constant willingness to support local causes and local talent.
The local talent was on full display at this year’s 3rd Annual Setting Sun Short Film festival, held over four days from Thursday the 14th of April, to Sunday the 18th.
With 60 entries for this year’s event, the festival was filled with a diverse array of shorts – everything from sci-fi to a period drama and quality documentaries to animation.
Flick Chic Recommends….
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I was lucky enough to attend the student night, and the feeling in the cinema was one of pride.
Entrants and their families and friends were clearly in attendance and the opportunity to see their work up on the big screen – the very same screen that I had watched Star Wars on not long ago - was not to be missed!
As to the content, well it was actually quite brilliant! I had no idea what to expect, but left the screening with an enthusiasm for film making that can only come from knowing that anything is possible.
In this age of multi-media, where my 6-year-old can make a movie on her iPad mini should the mood strike her, it is well within the realms of possibility to dream big!
I was moved to laughter, tears and genuine anticipation, as each short ended and another began.
The cleverness and imagination on display was exciting and the more thrilling aspect of this particular event, was knowing that more often than not, the talent on show was coming right out of our very own backyards.
I look forward to next year’s event and will definitely be attending more of the available sessions.
Get behind our local talent, because you never know when you will witness the beginnings of something special…. perhaps the next Steven Spielberg was in that cinema….time will tell.
Melissa Longo
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TRUST CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF EMPOWERING GIRLS WITH EDUCATION
This time last year, I wrote about 11 young girls who were rescued from the sex-slave industry in India. They now live in the Eastern Hills region of Andhra Pradesh, at the Mercy Home for Little Sisters. Perhaps it’s a coincide that a year later, as Mothers Day trots again into our lives, I write about another incredible hand reaching across to India, this time, in the Punjab State.
Ten years ago a younger Kip Chauli was troubled about how he might ‘bring betterment to
the lives of financially struggling girls in India who couldn’t afford a university education’, an anguish that lead him to be inspired into action. He created a trust, along with four other members, and together they began to empower young, hopeful girls through education.
The Kirpal Singh Chauli Trust began with its first scholarship awarded at its inaugural meeting in 2006. Ten years on, 43 girls, including 9 with physical challenges, have completed their degrees, some going on to higher learning programmes, including Masters and PhDs. Other girls have found their voice and the confidence to secure work, thus making them an attractive commodity to not only their society, but a prospective husband.
While the dowry tradition is illegal in India, it is common for the family of the bride to be coerced, even harassed into giving a wealth of gifts to the groom’s parents, creating immense pressure for the bride’s family - to the point that some fathers abandon their daughters at birth, leaving the mother to survive alone in poverty.
These types of stories, Kip hears often. Girls who receive
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scholarships from the trust come from poor families, some are physically challenged, others are daughters of widows or single parents; impoverished girls that could become entrenched in a system of financial dependency and emotional abuse after marriage. Grim prospects that Kip Chauli says are unjust. But, the trust is changing them, and so too are some of the scholarship recipients.
Manu Nahata, a recipient completing her LLB, says, “I will provide a child with his or her right to education and the right to basic necessities.” Masters of Science graduate and scholarship recipient, Sonia Ompal, felt so blessed by receiving the scholarship, she’s assured the trust she will sponsor another child’s education once she’s employed.
A famous Mahatma Ghandi quote reads, “If you see change for betterment needs to be done, let it begin with you.” Simple words of inspiration that Kip Chauli took seriously, and he’s changed the lives of many. “There are many female Einsteins in India who are yet to be discovered,” Kip says, “all they need is the opportunity and the chance!”
If you’d like to spoil your mother by giving a girl a chance, there’s still time to purchase tickets to The Kirpal Singh Chauli Trust 10th Year Anniversary Dine and Dance. You’ll enjoy a 3-course meal and be entertained by the superb Wyndham Salvation Army
Band. Ticket cost is $75.00 with 100% of the profits going to the trust. Contact Kip Chauli, 9748 9371 or Bronwen Hickman, 97492510 by 7th May.
