1 Distributed throughout Altona with distribution points in Altona North, Seaholme, Altona Meadows and Williamstown LIKE Around Altona on Facebook! Stay informed and view the paper online faster: www.facebook.com/AroundAltona FREE ISSUE 79, DECEMBER 2014 PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD - Give this paper to a friend or neighbour to read. MEMORIES OF CHRISTMASES PAST LOCAL SAVINGS PROGRAM HELPS EASE SCHOOL COSTS PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 15 ALTONA BEACH FILM FESTIVAL Those who attended the It’s Art Wear It fashion parade in November at the Altona Senior Citizens Centre were in for a treat, as entertaining models from the Mambourin and David House organisations took to the catwalk. There was fashion, fun, laughter, bum-wriggling and dancing a-plenty, as the models showed off, in unique style, fashion and jewellery created by local artists. Lindsay Mason, Hobsons Bay City Council’s Co-ordinator for Community Development, compared this year’s parade. The evening concluded, at the Joel Gallery, with a successful exhibition of wearable art. The event was organised by volunteers Robert Falzon and Kerin Botha (pictured) and supported and manned by many of the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre’s volunteers. It’s Art Wear It was created in 2006 to provide an outlet for the creations of local crafters. Although several successful parades have taken place to date, the involvement of David House and Mambourin Altona models made this year’s event extra special, as it proudly shone the light on a segment of our community that is often ignored, not least in fashion. David House encourages independence and engagement in the community for both people with a disability and older people by providing support in the areas of work, education, health, home life and major life events. Mambourin Altona, based on Queen Street, promotes independent living by offering employment, education and training services to adults with intellectual and other disabilities. For organiser Robert Falzon, ‘it was an emotional event for both the models and the audience. The teary eyes in the room sum it up best. There was a level of energy and enthusiasm that we have not seen before. Interestingly, we brought the models in to include them, but they are the ones that got everyone else in. It truly was an inclusive evening.’ Fabienne Chevalier FASHIONABLE FUN IN ALTONA Models David Launder, David Tot, Lauren Marshall-Keay, Tracey O’Sullivan, Mary Dixon-Smith, Jaymi Briscoe and Glen Cryer (L to R, back row) and Trish Fowler and Crystal Reddie (L to R, front row)
Transcript
1
Distributed throughout Altona with distribution points in Altona North, Seaholme, Altona Meadows and Williamstown
LIKE Around Altona on Facebook! Stay informed and view the paper online faster: www.facebook.com/AroundAltona
FREE
ISSUE 79, DECEMBER 2014
PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD - Give this paper to a friend or neighbour to read.
MEMORIES OF CHRISTMASES PAST
LOCAL SAVINGS PROGRAM HELPS EASE SCHOOL COSTS
PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 15
ALTONA BEACH FILM FESTIVAL
Those who attended the It’s Art Wear It fashion parade in November at the Altona Senior Citizens Centre were in for a treat, as entertaining models from the Mambourin and David House organisations took to the catwalk. There was fashion, fun, laughter, bum-wriggling and dancing a-plenty, as the models showed off, in unique style, fashion and jewellery created by local artists. Lindsay Mason, Hobsons Bay City Council’s Co-ordinator for Community Development, compared this year’s parade. The evening concluded, at the Joel Gallery, with a successful exhibition of wearable art. The event was organised by volunteers Robert Falzon and Kerin Botha (pictured) and supported and manned by many of the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre’s volunteers. It’s Art Wear It was created in 2006 to provide an outlet for the creations of local crafters. Although several successful parades have taken place to date, the involvement of
David House and Mambourin Altona models made this year’s event extra special, as it proudly shone the light on a segment of our community that is often ignored, not least in fashion. David House encourages independence and engagement in the community for both people with a disability and older people by providing support in the areas of work, education, health, home life and major life events. Mambourin Altona, based on Queen Street, promotes independent living by offering employment, education and training services to adults with intellectual and other disabilities. For organiser Robert Falzon, ‘it was an emotional event for both the models and the audience. The teary eyes in the room sum it up best. There was a level of energy and enthusiasm that we have not seen before. Interestingly, we brought the models in to include them, but they are the ones that got everyone else in. It truly was an inclusive evening.’
Fabienne Chevalier
FASHIONABLE FUN IN ALTONAModels David Launder, David Tot, Lauren Marshall-Keay, Tracey O’Sullivan, Mary Dixon-Smith, Jaymi Briscoe
and Glen Cryer (L to R, back row) and Trish Fowler and Crystal Reddie (L to R, front row)
Issue 792
How quickly the year goes. This is a wrap for 2014! What a great year this has been.
I would like to wish you all the best for the Christmas season and hope you have a joyous and peaceful new year.
I would like to thank our many volunteers at the paper and our steadfast writers who get out there and regularly bring you exciting information and content. I would like to thank our walkers, who help with distribution and delivery of the paper to various locations all over the community.
I would like to thank all those businesses and organisations the support the paper in the form of advertising and providing information about their upcoming and current events.
I say a big thank you to all of our contributors who are not writers, but deliver regular interesting content about their
business , school or club that is often helpful, relevant and local.
I would like to thank Will (a magician) who does so much unpublicized work behind the scenes to make sure this community media operation runs smoothly.
