Around Altona 120

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ISSUE 120 SEPTEMBER 2018 Distributed throughout Altona with distribution points in Altona North, Seaholme and Altona Meadows LIKE Around Altona on Facebook! Stay informed and view the paper online faster: www.facebook.com/AroundAltona CORPORATE EMPLOYEES RISE AGAINST HUNGER IN ALTONA

GRAZING WHILE RAISING

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WHY ALTONA IS SPECIAL TO ME

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ALTONA BEACH FILM FESTIVAL 2018 GALA NIGHT

It was “Lights, Camera, Action” at the Altona Beach Film Festival’s Gala Night on 18th August.

Cameras were flashing, as guests walked the Red Carpet into Altona Civic Theatre, to view this year’s Film Entries. Guests were greeted by a smile and a glass of bubbly, as they arrived, welcomed by ABFF President, Annette Stephens.

On show throughout the evening, were sixteen short films, from local and international entrants. The theme for this year was “PETS” and the film makers certainly used their imagination when interpreting the theme. There were films that had the audience in tears and laughter, watching with anticipation, enthusiasm and excitement. Films about Dogs, Cats, Lizards and Pigeons. Films with Canines cavorting and

Feline actors and the sound of Gypsy’s.

This was the fourth Altona Beach Film Festival, an original idea of Annette Stephens.

“ABFF started with a simple idea. Everyone can make a film and everyone enjoys films. So why not have a film festival in Altona? A film festival attracts visitors to Altona. A film festival creates a vibrant and creative community. A film festival is an annual event that inspires imagination and community engagement.”

Among the guests were Councillor Sandra Wilson, our own editor, Melissa Longo, Janet Dawes and Tania Blackwell from Hobsons Bay Council, Celebrity local Radio Announcer Rob Richardson from WYN FM and Kim and Sharon Walsh from continue page 3

PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD - Give this paper to a friend or neighbour to read.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Hello Lovely Readers!

Can you smell the sweet scent of Spring in the air? Can you feel the sun on your skin? Is there a ‘spring’ in your step? The season of rebirth is upon us and I am feeling suitably renewed!

Our annual Spring edition is ready for you and it is full of awesome! Tips for nurturing yourself and for detoxing, for cleaning out the negative and replacing it with bright, shiny happiness. There is local goodness to share and we are happy to be in the business of spreading the love!

We have survived the Winter people! We did it! I feel so relieved to have the grey gloom in my rear vision mirror.

It is time to look forward to the season of school holidays, footy finals, racing carnivals and daffodils!

So, get out in the garden! Take a walk, or a run. Donate some old clothes. Embrace the freshness of it all, because life really is beautiful!

See you Around, Melissa Longo *for more from our editor, subscribe to www.richwithlove.net

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT THE WILLIAMSTOWN HOSPITAL OPPORTUNITY SHOP? Have you got a spare 4 hours a week or fortnight to help your local community?

Are you interested in helping Western Health raise money for Williamstown Hospital in our retail store on Ferguson Street?

Would you like to be part of a well-recognised, awardwinning volunteer Western Health program and join the diverse, committed volunteer retail team?

If so, please contact Fiona Halse, Coordinator of Volunteers (Williamstown) on 0401 684 977

0408 659 940 or aroundsell@gmail.com

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Altona Traders.

After the films were shown, MC Peter Shepherd invited Sponsors, Film Maker and Judges to the stage for the Award Presentations....

Best in Festival went to “Chee’s Story” by Rose Damon, taking home $1000.00 Special Recognition went to “Lester’s Pigeons” by Aaron Ellis - $500.00 Best Young Adult was tied 3 ways, going to “Jeremy and Bob”

by Jarrod Clark - $100.00, “The Pirates” by Jun Davidson (Canada) - $70.00 and “With the Heart” by Claire Le Donne (Canada) - $70.00

President’s Encouragement Award went to “They Walk Beside Us” by Brooke Matthews -$100.00 People’s Choice was resounding, with “Chee’s Story” by Rose Damon, taking out the $100.00, pleasing the critics and public alike.

The night ended with MC Peter Shepherd announcing next year’s theme, “JOURNEY” and challenging all budding SPIELBERGS, whether locally, nationally or internationally, to put their creative thinking caps on, their own interpretation to the theme and enter a film in 2019’s Film Festival.

As Peter said “Your Journey starts now. You could be the ABFF winner in 2019. It could be you on stage next year being presented with an award!”

John Dawson

Best Pre-Teen went to “Best Pet” by William Butler - $200.00

TO ADVERTISE IN AROUND ALTONA COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER Contact

Daniel - M: 0408 659 940 E: aroundsell@gmail.com Will - M: 0449 834 359 E: will@aroundaltona.com.au Issue 120

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30TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOBSONS BAY SISTER CITY AND ANJO CITY

The 2018 Anjo Student Delegation delighted guests at a Mayoral Reception, with a Japanese folk dance. Two hundred students, accompanied by chaperones from both cities, have been part of the program aimed to develop friendship and goodwill through sharing information and culture.

The Hobsons Bay International Friendship Association, in conjunction with the Hobsons Bay City Council, celebrates the 30 year Sister City relationship with Anjo, Japan. In October 1988, the agreement was signed in the Altona City Chambers.

