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Issue 40 June 2016

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Please redistribute rather than discard this paper - give it to your friends, family or neighbours!

4 14 16page A PIECE OF

RAILWAY HISTORY

page pageX-MEN: APOCALYPSE

WINTER WARMERS

A million years ago, back in the late 80’s, I remember being able to browse the Werribee Plaza in under ten minutes. With one small area dedicated to specialty stores and another separate area allocated to supermarkets and food, ‘chucking a lap’ of the plaza was a very minor task. Way back when, the stores I couldn’t live without included What’s New and Brashs – these stores don’t even exist now!

Of course, over the years with Wyndham’s ever expanding population, the Plaza has undertaken many transformations.

With each new development, the Plaza has gotten a little more impressive, but it was not until the Plaza was reborn as Pacific Werribee, that locals really had something to shout about.

The development has been ongoing since 2014 and in comparison to what I recall of the 80’s…well it just doesn’t compare. It now takes a good 40 minutes to get around the complex and that is only if you don’t get lured into any of the impressive retailers. The Urban Diner dominates my attention, with its many delectable food options.

H&M COMES TO WYNDHAM!!MELISSA LONGO

The Around Hoppers Crossing - Community Newspaper is distributed in Hoppers Crossing with distribution points in Werribee, Tarneit, Truganina and Williams Landing

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Advertising enquiries: Daniel 0408 659 940

aroundsell@gmail.comWill 0449 834 359

will@aroundhopperscrossing.comLouise 0403 191 084

ml.goegan@gmail.com Alan 0412 412 740

Advertising: aroundsell@gmail.com will@aroundhopperscrossing.com Contributions: editorhoppers@gmail.com

Publishers:Bill 8307 8872

Will 8360 8598ABN 54 145 436 804 www.aroundhopperscrossing.com

FROM THE EDITORSo here we are, staring down the barrel of a long, cold Winter and I know what you are thinking…. hibernation! I know, because that is what I am thinking too.

Winter is my least favourite time of year – it’s grey, and although I can appreciate the beauty of grey from an interior design perspective, I prefer my weather in a slightly warmer colour palette.

If I am being honest, it is the ongoing lack of sunshine that really gets me down and by the end of August, I am a shadow of my Summer self.

This year in particular, I will have to work extra hard to keep the Winter Blues at bay – I am growing a human, which can present difficulties in itself.

Pregnancy is one hell of an undertaking and my second time around has been troublesome to say the least. Don’t get me wrong – I am 100% grateful and know full well that it will all be worth it in the end, but my goodness do they make you work for it!

So as I approach the third trimester and the season of doom simultaneously, I will be looking for the positives – meals from the slow cooker, binge watching episodes of Game of Thrones, snuggling with my girl under my favourite fluffy throw and hopping into my bed, where the electric blanket has taken care of the chill!

So enjoy your casseroles, read your community paper and know that together, we will get through this.

Winter is Coming, but so too is my baby and that is something to look forward to.

Thanks in advance,

Melissa Longo

PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHERThe end of June means the end of the financial year for businesses, and serving the community is our business.

The number of compliments we receive monthly has been both reassuring and appreciated by all members of our support group, most of whom are volunteers.

Is there a way you can help us stay in business in these times of stress in the business world?

Of course there is! We don’t need money from you, we get that from the advertisers that support your free paper. What we need from you is to receive your own copy of the paper by email and receive it promptly, on the first of the month.

And you get even more for your free subscription! How is that so? Our computer marketing guru, Fred Gillen, produces a fantastic 20-page Internet marketing magazine in full colour, chock full of great ideas about how you too, together with your friends and family, can benefit in many ways from Facebook. A potential fortune is waiting for you on the Internet, and you can have this $4.50 monthly E-magazine, as a gift from us, not only for yourself, but free to all your friends and associates with our compliments.

And there’s more! Fred has an amazing library collection of videos, from industry leaders on computer how to’s, with amazing stories like ‘How to Build a Customer Factory’-

imagine building a Customer Factory – is it like a Chocolate Factory? No, it’s more like a ‘Money Printing Press Factory’ – you’ll love that one – and it’s free with your emailed local newspaper.

