around point cook 69
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Community Newspaper Issue 69,October 2015TRANSCRIPT
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Issue 69, October2015
continued page 3
The Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is distributed in Point Cook
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9 18 32page REWIND AND
REWILDTHE FCW KIDS CHALLENGE
page page
On Tuesday 15th September at the Wakakirri State Finals, the Jamieson Way 5/6 students of Carranballac College kept everybody waiting….
The last of eleven schools to perform on the night, in what has now become the largest student-based arts festival in the country, Carranballac College did not disappoint!
Taking out the state finals with their performance entitled, ‘Hero of the Sky’, the Jamieson Way students paid homage to Point Cook’s rich history, as home to
Australia’s oldest airbase. Following the career of a RAAF pilot, the audience was transported through time, with a nostalgic trip down memory lane, as a grandfather shares his past with his grandson.
Carranballac College has found a very clever and respectful way to engage the youth of today, with a local history they may otherwise know little about.
The teachers, students and parents affiliated with both of the College campuses, were absolutely beaming with pride at the results.
JAMIESON WAY STUDENTS FLYING HIGH!
CHINESE UMBRELLA DANCE
Melissa Longo
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ABN 78 809 543 573
Advertising: [email protected] Contributions: [email protected]
Will: 0449 834 359Louise: 0403 191 084
FROM THE EDITORWhen I was a little kid, I used to play pretend – pretty normal, right?
I would pretend to be an Explorer, a Singer, a Disney Princess and on occasion, an Editor. Not so normal, huh?
I would sit down at my desk, write all the articles myself of course, and then literally cut and paste them, to look like my own personal newspaper.
Fast forward more years than I would care to admit, and I have traded in my glue stick and scissors, for my laptop, and I am totally not pretending anymore!
When Daniel Allen asked me to fill his very large shoes, as the Editor of this fine establishment, I was so excited. I have been writing for these papers for a few years now and
I cannot believe that I have been given this opportunity!
I love being a part of this community and I hope to bring you the kinds of stories that will spark your interest and get you out and about, to enjoy the many fantastic things there are to do in our very own neighbourhood.
Please feel free to drop me a line – this is your paper, so we want to hear your thoughts and stories.
Thanks in Advance,
Melissa Longo
PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHER‘After the winter, comes the spring – and the garden will bloom again.’
These wonderful words were spoken by Peter Sellers, in one of his greatest films: Being There.
It is a film about Americans and what can happen to anyone in America, and although out of print by now, I’m confident you could still buy it on the Internet - I encourage you to do so. If you find you like it as much as I did, there is still time to put it on your Christmas wish list.
There is no doubt Peter Sellers is great in general and in this film, he does not disappoint. He plays the part of a simple man, slightly mentally disabled, who is brought to the house of a rich man, to tend the gardens. Remaining at the property for the whole of his life, his main speech was of course:
‘After the winter comes the spring – and the garden will bloom again’.
Suddenly the old man dies and things begin to fall apart and our hero finds himself thrown out onto the street, where he has never been before. Randomly deciding to cross the road, he steps between two parked cars, just as the driver of a luxurious chauffeur driven car backs away from the parked car in front of it, and knocks him over.
Consequently all hell breaks loose and a very rich lady jumps out of the car and insists that our gardener, whose name is Chauncy, accompany her to a magnificent huge estate, to receive treatment from the personal doctor, of a very rich man who is in the process of dying. That is when the real movie begins.
I can only tell you that the movie moves fast, with some great scenes, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. The final scene, which I will not tell you about, had the entire theatre exploding with laughter, as I’ve never seen or heard before. It gives me great joy every time I play my copy.
If you can find a copy and don’t like It, I would wish to buy your copy from you, as you do not deserve to keep it! As I see it, it is the most memorable film I have ever seen.
Bill McPherson
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A lot of hard work and effort goes into these Wakakirri performances and that effort has been rewarded with high praise from the judges, “Well crafted, (a) beautiful story told with respect, sensitivity and humour...
Some lovely performances, focus and attention to detail in stagecraft, costume and sychronised movement.”
October 14th is when the national winners will be announced, so the countdown is officially on.
No matter the outcome, it is certain that Carranballac College has plenty to sing and dance about and as State Champions, who would try to stop them!
Advertise with Around Point Cook/Altona community newspapers
Contact
WillM: 0449 834 359
LouiseM: 0403 191 084
PUT THE BUZZZBACK INTO YOUR BIZ!
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REMEMBERING NORMANIn the summer of 1968, a friend and I went to New York from Dublin for the first time. We were young teachers on J-1 visas, taking advantage of the three-month Irish school holidays and the summer earning possibilities in America.
That was an awful year in America, 1968. Martin Luther King was assassinated in April; Bobby Kennedy was killed in the early part of our stay there; and the national argument about the Vietnam War was raging throughout the country.
We got a job through family connections, in a warehouse in the lower Bronx. We were part of a unionised workforce of about 300, filling and packing orders for distribution to hardware stores throughout the country.
Almost all of the workers and bosses were white, mostly Irish and Italian. The shop stewards in the Teamsters Union were powerful; in effect, they ran the place and made sure that managers rarely asserted themselves. Even though we were at the bottom of the pecking order, we were able to avail of overtime, because most of the workers felt they would be paying too much tax on any extra earnings.
You could count the number of non-white workers on one hand. They kept their heads down and said little to anybody. Except for Norman.
He was a tall black man, a Vietnam veteran who wore shoulder braces and a belt to keep his pants up – why do I remember that detail? He was outgoing and loquacious and spoke to all comers.
Unfortunately, his bonhomie evoked a blatant racist response from many of his workmates, including, I’m sorry to say, the Irish. The term African-American was not in the vocabulary in those days, though the term it replaced was the least of the abuse he had to put up with.
My friend and I were not part of the enlightened at the time, but we were shocked to hear such awful denigration of another human being. Norman sensed our shock and would spend time with us, talking and joking.
We often wondered why he tolerated such abuse. Why didn’t he lash out at one of his tormentors? Maybe he sucked up the abuse, because he wanted to hold on to his union job at any cost. Whatever the reason, he responded to the taunts and put-downs in a way that might well suggest to his tormentors that he was enjoying their ‘banter.’
