Issue 16

FREE

www.aroundpointcook.comIssue 16, May 2011

CFA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

I had the pleasure of attending the CFA State Championships at Werribee Park recently just around the corner from Point Cook. The great thing about Point Cook is the fact that you can get to the city in no time, or the country in 10 minutes. We have CFA areas and MFB areas all on our doorstep. We are right where city meets country. That is no more evident than when you can travel for 2 minutes and get to Werribee Park for the Country Fire Authority State Championships. Which is what we did, meeting a family friend there all suited up in the SES gear. After a tour of the SES stall and an inspection of the groovy SES trucks it was off to watch some of the watersports in the arena.

Note to self. Don’t sit down wind.

The games escaped me, people running through their fire routines but really my interest was in the hardware, a great selection of trucks, a great selection of stalls. Plenty of information if you happened to be worried about fires, and that sort of thing. Grass fire prediction pamphlets, information on data collection for how to get the fire rating sorted out… yep.

My truck of choice was the one with a massively long arm finishing in a giant spike that is designed to punch through a roof and put the fire out. I think a much better use for that would be in a local horror film myself.

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The Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is distributed in Point Cook.

continued page 3

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EDITORS COLUMN

PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHER

I will keep this very short this month.

We have added an extra sheet, this is a sign that we are getting support from the community and that is a wonderful thing. To ensure that we maintain a good ratio of Ads, to articles we have increased the pages. I am hoping that this is sustainable, and assuming it will be, but lets see how it goes. I know Bill is rock solid on if we increase the pages well, we cant then go backwards...

Lets live on the wild side and give it a burl.

We have had a vet come on board with some regular articles, this is fantastic as I and many around here love animals.

I will be looking forward to reading this contribution each month. Jill Hennessy, our local member has got on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/jillhennssyMP

and started a campaign to get more schools in this area. I would suggest you get behind this, Point Cook and Truganina are desperately in need. With new suburbs popping up in the area regularly, it is imperative that we fight for this infrastructure now and not when you have a child waiting to enter a school that is simply not there.

Have a fantastic month and enjoy Easter!

I was chatting with Michael on a recent visit to one of our local Golf Clubs.

Who is Michael?

Michael is the Head Chef responsible for the hospitality and is the Chef in charge for the quality of the kitchen at the Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club, which turned out to be more than just a Golf Club.

While Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club is one of the best courses in the West, the Club House is really a Gem of the West.

A luxurious building, from the huge car park (in which my gleaming Classic 1984 Statesmen Deville Series ll stood its place between a Honda Accord and a new Mercedes) through the spacious foyers, to the large bar and the quiet ambiance of the dining room, the Club offers a peaceful respite with views of the surrounding lake and golf course - truly a wonderful place to visit – nothing seems to have been spared.

Michael tells me he decides daily to prepare around 20 special serves of his idea of the ideal dish for that day depending on the catch and the time of the year when something special is at its peak.

Not only does he do this, he phones his regulars to advise them that their favorite is being prepared, and they come to enjoy. The waiting staff are requested to advise the diners of the night that only the remaining numbers of the special dish are available and what is the result – all of a sudden the

specials are gone! - What’s my advice – as soon as you look at the menu ask your waitperson how many of Michaels special dishes are still available!

Expensive – not in my opinion and not to those who believe you pay for what you get and who appreciate quality and ambience – value is high – you decide.

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I did manage to grab a few of the flyers and calendars and expressed my interest in joining the SES (this has been on my list for some time now) and then we made our way down the path to the Art and Craft market across the paddock.

A great day out. Complete with Picnic.

from front page

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THE HON JULIA GILLARD MP Prime Minister

Member for Lalor MEDIA STATEMENT

Last week it was announced that Lifeworks Relationship Counselling and Education Services would receive over $1.2 million per year for three years under the new Family Support Program.

Lifeworks Relationship Counselling and Education Services is a not-for-profit organisation with offices throughout Victoria, including Hoppers Crossing.

The Family Support Program will work to support families, improve children’s wellbeing and safety, and build more resilient communities in the Wyndham area.

This program funds a range of important local services for families including relationship counselling, family dispute resolution and mediation.

It’s great news for Lifeworks Relationship Counselling and Education Services and their clients in Wyndham who, thanks to these three year funding contracts, now have more certainty.

This will allow them to focus more on the needs of local families, and less on paperwork.

The new Family Support Program is based on extensive consultations the Australian Government held with service providers across the country.

This investment in the electorate of Lalor is a further commitment to putting the safety and wellbeing of children at the heart of our social policy agenda.