Kyla-Jayne Rajah
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$5,000 PROPERTY INVESTMENT GRANT FOR PT COOK LOCALS
Over the past five months in Around Pt Cook, we’ve given you a couple of money saving ideas: Easy ways to save $20k a year, and Cheap & cheerful ways to celebrate Christmas.
You may have spent 60 seconds with Nick Holden, a proud Pt Cook local - and the owner of local small business Simple Property Investment.
In February and March, you may have read about the best ways to make your new year property resolutions a reality.
Well now we want to give you a leg up - financially.
Are you 25-55 years old and want to purchase a brand new investment property in 2016?
Every year, we see how much harder it’s getting for Aussie families to purchase investment properties.
So with this year being a leap year, we want to help you leap into property in 2016: with 1 Full Grant of $5,000 toward a new investment property AND a complimentary 1-1 Property Investment Strategy
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Session.
There will also be 3 Partial Grants of $2,000 AND a Complimentary Strategy Session.
Applications open 1 May 2016 and close 31 May 2016. T&Cs apply.
How to apply: Tell us in up to 500 words, ‘Why do you want to invest in property in 2016?’
Apply at: www.simplepropertyinvestment.com.au/grant Call Nick on 1300 82 83 08 with any questions.
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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
Healing Service.
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
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 873Judith's
Biggest Morning Tea
Point Cook Village Clubhouse
Thursday 19th May
From: 10.30 am to 1.30 pm
Donations: $5.00 for Eats/Drinks
Raffle, Spinning Wheel,
Silent Auctions, etc.
All donations of cakes and sandwiches is appreciated.
Contact Judith - 9394 6699
Featherbrook Walking Group
Make new friends and improve your fitness by joining the Featherbrook Walking Group for a 45 minute stroll every Wednesday at 10am. Meet at
Featherbrook Community Centre, 33-35 Windorah Drive Point Cook. It’s free to join in and mums with prams are welcome. For more information call the
community centre on 8353 4000.For more information phone Wyndham City’s
Healthy Communities Team on 9742 0777, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au or like our Healthy and
Active in Wyndham page on Facebook.
VIEW
VIEW (Voice, Interests, Education for Women) provides a low cost social
outlet for women. Meets first Wed of every month 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm start. Featherbrook Community Centre, 33-35 Windorah Drive Point Cook. Light
supper provided. New members always welcome. Come and make new friends
and enjoy social outings. Contact Catherine on 0407726852 for details
or just come along.
LEARN MALTESEThe Maltese Language Teachers Associations of Victoria are organising Maltese language classes at different levels in Werribee, Sydenham and Mill Park. Interested? Registrations for Terms 3 & 4 adult classes are now open. Hurry, limited seats available. For more information email [email protected] or call Mark on 0400307945
Hobsons Bay Mens Shed Gen Y Support Groupwish 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.
Write to Remember -
Free Welcome Session
Have you always wanted to write about your life, but
didn’t know where to start?
Write to Remember invites you to come along and
join a Free ‘Welcome Session’. Learn a little about
where to start, how to start and what to focus on.
Overall be encouraged and excited about putting
pen to paper and begin your next adventure in life.
The Brook, on Sneydes Rd, (Point Cook) – 9.30am
Wednesday 20 April, 18 May & 15 June
Waterstone Café, (Sanctuary Lakes) - 9.30am
Wednesday 11 May & 8 June
Stay on for an Introduction Workshop (fee applies -
limit of 8 seats per session)
For more information call Siobhan 0419 625 760 or
visit writetoremember.com.au
Point Cook WalkingGroup
Women and Men of all Ages Welcome.
• Discover Point Cook
• Meet New Friends
• Keep Fit and Healthy
• Friendly and Relaxed
Every week day at 9.00am
Leaving from Point Cook Town Centre at the Dry
Cleaners- Coles Precinct EVERY week day
at 9.00am
9395 1953
PETANQUE GAME APPOINTMENT?