I thought of Norman during the abuse of champion footballer Adam Goodes earlier this year. Some of the commentary by highly-paid pundits and media shock jocks, suggested that he should have taken the booing and racist taunts being dished out to him, in the way that I recall Norman reacting back in that hot summer, half a century ago.
Thank goodness, we have come a long way since 1968.
Or have we?
Frank O’Shea
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BRIDGES FOSTER CARE PROGRAM
Bridges Foster Care is a program within Uniting Care Werribee Support and Housing, a not-for-profit organisation. Bridges is forced to decline placements for children and young people, aged between 0-18 years, who for various reasons are unable to live with their families on a daily basis, due to the shortage of caregivers.
Bridges staff are holding a raffle and sausage sizzle on Saturday 17th of October, to raise much needed funds to recruit, train and support Foster carers.
The sausage sizzle will be at Tasman Meats, 55 Synnot Street, Werribee from 10am - 3pm.
The raffle has a number of prizes, including a HTC mobile phone and a family pass to Luna Park.
Tickets can be purchased on the day, with the raffle drawn at 2pm.
If you believe that you can provide a home for a vulnerable child, or young person, come along to our information session at Crossroads Uniting Church, on the corner of Duncans Rd & Synnot St, Werribee from 5:30 – 6:30pm.
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Patients at Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital are well cared for in their time of need.
Not only do they receive some of the best medical treatment in the country, they are also nurtured by the hard work of the hospitals dedicated volunteers.
Volunteer Coordinator Dilys Luciani has been coordinating the hospitals Baby Bundle program for nearly seven years.
The program involves gathering together the generous donations of handmade knitted baby blankets, booties, jumpers, hats and soft toys, bundling them together and distributing them to disadvantaged new mothers in need.
The program has expanded significantly since the Royal Women’s Hospital moved to their Parkville location in 2008, with the volunteers having their own area dedicated to the wonderful work they do.
“We have volunteers from all over Victoria knitting for us, as well as some items coming to us from parts of New South Wales and Queensland” said Dilys.
Walking into the volunteer’s storeroom, I was blown away by the generosity of the volunteers, who spend hours knitting blankets and clothing for newborn babies.
Shelves were lined with trays, holding the handmade goods organised in a spectacular array of colours and styles.
A dedicated team of volunteers come in on Tuesdays and pick items from the shelves, to package and distribute to those in need.
Distribution is done through the social work departments, the young women’s clinic, the Aboriginal unit and the WADS (Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service) department, as well as the maternity ward.
“The program benefits everyone, the babies, mothers and even the volunteers themselves, who are happy knowing they are making a positive contribution to someone in need.
Our program has also extended to providing shawls, scarves and knee rugs to comfort our oncology patients,” said Dilys.
Altona resident, Judy Roulston has been knitting blankets and clothing for the Baby Bundle program for the past four years and says it is a wonderful way to help people who are in need.
“Volunteering with the Baby Bundle program has given me a sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing that I’m helping someone and doing something useful with my time,” said Judy.
Melissa Haber
If you are interested in becoming part
of the Baby Bundle program,
contact Dilys Luciani on
for guidelines and enquiries.
ROYAL WOMEN’S HOSPITAL BABY BUNDLE PROGRAM
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The younger group members of the Future Creation Workshop were recently invited to a challenge, cleverly thought up by senior members, that was designed to keep all 26 youngsters present, flat out for the entire two hour presentation.
Accompanied by 17 parents, the youths were introduced to eight double sided, one meter square peg board stands and multiple large boxes of goodies, such as plastic tubing, plastic fittings, tape, and goodness knows what.
Instructions about what was expected from them, were simple and did not appear to be complicated, such as a device to hold a marble, or marble’s to fit in the top left hand corner of the pegboard and to transport the marble to a bicycle bell, already fixed to the pegboard on the lower right hand side of the pegboard.
It wasn’t very long before the bells began to ring, as the marbles hit the bells.
As soon as the bell rang a photographer would appear, record the design, the design would be dismantled, and a new design would begin.
This was kept up right until the last minute of the two hour challenge, when the winners were announced.
As the crowd melted away, full of praise for a wonderful evening from both youngsters and parents, I was reminded of a verse of one of my favourite poems, which I believe went:
‘The tumult and the shouting dies,
And the Captains and the Kings depart.’
Congratulations also to the mum caterers, for a splendid example of healthy and exciting food – I enjoyed the whole show!
Bill McPherson
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THE FCW KIDS CHALLENGE
Full face of stands
End on view of stands
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It’s safe to say that most of us don’t worry about our superannuation or more precisely have the time to organise our supers.
But the bad news is that super is not one of those things that we can just put on the back burner and worry about in another 20 or 30 years. That kind of thinking will just see you fall into the 80% (and this is one time you don’t want to be part of the majority!).
At the end of the day, the cost of living (e.g. food, utilities, fuel) is getting higher every year so the need for saving for our retirement becomes even more important.
Here are a few steps to get your super into check.
Find your lost super – Did you know that there’s $17 billion worth of ‘lost’ super waiting to be found? 17 BILLION! If you’ve worked more than one job throughout your life (and most of us have) then it’s very likely that you have multiple super accounts (some of which you probably don’t even know exist!). What you need to do is identify them and consolidate them into one. If you don’t know where to start, try the MyGov Website. All you need to do is setup an account with MyGov and they will locate any superannuation funds which you may have.
Compare and save – As with all things in life, it pays to do your homework. Next time you receive an annual statement
from your super fund, check how your super is tracking – this includes checking fees, performance and even asset allocation (you’d be surprised how some super funds invest your money). You can also use the Money Smart website as a guide for choosing an appropriate fund. If you think your super would be better off elsewhere, give the super fund a call and find out how you can roll your existing super balance into their fund. Before rolling over, it is important to check:
• Whether your current fund charges exit fees
• Whether you hold insurance in your current fund and whether a similar policy can be provided by the new fund
• Whether your employer can contribute to the new fund.
Review your investment strategy – The investment strategy you have chosen for your super account is just as important as choosing the right super fund. Make sure your investment strategy matches your long term goals. For example, if you’re young, you should be focused on growth, so putting all your money in cash and fixed interest doesn’t make sense – instead, your funds should be predominately invested in assets which will grow in value.
