around hoppers crossing 21
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Community Newspaper Issue 21, November 2014TRANSCRIPT
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Issue 21, November 2014
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4 6 20page A PARTY FOR
ALL AGESOUR DIVERSE CULTURE
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continued page 3
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Hoppers Crossing Secondary College is feeling the love! The College was announced as state victors in the Wakakirri Secondary School Challenge.
Wakakirri is a National Festival that celebrates learning through the creation and sharing of stories.
The story that the College entered this year was entitled ‘Break the Divide’ and focuses on the
promotion of cultural and social diversity.
Over 65 students danced and sung their way through the performance, delivering their message, and it was pretty powerful stuff. Clearly the judges agreed.
In only their second year in the competition that has been running since 1992, Hoppers Crossing Secondary College not only took out the state title, but
A VICTORY WORTH DANCING ABOUTby Melissa Longo
WERRIBEE’S LIBERATOR A72-176 A TURNS 70
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PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHER
FROM THE EDITORIt has truly been a busy month in my world. That is actually a good thing, it means there is lots of good productive things happening. One of which was the chance to get together with our writers for a coffee and chat. This is one of the most enjoyable things I like doing in relation to the paper, getting together and talking shop. Everyone’s suggestions and enthusiasm is inspiring and shows me that all the hard work is well worth it.
I challenge you to regularly read this paper cover to cover. All through it you will find exemplary articles by excellent local writers. We have some very interesting stories this month, so I hope you enjoy this months read. As always please send your feedback to me so I can pass it onto the writers.
Have a great month.
Daniel AllenSome of our volunteer writers enjoying a catch-up!
One of my pleasures in life is the ABC Sunday morning programs including ‘Hyms of Praise’ and ‘Country Wide’
Hyms of Praise is also a history lesson and recently the Ediborur Cathedral was presented and ‘Auld Lang Syne was featured.
Adopted around the world as a symbol of the New Year saluting the Year just passing, put to music by Robbie Burns who heard an old man singing the song, it tells of the year passing and reminds us of all the joyous things that happened that should be remembered in the Next Year in Scots language:
‘Should Auld Acquaintance be Forgot and Never brought to mind
‘We’ll take a cup of kindness yet and drink to Auld Lang Syne’
The cup of course being of the Scots favorites Single malt whisky!
Country Wide is of course well known and keeps me in touch with agriculture and current developments on the land in which I also have an interest.
Bill McPherson
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many other awards; including, Best Choreography, Best Blockbuster Story and Best Group Dance. On a national level, they were also awarded Best Cultural Story.
Ms Aimee Geeraerts, who has been teaching at the College for six years now and manages the school’s public relations, is proud beyond measure.
“The College is proud of its diversity, and we feel by being nationally recognized for telling our story of multiculturalism it will help to foster ongoing positive
relationships of acceptance and equality throughout the entire College community,” she says.
Acceptance and equality are important traits for the youth of today to be not only learning, but practicing as well.
This victory goes a long way towards breaking down any divides that may exist within our community in general and for that, we should all be proud.
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We landed on the celebration of Wyndham’s 150th to some great, wholesome tunes with 'Living and Working on the Land' performed by Jaime Holland, lead singer of country rock band Deep Creek Road.
The atmosphere matched the sunny weather - the council grounds were alive with activity. There were free historical tours covering places such as the Water Tower on Tower Road and Bungey’s Hole at Chirnside Park.
Sadly we were too late for the tour so we were happy that so much energy and creativity had been put into a history of Wyndham Display inside. Walls were dotted with digital picture frames highlighting events past with equal emphasis paid to our ancient and colonial beginnings as to the modern history of this great city.
The quality farmers market sent us home with some
with some great organic veggies, preserves and my favourite market purchase - honey. The food choices were also wonderful catering for our family's multiple generation's palate.
Free vintage photos were on offer but we got our photo taken in front of the CFA's fire truck for our niece who volunteers in Canada. That’s the great thing about these events - there’s something meaningful for everyone.
Old style games like a massive Jenga and 4 in a row were popular and we loved the costumed street performers and the horses and carriages meandering in and around the grounds.
The event covered all the bases for a sensational family Sunday. Happy Birthday Wyndham! Thanks for the invitation!
