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ISSUE 134 DECEMBER 2019 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 MIX IT UP THIS CHRISTMAS
HOW TO BEGIN GROWING YOUR OWN ORGANIC FOOD
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PHOTO PAGE
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RELENTLESSLY GIVING
Sylvia Schiavoni is a Footscray local, a world champion, and the subject of a documentary by another western suburb local, Altona Meadows Aaron Ellis. It recently aired on SBS and follows Sylvia’s four-year struggle to the pinnacle of her chosen sport - boxing. She is currently the Super Flyweight
Boxing Champion, for the Women’s International Boxing Association. Aaron has once again shown his immense talent with his creation of Relentless: The Sylvia Sharper Story. His previous continue page 3
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR It’s the most Wonderful time of the year! Hello Readers and welcome to our annual Christmas edition! It’s no secret that I love Christmas... it is the world’s worst kept secret. My 3 trees have been up since the second week of November and I make no apologies! Why should I wait for December 1 to experience such joy? The world gets a little extra sparkle at this time of year, and I am all about the sparkle. But it isn’t just the sparkle that has me loving this season. Kindness and generosity of spirit are not always at the forefront of people’s minds, but at Christmas, it gets a little boost. People smile more, and look out for each other. People make donations to worthy charities, and talk to strangers. It’s a shame that this kind of behaviour requires boosting, but the world is so very hectic, that we often forget to slow down, look around and think of others. If you find yourself rushing from shop to shop, buying gifts without engaging the hard-working retail people, hit pause and smile.
We are taking a well-deserved break in January, so enjoy your summer holidays with your friends and family, and we will see you Around in 2020!
A smile can make a world of difference in your day and someone else’s. This issue is choc-full of helpful tips and ideas from our writers about ways to not only survive the silly season, but to fully thrive! Our writers do a really wonderful job of embracing our papers and we could not do it without them. They know how much I appreciate them, but it never hurts to say it again – and publicly! Thanks to our writers and readers and our advertisers and the many volunteers that keep this all going each month. It is a pleasure and privilege to be at the forefront of it all and I look forward to another year as your editor.
JOHN’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER On Christmas Morning I wish for you, The same as I wish for me. In a neatly wrapped present, Hiding under the Christmas Tree. A present like no other, And it’ll fit you like a glove. The Gift I wish for You is, The Gift of Love!
0408 659 940 or aroundsell@gmail.com
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Melissa Longo
works include the award winning Spill, filmed at Altona Green Primary, a short film depicting triumph over bullying. Sylvia’s interest in fighting began when she was quite young, her father taught a friend Italian and in exchange, he taught Sylvia and her brother martial arts. Sylvia eventually fell in love with the ancient sport of Muaythai, one of the most practised martial arts in the world, known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” as it incorporates the use of knees, elbows, shins, and hands. Sylvia made her debut into the boxing world in 2012, and is currently working with Team Ellis, the surname may sound familiar. Lester Ellis is a five-time world champion, as well as having two Australian and Commonwealth titles. Jake Ellis is Sylvia’s manager, while Heath and Darcy Ellis are her trainers. Sylvia credits Team Ellis for her 2018 world title win saying, “Team Ellis know how to make you peak at the right point.” While Sylvia’s first attempt at the title in 2017 was unsuccessful, it reframed her attitude, so that when going into the 2018 contest, instead of doom and gloom, Sylvia decided she would be positive and think how exciting it is to have this opportunity. Sylvia said, “I felt very resolved beforehand and enjoyed the fight in a different way, I felt it was my time.” The Relentless is the brainchild of Sylvia and Matt Williams, it is a five-week program available to schools and designed
from page 1 for young people. It uses non-contact martial arts as therapy. Sylvia said, “Matt and I want to step into the corner of those young people, who have their backs up against the ropes.” Matt Williams is a co-founder of the Chin Up Project, 2017. While Sylvia would dearly love to defend her title, the commitment is huge - at least two hours a day of training. Unfortunately, as in most sports, there is a huge difference between men and women - the prize money for women is nowhere near what the men receive, and sponsorship is much more difficult to obtain. This means Sylvia must support herself and her many four-legged friends who she rescues. They are mostly older animals, as she believes they deserve a bit of happiness towards the end. One of her rescue dogs is Harold, he accompanies Sylvia to Pet Therapy (a volunteer job.) Harold brings smiles to the faces of those who have not had reason to smile for a long time. Currently she works four paid jobs to make ends meet, one as a counsellor for anger management, another as a case manager in the family violence sector. Apart from this Sylvia volunteers with Lort Smith and as a telephone crisis counsellor. Sylvia is quite literally relentless, both in her sport and in giving to those in need, both two-legged and four-legged. Jen Robinson
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ENJOY A SILENT CHRISTMAS. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
Enjoy a silent Christmas – one that’s beautifully peace-filled, free from the frantic hustle-and-bustle of festive preparations, noisy office parties, and hectic last-minute gift buying. It’s not impossible! Everyone can joyfully celebrate this special time of year, yet remain relaxed and happy.