Get insured – Superannuation is one of the most cost effective way for most of us to own life insurance. Consider taking out appropriate life insurance through your super fund.
DON’T FORGET YOUR SUPER
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Take advantage of the government – The government provides great incentives to encourage low-to-medium income earners to make personal contributions to super:
• Super co-contribution scheme – If you earn less than $50,455 per year (before tax) and make after-tax super contributions, you are eligible to get matching contributions from the government. If you earn less than $35,454 the maximum co-contribution is $500 and is based on 50 cents for every $1 you contribute.
• Low income superannuation contribution – From 1 July 2012 the Government provide a new super contribution tax payment of up to $500 annually for individuals with an adjusted taxable income that does not exceed $37,000. Speak to your accountant or financial planner to find out if you are eligible.
• Salary sacrificing superannuation contributions – It is possible to make personal super contributions from your pre-tax salary. By giving up as little as even $20 each month from your pre-tax salary, you could be on your way to building quite a nest egg. Before entering into any salary sacrifice agreement, it is important that you speak to your accountant or financial planner.
These are just a few simple tips to building your retirement nest egg. The worst thing you can do is do nothing. If you need help then please contact the team at Vostro private, who can help you put your super back on track.
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PETS AND TOXIC PLANTSIn the midst of Spring, there are many reasons to celebrate the arrival of the warmth - sunshine and beautiful blooming flowers. However, it is important to be aware of the hidden dangers to our pets, that may also be blooming.
Plants, flowers and fruits can be a common temptation to our pets, often found around our homes, backyards and parks. Eating certain plants is one the most common ways that many pets ingest toxic substances. Symptoms range from vomiting, diarrhoea, acute renal failure, cardiac failure and intestinal obstruction.
Since there are very few effective treatments for toxic plant ingestion, a small mistake in the garden or home can be disastrous to your pet and family. Identifying these potential toxic plants, can help prevent exposure to your pet and alert you to the early signs and symptoms if ingestion has occurred. Common symptoms of ingestion of toxic plants are vomiting, drooling and diarrhoea; others are mentioned below.
Common Toxic Plants:
- Amaryllis- lack of appetite, tremors
- Cylamen- heart rhythm disturbance
- Angels Trumpet- disorientation, tremors
- Daffodils- abnormal breathing, arrhythmia
- Asparagus Fern- abdominal pain, skin irritation
- Ivy- abdominal pain, skin swelling/itching
- Autumn Crocus- shock
- Kalanchoe- heart rhythm disturbance
- Azalea- weakness, loss of coordination
- Lilies- disinterest with food, depression
- Baby’s breath- Lethargy, depression
- Oleander- muscle tremors, hypothermia
- Buttercup- weakness, tremors, seizures
- Tomato plant- weakness, confusion
- Chrysanthemum- depression
- Tulips- loss of appetite, convulsions
- Cycads – stiffness, paralysis
- Yew- muscle tremors, abnormal breathing
If you suspect your pet has come into contact with any of these plants, it is advised that you contact your veterinarian immediately.
There are more toxic plants that have not been mentioned in this article. If you want to find out more information, you can go to the ASPCA, Cornell University or the Pet Poison Helpline websites, where there is a database of plants listed, including photos and detailed descriptions of the effects of toxic plants on animals. You can also contact your local veterinary practice to see if they have a list on hand that they can provide to you.
Whether you are shopping for bulbs, flowers or seeds this season, or want to display some plants within your home, make sure to check that they are safe for your pet first.
Cindy BremnerNatural Pawfection- Animal Naturopath0421-446-764
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FREE PET REGISTRATION
Wyndham’s new pet owners are being offered an initial period of free pet registration in an exciting new initiative within the City.
Services Portfolio holder Cr Adele Hegedich knows that becoming a pet owner can be an expensive experience with vet checks, vaccinations, registration and micro chipping in addition to food, toys and housing, “from the time residents register their new pet until the next pet registration due date, the registration is free meaning the scheme will reduce some of the initial financial burden that comes with being a pet owner.”
For more information on the scheme or how to register your pet, visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au, contact us on 9742 0777 or visit us at the Pet Expo, Sunday, 27 September from 10am at the Wyndham Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee.
MUMS AND BUBS at the FLICKS
Wyndham City is offering monthly Mums and Bubs sessions at the Cultural Centre – with complementary morning tea, quiet places for feeding and nappy changing facilities.
The Mums and Bubs sessions are only $10 and are on at the Wyndham Cultural Centre, 177 Watton Street, Werribee.
To purchase tickets online, visit www.wyncc.com.au/ or contact the Box office, on 8734 6000.
RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER.
Saturday 10th October, 10am – 2pm.
Carboot Sale at Jamieson Way Community Centre Carpark.
$10 per car.
Book Now – call Diana 0418302517
What’s happening at Jamieson Way Community Centre.Grandparent’s Playgroup - Mondays 11am - 12:30pm. $25 for Term 4.Meet others and enjoy time with the grandkids.Indian Cooking Classes - Tuesdays 11am - 1pm. Starting 15th September. $12 per class.Learn and enjoy the wonderful flavors of Indian cooking.Men’s Hobby Group - First Wednesday of every month, 7pm - 9pm. $4 per session.Share skills and hobbies and make new friends.iPad Workshop for Beginners - Thursdays 10am - 11:30am. $25 for 6 weeks.Get to know your iPad and have fun making new friends.Seniors Festival - Thursday 15th October, 10am - 12:30pm. FREE Event - booking required.Celebrating the Seniors Festival with a Photography Exhibition and Workshop - morning tea provided.
Feel free to contact us at Jamieson Way Community Centre on 9395 3777, or via email on [email protected]
IN BRIEF
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As a parent, you’d know what it’s like to feel sick in your stomach and to have your heart jump out of your mouth when your child is lost or badly injured. So how does a local Point Cook resident, Di Coleman handle having her son and husband in the same car, clocking up speeds over 200kmh?
Di has always been supportive of her son Brent’s need for speed, despite her natural worries as a parent.
“Ever since he was a little tacker, he’s only had one speed – and that’s fast,” she explains. “He’s always had a talent. A natural instinctive ability, especially behind the wheel of a car.”
