around point cook 53
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Community Newspaper Issue 53, June 2014TRANSCRIPT
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Issue 53, June 2014
continued page 3
The Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is distributed in Point Cook
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OFFICE WINDOW…
page page
The Jamieson Way Community Centre, in it’s own words, ‘facilitates the growth of a spirit of community connectedness . . . and caters for the social needs of all age groups within the Point Cook Community.’ With a mission statement like that, it is easy to see why people flock to the Centre for all sorts of reasons.
Bev Morrissey is an avid attendee of the Community Centre and has made some wonderful friendships as a result. One such friendship has made a lasting impression, and the benefits that have come from this friendship are enormous.
Ursula Navaro was suffering; her depression had reached such a point, that she was unable to leave her own home without company. Her doctor was leaning towards medication as an option, when by chance Ursula found herself at Jamieson Way. A crafting session, of which Bev was a regular member, was underway and Ursula was particularly drawn to it. Curiosity led to a small step, which would alter the course of Ursula’s life. By some miracle she attended the very next crafting session and has never looked back.
FIGHTING BACK DEPRESSION – ONE STEP AT A TIMEby Melissa Longo
FILM REVIEW CHEFA WORD FROM WYNDHAM MAYOR, CR BOB FAIRCLOUGH
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ABN 78 809 543 573
Advertising: [email protected] Contributions: [email protected]
Will: 0449 834 359Louise: 0403 191 084
PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHER
FROM THE EDITORIt has certainly warmed up these last few weeks! My world has been a little crazy but with that comes some exciting challenges.At the minute, all I am hearing about is politics. So I will allow myself to venture into this subject for one issue. Normally I make it a rule not to talk politics in this column. I will however comment on this shameful budget delivered by the Liberal Government. It is impossible for me not to comment on this budget. It is so hard to watch knowing what destruction will result primarily to the wellbeing of struggling families that I have so often helped in the past. Unless you have lived in a scenario where you have had to deal with these challenges you will just never understand it.I do not wish to offend readers who have supported the Liberals, but I just do not understand why they make the decisions they do. We are an economy that is performing incredibly well. Our debt is actually quite low. We were a great success story of the Global Financial Crisis. Yet the Liberal Party uses fear that our economy is struggling to justify decisions that hurt the vulnerable. Thousands of people are to be made redundant at a time when we need job growth to boost our workforce.
Those being targeted in the budget are the struggling and the poor. The changes made to the high-income earners represent only a very small portion of one percent in some cases. The poor are set to lose huge percentages of an already small income. Let's not forget the average rental charge for a basic three-bedroom house is say $350 a week. When this is more than a family's income can pay, how do they survive? Public housing delays can be YEARS, for some.Hardest hit are pensioners, the unemployed, students, families, single mothers, people with a disability - the list goes on. A decision made while they try and undo the Mineral Resource Tax (that’s dollars given back to the big miners). While they remove the Carbon Tax (more dollars given back to polluters). It seems to me that this balance is all wrong.And then the man making these decisions spends $50k of taxpayers money hosting a dinner in the US for who? Filthy rich financial people? Go figure.What can I do? Well I can vote, and I will, but look how long we have to wait! In the meantime how much damage will be done; how much pain will be delivered to those who have the least resources to cope?
Kind regards,Daniel Allen
I always like listening to stories and this is one I heard many years ago.
A dour Scot was at Church one Sunday and after the sermon he was farewelled by the Vicar as he went out the door.
‘That was a Damn fine sermon you gave today Vicar! He said to the churchman and the Vicar replied
I’d be pleased if you didn’t use such strong language in the house of the Lord’
Well said our Scot, ‘It was such a damn fine sermon I put a hundred pound note in the collection plate’
Oh, said the Vicar, thank you very much, it takes a hell of a lot of money to run a Church!’.
What’s the moral of the story?
Well it takes a hell of a lot of money to run a free Community newspaper, to keep it running for years, and make a surplus to give to community projects.
Currently your Community Newspaper is helping to fund the Hobsons Bay Mens Shed Gen Y Support Group, a group of devotees who believe the millennium generation are getting the bad end of the stick and just got a further kick in the rear end for not getting a job that isn’t there!
If you have a Gen Y n the family that the project can help with some skill training phone Gordon on 0403 568 563 email Gordon at [email protected] or Bill MCPherson on 8307 8872 email to [email protected]
Bill McPherson
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Advertise with Around Point Cook/Altona community newspapers
Contact
WillM: 0449 834 359
LouiseM: 0403 191 084
PUT THE BUZZZBACK INTO YOUR BIZ!
Bev steered Ursula towards other activities, and in no time at all Ursula became an integral and valued member of her Community Centre. These ladies partake in countless activities together; everything from Bus Trips and Walking Groups, through to The Biggest Morning Tea, and of course the Jamieson Way Market, which sees them showing off their crafty creations.
Bev speaks about her friend in the most glowing
of ways, clearly very proud of the transformation Ursula has undertaken since coming into her life, “She says it is our group that has made her, but she has brightened our group with her ideas.”
Depression can touch anyone; according to beyondblue, there are over three million Australians living with some form of depression, or anxiety. If someone you know needs a helping hand, your support could be invaluable. Sometimes just trying to understand someone is a great place to start.
Jamieson Way Community Centre is clearly doing great things, by encouraging all sorts of people through its doors. Sometimes just knowing that there is somewhere to belong can be all the help a person needs. In the case of Ursula and Bev, bonding over crafts and coffee has made a world of difference in both of their lives.
For more information on what is going on at the Jamieson Way Community Centre, head to http://www.jamiesonwaycc.org.au/, and to find out more about depression, check out http://www.beyondblue.org.au/.
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In the past the banks used to employ young trainees and now they lead the market in financial sector they can afford expensive consultants.
I believe there are no seats available on the Fly in and Fly out projects because of the tax deal they get these costs are readily deductible and they can afford skilled labour and don’t need to train any Gen Y – the old days are gone – but what of the new days ahead ?– with an unemployment rate of 25.5% rising as high as 80% in some country areas what will that do to the Budget problem in the next 10 to 20 years - your guess will be as good as mine – to me it’s a growing national disaster and as those among us who now call them dole bludgers may soon find there’s not enough trained workers with jobs to pay such things as pensions and have no surplus money to leave home or buy things and pay GST.
