Issue 117, November ember 201 2019
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page MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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THIS CHRISTMAS
The Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is distributed in Point Cook
page GET GARDENING!
page SING OUT LOUD.
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IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
COUNCILLOR BRIEFING TO POINT COOK ACTION GROUP MEMBERS
At a meeting held on the 16 September the Point Cook Action Group committee were delighted to host a meeting attended by two councillors - Kim McAliney and Tony Hooper, who presented information on some important issues, which are a concern to our residents. One of the key items discussed was the East Werribee Education City initiative, which was regarded as very important for residents, as it would provide up to 90,000 new jobs and support 55,000 students. The proposed city would offer international education, training, residential accommodation and research. Following an extensive discussion, there was unanimous support for the concept of a new “Super City.� This initiative was supported by the councillors and by PCAG members, who are considering a petition for the proposal. The committee also received an update on the proposal for a Justice precinct to replace the existing courthouse, which lacked basic facilities including adequate space, private consulting rooms, internet connections and other essential infrastructure. The PCAG committee was pleased to receive information
that council were actively involved in discussions with state government, advocating for a new justice precinct building which would much better serve the need for the rapidly expanding population. The safety issue arising from congestion at the intersection of Point Cook Road and Sneydes Road was also a topic of considerable discussion, with the unanimous view of the meeting that an urgent road upgrade was needed. The meeting was also informed that the subsidence issues along Sneydes Road were also being addressed, with the objective of undertaking urgent remedial works at that intersection of the road adjacent to the Brook. Another major item of interest to residents was the need for additional indoor sports facilities in our local area, that could accommodate traditional sports including swimming, basketball, netball, gymnastics, dancing as well as many alternative sports, including table tennis, badminton, volleyball and Pilates. A shared arrangement with local schools was also discussed that would also accommodate both
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hello Readers, Welcome to the end zone! November is here and everything is starting to feel very festive! Christmas decorations are making their way into our lives and end of year concerts are being performed. It is time to start winding down, because guess what? You made it! What have you achieved this year? I have achieved so much, and I really can’t wait to sit back and take stock of it all – I have certainly earned my place on Santa’s “nice list.” Take some time for yourself and make a list of what you have accomplished in 2019 – I bet it is more than you think! And if you are feeling like you fell a little short, don’t panic – you still have time... I attended the With One Voice Choir’s performance and luncheon last week and it was so uplifting! This group of singers have found joy in singing and that joy was contagious. The team at the Laverton Community Hub served up a fabulous lunch, and there wasn’t a human in the room who didn’t depart feeling a whole lot better than when they arrived. I was also lucky enough to attend the Hobsons Bay Art Show – now in its 42nd year! What an amazing display of local talent and well done to Rotary Altona. Peter Shepheard and Therese McKenney put
together an incredible event and everyone involved should be incredibly proud! As always, this community never ceases to amaze me. We are spoiled for awesomeness in these parts – get out and enjoy it all! See you Around, Melissa Longo
CANCER COUNCIL NEEDS YOU! Looking to donate your time to a worthy cause? We need more dedicated volunteers to lend a hand behind the scenes at Cancer Council Victoria’s Warehouse in Laverton North. Cancer Council Victoria is a non-profit organisation involved in cancer research, prevention and support. Every year, more than 34,500 Victorians will be diagnosed with cancer, and nearly 11,000 will die from cancer. The number of cases will increase as our population grows and ages. Survival will also improve as we get better at early detection and treatment of cancer. We rely on the generous support from the community to carry out our work.
