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Distributed throughout Altona with distribution points in Altona North, Seaholme, Altona Meadows and Williamstown

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ISSUE 85, JULY 2015

PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD - Give this paper to a friend or neighbour to read.

TESTAMENT TO AN AMAZING COMMUNITY ASSET

IT’S A GOOD YEAR TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY

PAGE 4 PAGE 6 PAGE 14

WILLY LIT FEST PUTS BOOKS TO DEBATE

Claire Saxby and quilter Lessa Siegele took their audience on an historical journey with local fl avour and spiced it up with a love story. Claire’s most recent children’s book, illustrated by Lizzy Newcomb, is the story of the Rajah Quilt, not quite a kids story, hence Claire’s search to fi nd a convict to base Lizzie Flynn upon. Her research led her to 13 year old Scottish convict girl, Rose Ford, one of 180 female prisoners aboard the ship Rajah. During the voyage a small group (20 or so) were supervised by a free passenger, Miss Kezia Hayter, in the making of the Rajah Quilt, while Miss Hayter was travelling to Hobart to assist Lieutenant Governor’s wife, Lady Jane Franklin, in the setting up of a Society for the Reformation of Female Prisoners. The Rajah quilt was presented to Lady Franklin upon arrival in Hobart, and turned up 146 years later in a Scottish attic. It now resides at the National Gallery, displayed only once a year due to its fragility - a fragility to be expected considering the quilt is approaching its second century of existence. Lessa Siegele, a renowned quilter, researched the history of the quilt after receiving the Rajah Award in 2007; she also painstakingly replicated the quilt, and had

bought her work of art with her, much to the delight of the quilters, and everyone else.

The love story spicing the history of the Rajah quilt also contains the local element. Kezia Hayter married the Rajahs captain, Charles Ferguson. A couple of children and over a decade later, Captain Ferguson became the Williamstown Port and Harbour Master, giving his name to quite a well known Willy street. It is fi tting Williamstown can boast such a huge connection to one of Australia’s most important textiles, especially considering Hobsons Bay is also home to the Seebreeze Quilters (quite likely the reason behind the sold out session), the group of roughly100 members with representatives from nearly every suburb in Hobsons Bay, and suburbs further afi eld. Claire Saxby not only achieved her aim to bring history alive to children, she has also bought it to life for their parents, and the lucky people able to attend one of the many terrifi c sessions at the Williamstown Literary Festival, 2015.

Jenny Bates

MY NAME IS LIZZIE FLYNN - CLAIRE SAXBY

Issue 852

0408 659 940 or aroundsell@gmail.com

RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR

PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHERSeveral times recently I’ve mentioned our support for the Gen Y Group working at the Hobsons Bay Mens Shed as the Future Creation Workshop. Their website, fcw.org.au is really great and full of good stuff to help create a job for yourself, a family member, or a friend. It has all the information about where their meetings are in the west. Their next big trip is a weekend to Donald, Hobsons Bay sister city, where the night sky is clear to photograph the Milky Way in all its glory. The trip is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday 18-19 July.

You would be most welcome to join them. If you or anybody you know is interested in photographing the night sky and

the open spaces, please contact Gordon on 0403 568 563 or info@fcw.org.au .

The shed has been closed while the asbestos roof has been replaced and will open again this month. It is a great placed and you are welcome to call by and check it out.Your local community papers continue to serve you and our group of talented volunteer writers continues on their task of becoming a ‘Published Author’.

You are most welcome to join them.

Bill McPhersonbillmcpherson@optusnet.co.au

Well for anyone who holds an affi nity with reading or writing, it is quite an exciting time of year right now. The Williamstown Literary Festival has just wound up, bringing some outstanding authors to our neighbourhood. So this subject forms quite a large part of our paper’s content this month. We had several writers attend the festival and I have really enjoyed hearing about the festival events from a few different perspectives.