I am a volunteer at Jamieson Way
Community Centre.
To organize an appointment, to understand
how to play Petanque:
- Contact: [email protected]
- On the second Tuesday of each month at 10am
- At the Jamieson Way Community Centre
For more information call the Community
Centre on 9395 7922.
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Help support you local community
group and join as a member at
www.pointcookactiongroup.org.au
Community Board
POINT COOK TOASTMASTERS CLUB
IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
IN A MUTUALLY SUPPORTIVE AND FUN ENVIRONMENT
EVERY 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAY @ 7.30pm
****New Venue!!!****Laverton Community Hub
95-105 Railway Ave, LavertonEmail: toastmasterspointcook@
gmail.com for more info
CHINESEFor all ages interested in Saturday
Chinese (Mandarin) classes at Suzanne Cory High School
conducted by Victorian School of Languages (governm
ent funded), express your interest
contact Marjory Palmer 03-5277 9833/email marjoryp@
vsl.vic.edu.au
Ex Service men/women
The VVAA Melb West Sub Branch has moved. We now oper
ate from "The Lodge"Altona RSL on Mondays and
Tuesdays.For pensions and welfare enquiries call 9398 2865 or leave a message
at Werribee/Altona RSL
CWA POINT COOK BRANCHNot just Scones
Come and join us on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7pm, at D'Olive, Point Cook Road. Open to all women. Our main aims are friendship, social issues and community service. We have some great guest speakers and involve ourselves in the local and wider communities.
We do also make our famed scones, jams, cakes, and all sorts of crafts, that we normally sell to fundraise for worthy charities.Please ring: Chris 0424014757Karen 0411035217
Dog Walkers/ Pet sitters wanted
for Point Cook/
Sanctuary Lakes area
Dog walkers must have own vehicle for
transport of dogs and be over 21 years old.
Must have a genuine care for dogs
and some experience.
Training provided.
Please email:
Point Cook Adventist Community ChurchPoint Cook Community Centre1-21 Cheetham Street, Point Cook.An inter-generational and multi-cultural community church. Everyone is welcome!Worship Service every Saturday at 3:30 pm.Pastors Nick & Danijela Trajkov – 83619070 http://pointcooksda.wix.com/begin
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.
Pop-up Cafe
Homestead Run Park in Truganina Avenue, Seabrook now has a Pop up
Cafe set up on Tuesdays and Thursdays,
(weather permitting) near the tennis
courts - with coffee, snacks and gifts on sale.
A great spot to sit and chat with a drink
and snack in the great weather, whilst the kids have a play.
LIGHTPOINT CHURCH
A contemporary Christian Church Meets Sundays 9:00 & 11:00 am
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
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
What’s on at Seabrook
Community Centre?
Come and join our new regular
programs at the Centre, including the
Australian Children’s Choir and Little
Star Soccer.
Thinking of returning to work? Get help
with your Resume and Interview Skills,
with workshops on the 3rd and 10th of
May, at 10am to 12 pm.
Find us at 15 Truganina Avenue,
Seabrook. Phone 9932 3010 for more
information.
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ALLEGED ASSOCIATES
‘GET THE GIGS!’Local band, Alleged Associates are building up quite the following, after three years of dedication, practice and door-knocking to 'get the gigs'.
The band features the exceptionally talented Ms Gabbie Grozdonovski from Altona Meadows on lead vocals, her brother John Sortino, also from Altona Meadows on drums and vocals, the very experienced James S Baker, of Werribee on bass, with the Master of the Stratocaster, Ken Burgstrum and Terence O'Donnell on vocals and guitar.
The band was established at DANCEMAX STUDIOS in Hoppers Crossing, where Ms. Grozdonovski is part owner.
A fully soundproofed rehearsal space allowed for many hours of 5-piece vocal harmony development
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and the growth of a now very strong play list. The band reaches across several genres from hard edged rock, cruisy blues and often converts to unplugged/electro acoustic arrangements, for Ms. Gabbie's sweet sounding ballads.
