around point cook 34
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Community Newspaper Issue 34, November 2012TRANSCRIPT
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The Point Cook Festival held last Sunday was truly an amazing event. This is the fourth year that Point Cook Town Centre has organised an incredible community event that allowed the local community to come together on a glorious sunny day to celebrate and share with each other what is important to them. A diverse and family orientated gathering participated in the many activities on offer. Smiles were abundant, families united and children held colourful balloons and ran around happily with faces painted with exotically rainbowed creatures and mystical beings.
The planning take months and Point Cook Town Centre did not disappoint. Well set up and organised events seemed to run like clockwork with plenty of room made available for families to walk around and explore the many stalls of goods, food and attractions.
Local small business had the opportunity to moot their wares along side community organisations and Cultural groups. Stall organisers were warm and welcoming and enthusiastic to share their journeys of development within Wyndham.
Dancers of all ages and cultures practised in the street next to the stages warming up to present
routines rehearsed many times over in preparation. Bands had families jiving and rocking together in mismatched rhythm, delicious smells wafted form the abundance of food on offer form the local eateries and the Town Centre shops were flooded with shoppers.
The celebrations began at 11am and there was plenty to see and do. I visited *Rotary Australia cooking up a storm of sausages and onion in their goal to raise money for their current project in PNG. *Auskick had Western Bulldogs players encouraging children to hand ball a footy into a small hole! *Cancer
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from front page
ABN 78 809 543 573
Advertising: [email protected] Contributions: [email protected]
0403 117 628
Council was promoting the Relay for Life event to be held in November. An event that all are welcome to participate in and raise money to benefit the gracious and brave people within our community who are fighting against, living with, victored over and in remembrance of, those passed away from cancer.
I met people that with imitative and a hard work were establishing small businesses in Wyndham, gaoled toward building independent futures for themselves and their families*. Cultural groups sharing with our community, their community and the social activities that we can all enjoy together. *DIWALI, a Hindu group that shares puja, card playing, Bingo, networking, dinner and dances stands under the banner; Building Community Together. The *Werribee Chinese School was playing games and happy to share their history. *Rachana Natyalaya a Bollywood dance school, full of colour, beauty and enthusiasm performed their intricate and elegant dances. This school offers classes in Indian classical and folk dance and shares the mission of promoting performing arts in Australia to help in broader development of human and cultural values.
It was a wonderful day to relax, share and get to know the intricate and amazing variety of people, organisations and business that make Point Cook so welcoming and unique. Well done to Point Cook Town Centre. Bring on the 2013 Fiesta!
* The Rotary club of Laverton Point Cook has been serving Laverton and Point Cook (in Victoria, Australia) and the wider community since 1973. rotarylpc.org.au/
* The NAB AFL Auskick program is the key introductory program for children and parents consisting of a skill program of graded warm-up games, skill activities, skill games and a match program based upon appropriate "AFL Auskick Rules." www.pointcookauskick.com
*Cancer Council, Relay for Life; will be held on November 17-18, 4pm Sat-10am Sunday, at the Featherbrook Oval, Whisper Blvd. www.relayforlife.org.au or RSVP Marie Craw; [email protected].*Monkryst Essentials. Specialising in aromatherapy candles, skin & hair care. Providing classes in Candle & incense making. [email protected]. 0499 001 983
*Flyonit. Custom Web site Development. Offering branding, identity and online presence. 1300 FLY ON It (359 664) www.flyonit.com.au
*Fifth Avenue Collection. Book a jewellery show. www.fifthavenuecollection.com/caryoung 0419 444 266.
*DIWALI. [email protected]/ or after hours: 0415 661 021 / 0406 650 054.
*The Werribee Chinese School. www.freewebs.com/thewerribeechineseschool 0409 748 238.
* Rachana Natyalaya-Bharatanatyam. www.rachananatyalaya.com 0432 161 933y
Mya Ashley
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WillM: 0449 834 359
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PUT THE BUZZZBACK INTO YOUR BIZ!
You may have noticed our Christmas gift to you, our readers, and to our advertisers, in the October issue and repeated this month, of the Internet magazine, IMG (the Internet Marketing Guide) .
APC has subscribed for IMG to be delivered, in full colour, free to our readers for 6 months via email and will come to our advertisers while a subscription remains available.
To obtain your copy simply email [email protected] , put ‘yes please’ in the subject line, and your monthly copy will arrive automatically.
You are also welcome to pass on your gift to friends and associates with your compliments as a Christmas gift from you!
IMG is written by a small group of writers with a great knowledge of social media with the idea of helping all with an interest in benefiting from the huge growth of ‘social media’ in communicating with friends associates, and creating new business.
Covering ‘Google’, ’you Tube’, ‘Twitter’, and ‘Facebook’, IMG can help you (and the children) with hints and how to benefit from ‘Social Media’ – Happy Christmas!
From the team at Around Point Cook.
PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHER
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THREE NIGHTS IN CHRISTCHURCH ... AND NO SHAKES FELT
Travels of Sailor Ann
I’ve made my first visit to Christchurch since the devastating earthquake that shook the city and shocked New Zealanders in February 2011. I had to make other arrangements for our accommodation this trip since our former favourite guesthouse no longer exists. We chose to stay at the Chateau on the Park situated near the northern boundary of Hagley Park. However we were a little unnerved when we entered the hotel by a side entrance and found we had to carefully step our way around scaffolding poles erected to support the staircase while noting a sign opposite the reception desk which read “area under repair”.
It’s now “business as usual” in Christchurch and we sensed an air of optimism about the city. The local “Press” newspaper published the headline that Christchurch was listed as the sixth most interesting place to visit on a list of world tourist destinations. We went to see for ourselves the red zone boundaries framing the CBD of Christchurch with cyclone security fencing. It is now eighteen months since the city centre buildings fell. What is visible now are car parking spaces where buildings once stood. Cashel Street Mall between Durham Street and Colombo street is now Re-START Mall with various boutique businesses operating from pop-up containers.