As a bonus, the festival has provided opportunities for excellent articles fl agged for coming months. Very exciting. The work of the fi fteen volunteers and the committee made the event seamless and a pleasure to attend. Thanks

for your hospitality, and putting on such an excellent local event.

For those of you who are in the Altona area, keep your eye peeled for some excellent upcoming events organised as part of Altona Primary School’s Centenary celebrations. Also the Altona Film Festival is not that far away!

Thanks to everyone who has helped get this paper together again this month, and I will chat with you again next month.

Daniel Allen

Issue 85 3

TO ADVERTISE IN AROUND ALTONA

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERContact

Will - M: 0449 834 359 E: will@aroundaltona.com.au

Daniel - M: 0408 659 940 E: aroundsell@gmail.com

INTERVIEW WITH A HOMEGROWN HOBSONS BAY AUTHORThe Williamstown Literary Festival has come and gone but some of us, who love books and words and tales, are still dreaming about our favourite authors and their stories. We thought we’d carry on the fantasy and share an interview with Isabel Ogilvie, a Homegrown Hobsons Bay children’s author.

Isabel, do you have a special place where you write?Mostly I write at my desk looking out onto the street. I can look out at the trees and birds. We have a little black and white peewee that visits us most days.

Where do your ideas come from?My ideas come from my love of reading history. I have many books on mythology, Celtic history and King Arthur – both fi ction and non-fi ction. The ideas in The Luchair Stones came with the help of my grandson.

Do you read a lot? And, who is your favourite Children’s Author?I have always loved reading and will read anything. Reading makes my writing better. My favourite children’s books when I was growing up were the Famous Five. Altona was a small village when I was young. We used to make our own adventures on the beach.I also loved the Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper. I recently re-read them as an adult and loved them just as much as I did when I was a child. These books lead me to my love of King Arthur, Norse and Celtic mythology.

Did you have to conduct research when writing The Luchair Stones? I have always loved history, especially King Arthur, the Dark Ages and Vikings. The idea for the stones in my

books comes from the rune stones used by Viking and Pictish societies. Originally, rune stones were very large rocks with carved inscriptions. The carving told stories, in much the same way that aborigine rock art tells us the Dreamtime stories. They are a way of explaining the past to the people. The small stones, such as those in the books, were said to be used to help tell the future e.g., will there be a bountiful harvest this year? Will we have peace in the coming year?

What is your favourite aspect of the writing process?I enjoy writing the fi rst draft. I don’t edit at this stage. I just write whatever comes to mind. I do make notes to myself to go back and research if necessary. However, at this stage it is just a case of letting my imagination run wild. For me the hardest part is the editing and revising. Deciding what to take out, what to keep in and what needs more work/research.

How long have you been writing for?I used to write when I was young, but then university and work meant that I just did not have the time. I have returned to writing seriously in the last six years. I now have the luxury of being able to write full time.

Isabel’s book, The Luchair Stones (Book 1 of the Red Dragon Chronicles) can be found in Hobsons Bay libraries by its Homegrown branding and can also be purchased at independent bookshops, or online at major retailers like Book Depository and Amazon.

Kyla-Jayne Rajah

Issue 854

WILLY LIT FEST PUTS BOOKS TO DEBATE

When the Bayside College Debate debuted at the Willy Lit Fest last year the results were very close. Adjudicator Cr Sandra Wilson said this year’s topic, ‘Do we need books in the 21st century? Do they have a place?’ was very fi tting for the festival but she also suggested the argument for the Negative would be particularly challenging given the audience of book lovers! Cr Wilson also commended the three Bayside College teachers out in force on a Sunday morning to support their students. For the Affi rmative, Ellie Camov, Melinda Bexheti and Tim Lilley presented research, which suggested people learn for effectively by ‘seeing the whole paper’. They highlighted the sentimental value of books handed down through generations, and the physicality of engaging with the pages.