With the adaptability of performing as a 5-piece line-up, or converting into various duo, trio and quartet combinations, Alleged Associations are finding greater success through the increase of regular gig options. They now find themselves picking up outdoor festivals, Clubs, Pubs and Private Corporate functions.
The band have secured a Friday Night residency at SMOKEHOUSE, at 101 Rosamond Rd, Maribrynong, (now in its second year) and are becoming regulars at the Newport Bowls Club and Festivals in The West.
Keep an ear out for Alleged Associates and support our local talent!
www.facebook.com/Alleged-Associates-479599945525048
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A WORD FROM JILL HENNESSY MP
May 9-15 is National Volunteers Week! Volunteering in the community is a wonderful way to connect with others and really make a difference.
Wyndham City Council is celebrating National Volunteer Week this month by holding a National Volunteer Week ‘Morning Tea’.
If you have volunteered in Wyndham, visit the Council’s website to find out more or to register to attend the morning tea.
Go to http://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/residents/community/volunteeringinwyndham/morningtea
The event will feature guest speakers, a chance to network with others in the field and of course a delicious morning tea.
Joan Kirner Hospital
Melbourne’s West is one of Australia’s fastest growing areas, and it’s integral that the community is able to access the health care that it needs.
That’s why in late March of this year I announced that the new $200 million Joan Kirner Hospital is one step closer, with a commitment from Lend Lease Building Contractors that they will build the hospital.
The Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital will be a multi-level facility with 20 maternity delivery rooms, 173 beds, 39 special care nursery cots, four theatres and additional clinics.
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It will meet the needs of one of the fastest growing areas in Australia and ensure more women in Melbourne’s west will be able to give birth and access children’s services closer to home.
Early construction of the new Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital is expected to start later this year.
The project, a key Andrews Labor Government election commitment, will create up to 600 jobs during the construction phase.
If you have any questions about these or any other matters, please contact me on
(03) 9395 0221 or email me at
Visit my website www.jillhennessy.com.au
for updates and news throughout the month.
Jill Hennessy
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THE 5 BEST CALMING ESSENTIAL OILS FOR PETS
Pets Page
Many people may be unsure, or even unaware, about the use of essential oils to help ease common ailments that afflict our pets.
Serving a variety of uses, essential oils can be used in an aromatherapy diffuser within the home, or combined with a carrier oil for external use.
They can help to reduce anxiety and behavioural problems in pets, help to reduce stress from events like storms, fireworks, trips to the vet or dog grooming salons and also help with separation anxiety.
Lavender is one of the safest and most versatile essential oils and helps to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
It also helps bring clarity and focus, and is a potent sleeping aid.
Marjoram (Sweet) can be very beneficial for highly strung breeds, helping to reduce anxiety, stress and calm hyperactivity.
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Neroli is one of the main essential oils used for sedative effects and is useful for relieving anxiety, fear, shock, stress and depression.
It can also benefit the digestive tract and help calm heart palpitations.
Roman Chamomile is extremely effective in soothing the nervous system and relieving nervous tension, depression and anxiety.
Ylang Ylang has mild sedative effects, helping to reduce depression and lower the stress responses such as a fast heartbeat and high blood pressure.
It is very important to ensure the essential oils are used correctly.
Never give your pet any essential oils internally, as they are not suitable for consumption.
Because cats are very sensitive, I would also not recommend placing any essential oils on their bodies, instead experiment with oil diffusers.
If using oils externally on dogs, they should be mixed with a carrier oil such as jojoba, grape seed or almond oil.
Generally, 1 drop of essential oil with 2 drops of carrier oil is beneficial.
A good way to use the oils is to place this on your hands and then pet from head to toe.
Not only can you enjoy the amazing benefits of essential oils, but so can your pets.
Just remember to always do your research and ensure you are purchasing good quality products from reputable suppliers.
Our pets, just like us, always deserve the best!
