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ISSUE 121 OCTOBER 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 IN LOVING MEMORY – FAREWELL, TERESA X
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
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CHRISTOPHER ROBIN
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A ‘SPRINGTIME HARVEST’ TO HELP OUR DROUGHT-STRICKEN FARMERS!
On October 28th, Altona Sports Club is hosting a huge day of fun for the whole family, to help raise funds for drought relief - “SPRINGTIME HARVEST FARMERS AID.” There will be activities occurring throughout the day, including a Car Show, Mini Carnival, Rides and a Jumping Castle, with more activities being added. Check out our Facebook page and website for updates.
The Club are asking for a gold coin donation for each of the outdoor activities. A feature of the day will be a three-hour concert, featuring well known tribute artists. The show is called “Variety Gala Extravaganza” and is in the Club’s Main Hall. Tickets for this one off special event is $30 for adults and $50 for a family pass. Tickets will be available from the 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 Readers, October is here and as we draw closer to the end of the year, our social butterflies tend to emerge a little more fully from our wintery cocoons. The weather is becoming a little more consistent and as such, we feel inclined to head out doors. We are lucky in the West, to be surrounded by such lovely ‘outdoors.’ From the Werribee River, to the Wyndham Harbour. From the Cheetham Wetlands, to the Point Cook Coastal Park. From Altona Beach, through to Cherry Lake. We really are spoiled for choice. My 2-year-old has taken to asking for his pram, such is the joy he gains from being outside. Hoping to spread a little joy at the end of this month, I am privileged enough to have been asked to co-host WYNFM’s special broadcast, as part of the Altona Sports Club’s SPRINGTIME HARVEST. The ASC are putting on a huge day, in honour of our farmers, who have been doing it tough, due to the latest unrelenting drought. I am always so pleased to see the way people unite, to get behind others who are in need. It is heartening to know that our community understands the power of togetherness. So, I am calling on our Around Readers – both Point Cook and Altona. If you are free on October 28th, head down to the Altona Sports Club for a day of entertainment and
community spirit – our rural brothers and sisters need us! See You Around, Melissa Longo *For more from our editor, head to www.richwithlove.net
STILL NOT TOO OLD TO SING The Altona Meadows Choir, ‘With One Voice’ is on the road again, with a return luncheon performance at Laverton Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton, at 12 noon, Wednesday 17th October.
For bookings, ring Laverton Hub Community Café on 8368 0177. See you there at 12 noon, Wednesday 17th October.
This is the same community choir from Benetas St. Georges Aged Care Facility, that wowed the audience on the 15th August. They drew a good crowd. This performance will be bigger, so bookings are essential. For the usual low price of the beautifully set three-course meal, you get entertainment from the choir thrown in. If you were at the last performance, we have a surprise – this is a totally new concert! Click along to the Castanets in Hernando’s Hideaway, and sway to the lyrics of Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book.
0408 659 940 or aroundsell@gmail.com
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from page 1 Altona Sports Club from 1st September and bookings are highly recommended. Some of the artists donating their time were on hand for the photo shoot, artists that looked a lot like Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Bunny, Farm Lady and Michael Zammit. “SPRINGTIME HARVEST FARMERS AID” was an idea of Rick Charles, who performs at the Altona Sports Club’s Monthly “Morning Melodies.” After discussions with fellow entertainers and the Club, “SPRINGTIME HARVEST FARMERS AID” was born. Since August 15th, right up until the event, $2 from every Parma the Club sells on their Wednesday Parma Night will be donated towards SPRINGTIME HARVEST FARMERS AID. Celebrity comperes from local Radio Station WYN FM, 88.9 on the FM dial, will be in their Outside Broadcast Van, keeping us up to date on activities during the day. The Club are calling on the local Community to get behind this very worthy cause. Come along and meet one of the Stars. Have loads of fun, while helping raise much-needed funds for this cause. The farmers will thank you. For enquiries, including tickets to the “Variety Gala Extravaganza” please call the Club on 93982283, visit our Facebook or go to www.altonasportsclub.com.au. John Dawson