The Family Support Program is part of the Government’s National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children, which provides a national approach to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Australian children.

For further information visit www.fahcsia.gov.au

MEDIA CONTACTMitchell Hobbs 0402 485 652

15 of April

Support for families in Wyndham

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Point Cook Senior’s year 11 and 12 theatre class are proud to announce their June 2011 production.

Based on Jim Henson’s hit film ‘The Labyrinth’, the story follows a young girl named Sarah Williams who shows a large interest in fantasy stories. When forced to babysit her little brother Toby, Sarah accidently wishes her little him off to the Goblin King Jareth. Desperate to get Toby back, Sarah accepts Jareth challenge that if she solves his labyrinth in less than thirteen hours she can have Toby back and he would be spared from becoming a goblin. Along the way Sarah meets some friendly characters who help her on her journey through the labyrinth and some not so friendly who send her down the wrong path.

The students with the help of the their theatre studies teachers Ms Swaby and Miss Dunne are currently putting a lot of effort into this show. Each student is designated an area of stagecraft of their choice and works consistently and effectively to contribute to the overall Production. The Production of The Labyrinth is being directed, choreographed, promoted and managed by students in the theatre studies class.

The performance will be held at Point Cook Senior Secondary College which is situated at the Corner of Boardwalk Boulevard and Bergamot Drive, Point Cook. The performances will run on the 20th, 21st and 22nd of June at 7.00pm.

“The Labyrinth” play performance by Point

Cook Senior Secondary College.

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On behalf of all the teachers and students we would appreciate it if you could come down and enjoy as the secrets of the Labyrinth unfold beyond your very own eyes.

By Hannah Morrisson, Alana Worthing, Melissa Mitchell and Tiahna Hoko

(The Promotion Team)

Poster and logo design: Tiahna Hoko

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MORE BLUEBIRD SAILING- ON THE FOREDECK

When you sail short-handed on a yacht there’s always more opportunity to learn new skills since there are fewer persons on board. From the first time I sailed with two persons on board my sailing coach made me aware that if my skipper went overboard then I would be the only person who could retrieve him. Whenever I’ve been sailing two-handed on the Bluebird, I’ve usually chosen the foredeck tasks because I didn’t want to risk tipping the skipper overboard while I was steering on the helm. But foredeck duties can be hazardous especially if there are no safety lines and only a small pulpit at the bow. Wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) is a requirement under racing rules but it’s a ‘security-blanket’- you put it on and forget you’re wearing it. Wearing footwear with a good grip on a wet deck is a must if you’re standing forward of the mast reaching over the side, hands ready to grab the sheet (rope) attached to the sail before clipping it onto the spinnaker pole.

“Try Sailing” with Hobsons

Bay Yacht club on 7th May

or 4th June; ring 03 397 6393

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The ‘crunch’ time for me to learn foredeck duties on a Bluebird was during an evening twilight race. There was only the two of us on board and the wind was getting up to 20 kts – a bit blowy and we had too much sail area up. I chose to go forward, crawling on the slippery foredeck dragging another sail with me so that I could unclip the no.1 jib sail from the forestay then attach the smaller no.2 sail. I did this while the bow was bouncing in choppy waves. I scraped my knees and shins sliding around trying to keep in contact with a deck doused by waves and rocking at all angles. Task completed I crawled back to cockpit comfort adrenalin pumping.

A man-overboard (MOB) situation happens very quickly but often in benign conditions: a lazy Wednesday afternoon on a bigger yacht off Sandringham where the water can be choppy. Suddenly a wave lifted our boat as Simon was standing near the mast with both arms around the spinnaker pole, the deck tilted down towards the water and over the side he went still holding onto the pole. We all froze for a moment, all looked at Simon in the water then the skipper yells “somebody help

me sail this boat” so finally the retrieval procedure was begun- throw life ring to MOB, haul in sheets , ask Simon to let go of the pole so we can pull it back on board with the attached sail, and make jokes how Simon (our diver in the crew) needed another swim. Was our MOB wearing a PFD? No. Had the Wednesday crew done a MOB drill together before? No.

The next week, skipper and crew were signed up for a Sea, Safety Survival course website:

www.orcv.org.au

Sailor Ann

Next month more about learning to sail and what’s on offer at local yacht clubs.