Husband Garry sits next to Brent when he drives as his navigator. He assures Di that their son never takes unnecessary risks.
Brent started with motorcycle racing – then progressed to car rallying, which brought a sigh of relief from mum. Since then, he’s been driving in Touring Rallies such as the Five Day Grand Prix Rally, then progressed 18 months ago to Tarmac Rallies.
Her eyes shine when speaking about the ups and downs of the racing scene. “I’m hooked!” she says simply. But since he was 15, Brent’s eye has always been on Targa Tasmania, an annual world-class motorsport event run in Tasmania.
MUM ‘HOOKED’ ON SON’S CAR RALLYING DREAM
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Winning his class in the Rookie event, Targa Hellyer Gorge was the only way he could afford the $8k entry into Targa Tasmania - he won it!
With his dad beside him, Brent and his Subaru WRX then successfully drove their way to many top 10 finishes, as well as collecting a class win. Now his family is determined to take his dream further, by being part of next year’s event: the 25th Anniversary of Targa Tasmania.
Di and her family would like to thank the generous local businesses who have supported Brent’s dream: Simple Property Investment, Breakthrough Health, Signarama, Muscat Events, Next Phase Wealth and of course, Coleman Chiropractic.
Please contact Di on 0418 544 212 to boost your brand’s profile in a unique way – by supporting Brent and dad, Garry in the 25th Targa Tasmania Rally in 2016. Sponsorship packages are available.
“Every morning you have two choices: continue to sleep with your dreams or get up and chase them” – Author unknown
Cynthia Marinakos
Photos supplied by Di Coleman
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©Glowimages
It seems that we’ve all snapped and said things that we later regret. Maybe the unkind words to a family member, or co-worker were the result of thoughtlessness, frustration, or stress. One way to maintain good relations at home and at work, is to keep guard over one’s thought and tongue - to think and speak gently. Doing this fosters harmony, and it’s good for your health.
WATCH WHAT YOU SAY
When I was growing up, my mother’s favourite words of wisdom were, “It’s not what you say, but the way you say it” and “If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all.”
Her sound instruction taught me the value of thinking before I speak, and to use kind and encouraging words in conversation. The tongue may be a small thing, but it can cause a fire-storm of damage!
TIP:
Before opening your mouth, consider the impact of your words.
“Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
The Bible, Proverbs 16:24
SPEAK GENTLY. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH.
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DON’T CRITICIZE RASHLY
Giving unmerited criticism, or expressing an unfavourable opinion of someone or something, out of anger or spite, is damaging to health and harmony. If it’s necessary to correct a youngster or a fellow worker, speak gently - use a spoonful of sugar, it can help the medicine go down. Experience shows that it’s more productive to begin a conversation with words of praise, or appreciation before giving your hopefully constructive advice.
TIP:
Be careful about using critical words. “A soft word turns away anger.”
The Bible Proverbs 15:1
SPEAK GENTLY
Each day conversations take place at home, work, school, at the café or supermarket. Some are short-and-sweet, others long or intense. Engaging with others in positive ways, by using words prompted by kindness, calmness, and thoughtfulness, enhances contacts and is beneficial to everyone’s health and peace of mind.
TIP:
Remember “…the world is wide; that there are a thousand million different human wills, opinions, ambitions, tastes, and loves; that each person has a different history, constitution, culture, character, from all the rest; that human life is the work, the play, the ceaseless action and reaction upon each other of these different atoms.” So, “… go forth into life with the smallest expectations, but with the largest patience.”
Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings p. 224
Put into practice the message of this poem by David Bates. “Speak gently! It is better far to rule by love, than fear. Speak gently, let not harsh words mar the good we might do here.”
Health writer, Beverly Goldsmith, is a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing.
Twitter: @GoldsmithBev
Blog: www.spiritualityandhealthconnect.com
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There’s something exciting about the slight increase in temperature when spring arrives.
It’s as though those very same two or three degrees lift our chins and we start to take notice of our surroundings a little more.
Suddenly, as you drive west by the canola fields, you notice people stopping their cars to photograph themselves against the bright, yellow backdrop.
In the plainest of front yards you walk past weeds in bloom, which, in their own right are as spectacular as the manicured roses at Werribee Mansion.
Blossoms promise fruit, appeasing our bellies and tickling our noses.
At the same time, a variety of bugs share our delight for the sudden abundance and we find ourselves reaching for both antihistamines and the Aeroguard.
The Rewilding Movement is a challenge to put on that ‘extra lens’ at anytime of year.
The aim is to commit yourself to thirty days, where you spend at least thirty minutes outside in nature.
The outcomes described are an increase in well-being and motivation, as well as an introduction to a whole new community of like-minded people.
At the Williamstown Literary Festival, Claire Dunn, Writer of My Year Without Matches, and Campaigner for the Wilderness Society, said people are starting to feel very molly-coddled and bubble wrapped and wondering whether coming from this culture, could we survive the wild?
REWIND AND REWILD
Claire Dunn, speaking with Jane Rawson, Harry Saddler and Michael Green at the Willy Lit Fest 2015
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Her book is an account of her learnings, as she took a year out from the mainstream to do just that.
Dunn described the day-to-day harvesting skills she learned, cutting down saplings to make her shelter, clearing spaces, gathering firewood, and killing an animal for food.
Hobsons Bay Library have a copy of My Year Without Matches, or if you’d like
your own copy visit http://www.blackincbooks.com/books/my-year-without-matches.
If the Rewild Your Life 30 Day Challenge is your cup of herbal brew, visit rewildyourlife.com
Petronella Boonen
Even the Weeds are wearing party dresses
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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
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.
Contact Ann on 0401 411 297 or Caroline 0449 507 873
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
CENTREINFORMATION ADVICE
AND REFERRAL SERVICE
MONDAY TO FRIDAY
10AM – 3PM
LEGAL SERVICE
THURSDAY FORTNIGHTLY
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
PHONE NO: 9398 5207
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.
RELAY FOR LIFE FUNDRAISER
Saturday 10th October, 10am – 2pm.
Carboot Sale at
Jamieson Way Community
Centre Carpark.
$10 per car.