• Delight in celebrating the harmony and joy of a silent Christmas with your family. Live peacefully and safely in your home. Be happy, expect good times, and be quietly confident. “In silence and in hope shall your strength be.” DouayRheims Bible. Isaiah 30:15
A much-loved carol, paints a picture of the first silent Christmas. “Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.” This tender nativity scene, believed to have taken place in a Bethlehem manger over 2,000 years ago, reminds us to treasure our loved ones, speak to them gently with tender words, and cradle them in caring.
Shut out the noise of a frenzied Christmas season. Slow down, take a deep breath, and get ready to enjoy a silent Christmas. It’s good for your health. Beverly Goldsmith writes about the connection between spirituality and health and is a Christian Science Practitioner and Teacher of Christian Science healing.
The blissful tranquillity of such a silent Christmas, doesn’t mean having a dull or boring festive season. Far from it! It’s a wonderful time of year filled with many heart-warming, joy-bringing opportunities, to give and receive kindness, caring, friendship, generosity of spirit and goodwill. Family members, friends, neighbours, work colleagues and strangers are all included in it, and able to enjoy the blessings of a silent Christmas. TIPS TO HELP YOU ENJOY A SILENT CHRISTMAS • Make time to actually enjoy a silent Christmas. Reject the thought that you have too much to do! There’s always time for an act of loving kindness. And, kind-heartedness is always greatly appreciated - not only at Christmas, but all year round. • Be unhurried. Don’t rush through the day. Stop and share a few pleasant words with people you meet when you’re out and about. Phone a friend or family member you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while, and say hi. Send someone a text message with a seasonal greeting. Let folks know that you’re thinking of them. • Don’t let Christmas become an endless merry-go-round of festivities. You can halt the continuous cycle of activities, chill-out, and truly delight in every moment of this happy season. It’s such a good thing, to “observe Christmas in quietude, humility, benevolence, charity, letting good will towards man, eloquent silence, prayer, and praise express my [your] conception of Truth’s appearing.” Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellany. p.262
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MIX IT UP THIS CHRISTMAS
Christmas is undoubtedly a special time of year and with it brings serious festive cuisine. No matter which corner of the globe you find yourself from, it seems there are particular dishes that are sacred, and only enjoyed in certain seasons. And Christmas is no exception. Much to my surprise, I have recently learned that rice pudding is a Christmas favourite throughout Scandinavia, and not just the budget English sludge-like dessert I detest. The Nordic people give it two names – Julegrot, meaning Yule porridge, and Tomtegrot, meaning to share the meal with the tomte - (a mythical gnome-like figure). It’s traditional to hide a whole almond inside, and whoever eats it is said to have good luck coming their way in the new year.
So, are you a Christmas pudding family, a mince pie or a festive trifle family? No matter what type of Christmas person you are, the trick is to simply do it your way. From my family to yours, we hope you have a truly wonderful festive season. Stay safe, have fun, and I hope you will join me again in 2020. Dee xx You can also join me at www.comejoindee.com
A family table in Italy wouldn’t be complete without a quintessential Italian Christmas cake - the dome-shaped Panettone. Traditionally filled with raisins, candied orange, lemon zest and spices, it hales from the 15th century, when some dude prepared a prototype in an effort to impress the baker’s daughter. I have no idea whether he was successful in his quest, but this fluffy, doughy, lightly spiced bun-cake is heavenly with a dollop of mascarpone cream. You can also go next level and turn one into a bread and butter pudding with a simple vanilla custard for an English twist. Families from Germany enjoy Christmas Stollen, spiced Lebkuchen cookies and fruity Kletzenbrot. German festive fare is traditionally made with spices that were not commonly used at other times of the year, dating back to times when spices were precious, expensive commodities, unaffordable for most and used sparingly for special occasions. These include cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, star anise, cloves and pepper. This weekend I was fortunate enough to take part in a six hour German Christmas Baking workshop, making Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars), Vanilla Crescents and Lebkuchen meiner Oma (Magda’s Grandmother’s Gingerbreads). It was a lovely way to make some friends and add a few new recipes to the books!