Well, at the Mens Shed we see things differently. We also see a different view at Macdonalds. They train all their employees and stick solidly to the rules. If you watch them at work, as I do, they have a work ethic worth watching. If the place is busy they are behind the till or backing up the front counter delivering orders.
Like the rest of business they have a slack time and
what happens – automatically the pick up a cleaning outfit and the tables are cleaned, the waste bins are emptied, the walls are cleaned, stock is checked until the next rush occurs, and I’ll bet at least half are University students
These are not dole bludgers – more likely the cream of the crop. Here at Hobsons Bay Mens Shed we recognise that the jobs are not there and base the new program on the theory – ‘If you can’t get a job, give yourself a job’
So we are attempting to offer training in skills needed to start their own business – what can they do? – our first observation is that Gen Y have been trained in the use of computers for years at school and lots seem to be active with a Smartphone or Tablet. The first business we have chosen for them is a ‘3D Printing Service’, a relatively new development, well within their capacity and in fact more so than older people who have missed the Digital age. However it costs thousands of dollars to buy the wquipment and we must prove the concept is realistic. By testing the first one.
The next project we think they can handle better than old people is a venture into the new world of Internet Marketing from where millionares emerge almost daily and as the concept refines, any other opportunities the group can discover. How will we achieve this?
Using the Internet and the existing skills of those who join the project a form of ’Crowd Funding’ will be attempted. This is where a lot of people contribute a small amount for a period to support a project – you can find lots of detains on Wikipeidia or Google. If you have a Gen Y in the family or know of one who is struggling bring him/her along to a briefing session – you are most welcome
Simply phone Gordon on 0403 568 563 –email Gordon [email protected] or Bill MCPherson on 93078872 email to billmcpherson@opt
A WESTERN REGION LOCAL GEN Y SUPPORT GROUP PROJECT
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It’s 5:00 on a busy Thursday afternoon, traffic rushing all ways at such speed. Drivers with only one intention, to get home!
Totally oblivious the elderly couple sit in their old Holden, in the Car Park at McDonald’s, licking on their McDonalds ice creams. Each lick taking them further back in time, their car seeming to become their own personal time machine: a Tardis like Doctor Who’s or Dr Emmett Brown’s De Lorean DMC-12.
They sit, no words needing to be spoken. Words aren’t needed when you’ve been together, in love,
this long. Although they’ve been together for so many years their love is like new, brand new, and they sit like teenage sweethearts, the ice creams not the only things they’re sharing.
A touch of a hand, a look into each other’s eyes, and they are transported back through time, through memories that are theirs alone. The fleeting glances, and cheeky grins suggesting the odd secret only they share! Remembering first encounters, the first time they held hands, the first kiss. Mt Opher, kids, grandkids, Christmases, Birthdays, the good times and the bad. Men’s Sheds and Gen Y’s. It’s like they’re at the drive-in and the feature film is called “The Life and Times of Bill and Freda”.
Maybe love, true love, is the only thing that is eternal in our universe. For these two at least, love really is all you need.
I sit, surrounded by others, like me trying to get home in the peak hour traffic. Watching these two puts a smile on my weary face. My right foot pushes down on the accelerator, trying to get me home faster. And as I near home I wonder where, at this time of night, I could get two choc-tops.
John Dawson
LOVE IN LAVERTON MCDONALD’S CARPARK
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Not far from Ballarat is a small country town, an historic town, it was the site of the first registered gold find in Victoria, and has played host to quite a few movies and tv series, Heath Ledgers 2003 Ned Kelly was filmed here, it featured in both Mad Max, and the remake of On The Beach, as well as series such as Halifax and Something in the Air. Yet the beautiful 19th century bluestone buildings, many with their original storefronts, and the towns movie and tv fame was not enough to save it.
Luckily though, Clunes was saved - by books. Seven years ago the vacant buildings became venues, 50 + book sellers came to town for the inaugural “Booktown for the Day” event. In May 2014, for three days, the town was transformed for the “Clunes Booktown Festival”, where thousands of people spent their time browsing books, old and new. Apart from the squillions of books available for perusal, there were numerous food stalls, cafés, displays, and workshops on all things book related. The young
FROM HOPPERS TO CLUNES
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‘uns were entertained by Punch and Judy, a man on a unicycle, and could lose themselves in a hay bale maze. The not so young ‘uns had the local pub, and it’s beer garden, to rest their weary feet and eyes, while enjoying some good old fashioned pub tucker.
Clunes is now host to the only Internationally recognised Booktown in Australia, and since the festival began a couple of things have shot up, permanent book shops have risen from one to eight, and the population has increased from 1,026 in 2006 to 1,656 in 2011. The power of the written word is not to be taken lightly, in this case a town, whose Post Office first opened in 1856, is now undergoing a new lease of life, and could well be around for a very long time.
Clunes, an hour and a half from Hoppers, books to browse, history to delve in, beautiful buildings to admire, what more could you ask for?
For more photos check out trippinwithjen http://wp.me/p3AXju-3N
Jenny Bates
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Welcome to this months edition of the Magpies Nest.
Well they say a week is a long time in footy so you can imagine how much can happen in a month. Our numbers continue to increase now in excess of 90 players registered with the club. We are extremely excited to announce the signings of Cameron Beasley and Clint Foreman to the club their experience will be invaluable to our senior group.
Our Reserves team held on for a gutsy win over Albanvale in Round 6 giving the club some well earned success. We all believe that a win is just around the corner for our Senior boys as well.
Well done to all our coaches, in particular Diesel Smith and Joey Spence who have worked hard to keep things together during the hard times.
Our Auskick program is also picking up on numbers with around 40 children registered. It is very pleasing to see so many of our senior players coming along on Saturday mornings to help out our future stars, its
what our club is all about and can only bode well for the clubs future.
On a sad note the club was shocked by the recent passing of Club stalwart Richard Goring.
Richard was a past President of the Club as well as a Life Member. Richard was a pillar in the Laverton community and a extremely hard worker around the club for many years.