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This special anniversary will be celebrated with a Bush Dance at the Williamstown Town Hall, on the 20th October. Seventeen citizens from Anjo, lead by the Mayor of Anjo will be attending.

The HBIFA is inviting all past students and chaperones who were part of this program over the past 30 years, to be part of this reunion.

For more information contact HBIFA joyshawmartin@gmail.com

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President at

CORPORATE EMPLOYEES RISE AGAINST HUNGER IN ALTONA

Kraft Heinz head office employees gathered in Altona on Friday 17 August, to help not-for-profit organisation Rise Against Hunger pack 50,000 meals, to provide hunger relief to the world’s most vulnerable populations.

The day saw volunteers pack and box micronutrient meals intended for schools, clinics and vocational centres all over the world, at the Kraft Heinz distribution centre in Altona.

Kraft Heinz’s Australian CEO, Bruno Lino said the initiative will contribute to Kraft Heinz’s global pledge, to donate 1 billion nutritious meals to people in need by 2021, as part of its partnership with the philanthropic organisation, Rise Against Hunger.

“Staff at Kraft Heinz are thrilled to be involved in helping provide hunger relief to disadvantaged communities,” said Bruno Lino.

One in three people worldwide are currently affected by vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Micronutrient meals, which include rice, dried vegetables and over 23 essential vitamins, help provide essential nourishment. The program also works to assist communities make the difficult journey out of poverty, by providing additional skills training and services.

“Our employees are extremely proud to be able to help some of the many people currently impacted by hunger all over the world. It shows that no matter where you are, there is always an opportunity to make a positive impact,” Mr Lino said.

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SPRING CLEANSE A SIMPLE REGIME THAT WILL HELP REV UP YOUR SYSTEM FOR THE WARMER MONTHS AHEAD Spring is the time for renewal. We see it all around us in nature, we experience it with an increase in physical and mental energy, that produces a surge of grand intentions to put our home and body, in order.

Don’t panic, you can detox quite painlessly, without undertaking a Spartan regime of fasting or colonic irrigation.

This two week detox focuses on the lymphatic system and the organs of elimination: the skin, the kidneys and the liver.

SKIN BRUSHING The skin - often called “the body’s master detoxifier” eliminates 25 per cent of the body’s waste products through perspiration. If the other organs of elimination (kidneys, liver and large intestine) aren’t working in tip-top order, the skin shoulders this extra burden. Regularly dry brushing the skin, enhances the flow of lymph and removes dry, dead skin cells, this helps the skin’s function and texture. Dry brush for two days, have a break for two days, then repeat this pattern of two days on and two days off.

Before showering or bathing, brush your entire body with a long handled, natural-fibre bristle brush. Start from the soles of your feet and work upwards along your legs (front and back), your torso, your arms and hands, across your chest, shoulders and neck. Always brush towards your heart, never away from it.

SALT SCRUB The next step is a salt scrub, which removes those dead skin cells not released by dry brushing. Jump in the shower and before you get too wet, scrub a handful of coarse sea salt and scrub vigorously all over the skin, except for the face, which needs something gentler.

MASSAGE When you finish showering, lightly towel your body and while your skin is still damp, massage it with one tablespoon of the following essential oil blend: 100ml of apricot or grape seed oil, 20 drops of lavender oil, 20 drops of grapefruit oil, 10 drops rose geranium oil. This invigorating formula stimulates the lymphatic system. Pay particular attention to the lymphatic channels, behind the knees, around the groin, in the crease of the buttocks, the elbows, the armpits and around the breasts.

Repeat this process for seven days, at the end of the week, the combination of dry skin brushing, salt scrubs and massage should leave you feeling invigorated and on top of the world.

Continue this daily for two weeks.

Enjoy plenty of fresh fruit, but eat the whole fruit rather than juice, for many of the nutrients are stored in the fibrous parts, which are lost in the juicing process.

Eat a variety of fresh vegetables, especially lots of the green leafy variety, for the cleansing chlorophyll they contain. The vegetables can be raw or steamed, but winter-sluggish digestive systems will probably prefer them steamed. Asparagus, which is abundant in springtime, is another traditional tonic for purifying the kidneys. Other kidney-tonic foods include parsley, cucumber, beetroot, fresh cranberries, grapes and watermelon.

BITTER GREENS Include some bitter greens too. Traditional cultures throughout the world have long sought out the first sprouts of bitter wild greens that appear early in spring, knowing these greens are the perfect antidote for the sluggishness ensuing from a long, sedentary winter and that season’s rich, heavy foods. Bitter greens stimulate the flow of bile, which naturally cleanses the liver and improves the digestive function. Bitter greens benefit the kidneys also. So, stock up on salad greens, such as endive, rocket, watercress, mustard and dandelion greens. Serve this with a little fresh ginger root and garlic, a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice and a splash of extra-virgin olive oil.

THE HARD-WORKING LIVER The liver has a momentous work load. It is charged with some five hundred tasks. One very important function, is transforming toxic metabolic by products into harmless substances that can be removed from the body by the organs of elimination. It sometimes struggles to detoxify a barrage of chemicals – pesticides, fertilisers, food additives, solvents and drugs. The liver sometimes falls behind in performing its other functions.

The liver is linked to numerous biological functions, a range of physical and emotional symptoms manifest from poor liver function. These include allergies, concentration problems, constipation, depression, fatigue, headaches, indigestion and irritability.

