Around Point Cook 101 by Around Point Cook

Issue 101, June 2018

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page FROM LITTLE THINGS….

THE WILLY LIT FEST IS BACK!!

The Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is distributed in Point Cook

page ENJOY LIFE RIGHT NOW.

page RICH WITH LOVE

IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH.

LOVE OUR STREETS

Litter is on the rise and this is hardly surprising, given the acceleration of single use plastics, take-away food containers and even packaged fruits and vegetables. This has certainly resulted in an increase in rubbish to landfill, larger volumes of recycling and litter on our streets. Werribee residents, Lisa Field and Nick Alderson decided that whilst there is a Beach Patrol 3030 group targeting litter at the beach and waterways in Wyndham, and Point Cook Open Spaces collects litter in Point Cook, it was timely to start a new group around the Werribee city centre and surrounds. Commencing in May 2018, the new Love Our Street 3030 litter clean-up group will run each month, on the 4th Sunday between 10.30am to 12 noon. The aim of the group is to bring people together as a community, to look after our environment in Wyndham, to keep our streets beautifully clean and stop litter getting into our creeks, canals, on to the beach or in the ocean.

Love Our Street 3030 aims to support the work of Beach Patrol by dealing with litter close to the source. Aside from collecting rubbish, the group will record the amount of rubbish collected, including the number of cans and bottles, all of which goes to Beach Patrol, to continue their advocacy work. One campaign that Beach Patrol supports, is the introduction of a container deposit scheme. This is something South Australia has had since the 1970s, and many other states and territories are rolling this out - except Victoria. A cash for container scheme is known to have a significant effect on reducing the litter on urban streetscapes and in waterways. To join Wyndham’s latest clean-up group, Love Our Street 3030 LIKE them on Facebook, email 3030@ loveourstreet.com.au or call Lisa on 0433 559 530. Clean ups will occur at different locations, but will be held 10.30am – 12 noon on the 4th Sunday of each month.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hello Readers, My big adventure has come to an end and I find myself a little listless. It’s to be expected of course, but it doesn’t make it any easier to adjust. For 5 weeks, I found myself in the most amazing set of circumstances, every single day. From Disneyland to the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum to the steps of Positano. From Buckingham Palace, to the Swiss Alps and every mind-boggling experience in between. I really have been on the most unbelievable time and real life has lost its appeal. Regardless, here I am, editing papers and making school lunches. The show must go on…. So, this month I get back in the swing of things with the June edition. We bring you all of our usual features, plus a sneak peek at the always brilliant upcoming Willy Lit Fest. I was lucky enough to have been invited to appear at this year’s festival, to discuss Citizen Journalism and the impact of social media on my chosen profession.

If watching me speak in public sounds like your idea of a good time, or you just want to get up close and personal with some of the West’s finest creative minds, including Andy Griffiths, Alice Pung and Claire Saxby, check out the full program at: https://www.willylitfest.org.au/home/program/ See You Around, Melissa Longo

BLACK BELT IN PERSEVERANCE…. In this fast-paced world, where options are plentiful and patience is at an all-time low, it’s rare to encounter stories of perseverance. This is a story of why perseverance is not only important, but vital, if dreams are to come true.

instructor at Evolution Martial Arts in Point Cook, Luke understands the importance of teaching kids about effort, resilience and self-belief, “Xander has exhibited these qualities and proven that success comes when we don't give up on our goals.”

Xander Byrne is 12-years-old. He has trained in karate for 7 years and is now a black belt. It wasn’t always a success story for Xander….

Training 6 days a week, within the last 12 months, Xander has won the State Titles twice, the Australian Open, the All-Star Karate League and most recently the Victorian Karate League. He will also be representing Victoria at the National Championships later in the year.

Xander began competing just 2 years ago, at the age of 10. Over the course of 12 months, Xander competed in 17 karate competitions and faced defeat after defeat. He lost every single match. But Xander never gave up. With the encouragement and support of his father and coach, Luke Byrne, Xander persisted and pursued his dreams. As a PE teacher and the head

With Karate now an Olympic level sport, Xander Byrne is more motivated than ever, to train and develop his skills. Xander Byrne is proof that our dreams can become reality, if we back ourselves and never give up. Melissa Longo

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Will: 0449 834 359 Email: will@aroundpointcook.com Louise: 0403 191 084 Email: ml.goegan@gmail.com