What will your help mean to us? Firstly, an increase in customers on email will offer better results for advertisers, who will spend more with us as their sales grow, with a bigger circulation of our local newspaper.

When you receive our goodies and see their real value and can offer them FREE to your friends, who then might join our list, you’ve done your job - you’ve helped us survive and grow in our present tough world and we thank you, our readers.

We start the new financial year, by electing a new government, which ever it may be, coalition or composition. I guess we’ll find out our fate in July.

Bill McPherson

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The next and perhaps most exciting section yet, will open its doors on July 28th.

A 2-storey Myer is meant to be the centre-piece of this latest phase, but the real star will be H&M.

The European brand is as big as it gets in terms of fashion and the locals simply cannot believe their luck!

Other retailers adding to an already impressive line-up include UNIQLO, Sportsgirl, Peter Alexander, Kikki K and my personal favourite – T2!!!

In the past, I have known that our humble little shopping precinct has been perfectly fine for a quick browse, but if you really want to shop, you need to head to Highpoint, Chadstone or the CBD.

As of July 28th it is fair to assume that Pacific Werribee will be a place not just for us locals, but for people from outside the area, to seek out for a spot of retail therapy.

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

IN “AROUND HOPPERS CROSSING”

GIVE US A CALL:

Alan 0412 412 740 alan@aroundhopperscrossing.com

Daniel 0408 659 940 aroundsell@gmail.com

Louise 0403 191 084 ml.goegan@gmail.com

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A PIECE OF RAILWAY HISTORY: THE RAILWAY CAME TO WERRIBEE

On June 25th this year, Werribee will have been serviced by the railway for 159 years. In 1853 the Melbourne and Geelong Railway Company began constructing the line to Melbourne, from the Geelong end.

Construction was slow as labour was difficult o obtain, due to so many able bodied men moving to the goldfields. As a consequence, one hundred prisoners were hired from the government so the work could proceed. The railway company paid the government five shillings (fifty cents) per prisoner, per day for them to do manual labour on the construction site. Accommodation for the prisoners was an old hulk that had been towed from Williamstown and anchored in Corio Bay.

Mr. Thomas Chirnside, a wealthy local gentleman offered land free to the railway company, provided a station would be built at Werribee. At that time, Mr. Chirnside’s wool and produce had to be taken to Point Cook jetty to be loaded on a ship for transport to the city. A Station at Werribee would be far more economic and convenient for Mr. Chirnside’s needs when the railway went through.

The station at Werribee was opened on 25th June 1857

and the line continued to Williamstown Pier, where passengers transferred to a ferry, which took them to Port Melbourne to continue their journey to Melbourne. At the time Werribee station was opened for passenger and freight traffic, there were only ten or twelve houses in Werribee, but by 1861 this had grown to almost forty.

In 1858 the line from Melbourne to Williamstown was connected, allowing the trains from Werribee direct access to Melbourne through the junction at Newport. The Station building at Werribee was constructed of bluestone blocks and was burned down in 1927. With the walls still standing, the station was rebuilt, with the outside walls being cement rendered. In 1979, a wheat train derailed into the building, causing two million dollars’ damage. For many months, wheat grew on and around the platform, from the spillage of the derailment. The station building was repaired and rebuilt as to what it is today.

As you will be aware, Werribee station is no longer a station en route to Geelong.

Wilfred Swaine

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ARTHRITIS AND PETS

Arthritis is a debilitating disease affecting millions of people, and pets, all over the world. Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, where the cartilage lining the joints wear down, causing pain and discomfort.

Arthritis can be more common in certain breeds due to genetics, however other factors can include old age, poor structure and development, obesity and

unusual gait and conformation. Common signs of arthritis in pets are stiffness, limping, reluctance to exercise, or favouring a particular limb.

Often the symptoms may become noticeably worse after resting, vigorous exercise or cooler weather.

There are a few ways to help support joint health, and reduce signs of arthritis. Weight management and exercise are important, keeping our pets at a healthy lean weight and preventing any excess impact on the joints. Exercise helps to increase flexibility and movement, while also building muscle and limiting wear and tear on the joints.

