1 Letterboxed to homes in Altona and Seaholme, with new distribution points in Altona North, Altona Meadows and Williamstown LIKE Around Altona on Facebook! Stay informed and view the paper online faster: www.facebook.com/AroundAltona FREE ISSUE 69, FEBRUARY 2014 PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD - Give this paper to a friend or neighbour to read. PLAY ME, I’M YOURS! The sound of piano keys has been drifting across the streets of Altona, filling the ears of residents with music as a unique art instalment encourages residents to get musical. British artist Luke Jerram’s Play Me I’m Yours installation has seen 24 pianos dotted across the streets of Melbourne as well as surrounding suburbs Altona, Coburg and Dandenong. The installation encourages people of all ages to come together through the love and appreciation of music and have a go at playing their favourite tunes, whether you are a beginner or a pianist. Hobson’s Bay Mayor Sandra Wilson is delighted that Altona’s Logan Reserve was chosen to play host to one of the pianos. ‘The piano was installed on Saturday, 11th January,’ said Cr Wilson. ‘Now it’s here, it will be wonderful to be entertained by an array of local pianists in this relaxing location. You can have a picnic in the park and enjoy the sea breeze while listening to the tinkling of ivories.’ Play Me, I’m Yours invites people to actively engage with their urban environment through music, as well as visual arts, with many of the pianos having been decorated by local community groups. Altona’s piano was painted by young people involved in the Urban Arts Collective at Woods Street Arts Space in Laverton. The Play Me, I’m Yours artwork, has appeared in cities around the world since 2008, seeing more than 1050 pianos placed in 38 cities across the globe. It is estimated that the installation has already reached around four million people worldwide. Altona’s piano will be available for anyone to play in Logan Reserve until January the 27th. By Melissa Haber photo: Will S. LETTER TO THE EDITOR – SOLDIER ON BIG WEST FESTIVAL – A PIECE OF CAKE SAUNDERS CASE MOTH & SPITFIRES PAGE 3 PAGE 7 PAGE 14
Transcript
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Letterboxed to homes in Altona and Seaholme, with new distribution points in Altona North, Altona Meadows and Williamstown
LIKE Around Altona on Facebook! Stay informed and view the paper online faster: www.facebook.com/AroundAltona
FREE
ISSUE 69, FEBRUARY 2014
PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD - Give this paper to a friend or neighbour to read.
PLAY ME, I’M YOURS!The sound of piano keys has been drifting across the streets of Altona, fi lling the ears of residents with music as a unique art instalment encourages residents to get musical.British artist Luke Jerram’s Play Me I’m Yours installation has seen 24 pianos dotted across the streets of Melbourne as well as surrounding suburbs Altona, Coburg and Dandenong. The installation encourages people of all ages to come together through the love and appreciation of music and have a go at playing their favourite tunes, whether you are a beginner or a pianist.Hobson’s Bay Mayor Sandra Wilson is delighted that Altona’s Logan Reserve was chosen to play host to one of the pianos.‘The piano was installed on Saturday, 11th January,’ said Cr Wilson. ‘Now it’s here, it will be wonderful to be entertained by an array of local pianists in this relaxing
location. You can have a picnic in the park and enjoy the sea breeze while listening to the tinkling of ivories.’Play Me, I’m Yours invites people to actively engage with their urban environment through music, as well as visual arts, with many of the pianos having been decorated by local community groups. Altona’s piano was painted by young people involved in the Urban Arts Collective at Woods Street Arts Space in Laverton.The Play Me, I’m Yours artwork, has appeared in cities around the world since 2008, seeing more than 1050 pianos placed in 38 cities across the globe. It is estimated that the installation has already reached around four million people worldwide.Altona’s piano will be available for anyone to play in Logan Reserve until January the 27th.