Lastly I would like to pass on my gratitude and best wishes to our publisher Bill who has had a very rough year, and thank him for all of the work he has put in over the years. Given that he’s approaching 111, he is doing incredibly well (that’s an inside joke).
All the best and I am looking forward to what 2015 has to offer.
Kind Regards,Daniel Allen
RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR
PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHERAs this great festival hovers into view and most of us develop the holiday spirit, we too have the chance to say thank you to our readers for their comments and suggestions for improvement during the year and a big thank you to our advertisers who have made it possible for the community to receive our publication, free of charge. Our biggest surprise and joy came from a reader interviewed after picking up a newspaper from one of our baskets at a supermarket when asked his preference in reading replied - ‘I read it for the advertisements’ so we thanked him on behalf of the advertisers. Another interesting reply came from a young woman who gave her age as 58 who said she immediately turned to the ‘Kids Page’ to enjoy a laugh! I can tell you that after a survey in a supermarket eating area almost 100 % of people who picked up our paper, turned the pages to see what was in it, then started reading from the front page and when they fi nished their meal, took the paper away with them, hopefully for others to read.
Our editorial team has some surprises for you in 2015 and hopes to share them with you and wish all a ‘Happy New Year’. One of our joys in 2014 was to assist with support for the Gen Y Support Group who in conjunction with the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed have developed the ‘Future Creation Workshop’ who have a great website at: www.fcw.org.au The site is kept up to date and if you are a Gen Y you will fi nd great news there and if you have a Gen Y in the family you will fi nd help there for them and if you don’t know what a Gen Y is they are the age group 14 to 30 years who are having the worst deal of the century whose unemployment rate in Australia is offi cially 25.5% with rates in regional areas rising to 80% without any possibility of being trained, who either live at home or under a bridge, while waiting for the wheel to turn, which is not yet in site.
The Altona Beach Film Festival Launch October 21st, held at the Altona Sports Club, was a huge success. The hard working team of volunteers turned the sports club into some sort of Hollywood aerodrome movie set.
Over 60 people attended, they were treated to a series of wonderful short fi lms thanks to the Projector Bike Guys, a free drink, and speeches explaining the Altona Beach Film Festival. Hobsons Bay City Council Mayor, Sandra Wilson spoke about Hobsons Bay being the hub of Arts in the West. Sandra said she was proud that on her watch cultural activity would continue to grow.
The Mayor Sandra Wilson signalled the “LAUNCH MOMENT” with a large “Flight” of paper aeroplanes made by guests.
Altona Village Traders Association President Kim Walsh spoke about the importance of attracting Visitors to the area and the important and continued relationship forged between Hobsons Bay and Buloke Shire over 10 years ago during the drought (that’s another story).
Guest speaker Chris Eddie HBCC CEO, was pleased to be invited to the ABFF Launch. Chris agreed short fi lm
can successfully demonstrate simple ideas in a thought provoking and entertaining way. Chris is looking forward to seeing how the ABFF develops and contributes to the artistic and creative culture in Hobsons Bay.
Annette Stephens, ABFF President told us how the ABFF is open to everyone. Categories; under 13 years old, under 21 years old, under 50 years old and over 50 years old. A short fi lm festival 7 minutes long including titles and credits and the theme is “Flight”. Entries will open in April 2015 entries will close on 30th June 2015. The Altona Beach Film Festival Gala Award Presentation Evening will be held at the Altona City Theatre in August 2015.John Dawson ABFF Treasurer, thanked sponsors Bendigo Bank, Hobsons Bay City Council. Altona Sports Club, Altona Rotary, Altona Village Traders Association and current members for their donations and voluntary assistance.
The Launch was a fun taxi down the runway as the Altona Beach Film Festival prepares to take “Flight”
For more information; Face book Altona Beach Film FestivalOur web site Altona Beach Film FestivalAnnette Stephens Phone; 0407099687Email; altonafi [email protected]
With Christmas fast approaching thoughts of being a kid again and of Christmases past come to mind.
Back in those days we didn’t have fake trees, no, only real pine trees that we’d collect and bring home, tied to the roof of Dad’s car, about a week before. The smell of pine would fi ll the house and signal that Christmas was only around the corner. If you were lucky you could afford coloured lights and I remember how good they looked, in front windows of houses, as I raced around the neighbourhood. No one was concerned about kids being out and about back then, in daytime and night. Like lighthouses ,the coloured lights seemed to give you a nice feeling. Actually they still do and we still make it a must to tour the neighbourhood looking at the lights.
Back then we would gather around the neighbourhood and muck around. What Fun! The Nature Strips, which were wide back then, were a great meeting place and could easily
become a cricket pitch, a place to kick a footy, or anything you needed them to be. One of the best things we did back then was just waste time. If there was nothing much to do, we would just lay on our backs on the prickly grass, just looking at the sky talking, talking rubbish mostly.Of course on Christmas Day it was important that we all gathered together and showed each other what Santa
Clause had left for us. And mostly these were things that needed other “players” so we could all enjoy each other’s presents playing games like cricket or badminton. Three presents I remember were my fi rst new bike, a gift from Santa. A new bike was a big thing back then, and I was most pleased. After a typical Christmas day Roast lunch dad disappeared, returning somewhat sheepishly, and handed me a bicycle tool kit
and a pump-seems Santa had “forgotten” to leave it and called back later. Another present left by Santa obviously came in a tough year for him – it was a Green Straw Hat with a beach theme – a net with beachy things, some plastic fi sh and some shells as I recall. Needless to say it didn’t fi gure highly on the bragging stakes when the neighbourhood kids gathered that morning. Thirdly was a game of scrabble, which I still have somewhere. It wasn’t from Santa, it was from Mr and Mrs Shepherd who lived next door and always gave us presents at Christmas time.
