Letterboxed to homes in Altona and Seaholme, with new distribution points in Altona North, Altona Meadows and Williamstown member of Continued page 3 “I am the CEO of Metro, responsible for how it performs,” said Andrew Lezala AltonA loop - one YeAr on ISSUE 51, JUNE 2012 Page 1 One year has passed since the the Altona Loop was separated from the Werribee Line. A community meeting was attended by some 160 residents, Metro’s CEO Mr Andrew Lezala, Public Transport Victoria’s Mr Paul Gray and other PTV officials, Local MPs and representatives of Council. Notably missing were State Government’s Mr Bernie Finn MLC for Western Metropolitan Region and Mr Terry Mulder, Minister for Transport. Diana Rice provided a brief background of events leading up to the initial timetable change and throughout the past year. “We were struck by the concern across the community,” Diana said, describing the overwhelming numbers at the March 2011 meeting. Meetings, forums, distribution of leaflets have followed and the growing Facebook membership of 128 members (now 140 since the this last meeting), indicated the continued effort of residents. Testimonials were then made by users of the line. Jennifer Williams described the new timetable as ‘a disaster for this community’, pointed out that the train was the only option for Altona Loop residents and the changes meant she was leaving earlier and arriving home later to get to and from work.
Transcript
Letterboxed to homes in Altona and Seaholme, with new distribution points in Altona North, Altona Meadows and Williamstown
member of
Continued page 3
“I am the CEO of Metro, responsible for how it performs,” said Andrew Lezala
AltonA loop - one YeAr on
ISSUE 51, JUNE 2012
Page 1
One year has passed since the the Altona Loop was separated from the Werribee Line. A community meeting was attended by some 160 residents, Metro’s CEO Mr Andrew Lezala, Public Transport Victoria’s Mr Paul Gray and other PTV officials, Local MPs and representatives of Council. Notably missing were State Government’s Mr Bernie Finn MLC for Western Metropolitan Region and Mr Terry Mulder, Minister for Transport.
Diana Rice provided a brief background of events leading up to the initial timetable change and throughout the past year.
“We were struck by the concern across the community,” Diana said, describing the overwhelming numbers at the March 2011 meeting. Meetings, forums, distribution of leaflets have followed and the growing Facebook membership of 128 members (now 140 since the this last meeting), indicated the continued effort of residents.
Testimonials were then made by users of the line. Jennifer Williams described the new timetable as ‘a disaster for this community’, pointed out that the train was the only option for Altona Loop residents and the changes meant she was leaving earlier and arriving home later to get to and from work.
Issue 51Page 2
The end of the financial year draws nigh!
Have you done all you had to do? I’m flat out doing that right now.
At the Hobsons Bay Mens Shed, things are running very smoothly having just had a successful ‘gathering’ of Mens Shed members from all over Victoria.
One hundred and seventy-six attended and it was a great day – the sun shone for the occasion and a great meeting was had by all present.
At Point Cook, the steering committee continues to explore the possibility of establishing a Mens Shed in the area and we invite you to contact me at the paper to express your interest.
It’s great to watch the steelwork grow at the new Williams Landing station and we can only hope the local gridlock can be eased with a planned 500 space car park at the station to ease our pain.
The Queen Street approach to the freeway becomes blocked as it joins Point Cook Road for up to several hours assisted by our loop disaster and with still thousands more homes planned without any expressed interest by the State government.
If this affects you, please make your protest known to local State Member, Jill Hennessy.
Until next month,
Bill McPherson
Rambling with the Editor
Puddling with the Publisher
This month, Helene Wild’s Altona Gardens features hydrangeas. Once again, she shares with us one of her exquisite drawings and with it an accompanying essay bringing her subject into our homes and hearts. Thank you again Helene.I recently took some cuttings from my friend’s mother’s hydrangea bush (sorry Helene – is it classed as a bush?) in the hope of planting it in our new home. For me, the lush flowers and foliage of this particular plant look as amazing in the garden as on the kitchen table.It was sad news to hear that Susan Stanjo, featured in Daniel Allen’s article about the opening of Laverton’s Woods Street Arts Space, is no longer with us. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Susan’s family and friends and to the arts community who have lost a talented creative.Hobson’s Bay council’s move to bring internet access to Logan Reserve is great if you have a device to browse on in the sunshine. If you don’t and you’d like to explore the web, places like LOL in Harrington Square or the library will get you connected.This month, there’s an article about connecting to some global initiatives via the internet. Closer to home, head onto www.youtube.com and search for Discover your own backyard, Hobsons Bay, Melbourne and you’ll notice some friendly local faces including Altona’s own George Said.“It is not often that I get to feature in a film,” he said.