By Melissa Haberphoto: Will S.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR – SOLDIER ON
BIG WEST FESTIVAL – A PIECE OF CAKE
SAUNDERS CASE MOTH & SPITFIRES
PAGE 3 PAGE 7 PAGE 14
Issue 692
RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR
PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHER
Well what an exciting time it is at the minute with so much going on in the start of 2014. Australia Day is something I am looking forward to (at the time of writing this). We have some great exhibitions and some excellent events happening in the area, I encourage you to look them up, go, and have a ball. The best place you can go to fi nd out what is happening in your area is probably the local council websites.
www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.auwww.wyndham.vic.gov.au
I am very pleased to see the end of this week of extreme heat! Whilst we were pushed to our limits it does afford us an opportunity to appreciate weather that is not so crazy!
Do you read this paper regularly? I am looking for feedback as to what you may want to see in here that is not included at present. I would ask for constructive criticism with a solution attached. We want to identify how we can make this publication better. This will be an ongoing wish, so please if you are wanting to see something included, let us know. If you have contacts that you think may be able to help us improve (someone who can supply a sports article perhaps?) or what ever comes to mind, write to me and let me know. I can be contacted at:[email protected]
Have a fantastic month!
Regards,Daniel Allen
With school underway, with 2013 now in the archives, and the fi rst New Year Resolutions disposed of, it’s time for a reality check.
Are you one of the many thousands of Community volunteers who devote some of their leisure time to Community support work?
If you’re considering volunteering our local Council has a department devoted to helping community groups carry out their function and if you have a particular interest in an area they can help you get in touch with a group of your choice. In the west there are thousands of groups covering lots of areas.
For instance there are groups like the Hobsons Bay Mens Shed. Here are lots of different groups within the one organisation. Based around the conventional word working group which is the heart of any Shed are good sized sub groups such as the Motoring group with interests such as car runs, classic cars, monthly and annual car shows, low
cost red plates for classic cars, restoration of old classic models together with a great BBQ in conjunction with a car show each month which is called ‘Car Torque’ and is really an opportunity for ‘Car Talk’. Other popular groups at the Shed include Engineering, Photography, Computer recycling, Electronics, Boat restoration, with the latest being the local Gen Y Support Group which has as its aim the reduction in unemployment of the group of young people aged between 14 and 30 which currently stands at 25.5%.
Unless something is done right now here at community level this group of young people may never participate in the future workforce for more than a few hours as a labourer or other unskilled work due to their lack of training and skill set.
Your help and advice is needed to solve this problem!
Get set on the path to realise your artistic vision through drawing, whether as part of a process in your chosen art form or as an expression in its own right.I can provide lessons and workshops for individuals or small groups.
Streetscape - Daniel Allen
I am a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts. B.A. Fine Art, majoring in Drawing.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR – SOLDIER ONBy way of introduction my name is Major Anthony Krupa (retired). During my career in the Army as an Offi cer I deployed on operations 11 times to Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, PNG and Bougainville. I now suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which has resulted in me being medically discharged after 18 year’s service and have retired in the Point Cook area.Since being medically discharged I have been involved with Soldier On. Soldier On has been established to support servicemen and servicewomen of the Australian Defence Force who have been wounded, physically or mentally, in the service of their country.Soldier On is about Australians coming together to show their support for our wounded. It’s about telling our diggers that we will always have their back; that we will remember those who have come home, as well as those that have died. It’s about giving the wounded the dignity they deserve and the chance to do and be whatever they choose. It’s about the ANZAC spirit and mateship and all Australians keeping their promise to take care of our wounded warriors.Soldier On has teamed with the Wyndham Police to support the Wyndham ‘Leaders of the Future’ Kokoda Expedition. Young people in Wyndham who have been identifi ed as potential community leaders will join police in a leadership program that will culminate with walking the famous Kokoda Track next April.Soldier On - Helping our Wounded Warriors asked me to be a mentor to the Wyndham ‘Leaders of the Future’ Kokoda Expedition which is helping me a lot whilst I help the young leaders.In order to raise money for Soldier On and the Wyndham ‘Leaders of the Future’ Kokoda Expedition, I plan to orgainse a Gala. The Soldier On Gala will be held at the Brook Function Centre in Point Cook on Saturday 15th March 2014. The Geelong FC own the Brook and are already sponsoring the ‘Leaders of the Future’ program and we have been able to secure a great deal and in return we are giving something back to them. The Gala will be a social occasion to rival any social event held in the Point Cook area. The vision for the Gala is after fi ve, fi ne dining and wine, fund raising, and entertainment with a military theme. The Gala will be open for anyone to attend including dignitaries from the local and state
community, sporting and entertainment celebrities will be invited to participate with a limited amount of tables reserved for corporate sponsors.I have set up a Facebook page which is being shared throughout the Point Cook and Wyndham community. I am writing to you to ask you to advertise the Soldier On Gala on the Around Point Cook website and in your publication.Editor: More than happy to help and support this excellent cause. Please see the advertisement for this event published in this paper.