Another reason to enjoy Christmas back then was the School Holidays, which could mean up to 6 or 7 weeks off. One year my best mate and I spent every day “down the beach”, again another great meeting place. It was a 5 minute walk and we’d make that trip 3 times a day sometimes, coming home for Lunch, and Dinner. My mate’s dad complained that his son didn’t have a bath for the whole holidays-we let the swimming keep us clean.
They say Christmas is for kids however I still get the same feelings of warmth and anticipation as Christmas comes closer day by day, and in amongst the presents I get on Christmas day, there is always one with “From Santa” on the tag. You know I’m already anticipating what will be in that parcel when I open it on the 25th. Whatever it is I’ll be happy, even if it’s a Green Straw Hat with a beach theme – a net with beachy things, some plastic fi sh and some shells.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AROUND ALTONA READERS
John Dawson
MEMORIES OF CHRISTMASES PAST
Issue 79 5
Issue 796
Do you ever wish you had a really amazing workshop full of tools and equipment? If you did have an amazing workshop, what would you build?
Every Friday evening a group of young people interested in making and building things come together at the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed in Altona to make use of the Shed’s amazing workshop. The group calls itself the Future Creation Workshop. Everybody is welcome, and the range of things they work on is exciting and diverse - woodworking, metalworking, bicycles, computers, electronics, jewellery making, photography, animation and more.
New members are welcome at any time. First time visitors don’t need to join. Our normal meeting time is 4:30 to 7:30 PM on Fridays. We always ask for $5 on the night for food and drink - (we usually have pizza). Membership costs $30 per year and gives you full membership to the Men’s Shed and ongoing access to equipment, tools, software and various activities.
At the Future Creation Workshop, people work by themselves on projects they’ve dreamed up, or they team up to work together in fun and interesting ways. An example of an individual project would be converting a bicycle. Some members of the group have brought in their own bikes to the workshop to customise them, or motorise them or convert them into “fi xies”. An example of working together is when the group worked together to experiment with “Light Painting”. Light painting is a term for photographs taken after dark using all kinds of light sources and tricks to create special effects. People took turns making LED devices, controlling the cameras, and doing the “painting”. The results of these experiments went on to become a public art exhibition. You can see the colourful results on the Air Time banners fl ying over Queen Street in Altona Meadows near the Skate Park.
The idea for the Future Creation Workshop program came out of the Men’s Shed’s philosophy of promoting well-being through lifelong learning and doing. Some of the leaders of the Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed reasoned that if the organisation made a special effort to invite and support them, then young people could benefi t from using the Shed’s fi ne facilities and from the wealth of technical expertise on hand.
Creating a workshop environment that is relevant to the mobile-Internet generation called for adding a touch of new technology and an eye for up-to-the-minute trends in DIY projects. So the Future Creation Workshop has been gradually expanding its toolset, blending the old with the new. For example, the group has the resources for making jewellery with traditional sculpting, moulding and casting, but also for making jewellery with digital design and 3D printing - and the two approaches can be combined.
The group has been inspired by the new “Maker Movement”, which is an emerging movement of groups around the world who aim to revive and nourish and update the age-old practice of amateur tinkering and learning by doing in a workshop. The group’s mission is partly about helping individuals build confi dence and employable skills. It’s partly about helping Australia build
a culture of innovation in the 21st century. And it’s partly about having lots of fun making cool things that you can’t quite make by yourself in your own bedroom.
About the Future Creation Workshop: Meeting Times: Fridays 4:30 PM - 7:30+ PMLocation: Hobsons Bay Men’s Shed - 280 Queen Street, Altona Contact: Gordon Lescinsky 0403-568-563Website: http://fcw.org.au Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/futurecreation
THE FUTURE CREATION WORKSHOP - A NEW CONCEPT
Issue 79 7
Four local Hobsons Bay artists have been invited to submit entries to the Victorian Artists Society, Artist of the Year Award. Ted Dansey, Shirley Fisher, Ray Hewitt and Bill Kerr are all members of the Hobson Bay Arts Society and have all exhibited pieces in at least two Victorian Artists Society selected Exhibitions and received the highest number of selected member votes.
The Artist of the Year Exhibition has one of the most unique selection processes in Australia with all artists exhibiting in three specially selected exhibitions over the year. The Artist of the Year Award is awarded to the artist gaining the most votes for ALL exhibitions including the Award Exhibition.
The Victorian Artists Society was founded in the 1870s to provide an art school for people to learn to paint and a gallery to exhibit their works. This year, thirty eight artists, all members of the Society, will fi ll three large galleries in the Victorian Artists Society heritage listed building in Albert Street, East Melbourne.
Eileen Mackley, President of the Victorian Artists Society said this prestigious award is unique as it is not awarded by a committee or judge, but by the peers of the winning
artist and demands a sustained quality performance throughout the year. Janette Hopwood of the Hosbons Bay Arts Society says, “we are very proud to be associated with all of our members chosen and wish them well.”