“The link shows Hobsons Bay as a great place to live and to visit. I had the pleasure of saying a few words.”
She said 22 minute services were inadequate for a suburb less than 20kms from the CBD and cancellations meant a 44 minute wait between trains with infrastructure problems often causing our loop trains to run express to Laverton.
Former School Principal Max Kidd said he now loathed to use the trains, as they have become a confusing experience. In true ‘school teacher form’, he provided an acrostic representation of his view:
T is for Trains are Tops as they can get us to where we want to go.
R is for Reliable – the most frustrating part is you never know if you are going to get home on time or at all.
A is for All – trains should be for all… signage is often not legible if you’re older.
I is for Inspectors – It’s good to have inspectors, we need them at some stations where Altona doesn’t even get a mention. It’s a matter of caring.
N is for please Notify us of the frustrating things that happen to you, so that it can be documented.
S is for Safety. The bus replacement two weeks prior posed a dangerous situation for many elders in the community – again, it’s a caring thing.
Steven Holbrook highlighted the problems caused when the Altona Loop shuttle arrives two to four minutes earlier than scheduled resulting in longer waits. He said the changes have ‘made our suburb more insular and car dependent’.
Annie Kinniburgh described life as a twenty-one year old with a rare medical condition making everyday life a challenge.
“My family moved to Seaholme across from the station so that I can access a social life, education and medical appointments,” she said.
She described the frustration of an unreliable service with last minute changes in what should be a sixteen-minute journey to travel four stations often leaving her an hour late for classes, exams and appointments. As a result, she has considered giving up her studies all together.
Anne-Maree Kelly catches regular transport and due to her blindness, relies on announcements of trains to be on time. She also highlighted the safety risks caused by the gap between the train and platform on some stations. Anne-Maree is currently lodging a complaint with the Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
Maree Kinniburgh urged residents not to give up on the fight against a service that discriminates against people who need it most.
Andrew Lezala acknowledged the speakers heartfelt stories of travelling on the network. He described various improvements across the network but suggested any major improvement on the Altona Loop would not be seen until 2016 when the Regional Rail Link frees up access on both sides of the Loop. The argument presented was that the line is constrained by resources and infrastructure available to prioritise services for the betterment of the entire network. Public Transport Victoria put across its wish to provide a more interactive customer service experience.
Following the Q and A session, Mr Lezala agreed to offer performance data separated from the Werribee Line data. He would investigate early arrival times and cancellations to the Altona Loop service. It was explained that performance data is currently collected from Newport and for Laverton and a 4 minute 59 second period after and 59 second period before the scheduled time is considered an on-time service.
Also speaking on the night were local MPs, Jill Hennessey, Wade Noonan and Colleen Hartland who each congratulated the community for its persistence on the issue.
Petronella Boonen
Issue 51
There’s a brand new vibe at Harrington Square confirmed by fresh, the growing list of interesting shopping choices flourishing . The square caters for every need with it’s own supermarkets, newsagency, internet cafe, audiologist, jeweler, lawyers, health practitioners, fancy dress shop, beauticians, wonderful places to eat and drink coffee and of course the home of long time Around Altona supporter Westside Books. It is also the home of the cake and pastry masters Borgs Cakes. These guys have been in Harrington Square for many years, through its good times and hard times.
New to Harrington Square but not to Altona is Eastern Dawn Bakery Cafe and Takeaway. Sisters Trang and Tam have opened in Shop 19, after having established their mother business in Blackshaws Road, Altona North for the past ten years.
“Our customers at Blackshaws Road are very loyal. They come from as far as Werribee for our bread,” Trang said.
