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Page 6 Tuesday, 12 November, 2013
Connecting people and communities WERR
Sisters of string By YASEMIN TALAT SIBLINGS from Heathdale Christian College in Werribee are following the same rhythm as they prepare to perform in Orchestra Victoria’s mOVe Future Talent Concert. Sisters Lysianne and Stephanie Ahtuam both play the violin, both love it and have both been selected to perform later this month. Lysianne, who has just completed Year 12, started playing the violin four years ago. She was inspired by her older sister Hannah who also played the violin and younger sister Stephanie who was also playing the instrument. Stephanie, who is now in Year 10, started playing the violin in grade two after also being inspired
by her older sister Hannah. And although Hannah does not play as much anymore her younger sisters are continuing the legacy. The pair said they loved playing and practicing together. “It’s really good because we always practice together, she’s my motivation to keep practicing,” Lysianne said. “Two violins sound better than just being on your own so it’s good to practice together,” she said. The girls have played in various orchestras since they started and are now both in the college orchestra. “It’s good because I love violin and I can share that with her,” Stephanie said. “And it’s really good because we can learn from each other,” she said.
The girls were also selected to be part of Orchestra Victoria’s On the mOVe education program where they participated in master classes with professional orchestra players. Music teacher and conductor of the College Orchestra David Filip said the introduction of the College Orchestra this year helped students further develop into musicians. “The orchestra helps the students get more skills and experience,” he said. “It’s really a pleasure to see both Lysianne and Stephanie and how much they’ve improved.” The free concert will be held at the Dallas Brooks Centre on 30 November for more information contact Orchestra Victoria on 9649 Lysianne and Stephanie Ahtuam on the violins. 109315 3600.
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The final countdown to digital-only TV has begun!
Melbourne and surrounding areas switch on 10 December 2013* The analog TV switch off is happening on 10 December 2013* – and there’s no turning back. After this date you won’t see anything if you’re not ready for digital-only TV.
What do I have to do? Remember, to keep watching free-to-air TV shows, you’ll need either: • one set-top box or a digital TV recorder for each analog TV you use; or • a new TV with a built-in digital tuner. Most importantly, you do not have to buy a new TV if you do not want to. Most antennas and cabling should work after the digital switchover. However, if you have any concerns about your reception, you may consider asking an endorsed Antenna Installer to check your antenna and cabling. If you have any other questions, or to find your nearest endorsed Antenna Installer, visit our website or call the Digital Ready Information Line.
Don’t put it off any longer. Get ready for digital TV today. *Please note: switch off may occur earlier in some towns. Residents in these towns will be informed about the switchover dates. See the website for more information.
Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
Pool barrier warning WYNDHAM City Council has encouraged all pool and spa owners to check their barriers as summer fast approaches. Two hundred random inspections across the municipality have shown more than 75 per cent of pool owners failed to carry out the required maintenance of their pools and spas. Three pool owners from Hoppers Crossing have already been ordered to pay up to $3500 for court costs. Another owner was issued a fine as well as a criminal conviction. Councillor Glenn Goodfellow said pool and spa owners should assure their pool or spa is kid safe. “Residents with pools should be checking: could a young child easily climb over, under or through your fence to get to the pool? “Do all of the gates in your pool safety barrier close and latch properly, so that they could not easily be opened by a small child? “Is the pool clear of toys and other floating objects that could attract a child’s attention? “Could a child get access to a swimming pool through a window in your house?” A building permit is required for the construction or alteration of a swimming pool barrier. For more information contact Wyndham City’s Building Service Unit on 9742 0718 or visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au
Watch out for bird swooping WYNDHAM residents are being warned about the dangers of the breeding season for native birds in the municipality. Wyndham Councillor Peter Gibbons said the birds would defend their territory by swooping unsuspecting passers-by if they felt threatened. “While swooping is generally a bluff to scare you away from the nest, it can be quite frightening and if they connect, may cause injury,” Cr Gibbons said. “There are steps residents can take to protect themselves from swooping birds. Be aware of the swooping hotspots where birds are regularly known to defend their nest and avoid the area. “If you must pass through move quickly, but do not run. Wear a hat and make sure you are carrying a stick to fend off swooping birds. If possible, travel through swoop hotspots in a group.” Cr Gibbons said cyclists should dismount their bikes and walk when travelling through a swooping hotspot.
For help or more information on how to get digital ready in your area: 1800 20 10 13
www.australia.gov.au/digitalready
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