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THE GARAGE SALE TRAIL

So what’s a Garage Sale Trail?We’d like to start advertising local garage sales in the format of a route for those interested in such happenings to follow together with stories of what priceless goodies readers may have found on a previous trail.To do this successfully we would have to have your info by the 15th of the month prior to the date of your garage sale to make sure you get coverage of your event. We find that the paper usually has maximum distribution by the 15th of each month and is usually up on the Web during the first week.The service is free. $20 will ensure your copy is in BOLD text to make it stand out and to tell readers you have supported us in this project.RegardsBill McPherson

GARAGE SALE

May 7th and 8th9.30-12

25 Dunkirk Drive, Point Cook

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COMMUNITY BOARD

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Hi all, welcome to another thrilling installment of the Mens Shed update. Unusually, I don’t have much to say this edition as I have been away on a well earned leave for the last couple of weeks. I have to say, taking a break from the Shed without sneaking a finger onto the pulse, is a very difficult thing to do! Sometimes letting the machine run itself, consolidates the efforts that have been put into its engineering and operations. Nonetheless, the shed is running well!

The Car show saw a huge raising of our community profile. This was a side effect of a bunch of blokes who love their machines, getting together and pulling off a large public event. All I can say is that putting a keen bunch of blokes together can be a very dangerous thing! It has become obvious to me that there are not many limits on our fellas, when it comes to achieving anything they set their hearts and minds to. I am very proud of all you guys.

I sometimes sit back and watch what transpires at the shed and make mental notes about who drives what and who does the footwork. I never cease to be amazed by one man in particular, whose ability to manufacture or modify anything man or machine made. Kerry, you know who you are! Not to take anything away from the rest of the boys, whose tireless efforts continue to provide for each other, their families and our community. What I am getting at, is that having a couple of weeks out of the foray has given me an opportunity to reflect on exactly how the machine is running.

Its amazing how each person responsible for particular arms of the shed, aid and abet each other perfectly! Will, off in the background keeping an eye on the purse strings; graham, at the forefront being an amazing go getter; Bill, being a true believer and supporter of the Mens Shed Movement, with a finger in every pie!; Colin administering the committee of management; Julie and Pete down at Spotswood community house doing their utmost to offer administrative support; Anthony and Simon building computers for anyone who needs one; Thomas keeping an eagle eye on funding opportunities... the list goes on. What a crew of diligent and dedicated men. I can proudly say that if I were ever to be in a war, I would pick none other than these fine men to be in my regiment. I like my chances of survival!

OK, enough back slapping. I would like to invite any of the members of our community who like the idea of becoming a part of this amazing movement, to come on down and take a look for yourself. Bring your ideas and energy (or lack thereof) with you and get involved. Someone out there will need what you have on offer. We could really use a few men who can take responsibility for supervising the Shed on a Saturday, and running some programs. Full induction and procedures are provided. I just cannot be there seven days a week, and as much as I love the place, nor do I want to. So its going to be over to someone to put their hand in the air for the Saturday gig. Help support the guys who work all week and have little

What’s happening @ Mens Shed

else happening on the weekends! Might be a good opportunity for grandpa and grandkid time in the workshop! Or even a Father and son program. The possibilities are pretty much limitless. Anyway, at that, I am going to sign off until the next enthralling installment. Hope I have left you with a little food for thought.

As always, yours in serviceDaniel Kuiper

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COMMUNITY BOARD

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COMMUNITY BOARDPRESENTATION

ON GLOBAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

FROM ECONOMIST, PAUL SALIBA

The Rotary Club of Laverton Point Cook is hosting an information evening with a renowned economist, Paul Saliba, on the topic of Global Economic outlook.

Paul Saliba is regularly quoted in the financial press and has recently been invited to provide economic updates on Sky Business News.

With Paul’s background as an Economic Analyst and Investment Manager with major investment institutions, he is well educated to provide an economic update detailing the difference between popular perceptions and reality of where we are at financially. Supported by data and graphs, he clearly demonstrates in an interesting way where investors have been financially and what the future holds including what the effect of the developing markets on Australia’s economy is forecast to be. Paul’s presentation is well structured and is aimed specifically at the level of understanding of his audience.

This special event will be held at Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club

on Wednesday 25 May commencing at 7.00 pm sharp.

Bookings essential. r.s.v.p. by Friday 20 May.

Cost $25.00, which includes a two course meal.

Ph. During business hours on 9397 1455

or email to lavertonpointcook@rotarydistrict9800.org

POINT COOK LIONS CLUB

“The Point Cook Lions Club are holding the first Annual Point Cook Lions Club Ball on the 2nd of July this year, with proceeds going to the Cerebral Palsy Network.

The ball is to be held at The Brook on Sneydes, the price per ticket is $60.00 which includes a 2 course meal, with drinks at bar prices.