Ballantynes (the Myers of ChCh) is the only mainstream retail store continuing to trade from it’s pre-earthquake location. The city centre has lost many of its office buildings and the office workers have moved to other centres or other towns or cities. Some of the CBD streets that were blocked off during the demolition and clean up have now been reopened and tourists are being encouraged to visit. A red double decker bus takes visitors through part of the red zone where tourists are still not permitted access on foot. An amusing article appeared in the weekend lifestyle newspaper suggesting various games and activities one can play while amidst the dust and rubble when
taking friends or family on a QuakeTour of the city centre. “Spot the chimney” - a car game along the lines of an “I Spy “ suitable for all the family. For gamesters over the age of 18 yrs – “Name that Dust” conducted while standing in a nor’wester wind with mouth shut and eyes open until the first person who blinks is required to guess the source of the dust. Or another game to challenge anyone familiar with the city centre – “What’s What” where participants name which building stood on what site and is now a vacant block. The game is made more difficult with “gap fillers” now occupying the space – we found chess board squares in one space, another filled with artificial grass was a soccer pitch and several al fresco gardens.
We wandered around the cultural centre and found the Canterbury Museum reopened but the Art Gallery still closed since it was set up as the Civil Defence centre by the Christchurch City Council. We drove through the Lyttleton tunnel to see what was happening at Christchurch’s main port. We found the “Quake Box” – a container social support centre where the University of Canterbury are gathering people’s stories of the quake on video. We lunched at a restaurant “Leaning towards Italian” which served pizzas and pasta, of course. Across the street a container bar –named “Port Hole” with porthole windows. We heard that cruise liners now go to Akaroa instead of Lyttleton because of uncertainty with the port water depth.
We visited friends from university days that had their wooden house shifted on its foundations, but in a different direction with each major shake ie September 2010 and February 2011. Another family friend whose house was affected by liquefaction is still living in the condemned property while a new
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WALKS OF THE MONTH - GREEN WALKS IN THE PARK
If you're looking for a walking map or walking route, our Victoria Walks Walking Maps website is for you. Great walks continue to be added, including those from the Victorian Heart Foundation's Green Walks in the Park Program.
Taking place in local parks, state parks and bushland reserves, the Green Walks are free, suitable for all ages, and a fun and active way to spend time with family and friends. The walks include guided options by local walk leaders as well as free walking options. The first 4 Green Walks are now available to view on Walking Maps, with more to follow:• Barwon River Walk (Geelong)• Peppercorn Palk Walk (Epping)• Thomastown Main Street Reserve Walk• Kurth Kiln Walk (near Gembrook)To attend a guided walk in these parks and for more information visit Green Walks in the Park. Green Walks in the Park is a Victorian Heart Foundation initiative and is funded by Parks Victoria with support from Victoria Walks.
house is being built on the other side of the city on more stable ground. She has water and power but no sewerage and must use the neighbourhood portable toilet out in the street.
We talked with our nephew –a young civil/ structural engineer who ran out of red stickers to place on condemned buildings. He is now digging holes around heritage listed buildings to determine the soil/ ground composition many metres below the surface before costings for restoration can be estimated. The composition of the workforce in the city has changed. The city schools have lost 4,000 students ie 200 classrooms and thus 200 teachers no longer required. More than 3,700 households have moved to Auckland. But the tourists are coming back. Our last evening in town was shared with a several tour groups in the packed dining room of the airport hotel. The driver of the hotel shuttle bus service commented on the number of tour coaches parked in the driveway as we left at 3.30am for check-in and our flight home. This side of the city is built on firmer ground ... this fact is being promoted to tourists (we hear the runaways are checked for cracks if another jolt is felt and this is done before planes can land) and is possibly the reason why we felt no shakes during our stay.
A documentary film shown at the MIFF and worth seeing is “When a City falls”.
SailorAnn
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If the only prayer you say in your life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.
Meister Eckhart
Gratitude, thankfulness, gratefulness, or appreciation is a feeling or attitude expressed in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has received or will receive. Gratitude means thankfulness, counting your blessings, noticing simple pleasures, and acknowledging everything that you receive.
It means learning to live your life as if everything were a miracle, and being aware on a continuous basis of how much you’ve been given. Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that is already present. In addition, behavioural and psychological research has shown the surprising life improvements that can stem from the practice of gratitude. Giving thanks makes people happier and more resilient, it strengthens relationships, it improves health, and it reduces stress.
Even if it’s for something small, consider telling the person why you’re thanking them. Maybe it’s for the time they have taken, maybe it’s for sharing their knowledge, maybe it’s because they have extended themself materially and emotionally or maybe
it’s for who they are. The greater the gratitude, the more specific and heartfelt it ought to be. (If for some reason you can’t voice it, at least give it some thought. Thinking on gratitude feels good – I guarantee it.)
Thank you: It’s so little. It’s so big. It’s easy – and easy to forget, too. Saying thank you can be a difficult thing to do. Doing so means admitting that you are in another's debt, admitting that another individual did something for you, that you are not all powerful and that on some occasions you need the help of others to survive. The reality is that the human race is interdependent. We cannot live life alone. We are constantly relying on each other for all kinds of resources, both physical and emotional. When you say thank you, you are acknowledging that you have received something from another human being and that you appreciate the value in what has been given.
To all who have given and shared your world with others, I say thank you. Thank you; to support the thanks you have already received and Thank you for the times that you have not. If you owe thanks to someone or for something, say it now and if you don’t, next time it’s on me!
HOW GRATITUDE CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE M
ya A
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Black & White
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Are you weak in Maths?Are you helpless in Maths?
Do you fear Maths?Is Maths your weakest subject in school?
If you answered YES to all the above, you are not alone. The good news is that thousands of Australian students enrolled in our Maths Improvement Program have benefited with our 4R system of learning which stands for READ, REVIEW, REPEAT & RETAIN.
READ – Maths principle and concept is presented in an easy to read and understand format.REVIEW – the student answers a set of questions, picked randomly from a database of thousands of questions.REPEAT – for every wrong answer, the student is shown instantly the step-by-step solution. The student repeats another set of randomly selected questions from the database.RETAIN – to ensure retention, the process is recycled regularly.
At the Australian Academy of Maths & English, there is no ‘hit and miss’. All students are put through our “Maths Doctor” diagnostic assessment program. This is a revolutionary and ‘cutting edge’ learning program developed specifically to assess the gaps in the student’s foundational understanding of maths. The “Maths Doctor” then prescribes a Personal Learning Plan which is the roadmap of the student’s learning with his/her own tutor who is on hand to personally coach and supervise the student. At the end of 12 weeks, the student is put through the “Maths Doctor” diagnostic assessment program again to keep track of the student’s progress. Through our dedication and experience, students attending our Maths Improvement Program have achieved amazing results.