If you feel you can make a positive impact in this role and want to know more, please visit our website www.cancervic.org.au/how-you-can-help/volunteer, contact Property & Logistics Manager Ange Sammartino on (03) 9514 6636 or email hr@ cancervic.org.au. Location: 1/5 Westside Drive, Laverton North VIC 3026 Time requirement: 1 day a week (Tuesday – Friday) Benefits: Free lunch, car parking, great team environment
ABN 78 809 543 573
Will: 0449 834 359 Email: will@aroundpointcook.com Louise: 0403 191 084 Email: ml.goegan@gmail.com
www.aroundpointcook.com
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Advertising: will@aroundpointcook.com
Contributions: editorpointcook@gmail.com
traditional and alternative sports programs. The most recent project undertaken by the PCAG is the WYNBUS project, which is currently a pilot project that operated from 26th August to 4th October. This “Bus on demand” project operated during peak hours from 6.30am - 9.30am and 5.30am - 7.30pm, as well as an off-peak hour service from 10.00am - 3.30pm and from 9.00am – 5.00pm on weekends. The WYNBUS project was supported by Pick My Project, Victoria State Government and by PCAG. For more details see our PCAG Facebook page: fb.com/PointCookActionGroup.org.au or our website PointCookActionGroup.com.au Dr Bob Fairclough President Point Cook Action Group Ms Christine McPherson Secretary Point Cook Action Group
PUT THE BUZZZ BACK INTO YOUR BIZ! Advertise with Around Point Cook/Altona community newspapers Contact
Will M: 0449 834 359 E: will@aroundpointcook.com
Louise M: 0403 191 084 E: ml.goegan@gmail.com 3
MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS CHRISTMAS has a tree this year. • Create a special hamper with things your family enjoy each year at Christmas – shortbread, mince pies and pudding, chips, nuts and a bottle of wine. Take it to your local school and ask them to give it to a family who needs some extra help. They will know exactly where it needs to go.
November is here already, and we all know what that means. Warmer weather, hay fever and the onset of the Spring Racing Carnival. And as we pack our coats away for another six months, thoughts of Christmas begin to appear, if they haven’t already. There are people that go all-out each year, turning their homes into festive wonderlands with lighting and decorations. Some people shower friends and family with gifts so expensive, they spend the next eleven months paying off the debt, and I think that many of us are guilty of over-buying food that much of it goes to waste. But what would happen if we didn’t? What if we only used the decorations we already have, planned thoughtful gifts around a modest budget, and created a simple menu with seasonal ingredients that everyone can enjoy? I believe this would result in a very lovely Christmas indeed. But some people aren’t that fortunate. Like thousands of others, every year for almost thirty years I have purchased, wrapped and donated gifts for men, women, children and babies to various churches and charities at Christmas, to hopefully bring joy to another human at a time of year when so many people struggle. But this year I think I can do better. And perhaps you can too. Below are a handful of ideas that go a long way to making Christmas that much brighter for someone else. And isn’t that what Christmas is about? • Donations of toys are wonderful, but consider buying colouring books and pencils, art/craft packs or novels and children’s books instead. Backpacks, lunch boxes and pet’s toys, bathers, towels and sporting equipment are also an excellent alternative. • Families who have no money for gifts are never going to be able to afford decorations. Consider donating that tree you haven’t used in years and half of your thousand decorations to charity so that another family 4
• Don’t forget the fur babies. Do you have half a dozen towels or blankets that you never use? Donate these to your local animal shelter or vet. They never have enough. Are you able to buy canned or dry food, or pet toys the next time you shop? Take these to your local Church and they will add them to the Christmas hampers they distribute to families in need. There is no reason why a pet should miss out at Christmas too. • And if you are still looking for ways to pay it forward, do yourself a favour and Google “Share the Dignity – It’s in the Bag.” Put together a handbag, backpack or nappy bag containing sanitary and personal items, baby essentials and things to make someone smile for a woman, teenager or newborn in crisis. Drop it off at any Bunnings at the end of November, knowing that you have made a real difference. https://sharethedignity.com.au/christmas-charity/ Dee xx You can also find me at www.comejoindee.com
WERRIBEE CRAFT FESTIVAL Encore Events Centre, 80 Derrimut Rd, Hoppers Crossing
more. This year we will be donating to the Palliative Care Unit at Werribee Mercy Hospital to update their garden for patients and families. This will include a new clothesline and the installation of new grass.