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YMCA Fun Fact #23... Nobody who knows me well would ever volunteer to be my partner on My Kitchen Rules. I’m happy to give things a go, but the outcome is never guaranteed. When I was young, my Gran taught me to make many family recipes that have stayed with me to this day, and I try so hard to visualise and replicate her generally meticulous actions, but often things don’t go to plan. Unfortunately, the one thing I never got the hang of, was her sponge. The only thing she could put it down to was this. They simply weren’t made with enough love. I am happy to report that, although I’m not brilliant, I have on occasions successfully created bread, focaccia and pasta. From scratch. Once I worked out that creaming butter and sugar didn’t actually include cream as an ingredient, cakes have become possible. Even edible. But try as I may, disaster in the kitchen is often inevitable. I’ve blown up eggs in the microwave, baked a lovely gladwrap lining into my brother’s birthday cheesecake, delivered three litres of milk upwards, coating the kitchen ceiling, and made gravy from an unlabelled container of cocoa. None of them were pretty.

The only thing I know for sure is this. The slow cooker was invented for people like me. It’s almost idiot proof. You just throw everything into the pot and let nature and electricity do its thing. I have also worked out that if you make twice as much, you only have to cook half the nights. I love YMCA. Yesterday’s Muck Cooked Again. Some people hate leftovers, but they are a staple in our home. If it weren’t for leftovers we would be very hungry. I could do a recipe book for YMCA, like one of those Kindergarten Fundraiser thingys. YMCA #1: Get out the pastry, add mushrooms and put it in a pie. YMCA #2: Mash some potatoes, add mushrooms, and you’ve got a cottage pie. YMCA #3: Boil pasta, add mushrooms, melt some cheese. Voila, a pasta bake. It’s same same, but different. Trust me. They will never even know. And that, my friends, are my kitchen rules xx Dee Simpson You can also find me at http://comejoindee.com/

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FROM LITTLE THINGS…. THE WILLY LIT FEST IS BACK!!

In its 15th year, the Willy Lit Fest is back and ready to highlight exactly what makes it the largest and most successful literary festival in the Western Suburbs.

14 years now and as this year’s theme suggests, big things really do grow from the smallest seeds of an idea.

With the wonderfully talented and charismatic local author, Andy Griffiths on hand, to officially launch this year’s program, an appreciative audience was treated to a preview of what is to come.

Hobsons Bay Mayor and President of the Festival Committee, Cr Angela Altair, along with program director, Lorraine Callows and Executive Officer, Barbara Hughes combined all those years ago, with a small idea for a local literary festival. Fuelled by coffee and passion, these friend and colleagues worked tirelessly together, to achieve the highly

The Willy Lit Fest is a celebration of not just local literary excellence, but of creativity in all its forms. Williamstown has been playing host to this event for

successful event we enjoy today. Speaking with eloquence and heart, Lorraine Callows described this year’s program beautifully, providing insight into what will no doubt be an excellent weekend of inspiration and entertainment, “Little words become sentences that blossom into compelling books. Sentences grow into revealing biographies, novels and books of every kind, books that challenge and change us.” We are invited to celebrate these stories and the story tellers, via a series of engaging sessions. Authors such as John Marsden, Alice Pung, Graeme Simsion and of course, creator of the highly successful Treehouse series children’s books, Andy Griffiths, will all lend their skills to this year’s event.

Dr Brown gave the crowd plenty to think about, as he considered the power of imagination and creativity. He offered up, that in an age of advancing technology, where artificial intelligence seems to be taking over, creativity is the most important work there is. Only humans use their imaginations, and that is what separates us from the robots. Our capacity for creativity is more important than ever! So, engage your inner reader or writer, and head on down to the Willy Lit Fest on the 16th and 17th of June. I hope to see you there! Melissa Longo *For more information head to https://www.willylitfest.org.au/

I too, have been invited to join this year’s long list of local talents, joining a discussion on Facebook vs. Citizen Journalism. It is an honour to be included among so many incredibly gifted individuals and I look forward to playing my part. If the program launch was any indicator, there will be no shortage of lively and interesting discussions. From the endearingly hilarious anecdotes of Andy Griffiths, to the thoughtful musings of Dr Rob Brown, the Executive Director of major sponsor, Victoria University.

EATING YOUR WAY TO IMMUNITY BOOSTING! Many people still eat too much, not enough, or poor quality food, then look for other causes for their health problems. A poor diet can leave the immune system starved of the many essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

In an immune-friendly diet, it is important that protein intake be regular since the body is shedding and regenerating cells 24 hours a day. The body can only absorb a relatively small amount of protein at any given meal, so serving sizes should be kept to a moderate level.

WHAT’S GOOD? What constitutes ‘good’ nutrition has been strongly debated throughout the last century. But it need not be as complicated as many make it out to be. Simply, humans need nourishment from five broad groups of nutrients: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and micronutrients, (including vitamins, minerals and enzymes).