“We wanted to do a bit more than just the bakery here.” Open from 7am to 6pm on Weekdays and 8am to 2pm on Saturdays, the ladies have a mouth-watering choice of sandwiches, rolls and croissants, pies, sushi, fried rice and Vietnamese pork rolls if you need a substantial feed. Fancy
something sweet with your coffee? There’s a delightful mixture of European and Aussie favorites - hedgehogs, lemon cheese cakes and vanilla slices sit next door to some very inviting almond crescents and crostoli.
And then of course, there’s the continental breads baked onsite at their Altona North shop. There’s nothing quite like bringing home a fresh Vienna loaf to serve with some hot soup on these colder days and the perfect excuse to stop for a coffee!
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Eastern Dawn Bakery Cafe and Takeaway opens in Harrington Square
Issue 51 Page 5
Say Hi to Trang and Tam at Shop 19, Harrington Square, next to Westona Train Station. It’s a welcoming place, like most are at Harrington Square.
“The other shop keepers here in Harrington Square have been visiting and are very friendly,” Trang added.
Petronella Boonen
Issue 51Page 6
locAl Girls tAkinG off for UGAndA
Three lovely local girls, Jill Billston, Kim Reilly, and Tricia , all from the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, are about to take off on 4th August for Bwindi in Uganda on a mission to ease the poverty of some of the local villagers.Having conceived a project somewhat broader to those undertaken by the World Grameen Bank, which provides small loans to people in need around the world to help start a small business, the girls from Louis Joel appear to have gone one better, to actually make a gift of sewing machines, and then to travel around the world to teach the recipients how to use them, is indeed a mighty project.They have obtained through supporters, 100 Singer treadle sewing machines as no electricity is available, arranged for delivery to this local village, and will soon be on their way to teach the women of Bwindi how to use them to make products for sale and bring in some much needed revenue to buy food and medical supplies. Terrific support came from the Board of Management of the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre who contributed $4,000 toward the airfares. I guess they all must have heard that old saying ‘if you give a man a fish you feed him for a day – if you teach him how to fish you feed him for life’’ – well done girls!So here we were at a wonderful afternoon tea to launch the ladies on their way. The event was very well attended with standing room onlyLocal identity, Peter Weaver, set the pace with a well-run auction of items donated which attracted vigorous bidding and resulted in everything being sold. Door prizes were flowing and lots of the guests were thrilled to take home prizes - bon voyage girls!
Bill McPherson
Issue 51 Page 7
Bowel cancer claims more lives in Australia than road accidents or breast cancer. There are approximately 12,000 new cases and 5,000 deaths from bowel cancer each year. However 90% of
bowel cancers can be cured if detected early.
During the month of May, the Rotary Clubs of Altona, Altona City, and Williamstown are teaming up to make the Bowelscan Program available to the local community for the 5th year running. Bowelscan is a community health awareness program supported by Australian Rotary Health, and is a way of detecting bowel cancer in its early stages. It is administered by local Rotary clubs in partnership with local pharmacies.
Early detection is possible through a simple kit, purchased from your local pharmacy for only $10.00, which you use at home and then return to the pharmacy. The cost of the screening test includes the supply and testing of each kit as well as mailed notification of your result by the Bowelscan Medical Coordinator.
The incidence of bowel cancer increases progressively from the age of 40. By the age of 75, 1 in 20 men and 1 in 24 women will develop Bowel Cancer. Everyone over the age of 40 should participate in the Bowelscan Program.
(A Bowelscan test is not required if you are already being screened by your GP e.g. regular colonoscopy).
Rotary Bowelscan kits will be on sale for $10- during June only, from:
Altona Martin Didzys Pharmacy Harrington Square Altona West
Tom Sarros Pharmacy 88 Pier Street, Altona
Tyrrell’s Pharmacy 65 Pier Street, Altona
Altona North Borrack Square Pharmacy Borrack Square, Altona North
Blackshaws Road Night Chemist 310A Blackshaws Road
Altona Meadows Pharmasave Pharmacy Central Square, Queen Street
Newport Newport Pharmacy 33 Mason Street Newport
Sunshine Sunshine Plaza Pharmacy Shop 13 Sunshine Plaza
Williamstown National Pharmacy 81 Ferguson Street, Williamstown
Priceline Pharmacy 19-21 Douglas Parade, Williamstown
For additional pharmacies in the Melbourne Area visit www.rotarymanningham.org/
The last day for the return of your completed test kit to a participating pharmacy for collection is on or before Saturday 14th July 2012.