Book Now – call Diana 0418302517
VIEW
VIEW (Voice, Interests, Education for Women) provides a low cost social outlet for women. Meets first Wed of every month 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm start. Pt Cook Community Learning
Centre, Cheetham Road, Pt Cook. Light supper provided. New members always welcome. Come and make new friends
and enjoy social outings. Contact Helen on 0425 803 965 for details or just
come along.
LEARN MALTESE
The Maltese Language Teachers Associations of Victoria are organising Maltese language classes at different levels in Werribee, Sydenham and Mill Park. Interested? Registrations for Terms 3 & 4 adult classes are now open. Hurry, limited seats available. For more information email [email protected] or call Mark on 0400307945
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
33-35 Windorah Drive, Point Cook
7:30 pm until 9:30 pm Every 2nd and 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 Celidh dance which is a mixture of
Waltz, Set and Barn dances.
For information phone Deryck 0415 250 284
or Alison 0413 295 133
Sponsored by the Bendigo Bank.
Wyndham Little
Buddies TOY LIBRARY
Children learn through play.
Borrow different toys every 2 weeks.
For children aged 0 - 5 years.
New members welcome.
Open hours:
Point Cook Community Centre:
Tue 9.30-11 Fri 12-1.30 Sat 9.30-11.30
Wyndham Park Community Centre:
Mon & Fri 9.30-11, Sat 10-11.30.
For more info:
Website: www.littlebuddiestoylibrary.com.au
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 8353 1196 / 9741 1366
Community Café Weekly
12noon-1pm
Wednesday
Laverton Community Centre
The Laverton Hub
95-105 Railway Ave
Laverton
Friday
Altona Meadows
Community Centre
28 Trafalgar
Altona Meadows
Booking Essential
8368 0177
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Help support you local community
group and join as a member at
www.pointcookactiongroup.org.au
Community Board
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
AMESBecome an AMES Volunteer Tutor
AMES Werribee requires volunteers
for 1 to 2 hours a week to help new
arrivals learn English. Free training
program provided.
Details: Katherine: 8744 0011
email: [email protected]
CHINESEFor all ages interested in Saturday
Chinese (Mandarin) classes at
Suzanne Cory High School
conducted by Victorian School of
Languages (governm
ent funded), express your interest
contact Marjory Palmer 03-5277
9833/email marjoryp@
vsl.vic.edu.au
Ex Service men/women
The VVAA Melb West Sub Branch has moved. We now oper
ate from "The Lodge"Altona RSL on Mondays and
Tuesdays.For pensions and welfare enquiries call 9398 2865 or leave a message
at Werribee/Altona RSL
Point Cook WalkingGroup
Women and Men of all Ages Welcome.
• Discover Point Cook
• Meet New Friends
• Keep Fit and Healthy
• Friendly and Relaxed
Every week day at 9.00am
Leaving from Point Cook Town Centre at the Dry
Cleaners- Coles Precinct EVERY week day
at 9.00am
9395 1953
FAITH LIFE CHURCH
Are you or someone you know in need of physical healing?
Join us at our Healing Service.
Details @ www.faithlifechurch.com.au or 9393 2333
LIGHTPOINT CHURCH
A contemporary Christian Church Meets Sundays 9:30 & 11:15am
Point Cook Senior Secondary School Cnr Boardwalk Blvd & Bergamot Drive,
Point Cook Youth Group meets Fridays during term 7-9:15pm at the same venue
More info call 0425 722 868 www.lightpointchurch.com
Would you enjoy some social walking?We are Sanctuary Lakes Social Walking Group. We walk Tues and Wed from Jamison Way Community Centre and Thurs and Fri from Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club car park. Each walk is different and lasts approx an hour. We meet at 9am. All speeds and ages catered to. We also meet for lunch on a monthly basis.
Contact:Tracy 0438 607850
Sian 9395 1182
Are you interested in:• Meeting People• Crafts ( Thursdays 1-3pm)• Playing Cards or Board Games (Mondays 1-4pm)• Train TripsJoin the Point Cook Social Seniors Group at Janieson Way Community Centre, 59 Jamieson Way, Point Cook (Mondays 1-4pm)Contacts:Bev: 9395 1953 or 0417 324 489Maree: 9395 4120 or 0408 526 897
Seniors – Point Cook
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.
HOBSONS BAY LIFE
ACTIVITIES CLUB
If you're 50 plus and enjoy Dining Out, Movies,
BBQ's, Coffee Morning etc then we are just what
you are looking for.
Meet new people, make new friends, and join
like minded people in a variety of activities, both
week days and weekends.
Try us out by attending a couple of functions
of your choice, without obligation, before you
decide.
For further information and a copy of our Club
Newsletter please contact:
or Liz 9397 1043
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Host of the ABC Sunday morning show Insiders, and arguably one of the most respected political journalists in Australia, Barrie’s first question from the audience during the Williamstown Literary Festival was, “Why aren’t you tougher on Insiders?” His answer shows why he is so respected: “My style is different, I am not an opinionated interviewer, I am a journalist.” The applause was deafening, and followed by some great questions:
Q How did you learn to write?
A By reading the writings of others. I was not trained in the art of writing; it was just something you did.
Q At 17, what were you reading?
A Nothing of value until I became an adult, but I read newspapers from back to front, which is how I became interested in journalism.
Q When writing for newspapers at 17 - what were you writing?
A At 12, I wrote for Chiltern community paper, doing
the football report. Straight out of school at 15, I went to the Border Mail.
Q Was the transition from print to television difficult?
A No, not really, it was very early days for telly and we could stumble along. We were pretty rough back then – these days you have to be very polished.
Q In the early 80’s you worked for Bob Hawke, how was that?
A I wasn’t really into politics growing up. I started taking an interest during the Vietnam war, and Gough (Whitlam) could get anyone interested. I was sent to cover parliament, and from the first moment, I was hooked. I went back to night school, did a course on Federation etc., and went to Canberra for a few years. Hawke approached me and I thought, if I wanted to see how politics worked, it would be with this bloke. Unfortunately I gave Hawke bad advice, telling him to ignore the Fightback document and Hawke got canned.
Q When you went to the US, how did US politics compare to Australian politics?
BARRIE CASSIDY: IN CONVERSATIONPart 2
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A Bill Clinton was governor at the time and as an overseas reporter, I got extraordinary access in the early campaign. I was in the foyer, when Bill and Hilary came over - she said to me, 'Australia has the best health system in the world, one day we will have that here.'