So why not book a single, a couples ticket or a table for 10.

Music will be provided by the Lyn Gillett Quartet who recently performed at the Box Stallion Winery, Langhams Hotel, Brunswick Green, and the Wangaratta Jazz Festival.

Entertainment will also feature a Comedian.

Fabulous items will be up for auction, more info in the next edition.

There will be a lucky door prize of a 2 night stay in a Southbank Apartment, and also a raffle with many exciting prizes.

Dress: Evening Wear.

To make a booking call Gerry on 0419 308 006

or 9395 7180“

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JILL HENNESSY DEMANDS

ANSWERS FROM TRANSPORT

MINISTERJill Hennessy, Member for Altona, has demanded answers from the Public Transport Minister as part of her campaign to reverse the recent transport changes on the Werribee Line.

Ms Hennessy said the Minister for Public Transport needs to ensure first class service for those in the West including the vulnerable people such as the elderly and the disabled!

“Our community want to know that the Minister is going to look after our vulnerable family members.

“I have called on the Minister to answer some very important questions.

“I intend to make sure those who are vulnerable in our community are heard,” Ms Hennessy said.

The questions pertain to how Metro and the Department of Transport get the figures that they rely on to make decisions in relation to those who are disabled or having difficulties with mobility.

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PROMOTING THE SERVICES AT POINT COOK TOWN CENTRE

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Learning to Read is all in the PREParation

Reading and writing is one of the most fundamental skills people need to have to get through life. Everything from getting through school, occupation, keeping up with the news, reading for pleasure, or reading signs in the street.

Learning to read and write therefore is one of the most important, yet challenging tasks children need to undertake in their early years. Without literacy skills, children can find themselves in a classroom situation feeling uncomfortable and frustrated.

Parents and family are the number one teachers for their children, through their everyday involvement, imitation, and conversations. Encouragement and family support also sets the foundation for success and confidence in their child.

Maureen Pollard, special education teacher and Founder of Little Learners Love Literacy™ states: “Every day we provide important models about how language is used. Children need to be surrounded by language, to see others read and be included in conversations. By talking with and reading to your children you help them become talkers and readers.”

Between the ages 3 to 5, kindergartens and play/child centres provide a wonderful opportunity for children to interact in a structured setting, socialise with other children, build confidence, develop their speech and motor skills and have fun whilst learning these all important skills. Their focus however, isn’t on reading and writing.

Yet, during this age, one of the main challenges is how children learn the alphabet. Most children learn and chant the “ai, bee, cee, dee…” song, but has no real connection with literacy. Apple doesn’t start with an “ai” sound, but rather /a/. Bear doesn’t start with “bee” but rather /b/ and cat definitely doesn’t start with “cee”. The name of the letter is a child’s starting point with little or no focus on sounds. However, it is the sounds of the letters that create words, and from there sentences can slowly be formulated.

PREP for Prep is a one-hour, fun and interactive literacy program that teaches 4-5 year old children the alphabet, phonemic awareness (sounds of each letter), then how to blend the sounds to create words. There’s also emphasis on handwriting, syllables, sight words, school preparation and much more.

Tailored to meet the various learning styles of preschoolers, sessions are multi-sensory using music, games, craft, stories and even cooking!

Classes commence week May 2nd

in Altona, Seabrook and Pt Cook.For more information

and a FREE report called “The Stepping Stones to Learning to

Read – Tips and information for Parents”, visit www.prepforprep.com.au

or contact Mara Dower 0403290414.

QUOTE AROUND ALTONA or AROUND POINT COOK and receive

your FIRST LESSON FREE ! * Upon Full Term Payment

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ALTONA DISTRICT MP JILL HENNESSY CALLS

ON THE BAILLIEU STATE GOVERNMENT

TO BUILD NEW SCHOOLS IN THE WEST.

Jill Hennessy MP recently called on the Minister for Education Mr Martin Dixon to support the funding for two new schools in Point Cook and Truganina and for the Baillieu government to immediately take steps to finance and manage the building of these two new schools.

“Parents, particularly in growth areas, want, expect and deserve the best for their children. They legitimately have an expectation that every young person will be given the opportunity to receive the best education possible”’ Ms Hennessy said.

“The Baillieu government must commit to providing critical infrastructure and recourses to education in the western suburbs to enable that opportunity now. It is crucial that the government support the development of growing suburbs with basic services” Ms Hennessy said.

In response to Ms Hennessy’s call, Mr Dixon in the Parliament would not commit to the provision of these schools indicating they were not a priority.