Petronella Boonen
A PARTY FOR ALL AGES – GOOD THING, BECAUSE WE WERE ALL INVITED!
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‘One in three women in Australia has experienced men’s violence since the age of 15.’ – whiteribbon.org.au
Can these statistics chan ge? Should we accept them power-lessly or face their reality head on? Enter the Women’s Ur-ban Survival Program run by Samurai Karate International and presented by Sensei Paul Mitchell, a straight talker with a no-nonsense approach to personal safety.
“Empowerment is crucial,” he said. “Training wom-en is the only way to do it and a seventy-year-old will benefit as much as a fifteen-year-old.”
The program is held at a number of venues across Mel-bourne and aims to teach both teenage and adult women a few life skills for self-protection in the community. This event, hosted by Samurai Karate Laverton, ran as a full day program and only asked for a donation to White Ribbon. It included some self-defense training and sound advice.
“I’ve been running these for thirty three years,” Paul said. “The course has evolved because world has evolved. It is based on what we teach people in high-risk regions.”
Paul demonstrated the importance of scanning ahead as you walk down the street or as you approach your car. He stressed the importance of planning ahead, looking out for potentially dangerous areas and make conscious decisions about your safety.
“These things are things that we should practice when we are not stressed,” he said.
Some more take-home advice - don't hail a taxi from the street.
"There needs to be a record of you getting into that cab," Paul says.
“And always keep your partner and or loved ones informed of where you are.
"It's as critical for you to be safe as it is for your daughter to be safe."
White Ribbon is an organization that supports, educates and empowers communities with one strong message, “Women’s safety is a man’s issue too.”
White Ribbon Day is held on 25th November, 2014. Wyndham City Council is holding a Business Breakfast in support of White Ribbon Day. Jump onto the Whiteribbon.org.au site for more information.
Petronella Boonen
Sensei Paul Mitchell demonstrating carpark common sense
EMPOWERMENT STARTS HERE
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I recently went to a 70th birthday party with a difference. The difference being that it was held for a B24 Liberator Heavy Bomber. Known as A72-176, the Liberator lives in one of the last of 5 hangers built during World War 2, on what was a grass landing strip used to train aircrew.
A72-176 did not see action during the war, instead being based at Tocumwal, and used for training purposes. After the war, in 1948, the RAAF started scrapping A72-176and had scrapped the wing and tail, before the remaining portion, the fuselage, was brought by a farmer in Moe, who then used it to live in until he had finished building his house.
After the house was finished the fuselage served as a woodshed for some time, and eventually was just left forgotten, until 1989, when the B24 Fund became aware of its existence and began negotiations to purchase it.
After what must have been a massive effort by all concerned, a replacement wing and tail were sourced. The fuselage was eventually shifted to Werribee in 1995.
There are around 50 volunteers working to restore A72-176, one of only 8 remaining Liberator airframes
left in the world out of the 19,000 that were made. I spent some very enjoyable time talking to some of these passionate volunteers, a standout for me being Vern, a World War 2 veteran who worked on Liberators as an Air Frame fitter.
The hanger, which in itself is of historical significance, also houses an interesting collection of artefacts, documents and photographs, and a gift shop. Included too is a Link trainer, used for training pilots in night time flying, which I not so fondly remember from my time in the Air Cadets in the early 70’s.
There are also several other projects underway at, or planned for the site.
I have been past the hanger, on the corner of Farm Rd and the Princes Highway, from time to time, and was aware they were restoring an aircraft in there, but I’m really glad I finally stopped and went in for a look, and met some of the quiet achievers dedicated to bringing A72-176 back to life.
The hanger is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 9.30am to 3.30pm (Melways ref 205 F10), or check it out at WWW.b24australia.org.au
Greg Milne
WERRIBEE’S LIBERATOR A72-176 A TURNS 70
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A little over 100 years ago a nineteen year old coppersmith named Leo Pathe enlisted in the 1st AIF. Leo was assigned to the Headquarters of the 3rd Light Horse Brigade, which was then at the Broadmeadows Army Camp. In May 1915 he arrived at Gallipoli, only to be evacuated two months later with influenza. After 3 months in hospital, in Malta and then England, Leo rejoined his unit in Egypt. He spent most of 1916 in Egypt before being trade tested, to see if he was suitable to join the Australian Flying Corps, as a mechanic. He was accepted and posted to the 2nd Squadron, as a 2nd Air Mechanic, earning 8 shillings per day. This took Leo back to England until September 1917, when he went to France.Leo was in France for the rest of the war, returning to England early in 1919. After another 4 months in England Leo returned to Australia, and was discharged in August 1919.