Lightening the liver’s load, with a detox regime that dramatically reduces toxin intake, and eating a healthy, natural diet the rest of the time, will help restore the liver to optimal functioning. Your overall health will benefit significantly as a result.

A NATURAL DIET

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Yours in Good Health, Cherie de Haas

CHASING THE SUN When it comes to extreme weather, Melbourne ticks all the boxes. Spring can be wet. Or dry. Autumn is mild. Except when it’s not. Summer is warm, sometimes with snow on Christmas Day in parts. And winter, well, anything goes.

We all know I’m a planner and prefer to know exactly what the deal is. Especially with the weather. I need to plan my wardrobe. Actually, the best thing about Melbourne, is that it allows you to have an enormously extensive wardrobe without question. Dresses, skirts, jumpers, coats, sandals, boots. The lot. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to escape. For some years now, we have travelled abroad each winter for a few weeks, escaping the normal and discovering things that are bigger than ourselves.

to book holidays in September, so that when I return, it’s slightly warmer than the minus three degrees I am currently experiencing each morning. It’s so cold sometimes, I don’t even pee until lunchtime, because it is frozen within. But the memories of our trips keep me smiling, and the excitement of planning our next adventure, keeps me heading to work for yet another day.

Because that’s the planning that memories are made of xx Dee Simpson

To jump on a plane and arrive at your destination, only to disembark and catch your breath as you inhale the thick, humid summer air of the northern hemisphere, is heavenly.

Just the thought of weather warm enough to melt my internal organs makes my heart fill with joy. And the ability to save twenty minutes a day, not doing my hair is an added bonus.

Mornings are calm, nights are warm, and days are filled with walking expeditions, swimming and meals cooked by someone else. Other than a steady income to enable you to stay forever, there isn’t much more you could wish for.

So, since that will never happen, my other wish is to remember

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Notices THE PROBUS CLUB OF SEAHOLME

The Committee of the Club invite you to join us on the second Wednesday of each month at 10.00am at the Altona Sports Club.

We are a friendly, vibrant club with many and varied interests. These include a guest speaker each month, trips, theatre outings, walking groups, monthly dine-outs, movies, book club and coffee group.

Why not come and join us and see if this is for you?

President: Angela Lillywhite 93159826 Secretary: Barb 9398-1217 Website: www.seaholmeprobus.org.au

ALTONA LIONS CHERRY LAKE MARKET

WESTERN MELBOURNE MEN’S CHORUS Sing with us!

Google or call us Robin 0466 726 698 Garry 0421 739 847

We invite you to join us on the third Monday of the month, at 1pm.

Venue: Youth Hall, Corner of Civic Parade and Sugargum Drive, Altona.

Guest speakers, a trading table Come and enjoy our multicultural church and afternoon tea.

Children, Youth and Families Welcome Contact us by phone, on 93142593 Praise, Worship and The Word or 93982002 Sundays @ 10am 2/8 Hammer Court, Hoppers Crossing (off Old Geelong Road)

ALTONA NORTH COMBINED PROBUS CLUB Retired or semi-retired? Interested in developing new friendships, or interests? Join our friendly group at the Community Hall, Cypress Ave. Brooklyn 10am on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Guest speakers, trips and other activities are organised.

Enquiries – Pam: 9314 4640

Millers Road, Altona Open the first Sunday of every Month from 8.30am to 1.30pm.

Lots of stalls with a huge variety of items such as tools, garden equipment and plants, Saturday 20th October 2018 clothes, bric a brac, good food and great 9.00am to 1.00pm coffee for sale; enjoy music while browsing.

Trinity Uniting Church We have some great live entertainment, so please come and join us. We also have a 7 Seves Street, Altona baby animal farm and jumping castle for Cake Stall, Sausage Sizzle the young to enjoy.

Variety of goods for sale includes: There is also a mouth watering sausage Devonshire Tea, Books, CD’s, sizzle run by the members of the Altona Crockery, Crafts, Lions Club.

Jams and Preserves, Jewellery, Plants, Each sausage you purchase will help us to Toys, Tools and Paintings. help people in need.

So come and visit our market and bring and much more…. your appetite with you.

Buskers welcome to show their talents whether singing, playing an instrument or juggling.

Any enquiries call: Angela Heywood on 0413065177

CHURCH FETE

THE ALTONA FRUIT AND VEGIE SWAP

ADAVIC ANXIETY & DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP Connect with others in a safe environment to share experiences and coping strategies.

Every Tuesday 7:30-9:30pm at the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre, Sargood St, Altona. $5 Casuals / $3 Members For more info phone: (03) 9853-8089 | email: adavic@adavic.org.au | visit: www.adavic.org.au 8

HOBSONS BAY (ALTONA) GARDEN CLUB

Takes place on the second Saturday of every month from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Rotunda in Logan Reserve PierStreet, Altona.

WESTGATE DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP Meets 1st Tuesday of the month.

At Altona Bowling Club, Civic parade, Altona At 10am.

Contact Elaine on 92555501, or 0415030996.

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FRIENDSHIP CLUB ALTONA DAY VIEW CLUB

View, which is a national club, gives women the opportunity to meet regularly, to share their walks in life, make friendships and listen to guest speakers.

Importantly, the club raises funds for the Smith family for the Learning for Life program.