INNER ANTIOXIDANTS Antioxidants – which protect us from free radicals resulting from environmental pollutants, poor nutrition and stress – come in the form of food nutrients, supplements, or substances produced by the body, like Glutathione Peroxidase and Superoxide Dismutase. Our bodies produce Glutathione Peroxidase depending on amino acids, which are found in dairy based proteins. Superoxide Dismutase protects the body from ionising radiation from radio waves, mobile phones, computers and TV screens. Neither of these antioxidants can be taken from a supplement.

JUST ADD WATER If the amount of fluid in the body drops by more than a few percent, many physiological functions become impaired, including those associated with immunity. We generally lose about four litres of water each day through excretion, perspiration and respiration. This must be replaced, in the form of drinks and foods. PROTEIN PROTECTION The functioning of every system of our body depends on ‘functional proteins’ which include our digestive secretions, blood cells, enzymes, hormones, neuro-peptides and all other cells and tissues that keep us alive and well. If adequate protein is not supplied in the diet, the body is forced to ‘scavenge’ for protein within itself, to repair and regenerate our most vital cells. While just about every food contains some protein, it is only ‘complete proteins’ that can adequately and rapidly fulfil the urgent repair needs. Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, whey protein, eggs, fish, poultry and meats, supply complete proteins all by themselves. ‘Partially complete proteins’, when combined, can provide a balanced or complete protein, such as a grain food mixed with a pulse (or bean), or nuts, seeds, grains and/ or pulses.

CARBS AND FATS Carbohydrates do not directly stimulate the various immune functions. But as the body’s primary energy source, they are required to provide a ready fuel source to support all bodily function, from brain activity to the working of the muscles. IMMUNE-BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS There are many herbal, vitamin, mineral, flower essence and homeopathic supplements on the market today, many of which enjoy good reputations as immuneboosters. It is always wise to seek the guidance of an experienced and qualified practitioner, who can advise on supplementation to suit your particular circumstances. Wishing all a safe, healthy and warm winter! Cherie De Haas N.D

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PCAG - GROWING ALONGSIDE POINT COOK It’s wonderful to see Point Cookers extolling the benefits of living in our suburb in the Around Point Cook publication. Having lived here for around 19 years, I’ve seen Point Cook grow from around 500 residents, to a thriving and vibrant population of over 50,000 and with infrastructure matching that growth. Years ago, visitors to the Airbase took an arrow-straight Point Cook Road, directly off the Freeway and if they encountered just one motor vehicle on the way, it was considered busy!! What a difference today. When my wife and I moved here from the S.E suburbs, Sneydes Road was a one lane track, surrounded by open paddocks. If cars approached each other, each had to drive with the passenger side wheels on an unmade mud and gravel verge. A few short years ago, I helped found the Point Cook Action Group (PCAG) and I’m pleased to say, that after a bit of a hiatus period, PCAG is now going from strength to strength under the Presidency of the hard working and popular ex Councillor, Dr Bob Fairclough.

Recent achievements of PCAG have been: • Regular and effective clean-ups of our suburb’s open spaces. • The colour block painting of Palmers Rd. PCAG expect to do similar work on the Skeleton Creek bridge in the very near future. • Letters to the State Roads Minister, VicRoads and WCC for a long overdue upgrade to the dangerous Point Cook/Sneydes Road intersection. • Exhortations to WCC to fix the sea-sick inducing wavy sections of Sneydes Road’s surface. • Planning, installation and organisation of the highly popular Town Centre Pop Up Park. PCAG members are currently hard at work at getting this feature to become permanent, just like Yarraville’s PUP. • Pushing for an up-grade, including a bike lane, of Point Cook Rd, south of Dunnings Road. • Advocating to WCC for a needed swimming pool and indoor sports complex in Point Cook. • Working with WCC and utility companies to keep Point Cook clear of illegal and unsightly graffiti and tagging. It’s fair to say that Point Cook is the only Melbourne suburb that can boast of success in combatting this modern-day scourge that defaces public and private

properties. • Applying for input to WCC’s budgetary process, to ensure Point Cook is not overlooked in WCC spending. • Advocating that the Electoral Boundary does not split Point Cook in two, as is currently intentioned. PCAG has played a vital part in making Point Cook a pleasant, safe and vibrant place to live and the Group is intent on building on its record of achievement. An important bottom line to all this is of course, buoyant property prices.