The winner of the Artist of the Year will be announced on Tuesday 25 November 2014 at 7.00pm at the opening.
Kyla-Jayne Rajah
VICTORIAN ARTISTS SOCIETY – ARTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD & EXHIBITION
Issue 798
Charles Hildebrand enlisted in the AIF in August 1915, and listed his next of kin as his widowed mother, Elizabeth, who lived in Mortimer Street, Werribee. He was 22 years old, with brown hair and brown eyes. He recorded his occupation as painter.Charles was allocated to the 23rd Battalion and embarked for Egypt in late October 1915.Once he arrived in Egypt he was transferred to the 58th Battalion as part of the expansion of the AIF. After further training in Egypt Charles arrived in France in June and a month later was involved in the Battle of Fromelles, where around one third of his entire Battalion became casualties. Charles apparently survived the battle unharmed, and along with the rest of his under strength Battalion, was rotated in and out of the front line for the next two months.Between the 9th and 12th of May 1917 the battalion found
themselves defending gains made during the second battle of Bullecourt, and at the end of this time Charles was listed as missing in action.The army held a Court of Enquiry into the fate of Charles, and the Red Cross also conducted interviews with soldiers who were with him during the battle.From the Red Cross interviews Private Walker said he knew Charles well, and that he had played in the Regimental football team in Egypt and was very good. He also thought Charles had played for a team in Ballarat before he joined up. Private Walker did not know for sure what happened to Charles, but was told by a Lieutenant Boyd that he had seen Charles killed.Private Watson told the Red Cross that he had heard that Charles was killed and that the AMC had found his (identity) disc.Private Cutting had no further information about Charles, but pointed out that the Red Cross had spelt his name wrong, they had it recorded as Hindebrand.The Army Court of Enquiry found that Charles Hildebrand was killed in action on the 12th of May 1917, and was buried in an unknown grave in the vicinity of Bullecourt.Charles mother Elizabeth was given a pension of two pounds per fortnight, effective from the 5th of October 1917. As far as I know, Charles still remains one of nearly 11,000 First World War Australian soldiers with no know grave.
Greg Milne
FINDING OUR ANZACS -CHARLES HILDEBRAND
Issue 79 9
Hobsons Bay Councillors have elected Wetlands Ward Councillor Colleen Gates unanimously as the Mayor of Hobsons Bay. Cr Gates was elected at a Special Council Meeting on Friday 7 November.Cr Gates said she believed 2015 would be an exciting year for Hobsons Bay and that Council would focus on delivering the results that support their strategic vision. “It is an honour and a privilege to be elected Mayor of Hobsons Bay and to know I have the support from Councillors to represent the community.” “The timing couldn’t be more symbolic for me. Yesterday recognised 100 years of women in local government, and today I have been elected as the third consecutive female
Mayor of Hobsons Bay,” she said.The new Mayor said she looked forward to working with Council to deliver the upgrades, projects and services most in need for Hobsons Bay. The Mayor thanked her predecessor Cr Sandra Wilson and acknowledged her many achievements. Cherry Lake Ward Councillor and former Mayor, Sandra Wilson said the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor would lead council strongly and with integrity. “I’m proud of this values based Council and what we’ve achieved as a team and I look forward to working with the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor over the next year and continuing to work hard for our community,” she said.
A NEW MAYOR FOR HOBSONS BAY
• Couple Counselling
• Family, Personal, Relationships, Critical Incident, EAP and more
• Compassionate and discreet
Call Antoinette on 0423 762 650
www.ancounselling.com.au
BSS (Counselling)Specialist Couple Therapy Certificate through Relationships AustraliaMember of Australian Counselling Association Level 3
Issue 7910
If you drive down Queen Street you’ve probably noticed the latest Airtime exhibition fl ags. They’ve been designed by the Future Creation Workshop based at the Men’s Shed further west along the street. Prominent and striking, they exhibit light-painting photography that members have generated using simple equipment such as LEDs, torches, and sparks. What’s next for Pier Street? Well, we’ve prepared a draft concept plan for the next stage of improvements to Pier Street including a full replacement of brick paving, new furniture, pedestrian crossings and new lighting between Blyth and Queen Streets. A drop in session will be held on Thursday 4 December between 6.30pm and 8pm. The session is open to all and will be an opportunity to speak to Council designers and engineers about the proposed
works. The plan can be viewed on the Have a Say section of the website, or in Council’s Civic Parade foyer, between now and 19 December 2014. Feedback is most welcome. Lastly, I’d like to invite you all to bring a chair or a picnic rug and your singing voice and join us for Carols by Candlelight on Sunday 14 December from 7.30pm at Logan Reserve, corner Pier and Queen streets, Altona. Carols will move to St Mary’s Catholic Church, Railway Avenue North, Altona in the event of inclement weather. Carols by Candlelight Altona is presented by Altona Laverton Council of Churches. I wish you all a safe and happy festive season and a prosperous New Year. Contact details: 0419 287 117 or [email protected]
We have good news for casual boat users at Altona and Newport boat ramps. We’ve begun a three-month trial of a pay by phone technology, allowing you to pay for launching your boat by downloading and using a simple ‘EasyPark’ smart phone application on your mobile phone. Customers that do not have access to a smart phone can ring 1300 734 070 and pay over the phone. The traditional pay machines at both ramps will of course continue to operate during the trial but this will provide yet another way to pay your ramp fees and get out on the water. Works are progressing well along Racecourse Road. Drainage is fi nished and we’re continuing with the excavation and laying of the base material. All things going to plan, the road should be complete by February next year. This will make a big difference for motorists accessing the business down there or Altona Coastal Park. Lastly, residents pulling out of their drives in Chambers Road and Westlink Court may have noticed a smoother journey. We recently asphalted Chambers Road between MacArthur’s Road and Bunting Court, and Westlink Court between Harcourt Road and Court Bowl. This completes our asphalting program for 2014. I would like to wish you and your families, a safe and happy festive season and a joyous New Year. Contact details: 0438 871 814 or [email protected]
A MESSAGE FROM CHERRY LAKE WARD CR SANDRA WILSON
A MESSAGE FROM CHERRY LAKE WARD COUNCILLOR JASON PRICE
Issue 79 11
On Sunday 16 November the latest Greek Orthodox Church, The Dormition Of Our Lady, offi cially opened, holding its fi rst service and bringing the total of these churches to forty four, the most of any state in Australia. The service was conducted by Archbishop Stylianos, Bishop Ezekiel and Bishop Iakovos with Reverend Father George Frangos in attendance. Hundreds turned up to help celebrate the opening with plenty of fabulous food on offer and traditional dancing to entertain those who braved the inclement weather which did nothing to dampen spirits.