To celebrate the opening of the latest Australian Academy of Maths & English Tutoring Centre of excellence in Sanctuary Lakes, Point Cook, we are offering FREE “Maths Doctor” Assessment and English Wiz Tutoring.
To enquire how we can make an improved difference in your child’s learning of Maths & English, contact us at (03) 9395 7887 or visit our website: www.aame.com.au
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2012 Melbourne Water International Kids Teaching Kids Conference Monday 15th and Tuesday 16th October
Many students were involved in the above conference which was held 15th & 16th October at Etihad Stadium. Year 5/6 SEC students and others from Boardwalk campus presented workshops on
environmental science activities to other schools from interstate and overseas on the story of their frog bog and ponds. (See photo of presenters ‘Frog Boggers’ in front of new pond).
Before the conference dinner, the College Wakakirri dance students did an interpretation of the theme ‘Catchment to Coast’ through the story of the Sea Eagle, one of our student’s chosen names for the House Teams, and College Band ‘Minor Sensations’ rocked the audience when dancing started. The College Director and a number of staff were present, and enjoyed dinner with notable VIPs and 500 others.
The conference was a magnificent experience for all student scientists, musicians and performers and was an opportunity for them to display their capabilities and make the College and Point Cook very proud of them.
STUDENT ENVIRONMENT COUNCIL REPORT
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Chicken Projects
The Chicken project is continuing at each campus, with chickens hatched last term now approaching the egg laying stage. At Jamieson Way Campus the Year 5/6 students have a new chicken coop right by the Prep One classrooms. The placement of the coop in this area appears to be successful, and the chickens certainly enjoy the run and being inspected by students all day long. Thanks to the holiday program students who looked after the chickens recently, Mr Villani and Year 8 students for the hen house and Ms Slattery’s Year 5/6 team for continuing care from eggs to chickens. See photo of new chicken run.At Boardwalk Campus Year 2s are continuing their work with chickens and consideration will be given to renewing their enclosure in the next week or two, as it is in need of some work.
Grounds Works
Students have been involved in the finishing of a new pathway at the La Rochelle Blvd wetland end entrance way. Works will include steps to a wetland observation area, pathways and replanting. Rock placement and earthworks have taken place over the holidays. This week students have worked at lunchtime at spreading and compacting a short granitic sand path which will make passage through the area more convenient.
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So I came here just to listen, and what happened was a moving silhouette of a stiletto in the corner of my eye, and in the corner of my mind in a split second of passing time, I forgot the sound of rhyme and threw a clanger in the works. This opened up the scene for newness yet unseen from the clobber feet of clerks on the office floors above.
A hammer and a nail did the work to seal the frays of a carpet bent on tripping anyone who dared to cross from one side to the other of the room and of a matter in the hands of Libran scales, who cannot make up their weighty minds. It`s this or it`s that, and I bet you never sat in the farthest bleacher seater to get the angle of the thing. Well all votes would press to none and though the bell has not yet sung, I`m betting on the favourite cause the outside horse ain`t even dark.
And I`ve chewed on breeds of seeds and there are some just right for planting and some that when they`re ripe just aren`t for me to have no more, so I pass them on to Mister, Mrs, Master, Misses, Bobs` and Marys`, anyone who comes in time with perfect asking for their wishes. And so it is that when I`m seeking, plug the gaps of merely thinking, with the faith of what has been, now deeper understanding that all comes around again.
Has the layout gone unnoticed where puffing pigeon breast coos ‘woest” lonely on the winter branch while mourning poets bleed around? Can`t buy me love or leavened bread, even communion must be said… though the basket bearing servant understood- I bowed my head….I love the way you told me once, stand before your God, own the life you live, feel no shame in what you give. Yet when I bend, I mean I understand your greatness is the source.
Recently on eating appetising brussel sprouts, I wondered how the turnaround of love had come about; I remember being three…..mini cabbage did not agree and the only way to down it was to drown it in gravy…yet here I am a forking fan and chase `em around the plate, I realise the charm of sauce to make it all palate!
And so I draw the curtains in conclusion of the play the question of the victory of vegies on display…it is the sauce that ties the thing, harmonising taste with corresponding feeling…oh no it might be this….oh no wait, here is the twist, chasing after vitamins a rewarding taste of bliss…and if healthy food is life work, where it`s good inspires a knee jerk, then sauce is like the dream kissing me beyond the seams…and so I bend my knee and admit it`s good for me.
The source can then reveal a feeling after all, freedom is real….and I stand up straight again for my life beyond the pain and I turn back to my friend, thank you now, not at the end.
A TASTEY LIFE...By Hayley Dallimore
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GOVERNMENT NEGLECTING MATERNITY SERVICES N THE WEST
Families in Melbourne’s west are being turned away from local maternity services as hospitals are unable to cope with demand pressures, according to the Health Services Commissioner.
This news comes after it was revealed that last year over 200 births had occurred in the Emergency Department at Sunshine Hospital due to overcrowded birthing suites.
“Rather than investing in much-needed additional maternity services to support a record number of babies being born in the fastest growing region in Australia, the Baillieu Government is cutting the health budget,” Member for Altona Jill Hennessy said today.
“The Baillieu Government’s $616 million cuts to the health system are making it more difficult for pregnant women and families in the west to access pre and post-natal care services,” Ms Hennessy said.
Reports indicate that women are being turned away from local maternity services after seeking to book in when just six weeks pregnant due to high demand.
“Many women wouldn’t even know they were pregnant
at six weeks,” Ms Hennessy said.
“The government must immediately spell out how it seeks to expand maternity services in Melbourne’s west to cater for this record growth in births,” she said.
“The Health Minister’s assurance that the government is moving to redress the problem is meaningless unless it is met with additional resources urgently,” Ms Hennessy said.
Resource constraints at Werribee Mercy and the Women’s are leading to additional pressure and more births at Sunshine Hospital.
“The government’s expectations of Sunshine Hospital are simply unsustainable.
“Urgent action must be taken to boost service capacity in order to prevent compromising post-natal care for mothers and babies,” she said.
“Rather than shirk responsibility, local families expect this Health Minister to deliver for Melbourne’s growing west,” Ms Hennessy said.
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SHED TALKHobsons Bay Mens Shed member Bob Motta wishes to start a ‘Chess Social Club’ at the shed and invites all interested
parties to contact him at [email protected] or phone him at 8307 8690 with a view to meeting. Bob is available Thursday and Friday mornings at the shed
Interest has also been expressed in the following social activities:
A Music club, a Fishing club, and a golf club. If any or all of these social activities interest you email [email protected] (please put Mens Shed in the subject line) or phone 8307 8872.