If you require further information, phone 1300 779 694 or ww.nationalbowelscan.org.au
Bowelscan Program – June 2012YEARLY TESTING SAVES LIVES
Issue 51
SAVING TIME AND MONEY WITH THERMOMIX
Men’s Shed Seminar
With today’s fast paced lifestyle, we cook far less than we used to.Homemade breads, jams, juices, soups, sauces, salads, dips, cakes and biscuits have become a thing of the past.THERMOMIX makes it simple to bring fresh, wholesome, nutritious food back into your diet.Preparation time is cut from minutes to seconds and cooking is a gently swift process, ensuring all the flavors and goodness are locked into each mouthful. With THERMOMIX in the kitchen, you will see and taste the difference in the food you prepare.Best of all you will have the peace of mind of knowing exactly what is going into everything you eat – no more harmful additives, artificial colouring or preservatives.With the help of Thermomix, everyday cooking couldn’t be easier or better for you!Everything is faster with THERMOMIX!!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?3-4 seconds Any salad30 seconds Peanut butter30 seconds Any cake mix60 seconds Sorbet30-60 seconds Any juice or drink1-2 minutes Butter2 minutes Pizza or bread dough3-5 minutes Sauces and gravies7 minutes Custard10-20 minutes Soups10-60 minutes Jams and spreads Una FergusonPhone No : 03 8360 8434Mobile No : 0425 772 501
We would like to invite you to our first Financial Seminar at the ‘Hobson’s Bay Men’s Shed’.
We will be delighted to have your presence at this quality seminar that will assist you to acquire valuable financial knowledge to make informed decisions for your future.
Date and time: 17th of July 2012 (Tuesday) at 7pm
Place: ‘Hobsons Bay Mens Shed’, 280 Queen Street, Altona (opposite Kooringal Golf Club)
Speakers: Melinda Houghton – Financial Adviser, Houghton Strategic Solutions, Authorised Representative of Aon Hewitt Financial Advice, 9394 6344Wayne Taylor – Accountant, Western Region Tax & Accounting Solutions, CPA, 9394 6396Russell Investments – Highly respected and experienced Asset Management firm, est. 1936 with $141 billion in Assets under management, 9270 8111
RSVP: by 1st of July 2012 on 0449 834 359 (Will) Light supper will be provided
Financial Topics for Discussion
1. Superannuation Structure and Tax EfficienciesWhy would you prioritise Superannuation for your sav-ings? What are the benefits?2. Tax Changes relating to SuperannuationWhat effect will the 2012 Federal Budget changes have on your Superannuation?3. Superannuation Income Stream Structure and Tax Efficiencies Why would you leave your money in the Superannuation environment when you are retired? What are your other options?4. Transition to Retirement (TTR) Pensions – Oppor-tunities and RisksWhat is a TTR pension? Why is it such a good strategy? What happens if you get it wrong?5. Superannuation and Centrelink StrategiesDoes Superannuation help me get Centrelink benefits?6. Superannuation and Estate PlanningWhy do I have to be careful with Superannuation if I want my family to get the most from my Estate?by Melinda Houghton7. Ten tax tips in ten minutesTen useful tax tips to remember, by Wayne Taylor8. Economic Update By Russell Investments9. QuestionsGeneral questions are welcome. Please note that personal advice cannot be provided at a public seminar. You are welcome to book an appointment to discuss your personal requirements with a Financial Adviser and/or Accountant to help you minimise financial risks and maximise financial opportunities.
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Issue 51
LOCAL BUDGET 2012 - 2013 UPDATE
A Word from Jill Hennessy MP
The 2012 - 2013 State Budget is a kick in the guts for families in the west.
Families in this electorate have been crying out for investment in local roads and transport infrastructure. Despite this, not one cent has been provided in this year’s budget.
The pressure of growth will continue but the government has done nothing to alleviate these pressures.
There’s inadequate funding for education, our schools are full to the brim; more funding is required urgently.