A key part of getting Local, State and Federal Governments to heed our advocacy is membership numbers, therefore I urge all Point Cookers to become members of PCAG. Individual and Family Membership is a mere $20.00 per annum and Corporate Membership just $50.00. ‘How to join’ details are on the PCAG website. Yes, I heartily agree with other writers that Point Cook is a great place to live and I’m certainly proud to call it Home. Paul von Harder

Community Board rd g Point Cook Walkin Group

CROSS CULTURE CHURCH

e. of all Ages Welcom Women and Men ok Co • Discover Point ds • Meet New Frien hy alt He d • Keep Fit an ed lax Re d an • Friendly 0am 9.0 at y da Every week ntre at the Drryy Ce wn To ok Co Leaving from Point ek day ecinct EVERY we Cleaners- Coles Pr at 9.00am

ether Never liked church? Exploring wh ? life to re mo re the Is ts? exis God ! you for just We’ve created this church and hs trut l lica bib t We’re here to presen lives. how they apply to our everyday a h wit , 0am 9:3 at day Sun ry Eve . rch chu dedicated children’s k 7 Adelphi Boulevard, Point Coo t.au .ne ook intc epo ltur www.crosscu

9395 1953

Gardening Swap Point Cook 4th Sunday of the month at 10.30am - 11.30am Jamieson Way Community Centre, Jamieson Way Point Cook

For more informa on phone Wyndham City’s Healthy Communi es Team on 9742 0777, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au or like our He Healthy ealthy and Ac ve in Wyndham page on n Faceb Facebook. book.

fortnightly 1.00 – 3.00 pm • $3.00 per sessi on • Meet up & conn ect with other loc community mem al bers and share yo ur interests Coﬀee, Chat & Cr a Group • Thursdays week ly 1.00 – 3.00 pm • FREE • Come down have a coffee, have a ch at and get creative For more details . contact Jamieson Way Community Cent re on 9395 3777 / adm in@jamiesonwa ycc.org.au

aat the Featherbro ok P-9 College www.pointcook bap st.org.au

The Laverton Community Choir invites you to a end 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 Hugh Hug on 0419 506 689 9 or Caroline Carolin 0449 507 873

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 informa on call the community centre on 8353 4000.

Men’s Get Togeth er Social Group • Tuesdays

Meets Sunday 10 AM

LAVERTON COMMUNITY CHOIR

Featherbrook Walking Group

Jamieson W Community Ceany tre

Point Cook Community Bap st Church

FaithLife Churc now meets in h Point Cook

10am Sundays @ Seasons 5, 454-460 Point Cook Rd, Point Cook A vibrant, mul -cu ltural, mul genera onal church of Jesus followers – all are welcome! A kid’s program w ill be running. For more informa on go to: h p://www.faithlif echurch.com.au/

SALTWATER CRAFT GROUP Share ideas, techniques, knowledge, conversa on and friendship. All skill levels welcome Wednesdays 9am – 12noon 3 Saltwater Community Centre, 153 k Cook t Poin e, Saltwater Promenad Call 8376 5500 for info

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b of Lave The mem rton bers wo uld the 4th M onday o welcome you to fe the Lave rton Com ach month, at 1 join us on 0.00 am munity H ,a ub, 85-1 Avenue, 05 Railw t We have L a v ay erton. m o n th ly speak topics, m ers on a onthly club and lunches, a brea wide range of k We also separate free bo fast club, a book have trip ok excha nge. s and ou ng Come an op onal, but fu s which are d join n. Presiden us and make ne w friend t: Brend s. a 0409 8 Secretary 0 6 540 : Website Tom 974 : h ps:/ 2 6080 microsit /probussouthpa es/lavert c on/Abou iﬁc.org/ t_Us

Community Board Point Cook Adv Community Chen st urch

SWIM SQUAD TRAINING

If your child is six years or older and ready to take the next step from learn-to-swim class es, why not try squad training at AquaPulse … Free one week trial!

0411 161 147 info@westernaquaticacadem y.com.au www.westernaquaticacademy.com .au

Point Cook Co mmunity Cent re 153 Saltwater Promenade, Po int Cook. An inter-genera onal and mul cultural comm unity church. Ev eryone is welcome! Worship Servic e every Saturd ay at 3:30 pm. Pastors Nick & Danijela Trajko 8 83619070 h p: v– //pointcooksda .wix.com/ begin

LIGHTPOINT CHURCH

SEW & SEW Every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, from 7pm – 9pm Work on your own projects, with help from a qualiﬁed dressmaker, learn new things and meet new people. Contact Jamieson Way Community Centre to book you spot! 9395 3777 admin@jamiesonwaycc.org org.au .au

A contemporary Chris an Church Meets Sundays 9:00 & 11:00 am & 5pm 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