Cindy Bremner
Natural Pawfection- Animal Naturopath
0421-446-764
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NOW DOING
TAKEAWAY
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A MAN AND HIS PINT
The habit of drinking beer straight from the bottle is one of the more distressing features of modern life. It started with Gen Y, and I blame it on the lack of a male role model in the lives of many of that generation.
Let me take you to a snug in some small Irish town, to observe how a real man drinks his beer. Let’s call him Arthur.
He comes in wearing a tweed cap and boots that
indicate work in muddy fields. He nods to the barman; they know each other, and the nod is the silent order for a pint of the national beverage. The French would like to change the measure to some number of ml, but not even the might of the EU can change the sacred significance of THE PINT.
The barman fills the tumbler slowly, initially resting it at 45 degrees in the palm of his hand. The process, done properly, takes between 119 and 122 seconds, spread over two instalments.
Then he sets the offering down. He has been doing this for years, but somehow manages to put it in the wrong place. So Arthur picks it up as carefully as if it were the holy chalice and moves it five cm.
After some minutes, without looking at the glass, his right hand moves slowly and deliberately to pick it up. He looks at it with something between disinterest and reproach, like a nun picking up Playboy, if you can remember Playboy.
Then instinct takes over; he brings the glass to his lips, tilts it to an angle of 9.4 degrees and the black stuff flows smoothly, as if obeying some obscure principle of hydrodynamics. There is no urgency, the only movement an almost imperceptible rise and fall of the Adam’s apple; this is the kind of smoothness that you could use to sell engine oil.
When the glass is three-eighths empty (some virtuosos go to seven-sixteenths), he puts it down on the counter and slowly wipes his lips. He is content.
He will read his paper for some time before his hand reaches for the pint again. This time he will drink five-sixteenths before settling back to his paper. The remainder of the drink will be finished in one visit, and if your arithmetic is up to scratch, you will work out that this will involve either one-quarter or three-sixteenths.
Only women or rank amateurs require more than three visits to the glass to finish a pint; only university undergraduates or Australian Prime Ministers do it in less than three.
You wander out to the evening traffic, to the world of everyday things, content that you have watched a master at work. You feel better for it.
And you promise yourself that you will never again drink beer from the bottle.
Frank O’Shea
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MY MOTHER’S TRADITIONAL SHORTBREAD
By Melissa Haber
Food is one of those things that accompanies many of life’s moments.
From weddings and birthdays, to Christmas, Easter and other holidays as well as celebrations of life, death and everything in between - food is the one thing that binds these very different moments together.
My mother honours life’s ups and downs with a homemade shortbread.
Her shortbreads have adorned tables at birthday celebrations, made someone smile when they were feeling lonely and have been combined with a listening ear for grieving family and friends.
It has always been her way of showing people that they are loved.
Although she insists it is just a basic shortbread recipe, to me, seeing her take the time and effort to make this sweet treat for someone, is something I want to share with you all.
Who knows, maybe she will make me some after reading this article.
Ingredients:
225g sifted plain flour
115g sifted rice flour
A pinch of salt
115g sifted caster sugar
225g butter
Method:1: Preheat oven to 150 degrees and grease a baking tray.
2: Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl.
3: Rub in butter and gently knead to form a smooth dough.
4: Place dough on baking tray and press down. At this point you can either prick the surface of the flattened dough with a fork and bake as is, or you can cut out shapes with a cookie cutter and place on a separate tray. Sprinkle a teaspoon amount of castor sugar on top before placing in the oven.
5: Bake in the oven for 40 minutes until the surface of the shortbread turns light golden in colour.
6: Allow to cool before removing from tray, as the baked shortbread remains quite soft until completely cooled.
Recipe Page
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A CARD COLLECTION WORTH HANGING ON TOby Melissa Longo
Some of my earliest childhood memories revolved around the kitchen. As a child of Italian descent, food has pretty much been the centre of my universe and that is a tradition that I happily pass along to my daughter every chance I get.