Someone like Richard is irreplaceable to a club such as Laverton he will be sadly missed and we send our deepest sympathies to his family.
In closing this month I take the opportunity to thank all our sponsors for getting behind the Club this season we could not survive without you.
"Side by Side"
John Ballestrino
MAGPIES NEST STORY
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Writer/Director Jon Favreau stars in the feel-good film of the year, Chef, where the main ingredient is heart.
Favreau plays Carl Casper, a chef who has lost the passion for his craft, whilst struggling under the weight of unfulfilled potential. Cooking a menu that is not his, leads to a brutal panning by famed food critic/blogger, Ramsey Michel (Oliver Platt). Casper engages in a war of words with Michel, via Twitter, resulting in a very public and very hilarious meltdown.
What follows is a heart-warming journey, as Casper attempts to rediscover himself. Can he put his life back together? The answer is predictably, yes, but there is a comfort for me in knowing that it will all work out in the end. An always-sexy Scarlett Johansson
leads a strong support cast, with Dustin Hoffman, Sofia Vergara and a cameo by Robert Downey Jr. that almost steals the show.
An underlying theme throughout the film is the power that the Internet has, to both ruin and improve our lives, depending on how you look at it. This is very relevant and a very clever addition to an already enjoyable story.
Favreau does an exceptionable job of driving home his message, that a passion in life is a wonderful thing to pursue and the rewards are worth the effort.
Do not watch this film hungry!
Melissa Longo
Sometimes, there is no happy medium when it comes to temperature regulation in your home. Quite often, the house will be burning hot one minute and the next it will be freezing cold. When it comes down to it, keeping the temperature at an ambient level can be difficult if you’ve not taken the right steps during the initial designing stage of your home.
When designing your home, block orientation, home orientation, window to wall ratio, insulation, glazing, building materials and methods of heating and cooling all need to be considered. Its best you discuss this with your design consultant in the beginning, to ensure you are getting the right advice for your individual block and home design.
First things first, consider the block orientation and the home orientation. Ideally having a north facing home will enable you to keep a warm home in winter and a cool home in summer easier. If this isn’t possible, other measures can be taken to take the pressure of your heaters and air conditioners during the year.
Ensuring that you are using a higher than standard insulation batt will assist in temperature regulation, couple this with double glazed windows, exterior doors fitted with
weather strips and wide eaves and you’re on your way.
Lastly, installing air conditioning and heating that is ducted and can be zoned will be beneficial in the long run. There is nothing worse than having to heat or cool the whole when you are only using a select few rooms. Zoning enables you to heat a single room, without heating other unused rooms. This function is very beneficial, especially if you’ve got a large home with some rooms that are only used rarely.
If ducted heating isn’t to your liking, installing a fireplace is also a great option, as it will provide heat and bring a wonderful ambience to the room. You’ve also got loads of different options that will add style to your home, and give you the flexibility to choose your desired level of energy efficiency. You can choose a wood burning fire, natural gas fire or even an electric fire.
Having an ambient temperature in your home year round is possible if you consider all of these factors in the beginning. We want you to be living in a home that is peaceful and comfortable for you and your family, so we are always here to answer your questions and provide you with the right advice.
FILM REVIEW – CHEF
FREEZE OR BURN, WHERE’S THE HAPPY MEDIUM?
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Many people have been in touch with me to share their concerns about the Napthine Government’s State Budget, announced in early May. With very few commitments delivering much-needed improvements to education, health, infrastructure and transport services in our local community, sadly the west has not been a beneficiary of this Government’s priorities and investments.
One key piece of positive news to emerge was that after a strong local campaign, I’m pleased to say that we have been successful in achieving funding for the construction of a P-9 school in Point Cook South. This outcome is a vital achievement for our local community and a testament to the strong community campaign for better education and local infrastructure. I congratulate all for their vocal advocacy and hard campaigning to achieve this success. Despite this good news however, the Budget was a missed opportunity to address the much wider needs of our growing community with respect to new school facilities.
It was also unfortunate that the State Budget failed to invest to address the crisis in our hospitals and ambulance services, and with the Commonwealth’s $80 billion in cuts to health and education, the problems are only going to get worse.
The State Budget shows that unemployment is forecast to get worse. These are not just statistics. These are real people - local people - losing their jobs and income. Victoria requires a Jobs Plan and I’ll keep campaigning for one.
We must support people experiencing tough times, and not abandon them at their time of need. We must better invest in education and training in Victoria. Sadly, along with many other important services, training and TAFE has again been cut in the recent
State Budget.
In more positive jobs news, LeadWest has launched a positive new local jobs portal to assist people to find new jobs in the west. For further details, to list jobs or seek jobs, go to www.melbswestjobs.com.au
It will also come as a shock to many that the Napthine Government has abandoned the Melbourne Metro rail project. This is a vital project for the sustainability and capacity of our public transport network, and necessary to ensure that the west has access to reliable and efficient public transport well into the future. Other than the promise of some new bus services for parts of Wyndham to connect to the Regional Rail project when it begins services, there was sadly little in this Government’s budget for the amenity and connectivity of the west .
I will continue to advocate for the needs of our local community.
As always, if you are having problems accessing health, education or community services, don’t hesitate to contact me. I am always happy to advocate on your behalf.
A WORD FROM JILL HENNESSY MP
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Last year’s Save Our Buses campaign saw residents from Point Cook, Seabrook, Werribee, Laverton, Altona Meadows and Altona come together to demand better public transport in the west.
The event, organised by member for Altona Jill Hennessy, enabled locals to ask questions and offer suggestions to two representatives from Public Transport Victoria in a bid to bring a bus route to Sanctuary Lakes and improve services in the Hobsons Bay and Wyndham areas.
Hennessey started the campaign after routes 413 and 416 were slashed from the timetable in an attempt to get more people using the new Williams Landing train station. This left some locals completely stranded or a half hour walk to the nearest bus stop, whilst others had to put up with waiting over 40 minutes for a bus service or unable to get to their destination by public transport at all.
These issues were presented to the Public Transport representatives and passed on to the Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder.
The Save the Buses Campaign finally received a response from Mr. Mulder, which Hennessey passed on to those who attended the campaign meeting last year. The statement was short and bears bitter news for those who rely on public transport.