in association with Wyndham police
SOLDIER ONSOLDIER ONgalaSaturday 15th March 2014
6:30pm-12:30am (Seated by 7:00pm)The Brook on Sneydes
Point Cook, Victoria
Tickets: $150ppTicket price includes drinks on arrival, lavish three course meal, premium drink package, entertainment, tea and coffee. Fundraising
Soldier On merchandise for sale and lucky door prizes and more. Dress: After Five
To Book, or for more information, visit www.facebook.com/soldierongala
Proudly sponsored by:
WHITEHORSETRUCK AND BUS
Issue 694
2014 WISH LIST
We are all a year older in 2014 – New Year’s Celebrations come and go, some of us make resolutions, some of us resolve not to make any promises. Why not then, make your own personal wish list for 2014.
If you could choose what 2014 is to bring – opportunities to spend time with family and friends, a new job, a fi tter, stronger body, more chances to do the things you like doing – what would be your top 50?
Sometimes putting what you want down on paper (okay I’m still a paper girl – you might use your computer or smartphone), can be a springboard for planning what you need to do to get there.
Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way’ and ‘Finding Water - The Art of Perseverance’ says writing a daily journal or ‘Morning Pages’ as she calls them, can assist in making your plans your reality.
Julia adds that knowing what you want allows you, “to improve these odds by taking small actions in our own behalf. This is the power of perseverance, what I call “laying track”… for example, in preparation for my French trip, I can “Work with French tapes one hour daily.” I can “Buy a small French-English dictionary.” I can “Buy a guidebook to Paris.”
You can fi nd out about the practice of morning pages by visiting Julia Cameron’s website at http://juliacameronlive.com/basic-tools/morning-pages
Perhaps there’s a habit you’ve wanted to break. Motivation to Move’s Scott Smith runs ‘The Daily Boost’ podcasts. One in particular, “How to break ALL your bad habits” (free on itunes), says the key lies in replacing an old habit you don’t want anymore with something you do want to do – another good reason to look at your top 50.
A lot of podcasts are free or you get to sample a few from a set you pay for.
Audio books are now available from the local library and are great to listen to while standing on a crowded train, walking to the supermarket or even putting up the washing as I’ve discovered. More time for books was defi nitely on my list.
One good reason for having a wish list is that you can take an outside look at what is important to you. If your health is on that list, maybe it’s time to have a check up, take a class or change your weekend activity to include less electronic enjoyment and more active fun. It’s your wishes and you have as many as you choose to have.
Petronella Boonen
Issue 69 5
NEW BEGINNINGS
February will see a lot of parents feeling anxious as they send their children off to school for the fi rst time. For other parents, the beginning of the school year will come as a welcome relief, signaling the end of the madness that is the holiday season.
Personally, I will be sending my girl off to 4-year-old kindergarten and the mix of emotions is incredibly overwhelming. The realisation that my baby is not quite so little anymore is not an easy pill to swallow. The fl ipside to that is pride and excitement, as my child takes another step in her development.