Our existing organised groups, Woodwork, Computer recycling, Computer tuition, Engineering, Electronics, Classic car restoration, Car Club, Model Railway, and our printing team all welcome participants. Enquire at the office or email [email protected] and indicate your preference
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DEALING WITH CENTRELINKOne of the tasks we assist our clients with regularly is helping to lodge applications and correspond with Centrelink for benefits and pensions. This is one area where our clients receive real value, with assistance in helping to understand the systems and processes, and most importantly maximising available benefits that you are entitled to.
Overview of CentrelinkCentrelink offer a range of payments to assist you in a number of circumstances including if you have children, are unemployed, are studying or have retired. Benefits are provided in a variety of ways such as pensions, allowances, concessions and other services. The most common Centrelink benefits are:
The Age Pension Family Tax Benefit Newstart Allowance Disability Support Pension Carer Payment and Carer Allowance
There are generally three main tests you need to meet before you will receive a payment:
Residency requirements An Assets Test, and An Income Test.
For some payments you will need to meet additional requirements in relation to your age, health or employment situation.How do I organise payment?In most cases claims will need to be lodged with Centrelink either online or with a paper version. Suitable identification must also be provided. However these are the relatively simple aspects.
Like other Government organisations that deal with large numbers of people, there are hints and tips that
can help you to move smoothly through the system and keep up with the rules. In a similar way to an Accountant dealing with the Australian Taxation Office on your behalf, and keeping you up to date on how to minimise your tax; many Financial Advisers will speak to Centrelink on your behalf and utilise strategies to maximise the benefits you are entitled to.
Keeping up to date with the current rules and benefit payment options, updating changes to your financial position and assisting you to navigate the processes involved are invaluable to your peace of mind and financial well-being. However these strategies can also add thousands of dollars each year to some people’s benefit entitlements. Another area of assistance is to ensure you are not overpaid and have to make repayments to Centrelink, and checking that Centrelink have entered your data correctly and you are not losing benefits due to simple administrative errors.
Case Study 1
A client receiving an Age Pension updated Centrelink when he undertook two weeks of paid casual work. Centrelink did not record that the work was of a short duration, and reduced his Age Pension payments for over 12 months. Upon assessing his entitlement, we realised he was being underpaid and corrected the data. As the amount his payment was reduced by was a relatively low amount of $38 per fortnight and he was a part Age Pensioner; he did not realise he was being underpaid. However over a year, this amounted to $988. Without our review, this could have been underpaid for many years and could have added up to tens of thousands of dollars.
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Case Study 2
A client who gave up work to care for her elderly mother-in-law reported her husband’s income earnings to Centrelink when she applied for a Carer Payment. When updating his income some time later, she discovered that they had not included his income in their calculations and had been overpaying her for 8 months. Centrelink demanded she repay the overpaid amounts which amounted to over $4,000. Centrelink admitted their error, but told her she still needed to make the repayment. With my assistance she successfully appealed the decision via the Social Security Appeals Tribunal and had the debt waived due to Centrelink’s administrative error.
Case Study 3
A client tragically lost her husband to Cancer. Whilst he was ill she had given up her job to care for him, and was receiving a Carer Payment and Carer’s Allowance from Centrelink. Once he passed away, she was unable to cope with the paperwork and new applications required to assist her to maintain some income whilst she was in mourning and had to consider her future plans with her new changed life. We were able to assist her with the paperwork to reduce her stress levels and let her focus on other matters.
Many Age Pensioners and part Age Pensioners are able to improve their levels of Age Pension via appropriate asset structuring. The rules are constantly changing and it is important that you maximise your benefit entitlements to ensure your own funds last throughout your retirement so you can maintain your quality of life.
Please contact Melinda Houghton at the office of Houghton Strategic Solutions on 9394 6344 if you would like to receive further information on personal advice strategies that may assist you to make the most of your Centrelink benefits whilst maximising your overall financial position.
Melinda Houghton Authorised Representative (No. 290343) of
Aon Hewitt Financial Advice Limited
Aon Hewitt Financial Advice Limited | ABN 13 091 225 642 AFSL No 239183This information may be regarded as general advice. That is, your personal objectives, needs or financial situations were not taken into account when preparing this information. Accordingly, you should consider the appropriateness of any general advice we have given you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. Where the information relates to a particular financial product, you should obtain and consider the relevant product disclosure statement before making any decision to purchase that financial product.
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Point Cook resident Warren Roache, is to be awarded the Federal Government; Above and Beyond Award for 2012. Julia Gillard will present the award to Warren for outstanding services performed for the Jamieson Way Community Centre. Nominated by the Community Centre`s Coordinator, Warren was surprised and humbled to receive a letter of congratulations and an invitation to attend the ceremony to be held in the Italian Social Club in October.
ABOVE AND BEYOND...RECOGNITION OF A JOB WELL DONE!
He has been an active participator and volunteer within the Point Cook Community since 1975. Warren and his wife Jill present a united front in the teamwork required to maintain family life when commitment to others is of the highest priority. There is a sense of pride within Jill that her husband is to receive recognition for the unfathomable hours of community service given over the last 37 years.
The Above and Beyond award was established to recognise committed local residents who are considered to go above and beyond their call of
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duty. It is a gracious and public way of recognising the wonderful contribution some residents make to our community by going that extra mile, time and time again.
Warren an employee of Hobson’s Bay City Council for 31 years, works as the Senior Traffic and Transport Engineer. His role as a Volunteer began in 1975 with the Scouting organisation where he undertook the role as a Group leader. He was President of the Altona Bay Basketball Association for many years and in his spare time, coached many levels of competition.
Warren has been part of the Jamieson Way Community Centre since 2005, when the Scout Group he ran, moved into this modern and well facilitated venue. Warren quickly joined the Centre`s Board of Management and contributed his mind and body to an organisation that thrives on the integrity and hard work that only those, who like Warren, enjoy sharing the skills, time and vision toward a common goal of unity and inclusion of all.
Jill Roache not only supports her husband in all that he takes on, but also, with her husband, works in the Centre`s canteen every market day and has been a volunteer with the Altona Meadows lions Club for over 10 years. Their son, Liam has inherited the
community spirit and often assists his parents in their many commitments. The Above and Beyond Award will sit proudly next to the Australian Sports Award presented to Warren in 2000 for his contribution to basketball.