If your pet is finding it difficult to get down stairs or jump, for example, into the car, onto the bed or couch, it may be beneficial to get a ramp, so they don’t have to put any extra pressure on their joints.

Professional massage and physical therapy can also be extremely beneficial, to help reduce muscle stiffness and increase range of motion, reducing pain and discomfort.

Supplements can be added to the diet to aid the reduction of inflammation and pain, while helping to prevent further degeneration.

Essential Fatty Acids, Omega 3 and 6, and antioxidants such as Vitamin A and E are all beneficial. Glucosamine and chondroitin are another great combination for reducing pain, inflammation and stiffness, and assist in rebuilding damaged joint cartilage.

There are a range of effective treatments available for arthritic support, which can greatly reduce the pain and discomfort our pets experience.

It is always best to consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has arthritis, or if you wish to add supplements to their diet, to ensure the best treatment plan is made for your pet.

Cindy Bremner

Natural Pawfection- Animal Naturopath

0421-446-764

Pets Page

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SEND THOSE WINTER VIRUSES PACKING!Oh Melbourne…You’re getting Chilly! Caterina Morrison, Melbourne’s Leading Naturopath and Nutritionist talks to us about building an arsenal to send those Winter Viruses Packing.

Supplements can be beneficial for colds, but they should be used only as an adjunct to the lifestyle measures already in place. Some of the more helpful options for cold (and flu), above and beyond vitamin D, are listed below:

1. To avoid infecting others and re-infecting yourself, wash your hands often and flush used tissues down the toilet.

2. Vitamin C has been shown in more than 20 double-blind studies to be effective in reducing the severity of symptoms and the duration of the common cold. Take 250 to 500mg every two waking hours for maximum benefit. Lower the dosage if diarrhea, excessive gas or gastrointestinal irritation occurs. A very potent antioxidant; I prefer the natural form such as found in acerola, which contains associated micronutrients.

3. Siberian Ginseng has been shown in studies to reduce the

incidence of infection by over 95%. Take 1 cup of tea (in bags) three times a day for 8 – 10 weeks before the cold season starts.

4. Andrographis taken throughout the cold season reduces catching a cold and sneezing by more than 50%.

5. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus): The most famous herb in Chinese medicine for strengthening the immune system, which is now backed by scientific evidence.

6. Zinc lozenges are one of the most popular natural approaches to the common cold. There have been several double-blind studies showing zinc lozenges are effective in reducing the severity and symptoms of colds. Take zinc losenges at the first sign of a cold to ‘short circuit’ the infection process. Make sure it is zinc gluconate or acetate, (other forms do not work), every two to three hours for at least a day. Sweeteners such as manitol or sorbitol may counteract the immune stimulant effect of zinc, so be sure to read the label if you use sweetened losenges.

7. Oregano Oil: The higher the carvacrol concentration, the more effective it is. Carvacrol is the most active antimicrobial

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agent in oregano oil. Not be be used by children under 12.

8. Elderberry: A study conducted by Israeli scientists showed that an elderberry extract could suppress the growth of influenza viruses in lab dishes. The same research team reported that patients given the extract recovered faster. It is thought its potent antioxidants may enhance immune function.

9. Probiotics: These friendly bacteria that turn milk into yogurt can help keep your defenses in top form. Upwards of 70 percent of the immune cells that produce antibodies live in the lining of your digestive tract. Keeping them in peak shape may help you battle colds and flu.

10. Olive leaf extract: Widely known as a natural, non-toxic immune system builder.

11. Drinking plenty of liquids will not only keep your respiratory system moist, which repels infections, but also improves the function of infection-fighting white blood cells by decreasing the concentration of compounds that are in solution in the blood. The type of liquids you consume is very important. Studies have shown that drinking concentrated sources of sugars, such as the glucose, fructose and sucrose found in soft drinks, honey or juice, greatly reduces the ability

of the white blood cells to kill bacteria.