Sorop mist Interna onal

obal rna onal is a gl works Sorop mist Inte at th b ’s Service clu en om W r ee nt volu en and children. to support wom of each month M e 2nd onday We meet on th ity Centre in un n Way Comm so ie m Ja e th at Point Cook. come. For are always wel New members ntact: co se ea on, pl more informa bership@ em icm siv or 6 274 Karen 0419 42 u yahoo.com.a ek out the websit ec ch r O onal.org/ na er nt is m p op orro h p://www.so

CWA nch Point Cook bra Come and enjoy our mul cul tural church Children, Youth and Families Welcome Praise, Worship and The Wo rd Sundays @ 10am 2/8 Hammer Court, Hoppers Crossing (oﬀ Old Geelong Road)

d Thursday meet on the 3r at 7pm, th on m in the . mmunity centre at Saltwater Co : Contact details . 99 53 28 Linda 0497 d an 57 47 01 24 Chris 04 17 52 Karen 041103

‘FRIENDS OVER 50’ SOCIAL GROUP JJoin us for a weekly Wednesday ev evening coﬀee and chat in Altona Meadows. W have a monthly BBQ, as well We as organised ou ngs, shows, movies, etc. Ph. Bill on 9742 6254 or Cathy 0402 667 971 for more info.

VIEW VIEW (Voice, Interests, Educa on 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, 3335 Windorah Drive Point Cook. Light supper provided. New members always welcome. Come and make new friends and enjoy social ou ngs. Contact Catherine on 0407726852 for details or just come along.

Jamieson Way Walking Group Free. All ages welcome. Make new friends. Mee ng 9.00 am on Tuesday and Wednesday at Jamieson Way Community Centre, Point Cook and Thursday and Friday at Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club car park, for an hour walk and chat. Friendly and relaxed group. Ring Sian on 0400049395 and Tina on 0408500344. Or contact the Jamieson Way Community Centre Point Cook on 9395 3777

Seniors – Point Cook Are you interested in: • Mee ng People • Cra s ( Thursdays 1-3pm) • Playing Cards or Board Games (Mondays 1-4pm) • Train Trips Join 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 324 489 Maree: 9395 4120 or 0408 526 897

ENJOY LIFE RIGHT NOW. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH. Enjoy life right now. It’s a simple message. An obvious one really. You don’t have to wait until everything is perfect at home or work, before you allow yourself to enjoy life. It’s time right now to delight in every small moment – to stop and admire the flowers, laugh with one another, enjoy each other’s company. The reason for taking pleasure in what life has to offer, is that it’s uplifting, constructive and is truly good for your health. Yet how often do we find ourselves wishing for something more? Money, friends, holidays, a better job. Such feelings of discontent take the shine off an otherwise perfectly good life and lead to dissatisfaction and unhappiness. The answer is of course to stop wishing away our days, waiting for better ones to come along, and make the most of the moment at hand. ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE RIGHT NOW. A friend who’d just retired after a long working life, was upset when a neighbour asked him what was his purpose in life, now that he no longer worked. The disturbing question threatened to spoil his happy retirement plans. Fortunately, he was reminded that his purpose now, as in the past, was simply to enjoy every minute of his life – which he happily proceeded to do. TIPS: • Enjoy life today. Stay in the moment. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow hasn’t happened yet! • Live life to the full. Delight in happy, rewarding activities. “Pleasure is no crime, except when it strengthens the influence of bad inclinations.” Mary

Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings p.362 • Take time to enjoy family and friends. Relish every moment spent with them. Savour each communication with your kids or grandkids. Show your love and care for them. • Don’t take people for granted. Be pleased when you can do kind things for others. Cheer them up. Tell them they’re doing well! • Allow yourself the pleasure of feeling content with who you are. Stop waiting for someone or something to make you happy. Be thankful for everything that’s good in your life, and be satisfied. • Work hard. Enjoy doing well at home and work. Take delight in all you achieve each day. “There is nothing better for people than to find enjoyment in their work.” Bible. Ecclesiastes 2:24. • Be gracious and humbly accept appreciation from others for your hard work, kindness, or continued encouragement. Gratitude comes from a spiritual source, so embrace it. Unwrap the gift of gratitude and take pleasure in it. It’s time to enjoy life right now. Beverly Goldsmith writes on the connection between spirituality and health and is a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing. Photo attribution: © Glow Images. Models used for illustrative purposes.