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 121
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IN LOVING MEMORY – FAREWELL, TERESA X
Our lives, when reduced to statistics, create an outline of who we are. Outlines are fine, but rarely provide an accurate depiction. Teresa Blake was only 58, when she passed away. Cancer had taken its toll after one and a half years. She was a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife, a mother and a grandmother. She emigrated from New Zealand to Altona, 35 years ago – forever torn between the love of her homeland and the new life she created in Australia. This is the outline of Teresa Blake, but it barely scratches
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the surface. She was so much more than a few facts on paper.... Memories shared, provide colour. Teresa’s spirit was kaleidoscopic! The stories told by loved ones – the recollections they share - create an image so vibrant, her soul, painted richly, by the telling and re-telling of days gone by. As a young woman, Teresa sang in a band. The Shondals provided a platform for Teresa’s love of music – a love
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she maintained over the years. Her singing provided a soundtrack to the lives of her children – a sound they will no doubt miss. Teresa’s daughter, Natarsha, remembers with great fondness, the unwavering love she witnessed from her mother, time and time again, “When I was a little girl, my father used to travel interstate as a truck driver. . . We would say our goodbyes, watch him jump into his jigga, (the name dad gave all his trucks) and he would take off. Mum would stand in the middle of the road, without a care in the world what people passing by thought, and she would say her prayer.... ‘Saint Cristopher, watch over my hun, and keep him safe from harm, guide him safely to his destination and safely back again to his family. This I ask, through all lords and Jesus Christ – Amen. Thank you Lord and thank you Saint Cristopher - Amen’ My mother would say that prayer for anyone leaving her house....” Teresa’s generosity and warmth were unparalleled, touched upon again and again, by all who knew her. Her sister-in-law, Miriam recalls, having met Teresa for the first time, how graciously she accepted her into her home, “There was an air of calm and mystic and she made me feel very special and welcomed to the family.” Though separated by time and distance, Teresa maintained a special bond with the family she left behind in New Zealand – she was never far from their hearts. Miriam was devastated to learn of Teresa’s diagnosis, but was not surprised by the way Teresa handled herself throughout, “She really shone, giving all of those around her strength to get through, while carrying herself graciously. Not allowing the terrible disease to win, fighting with great courage, through the painful treatments – all the while keeping positive.” Positivity in the face of difficulty, was something Teresa was famous for. Like the time, she broke her ankle at her friend, Amanda’s 40th. Toots and Moo Moo, as they liked to call themselves, were inseparable throughout the years – so much more than co-workers. So, when Toots broke her ankle at Moo Moo’s party, there was no way she was going to stop dancing. “She would not sit and rest . . . I felt terrible. I took her to the hospital and sat around until she got her plaster on.”
23 years, Tracy, “Teresa always had an open door, an open heart and loads of love to share. Over the past year, she faced so many fears with grace and dignity. There is no one that can ever fill the space she’s left.” Memories allow us to reconnect at will – choosing to celebrate a life well lived, rather than lament the painful loss. Teresa Blake, was all bright eyes and big smiles. Smiles that, according to her friend Liz, “would light up the room. She would always make you feel so special and when we spoke it was like you were the only person in the room.” With so many beautiful stories to come back to, Teresa Blake will never be remembered in statistics and outlines of black and white. She will be remembered in a rainbow of hues and tones – the colours of Teresa Blake – a beautiful life. Gone, but not forgotten.