“PTV acknowledges that some residents of Sanctuary Lakes are a long distance from public transport and that a bus service would be desirable. However such a service could not be viewed as a priority in the current funding environment” said the report.
If residents in the West were hoping to see a change sometime soon, it is revealed that they will have to wait for the next review of the public transport system if they are to see any move to make improvements to bus services in the area.
“Public Transport Victoria advises that it will next be reviewing the Hobsons Bay bus network over 2014 and 2015.”
Only time will tell if Public Transport Victoria decide to give the locals their much loved busses back.
Melissa Haber
BUS PLEA FALLS ON DEAF EARS
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The tale of Harold Lassiter and his lost reef of gold-bearing quartz rock was widely discussed and speculated on when I was a kid at primary school.
Despite the fact that there would not be one square centimetre of this continent which has not been surveyed, mapped and assessed as to its mineral extraction potential, using modern technology such as spectroanalysis and satellite imaging, there are folk, and many of them, who believe there are those fabulous riches out there for the taking somewhere in the Central Australian desert: our very own Ophir or El Dorado.
It has been assessed as geologically impossible that there is a reef of gold-bearing rock anywhere near where Lassiter claimed to have stumbled upon it, when riding, as a young man, from Queensland to the WA goldfields.
Notwithstanding evidence to the contrary, Lassiter’s Lost Reef remains the Holy Grail of those prospectors who, with Panglossian optimism, still search for it.
Songs have been written about it, and there’s been a movie or two. And of course there was the Ion L. Idriess novel, “Lassiter’s Last Ride” which was in
publication when I was a kid. Last but not least, there was the drawing, captioned ‘Lassiter’s Last Ride’, by a celebrated cartoonist whose name escapes me, which had a limited circulation.
His cartoons appeared regularly in magazines depicting, humorously, aspects of daily Aussie life. This drawing, by today’s standards, would be regarded not only as obscene, but also politically incorrect, if not downright racist.
I guess, part of the appeal of this story was its poignancy: great riches discovered by a battler, briefly viewed, then lost and unrecovered despite great efforts to do so.
The tale reminds me of the movie, “The Maltese Falcon”. At the end of the movie, the PI Sam Spade, played by Humphrey Bogart, holds in his hands what was thought by the super-optimistic villains to be a gold falcon encrusted with precious gems, but which was really made of lead and covered with black enamel. His final words, the memorable line, “This is the stuff that dreams are made of.”
Jack Nystrom
LETTER TO THE PUBLISHER
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With winter knocking on our doors it is time for me to slip into hibernation. In fact, much like a bear, I tend to grizzle and groan my way through the coldest part of each year. If you are anything like me, you will be desperately searching for a silver lining and I am happy to announce that winter is not all doom and gloom.
Here are my top 5 things to get excited about this chilly season:
#1 – The Slow Cooker.Finding a permanent place in your kitchen, for the handiest of all the kitchen gadgets is well worth the effort. Motivation is hard to come by at this time of year, but it will most likely strike in the morning time, which is perfect. Set your dinner up early and enjoy stews, casseroles and hearty soups, eight hours later when you really cannot be bothered to cook a thing - just add crusty bread!
#2 – Blankets, blankets and more blankets.I love comfort – I crave for it, like most people crave for chocolate. What better time to wrap ourselves up in comfy, cozy, fluffy layers, than wintertime.
#3 – Crank up the fire/heater.
If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home, stoke it up. There is nothing quite so lovely as a roaring, crackling fire. Of course the rest of us will just have to settle for setting up camp near a heater, which is not quite so magical or romantic, but just as effective nonetheless.
#4 – Hot cuppas.The joy I find in the bottom of my teacup cannot be measured. It is soothing and does an exceptional job of warming you from the inside. T2 has all the best-flavoured teas and there is something quite luxurious about a teapot.
#5 – Rainy nights.It is a bit of a strange one, but I love the noise of a winter storm. Being tucked up in bed at night, and listening as the rain comes down, is an excellent way to remind ourselves how lucky we are. We are safe and warm, and hopefully with people we love – what could be luckier than that?
Of course none of this compares to a warm summer’s day – the sun will always be queen of my sky, but with my flannel pajamas ready to go, I guess I will survive the season.
WINTER IS COMING
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OUT MY OFFICE WINDOW…
This week I'm off to Brisbane, to Adelaide, then back to Melbourne and finally to Sydney.
I'll be driving - well at least half the journey anyway. I'm the 'other half' of a 'two up' truck driving team. This means two drivers sharing legal driving hours in the same truck. This keeps the truck on the move and gets freight delivered in a timely manner wherever it's needed. What it also means is I get paid to go sightseeing. Readers may have seen me and my driving partner on the series 'Outback Truckers' which portrayed a small slice of what it's like on the road.
So, no phones ringing, no computer screens glaring and no office politics for me! Instead, the view from my 'office' can be somewhere like the road to Townsville, rumbling through sleepy towns bathed in the golden light of dawn. Or perhaps I'll head across the Nullarbor - Latin for 'no trees' - towards Perth and another stunning sunset of reds and orange, pink and dusky blue. Then it's back across 'the paddock', the name truckies have given the long trek from west towards the eastern states.
Along the way I'll (hopefully!) dodge a kangaroo or two, sound the horn to chase emus off the road, or maybe a magnificent wedge-tail eagle slow to fly up and away from roadkill. Into another depot and there's freight for the incredibly humid city of Darwin.
Heavy rain has washed out the rail, so it's truckies to the rescue! In the two trailers I'm hauling there are
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supplies of sugar, flour, spaghetti, you name it. Whatever the supermarkets are in danger of running out of after huge storms in the area it will be on a truck.
Once more it's down the road through starkly beautiful and sometimes eerily remote countryside where the silence is truly deafening. That is, until we rumble through, engine gunning and trailers rattling.
Perhaps the next trip might be into Sydney, where if I'm lucky while more freight is loaded I might get the chance to go into the city for a bit of shopping, or up to Alice Springs with more general freight and the chance
to pick up another canvas of local aboriginal artwork.