Q With the 24 hour news cycle, how are you standing against it with a one hour show, once a week on Sunday?
A People want news as its happening, I don’t blame the media, but the politicians who signed up for it. Kevin Rudd started it with a 5.00am start, trying to control the media. Abbott's the same - every day he’s out there doing a door stop, or a bike ride.
Q What will be the thing to change political culture?
A Strong leadership - I can’t see any coming up, but that’s what the country needs - strong leadership. Issues are eating away at the credibility of both the current leaders.
As a huge fan of Barrie Cassidy’s work, I became a little tongue tied at his book signing. Wanting to say,
“I have loved your work for years”, it instead came out as, “I have loved you for years!” I then went on to ask him for photo - I am certain that I am now on his list, as stalker fan number one. Despite all this, he remained polite and smiling; a true gentleman and a scholar.
Jenny Bates
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We’ve had some fantastic news for local families this past month, with schools in Altona District set to share in more than $1.6 million of extra funding in 2016.
This is all part of the Andrews Labor Government’s plan to make Victoria the Education State.
Making Victoria the Education State requires smart investment in local schools, putting resources where they are needed most, and making sure no kids miss out.
This month, I was thrilled to announce that the new Point Cook South P - 9 school will open for the start of the 2017 school year, helping to ease enrolment pressures in the area.
The 2015-16 Victorian Budget was the single biggest injection of education funding in Victorian history, providing almost $4 billion in additional funding to education.
We're building and upgrading schools, and helping families with the costs of uniforms, glasses, camps, excursions and more.
The Budget built the foundations of the Education State, but the next step is all about helping Victorian kids learn, giving parents’ confidence, and giving teachers the resources and skills they need to do what they do best.
Under our plan, every single student in every single government school will be better off.
If you have any questions about the Education State or other constituent matters,
please contact me on 03 9395 0221 or [email protected].
Visit my website www.jillhennessy.com.au
for updates and news throughout the month.
A WORD FROM HON. JILL HENNESSY MP
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You might have heard about the current buzz in town – there is a madness for anything 'pop-up' these days. And I am not talking about popcorn, popsicles or any other physical product with the word 'pop' that you can hold. This is about a new business concept called 'pop-up'.
My educated guess, is that aside from aiming to create awareness that something is 'now' or popular in itself, pop-up is coming to be an Australian way of selling. Just as I had suspected, and with a little more research on this concept, I discovered that it
is more common in retail shops, where the stores are often smaller in venue, or they are located in a “temporary” space.
They do business within a limited time frame, so it can be a “here now, gone tomorrow” shop, meaning that trading can be done within a day or two, or may extend to several more weeks, before the store closes and moves on to another place. The concept is good in the sense that it generates interactivity and heightened exposure to the brand - think about those kiosks in the mall that have a “Today only sale!”
It is not only in clothing retail shops that pop-ups are common. There are also pop-up cafés, pop-up art exhibits, or galleries.
These pop-ups are slightly different from the weekend markets where retailers and buyers gather at a designated place and time for trading activities.
Certainly it is still a bit different from the way Expos and conferences with exhibitors are organised and run. Pop-ups are usually more planned and strategic in the way the businesses intend to reach out to their customers.
WHY ‘POP-UPS’ ARE IN FASHION
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They bring their brand/products/services closer to where the people are. There is also a consideration of where do they want to go to drive more engagement.
Start-ups and even not-for-profits may use this concept to seek sponsorships, gather donations, and create brand awareness and so much more. What really made me think that this pop-up concept might work in any industry?
Just recently I was witness and audience to the Coles Community Choir’s pop up concert here, at the Point Cook Town Centre. They were not only performing upbeat and popular songs, there were also very good! According to the Coordinator, they go around to different Coles stores to perform and entertain their customers.
Who would have ever thought that a pop-up concert would make shoppers curious, and through their music entice more people to come check them out. A good number of customers actually enjoyed the performance and the choir definitely got a well-deserved round of applause.
That’s one of those afternoons that I realised, this pop-up thing could actually work!
Article and photo by Mimi Laurilla
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When children display challenging behaviour, it is often distressing for both parents and the child.
Here are the five most important things parents can do, to limit the occurrences of difficult behaviour in children and improve their relationship.
Thinking Ahead:
Be in tune and be aware of your child’s physical needs.
This will help you to plan for the day and enable you to effectively address their basic needs of hunger, exhaustion, sleep or boredom.
Set Limits:
Every child needs boundaries to thrive and behave appropriately.
Knowing what is expected of them, allows the kids to make better behavioural choices and prepare themselves.
Be consistent:
Respond to the same behaviour in the same way,
regardless of the situation and your own feelings. This helps the child to get a clear idea of what is appropriate and what is not. If children get mixed messages, they can be expected to try various tactics to test the boundaries.
Addressing the Emotions:
Recognise the emotions from which the child’s behaviour stems, name them and express them. Using a few reflective statements to empathise with the child, can almost always help the child feel understood and calm down. This also encourages them to learn how to name their feelings, hence developing emotional maturity.
Take care of yourself:
If you are physically and mentally healthy, your child will (almost) always get the best from you. You will continue to be a healthy role model for your children, helping them be what you want them to be.
Feedback, questions, comments:
www.nehadave.comwww.facebook.com/nehadavepsychology
FIVE MANTRAS FOR MANAGING YOUR CHILD'S TANTRUMSHealth page
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Whether your child is going through a difficult stage, or has a diagnosed behavioural disorder, latest research has confirmed that diet can be a contributing factor. NATUROPATH Caterina Morrison (BHSc) reports on three major links between food and behaviour.
Breakfast
Children are more attentive, less fidgety and perform better when they eat regularly. Irregular intake of food leaves children prone to highs and lows throughout their day, reducing their tolerance to frustration, tantrums and behavioural issues. As obvious as it sounds, this all starts with a wholesome breakfast.
Additives
For a minority of the population, artificial food additives (colours, preservatives and flavor enhancers) can cause adverse reactions, including behavioural issues.
Many common foods, like bread and juice contain preservatives that can cause irritability, restlessness, sleep disturbances and inattention in children prone to food sensitivities.