We congratulate Warren on this auspicious and much deserved award and thank him, his wife Jill and son Liam, for all that they are and all that they do for our community.
Mya Ashley
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THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF BEV MORRISSEYI met Bev Morrissey at the Point Cook Fiesta manning the Cancer Council, Relay for Life stall. As we chatted about her involvement in this amazing event, Bev began to tell me about the other great community programs that she has instigated and is currently part of. Bev is a warm, vibrant and vigorously active member of the local community. Her commitment in encouraging an inclusive and active community is high with the outcomes evident in the warmth expressed by and with those people in her presence.Earlier In the year I had met a wonderful group of women at the Jamieson Community Centre who participated in a *Coffee, Chat, Chuckle and Craft Group. These amazing women created and sold craft to raise money for local and major health and community organisations. Bev was, and of course still is, a driving force of this happy and caring group of women. Bev`s latest goal is to setup a Senior Social Group in the Point Cook Community Centre. A wonderful idea aimed toward offering a welcoming place for our older community members to have fun, undertake activities and excursions. Bev also currently runs the *Point Cook Walking Group, *Tai Chi at the Jamieson Way Community Centre,*The Coffee & Senior Group held every second Friday and has been an active member of The Wesley Do Care organisation for 15 years, an original member of the Committee of Point Cook Residents Association and
organises BBQ`s ,Christmas parties, bus and train trips all for the seniors and group participants in the Point Cook area. Bev is proactive in identifying, creating and offering opportunities for people to increase and share skills whether social or other by creating supportive environments and strengthening community action and participation. She says that she focuses on the Senior sector as services are minimal in the area and there is little focus by Council to rectify this.At one level Bev represents the degree to which individuals feel connected with their communities; and more broadly, it is about the strength within communities and organisations that sustains positive mental health and social inclusion. Bev `s goal is for there never to be a lonely or isolated community member and if her strength and determination is anything to go by, I am sure there will not be! So a big Thank you to Bev for her enduring contribution, joy, time and effort she happily shares with all of us. For all group details listed, please contact Bev on: 9395 1953 or 0417 324 489.
Mya Ashley
Enquiries for the Point Cook Relay for Life event to be held on Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th November, please contact Marie craw on: [email protected] or Bev Morrissey.
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WALKING SAFETY STRATEGY SUBMISSION
Last month we announced the Victorian government had called for submissions to guide Victoria's road safety for the next 10 years.
Victoria Walks believes that the new road safety strategy can achieve significant gains to benefit Victoria’s most vulnerable road users – pedestrians. This is demonstrated particularly well in this short film, Glassboy.
At a time when Victorians face significant health, environmental and economic challenges, there is a growing imperative to shift towards healthier and more sustainable forms of transport, such as walking.
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Community Board
COMMUNITY INFORMATION CENTRE
INFORMATION ADVICE
AND
REFERRAL SERVICE
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 10AM – 3PM
LEGAL SERVICE
THURSDAY FORTNIGHTLY
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
PHONE NO: 9398 5207
CHRISTMAS
AT THE LAKES
festivities and events is being held on
Saturday 1st December at Sanctuary Lakes.
There are lots of rides, stage shows and bands
so round up your friends and family and get
down to Breezewater Reserve
and enjoy a great day.
Commencing at 4.00pm and culminating
with a fabulous fireworks finale at 9.30pm.
Gold coin dontion upon entry is greatly
appreciated and all surplus funds raised
will be donated to The Point Cook CFA,
Lions Club and Rotary Club.
POINT COOK SENIORS SOCIAL
GROUP
(Still in formation)Fridays 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Point Cook Community Centre, Point Cook.
For all tentative inquiries, Please contact Bev on
9395 1953
COFFEE & SENIORS GROUPEvery 2nd Friday 10.00-1.00am at the Coffee Club, Point Cook Town Centre
LAVERTON COMMUNITY CHOIR
The Laverton Community Choir invites you to attend a rehearsal as a guest
before you decide if you would like to join.
Experienced conductor, different and fun musical arrangements. No experience is
necessary just a love of singing. The choir rehearses every Thursday 7pm
– 9pm at P-12 College, Bladin Street, Laverton.
LIONS - POINT COOK
holding Christmas cakes stall at PC Town Centre
on the 8th and 15th of December
- Coles precinct
JAMIESON WAY COMMUNITY CENTRE
Photography classes,
Sewing classes,
Karate, Bollytone, Playgroup, Scouts,
Cookie Kids 3+ Activity group, Tai Chi,
French/English conversation group, drawing classes,
Camera Club, Footy Tackers, Yoga, Learningland, Martial
Arts, Performing arts,
Kindy dance, card making workshops and more.
Contact 9395 3777 email: [email protected]
www.jamiesonwaycc.org.au
What’s on at the Centre
CHAT, COFFEE AND CRAFT GROUPA social and interactive
group of women who share craft skills,
conversation and laughter.
Thursday 1.00-3.00pm Contact Bev on 9395 1953
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Community Board
CARPET TILES FOR SALE
20sq meters
call Louise
on 0403 191 084
TAI CHI
FREE CLASSES
Jamieson Way
Community Centre
Every Thurs:
3.00-4.00pm
POINT COOK
WRITERS CLUB
Are you a solitary writer who would like
to meet likeminded people to share your
work with?
We live in Point Cook and have set up a
small and informal writing group.
We’re always looking for new members
to join us. Open to writers of all levels
and styles, we meet on Saturdays
(fortnightly or monthly) to read our
work and share ideas.
Contact us at PointCookWriters@gmail.
com or Karen on 0415273887
Learn to Fly at Point Cook Flying Club
Phone 9395 1735www.pointcook.org
Help support you local community
group and join as a member at
www.pointcookactiongroup.org.au
Point Cook Tennis ClubPlay competition for the club. Get coaching at the club from world class experienced professionals.
Become a member. All welcome!
Please contact [email protected]
or 0404 017 291
ALTONA U3AWe area located at the Senior Citizens Centre in Sargood Street, Altona
We would be very happy to welcome you as a new member.U3A means a Community of people sharing
knowledge in the 3rd part of their lives. It is for all active, retired people.
Our activities are varied and new ideas are welcome – perhaps you have a skill to share
with? We also have social outings and are a happy, supportive group.All for a low cost.The office is open Mon-Fri 10am - 12.30pm. Ph: 9398 1346 or email [email protected].