The original church was built in 1967 but located in Mill St, North Altona. This was sold to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church about fi fteen years ago. Construction of the present church in Millers Rd was started February 2013 and this magnifi cent building has cost around $3.5 million and has been totally community funded. Painting of the interior and exterior has been done by volunteers as has the planting of the gardens surrounding the church. Plaster board used was kindly donated and similarly the wonderful bell tower front right of the building was also gifted. Exterior walls are of a bluestone base with rendered brick above and topped by terracotta tiling for the roof. The grand interior which can seat around seven hundred people is very light and airy with a domed ceiling hung with chandeliers and ringed with beautiful stained
glass windows. Further interior painting of patron saints, as seen on the ceilings and walls of other Greek Orthodox churches, is to commence in the next few months and expressions of interest are being taken now.
Reverend Father George would like to thank all those who so very generously contributed their time and effort to seeing this amazing church completed and to also thank the local community for their support during construction. Services are held every Sunday at 7.30am and Father George looks forward to seeing you there.
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
Issue 7912
Notices
ALTONA MEADOWS /LAVERTON UNITING
CHURCH
ADAVIC ANXIETY & DEPRESSION SUP-
PORT GROUP
ADVERTISING SALES
REPRESENTATIVE REQUIRED
COMMUNITY CAFÉ WEEKLY
HOBSONS BAY (ALTONA)
GARDEN CLUB INC.
ANGER MANAGEMENT
CLASSES
You are welcome to join us any Sunday at 10am and some
Sundays at 5.30pm (Night Owl service).
We worship in a circle and have groups for children during
part of the service. Our Fijian congregation has amalgamated
with us this year.We also have Bible study groups,
discussion groups, kids club, playgroup, etc
Contact Rev. Susan Malthouse on 9369 0384
Enquiries concerning the use of our building to Lauris on
0409 354 932
61 CENTRAL AVENUE, ALTONA MEADOWS.
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,
You will already know if you are a fi t for this position, you will love sales (talking to people), you are a self starter (know what you are doing), you thrive on success (you
are good and you know it).Work local at times to suit you, it
does not get better that this.If you can sell yourself, you’ve got the opportunity, just email your CV to [email protected]
Laverton Community Centre (the Hub) 95-105Railway Ave
Laverton
Every Wednesday, 12noon-1pm Altona
Meadows Community Centre 28 Trafalgar Avenue, Altona
Meadows
Every Friday, 12noon-1pm 3 course meal, both days cost:
$8/$5 (conc)
Bookings essential by Monday/ Thursday Phone:8368 0177
We invite you to join us. We meet on the third Monday of the month at 1pm. Located at the Youth Hall, corner of Civic Pde and Sugargum
Drive, Altona.We have great speakers, demonstrations and a trading table.
Enjoy a social afternoon tea with warm and friendly people. Any
inquires please ring Val on 9398 2002 or Bernice on 9314 2593
ALTONA NORTH COMBINED PROBUS
CLUB: Retired or semi-retired?
Interested in developing new friends, or interests. Join our
friendly group at the Community Hall, Cypress Av., Brooklyn
-10.00am on 3rd Wednesday of each month. Guest speakers, trips and other activities are
organised. Enquiries: Lois 9399 2554 or Pam 9314 4640
THE ALTONA FRUIT AND VEGIE SWAP
HBAS
Takes place on the second Saturday of every month from
10:30am to 11:30am at the Rotunda in Logan Reserve
PierStreet, Altona.
Hobsons Bay Arts Society will be holding its Tutors/Students &
Little Gems Exhibition from 12th - 21st December at the Louis Joel Arts & Community
Centre, 5 Sargood Street, Altona.