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NEWS FROM CHERRY LAKE WARD COUNCILLORS: COUNCILLOR TONY BRIFFA JP AND COUNCILLOR SANDRA WILSON ALTONA BEACH PRECINCT PEDESTRIAN SAFE ZONE RETURNS This summer, the Altona Beach Precinct will once again be transformed into a pedestrian only zone, following positive community feedback from last year’s trial. The Esplanade from Bent Street to Pier Street will be closed to cars from 1 December to 28 February to create a safer environment for pedestrians, reduce hoon driving behaviour and support Council and police surveillance. Similar to last year, this pedestrian-friendly space will feature a table tennis table and other large games, moveable street furniture, tree planter boxes and temporary ‘beach box’ shelters. This year, Council has also added more beach umbrellas and a portable basketball hoop. Some parallel parking spots on the beach end of Pier Street will also be converted into extended outdoor dining areas. The pedestrian safe zone will also complement Council’s Accessible Beaches Program by providing a safer and more convenient connection between the all-access beach matting and the accessible change facility located at Weaver Reserve. Council is working closely with the Altona Village Traders Association to support a program of events at Weaver Reserve, market stalls, beach pop-ups and free of charge “Waterfront Workouts” in the precinct. Throughout the summer period, there will be road detours in place. Cyclists will be asked to either dismount at the pedestrian safe zone or alternatively follow the road detours or use the shared trail along the beachfront at low speeds. There may also be additional temporary road closures within Pier Street from Queen Street to Weaver Reserve to support large-scale special summer events. Community information will be provided on these occasions. For further information on changes to the Altona Beach Precinct, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/altonabeachprecinct PA BURNS RESERVE One of the most glorious coastal open spaces in Port Philip Bay is now even more user-friendly for the entire Hobsons Bay community! The first stage of the PA Burns Reserve project has wrapped up. The upgrades include: separating the shared trail and dog beach access path; formalised pedestrian access to the dog beach at three locations; a dog wash down area; and two viewing areas overlooking the bay. To ensure equity between all users, there are changes to the dog areas. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the changes at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/paburnsreserve or via the onsite signs. HARRINGTON SQUARE TRAFFIC Council is improving the safety and movement of pedestrians around Maidstone Street and Harrington Square. The works
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are a collaboration between Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College, the TAC and Council and will include the construction of a pedestrian refuge in Maidstone Street and a wide, flat and raised ‘wombat’ crossing at the Maidstone Street and Harrington Street intersection. Works are expected to start on Monday 13 January and take approximately five days to complete. ALTONA AND SEAHOLME FORESHORE UPDATE We are building better coastal infrastructure, including a new pedestrian access point to the well-loved Flemings Pool in Altona. These works have included a new ramp, reconstruction of the seawall, removal of rock and new sand to the beach. For details, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ Flemings Meanwhile the Bent Street vehicle access ramp is complete. A picnic area and shade have been incorporated into the design, as well as a pedestrian ramp enabling an easy way to get to the accessible beach matting. FUNDING GIVES LOCAL SPORT A MAJOR SCORE Local sporting clubs are the big winners in Council’s latest multimillion dollar investment that will result in better facilities, greater accessibility and, more importantly, more hours of play. W.L.J. Crofts Reserve in Altona North will soon receive a new pavilion and car park, as well as improved ovals, floodlighting, cricket nets, playgrounds, pathways and landscaping. The upgrade incorporates a contribution of $4.5 million from the Victorian Government, through the West Gate Tunnel Project. Approximately 400 regular participants from the Agility Dog Club of Victoria, Altona North Cricket Club, Western Jets Football Club and the Williamstown Superules Football Club will share the new pavilion. SUMMER EVENTS Finally, as the weather heats up, so does Council’s summer events calendar. There will be movies in the park, outdoor music, pop-up events at the beach, Christmas carols and the Midsumma Festival. There’s something for everyone! Check out www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/celebratesummer for what’s happening!