12. A tea made from a combination of elderflower, yarrow, boneset, linden, peppermint, ginger and manuka honey: drink it hot and often for combating a cold or flu. It causes you to sweat, which is helpful for eradicating the virus from your system.

Colds and other viral respiratory infections are the most common diagnoses for which antibiotics are prescribed. Antibiotics cannot help fight a cold since they are not effective against viruses. However, see your Health Practitioner, or GP under these conditions:

• A chest congestion develops.

• If fever rises above (38.8c) for more than 3 days.

• If yellow or white spots appear in the throat.

• Any enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.

• If there is wheezing or shortness of breath.

For more Health Tips for your Best Health Ever, Like Caterina’s Facebook Page,

Caterina Morrison, Naturopath, Health And Wellbeing Expert.

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2016 FEDERAL BUDGET AND YOUR SUPERANNUATION

The ‘big ticket’ item in this year’s budget is the proposed changes to superannuation. Except for a couple of notable exceptions, the proposed budget changes will take effect from 1 July 2017, subject to being legislated.

Concessional superannuation contributions From 1 July 2017 the concessional contribution cap will reduce to $25,000 for all.

People with less than $500,000 in super who have not utilised all of their full concessional contribution cap ($25,000) in a financial year, will be able to carry forward any unused cap and make additional contributions in following years. Unused concessional contribution amounts can be carried forward for up to five years.

Low income superannuation tax offset

Low income earners (people earning less than $37,000) currently receive a Low Income Superannuation Contribution (LISC) from the government of up to $500, to compensate for the 15 per cent tax paid on their superannuation guarantee contributions. The current LISC is due to cease from 1 July 2017, but will be replaced with a new non-refundable tax offset of up to $500.

Low income spouses

Again, from 1 July 2017, the current low income spouse superannuation tax offset of up to $540, will be enhanced with the income threshold for the spouse for whom a contribution is made, being increased from $10,800 to $37,000. Contributions for older Australians

Currently, superannuation contributions can only be made by people aged between 65 and 74 if they meet a ‘work test’ in the financial year, in which contributions are made. The work test requires they be gainfully employed, or self-employed for a period of at least 40 hours, worked within a period of 30 consecutive days. The intention is to remove the work test requirement from 1 July 2017.

Tax deductibility of super contributions Presently a person may only claim a tax deduction for personal super contributions, if they derive less than 10 per cent of their assessable income (+ reportable fringe benefits and reportable superannuation contributions) from employment. From 1 July 2017 the budget proposes that anyone under the age of 75 will be able to make tax deductible personal contributions, irrespective of their age or work status. However, consideration needs to be given to the concessional contribution cap, and any employer contributions that may also be made.

Non-concessional contribution lifetime limit

The current limit is $180,000 per annum. The budget has proposed replacing the current non-concessional cap with a lifetime limit of $500,000. Even though legislation has not been introduced, it is proposed this change will take effect from 3 May 2016. And, to complicate matters even further, any non-concessional contributions made since 1 July 2007 will be assessed against the lifetime cap.

Extension of tax on super contributions for high income earners

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Those Australians earning more than $300,000, currently pay an additional 15 per cent tax on their concessional superannuation contributions.

Effective from 1 July 2017, the threshold at which this tax becomes payable will be reduced from $300,000 to $250,000.

Super pension limitations

In the budget, the government announced restrictions will be placed on the amount that can be held in the pension phase of superannuation. The proposed limit is $1,600,000.

Amounts in excess of this will need to either be withdrawn from super, or may be retained in an accumulation account with investment earnings being taxed at 15 per cent.

This proposal is retrospective, in that people already drawing income from a pension that has a value of more than $1,600,000 as at 1 July 2017, will need to transfer the excess over $1,600,000, back to an accumulation account.

Anti-detriment payments

An anti-detriment payment is an additional benefit

that may be paid from a superannuation fund on the death of a member, where the benefit is paid as a lump sum to an eligible dependent beneficiary.

It is proposed that anti-detriment payments be abolished from 1 July 2017.

Transition to retirement pensions

From 1 July 2017, the investment earnings derived by a super fund that is paying a TTR pension will be taxed in the super fund at a rate of 15 per cent, instead of the current 0 per cent.