The Werribee Craft Festival is traditionally held on the weekend after Cup Day at the Encore Events Centre in Hoppers Crossing. Stall holders and visitors come from all over Melbourne and surrounds to attend.
There will be over 90 stalls showcasing and selling top-class, different and interesting handmade craft including candles. Christmas crafts, educational toys, wooden goods, cards, etc.
This year, the Werribee Craft Festival is in its 41st year and we will be opening on Friday night for the first time from 6pm to 9pm. Saturday and Sunday 9am to 4pm. To celebrate our inaugural Friday night, we will be giving away 100 free goody bags to the first 100 families through the door. (1per family)
We will also have visits throughout the festival from Children’s Characters to keep the children busy, as well as free face painting and children’s craft activities for a small cost.
November 8, 9, 10.
Admission and parking for the public is free. We hold a special effort competition, where Stall holders all donate their craft, which can be won in Hampers, with the proceeds going to our selected charities and groups we choose to support. In the past, we have donated to groups such as Werribee Coastguards to help replace equipment, Cancer Support Groups, Wyndham Community and Education Centre to buy sewing machines for a sewing program for refugees, Manor Lakes Ambulance for a coffee machine and
If you get hungry, Devonshire Teas will be on offer as well as a variety of items for lunch or morning/ afternoon tea and you don’t have to worry about running out of cash as there will be ATM facilities available. For more information: Website: Werribeecraftfestival.tripod.com Email: werribeecraftfestival@hotmail.com Phone: 0419 351 141 Or you can find us on Facebook.
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*Note from the Editor: Following on from last month’s contribution, Frank O’Shea has given us Caro’s response to her good mate Merriden. Caro has a little too much to say in my opinion, but it is all in good humour (and fake), so try to remember that when you are having a read... Merriden and Caro are old school friends. Caro recently moved from Sydney to Melbourne. Dear Merriden, Lovely to hear from you and to learn that Sydney is getting on fine without me. Don’t listen to those Melbourne snobs in your office: there’s nothing wrong with Point Cook. Anything on the Western side here is regarded as down market, a bit like the West of Sydney really, now that I think of it. If you get a chance, mention that we are in Sanctuary Lakes: it is part of Point Cook but actually quite separate, like a little enclave of more prosperous people. And Greg Norman’s name is on lots of roads. Since coming here, I have discovered that Melbourne is unhappy about the way that the Liberal party, which they regard as their creation, has been taken over by Sydney. New money is the way they put it and you can sense that they feel some of it is dodgy. Not like their money, which comes from the gold rush.
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The word in the office here is that before the next election both parties are going to go after the women’s vote in a big way by offering women a twoday paid leave every month to take account of, you know, the Thing. Apparently workers get it in Nike and it happens in Japan and Taiwan and Indonesia. Those countries are near us and we have to be the same, otherwise women would leave Australia and go there to work. I have to say, though, that I am not comfortable with the idea. It’s a throwback to the days when women were discouraged from going to uni because all that mental strain would take blood flow from their reproductive parts. Anyway, just because they have something like that in Indonesia is hardly a good reason for us to do the same. You asked me about the negative gearing thing. Keep away from it, Merri. That’s my advice. It’s legal of course, but I expect Labor to do something about it if they ever get back. Anyway, it is used mostly by people from that place we were on holidays last year where those sexy yobbos tried to chat us up, and you wouldn’t want to get mixed up with them, would you. Keep in touch Caro.
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IN FULL BLOOM... Spring returns, and with it blooms the fragrant, colourful rose gardens of Werribee Park Precinct. This year’s State Rose & Garden Show will bring the vibrant gardens to life, with food trucks, the Prosecco Van and live music, plus new experiences including the introduction of a High Tea experience, and a Beer and Wine Garden amongst the roses. Presented by the Wyndham City Council, the free event takes place over one huge weekend – Saturday, 9th and Sunday, 10th November at the Victoria State Rose Garden. Some of Australia’s most beloved gardening experts will be joining this year’s event, including Vasili Kanidiadis, host of Vasili’s Garden on Channel 31.