Altona view meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month, at Altona R.S.L. Doors open 11am for an 11.30am start.

Contact Janet on: 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176.

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE SERVICES

Need any legal documents witnessed?

Call in to Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed, 280 Queen St, (opposite Kooringal Golf Course) Altona.

Any Wednesday between 10:00am & 2:00pm.

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY.

ALTONA LADIES PROBUS CLUB FUN, FELLOWSHIP & FRIENDSHIP We meet every 4th Thursday At the Altona RSL – 10am start.

We have monthly speakers, Theatre outing every 4th Monday Lunch dine out every 3rd Wednesday Occasional trips and outings New members will be made very welcome Enquiries to Merle – 9398 3640 Or Jenny – 9398 3379

GRAZING WHILE RAISING

Every year, the Williamstown Soccer Club hosts a Ladies Day, which raises money for McAuley Community Services for Women. This year was another resounding success. Almost $3000 was raised, as well as the roof of the clubrooms; the latter due to laughter. Two wonderful comedians were responsible. Stella Kinsella and Kirsty Webeck provided first class entertainment.

Unpolished Gem Catering provided a ‘grazing’ table, so artistically decorated, that Stella was obliged to point out to her audience, “the food was not an art installation,” and went on to say, “in my day, we called it a buffet, not sure when we entered into bovine territory.”

Stella wears many hats, quite an eclectic range, from running the Newport Comedy Room, to working at the city zoo. In between, she is a writer - with two books - Poison Ivy, a crime novel set in Williamstown and Wild Orphans, a book for kids.

And she paints!

The other laughter-generating comedian, Kirsty Webeck, recently appeared on ABC’s ‘Tonightly With Tom Ballard’ and has had sell out shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Her story telling was superb. Her tale of a previous boss and his instruction for her to remain seated for a certain length of time, (due to Kirsty’s propensity to have a chat, while wandering around the office) - the scenarios she presented in response to his instruction were hilarious.

While the comedians had everyone laughing, the bubbly had the guests giggling. It was donated by Bubbelini, a premium Australian sparkling wine, born when two friends came to the realisation there were great champagnes available, but not many sparkling wines. They decided to launch a boutique sparkling wine label, all this, while working full time and both having young children. It took a lot of blood sweat and tears, but Bubbelini came into being.

The event would not have happened without the hard work of Cindy Babic, who pulled this 2018 Ladies Day together. Cindy ran a Bingo Raffle, where winners received prizes generously donated by local businesses. Cindy ran a wonderful event, which not only entertained, but also raised money, with the help of Unpolished Gem Catering, Bubbelini, Cupcake Queens, Grace & Willow, Finesse Cakes, Book and Paper, Paddock to Table, Quadro Constructions, Spraying Systems Co, Interior Williamstown, Indera Day Spa, Tulle, Williamstown Podiatry Services, Accession Finance and Niki Sue. Cindy, Stella, Kirsty, the sponsors, and those who attended should be proud of their efforts. McAuley Community Services for Women will receive a good amount of money, which will help provide many different services for women and their children, who are escaping family violence, and women who are homeless. McAuley makes a difference in the lives of women and children who have found themselves in terrible circumstances.

Jen Robinson

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A WORD FROM HON. JILL HENNESSY Pick my Project Voting for Pick my Project has begun!

Residents across the Altona District can now vote for their favourite local projects, with 20 ideas from Wydham and Hobsons Bay up for the chance to be funded, through this great new program.

These projects have been dreamt up by passionate locals and will make our communities better places to live.

Residents aged 16 and over can now vote for their favourite project ideas in their local community.

Voters can visit the Pick My Project website (pickmyproject. vic.gov.au) to register and select their local area, by searching for their street address or suburb, or by dropping a pin on the map.

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The Andrews Labor Government funded the $30 million Pick My Project fund in the Victorian Budget 2018/19.

The funding has been divided between the six metropolitan and nine regional partnership areas, with at least $1 million in funding available for the Inner Metro region.

Project ideas with the most votes in each area, will get the opportunity to enter into a funding agreement for their project, with between $20,000 and $200,000 available for each project idea.

Don’t miss your chance to have your say, in what projects you’d love to see take shape in our community. All Victorians aged above 16 are eligible to vote until Monday 17 September.

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7 STEPS TO NURTURE YOURSELF: THE ‘NURTURE YOU’ SERIES Let’s start with nurturing yourself. Women are natural givers. They can also stretch themselves.... very far. It pays to remember that you must fill up your cup, in order to be helpful to others. Fill up your cup by nurturing yourself.

the nurturing energy that you’d have when preparing tea for someone you love. Visit the sauna, get a massage or draw yourself a bath filled with special salts. Linger in it and relax. Make yourself a candlelight dinner — a delicious meal in a special setting. Cuddle yourself. Treat yourself as a loving parent would treat you.

Many people don’t treat themselves very well. I constantly hear people putting themselves down in my presence, when from my point of view, I only see sparkling jewels.

They break promises to themselves, eat poorly, don’t get enough sleep, are self-critical or fail to take good care of their bodies. In fact, if most people treated others the way they treat themselves, they wouldn’t have many friends! I am not here to be judgemental, but I do want you to feel and treat yourself better, so you can be the best you can be.

5. When you respect yourself, you set healthy boundaries with others. Let people know what you want and don’t want. Tell them what’s okay for you and what’s not.