Bump-in will be 11th December from 9.30 to 11.30 a.m. Launch will be Friday evening 12th December at 6.30 p.m. Gallery hours will be
Monday to Friday 10 am. to 4.00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 11 am. to 3.30 p.m.
The Laverton Community Centre and Neighbourhood
House is running women`s anger management, self-esteem and assertion for women courses,
starting August 12 thCourses are also provided in
meditation and for those struggling with mental health.
The centre is in the Laverton Community Hub 95-105Railway
Avenue.Bookings are essential.
Call 8368 0177 or Email reception@lcis org.au
Issue 79 13
Altona Kids
Hi Creative Kids, This month we have a fabulous craft so you can make your own
decoration to hang either on your own tree or the community Christmas tree at your local library.
(For Ages 3 – 10) You will need: Plain Christmas Baubles, (blue and red work best)White Acrylic Paint, Coloured Glitter, Black Sharpie Pen Step One. Paint hand and fi ngers with white acrylic paint.Step Two. Cup bauble with hand and remove making sure to leave behind fi ngerprints. Step Three. While paint is still wet, sprinkle coloured glitter on to fi ngerprints to make them look like snow. Step Four. Once paint has dried, take sharpie pen and add details: a face, arms, boots, a hat and 3 little dots to make a jacket. Step fi ve. Take a piece of ribbon and thread through top of bauble. Knot at the top and hang on your tree. You could also turn you fi ngerprints into a Father Christmas, Rudolph, Elves, or Snowfl akes. What a wonderful personalised gift with your child’s handprint on it. Have fun! And a Happy Christmas to you all.
Fingerprints Painted on Bauble
Snowmen Drawn onto Fingerprints
Issue 7914
AffordableSenior Living
Sunrise Supported Living is the ideal solution for seniorswho value their independence, yet need some assistancewith daily activities. We encourage continuedindependence for our residents but ourcaring qualified staff are available24-hours a day for help withbathing, dressing, medicationreminders or other activities.
All Sunrise Supported Livingresidents can enjoy flexibility withtheir dining options. If they don’t wish tocook, they can choose how many meals they wish tohave each day in the main dining room.
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Hoppers Crossing
www.sunrisesupportedliving.com.au
We are all familiar with fi shing stories, but I am not sure what to make of the one below, reported in the Port Melbourne Standard on Saturday the 23rd of December 1916.
SHARK TORPEDOES MOTOR BOAT. Fishing out of a motor boat over the Rubbly, three miles off Point Cook, at 10.30 a.m. last Sunday, Mr. J. W. Patterson, wood merchant (owner of the boat), who resides at 492 Bay street; Mr. C. Peterson, wagon builder, 178 Station street; and Rupert Greaves (a lad), 178 Station street, had a thrillingly sensational experience. Mr. Peterson had pulled up a cod to the surface of the sea, when a monster shark, 18 ft. long, and of the girth of a horse, shot up from the depths below and darted like lightning at the fi sh on the line. The shark drove its snout right through the boat on the starboard side, making a hole 12 inches by 8 inches in the outside shell of the boat inch board and a hole 6 inches in diameter in the inside lining half-inch board. The shark re bounded from the blow half dazed, rolled over three times, and then swam slowly away. The hole in the boat was 8 inches under water. The three men aboard, though naturally startled at the attack of the monster, were not slow in getting to work to stop the inrush of water. Mr. Peterson jammed a bag in the opening, and he and his companions threw overboard some of the 10 cwt. of ballast carried, and stacked the remainder on the port side, and caused the boat to list to port, and in this way they raised the hole above sea level. The engine was set going, and Point Cook
was reached. There temporary repairs were made, and the journey home was resumed. On the way back to Port Melbourne, the motor boat (it is named Defender), met the yacht C.J.M., and was towed into The Lagoon dock by her.If I was in a boat being attacked by an 18 foot cod stealing horse shaped torpedo shark, “naturally startled” would not be a suitable way to describe me. In fact Rupert Greaves (a lad) could well have found himself suddenly inserted into the hole to plug it. The only thing I don’t like about this story is that no one is recorded as saying- “I think we need a bigger boat”.
Greg Milne
THIS MONTH IN 1916
Issue 79 15
Leading local savings program, Saver Plus, is helping to ease the burden of ‘back to school’ costs by supporting Australian families through fi nancial education and up to $500 in matched savings.Delivered locally by The Smith Family, the 10-month program has already benefi ted more than 20,000 Australians, encouraging them to set fi nancial goals and learn about long-term savings habits.Mother of one Judy Barrow says the program has encouraged her to include her son in the household budgeting and saving and will teach him fi nancial skills for the future,” I’m teaching my son to save using his piggy bank. He’s been saving all the 5c and 10c pieces he fi nds so he can buy something for himself as a reward for saving.” “I too have learned how to save by planning my meals and knowing how to shop smarter and where. I’ve really noticed how much I’ve saved, it’s great”, she said. “I’m also very excited to receive $500 to help pay for my son’s school costs when he starts prep.”Judy’s experience echoes the latest research by RMIT University which shows that the benefi ts of Saver Plus often reach beyond the participants themselves, with 81%
of those taking part encouraging family members, including children, to save. Saver Plus was developed in 2002 by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ, and is delivered by community organisations across Australia. Saver Plus Coordinator from The Smith Family, Lewis Young explained: “Saver Plus builds people’s money management skills and confi dence with simple tools including budgets and shopping tips. I’ve seen the program change people’s attitudes towards money and
saving and in many cases change their lives.” The matched savings program is closing recruitment at the end of December this year. People over 18 years old, who have a Health Care or Pensioner Concession card, have regular income from paid employment and have children enrolled in school or who are attending or returning to vocational education themselves can apply.For more information or to book a time to meet with your local Saver Plus coordinator before December 31, contact Lewis Young on 0439 585 702, or email [email protected]
LOCAL SAVINGS PROGRAM HELPS EASE SCHOOL COSTS
Are you eligible for Saver Plus?