Don’t miss seeing the blooms at their best at this year’s annual State Rose & Garden Show. Gates open at 10am both days – so make a weekend of it and explore the grand surrounds of Werribee Park Mansion, including Werribee Mansion, Werribee Open Range Zoo and the luxurious Mansion Hotel and Spa. Please visit www.stateroseandgardenshow.com.au for the full program guide.
• Wander through stunning rose-lined pathways – full of vibrant roses of every colour imaginable. With six acres of garden to explore, and shades covering everything from soft creams to brilliant corals, the 5,000+ floral displays are the perfect setting for a relaxed afternoon with family and friends. The State Rose and Garden Show is a family-friendly event, with SO many activities to keep children entertained and engaged across Saturday and Sunday. Kids are invited to decorate their own planter pot and chose a plant to take home at the Kids Craft & Planting Workshops, be taught how to make their very own fresh flower posy at the Mini Posy Making Workshop, take part in the Victoria State Rose Garden QUIZ for all ages, or, get creative in the All Green Children’s Sandpit. These free activities bring a whole new meaning to educational fun, and will allow parents to introduce kids to gardening and the importance of taking care of our greenery – all while having a great time!
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Community unity Board oard d g Point Cook Walkin Group e.
of all Ages Welcom Women and Men Cook • Discover Point ds en Fri w • Meet Ne hy alt He d an • Keep Fit ed lax Re d an • Friendly 0am 9.0 at y da ek Every we e at the Drryy Cook Town Centr Leaving from Point ek day we Y ecinct EVER Cleaners- Coles Pr at 9.00am
9395 1953
Gardening Swap Point Cook 4th Sunday of the month at 10.30am - 11.30am Jamieson Way Community Centre, Jamieson Way Point Cook
WERRIBEE COMMUNITY SINGERS Meet Wednesd
ay ev during school terms enings, , 7-9pm. Room 3, Central Park Community Centre, 80 Londsdale Circuit, Ho ppers Crossing. We are an acapella group. No experienc e required. We offer fun and fri endship. Contact Helen 0407 493065 for more inf orma on n..
Jamieson W Community Ceany tre
Men’s Get Togeth er Social Group • Tuesdays
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 interestss 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
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CROSS CULTURE CHURCH ether Never liked church? Exploring wh ? life to re mo re God exists? Is the ! you for just rch chu this We’ve created and hs trut l lica bib t sen pre to e We’re her lives. how they apply to our everyday a h wit , 0am 9:3 Every Sunday at . rch chu n’s dre chil dedicated k 7 Adelphi Boulevard, Point Coo t.au .ne ook www.crossculturepointc
Point Cook Com munit Bap st Church y Meets Sunday at the Featherbro 10AM ok P-9 College www.pointcook bap st.org.au
LAVERTON COMMUNITY CHOIR 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 on 0419 506 689 or Caroline 0449 507 873
Overeaters Anonymous att? Do you worry about the way you eat? Overeaters Anonymous may have the answer for you. It is not a diet club. No weigh-ins, dues or fees. Every Tuesday night at 7.30pm - Laverton HUB Community Centre, 95-105 Railway Ave, Laverton. Inquiries: Marlene 0438 316 459
The Probus Club of La verton The members would welcome you to joi n us on the 4th Monday of each month, at 10.00 am, at the Laverton Comm unity Hub, 85-105 Ra ilway Avenue, Laverton. We have monthly sp eakers on a wide ran ge of topics, monthly lun ches, a breakfast clu b, a book club and separate fre e book exchange. We also have trips and ou ngs which are op onal, but fun. Come and join us an d make new friends . President: Brenda 04 09 806 540 Secretary: Tom 9742 6080 Website: h ps://pr obussouthpacific.o rg/ microsites/laverton/ About_Us
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.aau/ u/
SALTWATER CRAFT GROUP Share ideas, techniques, knowledge, conversa on and friendship. All skill levels welcome Wednesdays 9am – 12noon Saltwater Community Centre, 153 Saltwater Promenade, Point Cook Call 8376 5500 for info
Community Board Point Cook Adv Community Chen st urch