If you have a friend who’s always late and you end up waiting for her and feeling annoyed, tell her how you feel. A nurturing parent wouldn’t let someone treat you badly. A loving parent makes sure his or her child’s needs are met.

Below are seven ways to strengthen your own Inner Nurturing Parent, and turn the goal of treating yourself better into daily, living action:

Become your own advocate. If someone is disrespectful or hurtful to you, speak up. Tell them you don’t want to be spoken to that way. If someone was unkind, hostile or verbally abusive to your child, you’d stand up for him.

Protect yourself as a nurturing parent would protect you.

1. A great technique for treating yourself better, is by developing your Inner Nurturing Parent. Imagine you had a little child in your care. You’d make every effort to keep her healthy and safe; to love and support her; to be forgiving of her mistakes, her inevitable slips; and to let her know how precious and important she is. That’s what a loving parent does. Only, in this case, you’re the parent and the child.

2. Send loving messages to yourself. Tell yourself, “I love you and appreciate who you are.” When you do something well, give yourself a pat on the back. Say, “Great job! I’m so proud of you.” When you’re struggling or feeling low, be supportive by saying, “I’m here for you. You’re not alone.” Look into the mirror. See the image looking back at you. Your best friend, or are you making it your foe?

3. Take good care of yourself. A loving parent would make sure you eat right and get plenty of rest, sleep, fresh air and exercise. Keep yourself healthy and fit. Practicing good self-care is an essential part of this process.

4. Do nice things for yourself. Get into the habit of doing special things for yourself. Make yourself a cup of tea with

6. Believe in yourself. A nurturing parent would highlight your uniqueness, tell you how special you are, encourage you to build on your strengths and support you in a loving, nonjudgmental way. A nurturing parent says, “You can do it.” “I believe in you.” Become your strongest supporter, coach and cheerleader. You do it for your children, Why not for yourself? Remember children model their parent’s behaviour to a large extent. Get into the habit of modelling great behaviour to your children, through how you treat yourself.

7. And lastly and most importantly: Be compassionate with yourself. Have compassion for your humanity and your flaws. You’re human and you’re going to make mistakes.

Look at yourself through the eyes of a loving parent; don’t punish or criticize yourself. Reassure yourself.

Comfort yourself. Accept yourself unconditionally. And show that same compassion for your own parents and others, because they too, are human.

You’ve got this, you’re doing a great job.... Now be nice to yourself!

Caterina Morrison https://www.facebook.com/caterinamorrisonnaturopath/

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HEREDITARY

Film Review A woman loses her mother, and in the aftermath certain feelings rise to the surface and strange things...happen.

That’s appropriately vague, as it’s best to go in blind, if you want the optimal viewing experience. Hereditary works because it remembers that the best horror films are populated by characters, rather than caricatures, and that jump-scares can be effective, but a crutch. So, what we have is a deliberately-paced, albeit never dull story of a family unravelling.

opportunity to run the emotional gamut, at once tender and spiteful, staid and manic. Her unpredictability is true of the film itself, which manages to surprise and subvert expectations at almost every juncture. It isn’t perfect: logic is all but abandoned in the third act, and the ending feels curiously out of place with the rest of the film. But when your palms are sweating this much, you won’t care. See it.

The tone is set in the opening minutes, when a blond man smiles at a little girl at a funeral, as if it were a joyous occasion, and an air of constant dread lingers over proceedings thereafter, thanks in no small part to Colin Stetson’s score, which manages to imbue even the most mundane scene — like a teenage boy driving his little sister to a party — with skin-crawling intensity.

“Hereditary” is still showing at Cinema Nova in Carlton.

Brandon McLaren

Some have likened this to The Exorcist, but it probably has closer ties to 2014’s The Babadook, another gem about family disintegration and grief. Essie Davis carried that film as a mother, whose thoughts drifted to filicide in her darker moments, and similarly this is Toni Collette’s star vehicle. As the family matriarch, she is afforded the

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WHY ALTONA IS SPECIAL TO ME Altona has been my home for all my 65 years. Many of my family were born, and still live in Altona. Altona is where my heart is. Most of the memories I have accumulated, occurred in Altona. Most of my “firsts” occurred in Altona. First Kiss.

First time I watched TV - Disneyland in our neighbour’s house. First school - apparently on my first day, mum dropped me off - when she arrived home, I was there waiting for her!

First time to the beach. First car purchased, in Altona, from a local Garage. First home. First house purchase. I am often asked “Did you grow up in Altona?” My answer is “I hope to.”

Spending my time surrounded by my memories, many from my younger days, keeps me feeling young.

It seems like every other day I meet people I have known, virtually all my life, and conversation always leads to talking about the old days. Of friends and relatives, mostly these people tend to be both. Of hot nights down the beach by the pier, when most of us knew each other, and if it was a hot night, we’d just gather, sit on the beach wall, chat and go for swim.

Places have changed in my time, however some seem to have stayed the same. The Norfolk Pines, the Old Scout Hall, the Youth Club, the original footy ground, the Old Life Savers, now in beaut new buildings. The RSL (a NISSAN HUT back in the old days), the Refinery, and Mobiltown station.

Pier Street is still the place to meet up with people, even though these days you aren’t likely to know everyone, like you would have in the old days. The shops have changed. Some of the shops from my early days, have disappeared, but been remembered with a lane named after them, like Edwards Barbers.

