Issue 118, December ember 2019
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page POINT COOK LUNAR
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The Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is distributed in Point Cook
page ENJOY A SILENT CHRISTMAS.
page CHRISTMAS
15 12 HOW TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER WHEN YOU SHOP SMALL
FESTIVAL FOR 2020
IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
TIME ...
The ladies from Gracie's Boutique
I have a fascinating relationship with my local butcher, Justine. She’s honest: She tells me which sausages she likes from her display - and which she doesn’t. She cares: She shares recipes her family love, such as her super simple slow cooker pulled pork. She listens when I speak - and remembers our conversations next time I visit. She services: She gives me complimentary products, gets me the best cuts, and always has time for me. We chat about how the business is going. About our weekends away. Our next holiday. How to entertain the kids during the holidays. We’ve even begun a mini book club, swapping books and talking books. Justine’s store is actually out of my way, and stands alone. It’s much more convenient for me to get everything I need from my local shopping centre. It’s often cheaper to buy from the bigger stores.
But big stores don’t know my name. Products have high margins on them - and if any are made by small businesses, little of it will get to them. So, I’d rather pay that little bit extra for premium products and premium service. But mostly, because I like Justine and I want to keep her family business running. Where do you shop? We spend thousands on gifts and food for our celebrations each year at Christmas... Yet we rarely stop to think: Where is our money really going? And: Where would we prefer it to go - overseas or right here in our city? There were more than 2.3 million actively trading businesses in Australia in June 2018, according to the ABS. More than half are in Victoria and NSW. A Parliament of Australia report about the contribution
Please redistribute rather than discard this paper - give it to your friends, family or neighbours!
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR It’s the most Wonderful time of the year! Hello Readers and welcome to our annual Christmas edition! It’s no secret that I love Christmas... it is the world’s worst kept secret. My 3 trees have been up since the second week of November and I make no apologies! Why should I wait for December 1 to experience such joy? The world gets a little extra sparkle at this time of year, and I am all about the sparkle. But it isn’t just the sparkle that has me loving this season. Kindness and generosity of spirit are not always at the forefront of people’s minds, but at Christmas, it gets a little boost.
Thanks to our writers and readers and our advertisers and the many volunteers that keep this all going each month. It is a pleasure and privilege to be at the forefront of it all and I look forward to another year as your editor.
People smile more, and look out for each other.
We are taking a well-deserved break in January, so enjoy your summer holidays with your friends and family, and we will see you Around in 2020!
People make donations to worthy charities, and talk to strangers.
Melissa Longo
It’s a shame that this kind of behaviour requires boosting, but the world is so very hectic, that we often forget to slow down, look around and think of others. If you find yourself rushing from shop to shop, buying gifts without engaging the hard-working retail people, hit pause and smile. A smile can make a world of difference in your day and someone else’s. This issue is choc-full of helpful tips and ideas from our writers about ways to not only survive the silly season, but to fully thrive! Our writers do a really wonderful job of embracing our papers and we could not do it without them. They know how much I appreciate them, but it never hurts to say it again – and publicly!
JOHN’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER On Christmas Morning I wish for you, The same as I wish for me. In a neatly wrapped present, Hiding under the Christmas Tree. A present like no other, And it’ll fit you like a glove. The Gift I wish for You is, The Gift of Love!
ABN 78 809 543 573
Will: 0449 834 359 Email: will@aroundpointcook.com Louise: 0403 191 084 Email: ml.goegan@gmail.com
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Contributions: editorpointcook@gmail.com
of small business tells us around 4.8 million people worked for small businesses at the end of June 2017. What’s more, it was found small businesses are more likely to develop emerging technologies than large firms. In a 2018 survey of 1,000 customers and 85 business owners, AMEX found consumers would rather buy from small businesses than larger ones. They care about small businesses - yet 86% admit they could do more, especially those living in big cities. Can where you shop really make an impact on whether a small business lives or dies? Yes! Your shopping habits create employment opportunities and more shopping choices. The AMEX report found consumers and family members give small business the most support - even more than other large and small businesses. The gift that keeps on giving... When we shop small, the small give back to our communities. Local charities and community groups benefit. Australian small businesses donated an average of $10,000 to local charities, sporting clubs and sponsorships of local groups or events. Buy local because behind the success of every local small business, there is a family that value connection with you, their customers. They care about the community. They care about causes.