You may be eligible if you:
• have a Health Care or a Pensioner Concession Card• are at least 18 years old• have a child at school or starting next year or attend vocational education yourself• have some regular income from work (you or your partner).
Contact Lewis Young from The Smith Family on 9749 7194 or 0439 585 702 for more information. Visit: http://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/SaverPlus
‘Back to School’ savings tips:• Use a budget to maximize the fi rst installment of the Schoolkids Bonus, available to families on lower incomes to help with school costs from January 2015.• Ask your school for an expenses list to see if you can pay for any costs via instalments, such as school camps and excursions.• Develop a budget and do your research to fi nd the best “back to school” bargains.• Hold a get-together with school parents, with children of different ages, to exchange children’s school clothing. • Add children’s names to all school items, so that any lost property is more likely to be returned. • Buy school supplies in bulk that you know will be used regularly.
Issue 7916
To see the Australian FlagWild, wonderful and freeOh! At Christmas TimeThis land’s the place for me
At Christmas Time I wanna beWhere the sun sets in the westWhere the Mallee FowlBuilds his magnifi cent nest,Where the golden wattle blossomsOh! What a lovely sightAnd all the cheeky possumsCome out to play at night
To see a billy on the boilOver a crackling fi reOr catch a sight Of the elusive lireOh! To see a dozen kangaroosFlat out through the scrubOr a few old matesGathered at the pub
To see children playing in the sunKnowing that they’re freeTo do what they want to doBut be home in time for tea
Let me see the Aussie fl agFlying up aboveAt Christmas TimeWith me and the ones I loveEveryone wants to be freeThat’s why at Christmas TimeThis land’s the place for me
John Dawson
AN AUSSIE CHRISTMAS
Issue 79 17
Anyone who owns a dog will tell you that they are more than just a pet: they are part of the family. What better way to spoil your four legged family member than by paying at visit to the Pooch Beauty Salon in Kororoit Creek Road North Williamstown?
Manager of the Pooch Beauty Salon, Dominique, has been grooming dogs for four years and describes the salon as “small, relaxed and prefers to make your little fur baby feel as comfortable as if he/she hadn’t even left their home”The salon offers a variety of services including full grooming and beauty baths as well as ear cleaning, worming, soothing wraps, nail clipping, de-matting and fl ea rinses. A pick up and drop off service is also available for clients in the Williamstown, Altona, Altona Meadows, Seaholme, Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing and Werribee areas.We have a pickup and delivery service door to doorDominique loves dogs and her salon caters for dogs of all sizes. “I own a 55kg Rhodesian ridgeback named Nitro and his my pride and joy” said Dominique.A full list of services and more information can be found on the Pooch Beauty Salon website http://thepoochbeautysalon.com.au/ or by calling 9397 4498Add fi nd us on face book with facebook Logo https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pooch-Beauty-Salon/1450372415230740?ref=hl
By Melissa Haber
Pets Corner
POOCH BEAUTY SALON
Issue 7918
WHAT’S NEXT IN PIER STREET? HAVE YOUR SAY ON PLANS FOR THE NEXT STAGE OF STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS
Following recent consultation and planning, Hobsons Bay City Council has prepared a draft concept plan for the next stage of improvements to Pier Street.
Proposed improvements include a full replacement of brick paving, new street furniture, pedestrian crossings and new lighting between Blyth and Queen Streets.
You can view the concept plan at: www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/pierstreet or at the Altona Civic Centre foyer.
Get involved and attend the drop in session
A drop in session will be held on Thursday 4 December between 6:30pm and 8:00pm at the Altona Civic Centre. The session is open to all and will be an informal opportunity to speak to Council designers and engineers about the proposed works.
For more information on the project, to request a copy of the plan or provide your feedback please contact the Pier Street Project Team via:
The consultation period will be open until 19 December 2014.
Proudly brought to you by Hobsons Bay City Council
PIE
R S
TR
EE
T
BLYTH STREET
QUEEN STREET
ARTIST’S IMPRESSION
Cap Works Signage - Pier Street (Detailed Sign).indd 1 25/11/2014 9:08:39 A
Issue 79 19
I’m writing to let you know about some important changes to eligibility rules for Social Security entitlements that could affect your ability to access future, or continue to receive current levels of, Social Security support payments such as the Age Pension. It’s important you are aware of these changes, as receiving your Centrelink entitlements could help your hard-earned savings last longer, providing a signifi cant boost to your quality of lifestyle in retirement. What are the new rules?