WALKING GROUP
Women and Men of all Ages Welcome.
• Discover Point Cook
• Meet New Friends
• Keep Fit and Healthy
• Friendly and Relaxed
Mon, Tues & Wed at 9.00am
Leaving from Point Cook Town Centre at the Dry
Cleaners- Coles Precinct.
Thurs & Fri at 9.00am
Leaving Jamieson Way Community Centre,
59 Jamieson Way, Point Cook.
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POINT COOK LIONS CLUB HAS ACHIEVED A GREAT RECORD
Formed as a Branch Club of Werribee in October 2009 with only a small number of committed members, Point Cook Lions Club has achieved a great record. It was chartered on 17th March 2012 with 22 members. Some activities to date include:• Safety Plate days at Point Cook Town Centre where we changed over the screws for number plates on over 500 cars to provide security for the owners against theft. These were done for a Gold Coin donation.• Together with assistance from Sunshine City Lions Club we have refurbished over 120 computers both desktop and laptop and donated them through the local schools to students in need.• We have been represented at numerous Citizenship ceremonies held in Werribee to ensure that new arrivals into Werribee are aware of the opportunities for involvement within our community.
• We have raised funds (over $6000) to assist in the formation of a cerebral support network for the Point Cook area.• Over $7000 has been raised to assist Breast west in the Western Suburbs• Through the Lions Cake Sales we continue to provide the opportunity for Point Cook residents to enjoy the 'Traditional Christmas Cake" and we gain funds to assist in the support of local residents in need.• Our involvement in community fund raising activities extends through such efforts as Bunnings Sausage sizzles and providing Sausage sizzles for 6MH Christmas break up activities.• It has been our practice to support local groups with "Christmas By The Lake" for several years. • We conducted this year for the first time a Youth of the Year contest through which we provide the opportunity to students to improve their presentation skills and if successful gain support for future studies. Our representative was extremely successful progressing through the initial rounds to reach District level. The objects of Lions is to assist the community through our efforts and provide the opportunity for likeminded people to join together and have fun.We have been of assistance to the rapidly growing Point Cook area so far, and with the involvement of more people we aim to offer more help. To join Lions contact Angela on 0413 065 177, or ask for Paul.
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Sun, 14th Oct 2012, Carranballac College Rock Band, Minor Sensation, attracted a huge crowd at the Point Cook Town Centre Fiesta. These talented young musicians played a mix of contemporary rock songs and ballads with three part harmonies. This excitement was followed the next night when the band entertained an audience of 500 at an International Conference at Etihad stadium.
Talented local singer, actor and entertainer, Tim Campbell (photo on the right), attended a rehearsal of the band during the school holidays. Tim listened to each song in their repertoire, offering advice and performance tips. He even joined the band for a jam at the end of the day! Minor Sensation will also tour regional Victoria.
CARRANBALLAC COLLEGE ROCK BAND A BIG HIT!
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WORD FROM JILL HENNESSY
I wish to discuss an important and urgent project that affects the local community. It relates to placing a diamond interchange onto the M1 at Sneydes Road, Point Cook.
A diamond interchange would immediately provide a significant reduction in the continual bottlenecks occurring on local roads and at local freeway access points.
If this interchange was to be funded, we would see two extra lanes of traffic being fed straight onto the M1 at Point Cook easing traffic congestion locally and reducing flow on effects into Laverton, via reduced traffic on Aviation Road and Altona Meadows via Central Ave / Queen St.
I note that planning has taken place via the Point Cook West precinct structure plan. Works to duplicate Sneydes Road from Hacketts Road to Point Cook Road are currently under way, auspiced by the Wyndham City Council.
This diamond interchange is a key piece of infrastructure which promises to provide a speedy easing of local congestion.
Aside from the Point Cook West precinct structure plan and other development projects, the Saltwater Coast estate is now being populated, including many thousands of houses.
The main traffic feed to this development enters and exits from the far end of Point Cook Road. Point Cook has been in a continual state of development, and road congestion is growing proportionally, particularly on Point Cook Road.
My office regularly receives calls from people sitting in their cars, upset to the point of tears at having to endure the stress of sitting in stationary traffic day after day. Growth is a major concern to this local community.
Given that it has been estimated that the government could receive up to $140 million from the land sale and the Growth Areas Authority has costed the Sneydes Road intersection at $60 million, there is certainly a finance base that could enable this project.
In a recent Parliament sitting I called on the Baillieu State Government to fund a speedy solution to this ongoing problem.
I will continue to advocate to have this intersection funded in the next State Budget.
Regards,
Jill Hennessy
Member for Altona District.
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NOVEMBER READINGHi Mya
I have recently attended my court case and am just waiting for the judge’s decision. What do you think the outcome will be? I am still waiting for my soul mate. Any ideas?
Love sue
Hello Sue
In regards to your Legal issues, unfortunately I am not a Legal professional, so any support given to you will be of an energetic nature only. So, let us start on the Soul mate area. Not everybody has an intimate relationship with a soul mate. Soul mates can be friends, family members or pets. It is of more value to you to develop friendships naturally first as this would benefit you in two ways. Firstly your friendship circle would increase and secondly what a fantastic foundation to develop a committed relationship. I feel this is where your partner relationship will develop from.I feel a great deal of disappointment around you, almost like you feel the world has let you down. Laughter has been seldom lately, eating has increased and a general lethargy sits within your physical layers. You feel that you shouldn`t have to “do anything” to move out of your current circumstances as you have been fighting many battles for many years. Oh well, you say…that’s just the way it is! If you are still searching for change, searching for something else, then you are not satisfied with where you are.I feel your self esteem has been affected and your heart is heavy. I ask you, what is it that you truly want, to feel lighter, have more moments of happiness, feel more energetic? You answer….love! You say love heals all wounds, love gives you focus and momentum challenges you and helps you to strive more everyday! I ask you why you are blocking love and you say, I feel I don`t deserve it. I have let someone down in the past and I have paid a heavy price. This I feel relates to a close connection.Where to from here? Within 3 months the tides are turning for you. New beginnings. A flow of money comes towards your right hand; this signifies money from an exchange, settlement, money owed to you, will return. Don`t waste it; ask yourself where it most needs to go. Pay off debts, buy yourself something special and place a deposit down for the holiday you are planning. I see you buying yourself some jewellery.