Through small dusty towns with store fronts boarded up; prosperous rural cities with well kept parks and gardens or bustling cities, all over the country trucks are bringing the milk for your latte; the flour from rural NSW to make the bread for your toast; bananas from Queensland; the potatoes for your fries! Now it's off to the back of Bourke. True story!
(Pic of Deborah Drew and the truck)
Deborah Drew
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Point Cook Community
Garden/Kitchen Swap
4th Sunday of the month at Kingsford
Park (Kingsford Dve) Point Cook from
10.30am
Come and swap your excess plants, seeds,
flowers, fruit, vegetables, garden
items or home baking, magazines and
books.
Enquiries : [email protected] or
Volunteers for Emergency relief neededLaverton Community Centre need Volunteers forEmergency relief will be trained.
Must be able to use computer.Please contact. Ellen Volunteer
Coordinator PH: 8368 0172
Carer Support
Grow-Better Together Carers Group for friends and family of those affected by mental health issues. Free and confidential meetings held twice a month in Laverton.Details: 1800 558 268 or www.grow.net.au
Community Board
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.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
CENTREINFORMATION ADVICE
AND REFERRAL SERVICE
MONDAY TO FRIDAY
10AM – 3PM
LEGAL SERVICE
THURSDAY FORTNIGHTLY
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
PHONE NO: 9398 5207
ALTONA MEADOWS /LAVERTON UNITING CHURCH
over 50% of our families live in Point Cook
61 CENTRAL AVENUE, ALTONA MEADOWS.
You are welcome to join us any Sunday
at 10am and some Sundays at 5.30pm (Night Owl service).
We worship in a circle and have groups for
children during part of the service. Our Fijian
congregation has amalgamated with us this year.
We also have Bible study groups, discussion
groups, kids club, playgroup, etc
Contact Rev. Susan Malthouse on 9369 0384
Enquiries concerning the use of our building
to Lauris on 0409 354 932
Featherbrook Walking Group
Make new friends and improve your fitness by joining the Featherbrook Walking Group for a 45 minute stroll every Wednesday at 10am. Meet at
Featherbrook Community Centre, 33-35 Windorah Drive Point Cook. It’s free to join in and mums with prams are welcome. For more information call the
community centre on 8353 4000.
For more information phone Wyndham City’s Healthy Communities Team on 9742 0777, visit
www.wyndham.vic.gov.au or like our Healthy and Active in Wyndham page on Facebook.
Community Cafe 12.00 noon to 1.00pm
Join us for a three course meal. $8.00/$5.00 Concession 12.00 noon to 1.00pm
Every Wednesday Laverton Community Centre (inside the Laverton
Community Hub) 95-105 Railway St Laverton
Booking essential by Monday
Every Friday Altona Meadows Community Centre 28 Trafalgar
Avenue, Altona Meadows
Booking essential by Thursday For Bookings call: 8368 0177
ADAVIC ANXIETY & DEPRESSION
SUPPORT GROUPConnect with others in a safe environment to share experiences and coping strategies.Every Tuesday 7:30-9:30pm at the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre, Sargood St, Altona.$5 Casuals / $3 MembersFor more info phone: (03) 9853-8089 | email: [email protected] | visit:www.adavic.org.au
Hobsons Bay Mens Shed Gen Y Support Group
wish to contact Gen Y persons seeking employment without success with a view to assisting reducing the current high level of 25.2% - email [email protected] with ‘Gen Y interest’ in the subject line for details
Wyndham Scottish Social
Dance Featherbrook
Community Centre
7-30 pm until 9-30pm Every 2nd & 4th
Friday of the Month
Come along and have fun, meet new friends.
Healthy exercise for mind and body You need
soft shoes No rubber ridged soles. No partner
necessary We do Ceilidh dance which is a
mixture of Waltz ,Set and Barn dances.
For information phone Deryck 0415250284
Or Alison 0413295133 Sponsored by the
Bendigo Community Bank
ITALIAN/ENGLISH TUITION
Call Louise on0403 191 084
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Help support you local community
group and join as a member at
www.pointcookactiongroup.org.au
Community BoardFeatherbrook
Community Centre7:30pm until 9:30pm
Every 2nd & 4th Friday of the MonthCome along and have fun, meet new friends
Healthy exercise for mind and bodyYou need soft shoes No rubber ridged soles
No partner necessaryWe do Ceilidh dance which is a mixture of Waltz, Set and
Barn dances.For information phone Deryck 0415 250 284
Or Alison 0413 295 133Sponsored by the Bendigo Community Bank
Werribee and Districts Cancer Support GroupWe are a positive, uplifting, supportive group for all cancer patients, carers, family and friends. All welcome for a cuppa and chat on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Wayaperri House, 106 Duncans Road, Werribee. Monthly meetings occasionally include guest speakers, or are held over dinner and creative and therapeutic activities can be arranged upon interest shown.Contact Steve Marburg (Convenor) on 0418 587 086 or by email on [email protected] or by post at PO Box 4405 Hoppers Crossing 3029or you can contact Koula on 9734 6498.
WERRIBEE U3AWe are an activity group for semi and
retired persons. Come and enjoy lots of
different courses and meet new people
with similar interests. We also have
monthly outings to places of interest.
Perhaps you may have a skill that you
could share with members.
All are welcome.
Ring Loretta on 9749 1093.
POINT COOK TOASTMASTERS CLUB
IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
IN A MUTUALLY SUPPORTIVE AND FUN ENVIRONMENT
EVERY 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAY @ 7.30pm
****New Venue!!!****Laverton Community Hub
95-105 Railway Ave, LavertonEmail: toastmasterspointcook@
gmail.com for more info
Point Cook Presbyterian Church
is moving
We were meeting at 5pm Sundays at the Point Cook RAAF Base Chapel.
As of Sunday the 20th of October 2013 the Church will be meeting in the Jamieson Way Community
Centre, 59 Jamieson Way, Point Cook.Worship services will be held at 10am except Community Market Sundays (6 times a year)
when the service will be held at 4.30pm.Check the website – pointcookpc.org.au
All Welcome.Contact: Rev. Peter Owen 9395 8281
Point Cook 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
9395 1953
ALTONA U3AWe area located at the Senior Citizens
Centre in Sargood Street, AltonaWe 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].