The Australian Flying Corps became the Royal Australian Air Force in 1921, and sometime after this Leo re-enlisted, working at the RAAF depot at Laverton. On the 9th of July 1938 Leo left his home in Mambourin St, Werribee, on his motor cycle. On his way to the RAAF base Leo’s motor cycle was involved in a collision on the Melbourne Rd, opposite what was then the State Research Farm. Badly injured, Leo died later at the Caulfield military Hospital.Leo was buried at Werribee, with Air Force members marching alongside his coffin, mounted on a gun carriage. When the Carriage reached the Soldiers Monument in Watton St, the carriage was joined by 100 officers and men from RAAF Laverton, the RAAF band, and an escort party and a firing party. Falling into line they all marched to the cemetery, followed by a large number of cars.The papers of the time said “The gathering of RAAF men was one of the largest to attend the funeral of a member of the Air Force. The gesture bore eloquent testimony to the high regard in which the deceased was held”.During his life Leo was an Anzac, a Gallipoli veteran, a Light horseman, and an early member of both the Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Australian Air Force. I think even in 1938 people recognized that this was an impressive CV.
Greg Milne
FINDING OUR ANZACS-LEO PATHE
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Australians are going to have to save a bit harder to build their retirement nest egg, thanks to the recent government decision to postpone increases in compulsory superannuation. This and other changes make it more important than ever to take control of your retirement savings.
As part of the scrapping of the mining tax, the planned increase in the compulsory superannuation guarantee (SG) to 12 per cent has been delayed by six years. As a result, it is proposed that it will stay at 9.5 per cent until 2021 when it will increase by 0.5 per cent a year until reaching 12 per cent in 2025-26.
The other key change is that the $500 Low Income Super Contribution for workers earning less than $37,000 a year will be abolished in 2017.
The aim of this contribution was to create a more even playing field for low-income Australians. Because SG contributions are taxed at the concessional rate of 15 per cent, people on higher marginal income tax rates enjoy an advantage, whereas those on the lowest marginal rate of 19 per cent effectively receive no tax concession.
Additional contributions
As a general rule of thumb, it is suggested that you will need 70 per cent of your final annual income to enjoy a comfortable retirement.
While it has always been the case that anyone aspiring to more than a basic lifestyle in retirement needs to supplement employer contributions with their own savings, the delayed increase in SG payments underlines the importance of doing so. The changes will leave some people tens of thousands of dollars worse off, but the actual amount depends on your age and financial circumstances.
Take the example of someone aged 20 earning $35,000 a year; assume they get a pay rise at age 30 to $80,000 (in today’s dollars) and another at 40 to $150,000. Assume also that their salary is indexed by 3 per cent a year between pay rises.
Factoring in average returns of 7.35 per cent a year, our 20-year-old’s balance at 65 would be $594,106 in today’s dollars (as the table below shows). Under the original SG timing, it would have been 2.65 per cent
TIME TO STEP UP SUPER CONTRIBUTIONS
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higher ($16,222) at $610,328.
But a 40-year-old who had salary sacrificed to build up $250,000 in super and was earning $180,000 indexed at 3 per cent would be 3.47 per cent, or $42,487, worse off at 65.
Low income super contribution
The removal of the $500 contribution will have the bigger impact for low income earners.
SGS Economics estimates that someone who earns $35,000 a year from age 22 to 69 will be 16.7 per cent worse off under the new rules. Only 3.9 per cent of that is due to the SG freeze; the remainder stems from the abolition of the rebate.
Boosting your super
There are several ways to maximise your retirement income.
• Salary Sacrificing
One is through salary sacrificing up to your age-based limit. For those aged under 50, the cap is $30,000 a year including all SG contributions and $35,000 for those 49 or over at June 30 this year.