For the Negative Will McKenzie, Dylan Collaga and Hobsons Bay’s Young Citizen of the Year, Hue Man Dang, argued that paper books were an inconvenient waste of space. Where innovation has brought about electronic devices and accessibility to global knowledge, paper books were heavy and ineffi cient when searching for information.The Affi rmative team said electronic devices relied on electricity, internet access and computer literacy. Hardcopy books can be accessed at anytime, anywhere and books are

accessible free of cost at your local library.

The Negative team argued that you cannot stop evolution. Ebooks, tablets and smartphones provided many ways to access books and the future is unlimited. Online research is better and more innovative.

Piracy and the environmental impact of both sides of the argument were mentioned, as were health issues such as back pain, eyestrain and sleeping disorders. The discussion was robust and delightfully humorous at times.

Fielding questions from the audience, it was interesting to hear that while most accepted a combination of paper and digital information as the way of the future, the students preferred reading their literature on paper. In contrast, their teacher’s book club advocated the use of a kindle as their preferred reading method.

The audience voted and the fi nal results were once again surprisingly close, in favour of the Affi rmative team. It was a pleasure to watch the year 10 and 12 students debate present their points, facing their adversaries with carefully considered and respectful rebuttal - no doubt a sign of some great careers to come.

Petronella Boonen

Issue 85 5

‘HOMEGROWN’ LAUNCH CELEBRATES LOCAL WRITERSThe launch of Homegrown Hobsons Bay was part of the build up to the Williamstown Literary Festival, and it was a fantastic success. Local authors and writers were invited to attend along with those who have an interest in writing and books. They were treated to a performance by oral storyteller Jackie Kerrin, and violinist Sarah Depasquale, whose integration of storytelling and music created a thrilling retelling of the ‘Kamishibai story, Tom the Red-necked Stint. The ongoing focus of the project is to celebrate and recognise prolifi c or renowned writers who have a signifi cant connection to Hobsons Bay, along with providing a platform to support and encourage emergent, up and coming, writers who live in the locality. The program aims to cultivate a deeper community relationship between writers and readers while celebrating the diverse range of ideas and creativity that is voiced locally through writing. Some locals are i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y recognised while others are relatively new to the publication process. One aim of the project is to make sure new authors are aware their library can assist with book launches, marketing, promotion and event administration. This is a very generous offer that will make the path into authorship less daunting for new writers,

while embedding further the community connection for those who’ve already blazed a trail.

A new page has been created within the ‘Discover’ section of Hobsons Bay libraries website, entitled: Homegrown Hobsons Bay. Here readers can fi nd local authors’ biographies along with the names of other titles written by them. Forty-eight authors have been included so far and since the launch several more are still to be added. There are fi ve categories to search from including, poetry, young adult, non-fi ction, fi ction, and children’s. Each author’s biography profi le includes a short section about their connection with the City of Hobsons Bay. Within Hobsons Bay libraries, titles will be branded as ‘Homegrown’ making them easy to spot. Williamstown Library has designated an area within the Heritage Lounge for the books, making it even easier for readers to engage, and for new residents to familiarise themselves with local writers. If you’re interested in fi nding out more about Hobsons

Bay’s Homegrown authors check out: http://libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/homegrown

Kyla-Jayne Rajah

Issue 856

TESTAMENT TO AN AMAZING COMMUNITY ASSET“The ultimate ‘can do’ creative, a person with unfl appable energy.” These were the words used by Councillor Angela Altair to describe former Centre Manager of Louis Joel Community Centre, Mrs Jill Bilston.

This was a sentiment shared across many speeches paying tribute to her successful career as a teacher, and as community centre manager, at both Williamstown Community Centre and for the past decade Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre.

Councillor Sandra Wilson said Jill’s support gave the Centre an ambiance of welcome and inclusion. She mentioned the beginnings of the Altona Loop Group and the Centre’s support for Altona’s Sustainability Street.

Long serving volunteers Robert and Kerin described Jill as the matriarch who comforted them through the highs and lows of their lives. Two of the ‘highs’ being Robert’s wedding followed by Kerin’s daughter’s wedding held at the Centre with Jill playing the part of MC!