Harvey’s Shoe Shop, Kim’s Sports Store, Mr & Mrs Manning’s Shop – they sold a variety of things including guitars, bikes and electrical items. Many of us saw TV for the first via the television in their shop in window. Grays Newsagency, Mayfair Café, ABC café, Noonans Bakery, Jumpertz Menswear. The Arcade opposite the Service Station, which was home to the Altona Star.

Visiting Pier Street still takes me back to my youth, like looking at Noonan’s window, to see what footy team you were in that weekend.

The Pier, although a little narrower these days, still fulfils the same role now as it did in the old days. Perfect for a leisurely stroll on a nice day, or to dangle a fishing line, or just jump off and have a swim. It is common for me, when coming home to Altona, to drive along the esplanade. The sight of the Norfolk Pines and the Pier, especially at night with the lights, and you know you’re on your way home.

The green single masted boat, called the ROMA, that used to sail across the beach from Seaholme to the Pier each morning.

The Park was another place to gather, especially over summer, visit the Carnival each year, or kick a footy with your mates you were allowed to back then. The Homestead was just the

old house in the Park to me as a kid, but now stands in all it’s glory, its place in Altona’s history recognised.

The Hospital, a place for births, deaths and appendix removals, among other medical procedures. No longer a hospital - its services to the Community have changed, however its building remains, serving the Community.

The Station, with our two-carriage shuttle service to Newport.

People would arrive ages before their train was due to leave, as it gave us an opportunity to chat amongst ourselves in the open carriage before departure, the driver and guard often joining the conversation.

Obviously, there are other towns like Altona, so why is Altona special to me?

Because Altona is my town, it is where my heart is. It is where I was born, where I have lived my life so far and where I will end my days. Altona, a place of family and friends and every day, I’m reminded of something or someone from my past. Altona to me is a place of memories and yes, it is special. Special to me.

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John Dawson

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WELCOME IN SPRING. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH. Winter is over! It’s time to throw open the windows of thought and welcome in Spring. Right now, as trees burst into blossom, the buds of our new life-opportunities are also emerging. They’re ready to flower into fresh starts, new beginnings, or new perspectives. These make each new day positive and productive. Welcoming the change of season, is a good time to reflect, recharge, refocus, and renew your inner self. What’s more, it’s good for your health.

WELCOME IN SPRING: When Spring arrives, a friend of mine welcomes it in by swinging into action. Her house gets a massive clean up.

Windows are washed. Cupboards are sorted and aired.

She also undertakes a health-bringing, mental clean out of regrets, unhappy memories and disappointments. To help you welcome in Spring, here are some simple you-can-do tips.

TRY THESE TIPS: • Change your winter-like “I can’t” thoughts, into springlike “I can” ones. Every day offers new prospects for greater health and happiness. Right now, you are a can-do person with lots of good ideas and the ability to put them into action.

Emerge from your winter hibernation and get cracking!

• Let yourself be inspired by spring-cleaning activity. Open your heart and mind. Let tender thoughts and kind words blossom into caring actions. “The human heart, like a feather bed, needs often to be stirred, sometimes roughly, and given a variety of turns, else it grows hard and uncomfortable whereon to repose.” Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings. p.127 • Mentally close the door on the past. Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today. Open the door of your thought to the future, and eagerly step through to a happier, healthier life.

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• Spring into action. Turn your wintery dreams into springtime activities. Take up a new hobby, advance your learning, join a group, make new friends. There’s no need to sit in the darkness of gloomy thinking. Open the window of thought and welcome in sparkling, fresh ideas.

• Think about the flowers and birds. You can spring forward fearlessly as nature does. Embrace the change of season with confident freedom. It’s possible to enjoy the loveliness of springtime and remain well. “The violet lifts her blue eye to greet the early spring. The leaves clap their hands as nature’s untired worshippers. The snowbird sings and soars amid the blasts; he has no catarrh from wet feet.” Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health p.220 • Take the test. Welcome in Spring and see divine Love “open the windows of heaven and pour out on you in abundance all kinds of good things.” The Bible. Malachi 3:10 Beverly Goldsmith writes on the connection between spirituality and health and is an experienced practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing.

Photo attribution: © Glow Images. Model used for illustrative purposes

Issue 120

NEWS FROM CHERRY LAKE WARD COUNCILLORS: DEPUTY MAYOR TONY BRIFFA JP AND COUNCILLOR SANDRA WILSON

FLEMINGS POOL PEDESTRIAN ACCESS DESIGN Council just completed community consultation on the proposed concept design, for the Flemings Pool pedestrian access. The much-loved swimming and recreation location at the end of Millers Road in Altona and Seaholme, plays an important role for the local community and it was vital that the community helped shape the design of this popular location. The concept design is based on Council’s previous community engagement on Flemings Pool, as well as on a recent piece of research about its unique marine climate. The access concept design has some great features, such as a tiered seating area that will also serve as a wave deflector, to help protect the seawall during storm events and high tides. The proposed design for the Flemings Pool pedestrian access, along with ongoing monitoring undertaken by Council, will maintain a sandy area and improve the beach’s safety and accessibility for users. Council is working hard to preserve Flemings Pool, so it can be enjoyed by local residents and visitors for generations to come. While the community feedback period has closed, the concept plan and the marine analysis can be found under the past projects tab, at https://participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/