Whatever situation you fi nd yourself in as a parent, be sure to take the time to put yourself into your children’s shoes. My little girl could not be more enthusiastic about what lies ahead of her. Everyday she asks, if today is the day that she will start school. We talk about it constantly and the fl ow of information is keeping the anticipation levels high.
I am lucky enough to have raised a social butterfl y, with no hesitation in heading off into the big wide world. At our kinder orientation we encountered many children who were not quite so outgoing. I can only imagine that adding shyness and nervousness into the mix, would make this time of year much more diffi cult to manage.
Knowing that my girl will be making friendships and learning new skills fi lls me with joy. Kindergarten and school are a rite of passage and memories will be made and documented, for rehashing at a much later date. Soak up every moment, of whatever circumstance you fi nd yourself in and good luck to parents and children alike.
Melissa Longo
Issue 696
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS WRITTEN BY JOHN GREEN
‘The Fault in Our Stars’ begins with Hazel, a sixteen-year-old girl, on the way to her cancer support group. She has terminal lung cancer. Hazel doesn’t fi nd her support group that supporting. In fact, a majority of the support she gets is from reading, especially, her favourite book, ‘An Imperial Affl iction’, a story about a girl with cancer. Support group doesn’t seem so bad though, when she meets Augustus Waters who, even from this reader’s perspective seems to be an amazing person.
The fi rst thing I noticed and really enjoyed about ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ was the way John Green speaks about cancer. Hazel doesn’t ask for pity nor does she feel pity for herself. In her interactions with other characters, I love how she doesn’t treat people with cancer any differently and I believe that this may be because she doesn’t want to be treated differently herself.
Another component to the story that I was very interested by was John Green and the character Augustus Waters’ use of metaphors. For example, Augustus Waters loves to place a cigarette in his mouth but not light it. At one point during the
book, Augustus says, ‘“You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don’t give it the power to do its killing.” ’
I enjoyed the metaphors in the book because it gave some parts more depth and made it easier for the reader to stay connected and attached to the characters as they were revisted later in the book.Overall, reading ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ was an experience to remember and I defi nitely recommend the book to other readers.
Mia Brittain
…on that note The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers , held on 1-2 March, 2014 will provide vital funding to research and clinical care at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to cancer, and home to Australia’s largest cancer research group. For more information, visit www.endcancer.org.au
Book Review
Issue 69 7
BIG WEST FESTIVAL – A PIECE OF CAKE
Harrington Square’s instalment for the biennial Big West Festival was a fusion of art, culture and science.It began with an Aboriginal welcoming ceremony where the Aboriginal elder explained the leaf of Muryong represented welcome to the land and its resources. The ‘bar lea’ tree has special characteristics in that it needs the nurturing and support of other trees - as it is grown it slowly releases some of its grip on the other trees - the elders of the community keeping culture alive to nurture youth, who with that support become more resilient.“You are walking through a physical merge of the old and the young,” he said.Year 11 Musicians from Mount St Joseph’s students followed with 99.9 mobile community radio program presenting interviews and comedic performances by local acting school Dramawerkz.To one side of the event, was a place to pause, an armchair and headphones set up for a spot of refl ection. Cake Industries’ got young and not so young minds ticking with a hands-on look at robotics. Robots manning giant remote control cars were having a game of soccer in the car park. Visitors were encouraged to have a go.Media artists Jesse Stevens, Dean Petersen and team presented me with a business card made with a rubber stamp, created on one of the working 3D printers on display. “This is about people engagement,” Mr Stevens said.