Families will be hit with cruel cuts to TAFE, the education maintenance allowance and the school start bonus.
This is a jobs-killing budget and another sign that the Baillieu Government is neglecting the west and taking Victoria backwards.
The Baillieu job cuts continue and illustrate just how this State Government view the importance of keeping Victorians employed.
Some local relevant budget points:
• The electorate of Altona received funding for Point Cook South East P-9, a clear win for the More Schools For The West campaign
• The electorate of Altona received funding for the Autistic School to be constructed in the Laverton P-12
• 15.2% or $39.8m cut from “Investing in Communities” due to “reductions in funding from the Community Support Fund”
• Not one dollar provided for desperately needed local road works and public transport
• First Home Buyers Grant abolished
• Scrapping of schools start bonus from the start of the next financial year
• Skills for growth program cut: goes from 45000 participants to none. This program supports training in the workplace
• No funding for kinders at all in the budget
• An additional 600 jobs will be cut from the Public Sector, before the election Ted Baillieu promised he wouldn’t cut a single job; he has instead sacked 4200 Victorian Public Servants
Office of Jill Hennessy MP
Member for Altona District
Shadow Minister for Corrections | Shadow Minister for Crime Prevention | Shadow Minister for the Anti Corruption Commission
Page 9
Issue 51Page 10
WEEK WORDSpoem by Jack Nystrom
Our measures of time have nomenclatureWhich shows the origins of our culture:The months tell us of a different age;Their names are from our Roman heritage.
Although the language we speak is English,Our forefathers were not a bit squeamish:They’d take a word from any nationTo improve their verbal communication;From Latin we get many words we speak,But from the Saxons come days of the week.
Week come from “wika” which is Saxon;Wika from the Germanic word “wikon”;Wikon is a word which means sequence;Defining the word “week”, this makes sense.
Sunday, Lord’s day, first of the week,Day of prayer for the blessed meek;Pillaging was the Saxons’ bag:They’d rob churches on a “Sunnundag”.
Their “Monondag” we call Monday,Old English for day of the Moon;If the Sun did shine they’d make hay;If it rained, they would sleep till noon.
“Tiwesday” honoured Tiw, god of war;That’s what Saxons came over for:Tuesday’s as good as any timeTo raid or commit a dreadful crime.
Woden was chief Germanic god,Who was a mostly angry bod;His horse Sleipnir had a fierce neigh:It’s from this god we get Wednesday.
Woden had a son that he named Thor,Who loved to roar and lay down the law;He’d fill people with awe and wonder,By making a lot of fuss and thunder:This bloke is still around today;We’re reminded of him every Thursday
Woden’s wife to him was most dear;This gal’s name was Frigg or Fria;They’d make love Monday to Friday;And sometimes on Saturday and Sunday.
Last day of the week is Saturday;God of agriculture was Saturn:“Saternesdag”, as on any damn day,The Saxon hordes would pillage and burn.
Lastly, it should be understood,Those Saxon marauders did some good:English is based on Saxon speak,Particularly our days of the week.
Issue 51 Page 11
Red Letter Day for Local Artists!What a joy it was to attend the opening of the Woods Street Art Space in Laverton!
The old post office has certainly received a wonderful facelift as a new centre for community arts in the Woods Street, Laverton area.
I had the pleasure to speak with Joe Inserra OAM who said in all his many years of being in Laverton, this was one of the best things he has witnessed in the area. I have not been around Laverton as many years as Joe but I must agree - it is a fantastic addition.
Congratulations must go to Hobsons Bay Council’s Tanya Blackwell and Janet Dawes for bringing to life this great facility and putting on such a great opening. We were provided with some outstanding live entertainment from Bombay Royale, an eleven-piece bollywood band.
Jill Hennessy, Member for Altona, officially opened the new facility after the official Welcome to Country by Aunty Carolyn Briggs.
To add to the success of this event was the great works of art on show from around thirty-six local artists. Susan Stanjo (pictured) was happy to let me include some photos of her art in this article today.
Overall I had a wonderful time, and will make sure I get down there on a regular basis to see how the art culture in the area blooms.