PERMABLITZ ALTONA! Council’s My Smart Garden program is inviting the community to transform an Altona backyard, into a productive permaculture garden, that will grow food for community organisations! This hands-on event will include mini-workshops, a delicious lunch and plenty of festivities. It is on Sunday 9 September, from 10am to 4pm (location details will be provided upon booking). The event is free, but bookings are essential. To book, and for details, visit www.mysmartgarden.org.au

A FAIRER HOBSONS BAY FOR ALL Council is integrating five of its existing social policies to develop one policy, that will support a range of population groups in having a stronger voice, making ‘A fairer Hobsons Bay for all.’ In developing this over-arching policy, Council wants to hear the community’s ideas about breaking

down barriers due to age, ability, cultural background, ethnicity, First Peoples status, gender or sexuality. The new policy will identify the common barriers experienced by many population groups, the group’s specific needs, and explore how we can create a community that is supportive and inclusive of all. Have your say at https://participate. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ by Friday 7 September. For more details, please call 9932 1000.

HAVE YOUR SAY - DRAFT ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT POLICY STATEMENT Council has strengthened its commitment to the environment, by placing the draft Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) Policy Statement out for public comment. The draft ESD Policy Statement will guide Council and the community on ways to improve environmental, social and economic impacts, through innovative design and building. The policy is about applying best practice to the design and construction of our buildings, as well as developing infrastructure for the future. It will also empower the community to demand and implement higher ESD outcomes for their homes, businesses and the wider community, while also encouraging developers to lead by example. And while we encourage the community to have its say on our proposal, we are also keen to hear ideas on how these actions can be implemented, to achieve a much higher standard of development and a much better outcome for the future of our environment. To have your say on the draft ESD Policy Statement, visit https://participate.hobsonsbay.vic. gov.au/ by Thursday 27 September. For more information, call Council’s Sustainability Team on 9932 1000.

Deputy Mayor and Cherry Lake Ward Cr Tony Briffa, JP Contact details: 9932 1044 (BH) 0418 398 906 (AH) or tbriffa@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au Cherry Lake Ward Cr Sandra Wilson Contact details: 0419 287 117 or swilson@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au Council’s website – www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Issue 120

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HOBSONS BAY INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION ANNUAL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM CHAPERON & STUDENTS Applications are sought from interested persons wishing to participate in a Student Exchange Program with the City of Anjo, Japan, for a two week period in July/August 2019.

Expressions of Interest lodged with the Hobsons Bay International Friendship Association Secrectary, at hbifa_ secretary@outlook.com who will provide Application Forms.

Chaperon - To be eligible to apply, the person must live or work in Hobsons Bay, (applicants living in Hobsons Bay may be given preference and also past students, who do not live or work in Hobsons Bay may apply). The applicant must be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate, develop a rapport with students and have the ability to supervise students aged between 14 and 17 years of age. The Association will pay the successful applicant’s return airfare and arrange home stay accommodation for the duration of the visit.

Closing date for applications will be THURSDAY 26 OCTOBER 2018

Students - To be eligible to apply, students must be aged between 14 and 17 years of age and must reside in Hobsons Bay. The successful applicants will be required to pay $1,000 towards the cost of the program.

The successful Chaperon and Students will be expected to have an ongoing commitment with the Association.

WINNERS OF THE 2018 JAPANESE WRITING COMPETITION ANNOUNCED The Hobsons Bay International Friendship Association, which coordinates an annual student exchange with our sister city in Anjo, Japan, also holds a Japanese writing competition each year, for secondary students living in Hobsons Bay. The Association began 30 years ago between the former City of Altona (now Hobsons Bay City Council) and our Sister City, Anjo, in Japan. The writing competition seeks to foster interest in Japanese culture as part of its links with Japan.

This year’s competition was judged by Councillor Sandra Wilson, a representative from Anjo, Ikuko Hattori and local resident, Yoshi Weaver. Competition was tight and the judges had a difficult time deciding on the winners. Students were required to write in both Japanese and English, with this year’s topic: “My Three Favourite Places in Hobsons Bay”.

The 2018 winners are: Tamsyn Buckle (Year 11) $300 Arrifa Nasarudin (Year 10) $200

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The following students were also presented with $50 each, in recognition of their efforts: Sara Nicol - Year 9, Maya Gauci - Year 10, Ella Bibby - Year 11 and Lucas Chrisanthou - Year 11.

The major prizes were presented to the winners, Arrifa and Tamsyn in July, at a Hobsons Bay Mayoral reception, where the Japanese Consular General also attended to honour the Australian and Japanese student delegation.

For more information about the competition, or if you know of any Hobsons Bay students that might be interested in applying for next year’s exchange, go to: www.hbifa.org.au

Photo information: From left: Writing Competition Coordinator Sue Gauci, Winners Arrifa Nasarudin and Tamsyn Buckle, President Hobsons Bay International Friendship Association, Joy Martin

Issue 120

“THE SMILE SAYS IT ALL” For one in five people it is not easy going to the beach. Its large part of the Australian lifestyle, and one our favourite pastimes.

Being able to enjoy this activity is something that many people take for granted.

Hobsons Bay City Council and the Community Bank® of Altona, Laverton and Point Cook Business Centre have made a commitment to give people with a disability, including their families, the chance to enjoy the beautiful stretch of beach in Altona.