Social Security has generally given favourable treatment to account-based pensions when assessing your eligibility for an income support payment such as the Age Pension and the Disability Support Pension. As a result, many people with account-based pensions are currently able to receive valuable Social security support, topping up their pension account payments to help their personal savings last longer. This is set to change from 1 January 2015, as the same
‘deeming’ rules that apply to other fi nancial investments will also apply to newly-commenced account-based pensions and those account based pensioners who were not in receipt of an income support payment. These changes may mean that fewer people will be eligible to receive Government assistance and others may receive less. Also should you make certain changes that require the commencement of new account based pension after this date, the new rules will apply. What actions should you consider?
People over aged 55 and over this year you may be affected by the proposed changes.
If you wish to discuss the above changes in greater detail please phone (03) 9867 4345 Also, if you know others who may be affected by these important changes, I would be happy to assist them in a review of their situation.
CENTRELINK DEEMING RULE CHANGE – ACCOUNT BASED PENSION
Issue 7920
Altona Gardens
A few years ago, dear friend gave me a potted Poinsettia as a Christmas gift, and I was so taken with its brilliant red bracts and green leaves that I was compelled to become immersed in the plant. (The fl owers are the tight little red and yellow bud-like bits in the centre.)
Native to Mexico, Euphorbia pulcherrima is commonly grown as an indoor plant in areas outside its natural environment. However, it is widely grown outdoors north of Sydney in subtropical climates of Australia. Plants are likely to perish if the minimum nighttime temperature falls below 10°C (50°F), so this species is not suitable for planting in the ground in cooler climates. Euphorbia pulcherrima also does not thrive in areas where daytime temperatures exceed 21°C (70°F).
Irritatingly, Poinsettia plants can be diffi cult to re-fl ower after the initial display at the time of purchase. In order to develop fl owers, plants require a period of uninterrupted long, dark nights for around two months in autumn. Having a potted Euphorbia pulcherrima plant sit in water is inviting almost instant death. Rather, growers should be aware that plants
prefer a moist soil rather than direct water. A rest period is advised between waterings ... but not so long that the potting mix becomes powder dry.
From early December, during the run-up to Christmas, our plant nurseries are awash with potted Poinsettia plants. One year a friend received two plants that, following the festive season, she planted in her front garden, one on either side of her driveway. After a few years, they had become tall and rather straggly, but the fact that this lady lives in Altona (a mild bayside suburb) probably accounts for their survival. If she had lived further inland, well away from the warming infl uence of Port Phillip Bay, I am sure they would have succumbed at the fi rst signs of frost. My friend eventually cut her two straggly plants down to ground level, but I noticed recently that they have begun to sprout and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if, in a few months time, they will have again developed into attractive bushes.
Q: What do you get when you cross a cow with a trampoline?A: A milkshake!
Wife: “I look fat. Can you give me a compliment?” Husband: “You have perfect eyesight.”
A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says, “That’s the ugliest baby that I’ve ever seen. Ugh!” The woman goes to the rear of the bus and sits down, fuming. She says to a man next to her, “The driver just insulted me!” The man says, “You go right up there and tell him off – go ahead, I’ll hold your monkey for you.”
Two cannibals are eating dinner and one says, “I hate my mother-in-law.” The other replies, “Well, just eat your noodles, then.”
Issue 7922
You can still Buy a Unique Gift
for Christmas
This package can be deliveredto your specified address for just
$24.95
Poet Laurette for Around Altona,Jack, has written over 1000 poems andhas selected 270 of his favourites forinclusion in this, full Colour cover, Volume 1 of a series planned to follow.
Delivery is planned priorto Christmas preferably to an emailaddress, if not, by snail mail
The package will contain instructions todownload an ebook version of thecomplete book, a gift card with yourmessage, plus a hard copy of the bookwill follow by post, direct from theprinter.
Mail : Self Publishing Books,Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028
You can still Buy aUnique Gift
for Christmas
This package can be deliveredto your specified address for just
$24.95
Poet Laurette for Around Altona,Jack, has written over 1000 poems andhas selected 270 of his favourites forinclusion in this, full Colour cover, Volume 1 of a series planned to follow.
Delivery is planned priorto Christmas preferably to an emailaddress, if not, by snail mail
The package will contain instructions todownload an ebook version of thecomplete book, a gift card with yourmessage, plus a hard copy of the bookwill follow by post, direct from theprinter.
Mail :Self Publishing Books,Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028
STAR GAZINGMan has always had the desireTo move on to some other place:Unfazed by ice, wind, rain or fi re,Of this globe, he’s covered the face.
He’s traversed snow-capped mountains,Oceans, deserts, raging rivers,And made highways ‘cross trackless plainsTo carve homes out of wildernesses.
Now that we’ve overrun this sphere,And are fast using its resources,While polluting its atmosphere,We have to plan future courses.
But we’re anchored to this planetWith our carbon-emitting cars;We’ll look back one day with regret,Gazing lovingly at the stars.
Meanwhile our imaginationTakes us to those out-of-World places:Books, movies and televisionEnvisage distant galaxies.
Would that a spaceship of the mindCould leap the wall of Time and Space:A timeless future for MankindWould then unchain us from this place.
If the mind’s enormous powerCould conquer the known Universe,Shrinking a light-year to an hour,Boundless distances we’d traverse.
If we found a world like Earth so near,With land, fresh water and clean air;(That is, like the home we once had here)Of that new world, would we take good care?