Daniel Allen
Issue 51Page 12
Art as Part of Life’s ExperienceHave you ever been out for a walk or on a holiday and looked out at the view in front of you and thought, that would make a great painting? I recently met Ivana Pinaffo at the Louis Joel Gallery whose work is a testament to this thought in action.
Shirley Fisher, Gwen Temby, Ivana Pinaffo, Karin Zeller and Denise Spiteri have created a space filled with many moments to offer you ‘lasting impressions’, the perfect name for this inspiring, colourful exhibition.
The exhibition, in its fifth year showcased moments of inspiration from their home studios and in their travels.
Ivana said whether home or overseas, she always carries around her paint brushes ready for a new moment to transform onto the canvas. She considers art as an integral part of her life, something that has been there for all of her life.
The collective works on display were rendered in many mediums and styles, ensuring an amazing experience for every visitor.
Petronella Boonen
Disability can affect anyone’s life at anytime – for a short time or for a lifetime. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a plan developed by the Productivity Commission to streamline and overhaul the present state and territory disability systems in place. The federal budget has included $1 billion dollars towards the initial set up of the scheme – a great start. Understanding and support from every Australian community will help ensure the scheme has an ongoing future.
To understand a little more on the topic, visit http://everyaustraliancounts.com.au and if you prefer pictures to words watch Dr Paul Brock explain in ‘An NDIS in My Lifetime’ at: http://youtu.be/x4vlk3ocfbE
Do you believe Every Australian Counts?
Issue 51 Page 13
Build Word Search
Issue 51
A mums group with exercise and mojo. It really is all about the mums when you come to a “Gym Mums” exercise class, at Seaside Fitness Studio. It’s a great meeting place, especially for new mums just getting into the swing of things, and for some of us not so new mums trying to get our mojo back. It’s good to have a chat and a laugh while you are getting back into an exercise routine.
Of course it’s not just about the exercise is it? Sure you might tone up the arms and shrink your butt, lose that baby tummy and feel great, whilst sporting a healthy glow.
But we know it’s not always easy or rosie. Sometimes there’s tears, you know those days when its tough to do anything much more include a bit of exercise. For those mums I’ve met along the way that were struggling but hung in there, it became a god send just to have some time to them selves. These mums are the reason this class exist’s, to help mums get back into exercise at their own pace and style.
And the children they love it too. You don’t have to feel guilty when you exercise, as the kids can’t wait to get there to play. Our experienced and well loved babysitter gives them undivided attention and play, with full supervision. The studio is perfect for prams, the babies stay with you, so they can watch mummy. Cuddles and snacks are always welcome here.
Page 14
A Mums group with a differnceSo if your looking for a mums group, this is an exercise class and mums group with a difference. We also specialise in Personal Training, children are also welcome.
For more information call Leanne at Seaside Fitness on 0412482358, “like” us on facebook for regular updates or Email [email protected]
Issue 51
Age is no barrier for the boys at Werribee Masters Australian Rules Football Club.
Werribee Masters Australian Football Club requires players for season 2012. Following a successful 2011 in which Werribee Masters had three teams playing masters footy.
Werribee Masters Australian Football Club has been promoted to the Premier Division of Masters Football after wining the Division 2 Premiership in season 2011. The third flag the club has won in 5 years of playing in the Metropolitan Division of Masters football.
The club has three teams playing masters footy, the Metro team over 35’s, Metro over 40’s and a Legends (Over 47’s) team. Players need to be turning 35 in 2012 to be eligible to play in the Masters competition, the club play triple headers at all home and away games in and around Melbourne metropolitan area, games are only played every fortnight, allowing ample time for the body to recover.
The Werribee Masters Australian Football Club has been established for 29 years and play home games from Bartercard Oval which has excellent facilities for both playing and social functions.
The club is putting the call out for more members. Werribee Masters Coach Darren Harrison, said the benefit of a physical sport such as Australian Rules for men approaching middle age were not readily available else where in Wyndham.
‘There are not many opportunities for over 35 year olds to get together and enjoy a sporting release in team environment. The club also has a great family atmosphere so that everyone is catered for on game days’
Werribee Masters Australian Football club does precisely that and the club is looking forward to another successful season in the metro and country leagues of AFL master’s football.