One famous study found food colourings, particularly red, yellow and orange, and the preservative sodium benzoate, can cause hyperactivity.
If you feel your diet is pretty good, yet still suspect your child’s behavioural
issues are diet-related, further investigation is worthwhile, as removing these chemicals will often improve behaviour significantly.
Deficiencies
While balanced, regular meals and removing preservatives and colourings can make a difference, studies have also shown that boosting levels of particular minerals and nutrients may be essential for improving behaviour.
Under two years of age, there is a period of rapid brain development. Any deficiency can result in long-term problems with attention and mood. In my clinic I have found boosting iron, zinc magnesium, along with omega-3 fats, beneficial to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impaired socialization, through supporting the brain regions involved in attention.
There are many factors that contribute to childhood behavioural issues and while the above outlines a few key areas, any concerns can be discussed with your naturopath.
Caterina Morrison
DIET AND CHILDHOOD BEHAVIOURHealth page
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BEST IN THE WEST CHESS COMPETITION 2015
Chess has been described as a mental pursuit, suitable for players aged 8-80 and beyond.
This was proven literally, during the 2015 edition of the Best in the West chess tournament, again held at Altona’s Louis Joel Community Centre over the Father’s Day weekend.
The Hobsons Bay Chess Club has run this event since 1982, with fantastic support from local business. In particular, the past few years’ competition has benefited from the generous sponsorship of both Bendigo Bank (Laverton, Altona, Point Cook) and Barry Plant (Altona Meadows).
71 players took part this year, including three of the Australian masters, who were equal winners last year, many of Victoria’s top junior players and local stalwarts of the veteran variety.
All competitors played five grueling rounds.
They were paired with a computer program known as Swiss Perfect, which matches players on the same scores.
Venue- Louis Joel Community Centre
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This promotes participation and a chance to recover from one bad game, which is superior to the knock-out format used by some other sports.
The top four boards were broadcast in real time over the Internet.
This was possible with the use of chess pieces, emitting various frequencies and a chess board equipped with sensors.
Apart from that technology, players were banned from having any sort of device on their person.
This has become a necessity in modern chess tournament play, as today any reasonable chess program is stronger than the World Chess Champion, Magnus Carlsen.
There were four champions this year.
Three players repeated their impressive performances from 2014, International Masters Kanan Izzat and James Morris, alongside FIDE Master Domogoj Dragicevic and the newcomer, 11
year old Bobby Yu, all scoring 4.5/5!
Other notable performers were Zoran Babic, from Geelong (4/5) and 8 year old, Atlas Baillieu (2/5).
Congratulations to former Hobsons Bay Club Champion Derek Richards, who decided to take on the youngsters, after celebrating his 80th birthday a few days prior to the event.
Tony Davis
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CHINESE UMBRELLA DANCE BRINGS THEM ALL TOGETHER
I had an opportunity to meet some interesting ladies recently. It all started because I got intrigued by their very colourful umbrellas. I discovered that they were practicing, to perfect their Chinese Umbrella Dance. Here’s a snapshot of who they are and why they dance…
The ladies belong to a Chinese friendship group here in Point Cook. Around 12-20 of them aged 55 years and over, who all speak Chinese, but come from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia. The group have been in existence for around two years now and consistently meet on Thursdays to rehearse.
I interviewed Cheng, one of the members, who was just so happy to share their story. The ladies apparently do more than just dance. They organise indoor sports activities such as ping pong, and occasionally play music by singing together. On a better day, they organise outdoor activities, so that they can have lunch out or a day trip, but within the group they have also formed a smaller cooking group, that on-a-
rotation basis, host lunches, or dinners showcasing their best recipes and menu.
So what makes being a member of this group very enticing to its members? Cheng said that since most of them are retirees, they get bored staying at home, and for those that look after their grandchildren, they needed something to occupy their time whilst the kids were at school. For some women, it is the company of those that can speak the language; it helps them to feel a sense of community, and minimises the feeling of isolation. The others simply want to stay active, both physically and mentally, as they take up a hobby through dance, song, sports or even cooking.
The ladies actually performed at last year's multicultural fiesta, and are still keen to continue dancing for any future events.
The Chinese Umbrella Dance isn’t just a folk dance, performed during seasonal, or celebratory events in Chinese culture. As I observed, the Chinese Umbrella dance steps are strong, yet very smooth in execution. Putting it in the context of these local women, who have dedicated themselves to doing it weekly, it is a representation. It is a symbolism of their friendship, community, ties to their heritage, and most of all a symbolism of their identity, as women at this stage of their lives.
Article and photo by Mimi Laurilla
*Writer’s note: This is the second article featuring interesting cultural activities, customs and traditions, celebrating diversity in our community. If you or your community group have something to share about your cultural heritage or activities, contact Mimi at [email protected]
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THE GOLD COAST IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
This month Jetstar begins flying direct to the Gold Coast from Avalon Airport.
In the exciting new deal struck by Jetstar, the State Government and Linfox, Jetstar is to announce two new destinations, with many local residents bidding for the Gold Coast as their first choice.
It is a region popular for its food, beaches, resorts and exciting nightlife, whilst being the gateway to Tambourine, Kingscliff and Byron Bay, which are all a short drive from the airport, and offer a quieter aspect in the region.
Avalon Airport CEO, Justin Giddings is thrilled about the destination and the opportunity it offers the local community to travel easily to Northern NSW and Queensland.
“We know a lot of people living in this region have been looking for direct flights to the Gold Coast,” he said. “We’re so pleased Jetstar is bringing this new destination to Avalon and are excited for the growth and opportunity for the region - as well as for people who just want to get away and do it easily!”
Just as exciting are the tourism opportunities the new flights will offer Victoria, given Avalon Airport is the gateway to the Surf Coast and the Bellarine, as well as regions of interest such as Geelong and Werribee.
From the 26 October Jetstar will fly direct to and from Gold Coast and Avalon Airports daily, from Avalon at 10am each day, and from the Gold Coast at 11.30am. Tickets are on sale now.
For updates and special deals follow Avalon Airport on Facebook, Twitter (@AvalonAirportAU) and Instagram (@avalonairport).
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‘Preventing violence against women is everyone’s business.’
That was the slogan of the interactive forum held last month, at St Eanswythe’s Anglican Church to discuss how domestic violence against women can be prevented.