Deputy Mayor and Cherry Lake Ward Cr Sandra Wilson Contact details: 9932 1044 (BH) 0419 287 117 (AH) or swilson@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au Cherry Lake Ward Cr Tony Briffa, JP Contact details: 9932 1044 (BH) 0418 398 906 (AH) or tbriffa@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au Council’s website – www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
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A WORD FROM THE HON. JILL HENNESSY MP Visit to Altona Primary School I was lucky enough to spend some time with Altona Primary School Principal Natalie Nelson last month. Natalie came on board to Altona Primary at the beginning of the 2019 school year, and brought such fantastic enthusiasm with her. Natalie shared with me her plans for the funding that Altona Primary received through the Schools Maintenance Blitz. I was truly energised to hear of her plans for this great local school. A big thanks to school leaders, Amy and Fred, who did an excellent job of leading our tour and showing me around their wonderful school with pride. Season’s Greetings As 2019 comes to a close, I’d like to wish everyone a safe, joyous and relaxing festive season, and all the best for the New Year.
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Notices CHERRY LAKE MARKET Millers Road, Altona Our traditional trash and treasure and craft market is open the first Sunday of every month from 8:30AM to 1:30AM (plus the 3rd Sunday in December) Lots of stalls with a huge variety of new and second hand items such as plants, tools, garden equipment, clothes, quilts, craft, household bric-a-brac and treasures of every kind. Get your fresh Australian honey from our “Honey Lady”! NEW: Fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables Enjoy music while you browse or sit with a coffee and a jam donut while you watch the live entertainment. Our house jazz band, Visionary Steel, will, each month, showcase a guest band of community performers. Each sausage you buy will help us to help someone in need. Run your own stall for $20 or come grab a bargain. Brought to you by Altona Lions Club Serving our community Any enquiries call: Adeline Barham on 0400 002 192
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 June Murphy 9931-0369 and 0432-264-834 Secretary: Barb 9398-1217 Website: www.seaholmeprobus.org.au
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WESTERN MELBOURNE MEN’S CHORUS Sing with us! Google or call us Robin 0466 726 698 Garry 0421 739 847
CHURCH OF GLORY A church of the presence of God. 10am Sundays 2/8 Hammer Court, Hoppers Crossing All welcome
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 – Estelle 93914460
ALTONA SCREENTIME FOURTH TUESDAY MOVIE CLUB 1.30 TO 4PM ALTONA LIBRARY Do you love a good flick? Does the smell of popcorn set your heart racing? Then our new movie club is for you. Continuing the fourth Tuesday of each month, join other senior movie buffs to choose, watch and chat about movies. Refreshments provided.
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 134
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
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KEEP YOUR LITTLE ONES WATER-SAFE THIS SUMMER Let them make a splash this summer but, before you do, take some precautions to ensure their swimming days are trouble free. There’s nothing more enjoyable than cooling off with a refreshing dip on a steamy summer’s day. But, as an increasing number of families have found, summer can quickly turn from fun to tragedy when a child drowns. In most cases, the deaths were preventable. Figures published by Royal Life Saving Society, show that 276 people drowned across Australia from July 2018 to June 2019, representing a 10% increase on the previous year. Of the 249 drowning deaths in Australia in 2017/2018, 72% were male. New South Wales recorded the largest number of drowning deaths with 87, followed by Queensland with 60 drowning deaths. (Figures published by Royal Life Saving Society and Surf Life Saving Australia) Most childhood drownings in pools occur in the child’s home pool. An average of 30 children under the age of five, have drowned in Australia each year, for the past 10 years. This is 30 children too many! AT THE BEACH The golden rule for everyone is to swim between the flags, and preferably with a buddy. For parents, constant supervision is priority number one. If you’re at a beach and there’s no lifesaving patrol, don’t swim at all.
Treat any water vessel as potentially dangerous. Each year children still die from being left unattended in the bath. Close toilet lids and bathroom doors. Youngsters have drowned in toilet bowls, fish bowls and even puddles after hitting their head and lying face down in 5cm of water. Learn resuscitation, practice and review the technique regularly. DOWN BY THE RIVER There may not be any safety flags at still-water rivers, but that doesn’t mean there’s no danger. Before they enter the water, take a stick into the river and use it to help you check for depth, submerged rocks and branches, so you can warn your children. Sit on the river bank, and keep your eye on them while they swim. Be firm about banning your children from using ropes or rock platforms as launching pads into the water. Things can quickly turn ugly if a child misjudges the distance, gets knocked out and drowns. Enjoy summer and swimming, but take lifesaving responsibilities very seriously, this way you and your children can enjoy a fun filled summer without the dangers of accidents or an accidental drowning. Enjoy your summer break and may all have a wonderful festive season.