“Helping young people understand that technology can be creative. We utilise open design/source software.”The 3D printers varied in their construction from a $2,000
machine to a $300 kit you can make up yourself. Diffi culty level? “It’s like any skill,” Says team member Sebastian, “As long as you know the rules and you have lots of time to work through it, you can do it.” We had two objects printed. A bust of Around Altona Editor Dan Allen and our seven-year-old granddaughter Bianca. To create the 3D image, Dan and Bianca had to sit very still in a swivel chair and then rotate on the spot. The scanner then scans above their heads collecting the feature’s position from the dots. “You can also print in colour but that’s a more lengthy process,” Sebastian added. The result was two really cool cake toppers! One was a little malformed on one side caused by some wriggling on the swivel chair - and it
wasn’t our granddaughter’s one!You can fi nd some more information about Cake Industries and their current project Robot Road Trip via their website www.cake.net.auA more traditional kind of cake was being offered by Borg’s Cakes, one of the fi rst businesses in the Square.Which reminds me - Harrington Square are now on Facebook – check it out at www.facebook.com/HarringtonSquareAltona
Petronella Boonen
Issue 698
DETOX YOUR MIND. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
Detoxing one’s body it seems, has become as popular as visiting a health spa to be massaged, mud-packed or steamed. Yet cleansing the body inside and out, is not all we can do to be healthier. It can also be benefi cial to detox your mind. Such action is good for your health – both mental and physical. From time-to-time negative feelings, when unchecked, can
build up to alarming levels of distress in thinking. Without a good clean out, unhealthy emotions such as hurt and anger can fester away, spoiling a person’s good nature, destroying their peace of mind, and damaging their wellbeing.
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Issue 69 9
There’s an ancient story about a woman who was forced to leave her home and country. Filled with resentment at this incident in her life, she was unable to mentally move forward and looked back in anger. In so doing, she turned herself into a “pillar of salt” – she became permanently embittered by what she perceived as the wrong done to her. TIP: •Avoid the mistake of harboring destructive feelings such as resentment and estrangement. •When showering, don’t just think about keeping the body externally clean. Look within. •Use a mental-loofah to scrub and exfoliate dead-end thinking. •Gently wash away any buildup of disappointment or bitterness. •Rinse off unhappy thoughts about the past. •Allow calming, comforting, reassuring, and peace-encouraging ideas to fl ow into thinking.
Cleanse wounded feelings.
Soaking one’s thinking in past insults or hurtful comments is not health-giving. Imagine how freeing it would feel if the memory of unkind words or deeds were erased from thinking.
TIP: •If someone has personally said or done something mean, rather than rehearsing the unkindness, mentally pull the plug on it. Let unpleasant memories fl ow down the drain - right out of thinking. •Dwell on good things that have taken place – a spontaneous hug from a child, a kindness received. •Embrace this advice. “Fix your thoughts on what is true,
honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” •“Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts.” (Science and Health, p. 261, Mary Baker Eddy)
Purify thinking
It’s long been considered that hatred is toxic. So too are harsh thoughts and acidic attitudes, holding a grudge, or seeking revenge. These eat away at the fabric of one’s thinking and good health. That’s why it’s helpful to detox the mind.
TIP:•Hatred requires feeding to fl ourish so starve it of nourishment. •Snuff out the desire for revenge - to verbally or physically retaliate. Refuse to give it oxygen, or breath. •Filter out unwholesome emotions and attitudes. •Pour into thinking the health-bringing, health-sustaining qualities of love, forgiveness, mercy, and kindness. •Make time to meditate, purify and regenerate thinking. It’s good for your health.
Point Cook resident Beverly Goldsmith, is a health blogger who is also a practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing. www.spiritualityandhealthconnect.com Twitter: @GoldsmithBev
Issue 6910
Notices
HOBSONS BAY LIFEACTIVITIES CLUB
ADAVIC ANXIETY & DEPRESSION SUPPORT
GROUP
COMMUNITY CAFÉ
SEABROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE
BRIDAL EXPO
ADVERTISING SALESREPRESENTATIVE
REQUIRED
HOBSONS BAY (ALTONA)
GARDEN CLUB INC.
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 yourchoice, 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
Connect with others in a safe environment to share experiences and coping strategies.
Every Tuesday 7:30-9:30pm at the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre, Sargood St, Altona.