When we shop from small, local businesses, we are making a conscious choice: to give ourselves more. More community. More options. More service. In return, we’re made to feel special. And who doesn’t want to feel special? That’s what local small business do well. They: Use our names. Thank us personally. Know our favourite things. Tell us what we want – before we ask for it. Sort out problems quickly and without a fuss. Care about our causes and make them their own. 5 Easy ways to shop small and spread Christmas cheer 1. Visit your local shopping areas 2. Wander through your local farmer’s market 3. Support colleagues and friends that run small businesses 4. Check Facebook: 90% of small businesses are on there 5. Ask for recommendations I’m sure you can think of plenty more ways. It can take a bit more planning to shop small. But when you do, you’ll be spreading Christmas cheer to your family, friends, the community - and yourself. It’s worth the effort, don’t you think? *words by Cynthia Marinakos
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
CHRISTMAS EVENTS 2019 HELPING HAND DAY Event Details When: Saturday 7th December, 10:00am-12:00 noon Where: Saltwater Coast P-9 College, 15 Kirra Place, Point Cook (enter via Carrick Street) For more information: Melissa on 0466 094 801 ***Bring your pension or healthcare card While many people are preparing their lists of holiday tasks to accomplish and gifts to purchase, there are many others who are struggling in the Wyndham area due to increased cost of living and job loss. To ease some of the pressures that accompany the holiday season, families with a current pension or healthcare card are invited to Helping Hand Day on Saturday 7th December at 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Saltwater Coast P-9 College. Families will be provided with a free food hamper, quality pre-loved clothing and a new toy for their children (while stocks last). At last year’s event hundreds of people received assistance, 300 food hampers were given out and countless new and second-hand toys and clothes were distributed. Lightpoint Church has been organising Helping Hand Days since 2012 and since then we have assisted thousands of people at Christmas time. This year we are joined by our sponsors NWHCS Group/ NWH Accounting Professionals, Century 21, PODS and Storage King as well as the numerous people who generously donate from our wonderful local community. To find out more about the event including donation drop off locations please find us on Facebook, www.
lightpointchurch.com or call Melissa on 0466 094 801. CAROLS @ FEATHERBROOK Event Details When: Saturday 21st December, Family Festival from 6pm, Carols from 8.00pm, Fireworks at 9.30pm Where: Featherbrook Oval, 33 Windorah Drive, Point Cook VIC 3030 For more information: Matt on 0439 175 770 Lightpoint Church has held Carols @ Featherbrook each year since 2012 as a Christmas celebratory gift to the Point Cook community. Bring your blankets and chairs to the Featherbrook Oval for a night of holiday cheer. This year we will have an animal farm, jumping castle, various kids’ entertainment and giveaways, food trucks and to top it all off we will be finishing the night with FIREWORKS! From the stage, we will have our carols performance hosted by the Lightpoint Church Creative Ministries department and entertainment by Children’s Entertainers Brendon and Cathie Clancy. Approximately 5000 people attended the event last year and even more are expected this year with bigger and better entertainment. This year’s event is sponsored by Lightpoint Church, Jump Swim Schools Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing, Kennards Hire and MICM Real Estate. **** CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE Event Details When: Wednesday 25th December, 10.00am Where: Lightpoint Church @ Saltwater Coast P-9 College, 15 Kirra Place, Point Cook (Enter via Carrick Street) For more information: Call 0425 722 868 or visit lightpointchurch.com Each year Lightpoint Church holds a 1-hour long Christmas Day Celebration Service with Carols, Nativity, Mince Pies and Christmas Cake. We would like to invite the community to come and celebrate the Christmas Season with us. All are welcome. **** For more information about these events visit www.lightpointchurch.com or call Liz on 0422 016 621 for general enquiries.
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POINT COOK LUNAR FESTIVAL FOR 2020 Next year’s Lunar New Year festival, to be held on February 8, 2020 at the Point Cook Town Centre, promises to be the most spectacular festival yet, as it will feature up to 55 individual performances, the everpopular Dragon dance, two Lion dances and much more. The Dragon for the 2020 festival has been especially imported from China and features a spectacularly decorated head and an 18-metre tail. Members of the Chinese Happy Life Association have spent many hours training for the dragon dance, which requires great skills and coordination to master the precise movements of the dragon. The Lunar festival has been held at the Stockland Town Centre over the last 4 years, with attendance increasing from 15,000 in 2016 to a record 25,000 in 2019. Performances for the 2020 festival will feature dancing, singing, drama, traditional costumes, and martial arts. Ms. Debbie Cheah, the performance coordinator for the committee of management, said she was delighted that so many talented artists were willing to give up their time to perform at the New Year festival. Ms. Cheah is confident that next year’s entertainment will be equal or better than the previous festivals. A wide range of delicious food from different cultures will also be available at the festival, from food trucks, marquees and from local restaurants including Chinese, Malaysian, Thai, Indian and Mexican cuisine and a range of wonderful drinks. Children will also be catered for with face-painting, decorative balloons, jumping castles, mini golf and the fire truck, which will be provided by the Point Cook Fire
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Brigade. A survey undertaken at the last New Year Festival rated the entertainment as one of the highlights of the festival. The 2020 festival will also include an art show, which has been organised by a Chinese Cultural group. This exhibition will be held at the Point Cook Community Centre. Dr Bob Fairclough, the event coordinator, said that next year’s festival will be bigger and better than the inaugural lunar festival and would like to encourage all residents to come along and enjoy themselves. A spectacular fireworks show will be held at dusk, which attracted many favourable comments at the 2019 festival. *The festival will be held at the Stockland Point Cook Town Centre from noon to 9.30pm on February 8, 2020. Further details available on the Lunar Festival Facebook @PCCCOMMUNITY.