Continued Page 26
Do you play Bingo or some social game? You have a great time at this venue. I feel that you will meet a wonderful male friend at a social occasion where there is dancing. He is much taller than you, light to grey flecked hair. He is wearing a white shirt, black pants and shiny black shoes. A silver watch is on his left wrist. He treats you like a lady at this event. Holding doors open for you, pulling out your chair. I believe your first date is to the movies.Sue, trust that you deserve abundance, good friends, health and love. Trust. Be careful of your right hip area, you make knock into something! Here is your spread.
PAST
Ace of Cups
You have been trying to discover who you are and what you a seeking. Keep tuning into your feelings letting your heart lead the way. Your intuition is opening to a higher dimension and you are preparing yourself for new love and beginnings. Lets the love shine in both for yourself and your new relationship. Forgiving will allow negativity to leave your physical and etheric layers.
PRESENT
Knight of Cups
Your emotions have been flying high lately. Immense emotions that must be physically exhausting!
Keep plans simple and realistic. Do only what you can do, drop the expectations of others. This is the time to build stamina by self care and rest. Be truthful to yourself.
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FUTURE
The High Priestess
You will develop more patience with yourself as you seem to place a lot of pressure on yourself to be who you think you should be and not who you are! Your intuition will not let you down. Trust the messages and be open to what could be. Look beyond the obvious within, you are an amazing soul ready to see yourself clearly and love what is. Open the door and walk right on in!
Blessing and healing to you.
Mya Ashley
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JOIN OUR TEAM - VACANCY FOR WALKABLE COMMUNITIES ADVISOR
WELCOME TO OUR NEW COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Victoria Walks is seeking a Walkable Communities Advisor to support our work adocating for walking to increase children’s physical activity, older people’s participation, and family engagement. The position supports development of organisational leadership capacity for walkers, walking and walkability.
The eligible applicant will build partnerships with aligned organisations, leveraging off Victoria Walks’ brand, product and skills. They will also be required to write submissions, influence policy development and changes, develop resources, reports and research, and to support the creation of walkable environments.
Victoria Walks is delighted to welcome Tarli O'Connell to the team, who recently commenced her role as Community Engagement Coordinator. Tarli has a background in health promotion and obesity prevention, and experience supporting community services and children's settings across Victoria to facilitate physical activity and healthy eating. Tarli joins us after two years abroad and is very much looking forward to working together to increase walking and walkability in Victorian communities.
Tarli can be contacted at Victoria Walks on 9662 3975 or cec[at]victoriawalks.org.au. Before emailing replace [at] with @
Victoria Walks is also seeking nominations from inspired applicants interested in joining our Committee of Management.
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JILL HENNESSY CALLS FOR BOOST IN BREASTSCREENING PARTICIPATION
Member for Altona District, Ms. Jill Hennessy today released participation statistics for women in the electorate who participate in the free BreastScreen program.
“Whilst it is good that 53.8% of women in the Altona Electorate are having a regular mammogram every two years we clearly need to raise awareness of preventative breast screening,” Ms. Hennessy said.
“This is 16.2% lower than the state participation rate (70%) but higher than the previous local rate of 44% yet women need to continue their commitment to screening every two years because finding cancer early saves lives.
“The biggest risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman over 50 years of age. With one in nine women getting the disease, the free mammogram screening program is the best way of finding cancer early before any symptoms are noticed and when treatment is likely to be most successful.
“We need to work together to encourage the women in our lives to not ignore the fact that they may be at risk of breast cancer and to heed the warning of the need for regular check ups.
There are 66 screening centre’s available across Victoria including mobile van sites. Some offer out of hour’s appointments, including Saturdays and group bookings are available.
Over 225000 women in Victoria aged 50-69 screen each year.
Bookings are required so call 13 20 50 or go online to www.breastscreen.org.au to get an appointment today.
Media enquiries: Sharny McLean, BreastScreen Victoria 03 8665 4183
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PAID LEAVE FOR POINT COOK DADSMore Lalor families are benefiting from the Paid Parental Leave scheme than anywhere else in the country, with about 3,100 local families receiving payments since the scheme first started in January last year.
Now Point Cook dads can apply for the Federal Government’s new Dad and Partner Pay, which will start on 1 January next year and will give eligible dads and other partners two weeks paid leave at the national minimum wage, which is currently about $606 a week.
I know that pressures on the household budget can restrict how much time parents are able to take off work after the birth of a child. This extra support will ensure that mums and dads are given the financial security they need to take time off when their new baby is born.
To be eligible for Dad and Partner Pay, dads or partners must:
• Have worked at least 330 hours (just over one day
a week) in 10 of the 13 months before the start of their Dad and Partner Pay period, with no more than an eight-week gap between two consecutive working days;
• Have earned $150,000 or less in the previous financial year; and
• Be on unpaid leave or not working and be helping to care for the child during their two weeks of Dad and Partner Pay.
Applications can be made up to three months before the expected birth date or adoption.
To find out more about how to apply for Dad and Partner Pay, visit: www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/dad-and-partner-pay or call 13 61 50.
Prime Minister and Federal Member for Lalor2/36 Synnot Street, Werribee 3030
Ph: 9742 5800
30 ISSUE 34
It appears that Point Cook is quite the entrepreneurial suburb! There are so many businesses advertising on local Facebook forums, groups and pages: it’s wonderful to see such a great community spirit.
If you are a business owner who uses a Facebook Page (or any other social media account) to advertise your products or services you need to know about the recent Australian Advertising Standards Board ruling and how it may affect you.
The Australian Advertising Standards Board ruled that a Facebook Page (or any other social media stream) is considered a ‘marketing communication tool.’ That means that you are responsible for not only what you post, but what others post on your page or account. It also means you are required to actively monitor and remove any offensive or objectionable content that is posted as soon as possible.
Offensive or Objectionable content may include bullying, defamatory remarks, incorrect or misleading product/service information or remarks which fall into the XXX category.
By actively curating your online presence, you can continue to use Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and all your other favourite social media tools in line with the new advertising guidelines.
Join the conversation @socialmediamons on Twitter!
@SOCIALMEDIAMONS:YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL
MEDIA CONVERSATION
Nicole Matejic@socialmediamonsSocial Media Monster
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BILLING
A doctor and a lawyer were talking at a party.
Their conversation was constantly interrupted by people describing their ailments and asking the doctor for free medical advice.