• Non-concessional contributions
You can also make non-concessional (after-tax) contributions up to $180,000 a year, or $540,000 over a three-year rolling period.
• Government co-contributions
If you earn less than $49,488, then you can benefit from a co-contribution from the government
if you make an after-tax contribution to your super. This is worth as much as $500 depending on your actual income and the amount you contribute.
The changes may not make a huge difference to your retirement balance, but they do mean you will have to do more of the heavy lifting yourself. If you would like to discuss ways to boost your retirement savings, please give us a call.
Sam Adigrati B Acc, FINSIA, CFP®, SSA
03/9867 4345
General Advice Warning: This advice may not be suitable to you because it contains general advice that has not been tailored to your personal circumstances. Please seek personal fi nancial advice prior to acting on this information. Investment Performance:
Past performance is not a reliable guide to future returns as future returns may differ from and be more or less volatile than past returns. Disclosure: CHPW Financial Pty Ltd, AFSL 280201, ABN 78 110 598 368
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No kidding here. Caffeine has been know help to relieve pain and given I’d been Metro’d three times so far in the first half of the week I was very happy when Wyndham City Council came to Werribee Station bearing fruit (truly they were) and free coffee. That got my attention in a snap but what was the message?
First and foremost it was Ride2Work Day – Riders were invited to a free community breakfast. Ride2Work is a national program supporting the healthier lifestyle choice of riding to work or school. Apart from being more economical and environmentally sustainable, riding could be part of your recommended 30 minutes of daily physical activity (or 60 minutes for children) for most days of the week.
Onto the next message – to Live Lighter. In our information pack was a pedometer and some information about recognising toxic fat, getting enough exercise.
The Factsheet Be Active Every Day is a good one for the fridge door. If you are spending more time with your GP these days consider this – the 2011-2012 Health Survey showed 57 percent of Victorian adults aren’t active enough to be healthy.
With the election close in our sight, the third message came in the way of a petition to support the Get Wyndham Moving wishlist.
Wyndham Mayor, Cr Bob Fairclough encourages Wyndham voters to visit the website to see where the major parties stand on Wyndham’s infrastructure.
"Our residents are tired of being overlooked when it comes to major funding announcements on issues such as transport, health and education, despite being the fastest growing municipality in the State and one of the fastest growing in the country,” Cr Fairclough said.
“With thousands of residents joining our municipality each year, commitments on services and infrastructure are not keeping pace and this has been the case under governments of both political persuasions - it needs to stop."
If you haven’t already, visitwww.getwyndhammoving.com.aulivelighter.com.auwww.bicyclenetwork.com.au
Petronella Boonen
CAFFEINE – METRO’S NATURAL PAIN KILLER
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I always wonder what Australia must seem like to our newest residents. Wyndham is fast becoming such a melting pot, with more than 31% of our residents coming from overseas. For varying reasons, people make their way to our not so little town and attempt to carve out a new life for themselves. Their stories are rarely told.
Emerge in Wyndham is a festival that provides these newest Australians, with an opportunity to share their stories, through traditional costume, food, music and art. In the festival’s second year a particular focus on art, showcases the inspiring and vibrant works of two women, former Karen Refugees, Shuklay Tahpo and Mu Naw Poe.
Patterns of Life is an exhibition featuring a range of small and large-scale tapestries, designed to represent the women’s time in their new homeland. Moving to Australia in 2008, Mu Naw and Shuklay participated in a program in 2011 for Karen refugee women, through the Australian Tapestry Workshop. Though Mu Naw had experience with weaving, both women were novices in the art of tapestry, but immediately loved it and soon became naturals.
Their work is intricate and time consuming, with the larger pieces taking months to complete. Their passion is evident as is their pride. When asked to select a favorite piece, neither artist could choose – they love them all equally.
PATTERNS OF LIFEIf the tapestries exhibited truly represent the women’s feelings about their lives in Australia, then joy is the overwhelming feeling that I get from both the art and the artists. They love it here. They have learned new skills and have applied those skills to award-winning effect.
The Wyndham Art Gallery has the fine work of these wonderful women on display until November 2nd.
It is free to enjoy and is a wonderful opportunity to see Australia through the eyes of people who are so happy to be here.