Games are only played every fortnight and not on public holidays the season start in late Apr, playing every two weeks allow ample time for the body to recover. The club has great camaraderie, spirit and a very enjoyable social atmosphere.
For more details contact Ange on 0425 769 647.
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‘There are not many opportunities for over 35 year olds to get together and enjoy a sporting release in a team environment’ – Darren Harrison
Call to join masters of an age–old game
Issue 51Page 16
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Issue 51 Page 17
More Reasons to Get Out and Around...
HOBSONS BAY LIFE ACTIVITIES CLUB
If you’re 50+ and enjoy Movies, Dining Out, BBQ’s,
Hikes etc
then we’re just what you’re 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, with no obligation, before you decide.
For more information and a copy of our Club
Newsletter please contact:
Alicia: 9741-4313 or Myra: 0432 258 804
Kids parties with pizzazz
Book your favourite characture patyCall Luella 0406191084
More Pens Make for a Better Read
The Around Altona Community Newspaper is a vehicle for community conversation and we welcome of articles that reflect the interests of the Altona, Seaholme community.
We are a monthly publication reaching 5,500 households together with a number of distribution points and while we cannot offer payment for copy, we are confident in the value of positive exposure and the experience you could gain by your involvement in the community conversation.Journalists, writers, poets, teachers and students, club presidents and members – your contributions are welcome.Who better to cover the heart of an event than those who took part in it? Who better to describe the history of Altona than those who have lived it? If you’re standing on a soap box, we ask that you pen your views with respect to all parties concerned- as this is a community conversation and as in any conversation, good manners are essential!Drop your lines with us at [email protected] or alternatively you can visit Jill at West Side Stories in Harrington Square or the lovely team at Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre at Altona Beach who have offered to pass them on.
Issue 51Page 18
A Word from the Mayor
Hobsons Bay City Council has approved the proposed budget for 2012-2013, with highlights including a $22.08 million capital works budget.
The community can now have its say on the proposed budget before it is formally adopted in June.
Major projects in the 2012-2013 financial year will be: detailed design of the Newport Library, Youth and Senior Citizens Centre; completion of the Laverton Community Hub, Williamstown Library and Williamstown Town Hall redevelopment; further works on the implementation of the future directions plan at Laverton Park; the next stage of the Cherry Lake picnic and play area upgrade and sensory garden installation; further road works at Paisley Park; further implementation of the Altona Foreshore Strategy; Altona Central Sports Precinct Plan; and the continuation of remediation works at Madigan Reserve.
In the Altona Ward, $435,000 will also be spent on upgrading footpaths in Pier Street from the Esplanade to the railway line and in Fresno Street; $230,000 will go towards rehabilitating the road in Racecourse Road/Altona Road; the Altona Yacht Club rigging area and change room will receive $30,000 in improvements; the third pitch at Kim Reserve will receive a $40,000 upgrade; and $20,000 will each be spent on Kororoit Creek landscaping and Fell Reserve.
The total operating budget of $104.08 million will ensure the Council can continue to provide vital services, including home delivered meals, home
and respite care, kindergarten and childcare places, counseling for young people and quality materials through our libraries.
This budget was developed through a rigorous process of consultation. It is financially responsible and sustainable.
The average 6.3 per cent rate rise is reflective of the costs of the services the Council provides to the community and, like residents, the Council is also faced with rising costs.
We aim to keep the rates as low as possible. This rate rise is higher than desired due to significant cost shifting by the state and federal governments, maintenance of assets, waste disposal and collection costs, as well as extra cost demands from the carbon pricing scheme and the 2012 Council elections.
As always, the Council will continue to provide rates assistance for pensioners and low income earners through its pensioner rebates and hardship policy.
The proposed budget is available at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, all Hobsons Bay library branches and at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Comments on proposals contained in the budget must be received in writing by 5.00pm on Thursday, 31st May.
In other news, the Council has begun the feasibility study on the current and future needs for multi-purpose facilities as part of the Altona Central Sports Precinct Plan 2011-2031.
Issue 51 Page 19
Consultation with the current users of the Altona Youth Centre and the Altona Football/Cricket Pavilion has also commenced.