$5 Casuals / $3 MembersFor more info phone: (03) 9853-8089 | email:
• INTERNATIONAL PEOPLES DAY – Friday 28th March 2014 1pm – 3pm Location: Louis Joel Centre. Sargood Street, Altona Hobsons Bay is a Multicultural area and Altona U3A would like to celebrate this with other clubs in the area so that we can get to know one another. Everyone is welcome. We would encourage you to bring a plate of a traditional dish from your club, to share with others. Altona U3A will supply tea and coffee as well as some Australian dishes. If you have any enquiries, please contact U3A offi ce between 10am – 12.30 Monday –Friday.Beryl Hevey Centre, 2 Sargood Street Altona 3108, [email protected]
• ALTONA COMMUNITY CHOIR – Altona Community Choir Meets on Monday from 7:30-9:30pm at the Altona Senior Citizen Centre. There are no auditions and all singers over the age of 16 are welcome. Inquiries: Debbie on 9742 4325.
• CARER SUPPORT - Grow-Better Together Carers Group for friends and family of those affected by mental health issues. Free and confi dential meetings held twice a month in Laverton. Details: 1800 558 268 or www.grow.net.au
• SEABROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE - 2014 Programs coming up:IPad Training- Wednesday 5th Marc: Make the most of your new ‘toy’ by learning in a small group how to use your ipad for keeping connected, work, photos and games.Returning to work?- Thursday 27th February and 13th March: Resume and interview skills training for women returning to work. Gain confi dence and new skills to get back into the workforce.Phone to book or for more information, see the centre website for all our usual weekly programs returning in 2014 for you and the family on www.seabrookcc.com.au or visit us at 15 Truganina Avenue, Seabrook • 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
Issue 69 13
HANDYMAN SERVICE
Contact Dan - Mob: 0408 659 940
Friendly serviceman with years of experience in DIY. Just call for a quick chat about your current needs.
CR GRIGOROVITCH RESIGNS TO TAKE UP STATE SECRETARY POSITION
Hobsons Bay City Council Mayor Cr Sandra Wilson recently announced the resignation of Wetlands ward Councillor Luba Grigorovitch.
“Cr Grigorovitch has given more than fi ve years’ service to the Council and has worked hard to represent the interests of residents in Wetlands ward and across Hobsons Bay,” Cr Wilson said.
“As the Hobsons Bay Women’s Charter Champion, she established the Women’s Advisory Committee to give local women a stronger voice and has also advocated for improved services for youth, in particular vulnerable homeless youth.
“In addition to her role as a member of the Council and former Deputy Mayor, Cr Grigorovitch was also elected to the board of the Victorian Local Government Association. As such she will be a loss not only to Hobsons Bay but to the local government sector more broadly,” Cr Wilson said.
Cr Grigorovitch said she was resigning, having been appointed the State Secretary of the 8000 member Rail, Tram and Bus Union following the retirement of its former head.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve Hobsons Bay City Council and I thank the community for their support over my period in offi ce,” Cr Grigorovitch said.
“Being a councillor is immensely rewarding but it takes a signifi cant commitment to provide the service and representation the community deserves,” Cr Grigorovitch said.
“Having started the handover for my new role during the past two months it has become apparent that being State Secretary will prevent me from contributing to the Council with the same level of dedication.
“After thinking about my dilemma long and hard, I have regretfully come to the decision I can no longer give 110 per cent to the Council and have decided to resign.”
Cr Grigorovitch said the Wetlands ward would continue to be served by Deputy Mayor Cr Colleen Gates.
“Cr Gates has proven herself to be a hardworking councillor and has been a joy to work with on Hobsons Bay issues,” Cr Grigorovitch said.
“I hope Hobsons Bay and Wetlands ward get a representative that is committed to pursuing the issues that are important to our community.”
Cr Grigorovitch said she would remain on the Council until the new councillor takes up his or her role.
The Victorian Electoral Commission will conduct a count back to fi ll the vacancy as soon as practicable, in accordance with the Local Government Act.