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Ms Hennessy said “this was simply not good enough. Most schools in Wyndham and surrounding suburbs have now reached cap levels this puts further pressure back onto schools in Point Cook and Truganina”.

The forthcoming State Budget will demonstrate whether or not the Government cares about education and children in the west.

“The children of the western suburbs must not be forgotten”.

Ms Hennessy

By faith is how I know themMuch the same as you.

We share in what life brings usAnd from that our friendships grew..

Please take an extra minuteFrom your duties up above,

To bless those in my address bookThat’s filled with so much love.

Wherever else this prayer may reachTo each and every friend,Bless each e-mail inbox

And each person who hits ‘send’.

When you update your Heavenly listOn your own Great CD-ROM,

Bless everyone who says this prayerSent up to GOD.Com

Amen

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LAUGH OUT LOUD

Every single eveningAs I’m lying here in bed,This tiny little Prayer

Keeps running through my head:

God bless all my familyWherever they may be,

Keep them warmAnd safe from harm

For they’re so close to me.

And God, there is one more thingI wish that you could do;

Hope you don’t mind me asking,Please bless my computer too.

Now I know that it’s unusualTo Bless a motherboard,But listen just a second

While I explain it to you, Lord.

You see, that little metal boxHolds more than odds and ends;Inside those small compartmentsRest so many of my friends..

I know so much about themBy the kindness that they give,And this little scrap of metal

Takes me in to where they live.

Dear Lord,

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STATEMENT FROM JILL HENNESSY MP

MEMBER FOR ALTONA DISTRICT

Australian Bureau of Statistics Data confirms the City of Wyndham as the fastest growing area in Australia. It is worth reflecting on the implications of this data.

The rapid growth in population demonstrates the need for ongoing investment in the West, a need the Baillieu Government cannot ignore.

The need to support projects like the Regional Rail Link, Westlink, expanded public transport services and local roads is critical. If the Baillieu Government does not make a substantial commitment to do so in the forthcoming State Budget, we will know they have no commitment to residents of the West.

A critical factor for the ongoing livability of the West will be generating quality local employment opportunities. As the population grows, our jobs to population ratio worsen. Too many people have to travel too far to get to work. We have a highly skilled and energetic workforce in the West. We require local economic development to provide local employment opportunities. Projects like the Werribee Employment Precinct must be supported.

Building decent transport infrastructure attracts economic investment which generates jobs. So a failure to invest in the West results not only in road congestion, but denies us local jobs. The Victorian economy also misses out on the economic benefits that would flow from investing in the West.

Ongoing investment in quality public education and early childhood services is urgently required; such services ought to be a right and not a privilege. Young people in the West deserve the same opportunities as those on the other side of the Yarra.

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The population growth also highlights the need to build livable communities. Local communities need health care, recreation, a cultural life and places to come together. We need to build communities and not just suburbs. Connected communities are safer, healthier and more resilient to the challenges of life. But it requires energy, vision and investment by Governments to support community development.

The Baillieu Government has a moral obligation to govern for all Victorians. The growth in the West presents opportunities to strengthen our State. But we must demand our fair share of investment or we will be left behind. The forthcoming State Budget must deliver significant commitments to the West.

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REPRESENTING THE ALTON A ELECTORATEAltona, Altona Meadows, Hoppers Crossing, Laverton, Laverton North, Point Cook, Sanctuary Lakes, Seabrook

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The photo shows the Jamieson Way campus map of where our families have come from, and is displayed in the office foyer.

Cultural Diversity Week at Carranballac College is being celebrated from Monday 4th to Friday 8th April. The week is about acknowledging and celebrating the different cultural backgrounds of our diverse school population. For example, we have 63 languages spoken at home, including English and Auslan.

Students and staff have been encouraged to bring items from home which describe or celebrate their culture. We have mannequins modelling costumes, and some students have been researching and creating: poetry, games, stories, art, music and musical instruments, heroes, ancestors, famous scientists, artists and other people.

At the special assembly on Thursday 7th April the students are invited to dress in their National/Cultural Costume, and it promises to be a great event.

Thanks to all who have supported the week’s events.

Cultural Diversity Week at Carranballac College 2011

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Media release May 2011

GOOD VISION FOR LIFE

How to ensure you and your family have good vision for life· Wear sunglasses when outdoors.· Use appropriate eye protection when required in the workplace, school and home.· Know your eyes; understand potential warning signs and look for any changes in your vision. · Have your eyes examined regularly by your optometrist.· Eat for your eyes; include plenty of vitamin C, vitamin E, Zinc and Beta-carotene, many of which are found in dark green, leafy vegetables or fish sources.