Teresa’s love was boundless, as attested to by her friend of
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Melissa Longo
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BE CONNECTED TO OTHERS. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
“No man is an island”, so the saying goes. And it’s true. As human beings, we don’t live in isolation. We’re connected to others through our work, sport, church participation, clubs or community activities. We also have personal connections through family ties, friendships old and new, work colleagues, and neighbours. Having connections with others is important for our health and wellbeing. Togetherness strengthens us. It brings comfort. Health-bringing connections, promote individual and collective happiness. WHAT ARE HEALTH-BRINGING CONNECTIONS? Health-bringing connections are wonderfully varied. They can be pleasant conversations, a friendly smile, a warm handshake, an expression of gratitude, a listening ear, or a common interest. Connectedness to others can also include simple acts of kindness, giving help, sharing ideas, offering or receiving words of praise. WHY BE CONNECTED TO OTHERS? Most of us have an instinctive need to be connected to others. This sense of being linked, helps us to thrive and prosper. It counters the feeling that we’re alone and have to manage everything in life on our own. Through our connectedness to those around us, we can receive love, encouragement, help and caring support. We can also pass these along. Being connected to others is worth our best efforts. So here are five can-do tips for you to take-up. FIVE CAN-DO TIPS: • Strengthen your connections with others by bringing out the best in people around you. Reassure them that they’re doing well. Such encouragement will lift their
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spirits, and yours, and cement the ties of friendship and camaraderie. • Take the lead with others. Don’t wait for them to be friendly. Show them how it’s done. Be approachable, pleasant, warm and welcoming to everyone you encounter. Friendship is an active connection. “The man that has friends must show himself to be a friend”. Bible. Proverbs 18:24 • Fortify the bond of connectedness. Allow yourself to join hands with people in unity, friendship, understanding and cooperation. “Unselfish ambition, noble life-motives, and purity, — these constituents of thought, mingling, constitute individually and collectively true happiness, strength, and permanence.” Mary Baker Eddy. Science and Health p.58 •Be inclusive of others. Don’t let someone’s race, appearance, politics or religion drive a wedge in your thinking and alienate you from them. Instead, strive to “be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tender-hearted, and keep a humble attitude.” Bible. 1 Peter 3:8 • Be socially reinvigorated. Don’t allow yourself to become disconnected or estranged from others. There’s an ever-present divine Love that cares for you, and everyone. That tender Love gives you the courage to repair a broken friendship, renew an old connection, establish a new one, and again have the joy of being connected to others. Beverly Goldsmith writes on the connection between spirituality and health and is an experienced practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing.
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A WORD FROM HON. JILL HENNESSY Kororoit Creek Preservation and Maintenance Program
It was great to be invited to the Park by the GMCT and the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek to celebrate the
In September, I announced a $450,000 grant that
beginning of this fabulous new partnership. I can’t wait to
will serve to protect and preserve the precious land
see the progress that will occur on this beautiful piece of
surrounding Kororoit Creek, at the Altona Memorial Park
land. The Kororoit Creek is an icon of Melbourne’s west –
for generations to come.
and protecting it is the least we can do to honour its deep importance to our community.
This grant will be used for maintenance works for the Eastern Reserve Area of the cemetery grounds, which is full of environmentally significant native flora, as well as land of cultural significance for the Wurundjeri people who hunted, fished and camped along Kororoit Creek for thousands of years. The new plan includes the planting of new trees and shrubs, a new weeding program, new fences and the preparation of a new site for future burials in the southwest corner. $150,000 of this funding has been provided by Melbourne Water, through its Waterways of the West Action Plan, in which a Ministerial Advisory Committee will engage with communities and Traditional Owners, to identify priority projects and to bring to life community expectations and local values, and to protect the rich Aboriginal heritage of these areas. Thank you to Hobsons Bay City Council, Greater Metropolitan
Cemeteries
Trust,
Melbourne
Water,
neighbours Toyota and of course, the ever passionate Geoff and the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek for spearheading and supporting this important project.
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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. Issue 121
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
SENIORS NEEDED TO HELP CHANGE LIVES IN SCHOOLS Altona Green Primary School has just signed up to take advantage of the EdConnect volunteering program. Volunteers are required for the kitchen and garden programs, as well as in-class learning support.
harnessing the wisdom and skills of elder generations. Communities are becoming enriched and young people are thriving.”
EdConnect recruits and trains volunteers to help and support students, who are at-risk of becoming disengaged in schools.
“100% of our schools have reported the improvement of student self-esteem and confidence. While 91% of at-risk students have improved literacy and 87% of students have improved in numeracy.”
“We are really excited and looking forward to having this program in our school,” says Rochelle Yates, Assistant Principal, Altona Green Primary School. “We have some children who are at-risk of becoming disengaged and this program will really help in keeping them involved.”
EdConnect is seeking volunteers for Altona Green Primary School. If you can offer a couple of hours a week to help in the kitchen, clean up the school gardens or spend some time in the school classrooms, please contact Edconnect on the details below.