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MIX IT UP THIS CHRISTMAS
Christmas is undoubtedly a special time of year and with it brings serious festive cuisine. No matter which corner of the globe you find yourself from, it seems there are particular dishes that are sacred, and only enjoyed in certain seasons. And Christmas is no exception. Much to my surprise, I have recently learned that rice pudding is a Christmas favourite throughout Scandinavia, and not just the budget English sludgelike dessert I detest. The Nordic people give it two names – Julegrot, meaning Yule porridge, and Tomtegrot, meaning to share the meal with the tomte - (a mythical gnome-like figure). It’s traditional to hide a whole almond inside, and whoever eats it is said to have good luck coming their way in the new year.
So, are you a Christmas pudding family, a mince pie or a festive trifle family? No matter what type of Christmas person you are, the trick is to simply do it your way. From my family to yours, we hope you have a truly wonderful festive season. Stay safe, have fun, and I hope you will join me again in 2020. Dee xx You can also join me at www.comejoindee.com
A family table in Italy wouldn’t be complete without a quintessential Italian Christmas cake - the domeshaped Panettone. Traditionally filled with raisins, candied orange, lemon zest and spices, it hales from the 15th century, when some dude prepared a prototype in an effort to impress the baker’s daughter. I have no idea whether he was successful in his quest, but this fluffy, doughy, lightly spiced bun-cake is heavenly with a dollop of mascarpone cream. You can also go next level and turn one into a bread and butter pudding with a simple vanilla custard for an English twist. Families from Germany enjoy Christmas Stollen, spiced Lebkuchen cookies and fruity Kletzenbrot. German festive fare is traditionally made with spices that were not commonly used at other times of the year, dating back to times when spices were precious, expensive commodities, unaffordable for most and used sparingly for special occasions. These include cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, star anise, cloves and pepper. This weekend I was fortunate enough to take part in a six hour German Christmas Baking workshop, making Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars), Vanilla Crescents and Lebkuchen meiner Oma (Magda’s Grandmother’s Gingerbreads). It was a lovely way to make some friends and add a few new recipes to the books! 7
FIT AND PROPER I have been thinking about the way Australian males love to show off that great symbol of virility, the beer belly. Even young men with relatively svelte figures deliberately wear a low-slung belt to give the impression of a protuberance. It seems a long time since a sporting hero like Greg Chapell used to wear fitted shirts which showed his flat stomach and made him look like a well-fed garden rake. These days, with loose-fitting playing strip, you can’t tell much about player midriffs, except in extreme cases – it was easy to see why Mark Taylor’s nickname was Tubby, for example, and why Shane Warne got so much stick from the media for his contours. However, the tide may be turning. Men are beginning to attend slimming clinics, a sure sign that they may be beginning to take their shape seriously and this opens up entrepreneurial opportunities for fit young people. I’m not charging for this advice, but here is what economists would call the business model. Some
busy executive who wants to slim down but doesn’t have the time or inclination to strip off in a sweaty gym, attaches a few electrodes to his biceps and quads and stomach muscles. These electrodes are connected through some machine to similar muscles in a young man who does the exercises for him while he sits nearby reading something important from his briefcase. The young man gets paid and the benefit of the exercise is shared between the two sets of muscles. Now that we have Bluetooth in its various incarnations, the executive does not even need to go to the gym. The next time you go to some important person’s office, notice the wires running discreetly down the side of his desk and disappearing into the skirting board. It may well be that first thing every morning, these are used to attach him via Bluetooth to some Hercules - or Xena! - working out in a gym in the next suburb. Anyway, that’s what I think. Frank O’Shea
FOOD TRUCKS carnival rides animal farm side show alley CAKE STALL FACE PAINTING
10 Year Anniversary ANIM AL FARM
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22ND february 2020 10am - 4pm
Innisfail Drive Point Cook
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A WORD FROM HON. JILL HENNESSY MP School Zones on Dunnings Road and Boardwalk Boulevard The State Government is boosting safety around Point Cook schools with new electronic speed signs outside Point Cook Senior Secondary College and Carranballac College. In November, I caught up with some great kids and teachers at Carranballac College. We officially turned on the two brand new electronic speed signs installed along Dunnings Road and one on Boardwalk Boulevard outside Point Cook Secondary College. These new electronic speed signs will make it easier for drivers to see the speed limit and slow down around the school, particularly during the busy morning and afternoon drop-off and pick-up times; they’ll help make sure that our kids and families can get to and from school safely. Thanks Max, Georgina, Alema, Said and Trent the Dog for joining me. Season’s Greetings As 2019 comes to a close, I’d like to wish everyone a safe, joyous and relaxing festive season, and all the best for the New Year.