My mum had one of those Women’s Weekly Recipe Card boxes and I used to get much enjoyment from flipping through them endlessly and watching my mum work her way through, one recipe card at a time. Of course my mum didn’t ever really follow a recipe, merely using the box as an infinite source of inspiration.
One of my all time favourites was the Cabbage Rolls, served with Lemon Sauce – I haven’t eaten these in years, but the smell and the tangy flavours linger long in my memory….it could be time to drag out that old box of cards mum…Ingredients:
Cabbage Rolls
18 large cabbage leaves 500g mince
30g butter 250g sausage meat
1 onion salt & pepper to taste
2 sticks celery basil
½ green capsicum 2 tbsp passata
1 carrot ½ cup rice
Lemon Sauce
½ cup lemon juice ¼ cup chicken stock
1 tbsp oil dash of Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste salt & pepper to taste
Method:
Drop cabbage leaves into boiling water. Boil for 3-5 minutes, then drain. Melt butter in pan, add diced onion, celery, capsicum and carrot – season with salt and pepper. Sauté for two minutes. Add mince and sausage meat, basil and passata. Cook until meat is browned, drain off fat and allow to cool. Cook rice until tender, drain and add to mixture. Place portions of mixture into centre of each cabbage leaf and fold into neat parcels. Arrange rolls in oven proof dish. To make lemon sauce combine all ingredients well in jug and pour over cabbage rolls. Bake in moderate oven for 40-45 minutes, or until cabbage rolls are tender.
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“I love my mum because she’s nice to me,” Oliver.
“I love my mum because she gives me lots of hugs,” Norah.
“I love my mummy because she’s my best friend and she loves me,” Madilyn.
“I love my mum because I was in mum’s tummy when I was a baby, and since then I’ll be with mum all the time,” Chiyoka.
“I love your support, Mum, even when I’m in Australia and you’re in Japan, I can feel how much you care,” Akiko.
“I love you because you are my beautiful mother … I miss you dearly. I love you so very much, Happy Mothers Day! All the way to the angels above,” Jessica.
“I love my mum because she cares for me,” Sienna.
“I love my mum because she loves me so much,” Charlize.
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Norah and Oliver with Mum, Christine
Jessica and Mum, Halina
Sienna and Charlize with Mum, Alicia
Norah and Oliver with Mum, Christine
Chiyoka with her Oba-chan, Hiroko, and Mum, Akiko
Hi Kids, We have a special Mothers Day Tribute Page this issue. Some
local kids, big ones included, thought it a good idea
to say what they love about their Mums. I hope you think of something beautiful and kind to say to your mum, or step-mum, or grandma, or foster mum this Mothers Day! - KJ
Kid’s Corner
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“I love my mum because she’s happy and laughs with me,” Gabriella.
“I love my mum because she takes me to see the planes. I really like to take a plane and am looking forward to visiting grandpa and grandma’s place in Japan soon,” Karin.
“I love my mama because she is kind and gives the best koala-snuggles”
“I love my mummy because she gives big squishy hugs and she does great cooking!” Jacob
“I love my mum because she cares and loves me a lot! She helps me with my homework and keeps the house very clean,” Dean.
“I love my mum because she takes us everywhere. She is the best mum. She does great birthday parties too!” Catherine.
“I love my mum because she is my mummy – she gives me lots of hugs and kisses.” Christian.
Gabriella and Mum, Kyla-Jayne
Willow with Mum, Melissa
Dean, Catherine and
Christian with Mum, DianaKarin and Kai with Mum, Rina
Jacob and Chloe with Mum, Carmel
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SAVING YOUR AGE PENSION, ONE GIFT AT A TIME
Our media is full of discussion around changes to the age pension assets test that will come into effect from 1 January 2017. However, some of the strategies being promoted, with the aim of enabling affected Australians to keep their pensions intact, are scary to say the least. For some, the idea of giving away money or assets to children, even if it is only a “loan”, may appear attractive.