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 Saturday at 3: 30 pm. Pastors Nick & Danijela Trajko 8 83619070 h p: v– //pointcooksda .wix.com/ begin
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
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.au
LIGHTPOINT CHURCH A Contemporary Chris an Church Meets Sundays 10am Saltwater P-9 College 15 Kirra Place, Point Cook Youth Group Fridays 7pm More info call 0425 722 868 www.lightpointchurch.com
namic Be part of a dy e Club ic Women’s Serv Wyndham’ and
terna onal of to change ‘Sorop mist In ira onal women ace for work with insp pl er make it a be the world and . rls Gi Women &
omen and ojects to help w We work on pr l areas. girls in our loca a on see For more inform na onal.org er nt is www.sorop m 6 o on 0425 823 99 OR call Sagree
CHURCH OF GLORY
Join us for a weekly Wednesday evening coffee and chat in Altona Meadows. We have a monthly BBQ, as well 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
Kingdom Des ny Church
Free. All ages welcome. Make new friends. Mee ng 9.00 am on Tuesday and Wednesdayy at Jamieson Way Community Centre, Point Cook and Thursday and Friday at Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club car park, for an hour walk and d chat. Friendly and relaxed group. Ring Sian on 0400049395 and Tina on 0408500344. Or contact the Jamieson Wayy Community Centre Point Cook on 9395 3777 77
'A mul -cultural church, born to meet the community in Point Cook.' Point Cook Community Learning Centre (Opposite ALDI) 1-21 Cheetham St Every Sunday, 4:30pm (Dinner to follow) Contact details: www.kingdomdes ny.org.au Email: info@kingdomdes ny.org.au Contact: 0467819963
CWA nch Point Cook bra
A church of the presence of God. 10am Sundays 2/8 Hammer Court, Hoppers Crossing All welcome
‘FRIENDS OVER 50’ SOCIAL GROUP
d Thursday meet on the 3r 7pm, th in the mon at ity centre. un m m Co er at Saltwat : Contact details 99. 53 28 97 04 a nd Li 57 and Chris 04240147 5217 03 11 04 n Kare
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
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JACK ATTACK TO BOWL OVER A NEW AUDIENCE Werribee Bowls Club, located in Chirnside Park, Watton Street, Werribee is looking to bowl over a new audience for the sport of bowls, with the introduction of a Bowls Australia-backed Jack Attack initiative. Bowls Australia's Jack Attack product is designed to increase social participation in the sport of bowls, by filling the current gap in the market between competitive pennant play and social/bare- foot/ corporate bowls. Werribee Bowls Club was attracted to the product's inclusive, social, fast-paced format to help boast participation numbers, by appealing to people opposed to playing in longer traditional formats and by providing a more structured competition than barefoot bowls. Jack Attack capitalises on the success of the televised Bowls Premier League competition; closely
JACK ATTACK AT A GLANCE la’s socia s Australi CK is Bowl bowls that can be It’s a JACK ATTA version of perienced players. e tiv eti comp place d ex by new an style of play, taking enjoyed , snappy try! short, sharp around the coun ht rig rs bs at clu by playe ort where ishing cision sp s is a pre intent of fin ’. AIM: Bowl th the expressed ck ‘ja wi n as the roll bowls, smaller ball know a closest to rticipants es of 3 pa You ris mp co ch team ch end. during ea in your team, TEAMS: Ea the green ers playing on ve up to 6 memb olved, to be inv ha are free to rticipants a chance om to pa k, or freed giving all drinks-brea a joy en socialise, y please! go as the come and m has etitor or tea from the each comp ce On distance G? SCORIN bowls, the ir d, and the ne mi of ter all wl(s) is de ed for each delivered closest bo ard jack to the lled a ‘shot’) is aw nent’s closest po (ca op int one po than their is closer bowl that jack. bowl to the s ch team ha MORE. Ea d at the THERE’S lle BUT WAIT, can be ca ubling LAY that ch set, do end!! RP ea g WE rin PO du a r d t particula g of an en beginnin won for tha ots sh of nt the amou
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READY TO PLAY? Find your nearest bowling club and enquire when they will be running Jack Attack next or log onto www.jackattack.com.au and hit the ‘Play Now’ tab to search for a competition.