What’s on at Jamieson Way Community Centre
Term 2 The Point Cook Market
Held 6 times a yearDates for the rest of the year will be May 4th- Gifts for someone special Mother’s Day, July 6th- Create a cake competition, October 5th,
November 2nd and December 7th. New goods only- Market held indoors and outdoors. The
Point Cook Market has something for everyone to enjoy! New stall holders welcome to apply
Tai Chi for Arthritis/Seniors
held on Wednesdays 3.00pm-4.00pm, maximum cost $3.00 per session
Yoga therapy classes for seniors held on Thursdays 7-8pm, maximum cost $3.00
per session French/English Conversation
held on Tuesdays 10.00am-12.00pm, cost $2.00 per general session and $4.00 per cooking session
Jamieson Way Coffee, Chat and Craft held on Thursdays 1.00pm-3.00pm
Camera Club
held on the last Tuesday of every month 7.00pm-9.00pm, annual membership fees apply
Sew and Sew Group
held twice a month on the 1st Monday and the 3rd Monday of the month 7.00pm-9.00pm,
annual membership fees apply
Jamieson Jotters Writing Group A creative writing group dates for the rest of the year on Fridays 12.30pm-1.30pm are 16th May, 13th June, 11th July, 8th August, 5th September, 3rd and 31st of October, 5th December – Interested in new members please contact for more details.
What’s new at Jamieson WayLearningLand Thursdays
Sri Lankin and Indian planned activity group Fridays; Indonesian school for children held on
Saturdays; Bollywood dance classes FridaysJhankaar dance classes Saturdays (Bollywood,
Classic and contemporary classes)Beat Factor- Drum classes Fridays
Apples aren’t always apples- iPad workshop Wednesdays
For More information on these activities please come down to the centre
or visit our website www.jamiesonwaycc.org.au or contact us on 9395
3777 for further information
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The team of coaches and committee once again warmly welcome all readers to this issue. Our junior and senior teams WRTA Winter competition is underway with all our twelve teams competing well in their divisions. CONGRATULATIONS: Go out to Brendon Bigic (one of our juniors pictured below) on being the club’s highest statistics winner in the recently concluded Summer season of competition. Well done Brendon, no pressure though, but good luck on back to back for Winter season. For his efforts Brendon retains the perpetual trophy until completion of current season and is also given a memento of his efforts. Don’t forget we are always looking for new members and players as preparation for next Summer competitions will not be far away with emphasis on expanding our mixed team players and also appealing to our female readers (all ages) to set up teams for Ladies mid-week and Saturday Mixed competitions but also to our Juniors base both boys and girls. Don’t forget our motto is: “Tennis is fun for everyone”.
TUESDAY NIGHTS MENS: Keep pushing guys you’re doing the club proud. Our two teams are pushing along nicely with certainly one vying at finals appearance in the upcoming months with top
position on the ladder beckoning. This competition is enjoyed by all who participate and is played with a social feel which culminates with players of all teams enjoying supper at the end of the night. The club invites interest from potential players to register for next season.
NEW COACH: A hearty welcome to Laverton Park for Fiona Jiang – the club’s newest addition to the coaching ranks of Brendan O’Brien’s Coaching Academy. Fiona comes to the club with well-grounded tennis credentials and will be a great addition to the coaching staff.
BOOT CAMP TENNIS AT LPTC: Our club is excited with the potential of our new phenomenon ably co-ordinated by our qualified coaching staff and is seeking expressions of interest from our community to participate. Non-stop tennis and exercise at the same time. No experience necessary. What a healthy way to get moving and into tennis. More info gained by calling Susanne on 9360 7905 or Dionne on 0412 745 696.
CLUB AGM: Sunday 20th July 2014 at 6.30pm at clubrooms. All welcome.
LAVERTON PARK TENNIS CLUBMERTON STREET, LAVERTON
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MLC HOT SHOTS FOR JUNIORS: Don’t forget Term 4 placements are now being registered with this programme being a great introduction for 5-12 year olds to come and have a go in this non-contact and enjoyable sport with the interest and enthusiasm currently being enjoyed in tennis in this country with the nation’s up and coming new stars of Kyrgios, Kokkinos, Tomic, Barty and others, certainly is a great time for tennis in Australia.
IT’S NO DOUBT WE ARE ON THE GO: With so much happening at the club we could be writing more but just some gentle reminders courts at our club are available for general hire at very generous hire rates and subject to conditions in respect of registration, attire, and respect of facilities as well as Wednesday night social tennis being a great way to come and enjoy a hit and meet new people from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Just turn up and enjoy or call for further info if needed. Four courts now available so first in first ‘’served’’. Adult group lessons Monday nights as well as many other coaching lessons available privately, group, and squad sessions throughout the week. Further info call Brendan directly.
Until next month, good wishes to all readers, stay safe and keep hitting winners.
For further information feel free to contact us:
Brendan J. O’Brien.
Susanne Crotch
TCAV/TPA, Advanced & Accredited
Junior Secretary
Ph: 03 9398 2339 / 0407 552 828.
Ph: 03 9360 7905
www.lptc.org.au
email: [email protected]
(Brendon with trophy pictured with President Brendan O’Brien)
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The Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Point Cook Community Bank® Branch Bendigo Bank. The Bank has been an integral part of the Point Cook community over many years. To date the Point Cook Community Bank®, along with the Altona and Laverton Community Bank® branches, has re-invested over $2.7 million of our banking profits back to the community.Community Bank® Manager, Ashley Coles said “The golf club is the heart of the Sanctuary Lakes community and the bank has had a long association as a sponsor of the ladies competition and the Sanctuary Lakes Foundation. We are delighted to expand the
relationship.”“As a Community Bank®, with every product and service we offer, the community benefits. Many people have warm feelings towards our bank but really don’t understand just how big our bank is and the capability we have to look after their banking needs” said Mr Coles“Point Cook Community Bank® is part of a much bigger network and has all the banking products, services and security that people expect of a bank.”“When we refer to ourselves as being ‘Bigger than a bank’, then, we are talking about the outcomes we drive that people don’t expect from a bank. For example we have provided over 95 automated defibrillators across the Wyndham and Hobsons Bay communities. Including one that hangs on the wall at the Golf Club” he saidMr Coles said the volunteer board aims to raise awareness locally of the difference a bank can make. As part of the partnership, Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club members and family can confidentially support the club by establishing new or refinancing home and business loans at the Point Cook Community Bank® Branch. For more details about how you can support the club with your banking, drop into your nearest branch at the Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre or phone 9395 7724.