For further information please contact Jenkin & Jason at Point Cook Eyecare on 9395 8600 or Sanctuary Lakes Eyecare on 9395 7530.

Most of the information required for everyday living is obtained through our eyes, yet only 17 per cent of the population had a comprehensive eye examination in 2008 says Point Cook optometrist.

“This figure is surprising given how important our eyesight is to everyday living. Good vision is essential for driving, playing sports and fulfilling work and school tasks which is why it’s so important that children, teens and parents incorporate regular eye examinations into their general health regime - Jenkin Yau says.

During an eye examination, an optometrist will assess

your visual clarity while also looking for signs of possible eye conditions or disease.

“Regular eye examinations can lead to early detection of conditions and diseases. If eye health is monitored throughout life, there is an increased likelihood that vision loss due to macular degeneration, amblyopia (lazy eye) and glaucoma can be prevented.”

“Parents should be leading by example and monitoring their own and their children’s eye health on a regular basis. Parents should be confident that their children’s eye health is the best it can be,” Jenkin says.

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WATER (part one)

Water is vital for sustaining life. In fact it is what 70 percent of our bodies consists of. Without enough of it, crops and animals that feed and clothe us would not survive.

When Captain James Cook made landfall on the east coast of Australia 241 years ago, he “discovered” the driest inhabited continent on Earth. But he liked much of what he saw as he travelled north to Torres Strait charting the coastline. His fellow countryman, the privateer William Dampier, when he lit on the north west coast of the continent 82 years earlier, was much less impressed. He was appalled by the aridity of the land and did not think much of its inhabitants whom he described as “the miserablest people in the world”.

Mainland Australia and Tasmania have an area of about 7.68 million square kilometres, a little smaller than the “lower 48 states” of the USA. At the time of European settlement, the continent supported a population of about 400,000 according to some estimates. That is pretty sparse. Today, our population has recently topped 20 million, compared to the United States’ 300 or so million. Nearly all of us are concentrated in cities and towns along a narrow fertile coastal strip. There is a consensus developing that Australia will not be able to sustain a population of more than 35 million; hence the urgent need to formulate a population policy.

Issue 16

Why the difference in population between Australia and the United States, apart from the fact that it was settled by Europeans about 170 years before Australia? The answer is simple. Water in America is fairly plentiful both on the coastal belt and in the heartland, whereas water in Australia is a scarce commodity by comparison. This is something that we who live in Melbourne and in the other capital cities and in major regional towns and cities, have only in recent years been forced to come to grips with. Yes, they have plenty of water now in Queensland and northern Victoria , but these floods will recede; and the next El Nino event may bring on a drought which could last even longer than the last one. Hence the perceived need in Melbourne’s case to invest in very costly water infrastructure: the desalination plant at Wonthaggi, the north south pipeline, recycling systems and home installation of water storage tanks, and the recycling of grey water.. All this has to be paid for by you and me. Within a few short years, our water bills , as a percentage of living costs, will have doubled, tripled or worse from what they were a few years ago.

When you compare Australia’s geography with that of the United States, you see a vast difference in regard to river systems and water catchments. America has high mountain ranges to produce the precipitation which feeds mighty river systems such as the Mississippi, Missouri and Colorado, for example. The Mississippi is navigable by large vessels for long distances into the interior of the continent. Similarly, large ocean-going ships can travel a long way inland on the St Lawrence Seaway. The Great Lakes are large bodies of fresh water, alongside of which our mostly dry salt water Lake Eyre is minuscule. The Murray Darling system, about which controversy rages, is for most of the time, mere trickles compared to the Mississippi Missouri. And the Murray, which enters the sea at Lake Alexandrina, actually stopped flowing into the sea during the drought.

My early years were spent on a farm in the upper Brisbane Valley, where we kept dairy cattle and raised pigs. Our one cash crop was potatoes. We grew maize, lucerne and pumpkins to feed the livestock, which included draught and saddle horses. Water to us was precious; the wasting of it would earn a severe parental rebuke. Our

house and farm buildings all had large corrugated iron water tanks to catch what in good years was about 160 to 200 millimetres of rainfall. We had a couple of small earth dams to water the animals.. I can recall my dad on a number of occasions, on returning from a visit to Brisbane, castigating city folk for their profligate use of water: leaving hoses running to water their gardens, lawn sprinklers, frequently washing cars, hosing footpaths and having showers or baths twice a day. It was mind boggling to him and to us kids.