Current Centre Manager, Kim Reilly, described her nine-year friendship and working relationship with Jill as an incredible journey. They met when Kim ran the local quilting shop in Railway Avenue.

“She popped in and out of my line of sight. Jill knew I had a passion and a skill for something.”

About their work at the Centre and trip to Uganda, “Projects, ideas, chaos, laughs, cups of tea, fl exibility, celebration, friendship. Who else would I have been game enough to go to Africa with?

“I went with her because Jill can talk her way through any situation!”

True to form, Jill’s speech was all about everyone else. “Mobil donated our fi rst furniture (at the Centre). Put your hands up if you’ve sat around the round, grey table next to the kitchen,” she asked.

“I’ve had three jobs - one teaching with the late principal Max Kidd. It was Max who said you must come and live in Altona.”

“Williamstown Community Centre started 1986-87. People

were moving out of institutions. The neighbourhood houses and community centres became very important places for connection.”

Jill also mentioned the hard work from volunteers and board former board Chair of Management Christine Holmes, who added a gallery to the initial construction plans for Louis Joel.

Looking ahead, Jill said the new Chair of Management Luca Royle “is driving forward with the next decade. I know the centre is in excellent hands with Kim and Luca.”As Cnr Wilson put it, “retirement is such a personal thing but when a retirement touches so many people, it is testament to an amazing community asset.”

Petronella Boonen

Issue 85 7

ALTONA CITY THEATRE PRESENTS: THE PRODUCERS

Altona City Theatre is proud to bring the classic, hilarious, and politically incorrect Mel Brooks musical to the stage!

Set in 1950’s New York, The Producers follows the misadventures of Broadway producers Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom. After another production fails, Max, the self-proclaimed “King of Broadway”, has his books audited by neurotic accountant Leo, who dreams of being a Broadway producer. Upon fi nding out that a fl op can make more money than a hit, the two undertake a scheme to stage a musical guaranteed to fail. They hire the worst director in town, the fl amboyant Roger De Bris, to bring the highly

offensive “Springtime for Hitler” to life.

The Producers was written and composed by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, and is based on Brooks’ 1968 movie of the same name. The Producers includes memorable songs such as “We Can Do It”, “Keep It Gay” and the outrageous “Springtime for Hitler”, all of which will have you laughing and clapping along.

ACT has put together a cast full of big personalities, booming voices and fantastic dancers, from theatre veterans to debut performers.

Issue 858

The leading roles of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom are played by Altona stalwarts Chris Anderson and Mark Monroe. The company is also excited to welcome their leading lady, Amelia Ropé, to the role of Ulla.

ACT’s production of The Producers is directed and choreographed by Samantha Heskett and Narelle Bonnici, with Daniel Heskett as musical director. For Samantha and Narelle, the show is the realisation of a fi ve year dream.

“We have been planning this production for a long time, and have assembled a phenomenal cast along with a fantastic production team to create one of the best shows Altona has seen. We are looking forward to delivering a high quality and entertaining production to our audience.”

The Producers will be running from July 3rd to July 18th at Altona City Theatre, 115 Civic Parade Altona. Tickets prices from $25 - $35 and are available online at www.altonacitytheatre.com.au and by phone and SMS on 0425 705 550. If you would like more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Elise Elmer on 0432 623 327 or at elise.elmer@fl ightcentre.com.au.

Issue 85 9

Neighbourhood Watch Point Cook &

Victoria Police - Proactive Police Unit.

SAFE PLATE DAY

Sunday 12th of July 10am – 3pm

The Brook On Sneydes - Car Park

215 Sneydes Rd, Point Cook.

We will supply and fi t Anti-theft Safety Screws

to registration plates for a gold coin donation.

Letterbox plaques, UV pens & Property Marked

stickers will be available for purchase on the day.