A WORD WITH THE HON. JILL HENNESSY RECENT SCHOOL VISITS It was an absolute joy to meet the funny, smart and kind grade 5/6s from Queen of Peace Primary School in Altona Meadows. We had an excellent discussion about politics, what makes life meaningful and of course, why the Western Bulldogs are the greatest football team of all time. I was incredibly impressed by their manners and their enthusiasm for learning. I also had a lovely visit to Altona Meadows Primary School, where I was welcomed with pumpkin soup, kale salad and delicious pasties; all made with ingredients from the thriving Stephanie Alexander kitchen garden. It was here, that I was proud to announce the Victorian Government’s $500,000 Playground to Plate grant program, designed to get Victorian kids thinking about where their food is coming from and learning how to make delicious, healthy meals from home grown (or playground grown!) produce. Successful schools will receive a one-off $5,000 grant to establish, or enhance infrastructure for running a kitchen garden program, underpinned by Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation’s philosophy of pleasurable food education. HEALTH INVESTMENT Children and families in Melbourne’s west will benefit from a brand-new emergency department at Sunshine Hospital. This $29.6 million project, that will see an extra 31 treatment spaces in the ED, a separate children’s

section and other important upgrades, which will boost capacity by an extra 59,000 ED patients per year. An ED crisis hub will be established at Sunshine Hospital, as part of a $100.5 million investment, which will give people suffering an urgent mental health crisis the specialist care they need, and free up our busy Emergency Departments. LOCAL PROJECTS Local residents will benefit from $1 million for the Greening the Pipeline Project, which will transform the heritage-listed reserve along the Federation Trail bike path, into parkland for local families. As part of the Victorian Government’s $21.8 million investment across the neighbourhood house network, Altona Meadows Community Centre and the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre are now eligible to be funded for up to 25 hours per week, to help them to be able to continue to provide their vital community services.

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MAKING AMERICA GREAT The Americans take democracy very seriously. Less than 60 per cent of them voted in the 2016 presidential election in which the loser got almost three million votes more than the winner. The Russians and the Sudanese and the Martians haven’t stopped laughing since. Spare a thought too for the citizens of Syria and Afghanistan and Haiti who have to keep a straight face while some enthusiastic helper from Arkansas or Florida explains to them how democracy works. And they have a poorly-developed sense of humour hence the canned television laughter in what they call comedy programs. Their sense of logic is not much better. If you point out to them the contrast between their lofty belief in democracy with the application of those ideals in their own country, you are liable to hear an earnest defence of their practices (in fact, it will probably be a defence of their practises, but that’s another story), culminating in the opinion that God always ensures that they get the best President. As Americans see it, there is one basic fundamental which makes their system superior to any other on earth: any citizen, no matter how humble, can become President. Provided they are not female. Or gay. Or

Muslim. Or Hindu. Or poor. I love America, but there are times when I am thankful that there are other countries. They can’t spell. They call z zee. All their currency notes are the same size. They have never heard of Boxing Day - everybody goes back to work on December 26. They seem to believe that the horn is the most useful thing in their car. And the traffic! There is something surreal about hurtling along at 60 miles an hour on the wrong side of the road. Only the fact that everyone else is also on the wrong side saves you from instant death and the way these people drive, it is touch-and-go anyway. Americans get two weeks’ annual leave. They are allowed a few other days like Christmas Day and Thanksgiving and July 4, but basically if you work in America, you can expect two weeks’ holidays. Tell them that Australia virtually closes down between Christmas and February and they look at you with pity. We may not have the strongest currency on earth, but at least we know how to relax. Frank O’Shea

AUTUMN HEALTH AND FOOD AS MEDICINE Leading Naturopath, Caterina Morrison, discusses the foods and habits making us healthier in Autumn, in a two-part seriesâ&#x20AC;Ś. PART 2 5. Bioflavonoids are antioxidants that stimulate immune system function. They enhance the action of vitamin C and are found in parsley, onions, berries, cacao, black tea, wine, and citrus fruits. A good reason to enjoy a homemade hot chocolate, or a pot of good quality organic black tea every now and then! 6. Immune-modulating and immune-stimulating herbs. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) and reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) are great for building immunity, going into the colder months. Other plants can be taken at the first signs of a cold. They include Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), Echinacea species, and Elderberry (Sambucus nigra). These herbs may be contraindicated in those individuals with a hypervigilant immune system, such as those with autoimmune disease. Concomitant use with immunosuppressive drugs is also not recommended. I strongly recommend working with a qualified herbalist, naturopath, or other practitioner skilled in herbal medicine, as these botanicals are potent in their immune effects and it may be necessary to cycle them, rather than take them continuously.