Our early settlers wanted to create gardens, parks and street scapes that reminded them of their lush and fertile “old country”. So they imported plants and trees that required a lot of water, and planted large couch grass lawns. It is only in recent times that we have come to appreciate the beauty of our unique native flora, plant drought resistant grass in lawns, or seek a less thirsty alternative to lawns. A number of bowling clubs, including my own, have swapped their high maintenance greens for artificial surfaces.

[...]

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Jack Nystrom Altona Meadows, Victoria,

Australia Day, 26 January, 2011.

continued next issue

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FUN FACTS ABOUT

EASTER Easter is the second most important holiday

to eat candy, and lots of it! So, what’s the first most chocolate-eating occasion of the year?

Christmas of course!

* * *

Besides chocolate, what other sweets pops its head around the corner during Easter time?

Jelly beans!

* * *

In the early 19th century, the first chocolate eggs were made in Europe. They remain among the

most popular treats associated with Easter.

* * *

When taking a bite into millions of chocolate bunnies eaten for Easter, 76% of people prefer to

bite off the ears first, while 5% eat the feet first and 4% eat the tail first.

* * *

Easter has been named after Eastre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess. The symbols of the goddess

were the hare and the egg.

* * *

Common Easter symbols include the Cross, Easter Bells, the Easter Lily, and of course, Eggs and

Rabbits!

* * *

Chocolate eggs were made for the first time in Europe, in the 19th century. Till date, they

remain one of the favorite Easter treats.

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QUOTES ABOUT

EASTERThe resurrection gives my life meaning and

direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.

~ Robert Flatt

* * *

All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt!

~ Lucy Van Pelt

* * *

Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.

~ S.D. Gordon

* * *

A strangely reflective, even melancholy day. Is that because, unlike our cousins in the northern hemisphere, Easter is not associated with the energy and vitality of spring but with the more

subdued spirit of autumn? ~ Hugh Mackay

* * *

Good Idea: Finding Easter eggs on Easter.Bad Idea: Finding Easter eggs on Xmas. ~Jack

Handy

* * *

There’s nothing better than a good friend,except a good friend with CHOCOLATE.

~ Linda Grayson

Issue 16

Page 30 Issue 16

PET SECTIONVaccinating your cat

The ‘F3’ vaccine

The vaccine given yearly to most cats in Australia is called the F3. Like the human ‘Flu’ vaccine the F3 vaccine is changed every year to help protect your cat against the constantly mutating viruses. The components of the F3 vaccine are:

(1) Feline Herpes virus and (2) Feline Calicivirus, both of which cause ‘cat flu.’ (3) Feline parvovirus: Also known as panleukopaenia as it suppresses the immune system. Other symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and liver failure. It can be fatal.

We recommend that most cats are kept entirely indoors. This reduces the risk of trauma, fighting and disease.

If you do elect to let you cat outdoors it is important that you realise that this puts them at risk of catching feline AIDS and feline leukemia virus. Both of these diseases are easily spread by contact with other cats or their saliva and are often fatal. Vaccines are available for these diseases. Some people choose to vaccinate indoor cats for these diseases too as a safety measure in case your cat escapes.

Feline AIDS (Feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV)

Although a different type of virus to that which causes AIDS in man, FIV produces a similar disease. Signs include weight loss, dental disease, poor appetite, fever, eye problems, swollen lymph nodes, vomiting and diarrhoea. Cats in Australia have an estimated infection rate of 26%, unfortunately the highest in the world . It is easily spread between cats, mostly by fighting. Desexing your cat will help reduce the incidence of fighting and in this way lowers the risk of contracting disease. Kittens can be infected at birth or through their mother’s milk. FIV can be diagnosed by an in-clinic blood test that takes around 15 minutes to perform.

TO ADVERTISE IN AROUND POINT

COOKOR

AROUND ALTONA

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Contact the sales team

WillSales Manager

M: 0449 834 359 E: will@aroundpointcook.com

LouiseSales Manager

M: 0403 191 084

Page 31Issue 16

PET SECTION PET SECTIONThis test will tell if you cat is infected however not all infected animals will become sick in their lifetime. This test cannot be used in cats that are already vaccinated as a false positive result will occur.

Feline AIDS can be prevented via regular vaccination. Initially a course of three vaccines two weeks apart is required, then a yearly booster. Contact Direct Vet Services for more details.