RIPS The best insurance policy against rips is to get out of the water (or not get in) the moment there is any sensation of a strong current. But if your child has been caught out, an arm raised in the air is the most effective way to signal they are in trouble. Teach your child not to struggle against the rip or they will tire easily. For a stronger swimmer, swim diagonally across the rip until it drops you on a sandbar, swim parallel to the shoreline, or, you simply float with the rip until it ends. SWEPT FROM THE ROCKS Whether fishing or just enjoying the view, warn your children never to turn their back on the ocean, since a sudden surge of water can take them by surprise. TIDAL CHANGES To ensure you don’t venture across sandbars or rocks at low tide, only to get stranded at high tide on the way back, check the predicted tidal times with lifesavers. AT HOME Pools and spas should make life more comfortable, not more dangerous, yet half the children under the age of five who drown, do so in private swimming pools or spas. The dangers are not always obvious. Children with long hair can get it caught in the water outlets of spas, which is why it’s best for children not to submerge completely in spa water. TO AVOID DISASTER, MAKE SURE YOU: Supervise your children. It only takes three to four minutes for a child to drown and they often die quietly without even making a splash. Fence your pool according to safety standards and make sure the gate has self-locking childproof locks. Never keep bikes or chairs etc. against the fence or toddlers may use them as ladders. Familiarise your little ones with water as early as possible.
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Yours in good health always, Cherie de Haas
HOW TO BEGIN GROWING YOUR OWN ORGANIC FOOD 2 Ideas to try over the Christmas break
Last month we looked at how to give your family the most nutritious food and discovered this: If you do not grow all or most of your own food - you don’t actually get to choose what you put in your mouth. When you shop at supermarkets, they choose a small selection of produce that ticks their boxes. So many nutrients are lost by the time they get to your table. Growing your own food is the best way to ensure your family gets truly organic, nutritious food. There’s no better feeling than to be cooking great dishes with your own produce - and your guests won’t believe the taste either! There is something amazing about being able to grow fragrant fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, mint, lemongrass, garlic, oregano, and more. Just close your eyes and try and smell those herbs. Imagine how convenient it will be to be able to pick them. Think of the lovely scent you would have from growing these on your balcony. But what do you do if you don’t have any space? Well, if you have a balcony, a windowsill or a fence, you’re set to grow. On a balcony, you could use the balcony rail or fence to suspend planter boxes or hang baskets from the ceiling. Or lacework at the front of the balcony. If your balcony is wide enough, you could use tiered plant stands. On a fence, you could line half pots in rows (when you water from the top, the bottom pots get watered).
On a windowsill or even next to your kitchen tap may be the simplest way for you to begin; if you’re busy and don’t have a green thumb. Let’s say you’re a bit hesitant about growing food, but you really like the idea of having your own organic food. Give these 2 simple ways a go over the Christmas break: 1. Visit your local nursery •Buy a few seedlings to place on your windowsill. •Water every couple of days. 2. Regrow your herbs and vegetables in water •Keep the ends of carrots, spring onions, lettuce, garlic sprouts, or celery. •Keep herb cuttings. •Put them in a shallow dish of water or glass of water (for herb cuttings). •Place on a windowsill, by your kitchen tap, or any spot that gets sun (and that will remind you to water). •Change water every couple of days. When you start to see these grow, you’ll get hooked, I promise. It’s strangely addictive. Send your photos and questions to me, I’d love to hear from you: craigcastree@optusnext.com.au Craig Cqstree Craig loves talking to people about how to set up their own edible gardens and make healthier, more sustainable choices. He is also a cheese maker, an apiarist, has worked as an educator for the Gordon Institute and presented on ‘Vasili’s Garden to Kitchen’ program on Channel 44 and 7 TWO. Website: ediblegarden.webs.com *Images: Craig Castree & Cynthia Marinakos
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HOBSONS BAY WELCOMES NEW MAYOR Councillor Colleen Gates will serve as Mayor of Hobsons Bay for 2019-20, following a unanimous vote at Council’s Mayoral Election on Friday night. It is Cr Gates’ second time as Mayor, having previously served in the role in 2014-15 and serving as Deputy Mayor in 2013-14 and in 2016-17. Cr Gates has been a Councillor since 2012. Cr Gates said it was a privilege to be elected as Mayor for 2019-20 and is thankful for the support and confidence of her Councillor colleagues.