Melissa Longo
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A friend of mine recently enrolled in a psychology degree. He is a retired tradesman and feels that if he can finish a degree it will prove to the world how appalling his schooling was and he might be able to sue the Department of Education for not teaching him properly 30 years ago.
He believes that with all the official enquiries and commissions going on at the moment, it will be only a matter of time before some group of lawyers sees an opening for litigation against the schools of the past.
Anyway, over a beer the other evening he told me about some of the lectures he was attending. In one of those they were told that everyone should have a number of worries if they are to keep their sanity.
If you have only one worry, you allow it to dominate your life and before you know it you have some disorder to which the Americans have given a name that contains the word syndrome and that – since the Americans are involved - probably involves sex somehow.
He was happy about all this because he had a number of worries, most notably how he could become part of the enquiry industry and whether he could persuade me to proof-read the various papers he would have to write as part of his university course.
Lest he be reduced to only one worry, I did not make any promise about my long-term availability as putative editor.
Afterwards I wondered what my own worries were. I suppose I worry about living in a country whose chief law officer says that it is all right to be a bigot, but there is not much I can do about that.
In fact, it seems that any worries to do with politicaI matters could easily have you end up in the hands of psychologists and since my friend may well become one of those, I would prefer to keep away from them.
Since moving to Melbourne I have two new worries. The first is how I can live in a city that regards graffiti as a form of art. Melbourne has streets whose walls are set aside for graffiti and where they have official events celebrating those places, occasions attended
by the lord mayor and people dressed in suits and women with champagne glasses.
Not having much patience with modern art, I could live with such designer street affectation except that it encourages trainee graffitists whose daubings mark the suburbs and public buildings all over the city.
Even the windows of the trains have these scribbles scratched into them, something that would require a deal of work and determination, the kind of thing that is probably interpreted by the artistic fraternity as suggesting a really serious artist.
The other worry I have is which football team to support. In Canberra, where I lived until recently, that was easy because each of the rugby codes had a team based locally and you could pick the one with the least tattoos.
But that is not an option in Melbourne, where they all have tattoos. Especially Collingwood.
You may well think that I should be grateful if this all I have to worry about, but you need to understand the terrible seriousness of picking a football team in a place like Melbourne.
In fact, it could easily be my only worry if I am not careful, and I have already indicated how that kind of situation might end up.
Anyway, that’s what I think.
Frank O’Shea is a resident of Point Cook Village
WORRIES SHORTER
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The second bird I selected to feature in these essays is the Black Swan, a bird that is commonly seen in the wetlands of south eastern and south western Australia, with large populations in the Murray Darling Basin.
Within Hobsons Bay, these birds are frequently seen in such places as The Strand in Newport, Cherry Lake in Altona and the Jawbone Reserve in Williamstown.
The Black Swan, a large waterbird, is unique to Australia and New Zealand (where the local species of Black Swan was hunted to extinction but where the Australian species was later introduced).
Small numbers of introduced birds can be seen elsewhere in the world. In Australia, this nomadic species breeds mainly in the southeast and southwest of the country, its migration patterns are dependent upon climatic conditions.
The bird’s preferred habitat is permanent wetlands, but it extends across fresh, brackish and salt water lakes, swamps and rivers.
It is dependent on underwater and emergent vegetation for food and nesting materials.
In years of high rainfall in the arid interior of Australia, Black Swans will migrate there to raise their young.
BLACK SWANS
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(CYGNUS ATRATUS)
It was not until I was researching this essay that I discovered Black Swans, in common with many other water birds, lose all their flight feathers at once when they moult after breeding.
This means they are unable to fly for approximately one month, and it is at this time that they usually settle on large, open waters for safety.
The Black Swan pairs for life and nests in the wetter winter months.
The nests consist of large heaps of reeds and grasses that are built up to one metre high in shallow water or on islands.
Each pair restores or rebuilds their nest every year. Both parents share care of the nest and incubation of the eggs.
The birds will aggressively defend their nests and, after hatching, the parents tend the cygnets for about nine months until they are fledged.
Helene Wild
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Welcome to this month’s edition of the “Magpies Nest”.
Lots has happened since last month with the most important being the appointment Christian “Joey” Spence as the clubs Senior Coach for season 2015.
Christian was one of several quality candidates that applied.