replicating the style of play through its format and time-limits. Competition involves teams of three, known as triples, with more players able to be registered to accommodate for busy lifestyles, and substitutions permitted in each game, with each match lasting little more than 60 minutes. Werribee Bowls Club hopes Jack Attack will be the catalyst for further participants trying their hand at the sport and rolling them down more often. Jack Attack will be played regularly, over four weeks – Thursday evenings 6-8pm commencing with BBQ from 6-7pm.
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EASY TO MAKE SPECIAL GIFTS – FOR THOSE SPECIAL PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE With that wonderful time of Christmas not far away, it may be time to get into some easy and economical gifts that are full of love. I love it when someone makes me a gift - so much nicer than things purchased at the last minute. They can be for men, women or children. Most of the gifts will be $10 or under. The ingredients are easy to source at your supermarket or at a twodollar shop. So, keep your eyes out for some little spray bottles, empty jam jars, pretty ribbons to decorate and you will be surprised as to how beautiful they can be. BATH SALTS (what you will need) 1 packet or 200grams of Epsom Salt or Lectric Soda (supermarket) Lavender Oil (around 3-4 drops) Natural food colouring (2-3 drops) Empty clean jar Add the Salts to the jar, then the Lavender Oil and food colouring, shake well to distribute the essential oil and colour to the salts. Make a handmade label for the front, or some stickers, tie a Christmas bow in Red or Green around the neck of the jar. Now you have a lovely gift for any age. If someone is sporty or has aches and pains, you can add a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil and it helps to revitalise the body and soothe the aches and pain. If you don’t have a bath, you could make it as a shower scrub. Once your body is wet, massage in an upward motion always towards the heart. Rinse off and your skin feels wonderful. FOOT BATH OIL (what you will need) 100ml bottle ($2 shop) Rice Bran Oil (supermarket) 5 drops peppermint essential oil Fill the bottle with the Rice Bran oil, add the peppermint and shake well. Soak feet for 10 minutes, wash off, your feet may be a little slippery so rinse well and dry them. Add a ribbon and label. The essential oils are readily available and I noticed at Kmart small bottles of pure essential oils around $3-$5. BODY SPRAY (what you will need) 50-100ml spray bottle ($2 shop) Rose water (supermarket) Lavender oil 10 drops for 50ml and 20 drops for 100ml 5 drops of eucalyptus oil 14
Fill the bottle with the rose water and add the essential oils. Always avoid the eye area, hold away from the body and spray. If you add 5 drops of Geranium oil, you have a natural mosquito repellent! Wonderful for hot and humid days outdoors. As water and oil don’t mix, always shake well before applying. Put a label on with what it is and “shake well” added to the label. BODY SCRUB (what you will need) 100ml clean Jar (jam jars are excellent) 100grams of oatmeal (supermarket) 15 drops Geranium essential oil or an oil of your choice Fill the jar with the oatmeal, add your essential oil. If you use peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil only add 10 drops, shake well, and leave the lid off until oil has dried. Decorate the jar and label what it is. Scrubs are recommended to be used only once or twice a week. If you want to make a facial scrub, blend the oats roughly, add 10 drops of lavender essential oil, leave on for five minutes and rinse off with warm water. BODY MOISTURISER (what you will need) 100ml of Sorbolene or a fragrance free base cream (supermarket or pharmacy) 100ml or 50ml jar or recycled face cream jar ($2 shop) 30 drops of Olive Oil 20 drops Sandalwood essential oil or Lavender essential oil 6 drops of Geranium oil Add base cream to a jar, add olive oil and stir in well, and then add the essential oils. Halve the essential oils if using a 50ml jar. This can also be added into a little pump action bottle. Decorate and label jar or bottle. If you have small children, get them to draw a picture, buy a nice frame at $2 shop or Kmart, grandparents will keep this forever! There are hundreds of these different ideas and you can be creative with what you may already have at home. Be adventurous and try some of your own formulas. Always do a little test patch if you have any allergies. Good luck and enjoy, Yours in good health always Cherie de Haas