Reverend Chris Lancaster said, “we are always seeking to demonstrate that each and every person is valuable and has a dignity, which is to be honoured.” He also recognised that at times, the churches have failed in this area – particularly with women and children, and that they need to keep learning how to do better.
Statistics show that females are three times more likely than men, to experience violence at the hands of a partner and, of those women, almost half said their children had seen or heard the violence (ABS 2013).
The impact on children who witness such violence, is felt beyond their own scars.
Research suggests that abusive behaviours can be preserved within children, and they can fall into the trap of becoming aggressors or victims later in life.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN CAN BE PREVENTED
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However, as violence is a learned behaviour, and we all are capable of self-actualising - to assess, take responsibility and make changes, it can be unlearnt, albeit slowly.
Further, research suggests that violence can be prevented. Dr Ree Boddé, the Program Director for Think Prevent – Prevention of Violence against Women, who facilitated the forum, believes that societal attitudes and perceptions that condone or excuse violence, play an important role in perpetuating these behaviours. Social norms like these need to be realised and broken down. Even passivity can be a form of condoning. Research has proven that the larger the number of unresponsive bystanders who witness an act of violence, the less likely it is that one of those bystanders will intervene to prevent serious harm or even death.
“We need to become a lot more responsive when we witness or experience violence,” said Dr Ree Boddé. In more recent years, many faith communities have begun to adopt a new approach to domestic violence - The Active Bystander Intervention Method.
During the forum, Dr Boddé encouraged participants to role-play a violent situation, to teach each one as bystanders how to use strategies that could save someone’s life, or at the least, challenge the abusive behaviour as inappropriate and not ok.
For more detailed information on the Active Bystander Intervention Approach and how to use it effectively and safely, please go to the Think Prevent website. www.thinkprevent.com
Kyla-Jayne Rajah
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I’m going to explain how you can start an Internet business and create an income stream that you can build over time. I am going to introduce the topic of “Affiliate Marketing” and how you can use it to get started making money online, with the least difficulty.
There are other ways to earn an income on-line, for example you could create products for sale, create tutorials on a topic in which you have expert knowledge, or you may have purchased a product at wholesale price and wish to retail it. All of these
are good in their own ways – they just take time to understand and master.
Today I want to outline “Affiliate Marketing” and how you can use it to get started making money online with the least difficulty.
Affiliate marketing is all about promoting other people’s products and receiving a commission in return. You don’t need to purchase stock, you don't need to arrange deliveries, you don’t need to make any sales, or do any invoicing - you just need to spread the word.
This is done through emails containing pages supplied by the affiliate provider, about the product – you then get paid for any subsequent completed sales, automatically, usually direct from such firms as PayPal.
Commissions are usually 50% for information products like training manuals, or on-line courses and to receive this type of commission you just need permission to promote the product, on behalf of the creator and spread the word to all your contacts. Your job is to build a list of contacts and tell them about the item/s you have selected to promote.
All using Internet Marketing agree, ‘The Money is in the List.’ To get an understanding of what types of products are available, you can check out sites like Clickbank.com, WarriorForun.com or JVZoo.com.
These are not the only sites offering affiliate programs, you could also Google Affiliate Offers, or Affiliate Programs to locate more options and the three I mentioned earlier would be a good start.
If you would like a far more detailed report on “How to Get Started” with affiliate marketing then you can access my latest Affiliate Money Machine report for just $10.00 via this link http://www.FredGillen/amm
Feel free to email me with any questions [email protected] – I would appreciate your interest and I look forward to helping you get started.
Fred Gillen
HOW TO GET STARTED IN ‘AFFILIATE MARKETING’ AT NO COST
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Laugh Out Loud
Puns for Educated Minds
How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews it.
Venison for dinner again? Oh deer!
A cartoonist was found dead in his home. Details are sketchy.
I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest.
Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes.
England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool .
I tried to catch some fog, but I mist.
They told me I had type-A blood, but it was a Type-O.
I changed my iPod's name to Titanic. It's syncing now.
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DROP BEARS
The Australian bush is dangerous,So bushwalkers had best beware,
Of fearsome Thylarctos plummetus,A creature that’s called the Drop Bear.
Of koalas a distant cousin,Is this marsupial carnivore.
Some have called it the evil twin,Of that cute cuddly herbivore.
It’s a leopard-sized furry fright,Orange coloured with meaty paws.It sleeps all day and hunts at night,
Armed with sharp teeth and razor-like claws.
Its hunting tactic is surprise.Though small mammals be its prey,
It will take on something human size:Man’s flesh a Drop Bear finds okay.
Gum trees are Drop Bear habitat.From a branch about thirty feet up,It will drop down knocking you flat;
Then on your dead or dazed carcase sup.
To watch for this menace wise folk dread,Look up at the tree canopy:
Six to eight metres above your head,Is where this villain might well be.
Do not camp under a gum tree,When exploring Australia’s Outback,
For the chances are you won’t see,That which knocks you flat as a tack.
Drop Bears are just one more horror,Of our Aussie monstrology.
The Hooroo, according to folklore,Will eat you without apology.
What’s a Hooroo for all that’s holy?It’s a flesh-eating giant kangaroo.
And beware the Bunyip and Yowie,For they might make a meal of you too.
Jack Nystrom
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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 Hi Kids, Say you woke early on Sunday 25th October and just felt like practicing your Circus Skills …
Or, while brushing your teeth a notion struck the motion, nudging you to swap a toy, paint your face like a unicorn and join the Nylon Zoo!
Would you?
And when you ate your breakfast the Kazzos knocked at the door, asking for directions.
Do you want to know what for?
The CHILDREN’s WEEK PICNIC at Werribee Park
It starts at 10 - turn off the TV, Grab Mum, Dad, Grandpa and Aunty,
You’ll be entertained by the Cat in the Hat, you could take a ride along the trainless track … mmm … is that Right?
You could cook up a curry, build a recycled city,
get lost in a jungle and blend a smoothie.
Come one; come all to this spectacular occasion, celebrate the Rights of Australia’s Children.
One of those rights is to have rollicking fun; it’s in print, I swear, at Article 31.
Best Wishes,
KJ xx
40 Please redistribute rather than discard.