Volunteers undergo a thorough recruitment and screening process, as well as a comprehensive training program, to ensure they have the skills and ability to work with primary or secondary school students.
To become a volunteer and make a difference in a young person’s life Call 1800 668 550 today or visit www.edconnect.org.au
“63% of our volunteers are over 55 years of age,” says Rhonda Velkovski, Liaison Officer, EdConnect. “We are
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE GIRL
This month our firstborn celebrates her twenty-first birthday. It’s such a cliché, yet so very true, to say that it seems like yesterday when, after nine long months of waiting and eleven hours of labour, she entered this world in her own unique way. With arms tangled, she was in a last-minute hurry, astonishing us all with her yapping, having already mastered the art of conversation. During those early years as a mother, the days are long but the years pass quickly. And those of you that have travelled this road, will know exactly what I’m talking about. Bear in The Big Blue House, Humphrey and The Wiggles - they were all on high rotation. Days centred around playgroup, swimming lessons and dance classes, with walks to the park and play dates thrown in for good measure. Sandwiches were cut into squares, sparkly dresses were popular and she spent hours with the Busy Box, creating masterpieces with scissors and paper, toilet rolls, glitter and glue. Years passed, bringing parent-teacher interviews and student exchange programs, ballet concerts, broken arms and birthday parties. She discovered a love of travel, having visited nineteen countries at the last count and developed a flare for the arts, winning countless Lions Club Awards and an art scholarship. With age came part-
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time jobs in hospitality and retail, then an apprenticeship and her driver’s license. Before we knew it, our baby was adulting. A home owner and a fully qualified florist on the high street in Prahran. All in the blink of an eye. But for all her experiences and achievements, the things I admire most about our daughter come from within. With so much energy, drive and determination, her excitement and creativity is simply magical. Her compassion, understanding and love she has for family and her ability to forgive, are forever endearing. She is kind and she is beautiful, with a heart and soul that are wise beyond her years. May she learn to see in herself, what we already see in her, and continue to strive to make her dreams become her reality. We will always be here for you kiddo, never be afraid to ask. Follow your dreams and may all of your wishes come true. Happy birthday little girl xx
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Dee Simpson
LET THERE BE LIGHT! It is a powerful natural elixir, now being used to treat migraines, PMS, hepatitis and many forms of cancer. The medicinal properties of light have been known for centuries. Cuts and wounds heal better and quicker in sunlight. Skin conditions like acne and psoriasis improve in the sun, as does rickets and TB. Hospitals use blue light to treat jaundiced new born babies and to calm patients in intensive care units. LIGHT RELIEF
level red laser light shone onto wounds halves the time of healing and the size of the scaring, as well as minimising bruising, and alleviating pain from burns. Red light is effective because it has the longest and most deeply penetrating wave-length of the visible colour spectrum. You might have inadvertently discovered this as a child by shining a torch on your hand in the dark. What you saw wasn’t your blood, but the red wave-lengths coming through your hand. Bright light has been used by NASA in America to enhance the concentration and mental alertness of astronauts.
Light, the scientists explain, is not just used for seeing. When light strikes the retina of the eye, nerve signals pass not only to the visual cortex of the brain so we can see objects, but to other brain structures, such as the hypothalamus, the pineal, pituitary and limbic systems, which regulated our body clock, hormone production, stress and emotional responses, reproductive and metabolic functions and more.
With the days looking brighter and spring in the air, our spirits seem to uplift and the energy increases. Try some home therapy and make sure you get 20 minutes a day of natural light. Your whole system will thank you for it! Go for a walk at lunch time if you are an office worker. No matter what your environment is, find time to absorb as much light in your day as possible.