Conclusion

The initiatives announced in the budget are subject to their successful passage through parliament. But with an election looming, the success of any of these measures actually making it through the legislative process, is uncertain at this stage. With most of the announcements, we have over a year to digest the implications and develop alternative strategies, where appropriate.

Should you wish to discuss your pre-retirement strategy please contact Will Stjepovik on 9867 4345

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WHAT WOMEN WANT

What do women want? I have asked this question many times, often coming up with the same answer. Women want to know what the heck their husband was thinking. Is it just me, or do other women sometimes wonder what goes through their husband's mind? Does it seem that when something should have been, nothing really was?Where we live, the major source of heating is the wood fireplace. Not long after we moved in, Hubby and I were in the kitchen one evening, admiring a lovely orange glow above the skylight. It looked like fireworks but it didn't take long to realise that in the bush, nobody lights fireworks in the middle of winter. Or any time for that matter.Hubby raced outside to confirm we had a chimney fire. The children and dogs were woken, rugged up and

brought outside as he dragged the hose onto the roof. It was a messy operation, but no damage was sustained and a lesson was learned. So...The following year as the weather grew cool, I arrived home from work to the promise of Hubby cleaning out the chimney ready to light the fire. Pleased at the thought of a warm house and clothes that would dry overnight on the clothes horse, I heard the sound of productivity as I walked along the verandah. Opening the door, I saw him bent over the fireplace, surrounded by brooms, brushes and pans. Then it dawned on me. What was that noise? It sounded like a vacuum. But the only vacuum inside is my new…. Oh God…. Surely not.Yep. Hubby was vacuuming out the fireplace with the DC39. At this point I was most displeased. I launched into a tirade of abuse, questioning his motive. Why would he use the Dyson, when there is an old Volta in the garage? He looks at me through the dust-filled haze, with a perplexed look, and calmly says "but honey, the fireplace is really, really clean".Of course it is. You have just used my new $800 vacuum to clean it out. Help!Dee Simpson.You can also find me at http://comejoindee.com/

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I’m on a Boat!!

This month’s photo page is brought to you by Wyndham Harbour!! I was lucky enough to head down to the Open Day on May 21st and Port Phillip Ferries put on quite the day! The weather was beautiful, which allowed the locals to come out in massive numbers, ready to check out Wyndham’s latest mode of transport.Live music, free fairy floss and face-painting kept the kidlets entertained, whilst the masses were waiting to board the ferry for a quick trip out into the bay.Once aboard, the excitement was palpable. The ferry is slick, smooth and holds a large number of passengers comfortably – I was one of 372 on the first trip for the day!! There were plenty more people waiting, once we were back on solid ground, so clearly the locals are keen. For more information on the Marina and the ferry, check out http://www.portphillipferries.com.au and http://www.wyndhamharbour.com.au.

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FACEBOOK FOR BUSINESSIf you're looking for a general overview of how to use Facebook to help your business grow, these fundamentals will set you up for success. You can also focus your activity on Facebook to meet specific business goals.

● 1. Set up your Page

● 2. Identify your audience

● 3. Create compelling content

● 4. Advertise

● 5. Measure and adjust

1. Set up your Page

Create the hub for your business on Facebook

Your Facebook Page makes your business:

● Discoverable: When people search for you on Facebook, they'll be able to find you.

● Connected: Have one-to-one conversations with your customers, who can like your Page, read your posts and share them with friends, and check in when they visit.

● Timely: Your Page can help you to reach large groups of people frequently, with messages tailored to their needs and interests.

● Insightful: Analytics on your Page will give you a deeper understanding of your customers and your marketing activities.

When you set up your Page, you can request a web address such as "facebook.com/yourgreatcompany", which makes it easy to find. To maximise the impact, include this address on your business card, website and other marketing materials.

Remember: Your Page is an extension of your business. It's an easy way to share updates and more with the people who matter most. It's ready to help you engage your customers on desktop and on mobile.

This is just the 1st fundamental, the remaining 4 are available to you at no cost at :

www.FredGillen.com/facebook-fundamentals

Buy Sell & Swap --- Coming Soon!!!