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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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ENJOY A SILENT CHRISTMAS. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
Enjoy a silent Christmas – one that’s beautifully peacefilled, free from the frantic hustle-and-bustle of festive preparations, noisy office parties, and hectic last-minute gift buying. It’s not impossible! Everyone can joyfully celebrate this special time of year, yet remain relaxed and happy. A much-loved carol, paints a picture of the first silent Christmas. “Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all
is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.� This tender nativity scene, believed to have taken place in a Bethlehem manger over 2,000 years ago, reminds us to treasure our loved ones, speak to them gently with tender words, and cradle them in caring. The blissful tranquillity of such a silent Christmas, )5(( (9(17 6+877/( %86 IURP SP 5XQQLQJ UHJXODUO\ WR DQG IURP WKH HYHQW
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doesn’t mean having a dull or boring festive season. Far from it! It’s a wonderful time of year filled with many heart-warming, joy-bringing opportunities, to give and receive kindness, caring, friendship, generosity of spirit and goodwill. Family members, friends, neighbours, work colleagues and strangers are all included in it, and able to enjoy the blessings of a silent Christmas. TIPS TO HELP YOU ENJOY A SILENT CHRISTMAS • Make time to actually enjoy a silent Christmas. Reject the thought that you have too much to do! There’s always time for an act of loving kindness. And, kindheartedness is always greatly appreciated - not only at Christmas, but all year round.
appearing.” Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellany. p.262 • Delight in celebrating the harmony and joy of a silent Christmas with your family. Live peacefully and safely in your home. Be happy, expect good times, and be quietly confident. “In silence and in hope shall your strength be.” Douay-Rheims Bible. Isaiah 30:15 Shut out the noise of a frenzied Christmas season. Slow down, take a deep breath, and get ready to enjoy a silent Christmas. 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.
• Be unhurried. Don’t rush through the day. Stop and share a few pleasant words with people you meet when you’re out and about. Phone a friend or family member you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while, and say hi. Send someone a text message with a seasonal greeting. Let folks know that you’re thinking of them. • Don’t let Christmas become an endless merry-goround of festivities. You can halt the continuous cycle of activities, chill-out, and truly delight in every moment of this happy season. It’s such a good thing, to “observe Christmas in quietude, humility, benevolence, charity, letting good will towards man, eloquent silence, prayer, and praise express my [your] conception of Truth’s
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CHRISTMAS TIME... You better get up, You better not rest. Use a keep cup, One coffee is best! Christmas time means no sitting down! You have to buy gifts, Might live at the shops. List after list, It just never stops! Christmas time means no sitting down! Feel guilty when you're sleeping, Feel stress when you're awake! Cook and clean and stand in line, Get to work, don’t take a break! So, you better get up, You better not rest. Never give up, Make Christmas the Best! Christmas time means no sitting down! By Melissa Longo
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KEEP YOUR LITTLE ONES WATER-SAFE THIS SUMMER Let them make a splash this summer but, before you do, take some precautions to ensure their swimming days are trouble free. There’s nothing more enjoyable than cooling off with a refreshing dip on a steamy summer’s day. But, as an increasing number of families have found, summer can quickly turn from fun to tragedy when a child drowns. In most cases, the deaths were preventable. Figures published by Royal Life Saving Society, show that 276 people drowned across Australia from July 2018 to June 2019, representing a 10% increase on the previous year. Of the 249 drowning deaths in Australia in 2017/2018, 72% were male. New South Wales recorded the largest number of drowning deaths with 87, followed by Queensland with 60 drowning deaths. (Figures published by Royal Life Saving Society and Surf Life Saving Australia) Most childhood drownings in pools occur in the child’s home pool. An average of 30 children under the age of five, have drowned in Australia each year, for the past 10 years. This is 30 children too many! AT THE BEACH The golden rule for everyone is to swim between the flags, and preferably with a buddy. For parents, constant supervision is priority number one. If you’re at a beach and there’s no life-saving patrol, don’t swim at all. RIPS The best insurance policy against