BRIGHTEN UP
Good health always, Cherie de Haas
Bright light has been used successfully with sufferers of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) to overcome their winter blues, and is the most thoroughly researched light therapy treatment, with hundreds of scientific articles published on the subject. SAD is a light deficiency problem, which can be solved by exposure to bright light, especially in the morning. Studies have also shown that performances in the classroom and the workplace are adversely affected by fluorescent lights, which emit light which is lacking in many of the colours and wave-lengths of natural light. Health and mental concentration improved when these lights were replaced with full spectrum fluorescents more closely imitating sunlight. Research in Canada, conducted over a full school year, found that academic performance increased significantly and discipline problems and absenteeism due to illness decreased, when classrooms were fitted with full spectrum lights and repainted in bright, warm colours. COLOUR POWER A mixture of blue and red light has shown that after 15 minutes a day, acne sufferers showed a dramatic improvement in their acne. The red and blue light activates a chemical, which kills the bacteria causing acne, but because the wave-length is above the UV spectrum, it doesn’t cause tanning, skin ageing or skin cancer. Low
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A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
On a Saturday night in August, the Altona Bowls Club was transformed into a cricket club just for one magical night.140 people celebrated the Williamstown Congs’ 125 years of cricket, surrounded by Premiership flags, shields, cups and other memorabilia. A mannequin wearing cricket whites (cream, actually) from yesteryear, took pride of place near the stage where several wonderful speakers enthralled an enthusiastic crowd. The MC for the night, Steve Charles, put many a professional host to shame, with his relaxed manner and great sense of humour. His chat with Dean Russ was like watching two old mates reminisce the past and discuss the future. Dean played juniors with the Congs - he went on to play premier cricket with Footscray, captaining them to a premiership - and is one of the most prolific run scorers in Premier cricket. He also represented Victoria in the Sheffield Shield. Ken Piesse spoke next, a gifted story teller, he not only used his gift to publish more than 70 books on cricket and footy, he used it to keep the audience spellbound. Ken took everyone back a few years and into Canberra, where a game of cricket saw journalist Ken in a cricket game against a team, which included the Prime Minister Bob
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Hawke. Ken took a catch that dismissed the PM, and on his way off the field Bob said to Ken, first time I’ve been caught out by the press for 15 years.” Ken mentioned his latest book, Pep, the Cec Pepper Story and his view that Pepper “was the best Australian cricketer never to have played in a Test match.” Pepper had a bit of a temper and spouted a mouthful when Bradman was given not out, following Pepper’s LBW appeal. His temper could explain why he was not selected for test cricket, however Ken’s new book will explain in more detail, how this larger than life character could have become one of history’s cricketing legends. Tony Dodemaide had a couple of tough acts to follow, but he did, and he enthralled the folk just as much as his predecessors. Tony, a local lad born in Williamstown, has played for Australia in both international tests and onedayers. Until recently, Tony was CEO of Cricket Victoria, a role he held for 10 years. Tony spoke about Williamstown Congs’ history and his own, with some entertaining anecdotes about the world of high level cricket. It was not only the speakers who made the night a magical event, past players from as far back as the 1940’s came
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along with their families, blokes in their fifties were reunited with blokes who had coached them as juniors and premiership players from the sixties and seventies connected, to relive those glory days. The club would not have survived 125 years, if not for club legend and one time Williamstown butcher Norm Higham. Sadly, he passed away last year, however his daughters and son-in-law were there to celebrate the club their father loved so dearly. Another club legend, Ian Young, one time president of both the club and the association, attended with his wife and son. Ian, 93, is as sharp as a tack with
many stories of days gone by. It was a night to reminisce, to remember, and to celebrate a club and all those who have been a part of it. The Congs have forever been recognised as a family-oriented club, from the 1890’s to the present, the club wears its history with pride. Williamstown Congs is a team for the whole family - mums, dads, sons and daughters, if you would like to be a part of the club, contact Darryl Tubbs 0418 336 497 or David Leach 0409 790 338
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Jen Robinson
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CHRISTOPHER ROBIN
Film Review
The world can be a hectic place. It’s very easy to forget that we are here for such a short time in the scheme of things. Enter Winnie the Pooh, on a mission to remind us to slow down. Christopher Robin is all grown up and through his adulthood, he has lost his sense of fun. He works too hard. He has all but abandoned his family, committed to working around the clock. All work and no play, makes Christopher Robin a dull man. Tired of waiting for his childhood friend to return to the 100 Acre Woods, Pooh Bear decides to head to London, for an intervention of sorts.
quite special in its own right. From the opening sketchsequence, to the touching simplicity of Pooh’s attitude to life, this film offers the viewer a chance to slow down and taste the honey. If, like me, you grew up on the animated classic that was The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, you will be absolutely transported by the vocal talents of Jim Cummings – an all too familiar and welcoming sound. His every word, a warm hug. I found the whole experience to be uplifting and entertaining, without any of the typical explosions that come with so many of today’s films. Enjoy a smackerel of honey – life really is sweet, when enjoyed slowly.