for anyone and damages us both physically and psychologically. Luckily there is a plethora of options when it comes to releasing work. I like telling my clients to write their grudges and heart felt hurts down on paper, draw it out, then watch it disintegrate, as you light it up to burn it away. 11. I love Autumn, because it inspires you. Like a tree that loses its leaves to make way for new ones in Spring, Autumn sings to us to let go of the old - that which no longer serves us healthily. Now is a good time for letting go of objects, people that are toxic, or experiences we are overly attached to. Autumn gives us an opportunity to end cycles and to stop reliving the past. Donating any clothes, books, and other household items you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t used in ages, is also fantastically uplifting and creates much space for all that you would like to enter your life! Much Love, Health and Happiness on your Autumn Path Xx *Facebook : Caterina Morrison, Bhsc, Health and Wellbeing Expert. Website: www.yourbesthealthever.com.au

7. Sunshine for vitamin D, which enhances immune system activity and keeps SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) at bay. Vitamin D also regulates levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body, and improves bone health. 8. Magnesium citrate to relieve constipation (which traditional practitioners would say is a manifestation of dryness in the large colon.) It is safe in moderation, even for young children. I recommend taking it just before bed, which will lead to an easier bowel movement in the morning. It can be purchased in powder form and mixed into a glass of water. Needless to say, staying hydrated with plenty of pure water will also help relieve constipation. 9. Deep breathing exercises improve our energy levels, memory, and immune health, and increase lung qi or prana. Most of us simply do not breathe deeply and often enough! Make a point of stopping throughout the day and taking three deep breaths. Breathing all the way to the bottom of your lungs, and releasing the breath completely, will leave you feeling revitalised. 10. Emotional release of negativity. Holding onto old grudges and other forms of negativity, is not good 17

Note from the Editor…. I have a side project, where I write as myself. I’m not sure if you have subscribed yet, but I thought I might offer a little sampler of the kind of things you can read at www.richwithlove.net - enjoy!

RICH WITH LOVE It’s 11:36pm on a Wednesday night. The rain is coming down outside. My bed is wonderfully warm..... I am awake. The house is quiet, which is a miracle, because my son hasn’t slept since Europe! He has not dealt with jet lag in the dignified manner I had hoped for, and every night since we landed, has been an actual horror show. This time last week, I was on the isle of Capri. I was probably eating pasta, or drinking some vino, or gazing out over some breath-taking view.... life was really hard. It’s been 5 days since we landed on Australian soil and I cannot bring myself to adjust the time on my Fitbit. I look at my wrist and transport myself. I instantly imagine that it is 4:30 on a sunny afternoon and I am wandering through the cobblestoned laneways of Positano.... I’m searching for gelato, because I haven’t quite tried all the flavours yet. I’m covered in sunscreen, because the sun feels closer here. There are flecks of black sand speckled across my legs and I ache all over, from the constant traversing up and down steps all day....so many steps. I think on this for a moment and wish I could master the art of teleportation. Instead, I open the camera roll on my phone.... a touchstone to the past, reminding me that for a time, it was real. Despite being chained to my washing machine for the past 5 days and researching the least amount of sleep a human can function on, I am feeling an overall sense of contentment. I’m so happy. Happiness is something that stems from gratitude and I am so entirely grateful right now. I’m still coming to terms with what I have experienced over the past 5 weeks. I feel like the luckiest woman alive. From the moment I landed in Cyprus, I was on cloud 9. The wedding that drew us to Coral Bay was an amazing way to kick off our European adventure. Pink sunsets provided the perfect backdrop to what was truly one of the loveliest celebrations I have ever witnessed. It seems like an eternity ago. To think that we went on to the blustery East Midlands of England after that.... Winter coats dominate the photos from our time in the motherland, but in no way, was our enjoyment diminished. England was like being inside a fairy-tale - we stayed in an actual castle! From Harrods to Harry Potter, Hyde Park to Hamilton - England was extraordinary. France was next and as we walked through the gates of Disneyland Paris, it seemed we had brought the English weather with us. The rain came down, but I didn’t care even a little.... The happiest place on earth had my undivided attention for almost 48 hours and they were some of the greatest hours of my life. My dreams came true as I gazed upon Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. I stupidly cried tears of joy, as I embraced Snow White. I wore my Mickey Ears with pride. From Disneyland to Monet’s garden, Paris was so much more than a trip to a theme park.... 18