We are going to allocate this page for a Buy Sell & Swap page, so that local residents can advertise any items that are surplus to their needs or items that they are seeking.

You can send us your ad details with up to 12 words in the headline, and then the full description along with details of how readers can contact you.

Your Ad will run until sold or for 3 months, which ever is the earliest, all for a very low fee of Just $5.00.

Either email your ad to me atbuysellswap@aroundpointcook.com

OrCall Bill

8307 8872

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THIS MONTH’S RECIPE

Register your interest in attending one of our Hand’s On Workshops where you will learn from Geraldine Gillen, a fully qualified Janome Educator and Embroidery Design Artist.

Bring you own Machine or Laptop and learn how to get the best from your machine or the software you are using.

Workshops available that cover topics including:

● Embroidery Machine Projects / Techniques● Digitizer MBX software● Digitizer 5 software● Digitizer Jr Software● Introduction to Artistic Edge Cutter● Artistic Simple Cut Software ExplainedFor more details on location and course dates call me on

0411 686 728

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Flick Chic Reviews…. X-MEN: APOCALYPSEIf you haven’t quite had your fill of Superhero movies yet, X-Men: Apocalypse is ready to entertain you.

At a running time of 2 hours and 24 minutes, it is also ready to test your endurance levels. Be sure to go to the toilet before the movie starts.

So where does the latest X-Men instalment sit in the scheme of things?

Well it is nowhere near as good as the most recent offering from the Marvel Universe, Captain America – Civil War, but few films will rival the quality of that. I enjoyed it more than the last DC offering, Batman vs. Superman, but to be fair, at this stage, I am firmly on Team Marvel.

I think the one thing we have come to expect from Marvel is consistency and though Apocalypse is no where near it’s predecessors, it is by no means the horror show that most reviewers would have you believe.

The story picks up 10 years after the events of Day of Future Past.

Magneto is incognito as Joe Normal with a family and all, Raven/Mystique is helping to smuggle mutants into hiding and Professor Xavier is doing what he has always done…. helping young mutants adjust to life with powers, in a world that just doesn’t understand them.

When the original Mutant rises from the depths of an Egyptian tomb, with plans to wipe out the world and rule it all, the gang must come together to save it all!!

The casting is great, as it always is in the Marvel Universe, and with younger versions of Jean Grey, Cyclops and Storm in the mix, those of us familiar with the original X-Men films, gain particular enjoyment from the comparisons.

Speaking of original X-Men, be sure to watch out for a Wolverine cameo, that almost steals the show!

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The scripting is a little cheesy in spots, as is the delivery - particularly by Michael Fassbender who is usually flawless in his craft.

The CGI is a little heavy handed at times, and the clunkiness of the story allows for a dragging sensation that isn’t helped by the excessive running time.

Overall though, Bryan Singer has directed another fairly enjoyable film to add to the ongoing X-Men saga, which in turn, continues to add to this rich and diverse universe, in a clever and creative way.

Melissa Longo

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Winter Warmers… SUPER EASY SLOW COOKED LENTIL AND VEGGIE SOUP

This is one of my favourite recipes during these cold winter evenings. It’s awesomely easy. It helps, to chop up the veggies and soak the lentils the night before. Then in the morning, if you can spare 5-10 minutes, saute and tip it all into the slow cooker for the day. Dinner sorted!

This hearty soup is filled with ridiculous amounts of nutritious, tasty ingredients that are sure to keep the doctors away.

Lentils are jam packed with goodies such as potassium and calcium, dietary fibre, lean protein, and iron - all great for digestion, control of diabetes - even weight loss. Ginger, turmeric, and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties – why is that a big deal? Well research has found a link between inflammation and illness.

So drink up. Keep warm. And live well!