After the surprising success of 2014’s Paddington Bear, it would be all too easy to write this off as a copycat film, but Disney and Marc Forster have created something
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Melissa Longo
NEWS FROM CHERRY LAKE WARD COUNCILLORS: DEPUTY MAYOR TONY BRIFFA JP AND COUNCILLOR SANDRA WILSON ALTONA LIBRARY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Help celebrate the reopening of Hobsons Bay’s oldest library, Altona Library on Saturday 6 October from 10am to 1pm, at a family-friendly event. Join us for the ribboncutting, followed by roving entertainment, music, art and craft activities and face painting. During the closure, the popular library was completely re-painted and re-carpeted. Additional self-service desks, a new quiet study room and a new community meeting room were also installed, as well as new bookshelves, improved layout, new lighting, new seating and study spaces, that take advantage of the natural light and park view. The upgrade will expand the EnviroCentre and improve the connection to local environmental resources and information. Celebrations at Altona Library will continue throughout October and November, with a range of free events. Altona Library is at 123 Queen Street, Altona. For details, visit libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ GH RANSOM RESERVE The beachside G.H. Ransom Reserve in Altona has been upgraded. The popular local reserve has a new public toilet, picnic and barbecue facilities, and a new play space with a range of equipment and activities, landscaped garden beds and new trees. BROOKLYN DOG PARK OPENING The construction works for the Brooklyn Dog Park are nearly complete. The concrete paths, rock placement, dog agility equipment installation and drainage works are now complete and Council is giving the grass, time to establish, ahead of a community open day in late October. For updates on the opening, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov. au/brooklyndogpark PITCH YOUR IDEA FOR HOBSONS BAY Do you have a great idea for Hobsons Bay? We want to hear from you! Council is again providing an opportunity, for the community to pitch an idea to be included in Council’s 2019-20 Budget. All ideas have to fit within one of the four goals of the Council Plan to align with the Hobsons Bay 2030 Community Vision. We want to hear ideas that encourage and promote an inclusive and healthy community, thoughts on creating a well-designed and environmentally sustainable place and opinions on how we can ensure Hobsons Bay is a vibrant place to live in, work and play. You might have an idea about open space or sport, sustainability, arts and culture or economic development. If so, then now is the time to let
us know. To find out what sort of ideas we are looking for, visit participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. Need help with your pitch? Or want to check if your idea meets the terms and conditions and guidelines? Come along to a community information session on Wednesday 10 October, 6pm to 8pm, at Newport Community Hub or Wednesday 17 October, 4pm to 6.30pm, at Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre. If you can’t make a session, but would like to speak with a Council officer about your idea, contact Council’s Community Engagement Team on 9932 1000 or communityengagement@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au Submissions close at midnight Sunday 28 October. For more information, visit participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au HELP COUNCIL PLAN FOR NOW AND THE FUTURE Are you interested in local planning in your area? The planning rules are changing and this will impact on the type of developments that might occur in your street and neighbourhood. Council is required to implement New Residential Zones introduced by the Victorian Government, as a tool to manage residential growth and change. In response to these reforms, Council has prepared a suite of important strategies to help guide and plan for the changing needs of our community, now and over the next 20 years. The three draft planning policy documents are a Housing Strategy (including a Housing Framework Plan), an updated Neighbourhood Character Study and an updated Activity Centres Strategy. While Council cannot prevent growth, it is how we respond to managing change that is important, to give everyone certainty about where it can best occur and where it can’t. There are three New Residential Zones – Neighbourhood Residential Zone, General Residential Zone and Residential Growth Zone – and each have different rules and requirements for maximum height limits, minimum garden requirements and neighbourhood character. Find out how the new zones and neighbourhood character study might impact you, by using our interactive map at participate.hobsonsbay.vic. gov.au/newzones Feedback closes Friday 9 November. 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
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BECOME YOUR OWN SUPERHERO! The moment you start to create new bio chemicals in your
moment you start creating new chemicals, the moment
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you rehearse the future, is the time you change and
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with life. I am going to leave the old me of pain and sadness
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am going to feel daily joy, euphoria and inspiration. The
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Issue 121
BRUCE Bruce was an Aussie, A real true blue. When it came to sheep, He knew just what to do. He’d give them haircuts And trim their horns. Cut their toenails, So they wouldn’t get corns. He’d sleep with them, When the nights were cold. And make them save money, For when they get old. His girlfriend’s name is Sheila, And she’s just made her debut, As a gun shearer in a shed, Just North of Oomaroo. Now they’re married And own a little farm, With two little kids, To keep from harm. And two little lambs, Called Billy and Bumper, Who grow thick wool, To make you a jumper. John Dawson
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OCTOBER
Jack’s Corner
Up in Europe in October, Chill winds come down from the Arctic, While in this south land down under, Things have been a little hectic.