The study will investigate the opportunity to replace existing facilities with a new multi-purpose hall and function venue. No decision will be made regarding the future of the Altona Youth Hall until the feasibility study is complete around August.
For more information, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au of call 9932 1000.
On the works front, the first stage of the Cherry Lake car park and picnic area upgrade is expected to be completed by mid-May.
Stage Two works will include improvements to the picnic area. These works are yet to be scheduled.
Plans have also been submitted on a shared three-metre wide path in Queen Street, between the Men’s Shed and Maidstone Street. The shared bike and pedestrian path will be completed towards the end of this financial year.
Please email [email protected] if you wish to receive local community updates via email. I am also available on facebook and twitter. To raise any local issues, please call the Council on 9932 1000 or email [email protected]
- Cr Tony Briffa JPMayor of Hobsons Bay
Issue 51Page 20
Altona Gardens
HYDRANGEASAround 70 to 75 species of Hydrangea are native to southern and eastern Asia (China, Korea, Japan, the Himalayas and Indonesia) and North and South America, although the greatest diversity of species is in China, Korea and Japan. The majority of hydrangeas grown in Melbourne gardens are shrubs that range from one to three metres in height. However, some hydrangeas grow into small trees, while others are lianas that can reach up to 30 metres in height by climbing up trees. Hydrangeas can be either deciduous or evergreen, although the widely cultivated temperate species are all deciduous.There are two flower types in hydrangeas. Mopheads carry large round flowerheads resembling pom-poms or, as the name implies, the head of a mop. In contrast, lacecaps bear round, flat flowerheads with a centre core of subdued fertile flowers surrounded by outer rings of showy, sterile flowers.While most gardeners grow hydrangeas for their flowers, the large oval leaves, often serrated along the edges, are also most attractive. Flowerheads, which usually emerge in spring and summer, consist of very small fertile flowers
surrounded by larger eye-catching, four-petalled, sterile florets. Colours range from white through pink, red, mauve and blue, although the colour of the flower is dependent on soil pH. However, flower colour can be changed by dressing with aluminium sulphate for blue blooms and with lime for pinks.Over the past few years, our local plant nurseries have been offering some stunningly photogenic hydrangeas. Alex and I couldn’t resist purchasing this one as a gift for my mother. It is now growing, together with several other forms of hydrangea, on the shady (south) side of our house. I included its portrait in a series of 14 watercolours that I called Memories of my Grandmothers’ Gardens. On my walks around Altona, I have noticed a few people are growing hydranges in shady, sheltered sections of their gardens. Hydrangeas do, however, wilt quickly, especially during hot weather... so keep the water up to them and enjoy their exuberant display.
It was a Monday afternoon with nothing to look forward to do that day. There would be the usual dinner at home and then watch rubbish on TV until we could take no more. Then get to bed to end the day.
I decided no; life is too short and precious to be wasted in such a way. “Why not got out for dinner?” I asked my wife. Her reply was “It is Monday and they are all shut”. I did some research on the internet and some good ones were indeed shut on Mondays but not all. We grew up in Egypt and we are not frightened of exotic food. “We’ve had Middle Eastern food, Thai, Indian, and Mexican and why not try African?” I said.
That is how we finished up at ‘Addis Abeba’ Restaurant. I discovered that there were 13 African shops in Footscray. Wow! I did not know that there was a quite development happening at our doorstep. So off we went to 220 Nicholson Street in Footscray. We had the place to ourselves. Tes, the Ethiopian cook/owner was the perfect host; his young niece was the waitress with an American accent who is also studying journalism. I knew Addis Abeba is the capital city of Ethiopia (was previously called Abyssinia). What I learnt was that they speak an ancient language called Amharic and have their own unique alphabet. They are early Christian Orthodox and they are the ones who bought the Greek Church in Mills Street, North Altona.
The food is great! If you are a meat lover and not frightened of spicy food, you are in heaven. You want vegetarian spicy food? Go there; you will be pleasantly surprised. Warning: wash your hands and eat unless you want to ask for a spoon! Food is served on a large, pita style, soft, Ethiopian bread that overflows your plate. A great experience on a dull Monday night and it cost us $27 for both of us! That was the cost of the food and the cultural experience. Try it.
George Said
Issue 51 Page 23
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