Serves 6-8

Ingredients● 2 cups brown lentils (soaked overnight)● 3 carrots chopped● 2 celery sticks chopped● 1 large brown onion chopped● 2 cm ginger crushed● 2 cloves garlic● 5 cloves● 1 can whole or crushed tomatoes● 4 cups chicken stock● Water to top up● 1 tbsp Cumin● 1 tbsp Turmeric● Olive oil to saute● Salt and pepper to season

Method

1. Saute onion, garlic, ginger, carrot and celery in oil with cumin, cloves, and turmeric until ingredients are slightly soft (and there’s a yummy smell in the air)2. Add tomatoes and simmer for a couple of minutes3. Tip it all into a slow cooker4. Pour in lentils, chicken stock, and enough water to cover everything5. Set the slow cooker on low for at least 6 hours6. Season to taste

Enjoy with crusty bread (and maybe a generous slather of butter! :)By Cynthia Marinakos

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THE MAGIC OF SCIENCE WOWS HOPPERS CROSSING!

MANOR LAKES NOW A SUBURB: SOME RESIDENTS SPEAK UP

The children of the 13 families who attended the Science Night held at Central Park Community in Hoppers Crossing, on the 15th April, gasped in amazement at Carl's science experiments.

Carl Ahlers is a scientist. His energy concept was brought by Energy Education Hub, sponsored by the Wyndham City Council, which forms part of Wyndham's Building Block Program.

Carl's scientific knowledge impressed the children to participate in the magic of science. One experiment consisted of ‘heating the balloon’:

The balloon contained water. When Scientist Carl heated the balloon, it did not pop, due to the presence of water which absorbed the heat.

This is the same as in car engines, where water cools the engine by absorbing the heat.

In another experiment, Carl demonstrated that in order to generate electricity, a generator needs an energy input (movement).

We burn coal that produces steam, that turns the generator. By getting a boy to pedal, (like on a bike), the pedal generator uses human power to generate electricity, thus creating movement.

Those unlucky in the raffles were not disappointed, as nobody went home empty handed. Others took advantage of the free solar carton. I gave my solar panel, (a big box carton) to a friend as it was the last one. It contains silicon that has the ability to turn solar energy into electrical energy. My friend read the instructions and much like a solar panel, it needs the sun. She said you can cook rice in a pan with it, but it will take 3 or 4 hours to cook. Useful if you are camping and leave it under the sun.

Maria Pagunsan

With the recent a n n o u n c e m e n t from Wyndham City that Manor Lakes is now officially a suburb in its own right, this is a big victory for

those who campaigned to make it happen.

According to Iramoo Ward Councillor Peter Maynard, “Wyndham is now home to 18 unique and vibrant suburbs, with proud histories and exciting futures.” (Quoted from www.wyndham.vic.gov.au).

I was out and about on one weekend asking what the people thought about this issue and I have pulled together some of the responses:

“This is fantastic news for a lot of people who live around the Manor Lakes area. It is definitely a fast growing community, they deserve this.” - Pinky, Hoppers Crossing

“Didn’t know about this, (they) should made it a bit more public, but well done to them” - Dave, Seabrook

“Great news for us, but a bit inconvenient. I have to change my address a little bit from Manor Lakes, Wyndham Vale to Manor Lakes, Manor Lakes!” - Jigs, Manor Lakes

“Congratulations to the people of Manor Lakes” - Laura, Wyndham Vale

“Doesn’t affect me, but it may cause a bit of a confusion for the residents at the beginning.” - Chris, Point Cook

This small poll is definitely only a sample of the population of Wyndham Vale and Manor Lakes residents, but it gives us an insight as to how changes in the community can shape public opinion, big or small.

Mimi Laurilla

[photo credit: www.heraldsun.com.au]

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CRIME WRITER“It was a dark and stormy night….”;

That’s how I always begin;But try as hard as I might,

Nothing else comes out from within.

I’ve been trying to write a novel,A baffling murder mystery.

How can others do it so well:Wallace, Wambaugh and Connelly?

I just know it will be a thriller,But as yet it won’t come out.It is sure to be a best seller;Of that I have nary a doubt.

With blood and sex on every page,The readers won’t put it down.The critics about it will rage:I’ll be the toast of the town.

It has this brilliant detective,Inspector Terrence Augustus Flynn.As a sleuth, he’s brave and effective,But human; he’s not averse to sin.