BENDIGO BANK
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GARDENING WITH VASILIGarden page
Whether you grow edible plants or flowering, practising traditional and sustainable growing methods are always the best way.For example, using only grey water that comes out of the laundry trough or washing machine is great as long as bleach hasn’t been used and the soap you use is eco-friendly as well. This type of grey water is safe for the plants and it can help in protecting the root system from nasty insect problems too. So you are not only watering your plants, you are protecting them too, but do keep the watering to a minimum during this time of the year.Another very important product that should be used to protect your plants during the winter months is Bluestone copper sulphate mixed with hydrated lime to make a traditional fungicide that can be used on all types of plants. It helps to prevent fungal disease in fruit trees, blight in potatoes and insects on any other flowering trees and plants. Nectarine and peach trees are always riddled with leaf curl during the blooming
months and if left untreated it can infect the fruit as well.Leaf curl is a fungus of which the spores are dormant during the winter months, they live on the bark of the tree and wait until spring time before they become active again. Don’t wait for signs of leaf curl to occur before you begin treatment, it’s important to begin a preventative spraying regime now in winter using bluestone fungicide. Spray your trees once a month in winter and twice a month in spring time and remember to not spray them when they are in flower.Making your own fungicide:Mix 1 teaspoon of bluestone and 2 teaspoons of hydrated lime in half a glass of warm water. Once the contents have been diluted add more water to make a litre of mixture in total. Pour the contents into a spray bottle and spray your trees, making sure to soak them well. Use the entire mixture because it will not store and can clog your spray bottle.
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Planting fruit trees:There is nothing better than picking your own fresh fruit straight off your own tree in your own backyard. If you’ve been thinking about planting one for a while, don’t put it off any longer. Now is the best time to do it.All fruit trees are dormant during winter, which means they’re basically asleep. This enables us to prune, plant and transplant them with minimal shock and stress to the tree. Once upon a time, fruit trees were grown from cuttings you got from friends or neighbours or using seed from fruit. These days, though, they’re grafted. The benefits of having a grafted tree are that they produce fruit at a younger age and the root stock they are grafted to is more disease-resistant and generally suited to a wider variety of soil conditions and climates. Planting a fruit tree is very easy. The hardest part is choosing what variety to grow if your space is limited. Once you have chosen your tree, follow these simple planting steps to enjoy your own home grown, fresh, organic fruit:1. Dig a square hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the tree.
2. Using the soil that came out of the hole, add one part cow manure or organic compost to 3 parts soil and mix in well. If the soil from the hole is mainly clay
base, mix 50/50 with sandy loam or chopped garden straw and combine well before adding compost.
3. Place up to half of the composted soil back in the hole, making sure to create a small mound in the middle. Trim off any broken or damaged roots before placing the tree in the hole.
4. Position the tree in the centre of the hole, making sure all the roots are spread out evenly and over the mound. Make sure the graft, which is generally 30–40cm above the root ball, is not sitting below the soil surface. The graft should be positioned about 20cm above the ground surface.
5. Holding the tree steady, backfill the hole with soil, but don’t press the soil down with your foot. Using your hands, gently press down the soil to stabilise the tree in the soil.
6. Create a well around the tree about 3–5cm lower than the surrounding garden. This will retain any water given to the tree and prevent runoff.
7. Water the tree with about 9 litres or 1 bucket of water. This will also help remove all air pockets from the soil. Apply garden straw or mulch over the surface and add another 9 litres.
8. Remember to stake the tree so that it doesn’t wobble around in winds.
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D’Olive Receptions is celebrating their six month birthday with a nod to the decade, that was all about big hair, big shoulder pads and big hits: the 80’s. Tickets are still available for the Fancy Dress Party, which is
happening on Saturday 7th June.
With music from the decade that was, playing all night and a Michael Jackson Tribute Show not to be missed, there will be plenty of entertainment for all who attend. Ticket prices are $60.00 per person and will include canapés from 6:30pm, entertainment and complimentary beer or wine on arrival.
D’olive is earning a great reputation as a fantastic spot for food and atmosphere. Hopefully there will be many more birthday celebrations in their future.
To book tickets, please call: 8376 5300.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, D’OLIVE RECEPTIONS!
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“Wyndham Council staff are currently seeking more detail around the proposed Federal Budget – and while Senate approval is still required , early indications are incredibly concerning both in terms of the impact on local families as well as the direct cuts to funding provided to Councils.”
“Under the current proposal, plans to freeze increases to the Local Government Federal Assistance Grants (which are provided to Council to fund vital services) could cost the Wyndham community approximately $5 million over the next three years. In 2014/15, we could be facing a reduction in the order of $961,000 which is a major blow to Council’s proposed budget.”
“We are also very concerned about possible cuts to the National Partnership to Universal Access to 15 Hours of Early Childhood Education (Kindergarten) funding scheme. Wyndham City has planned for and resourced 15 hours of kindergarten for four year-old children in 2014/15 – which is a requirement imposed by the Federal Government. We could be facing a reduction of $1.7 million in funding for 2014/15 which is an unreasonable cost shift for Councils to simply absorb.”
“The proposed increase to fuel excises could cost
Council an additional $20,000 next financial year, or $60,000 over the next three years. These additional operating costs reduce money that should be spent on additional capital works or service delivery for our residents.”
“The proposed increases to costs of living for families is a real concern, especially in areas relating to health care, education and support for young people. These additional charges must be reconsidered as the pressures on families are already too great.”
“The proposed Federal Budget will result in pressure on both State and Local Government to make up for short-falls in funding where vital services are required. Our residents pay taxes and should not be short changed in terms of what they get back in their local community.”
“Officers will continue to assess the impact of the proposed Federal Budget as more information is released, however early indications are concerning. The prospect of a funding cut in the order of $2.7 million next financial year and approximately $10 million over the next three years will result in Council needing to review its expenditure.”