WHEN CHANGE SEEMS OUT OF REACH
You know That feeling of Groundhog day Where nothing seems to change But you’re tired frustrated annoyed depressed sick of the way things are Yet you feel stuck stuck stuck in
a moment you can’t escape from: What to do? Break the pattern with Why —believe it with your whole being with Awareness — write about it with Support — talk about it with Compassion — be gentle with yourself And slowly with l i t t
l e steps change will arrive But be patient because all good things take time. Don’t give up it’s right there in front of you Can you see it? Can you feel it? Change: It’s right there in front of you
though it seems so out of reach It’s not. Change is yours to take if you really want it. Don’t give Up. You are worth changing for.
*Words and Illustration by Cynthia Marinakos.
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GET GARDENING! stimulate new growth. If the plant gets stressed by lack of water or high winds, the fruit may drop or not fully develop. Bush tomatoes won’t need staking, but all others grow better if they can ‘climb.’ You will need to get some soft tape, string or plastic hold rings that don’t cut into the stalks as they grow. After the flowers are pollinated, it is advisable to net the tomatoes, as birds love the fruit just like you do! JUICY DELICIOUS TOMATOES Red nirvana, as I like to say. However, with all the wonderful heritage varietals available now, tomatoes can be green, black, striped, yellow or even purple! WHAT TOMATO CAN I PLANT? There are so many varieties; for lovely big fresh eating and salad tomatoes, I choose Grosse Lisse, Rouge de Marmande or Break o Day; for small sweet tomato bites I plant Tommy Toe or Red Cherry, and for delightful taste and appearance, I plant Green Zebra and Burnley Bounty. PLANTING TIPS Young plants can be bought and planted straight into pots or a garden bed once the soil temperature reaches 20C …or seeds could be bought or saved from last year’s crop. Soak a shallow seed tray with a diluted white vinegar solution to clean any contaminants and, once dry, fill with a good seed mix of soil, a little sand and compost. Tomato seeds have a high strike rate, so sprinkle the seeds into the tray and cover with 2mm of soil. Use a spray bottle to keep the seed mix damp, but not wet. Once they are about 3 cms high, with more than 3 leaves each, discard the plants that look sickly or weaker. Carefully tap the tomato seedlings out of the punnet, gently pull the plants and new roots apart and transplant each plant to a pre-prepared garden bed or a self-watering pot about 20-30 cms apart in full sun. I have found that in our very hot summers, the tomato plants also enjoy partial shade, if possible. Water them in well, adding a sprinkle of Epsom Salts to the water to aid in strengthening the root structure and some seaweed solution like Seasol to
STUFF TO THINK ABOUT Everyone has different advice about growing tomatoes, but I have found I get good yields by not trimming the end growing tips but cutting off the lower branches of the plant to prevent mildew or a fungus taking hold. Try not to break the branches off, as they sometimes tear the main stem of the plant. This allows good air flow through the plant with no crossing branches. Tomatoes are thirsty, so water them regularly. Try not to get the foliage wet, as this will increase the risk of fungus developing. Also, keep the plants well mulched with some sugar cane mulch or home-made compost. Depending on the varietal, after about 50-90 days from germination you will be able to harvest your yummy fruit. Twist the fruit away from the main stem gently without tearing the branch. Voila - wash and eat! The first and most prolific are the cherry tomatoes, followed by the bush and climbing fresh eating or cooking tomatoes. Next come the large summer slicing tomatoes that are ambrosia to eat. Your cherry tomatoes will continue to produce for a 3-4-month period, but I have harvested through to May some years. Email your feedback to: editorpointcook@gmail.com Cheers – Gayle Gayle Brenchley is a Landscape Designer and Horticulturist, who has been living in Point Cook, blogging and building her edible garden since 2003 – www.openbackyards.com.au - Get Gardening!