Issue 6914
Altona Gardens SAUNDERS CASE MOTH & SPITFIRES
You may be surprised at my choice of topic for, instead of telling you about a species of plant, I have opted to introduce you to the larvae (grubs or caterpillars) of two insects - the fascinating Saunders Case Moth and the equally fascinating, but often repugnant, Spitfi res.
The larval stage is a distinct juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into adults, insects being excellent examples. The appearance of the larva is, generally, very different from the adult form (e.g. caterpillars and butterfl ies).
Saunders Case Moth (Metura elongatus) can be found throughout the year in Melbourne gardens. While they are not all that common, or indeed obvious, I manage to locate at least one or two in our own garden every year.
Adult males have black wings, an orange hairy head, and a black and orange banded abdomen. A female adult does not have wings and remains in her larval case for her entire life. She is white with a brown head and grows to approximately 30mm in length. The larva feeds on a wide range of plants and build itself a case made of strong silk and decorates it with twigs, leaves, bark or lichen – usually from whatever plant it happens to be feeding on at the time. As, on several occasions, I have found a Saunders Case Moth feeding on Hardenbergia violacea, I guess they must be fond of that native species.
The caterpillar’s head emerges through the opening at the top when it is feeding and when it is enlarging its case. Droppings are expelled through a smaller hole at the bottom of the case. Pupation occurs within the case, and the male moth emerges through the lower opening, leaving the empty pupal case protruding.
Spitfi res, or Sawfl y Lavae, are very common insects on Eucalyptus trees. The species in my pen and ink drawing is the Steel-blue Sawfl y, Perga dorsalis. They are not true caterpillars, but the larvae of a wasp.
After feeding singly at night, the larvae gather into large groups during the day. This clustering behaviour offers some protection from natural enemies especially as, when disturbed, the larvae tap their abdomens up and down and regurgitate from their mouths a disgusting greeny-yellow fl uid smelling strongly of eucalyptus oil. This is a very effective deterrent for would-be predators and parasites.
Almost every year, in August, at least one of the Eucalyptus melliodora trees in the Basaltica WaterWise Garden has had large swathes of its leafy canopy defoliated. On investigation, we always found the culprits - at least one large cluster of Spitfi res. Because they are part of the scheme of things, we did not remove them unless the tree was in danger of being completely defoliated.
VICTORIAN LABOR TO DELIVER HOMESAFE: 24-HOUR WEEKEND PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR MELBOURNE’S WEST
A Victorian Labor Government will deliver 24-hour public transport across Melbourne with trains, trams and buses running all weekend, every weekend.
Member for Altona District and Shadow Minister for Public Transport Jill Hennessy said thatthe announcement by the Leader of the Opposition, Daniel Andrews, that Homesafe Trains will be running on Werribee Line and stopping at Seaholme, Altona, Westona, Laverton, Aircraft, Williams Landing and Hoppers Crossing would be welcomed by local residents.
“Under Labor, residents in Seaholme, Altona, Altona Meadows, Laverton, Seabrook, Williams Landing, Truganina and Point Cook will have transport options that have never before been available to them,” Ms Hennessy said.
“The new Homesafe Trains will mean workers in Melbourne’s west who work in the city will have the added options to get home on Fridays and Saturdays.
“Residents in Melbourne’s west who have an evening out in the city face a situation where they are either running for the last train, waiting hours for the fi rst one, or trying to fi nd a cab, it’s not good enough.
“A world-class, 24-hour city like Melbourne needs 24-hour public transport and Victorian Labor will make it happen. Labor will run trains, trams and buses all night, every weekend – a 24-hour service.
“Under Labor, getting home will be safer, easier and cheaper for residents living in Seaholme, Altona, Altona Meadows, Laverton, Seabrook, Williams Landing, Truganina and Point Cook. That’s good for our economy, workers and our nightlife.”
This will be a $50 million, 12 month trial of all night Friday and Saturday public transport and will be up and running by New Year’s Eve 2015. Following the trial, Victorian Labor will review demand and structure the system accordingly. If passengers vote with their feet, 24-hour weekend public transport will be continued and expanded where necessary.