Issue 8510

ARTS AT YOUR DOORSTEP – THE LOST WW1 DIARY

THIS MONTH IN 1928

From the Western Front to Warrnambool to Williamstown, one diary has travelled the world to tell the story of Paddy Callinan.To fi nd out if Paddy really is the legendary relative that Damian Callinan’s family never speaks of, come to Williamstown Town Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 28 July.A renowned stand-up and character comedian, Damian Callinan [Backyard Ashes, Spicks & Specks, Skithouse, 774ABC] brings to life the pages of the diary as actual events are woven into the tapestry of the character’s narrative.Combining detailed research, hilarious but believable characterisations, black humour, absurdity and deft writing, Callinan swings the mood of the story from rollicking farce to aching pathos in a heartbeat.The play is the latest in Council’s Arts at your Doorstep theatre program.Tickets range from $15 to $25. To book your ticket, go to www.hobsonsbaytickets.com.au ‘Some performances move you with such force they’re in your thoughts well after the theatre lights dim and you’ve left the venue. This is one of them … We laughed, we gasped, we wiped tears from our eyes. Memorable, moving, brilliant! – 5 stars – Adelaide Advertiser

Werribee Shire Banner Thursday 5th July 1928

TELEPHONE FACILITIES FOR ALTONA. There was a large number present at the meeting of the Altona Traders’ Association on Monday evening last to hear Mr Smith, of the telephone department of the GPO, speak on cheaper telephones for Altona. During the course of his remarks, Mr. Smith said if the residents could give him at least six new subscribers that evening at a fee of £5 per annum he would get a switch board installed at the Altona Post Offi ce, and then we would have our own exchange with a service from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Sundays excepted. Then when the list of subscribers grew to about 30, which would mean an annual revenue, with culls included, of about £250 to the telephone department, they would get a continuous service year in and year out. There are nine or ten subscribers in Altona who were paying a rental fee of £9 per year and calls extra, who would probably ask to be put on the cheaper rental of £5. As Mr Smith received eight or nine names it should not be long before the continued service becomes an absolute fact. On a question as to how subscribers would get on if they wished to secure medical or other as assistance after six o’clock, or on Sundays, Mr. Smith said they would either have to run to a public telephone or see the postmaster, and then the person would have his requirements met on payment of a small charge for opening the offi ce after hours. The fee would not be more than 1 shilling 6 pence, but the postmaster could charge as little as he liked.

Greg Milne

Issue 85 11

MESSAGE FROM YOUR CHERRY LAKE WARD COUNCILLORS

We are half way through the year and while a lot has happened over the last six months, there is still a lot more to be done.

July will be a busy month with some exciting activities and projects. The third stage of revitalisation works in Pier Street has commenced. The area between Blyth and Queen Streets is set for new paving, street furniture, lighting improvements, new trees and designated pedestrian barriers. Shops, restaurants and cafes will remain open for business during this time. There will be some changes to traffi c arrangements and parking during this time, however all shops, restaurants and cafes will be open for business as usual. Some parking spaces in sections of Pier Street may be closed to parking or traffi c at some times. Make sure you continue to visit your favourite businesses during the works.

Speaking of local businesses, we would like to remind all businesses to get in now and enter the 2015 Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards.

Businesses can enter one of nine categories and all entrants will be in contention for the Mayoral Award and one category winner will be awarded the Business of the Year. Information sessions will be held at 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday 15 July. Entries close on Friday 14 August and winners will be announced at the Gala Presentation Dinner on Friday 9 October at the Williamstown Town Hall.

We will also celebrate the National Tree Day on Sunday 26 July and to mark the event there will be a Friends of Kororoit Creek community planting event at Harris Reserve, Altona North. We are hoping to plant more than 3,300 trees and other plants on the day so we encourage you all to attend and help us plant the trees and hear some exciting news about the future of Kororoit Creek.

A reminder to everyone that NAIDOC Week takes place across Australia from Sunday 5 July to Sunday 12 July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community. Hobsons Bay will conduct a fl ag raising ceremony with The Gathering Place to recognise

NAIDOC Week on Monday 6 July from 12pm to 1pm at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre and everyone is welcome.