Hobsons Bay City Council states that over the 2017-2018 financial year, 30 community members accessed the beach area by hiring a wheelchair and observed that it couldn’t have been done without the support of the Altona Village Trading Association, Bendigo Community Bank® and Altona Rotary Club.

Hobsons Bay City Council introduced both beach matting and an adult beach accessible wheelchair which allows access to sandy surfaces including very shallow water. More recently, it was noted that a similar wheelchair is needed to accommodate beach access by children. As a result, a partnership was formed with Rotary Altona to purchase a children’s wheelchair.

The accessible beach wheelchairs are located at the Altona Life Saving Club and is a free hire service. It is located close to accessible parking, accessible toilets, a cafe and the lifesaving club amenities.

Hobsons Bay is located 10 kilometres west of central Melbourne’s CBD. It is home to more than 20 kilometres of clean, uncrowded beaches and foreshore areas. Visitors will also discover vibrant cafes, restaurants and retail village shopping strips, without the hustle and bustle of the city.

For those who visit, live or work in the picturesque seaside municipality, the Williamstown and Altona beaches are key destination points.

Of the total Hobsons Bay population, 17 per cent (or 15,656 people) live with a disability. Living with a disability can impact individuals in many different ways. Some of the more significant barriers are those associated with the built and natural environment, those that restrict people’s ability to conduct their lives in a spontaneous and unplanned manner. By improving the physical accessibility of the local environment, we also assist other members of the community such as older people, children, and pram users.

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MOVIES

Jack’s Corner

Cinema for me has a magic charm, Ever since when, as a wee nipper, I lived with my folks on a dairy farm: I loved them all, Snow White or Jack the Ripper.

OUR FLAG In my December 2017 article, Our National Identity, I said that our flag was one of two pieces of outstanding business, relating to the complete assertion of our independence and national identity. The PM, Mr Turnbull, said quite recently, that at some unspecified time, the republic question might be put to the people in a postal ballot, followed possibly by a referendum.

Flags are powerful symbols. A national flag not only identifies the country, but also what the country stands for: the aspirations of its people. I recall the emotions evoked by the Boxing Kangaroo Flag during Australia II’s successful 1983 America’s Cup challenge. The Eureka Southern Cross Flag flown by Ballarat miners in 1854, can still evoke feelings as a symbol of resistance to injustice and tyranny.

Our current Australian flag says little about what we are, our values, our aspirations. However, the prominent positioning of the Union Jack in the canton, not only signifies a colonial past, but also strongly implies ongoing subordination to the UK. In this respect, it is typical of flags of British colonies and dominions flown in the glory days of the Empire. But what does it say about our future?

The flag’s specifications are set out in the Flags Act 1953 as a defaced blue ensign: a blue field with the Union flag in the canton, the large 7-point Commonwealth Star in the lower hoist quarter, and 5 smaller white stars, representing the Southern Cross in the half of the flag further from the staff. The winning entry in a newspaper competition, it was first flown at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne on 3.9.1901. Approved by the king in 1902, it was officially gazetted on 23.2.1903. Approval of the people has never been sought. Minor changes have been made over the years.

We have changed a lot since 1901; as has the world. The once mighty British Empire, of which we were a proud part, is no more, yet the British flag still dominates our flag. Once proudly British, this status was changed in 1984 by an amendment to the Nationality and Citizenship Act. The last century has brought great changes to our ethnic and cultural composition. “Multiculturalism” is bipartisan policy. But what of the first Australians - Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders? The presence of the UK flag on our flag, must be a constant reminder that on a January day of 1788, their Dream Time ended and their lives changed forever: for them a day of disaster.

Isn’t it time that we had a flag that is 100% Australian, proclaiming a unique identity as a truly independent nation, not another country’s far-flung outpost. In the past 118 years, we have undergone numerous constitutional and procedural changes to assert our Australianness. So, let us follow Canada’s lead and take this further symbolic step.

Jack Nystrom

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Movies portray all the human emotions, Like jealousy, joy, hope, love, hate and grief, Played out in all sorts of situations: You need, at times, to suspend disbelief.

Very special places are picture theatres, Pleasure palaces for the common man.

Cheap entertainment for the masses: I am so proud to be a movie fan.

I’ve seen many times, all the great classics, Like “Casablanca” and “Citizen Kane”, But westerns have always been my favorites: Gary Cooper, Clint Eastwood and John Wayne.

Here are some names you may care to ponder: Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Hugh Jackman, Helen Mirren and Henry Fonda: I love sci-fi and a great mystery.

Most of our movies come from Hollywood, That big factory of silver screen dreams.

As entertainment, they do lots of good, Provoking laughter, tears, wonder and screams.

Australia has its own movie industry, Which has produced great films and film stars.

They’ve told the world our stories and history, And have earned, long the way, a few Oscars.

On Oscars night, you’ll find me each year, At home with my eyes glued to the TV, Watching a room filled with stars, hope and fear: Creative talents of this great industry.

And each year we’ll hear the sad lament: Death of those who have brought happiness, But also, the emergence of fresh young talent, To ensure this great medium’s continued success.

So, let’s all say, “Hooray for Hollywood!”

World’s foremost entertainment capital; For the brain, heart and soul, delectable food: Drama, comedy and the musical.

Issue 120

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