A dedicated Homesafe mobile app will ensure that Victorians always know when their next Homesafe service will be.
Protective Service Offi cers will continue to staff train stations until the fi rst of the morning services resume.
Homesafe Trains
Homesafe Trains will run through the night on Friday and Saturday across all lines.
Homesafe Buses
The current NightRider buses will continue, with a particular focus on areas not serviced by rail.
Issue 6916
ANAL GLAND DISEASE – A STICKY ISSUE FOR DOGS!Pet Section
The anal sacs are a pair of small glandular structures, located just within and on each side of the anus. Each sac has a small duct or tube to the outside. They produce a foul-smelling fl uid that is normally squeezed out onto a dog or cat’s faeces every time it defecates.
Anal sacs have no useful function in our society. They are a remnant of our pets’ ancestors’ previous existence as wild animals: they used their faeces, each with its own individual smell from the anal sacs, to mark the limits of their territory. Anal sacs do however, frequently become diseased. This can be due to: • blockage • infection • abscess formation • rupture
CLINICAL SIGNSThe signs of anal sac disease vary according to the stage it has reached. Initially it causes irritation, with animals being seen “scooting” or dragging their bottoms along the ground. Some people fi nd this amusing, but it is intensely
irritating to the dog or cat. Some dogs don’t scoot but turn around and lick or chew at the area under or beside the tail. If a blocked anal sac becomes infected, it will lead to the formation of an abscess, and if untreated, will rupture. Anal sac abscesses are extremely painful to an animal.
TREATMENTTreatment of anal sac disease depends on the stage it has reached.
Blocked anal sacs with no infection can usually be relieved by carefully squeezing out the contents: it may be necessary to insert a fi nger into the animal’s anus to do this, and because of the dangers involved, should not be tried at home. Sometimes, even without infection, the area is too painful to squeeze, and general anaesthesia is needed.
Infection of the anal sacs is usually painful, and it is necessary to carefully fl ush them out under general anaesthesia, followed by antibiotic treatment.
Issue 69 17
Abscesses require lancing and fl ushing, with the insertion of a drain, again followed by antibiotics. The anus is a very vital area, and abscess formation in this region is a big danger. Suffi cient damage to the anus can result in loss of bowel control.
SURGICAL REMOVALUnfortunately, there is a high recurrence rate of all types of anal sac disease. ALL cases of infection and abscess formation should have their anal sacs surgically removed
as soon as the infection is under control: this should also be done if blockages keep recurring. There is no loss to the animal in removing the anal sacs, and the operation frequently provides great relief. The operation involves delicate surgery as the anal sacs lie within the anal sphincter muscle and very close to the nerves and arteries supplying the anus. However when the surgery is performed well by a skilled surgeon the results are excellent and healing is rapid
Issue 6918
THE ASHES
Our Old Enemy had come south,Full of wind and all Gung Ho,Shooting off their collective mouth,And brimming with braggadocio.
They had just thrashed our boys three nil;‘Twas enough to make you chunder;So sure of another such thrillAs they all came roaring Down Under.
Well we showed them we’re not lacking,That Aussies have what it takes,And now we have sent them packing:Five nil! Five nil! For goodness sakes!
It’s been a magnifi cent ride;There’s surely no doubt about that.Bowed and beaten with humbled pride,Those English lions are pussy cats.
Here in the Antipodes,The land of the Southern Cross,We brought those Pommies to their kneesWhen we showed them who was boss.
In Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth,Melbourne and fi nally Sydney,Our boys showed those Poms their worthWith mateship and solidarity.
The same team fi nished that started,With no changes along the way.The loyal fans were delightedTo see how their team could play.
What about that Barmy ArmyWho sang daily that boring old song?Now they’re heading back to Blighty,Cold damp land where they belong.
And what was it all about,This truly magnifi cent victory?Lots of reasons to scream and shout:We’ve won back sports greatest trophy.
Jack Nystrom, 6.1.2014
Issue 69 19
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