Steve and Kathy
Let’s consider Steve and Kathy. They are both receiving a part age pension which is supplemented by their superannuation. They have around $900,000 in assets that are assessed for age pension purposes. However, because their assessable assets exceed $823,000, they will lose their age pension entirely from 1 January 2017. This is concerning for Steve and Kathy as they rely on their part age pension and their concession card. In order to preserve their age pension Steve and Kathy’s neighbour, who has read something in the media and “knows all about this stuff”, has suggested they give $200,000 to their children. Now we know that while this will technically be a gift, the deal is that the children will be required to help Steve and Kathy out financially from time to time, if needed.
So, if they proceed with this plan, will it save their age pension? To their mind, their assessable assets will be below the new cut-off point for a part age pension, so they will retain a small age pension, and will keep their concession card
THE SYSTEM
Delve into the inner workings of Centrelink and the age pension system, however, and you will come across a couple of key considerations. The first relates to loans, and the second covers gifts. Loans made by a pensioner, even an informal loan made to a family member, will continue to be counted as an asset for assets testing, and an amount of income will be “deemed” to be received, even if the loan is interest free.
THE THING WITH GIFTS
Gifts however are handled differently. A current or prospective pension recipient may gift a certain amount each year without it having adverse impact on their pension. The current limit is $10,000 each financial year, subject to a maximum of $30,000 over any continuous five year period. Where the amount gifted, whether it be money or other assets, exceeds the annual limit, the excess will continue to be counted as an asset
for the next five years, and will be subject to deeming for income purposes. So, simply giving assets away does not solve the problem. So, in Steve and Kathy’s case, simply lending or gifting their excess assets is not going to provide the outcome their helpful neighbour suggested.
ONE MORE THING
Incidentally, giving away assets before applying for the age pension won’t necessarily get around the gifting provisions. You see, when you apply for the age pension, you will be asked to provide details of any gifts made in the previous five years. And gifting includes the disposal of an asset for less than its market value! The rules around the age pension, loans and gifting can be quite complex. It is likely that around 330,000 Australians will either lose their age pension altogether, or have their pension reduced come January 2017. We would encourage all readers to seek appropriate advice from a qualified source if they are concerned and certainly before acting.
Originally appeared on: http://blog.cpal.com.au/realiseyourdream/
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Laugh Out Loud
Why Can’t Coffee Shops Spell Correctly?
When asked for his name by the coffee shop clerk, my brother-in-law answered, “Marc, with a C.” Minutes later, he was handed his coffee with his
name written on the side:Cark.
My Grandson Is A Smart Egg…
At the mall, my five-year-old grandson joined the other children in line, waiting to sit on the Easter
Bunny’s lap. When it was his turn, Jake didn’t move; he just stared.
“Don’t you want to sit on the bunny’s lap?” I asked.
“No!” he shouted. “There’s a man in his mouth!”
Pick a Husband, Any Husband
As the hostess at the casino buffet showed me to my table, I asked her to keep an eye out for
my husband, who would be joining me momentarily.
I started to describe him: “He has gray hair, wears glasses, has a potbelly …”
She stopped me there. “Honey,” she said, “today is senior day. They all look like that.”
My Kids Don’t Know What I DoI’ve been working on my PhD in engineering for the past five years, but my kids don’t necessarily
see that as work.
As we were driving past Kmart one day, my son spotted a Now Hiring sign and suggested that I
could get a job there.
Hoping to make a point, I asked, “Do you think they’re looking for an engineer?”
“Oh, sure,” he said, “They’ll hire anybody.”
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To My Mother, My Friend
She lifts you into her arms
Murmurs, ‘it’s worth it,’ devoting herself,
Thinking of you always
Believing in her, you ask the why questions,
Which she explains away with stick figure drawings
To you, they resemble masterpieces
She grins when you freely give her gifts:
Hand painted cards, paint-splash art,
Wrapped boxes filled with pink magic kisses
She’s smashing, awesome, the best,
Brilliance beams off her face and
She knows how to pat your tears dry,
Hold you as tight as a pea-pod when the world Ex-
Plodes around your ears and you have no-where to go,
Nor want to be anywhere else but there,
In her arms. She tells you stories, memories and you enjoy
What it’s like to feel fine, because you are one with her.