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SING OUT LOUD. IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
Sing out loud. Sing out strong. There’s lots of reasons to do this. It increases happiness, makes you feel good and lifts your spirits. What’s more, joining your voice with others at home, in a choir, a classroom, at a sporting event or in church, is strengthening and empowering. It inspires joyfulness and magnifies unity. When you sing out loud - individually or collectively, it’s an opportunity to give voice to simple, heartfelt words of caring, goodness, peace and harmony. Instead of staying silent, you can sing out loud about good things not bad, happiness not sadness, love not hate. You don’t have to be the greatest singer in the world to sing out loud. Anyone can do it or join in. Singing out loud has benefits. It brings mental freedom. It also leads to physical release - as a muchloved pet canary found out. Mistakenly shut inside an empty cupboard, it didn’t just sit silently entombed in darkness. With great gusto, it started singing out loudly and strongly. Because of its actions, the family of this feathered vocal-dynamo soon found him, and set him free. TIPS TO HELP YOU SING OUT LOUD • If you’re feeling down, warm up your vocal cords and sing out loud. Pick a song, or any good oldfashioned hymn with happy, reassuring words, and 18
make some noise. It’s hard to remain gloomy when you sing out joyously. Now it may take some mental effort, but if you have a go at doing this, you’ll find that it does bring heart-lifting, positive results. • Don’t get worried that your singing isn’t good enough for others to hear. If your heart is filled with gratitude for the good you have in your life, then sing out about it. After all, “If you are feeling good, you should sing praises.” Bible James 5:15 • When you sing aloud, make it a song about kindness and brotherly love. Think of yourself, your kids, family, and others, as living in unity and harmony just “Like brother birds that soar and sing and on the same branch bend”. Mary Baker Eddy poem, Love. • If there’s unhappiness at home, raise everyone’s spirits. Show them how to sing the Happy Song. Although the words are simple, they do last a lifetime. “I’m h-a-p-p-y. I’m h-a-p-p-y. I know I am. I’m SURE I am. I’m h-a-p-p-y.” • Lift your voice loudly, strongly. You don’t have to remain engulfed by dark thoughts. You can let the words of a liberating, joy-bringing song or hymn light up your thinking and set you free. So, sing out loud often. It’s good for your health! Beverly Goldsmith writes about the connection between spirituality and health and is a Christian Science Practitioner and Teacher of Christian Science healing.
Jack's Corner
FAMILY DINNERS I recall a time long ago When families sat down to dinner. The pace of life was rather slow; Conversation was the winner. There was no TV, just radio; Mobile phones had not been invented. Movies and dancing were the go; With simple pleasures, we were contented. Summoned to table by Mother, We’d sit in our usual place, Absorbed in the meal and each other: In some families, Dad would say “Grace.” The meal would be two or three course. There was no noisy distraction, Just friendly family discourse; That’s to say vocal interaction. We’d discuss events of the day, Politics, sport or whatever. Everyone got to have their say. There were jokes, some dumb, some clever. Afterwards some of us might play Monopoly, Crib, Draughts or Canasta. You played to win, I’ll not gainsay, But there was also lots of laughter. Family life started to change When TV came into the home. The above scene would now seem strange In this age of the mobile phone. Anywhere you go, far or near, People are texting and tweeting; Or have the darn thing up to their ear; Or there’s some stupid game they’re playing. iPads and iPhones are the rage; The art of conversation’s dying, Soon to be gone like Thebes and Carthage: We’ll be poorer, there’s no denying. Jack Nystrom
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Please redistribute rather than discard.