A WORD FROM WYNDHAM MAYOR, CR BOB FAIRCLOUGH
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Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition affecting a person's ability to move. Muscle stiffness of the muscles, trembling and slowness in movement are the most common symptoms of the disease. Each year almost 11,000 people in Australia are diagnosed with Parkinson's and one in five of those diagnosed are of working age.
The disease makes every day activities a challenge. Preparing a meal, typing up an email, shaving in the morning and even the movement of getting out of bed or a chair are actions most of us take for granted but for someone with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), these
activities take extra time and effort.
Raising money for research, awareness and support for PD sufferers and their families is a challenge of its own. Parkinson's Victoria has some fantastic support mechanisms in place considering the non-for-profit organisation receives only 13% of its annual income from government. That’s where community support and donations are so important.
This is where three local members of the Queens Guide Association Christine Croft, Katherine Smail, and Roslyn Smail along with two Wyndham Girl Guides stepped in by organising a Trivia Night, raising over $900.00 for Parkinson’s Victoria.
It was a full house at Werribee Guide Hall with MC Roslyn asking a mixture of general knowledge questions like What is a glabella? and What was Porky Pig’s father’s name?
During each round’s winners were treated to a choice of sweet that would impress Willy Wonka himself and for an extra dollar per round towards the cause, the MC could be bribed into disclosing one of the more tricky answers.
To top off a thoroughly enjoyable Friday night, a successful silent auction was held thanks to generous donations from Corinthians Cafe at Old Geelong Road in Hopper Crossing, Soul Pattinson Pharmacy and Salon Vogues on Watton Street, Werribee Woolworths, Werribee Park and Shadowfax Wines on K Road.
Girl Guides Victoria run programs for girls aged 5 to 17 promoting social awareness, self-reliance and community involvement. If Guides is something you might like to try, why not contact Christine via email at [email protected].
And for those of us who didn’t know, the glabella is the space between your eyebrows and Porky Pig’s father was named Phineas Pig. Rest assured, both answers were paid for.
Petronella Boonen
GUIDING LIGHT FOR PARKINSON’S
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Have you received a fine? Driving offences and infringements (fines) are a major issue in Wyndham. Our statistics for 2013 show more than half of the offences committed in the new growth areas of Wyndham are driving related offences. Driving offences range from minor road infractions such as speeding by less than 10 km/h over the limit, to more serious offences of excessive speeding and driving while under the influence of alcohol. Similarly, the penalties for these offences range from relatively minor infringements and loss of demerit points to mandatory loss of a driver’s licence. It is also worth noting that the enforcement measures for these offences range from minor processes such as issuing enforcement orders and warrants to more serious measures such as the clamping of vehicles or suspension of vehicle registration or driver licence. If a person has received a minor infringement (i.e. speeding less than 10km/h or a toll fine) and there are special circumstances such as mental illness, substance addiction or homelessness, they are able
to make an Application for Revocation based on those special circumstances. It is important that the person first seek legal advice, otherwise they may unintentionally end up in Court. Likewise, if you have received an infringement and want to chose the option to “Object and go to Court” you should first obtain legal advice as you may run the risk of getting a worse outcome than you have already received (i.e. increased suspension or conviction).Wyndham Legal Service provides free legal advice regarding infringements, and in some cases will provide representation, especially in relation to special circumstance applications. The Wyndham Legal Service also runs a free duty lawyer service for infringements every Tuesday at the Werribee Magistrates’ Court. If you have received a fine, please contact the Wyndham Legal Service on 9741 0198 for FREE legal advice. Regards,ShornaWyndham Legal Service
FREE LEGAL ADVICE @ WYNDHAM LEGAL SERVICE
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Laugh Out Loud
Cold Jokes
In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a government . - John Adams
If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed. - Mark Twain
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of government. But then I repeat myself. - Mark Twain
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle .. - Winston Churchill
A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul. - George Bernard Shaw
Foreign aid might be defined as a transfer of money from poor people in rich countries to rich people in poor countries. - Douglas Casey, Classmate of Bill Clinton at Georgetown University
Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. - P.J. O'Rourke, Civil Libertarian
Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. - Frederic Bastiat, French economist (1801-1850)
I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts .. - Will Rogers
If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free! - P.J. O'Rourke
In general, the art of government consists of taking as much money as possible from one party of the citizens to give to the other. - Voltaire (1764)
Just because you don't take an interest in politics, doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you! - Pericles (430 B.C.)
No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the
legislature is in session. - Mark Twain (1866)
Talk is cheap...except when government does it .. - Anonymous
The government is like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other. - Ronald Reagan
The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin .. - Mark Twain
There is no distinctly Native American criminal class ... save government. - Mark Twain
What this country needs are more unemployed politicians. - Edward Langley, Artist (1928-1995)
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. - Thomas Jefferson
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office .. - Aesop
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(Inspired by Kubla Khan, poem by SamuelTaylor Coleridge (1772 – 1834)
What’s the purpose of your visit?Asked the uniformed border guard.
Xanadu; I’m looking for it.You’ll find that, he said, rather hard.
I’m sure, said he, that which you seekWould be Kublai Khan’s pleasure dome,For you’re the hundredth one this week.
My advice to you: go back home.
You see sir, what I’m telling youIs that you’ll find only worthless rubble
At the place that we call Shangsu;And that is hardly worth your trouble.
Undeterred, to Shangsu I wentTo stand where stood Marco Polo.
‘Twas to me time and effort well spent,For there in Summer Kublai would go.
Of the architectural wonder,A grassy mound and ruins remain.Standing there I could only ponder
That whose like we’ll ne’er see again.
I pictured what was in this placeThat Sam Coleridge called “Xanadu”:
Demountable gilt bamboo palace,Stately dome, art, gardens and zoo.
I closed my eyes, like Coleridge, to dreamOf the River Alph and caves of ice,
Picturing the savageness and the stream:Glad I came ‘gainst that guard’s advice.
I’m satisfied there did existKublai Khan’s palace of pleasure.The sacred river may be a myth,
But the poem’s a lasting treasure.
Jack Nystrom, 11.4.2014.
XANADU
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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 EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it!
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36 Please redistribute rather than discard.