She’ll play peek-a-boo with your babies
Like she did with your dolls when they were real and hungry and
Needed to wait as you baked toast in your mini-kitchen
She’ll definitely baby-sit for you and you’ll hope to be as
Beautiful as her when you’re 59.
Although sometimes unacknowledged,
She is Strong. Wise. Understanding,
She has dreams of her own
And, one day, when time has gone,
You’ll comb her grey strands,
Whisper how she’s all you wished for -
To be blessed with a friend like this,
A Mother to share life with,
A Mum, like the one you are becoming.
K-J Rajah
Kyla-Jayne Rajah is a professional writer who manages a small editing and writing business, Elevate Words.
She loves to write about meaningful topics, and takes a holistic approach to editing.
To find out more, go to www.elevatewords.com
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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
Movie Review BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE
Whether you enjoy Batman V Superman, or find it to be the definition of underwhelming will likely depend on your expectations going in: those hoping for the Citizen Kane of comic-book movies may find the CGI-heaviness overbearing and the story weak, whilst those anticipating nothing more than a fun and action-packed precursor to the Justice League, should get their fill.
There are one too many plot threads and side-characters who feel shoehorned in, and the titular confrontation between Batman and Superman is disappointingly short; even so this is not a bad film
We finally get to see Batman break bones, rather than bread, Wonder Woman makes her first big-screen
appearance with a smirk and an amazing theme, and if anything, the film’s biggest enemy is its own lofty ambitions— director Zack Snyder and his team perhaps tried too hard to give the fans what they wanted, which results in a film that lacks focus.
Regardless, now that the pieces have been set and the groundwork laid for the future, we can and should expect a Justice League film (or films) to make Gardner Fox proud
And a word on Lex Luthor, unrecognisable from the comics: Jesse Eisenberg’s interpretation is decidedly eccentric, decidedly out of place, and a welcome slice of hubris in an otherwise dour affair.
Brandon McLaren
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HOBART AND ADELAIDE ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
Last month Jetstar began flying direct from Avalon Airport to Hobart and Adelaide, bringing two more cities that little bit closer to communities in Geelong, the Surf Coast and Wyndham regions.Adelaide – a beautiful historical sunny city is only an hour from the stunning Barossa, and, as many happy AFL supporters have pointed out, is home to Adelaide Oval.Hobart has historical significance of its own and is the closest major city to Port Arthur, the former convict settlement and open-air museum. It will also host AFL this year, with North Melbourne playing several of their home games at Blundstone Arena.
The timing of the new flights is spectacular as both cities are in the lead up to major festivals to brighten up winter: the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and DARK MOFO in Hobart.The Adelaide Cabaret Festival has a proud history of attracting world class acts – and Artistic Directors. Ali McGregor and Eddie Perfect have taken over this year from Barry Humphries - who took over from Kate Ceberano. This year it features a fabulous array of acts such as Rhonda Burchmore, die Roten Punkte, Lisa Fischer, Restless Dance Theatre, Tripod and so many more. It runs from 10-25 June.DARK MOFO at MONA celebrates the dark of winter through “art, food, music, light, film and noise.” It’s been a hugely successful festival for the past two years at a gallery that continues to shock, amuse and provoke thought in visitors from all over the world. Past artists have included Marina Abramović and Antony and the Johnsons. It runs from 10-21 June.Both cities offer fantastic experiences in art, culture and food, and are a perfect complement to the direct flights Avalon already offers to Sydney and the Gold Coast.Follow all our news, discoveries and visuals on Facebook, Twitter (@AvalonAirportAU) and Instagram (@avalonairport).Image: Adam Bruzzone | Rundle Mall, Adelaide | Courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission
