Issue 120, March c 2020
FIND US ON Facebook.com/aroundpointcookcommunitynewspaper
page COMMUNITY CONNECTION
6
AT THE HEART OF POINT COOK POP-UP PARK
The Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is distributed in Point Cook
page EAT. DRINK.
page SMALL BOAT FESTIVAL – COME
13
19
WESTSIDE.
EXPLORE THE BEAUTIFUL ESTUARY OF WERRIBEE RIVER
CHASING DREAMS
Dreams are difficult to chase down. They start out big and tend to shrink over time to fit with the reality of growing up. We dream of being astronauts and movie stars. Master chefs and race car drivers. Usually, these dreams are replaced by practicalities. Occasionally, dreams come true... Michael Clemente was 5 when his dreams began to take shape... “It began in my backyard. I was driving dad’s golf buggy when I accidentally crashed into the fence. From then onwards, every time dad wasn't home, I
would try and sneak the golf buggy out to go for a drive, but most of the time I'd get caught.” Michael’s dad knew better than to try to deny his son’s impulses. A trip to the dodgem cars, resulting in a greater need for speed, “all I wanted to do was go faster, and as a result dad bought a second hand go kart off eBay.” Michael has never looked back. Developing his skills and passion at the Geelong Go Kart Club, Michael found himself back where it all started on Febraury 9th, launching the next step in his racing career – his race-ready Honda Civic – with his very own team Michael Clemente Motorsport.
Please redistribute rather than discard this paper - give it to your friends, family or neighbours!
1
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hey Readers, Are you bored? How could you be?! There is just so much to do... This month is absolutely packed full of wonderful things to do and this issue is shining a light on all of it. The AFL is back, the Grand Prix is coming to town, which is particularly exciting for one young local (read all about it.) It’s International Women’s Day on the 8th, with a long weekend to sweeten the deal. We are celebrating the Point Cook Pop up, Small Boats, the Melbourne Aces and Eating and Drinking Westside. We have all our regular writers on board, and it’s brilliant that after all this time, they still have so much to contribute – I know I’m grateful. Wyndham Relay for Life is back again and of course, you will find my team and I out on the track this March, so feel free to donate to this very worthy cause.
sending through some wonderfully positive feedback: “I want to say how much I enjoy reading the Around Altona mag.� We love positive reinforcement – doesn’t everyone? Feel free to keep the kind words coming. Thanks for reading and see you around! Melissa Longo www.inkcloud.co
Finally, I want to thank one of our loyal readers for
D\ Q : LHVR &HQWUH P D LW\ \ PXQ :D &RP PLHVRQ N D R - LQW &R 3R
SUHVV WR LP QDO V V H U ' DGLWLR LQ 7U HVV GU
%XLOG VRFLDO FRQQHFWLRQV EXLOG D YLEUDQW LQFOXVLYH FRPPXQLW\
*D DOO D PHV IRU JHV DFWL IXQ YLWLH V
W
K 0 DU SP FK SP
%ULQJ D WUDGLWLRQDO JDPH IURP \RXU KRPHODQG WR VKDUH
%<2 1 SL DWLRQDO I FQLF EDVN ODJ HW
&RPH MRLQ \RXU FRPPXQLW\ IRU D IXQ SDUDGH )HHO IUHH WR GLVSOD\ DQG SURPRWH \RXU FRXQWU\ RI ELUWK DQG KHULWDJH
6WUHQJWKHQ DQG VXSSRUW PXOWL FXOWXUDO HQJDJHPHQW ZLWK DOO
3UL]HV DZDUGHG IRU WKH EHVW FRVWXPHV
( )5( < 75 (1
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
2
Advertising: will@aroundpointcook.com
Contributions: editorpointcook@gmail.com
“A lot of people in the team have been with me since day one, so it’s really cool we’re running our own team,” Clemente said. Having experienced success in the Excel racing series in recent years, the 18-year-old won an Excel series national championship and was named the CAMS rising star winner. The logical next step was TCR racing. The Point Cook local will make his TCR debut on the biggest stage imaginable – at Albert Park on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend. So, what else is there to know about this young up and comer? Family means everything to Michael. With 2 sisters and plenty of cousins, life is never quiet, “I'm definitely a big family guy!” Food is also high on his list of priorities, “Being Italian, my favourite food is pizza, and I'm the pineapple type too! I'm legally not allowed to leave nonna's without eating more than 2 plates of food!” When Michael isn’t racing cars, he can be found hanging out with his pet ducks – Barbra, Jerry and Bart. Add to that 3 rabbits - Lucky, Peter and Roberto, 2 dogs - Summer and Winter and 2 guinea pigs - Klive and Lesley! If racing falls through, he can always open a petting zoo.
communities – communities my family have been part of always - I think if I were able to share my story, it might help inspire people to go after their dreams, as my dream is becoming real. I feel that giving back to the community is one of the biggest things I can do, as everyone is constantly helping me out, and I would honestly just love to start helping those who need it.”
For now, Michael’s focus is to steadily build on his career in racing, but he is realistic about the road ahead, “I understand that the chances of making it to Formula 1 are not high, and therefore if I’m unable to make it, then running my own race team in TCR for the next couple of years, and gradually building my team up to racing in different categories in Australia is what my goal will be.”
The Laverton Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank has recently joined the Michael Clemente Motorsport team and is keen to assist Michael, not only on his road to success, but with his community work. Connection is at the heart of any community – Michael understands this, and is keen to build on as many connections as possible. Races are never won alone.
Michael is also focused on giving back to the community he has loved being part of. Born and raised in the western suburbs, he understands that nothing is achieved in isolation: “Joining forces with the Laverton and Point Cook
Melissa Longo *https://www.starweekly.com.au/sports/clementeready-to-step-up/ *photos provided by Michael Clemente and VATtrack Media
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
4
THE ACES TAKE IT ALL...
For the first time since the rebirth of the modern Australian Baseball League, the Melbourne Aces won the league’s Claxton Shield, sweeping the Adelaide Giants in the ABLCS with a 6-2 win in the second game of the series on February 7, over in Adelaide. Following a 4-3 walkoff win at theirhomegroun – Melbourne Ballpark Friday February 6, the bats were hot from the get-go, with former big leaguers Shane Robinson and Delmon Young contributing home runs in the third and fourth innings. The Aces added three more in the fifth inning, off the bats of Young, D.J. Burt and Nate Samson. Wes Helsabeck got the start for Melbourne and delivered in the biggest moment of the year, pitching 6.2 innings with just two runs allowed on three hits, walking one and striking out seven. Jon Kennedy, Lars Liguori and Cody Mincey combined for 2.1 innings of scoreless relief, to close the door and secure Melbourne’s first league title. Robinson, Young, Samson and Allan de San Miguel each recorded two hits in the game. For de San Miguel
and infielder Luke Hughes, the game represented the end to their ABL careers, as both will retire with the conclusion of this season. Robinson, a nine-year Major League veteran, was named the ABLCS MVP, going 5-10 on the series with a home run, three runs batted in and two runs scored. For manager Jon Deeble, the title was his first in his fourth season managing the Melbourne Aces. Each of the team’s four wins in the perfect 4-0 postseason run, were also the first of his career in the modern ABL. Melbourne Ballpark has seen a lot of upgrades recently and the team behind the Aces is determined to bring excitement to Merton Street! If Game 1 of the Championship series was anything to go by, they have well and truly succeeded. 2000+ spectators were treated to an absolute thriller of a match, with all the bells and whistles. Congratulations to the Aces. We can’t wait to see what you do next!
5
COMMUNITY CONNECTION AT THE HEART OF POINT COOK POP-UP PARK
The return of the Point Cook Pop-Up Park always provides a feeling of homecoming.
making Masters students from the University of Melbourne, has also seen an injection of fresh ideas.
Point Cook is my little corner of the west and it fills me with a sense of pride to see it succeed. This community-led initiative is a major success.
Point Cook is known as one of the fastest growing suburbs in Australia with a community of over 64,000 people from 160 different ethnicities. It is also known as the largest online shopping area in Australia – four years in a row according to Australia post. The park hopes to draw these online shoppers out of their homes.
At any given time, you can walk through this brightly decorated space and find the community coming together. Whether simply a meeting space for a muchneeded coffee, or a pit-stop for little ones trying to escape from the confines of shopping trolleys, the pop-up calls to all – a beacon of community spirit. “Led by the community for the community, the park inspires both residents and visitors to connect in the heart of Point Cook.” With an 8-week program that includes everything from movie nights to hair braiding, bagpipes and crafting, through to taekwondo and dance lessons – it is no cliché to say that there is absolutely something for everyone.
Co-Leads Susan McIntyre and Sara Mitchell believe that community-led place making allows for a unique experience, bringing locals together to collaborate, share ideas and make things happen. Not only creating great spaces, but a place for people to meet and get to know one another. The knock-on effect is that the community supports the local economy, while they are enjoying the space. The ongoing success of the park also provides inspiration for others to bring their ideas to life.
The space is also providing a platform for local talent, with live musical performances happening often, highlighting the real value of supporting local whenever an opportunity arises.
The park is situated in the restaurant precinct of the Stockland Point Cook Town Centre in Murnong Street and will run from February 4 till March 29, 2020.
Now into its 3rd iteration, the park has been a firm favourite for locals of all ages.
The space continues to provide a mix of programmed and organic activity and anyone who is interested in getting involved, is encouraged to get in touch via the Facebook page or email.
In 2019, it attracted over 90,000 visitors. The Park hosted over 273 free events and activities supported by Wyndham City and Stockland. 194 of these events were due to an amazing contribution of goodwill from local groups and businesses. In March the park will host the colourful signature Bolly Holi event, as well as plenty of International Women’s Day-related activities. A new collaboration with over 70 regenerative place6
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PCPOPUP/ Website https://www.pointcookpopuppark.com.au/ Email pcpopup1@gmail.com For the full program of events go to https://www.pointcookpopuppark.com.au/services Melissa Longo www.inkcloud.co
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA WITH ROTARY DATE AND TIME Saturday 14th March 9 to 10:30am LOCATION Carinza Avenue, Altona Meadows VIC, Australia Council: Wyndham City Council Site Type: Parks EVENT INFO Meeting Point: Come and help us out in your community, by helping to clean up our part of Australia. Meet at Public BBQs and shelter, where there will also be a post Sausage Sizzle for all registered helpers. All donations go to Clean Up Australia Day.
7
A SENIOR’S PRAYER Dear Lord, You know how scientists are saying that we can now live much longer, because we are able to grow new body parts in test tubes and use them to replace old ones? Well, of course you know because you know everything, but I just use that expression as an introduction to this little chat. Our priest last Sunday, a lovely man with a combover, said that when we pray, it should be like talking to an old friend and that there was no need for thee and thou and beseech and Almighty. So I use “you know” as a kind of conversation starter - Noam Chomsky probably has a term for it, if you ever heard of him. But of course you have, ha ha. Anyway, to return to our muttons, I don’t go along with all that the genetic people say about growing new kidneys and livers and even brains to replace those we damage by drinking too much alcohol or eating things from places where fracking is going on. I think that science is up itself if you will excuse the colloquialism and is going against your plans for us humans.
that, to quote the Bard “may be better supplied when I have made it empty.” I just wish you hadn’t put your plans for us in writing: three score and ten was all right for desert nomads, but modern medicine has made huge strides since then. A word too about this business of hitting our mind while our body is in more or less good working order. That’s a really mean trick, if you don’t mind me saying so and I’d like to be spared it please. If I was found wandering the streets in my pyjamas explaining algebra to complete strangers, it would be a matter of Facebook amusement among my former pupils who might suggest that I was making more sense than when I tried to teach them 30 years ago. My doctor told me that I am in reasonably good working order apart from one of my internal bits which is in need of regular maintenance. I know what he is hinting at, because genetic engineering has had some success there, but as I said at the beginning, they can find another guinea pig. I’m sticking with you and the man with the comb-over. Amen. by Frank O’Shea
When my time comes, I am happy to give up my place
•
Design
•
Sign
Better. Smarter. Easier. Print & Signage Solutions for Your Business.
Quality Colour Printing Booklets_Business Cards_Folders_Banners_Signage Visit us on the web or contact us for our current specials on print, design and signage.
1300 85 77 85 8
www.carissprinting.com.au
BACK IN THE DAY we drove to make memories of three-piece chicken boxes, cheeseburgers and an ice-cream cake in the shape of Ronald McDonald’s head praying nobody drove up our rear. In fact, it occurred to me that cars seem to be one of the major frontiers of questionable behaviour. It wasn’t that long ago it was considered safe to position a baby’s Moses basket on the floor behind the driver, or that seatbelts were installed for decoration more so than safety, and their use was purely optional.
I heard a radio segment recently on things people did when they were young, back in the day when they were considered absolutely normal. Things we did without batting an eyelid yet today would be deemed dangerous, politically incorrect, even illegal. And it got me thinking.
Sometimes I’m sad knowing that my children never experienced the joy of buying fireworks from a milk bar, or lighting Catherine Wheels in their backyard on a Saturday night. Those days are definitely gone. On the flip side though, there are things they will never experience that I am truly grateful for, like riding a bicycle without a helmet, inhaling secondhand smoke whilst dining in a restaurant, and living in a world without sunscreen. As for incinerating the weekly papers, well, thank heavens we now have shredding bins for that. Dee xx
One lady called in to share her Primary School story of ‘Students of the Week’. Two students were selected each Friday on their merits, issued with a can of accelerant and a box of matches, and sent to the back of the playground to incinerate the week’s scrap paper. Another man phoned sharing tales of his father loading up the trailer with rubbish and junk, allowing the children to ride on top of the refuse, hanging onto the ropes and waiving at passing traffic as they drove to the local tip. Funny enough, I too have similar memories. At school, copies of test papers were made on Fordigraph machines and if you were lucky enough to be chosen to run them through, inhaling the heavy scent of solvent until your eyes watered was better than twenty cents of mixed lollies. And growing up in Williamstown meant the closest Maccas was a twenty-minute drive to Somerville Road, Yarraville, which made the occasional McDonalds birthday party something of a joyful challenge. In the 80’s my parents would rise to the occasion and load up our orange station wagon with two in the front, four across the back and another four in the boot. Seat belts, you might ask? Apparently not required. Off 9
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
10
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
LAVERTON COMMUNITY CHOIR
VFC is a mul located at Lave na onal church rt We are characte on Community Hub. rized by biblical a great sense of teaching, G and our focus is od's presence in worship in and godly indivi building strong families duals. Come jo in us every Sunday at 4.30 pm follow by a fellowship over dinner and refr me of eshments. Sunday service -4.30pm Venue: Laverton Co 95-105 Railway mmunity Hub Ave, Laverton. For further info please contact Ps Ray on 0421499468 or visit our w www.vfc.org.au ebsite
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
Point Cook Com munit Bap st Church y
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
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
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
Meets Sunday aat the Featherbro 10AM ok P-9 College www.pointcook bap st.org.au
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
11
CELEBRATE KINDNESS. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH. work, and in the classroom. CELEBRATE KINDNESS What is kindness? It’s the quality of being gentle, caring, and helpful to others. It’s being spontaneously considerate, saying a friendly hello, doing a good deed, or undertaking a kind act for someone without any thought of reward. Kind-heartedness is spiritual, and it springs from the great heart of divine Love – the source of goodwill.
Celebrate kindness. Whether you’re at home or work, show your appreciation to others whenever they say or do something kind - your kids included! It’s important to acknowledge all those kind words or deeds with a big smile, a thank you, or encouraging praise, such as ‘well done’ or ‘good job.’ Celebrating kindness spreads joy. It also encourages us to be kinder to each other in every aspect of day-to-day living – behind the wheel, at the shop counter, at
In Australia, kindness is alive and well in people’s hearts and actions. It may have taken the recent bushfire crisis to bring this to the fore. Yet, compassion, generosity, goodwill, community mindedness and consideration for others, are always lying just beneath the surface ready to spring into life. TIPS TO HELP YOU CELEBRATE KINDNESS • Give thanks every time you see, hear or read about acts of kindness. Take a moment to celebrate the goodness that’s been expressed. Don’t gloss over what’s been done, or take it for granted. Acknowledge every example of big-heartedness. • Undertake acts of kindness with your kids, or grandchildren. It’s a great way to bond as a family and teach youngsters about compassion and service. Doing good to others is one of the most enjoyable activities there is. Every act of kindness is powerful, and can have a positive effect. • Be unselfish. Acknowledge the worthiness of someone’s kindness by expressing your appreciation to them. Every kind deed, no matter how insignificant it may seem, needs to be treasured and celebrated, because it promotes generosity of spirit, unity and harmony. “If selfishness has given place to kindness, we shall regard our neighbour unselfishly.” Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health p.9:11–14 • Be nice to others wherever you go. Speak gently. Be pleasant, polite. “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Bible, Colossians 3:12 You’ll be a joy to everyone you meet. • Celebrate kindness by passing kindness along. If someone opens the door for you, express your gratitude to that person right away, and then pass that kindness along by doing the same for someone else. Don’t keep your kindness bottled up. Share tenderhearted kindness. 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.
12
EAT. DRINK. WESTSIDE.
Eat Drink Westside...
more.
Never have three words delivered such a straightforward instructional to a downright fabulous time.
Find your favourite Eat Drink Westside experience by visiting mfwf.com.au/eatdrinkwestside
As a die-hard foodie, I know that I never need wander far for a good feed. The west’s reputation as a hot spot for Insta-worthy delectables, is growing by the day. Eat Drink Westside is a cultural and culinary extravaganza that runs from 19-29 March. Jointly hosted by the five western municipalities, this unique program is a regular fixture of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and shines a light on the west’s enviable food community.
Melissa Longo www.inkcloud.co
That community was out in force on February 6, at the Mr West Bar & Bottleshop in Footscray for this year’s official program launch. MC’d by food blogger Sofia Levin, Mr West pulled out all the stops, with Beetroot Bloody Marys and Mandarin Mimosas, highlighting their diverse and daring drinks menu. Food was on offer of course, with moreish morsels provided by Small French Bar. The team from the Gojo Ethiopian Café had the entire place smelling of coffee and popcorn, providing a preview of what can be expected if you happen to catch “Sunshine Fever!” And of course, no trip to Footscray is complete without a Cavallaro Cannoli. Clebrating 60 years of traditional Italian pastries in the heart of Footscray, Tony Cavallaro was on hand to teach everyone how to pipe the classic Sicilian delicacies. Icing sugar was in the air, as people cracked into their perfectly crisp cannoli shells. With 17 delicious events on offer, the diversity of the west will be highlighted through a variety of cuisines, including Ethiopian, French, Spanish, Lebanese and 13
REPLACING FAKE GRASS WITH PLANTS As a Landscape Designer, I have been concerned for some time about the new trend of offering smaller blocks, but building bigger houses in our new estates. Leaving aside the fact that most houses are not built to the highest sustainability ratings, the space for planting is now limited. This calls for more thinking around the right plant for the right spot. Our canopy in Victoria is shrinking and our average temperatures are increasing. I listen to people on the train, in Bunnings and see in my neighbourhood that a lot of property owners are opting for fake grass and still planting yuccas to give the impression that there is a ‘garden’ in the front of their houses. In full sun, that fake grass will increase the local temperature by up to 10C, making it uncomfortable to walk on, or for wildlife to inhabit. The soil underneath is baked and any microbial or worm activity could be destroyed. Once sent to landfill, it is estimated that it takes more than 500 years to break fake grass pieces down (and to what, is the question!) Yuccas add very little shade cover and nothing to bird habitat, as well as being very difficult to dig out later. For very little effort or cost, your front garden could be a welcoming cooling green space for you and your family, as well as for the birds, butterflies and beneficial insects in the neighbourhood. First, check which way your house faces by standing in the front door and looking out. If the sun rises to your left then your front garden faces South. This means that your front windows will be slightly shaded all year. If your front garden faces north or west, your front rooms will receive more sun. Start by choosing a shady feature tree that you like, which will eventually grow to 4-5 metres. By opting for some native or indigenous plants to Wyndham, they will be more drought resilient, adapted to the local soil conditions, low maintenance and provide food and shelter to birds and insects. For evergreen trees, you could look at the hybrid gum trees like the flowering Corymbian ficifolia, the red or orange flowering gum, a beautiful acacia like Lime Majik with soft, weeping lime green foliage or Callistemon viminalis 'Dawson River' with attractive crimson bottlebrush flowers. If you prefer a productive front garden, you can also look at a feature fruit tree like orange, apricot or apple. Have a chat with a local nursery or Landscape Designer to find a tree that you love and fits your block, and some suggestions for slow growing native bushes and ground covers, to provide year-round flowers and interest, as well as habitat for our fauna and insects. 14
Have fun creating your green space! 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!
THRIVE A haiku poem
Release life’s clutter Focus on what brings you joy Move forward and thrive Cynthia Marinakos
About haiku A haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry. It’s made up of 3 unrhymed lines with 17 syllables, 5–7–5. I love writing haiku as it’s a fun challenge — it forces us to be creative and concise to convey the essence of a specific moment in only a few words. Common themes written in haiku are nature and human nature, though other themes can also be explored. Give it a go. *Illustration by Cynthia Marinakos
15
16
HOW TO EAT MORE VEGETABLES WHEN YOU LOVE MEAT MORE 5 Ways to introduce this foreign food group into your life – Part 1 When you’ve grown up eating a certain way, it’s hard to change your habits. My memories of vegetable dishes growing up include soggy beansprouts, made all the grosser, because my mum insisted I help her pick the ends off a whole basket of the skinny things, before she cooked them. I hated that job - and the dish. Then she’d cook saucy lettuce. Again wilted salad. I couldn’t stand the taste and texture of it. I lived in Boston the winter after I graduated from university. It wasn’t easy to find fresh vegetables. I suppose it’s tough to grow anything with a windchill of -30 degrees. But I have to admit, I wasn’t looking that hard. Instead, I happily got through the winter with a freezer filled with meat and icecream - and a pantry filled with chocolate. For some reason, when you’ve got a kid, it suddenly dawns on you that ice-cream, chocolate, and meat don’t cut it and you’ve got to get your act together, for their sake. And yours, because you suddenly seem that little bit older and perhaps you need to grow up a little and eat those 2–3 servings of vegetables. It’s been a struggle, but over the past 5 years, I’ve found ways to invite more vegetables into our meals. Perhaps these ideas will help you too: 1. Experiment with the magic of growing I’ve never had a green thumb. Growing up, my family grew strawberries, chilies, and lemons. But my Malaysian-Chinese dad saw gardening as a chore and my mum wasn’t into it. So I didn’t get involved. In the last few years, I’ve been drawn to edible gardens. Unfortunately, I barely manage to keep an orchid or succulent alive. Thankfully, my husband is half Italian, half Greek so it’s in his blood—and he’s taken charge of our organic home food bowl. As the beautiful baby kale, sweet cherry tomatoes, and luscious carrots have grown, I find myself drawn to the garden. There’s something magical about planting a seed or seedling, giving it a bit of water and seeing it thrive. If you too don’t have a green thumb but are keen to grow your own food, here are a few baby steps I’ve taken that may work for you too: ● Get a fresh bunch of mint and place a few sprigs into a glass of water next to your kitchen tap. You won’t miss the excitement of seeing roots sprout up in a few weeks. You can then replant them into a pot later—or if they don’t make it, just buy a mint plant and chuck it straight into a pot of soil in a shady spot outdoors. ● Grow seedlings in empty egg cartons. Add them to a tomato and vegetable growing mix, keep them on your windowsill, and water them each day. ● Schedule regular times to see if your plants need watering each day and week. I check my mint every 2 mornings. And water our indoor plants once a week on Saturday or Sunday morning. 2. Flick through cookbooks When you’ve got a kid, you end up going to libraries again even though you vowed never to, because you kept forgetting to take books back and getting fines. Thankfully, I’ve discovered incredible cookbooks that have opened my eyes to the world of crunchy beansprouts and lovely lettuces, that can be drizzled with gorgeous dressings that take vegetables from yuk to mmm. I’ve learned that fresh celery is refreshing rather than horrible, if it’s cut super thin and served up with apple, walnut, and dijon mustard, honey, orange dressing. I’ve learned that any