Our pre-season program will commence on Sunday 9 November at Laverton Football Club, Laverton Park in Altona Meadows starting at 9am.
We have already had a number of new players that have committed to the club for next season which will only further galvanise the spirit and resolve of all concerned that 2015 will be a big year for the club.
The club is yet to appoint its reserves coach and I hope to let you know who has the job in future columns.
I also intend to let everyone know of significant signings in the months leading up to the start of next season.
In the meantime “Side by Side”
John Ballestrino
MAGPIES NEST
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As another State election appears on the horizon, it’s these moments where we consider what has been achieved (and of course some of the missed opportunities over the past four years), and turn our minds to the potential of the next four years and beyond.
I’m proud of what our community has achieved over the past four years, despite some significant challenges.
Together, we have run some strong campaigns on health, education, on jobs, transport, community safety and infrastructure.
We’ve had some wins such as on our long-fought bus campaign and the delivery of local school facilities (albeit years late and far fewer than required), and with the help of the former Commonwealth Government, a significant investment in a new health facility at Werribee Mercy.
But of course we’ve confronted many challenges that remain unresolved – the pending closure of Toyota, other vehicle and components manufacturers and otherwise rising unemployment, the infrastructure deficit as further development is approved, the need for better health, community and childcare services, dealing with the crisis in our ambulance system, congestion and public transport services, the need for more school facilities, particularly for kids transitioning to high school locally, and safer communities as the crime rate rises.
It has been a privilege working with members of this great community over the past four years and together standing up for the things that matter to people in the west.
I look forward to continuing to do just that in to the future, in whatever capacity I can, regardless of the election outcome locally or statewide at the end of November.
A MESSAGE FROM JILL HENNESSY
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Mortgage stress hits Wyndham?
There are a number of credit and debt issues experienced by Wyndham residents however mortgage stress is by far one of the most significant problems.
Mortgage stress is defined as spending 30% or more of household income on mortgage repayments or repaying debts. Some of the reasons behind this problem include unscrupulous lenders, interest rate increases, unemployment, family breakdown, death of a spouse, illness or injury.
Even where residents’ circumstances change for the better, such as the resumption of employment, it does not necessarily mean freedom from financial hardship. Often, when residents have experienced financial hardship and substantial debt accumulations, they find that unless they can raise a large sum of money, they invariably are attempting to catch up while expenses and interest compounds and increases.
The Wyndham Legal Service has undertaken to assist as many clients of this nature as possible and we have established a free Mortgage Stress Legal Service.
On conducting research we have identified that many people who are suffering mortgage stress do not seek assistance from a lawyer or financial counselor. This can be a significant and further disadvantage to people who are already struggling. Early intervention can limit the potential problems that may arise if the problem is allowed to persist.
These are some signs:
• The homeowner falling into arrears in payment of the mortgage
• Warning notices sent by the lender seeking payment
• Involvement of the Courts Threat of repossession of property due to the default of payment.
To obtain FREE legal advice, contact the Wyndham Legal Service on 97410198 to make an appointment.
Regards,ShornaWyndham Legal Service
FREE LEGAL ADVICE @ WYNDHAM LEGAL SERVICE
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This is the first in a series of articles that will tell the story of different people who have come to Australia hoping to make a living and seeking to make this country their home. They come from a diverse range of backgrounds, some suffering great hardship on the journey undertaken either alone or with family members. You see them in the street; you live next door to them or work alongside them. They're your friends or maybe the parents of children at your local school. And everyone has a story to tell, some happy, some sad and some plain frightening.
Here's one mans story. Maan arrived alone in Melbourne seven years ago. He had no family or friends here and few skills, but he did possess a strong determination to succeed. He found a job in the city
at a restaurant waiting on tables being paid below the minimum wage, which he was not in a position to refuse.
He wanted to learn how to make coffee and at every opportunity observed the barista in action, with the owner refusing to let him near the coffee machine. One day the barista was away sick so Maan was finally given the chance to put what he had seen into practice. From there Maan eventually worked another two jobs in addition to his new barista role. In total, he worked around a hundred hours (yes, one hundred!) per week. At one stage he had to cut back from three jobs to two after collapsing on the way to work one morning.