He’s been married three or four times;At domesticity he’s a failure;

But he’s good at solving crimes:No smarter cop in Australia.

There’s a serial killer rapist,Who never leaves any clues,

But the plot has many a twist,The police and readers to confuse.

I can see me striding to the podiumIn a room filled with admiring eyes.

Press and other crime writers have come:I’ve won the Golden Dagger Prize.

I will sell the movie rightsTo a Hollywood producer:

An Oscar perhaps; my name in lights.I shall be rolling in clover.

So here I am at my laptop,Still thinking about what to writeAbout my vile villain and hero cop:

“It was a dark and stormy night…….”

Jack Nystrom

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Calling on Hoppers Crossing Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.Email your contributions to will@aroundpointcook.com or post to the PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028

Hoppers Xing kids Hi Kids,

As winter sets in, I thought we might get down to the business of writing! The Williamstown Literary Festival weekend begins on 18th June, and there are plenty of sessions to interest budding young readers, writers and champion word puzzlers. Saturday 18 June: STORY TIME, 10.30 – 11.15amSuits: Pre-school children. FREELibrary Auditorium

AUDIOBOOKS COME ALIVE, 10.30 -11.30amSuits: 5-12 yrs. TICKETS $10Upstairs Studio

BILLIE B MYSTERIES, 10.30 – 11.30amSuits: 7yrs - YA. TICKETS $10 The Hub

MEET MORRIS GLEITZMAN, 12.00 – 1.00pm Suits: Kids of all ages. TICKETS $10 The Supper Room

Sunday 19 June: THE WILLY LIT FEST DEBATE, 10.00 -11.30am. Suits: Young Adult - Adult. FREELibrary Auditorium ANDY GIFFITHS, 10.30 – 11.30am. Suits: All ages. Children’s TICKETS $5. Adults FREE.The Hub

WORDBURGER – How to be a champion word puzzler! 12.00 – 1.00pm. Suits: 8-13 yrs. TICKETS $10The Supper Room

A PASSION FOR FOOTY, 2.00 – 3.00pm. Suits: All ages. TICKETS $10-15The Chamber

Also, check out this great website. It lists several publications (mostly in America) that publish writing by children. http://www.childrensbookguild.org.

Another helpful website with plenty of writing resources and information for young writers interested in craft, is: http://www.creativekidstales.com.au

Keep writing, and remember to “Never, ever, ever, ever give up!” Winston Churchill.Good Luck! KJ Rajah.

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EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY IN HOBART

Hobart – a delicious combination of art, history and produce. Holiday there, and you will do it well. Here’s a couple of foodie favourites…EAT"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well" - Virginia WoolfMONA is for art, but they know that food and drink are inextricably linked to the experience. From the ferry ride over, where champagne, finger food and really great coffee flow, to MONA itself with its café, restaurant and bars, the edibles are really impressive. FRANK is South American influenced and on the waterfront. Everything’s designed to share. The grills are delicious, the vegetables complex and for a refreshing cocktail, you can’t go

past their Pisco Sour.DRINK“In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is strength, in water there is bacteria" - David AuerbachThe GLASS HOUSE is a must. Designed for comfort with a stunning aesthetic it hangs over Sullivan’s Bay. The centre piece is the bar, with a backdrop of backlit bottles, under a reflective ceiling. The staff are warm, the wine list extensive and the food stunning (you’ll turn up for a drink and not want to leave). BE MERRY"All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast" - John GuntherYELLOW BERNARD is for coffee. In the easily navigated CBD it’s small, it’s focused and it’s good. A queue forms each morning, but service is quick. Tiny lovely morsels: macarons or yoyos are a perfect accompaniment to a great brew.If you need to start the day with something more substantial try MACHINE LAUNDRY CAFE in Salamanca Square, Battery Point. Again great coffee, creative eggs and friendly service in a quirky ex-laundromat.We have but brushed the surface. Approach Hobart with an open heart and a hearty appetite and you will have one fantastic trip away.Follow along on Facebook, Twitter (@AvalonAirportAU) and Instagram (@avalonairport).