“People with a passion, hobby or interest give up their time freely to connect with others and make a difference for our community. I want to showcase these hard-working groups across the city, especially those who may not be as well known,” said Cr Gates. “As for innovation, I see an opportunity to collaborate further with our younger residents to develop innovative ideas and find projects for potential implementation.” Cr Gates said the opportunity to work with and represent our community is what makes the elected role special.
“The collective skillsets of all the Councillors is amazing and I am very proud to lead such a dynamic group,” said Cr Gates.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues and the organisation to deliver on the needs of our community,” said Cr Gates.
Cr Gates said her Mayoral Program will align with the vision and the strategic direction of Council, with a focus on three key areas - open space, community connectedness and innovation.
Cherry Lake Ward Councillor Sandra Wilson was also elected Deputy Mayor for another term on Friday night. Cr Wilson served as Mayor in 2013-14 and 2016-17 and Deputy Mayor in 2015-16. She has also been a Councillor since 2012. Newly elected Deputy Mayor Cr Wilson said she is proud to be in the leadership team of a calm and focussed Council that has its sights set on achieving Hobsons Bay 2030 Community Vision.
“We know our residents treasure our coastline, parklands and sports fields,” said Cr Gates. “We have done some good work in this space already but I would like to place some focus on how Council and the community can further protect, enhance and share these spaces for all.” Cr Gates said community connectedness is achieved with the help of Hobsons Bay’s volunteers, who are ‘the glue of the community’.
“I’m looking forward to supporting the Mayor and my colleagues in another year of initiative and innovation in these ever changing and challenging times,” said Cr Wilson. “I think this will be a magnificent year. We will continue to build on our strong environmental focus and maintain the liveability of Hobsons Bay.”
CHRISTMAS IN THE PHILIPPINES IS GRAND Filipinos start adorning their homes with Christmas decorations at the start of ‘ber’ months. Stroll down along malls and streets in Manila and you’ll see gleaming Christmas decorations. Parol (Christmas lantern) is a traditional Christmas decor. It represents the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise men to the manger of newly born Jesus Christ. My childhood memories include eating puto bumbong (purple rice mixture) steamed inside a bamboo tube after dawn mass, called ‘Misa de Gallo’ or simbang gabi. Maria Pagunsan
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Photo page Autumn has so far been kind to us, providing us plenty of sunshine to play in. Easter egg hunts in Werribee and Point Cook. 5x7 art shows at the Louis Joel Community Centre, in Altona. Dirt Girl popped into the Pop Up park in Point Cook! And we enjoyed walking in the sand, because who knows how much longer this lovely weather will last? Thanks to InkCloud for this month’s photos.
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Jack’s Corner
CHRISTMAS DOWNUNDER With December, a new year will beckon, As this year nears its celebratory close. This old world has problems and I reckon, That Australia has its fair share of those. Well, Christmas is the season of giving, When we should think of others than ourselves; It is also a time for forgiving: We ought ponder that as we scan shop shelves. Goodwill to Men is the Christmas spirit, Regardless of race, politics or religion; It is no time to have a hissy fit If someone does not share our opinion. It’s a time of thanksgiving and of hope, And reassessment of expectations. We may pray that with life’s trials we can cope, And for peaceful relations ‘tween nations. It is a special day for the littlies, With so much that will please a small child’s heart, Like brightly decorated Christmas trees. Santa Claus will be there to play his part. That old gent will be heading Downunder On a flying sled pulled by nine reindeer. There’ll be sound-barrier breaking thunder, To tell us that Santa will soon be here. His sled will be laden with lovely stuff, His team of elves have been making all year. Chimney or not, he’ll get in right enough, And deliver those presents; have no fear. But the reindeer will have need of a rest, So, they will be changed for a team of ‘roos. Reindeer in summer heat aren’t at their best: Here are two ‘roo species that he might choose. I suggest red boomers or eastern grey: Like the west wind these macropods can fly; And Skippy will lead for she knows the way. If lucky, you may spot them passing by. So, may you all have a Merry Christmas; But do spare a thought and some charity For those who are not so lucky, alas, Who are needing help, not just sympathy. Jack Nystrom 14
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