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV)

FeLV is spread much more easily than feline AIDS as it is plentiful in saliva of infected cats. It can be spread by grooming, playing, fighting with or sharing a food bowl with an infected cat. It can also be spread from mothers to kittens via milk or at birth. As with Feline AIDS, FeLV does not

always cause disease in infected cats, however those cats that do not clear the initial infection will eventually develop a fatal cancer or other serious problems. Signs include weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, pale gums and frequently falling ill with other diseases including cat flu. Testing is available and is able to differentiate between a previously vaccinated animal and a sick one. It can be done in the clinic and takes around 15 minutes to perform.

Vaccination for this disease must be performed twice within one month, then annually. At Direct Vet Services we give this in an ‘F5’ vaccine which includes the F3 as described above plus Feline leukaemia virus and Chlamydia which causes a number of health problems in cats.

by Karen Davies

Direct Vet services

Page 32 Issue 16

Life After Shane’s Seminars

I was disappointed when I decided, after doing my tax, that Shane’s Seminars was not financially viable. I continued on with my volunteer Creative Writing Workshops at Jamieson Way Community Centre and Iramoo Community Centre. Every month, at each centre I do a two hour workshop on different aspects of writing. I combine my writing background with my love of literature to make these sessions an enjoyable experience for the participants. As I am a natural volunteer, the fact that I do not get paid for sharing my knowledge with others, does not concern me. I obtain considerable satisfaction from helping people. I am a firm believer in the Golden Rule – Treat others as you want to be treated.

Shortly before I started Shane’s Seminars I started going to meetings of the Sanctuary Lakes Business Network (SLBN) at Waterstone Café. I really enjoyed this as I met some lovely people in the local business community and had the opportunity to speak in a public forum for the first time since I stopped working as a lawyer in 1993. I gained a lot of confidence from this, which helped me in my business,

and later volunteer Workshops. In October 2010 I was asked to become Secretary/Communications Officer of the SLBN, even though Shane’s Seminars was no longer operating. Initially I was reluctant to take on the role, as years before I had been Secretary at the Sale Art Gallery and I found local politics a bit challenging. As a former lawyer, I am a bit of an individualist, and most of my experience, work and study, has not involved working with committees. I agreed to become Secretary because I wanted to retain my involvement with the Network. The committee, mainly women, do a tremendous job and I am pleased to be a part of this. Meetings are held every month and there are a number of interesting guest speakers who have been arranged, to talk at these.

A by product of my involvement with the SLBN has been getting to know the owners of Waterstone Café. They are involved with many community projects and through them, in February 2011 I became the Secretary of the Christmas by the Lake Committee.

CARTRIDGE WORLD

Shop 11 Harrington Square, Maidstone Street

Altona VIC 3018 Ph:93985200

Fax:93985211

WWW.CARTRIDGEWORLD.COM.AU

NEW AND REFILLED INK AND LASER CARTRIDGES

Page 33Issue 16

Most local Point Cook residents would know about the yearly Christmas function held for children and families, at Sanctuary Lakes. It is a wonderful event, with lots of interesting activities for the children.

In 2012 I am hoping to do some volunteer lecturing work in literature, art history and philosophy for the University of the Third Age (U3A) at Daylesford, where we have a cottage.

I still do sausage sizzle at the RAAF Thrift Shop at Laverton. There is life after Shane’s Seminars but it is basically as a professional volunteer. I am fortunate to have obtained a good education, and sharing my knowledge and time, is my way of contributing to the community.

SHANE TINDAL

shanetindal@bigpond.com

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Page 35

Point Cook KidsPoint Cook Kids Point Cook KidsPoint Cook Kids Point Cook KidsPoint Cook Kids Point Cook KidsPoint Cook Kids

Calling on Point Cook Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.Email your contributions to editorpointcook@gmail.com or post to the PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028

www.aroundpointcook.com Please email contributions to editorpointcook@gmail.com

ABN: 43 604 804 338ABN: 43 604 804 338 Advertising enquiries:Advertising enquiries:PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028 Will: 0449 834 359Publisher - Bill: (03) 8307 8872Publisher - Bill: (03) 8307 8872 Louise: 0403 191 084

RATHER THAN THROW THIS PAPER OUT WHY NOT RECYCLE TO A FRIEND FOR READINGRATHER THAN THROW THIS PAPER OUT WHY NOT RECYCLE TO A FRIEND FOR READING

Colour the easter eggs!

Easter Word Search

At the Shore

Issue 16

BONNET CAKECHOCOLATEDECORATEDINNERDRESS

DYEFLOWERSPEEPSRABBITSUITSUNDAY

Please redistribute rather than discard.Page 36 Issue 16