form of lettuce tastes less like rabbit food when textured up with feta, nuts, fruit, croutons, noodles, and if you can’t help yourself, bits of crunchy bacon. I’ve learned the oven isn’t just for cooking luscious fall-apart-in-your-mouth lamb shanks, or beef and cranberry sausage rolls— it does wonders for veggies too. Think parmesan and smoked paprika encrusted cauliflower ‘popcorn’. And eggplant, pumpkin, zucchini lasagna - (surprisingly I was told this tasted better than my meat lasagna!) Immerse yourself and you too will find the wonderful world of vegetables isn’t limited to bitter steamed Brussel sprouts and bland overcooked carrots and beans like they serve in hospitals, (they can’t possibly have any nutrients left in them.) Currently, the top 3 cookbooks that make me drool over vegetables and get creative with new vegetable recipes include: Plenty—Yotam Ottolenghi, Salads—Sue Quinn and Cooking with Kindness—Collected by Pam Ahern (A scrumptious collection of recipes from Australia’s best vegan chefs and restaurants.) 3. Cook for a child (or pretend you have to cook for one) My daughter doesn’t like broccoli. Or beans. Although sometimes I can convince her to eat peas. No peppers or celery. Yes to cucumbers and carrots—but only if they’re crunchy. It’s kind of frustrating. I get both the kid’s perspective—and the parent’s perspective now. I used to get annoyed when my mum ruined a perfectly good dish by chucking a whole lot of veggies into it. Can’t we just have her delicious roasted chicken and homemade chips every damn day?! I see the light now: vegetables are a food group that we need to be eating more from, than the ice-cream and chocolate food group. I’ve gotten so sneaky since becoming a mum. On the other hand, it’s helped me eat more vegetables. Here’s what I do: ● Add any combination of zucchini, carrot, kale, red lentils, and sweet potato to pumpkin soups. ● Hide little bits of mushroom and zucchini in Bolognese sauces and pies (but peel the skin off the zucchini). ● Add vegetables to fruit smoothies. ● Grate veggies into sausage rolls. ● Dim the dining room lights, so no one can see exactly what’s in the delicious stew. To be continued... *Photo by Dovile Ramoskaite on Unsplash Cynthia Marinakos
17
18
SMALL BOAT FESTIVAL – COME EXPLORE THE BEAUTIFUL ESTUARY OF WERRIBEE RIVER Werribee River Association proudly presents the inaugural Small Boat Festival on Sunday 5 April, between 9am – 3pm at the Werribee South Boat Ramp, off Beach Road in Werribee South. The festival will be a great opportunity for experienced boat people to showcase their vessels and skills, as well as novices to come and try. All unpowered watercrafts under 5 metres and powered boats up to 6hp are encouraged to come on the day. Kayaks and canoes will be available for hire on the day. The festival’s main hub will be in the JD Bellin Reserve, also known as Grahams Reserve, just next to the Werribee South Boat Ramp. There will be lots to discover with live music, indigenous and cultural activities, community and food stalls, roving entertainers and boats for hire. Kids activities will feature at the festival and include basic toy boat building, boat races, citizen science, nature walks and tall tales from our roving Pirate and
Mermaid. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. BYO - your family and picnic gear, and make a day of it, and remember to take your rubbish home with you. Community and related business providers are encouraged to book a stall. We need to enjoy, as well as protect our waterways, and what better way to do this than at the Werribee South Small Boat Festival on Sunday 5 April, 9am – 3pm. Enquiries: John Marks 0407 546 235. Email: werribeeriver@gmail.com www.werribeeriver.org.au https://www.facebook.com/events/501192773809514/ https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/small-boat-festivaltickets-81879340311
19
20
Please redistribute rather than discard.