We managed to see the Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame.... Everywhere you look in Paris, there’s a big reveal. A story to be told. A croissant to be consumed. I met a woman on a bus. She came to Paris for a holiday.... that was 35 years ago.... I get it. I bought postcards from most of the places I visited....in Switzerland, I was inside a postcard! I’m still in shock from how insanely gorgeous it all was. Grindelwald is nestled right in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Snow peaked mountains towered over us. I felt so insignificant in their shadows. We stood at the Top of Europe and whilst the altitude literally took my breath away, it could have just as easily been the views. All of the things I have seen. All of the places I have been. None of it compared to my time in Italy.... It was all about the connection. My family came from this place and it spoke to me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. My soul was singing.... It’s hard to come back to reality, when your soul has been singing, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles. I am changed. I am grateful. I am happy. I am tired. So, what now? Well, I have to get my body clock back.... I might need to adjust my Fitbit. I need to get some photos printed out, because my phone is no place for those memories. And I need to go to Lygon Street, because I am starving.... for Italian food.... Still? Always. Melissa Longo #richwithlove

Kane’s Kid’s Page… Hello readers, This month’s issue is a new word search, as designed by me…

BOOKS CARS CLOTHES DOGS FOOD 20

GLASS LIFE PAPER POTATOES WORDS

Thank you for reading. Please send in your artwork, ideas or anything that you would like to feature on this page to kanebrooks. writer.mail@gmail.com Kane

Photo page AROUND EUROPE…. This month’s photo page is a limited-edition feature! I thought perhaps, you might like a sneak peek at my globe-trotting adventures. For 5 weeks, I was lucky enough to take in 5 countries on my whirlwind tour of Europe. From Cyprus to England, then onto France, Switzerland and Italy! The world truly is magnificent and I encourage you to explore as much of it as you can. I definitely have the travel bug now. Enjoy….

Jack’s Corner MYTHICAL CREATURES OF AUSTRALIA Part I: Yowie, Bunyip, Drop Bear and Moolyewonk Dorothea MacKellar, in her 1908 poem, My Country, mentions the “terror” of this “wide brown land.” As well as the harsh unforgiving environment of the Australian interior, which has claimed the lives of many uninformed or unwary travellers, was she also thinking of the monsters of Aboriginal folklore that many of her white countrymen claimed to have seen? Though Australia’s mythical creatures may not be as wellknown as those of other countries, we do have a folklore rich in stories of strange and even frightening beasts. Their myths and character vary between Aboriginal language groups. Many belong to the Dreamtime, a part of the complex Aboriginal concept of time. It is a sacred era, which those of Christian and other faiths might call Creation. For Aboriginals, Dreamtime is the origin of all things, including their values, symbols and laws.

WAITING Do you know we spend much of life, Just sitting or standing ‘round waiting? Like those fellows who have a wife, Who’ll wait while she’s chatting or shopping. A soldier who goes into action, Expecting to battle the foe, Will spend days of boring inaction Awaiting the order to go. There are those keeping home fires burning, Waiting for loved ones in harm’s way, Some of whom won’t be returning: In fear, they can just wait and pray. There’s all that waiting in traffic: Red lights or mind-numbing gridlock. All this time, your life clock will tick, While you’re enduring this future shock. Time that you have spent in a queue, At a supermarket checkout, Is time off your life lost to you, About which what you can do is nowt.

The best known of our mythical creatures are the Yowie, Bunyip, Drop Bear and the Moolyewonk. The Yowie is the man-ape or hominoid which was the subject of my article in the April 2018 issue of this paper. It is the Australian version of the North American Bigfoot and Himalayan Yeti.

All the waiting starts in the womb: Nine months there just hanging about, In a space that’s life’s waiting room, Where you’ll be ‘til it’s time to come out.

The Bunyip, our most notorious mythical monster, is an aquatic creature that inhabits billabongs and swamps. Descriptions vary between regions, but common features are tusks, flippers and a horse-like tail. Emerging at night, they feast on animals, women and children. They announce their presence with a loud bellow.

Your life will often be put on hold, Awaiting someone else’s pleasure. The days of your life are like gold; Time spent waiting is lost treasure.

The Drop Bear is described as the koala’s carnivorous cousin. Nocturnal hunters, they live in the tops of gum trees. They hunt by dropping onto the heads of their prey, knocking them senseless and then eating them. They are said to have razor-sharp claws and sharp teeth. Drop Bears, are however, thought to be a fake myth invented to frighten strangers and tourists.

Your last stop is the nursing home, Really a waiting room for death: Living barely breathing catacomb, Where you will take your final breath.

The Hawkesbury River, NSW is home to the Moolyewonk, a kind of aquatic lizard that features in Aboriginal rock painting. It is said to be 7 to 24 metres in length, with flippers and a long snake-like neck and head. With hundreds of reported sightings, like Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster, cryptozoologists have spent decades searching for it. Parents, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, have told stories of such monsters to frighten children into obedience. In Part II, I shall describe more of these cryptids, including the Yarama-yha-who. Like the Drop Bear, it lives in the top of gum trees. It has a unique way of consuming its prey. Jack Nystrom

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