rips is to get out of the water (or not get in) the moment there is any sensation of a strong current. But if your child has been caught out, an arm raised in the air is the most effective way to signal they are in trouble. Teach your child not to struggle against the rip or they will tire easily. For a stronger swimmer, swim diagonally across the rip until it drops you on a sandbar, swim parallel to the shoreline, or, you simply float with the rip until it ends. SWEPT FROM THE ROCKS Whether fishing or just enjoying the view, warn your children never to turn their back on the ocean, since a sudden surge of water can take them by surprise. TIDAL CHANGES To ensure you don’t venture across sandbars or rocks at low tide, only to get stranded at high tide on the way back, check the predicted tidal times with lifesavers. 16
AT HOME Pools and spas should make life more comfortable, not more dangerous, yet half the children under the age of five who drown, do so in private swimming pools or spas. The dangers are not always obvious. Children with long hair can get it caught in the water outlets of spas, which is why it’s best for children not to submerge completely in spa water. TO AVOID DISASTER, MAKE SURE YOU: Supervise your children. It only takes three to four minutes for a child to drown and they often die quietly without even making a splash. Fence your pool according to safety standards and make sure the gate has self-locking childproof locks. Never keep bikes or chairs etc. against the fence or toddlers may use them as ladders. Familiarise your little ones with water as early as possible. Treat any water vessel as potentially dangerous. Each year children still die from being left unattended in the bath. Close toilet lids and bathroom doors. Youngsters have drowned in toilet bowls, fish bowls and even puddles after hitting their head and lying face down in 5cm of water. Learn resuscitation, practice and review the technique regularly. DOWN BY THE RIVER There may not be any safety flags at still-water rivers, but that doesn’t mean there’s no danger. Before they enter the water, take a stick into the river and use it to help you check for depth, submerged rocks and branches, so you can warn your children. Sit on the river bank, and keep your eye on them while they swim. Be firm about banning your children from using ropes or rock platforms as launching pads into the water. Things can quickly turn ugly if a child misjudges the distance, gets knocked out and drowns. Enjoy summer and swimming, but take lifesaving responsibilities very seriously, this way you and your children can enjoy a fun filled summer without the dangers of accidents or an accidental drowning. Enjoy your summer break and may all have a wonderful festive season. Yours in good health always, Cherie de Haas
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Photo page Autumn has so far been kind to us, providing us plenty of sunshine to play in. Easter egg hunts in Werribee and Point Cook. 5x7 art shows at the Louis Joel Community Centre, in Altona. Dirt Girl popped into the Pop Up park in Point Cook! And we enjoyed walking in the sand, because who knows how much longer this lovely weather will last? Thanks to InkCloud for this month’s photos.
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WYNDHAM CITY HOSTS MOCK INTERVIEW SESSIONS FOR YOUNG ADULTS AND TEENS Most teens and young adults who dream of finding suitable jobs, often find themselves overwhelmed and do not know where to start and what to do. This issue is important for Wyndham, because part of the city’s action plan is to support the growth of youth employment. Recently Wyndham Council, in cooperation with various local senior high schools, organized and hosted a two-day mock interview session. These mock interviews were conducted by volunteer sector and industry partners, whose tasks were to review documents submitted by the applicants, ask questions regarding the roles they were applying for and provide the applicants with feedback regarding the way they answered the questions and how they presented themselves during the interview. The activity generated good feedback from the interviewers and the students, who felt they were more empowered and confident to face a real interview
as a result of going through this experience. Wyndham City expects to replicate this next year, as a result of the success of the program. Mimi Laurilla *photo from Pexels.com
A PICNIC FOR CHILDREN’S WEEK Wyndham City recently hosted the annual Children’s Weekend Picnic at the Werribee Mansion grounds. Albeit cloudy with some showers late into the day, the weather conditions didn’t stop families and kids from having fun and enjoying the day’s performances, attractions, activities, food and various exhibitions on offer. Wyndham City hopes to attract more participants and performers for next year. Mimi Laurilla
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Please redistribute rather than discard.