RED CEDAR My article, “Extinctions” (March 2016), was about the disappearance, through over-hunting and habitat destruction of some of the Earth’s marvellous animals. As guardians of the planet, Mankind’s record regarding plants and native forests is no less disastrous. As absorbers of CO2 gases, trees are the Earth’s lungs. A centuries-long sad tale tells of indiscriminate clear-felling. This continues to this day. Two examples are the shrinking Amazon rainforest and, in lands to our north, clearance for oil palms of orangutan habitat. In Australia, we’ve turned our native forests into woodchips for export and for radiata pine plantations. In the American Pacific North West in the 19th century, there was a relentless attack on the giant Red Woods and Sequoia, many of which were over a thousand years old, until someone had the good sense to call “Stop!” During the same era in Australia, a booming construction and export industry saw the unsustainable clear-felling of native forests, particularly Red Cedar and Jarrah (Swan River mahogany). Red Cedar is a deciduous tree up to 40 metres high and 2 metres diameter. Although once abundant, its availability today is limited. As it is highly prized timber used in furniture, coachwork, boats, airplanes and decorative work, there are many who bemoan its scarcity. What remains is found in rainforests along Australia’s east coast, from 230 kilometres south of Sydney up to Gympie in Queensland, west of Mackay and on the Atherton Tableland. The Moreton Bay area was covered with Red Cedar. The first Gold Coast settlers were Cedar getters on Nerang River. From 1820, as the standard building material, Red Cedar was exploited in an unsustainable way. There was a thriving export industry. But by 1900, not much was left of this valuable resource. Our Red Cedar forests have never recovered. Thus, there is a shortage of this once abundant beautiful timber, again proving greed and stupidity are never in short supply. Finally, I am reminded of the beautiful short poem, “Trees”, by Alfred Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918), which begins, “I think that I shall never see/ A poem lovely as a tree”, and concludes profoundly with, “Poems are made by fools like me/ But only God can make a tree.” Jack Nystrom
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Issue 121
It is the tenth month of the year, As decreed by Pope Gregory; Here in the southern hemisphere, The talk’s still about the footy. Though this month was ordained the tenth, In the calendar of Rome’s primate, In ancient Rome, it was the eighth, For in Latin “octo” means eight. Footy season’s done and dusted; We now know which team was the best. All their skills were sorely tested; Now it’s time to regroup and rest. Well, there could only be just one, To hold high the cup of silver, A prize hard and valiantly won, On a day they’ll all remember. For the others, there is next year; In six months, it will start again. That they’ll all be back have no fear, For days of triumph and of pain. While they celebrate in Australia The outcome of a great contest, Over in Munich, Bavaria, Germans have had their Oktoberfest. For a fortnight, they feast and quaff beer, Till the first Sunday of October. We do that any time of the year, January through to December. So, this tenth month will roll on; At its end, eight weeks to Christmas Day. Old Father Time marches along: Live, love, be merry: that’s what I say.
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
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