After an hour of this, the exasperated doctor asked the lawyer, "What do you do to stop people from asking you for legal advice when you're out of the office?"
"I give it to them," replied the lawyer, "and then I send them a bill."
The doctor was shocked, but agreed to give it a try.
The next day, still feeling slightly guilty, the doctor prepared the bills.
When he went to place them in his mailbox, he found a bill from the lawyer.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
* * *
I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.. Not screaming and yelling like the
passengers in his car.
* * *
We live in a society where pizza gets to your house before the police.
* * *
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
* * *
If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
Laugh Out Loud
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34 ISSUE 34
Quotable Quotes
The tumult and the shouting dies –The Captains and the Kings depart –
Rudyard Kipling(From 1897 poem “Recessional”)
* * *
One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.
A.A. Milne
* * *
A man can be happy with any woman so long as hedoes not love her.
Oscar Wilde
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Quotable Quotes
* * *
Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.
Mahatma Gandhi
* * *
You can have any colour, so long as it’s black.
Henry Ford
* * *
If liberty means anything, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.
George Orwell
* * *
Not judging is another wayof letting go of fear and experiencing
Love.
When we learn not to judgeothers – and totally accept themand not want to change them –we can simultaneously learn to
accept ourselves.
GERALD G. JAMPOLSKYLove is letting go of fear.
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ROTARY CLUB OF LAVERTON POINT COOKThe Rotary Club of Laverton Point Cook continues to shine and grow and have a real impact on our community with a wide variety of both events for its members and service and fundraising activities.
Club members were recently captivated by a memorable presentation by former Victorian State Member of Parliament, the Honourable Tom Roper, who is now a world authority on Climate Change. He localised his presentation to talk about impacts now and into the future on people in the Point Cook area, which he is very familiar with as he has family living here.
Club members have enjoyed social events such as a Movie night in Yarraville and a Melbourne Cup Day family get-together. In late October club member Fay Lunn ran her annual shopping tour fundraiser that was a sell-out. The club had a big day participating in the Point Cook Fiesta with the club’s new BBQ trailer in action and members providing balloons for the kids. Tree planting in the wetlands near Hemsley Promenade, work on the State Rose Garden at Werribee Park and festival marshalling has been a strong focus for the club recently. In November we will be participating in marshalling for the Harvest Festival and the City to Sea Fun run, which earns the club money to put back into our community. The inaugural Point Cook Relay for Life in November will see us in action again with both a participating team and selling hot food to the many hungry walkers.
Finally we would like to acknowledge the very generous sponsorship that Storage King, Hoppers Crossing has provided for our club BBQ/Trailer and other club equipment. To contact us or find out more our club please go to our website at www.rotarylpc.org.au
37ISSUE 34
What's On
Coming up:The Very West 2012!
The Laneway line up just needs one more brilliant act and, if you’re from the west, it could be you!
As part of Footscray Community Arts Centre’s ongoing partnership with St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival, The Very West is a special initiative designed to support emerging musicians from Melbourne’s western suburbs. The Very West offers local, unsigned and unknown artists and bands the opportunity to be heard by industry professionals, to play a special showcase event in front of fans and ultimately, to perform on stage at St Jerome’s Laneway Festival Melbourne in February 2013. Previous participants in The Very West have been picked up by labels and agents, given national support tours and of course, played at Laneway festivals, all just by being a part of The Very West.
The Very West Forum and Information SessionWhen: 10th November 2012 (Saturday) 12 noon -3pmWho: Facilitated by Richard Watts (Producer/presenter, SmartArts, 3RRR FM National Reviews Editor, Arts Hub)
The Very West Forum and Information Session is an opportunity for bands applying or considering applying for The Very West 2012 to gain an understanding into the application process, what the judges are looking for and to gain a greater insight into the music industry. Speakers will cover topics such as; accessing the media to promote your band, the ins and outs/ highs and lows of being a musician, sourcing distribution, marketing and publicity and how to get your band onto a festival lineup.
HURRY UP, APPLICATIONS OPEN UNTIL NOV 25!
Sphere
Our 2012 International Artist in residence project, shifting into movement by Adriana Stadler. This is a site specific installation where the community can access and explore artist’s progress. Sphere brings sense and intellect together; the visual with thought and the real with imagination.Now open until Dec 4!Venue: Gabriel Gallery @ Footscray Community Art Centre (FCAC)Cost: FREE If you would like a full media release or images on any of the following please ask. Alternatively more info can be found at www.footscrayarts.com Chelsea Hatherall Marketing and Communications Coordinator Footscray Community Arts Centre 45 Moreland Street Footscray VIC 3011 Australia Phone: +61 3 9362 8888 Fax: +613 9362 8866 Email: [email protected] footscrayarts.com
@ Footscray Community Arts Centre
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NOVEMBER
‘Twas ordained by the thirteenth Pope Gregory,Back in fifteen hundred and eighty-two,That Caesar’s calendar be history:This pontiff made other big changes too.
November was decreed as eleventh;Strange because in Latin, “novem” means nine:Ancient Romans had it as their ninth month;A year of ten months for them was just fine.
In Europe the Autumn gales are blowing;In parts, they’re having their first falls of snow;Many Aussies are absorbed with racing;The punters will win or lose lots of dough.
It’s on the first Tuesday of November,We have the horse race that stops a nation:Rain, fire or earthquake will not deter;The Melbourne Cup’s a long held tradition.
For Melbournians, it’s a holiday;Where else on the planet does this happen?Workers are given a day off with pay;How this came to pass is beyond my ken.
It’s a busy time for another reason:Students are cramming for final exams;Christmas is coming, holiday season;Many folk are making vacation plans.
This month has days we’ll always remember,The fifth for “gunpowder, treason and plot”:Guy Fawkes thought Parliament to dismemberWith a big bang that would ne’er be forgot.
The eleventh is a day of infamy,Depending, of course, on one’s point of view:In eighteen eighty they hanged Ned Kelly;Nineteen seventy-five, the Fraser-Kerr coup.
There was that day of joy, nineteen eighteen,When the big guns finally fell silent,Ending a war, the bloodiest yet seen,With its high cost in life and treasure spent.
Well the year has not very far to go:Next month, the Earth will complete its journeyOf fifty-two weeks and one day you know,Its solar elliptical trajectory.
Jack Nystrom, Wednesday, 14 March, 2012.
39
Calling on Point Cook 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
Point Cook Kids
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Please redistribute rather than discard.