He carefully saved the money he earned with the dream of one day having his own business. Now, that was seven years ago and Maan has succeeded. He has a small cafe in the western suburbs and a takeaway store in the city that has come about not by handouts and help but sheer hard work and persistence. Not bad for someone who arrived with nothing.
Deborah Drew
OUR DIVERSE CULTURE
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Maan at the Coffee machine
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Laugh Out Loud
A story well known in Australia is Jane and Glenn McGrath’s much-publicised experience with breast cancer, which led to the formation of what has become one of Australia’s most respected and recognised charities, the McGrath Foundation. Jane’s wish was that every family experiencing breast cancer in Australia should have access to the support of a breast care nurse no matter where they live or their financial situation.
The Foundation estimates 150 McGrath Breast Care
Nurses are needed to achieve this. Only then will every family in this situation have access to optimal care. Today, the McGrath Foundation is considered one of Australia’s leading breast cancer support organisations with over 25,000 Australian families supported nationally in the last five years by 104 McGrath Breast Care Nurses.
The McGrath Foundation raises money to fund McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia and to increase breast awareness in young Australians. Kylie & Sally from Storage King - Hoppers Crossing, believe their store can make a real difference locally. “The initiative gives our store the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to support households and families in our community. It helps us give back to our customers by supporting an organisation that is well respected and admired for their tireless work with McGrath Breast Care Nurses,” said Sally.
Call us on 9931 1113 or visit Storage King - Hoppers Crossing, 71-75 Forsyth Road, Hoppers Crossing.
A man was walking in the city, when he was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking bum who asked him for a couple of dollars for dinner.
The man took out his wallet, extracted two dollars and asked, "If I gave you this money, will you take it and buy whiskey?"
"No, I stopped drinking years ago," the bum said.
"Will you use it to gamble?"
"I don't gamble. I need everything I can get just to stay alive."
"Will you spend the money on greens fees at a golf
course?"
"Are you NUTS! I haven't played golf in 20 years!"
The man said, "Well, I'm not going to give you two dollars. Instead, I'm going to take you to my home for a terrific dinner cooked by my wife."
The bum was astounded. "Won't your wife be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty bad."
The man replied, "That's OK. I just want her to see what a man looks like who's given up drinking, gambling, and golf."
HELP THE KINGDOM RAISE MONEY FORMCGRATH BREAST CARE NURSES
Anybody we know?
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I went into a gadget storeJust to buy a thingumajig.
I saw it as I came through the doorThough the thing wasn’t very big.
My best mate had this piece of gearWhich he said was a lot of fun;
So though these gadgets are quite dear,I just knew that I must have one.
I bought a whatchamacallitAround about six months ago.
I was getting rather bored with itWhen I heard of this latest gizmo.
It was advertised on tee veeWhere new gadgets are often displayed.
I straight away thought, “That’s for me”:Of new things I’m never afraid.
‘Twas something I surely needed,Though I already had lots of stuff,
Most having been superseded,As this would be soon enough.
I’m going to enjoy this thing,At least till it is out of date.
Then whate’er the future may bring,I’ll buy it; I’ll not hesitate.
My gadgets I love like my wife,But they are a lot less trouble.
You are not stuck with one for life,And they’re no less reliable.
There’s this round robotic HooverThat is programmed to do your floors:
A quite remarkable doover;I might get one for Her Indoors.
Jack Nystrom, 7.1.2014
GADGET MANIA
23
Hoppers Xing kids
Calling on Hoppers Crossing Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.Email your contributions to [email protected] or post to the PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028
Our House in the Middle of Our...
ALLEY
ARCADE
AVENUE
BOULEVARD
BypASs
CAUSEWAY
CIRCUIT
CLOSE
CORNER
COVE
COURT
CRESCENT
DRIVE
ESPLANANDE
FREEWAY
GLADE
GLEN
GREEN
GROVE
HEIGHTS
HIGHWAY
LANE
LINK
LOOP
MEWS
PARADE
PARKWAY
PLACE
PROMENADE
RESERVE
RISE
ROAD
ROW
SQUARE
STREET
STRIP
TERRACE
THOROUGHFARE
TRACK
VIEW
WALK
WAY
24 Please redistribute rather than discard.