In other news… applications are now open for the 2016 Community Grants. Project applications for 2016 for the initial grant round can be submitted until 9 August. These grants go towards some excellent projects in our community and we look forward to seeing the next year’s projects. This year grant applications can be submitted online, please visit our website www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au for more information.

And fi nally, good luck to the Youth Parliament team who are debating their bill on family violence at Victorian parliament House from Sunday 28 June to Friday 3 July. They’re a fantastic team of intelligent, enthusiastic and passionate young people who will no doubt do us proud. Special mention to team members Hue Man Dang and Gabrielle Duke our 2015 and 2014 Young Citizen of the Year.

If you would like to discuss these or any other matters please feel free to contact your Cherry Lake Ward Councillors:

Cherry Lake Ward Cr Sandra WilsonContact details: 0419 287 117 or swilson@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Cherry Lake Ward Cr Jason PriceContact details: 0438 871 814 or jprice@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Council’s website – www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Issue 8512

Notices

ADAVIC ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

SUPPORT GROUP

COMMUNITY CAFÉ WEEKLY

HOBSONS BAY (ALTONA)

GARDEN CLUB INC.

COMMUNITY CAFÉ

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 Members

For more info phone: (03) 9853-8089 | email: adavic@adavic.org.au |

visit: www.adavic.org.au

Laverton Community Centre (the Hub) 95-105Railway Ave

LavertonEvery Wednesday,

12noon-1pm Altona Meadows Community Centre 28 Trafalgar Avenue, Altona

MeadowsEvery 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

12 Noon – 1pm

WednesdayLaverton Community Centre

The Laverton Hub95-105 Railway Ave

Laverton

FridayAltona Meadows

Community Centre28 Trafalgar AveAltona Meadows

Bookings Essential

8368 0177

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

DO YOU ENJOY SINGING?

The Altona Community Choir invites you to come along and

join us on Monday evenings from 7:30-9:30 at the Altona Seniors Citizen Centre on the corner of Sargood and Queen

St. No singing experience required, we have a conductor

and pianist to teach us the music. Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome to come along.

Interested? Call or SMS Paula on 0409 215 352.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Is drinking costing you more than money?

24 hour helpline 1300 22 22 22

No matter where in the area someone rings this number

from, it will be answered locally.

ALTONA LADIESPROBUS CLUB

FUN, FELLOWSHIP & FRIENDSHIP

We meet every 4th ThursdayAt the Altona RSL – 10am start.

We have monthly speakers,Theatre outing every 4th Monday

Lunch dine out every 3rd Wednesday

Occasional trips and outingsNew members will be made very

welcomeEnquiries to Merle – 9398 3640

Or Jenny – 9398 3379

THE ALTONA FRUIT AND VEGIE SWAP Takes place on the second

Saturday of every month from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Rotunda in Logan Reserve

PierStreet, Altona.

Hi,Would it be possible to put our new CWA (Country Women’s

Ass) branch on the Community Board? We are Point Cook

Evening Branch CWA. We meet 3rd Thursday of each month at

D’Olive on Point Cook Road at 7 pm.

Open to all women for friendship, community service, social issues,

creativity, women’s and children’ s issues, personal

development and craftsIn return for your time, the CWA will deliver fun, friendship and a feeling of belonging to Australia’s

leading women’s organisation.Contact

Chris: 0424014757Karen: 0411035217

Editor: Yes certainly you do some excellent work!

Issue 85 13

Altona Kids

Hi Kids, Check out this issue’s cool contribution from Shonelle Kent, a teacher at Altona Primary School.

Minibeast Madness at Altona Primary School!Throughout term 2 the students at Altona Primary School have been investigating MINIBEASTS!

We have looked closely at a variety of minibeasts and have been able to classify them into arach-nids, myripods, insects and annelids.

Do you know the difference? ☺

We had a fantastic Minibeast incursion where creepy crawlies came to visit us!Take a look at how brave we were holding these crazy critters!

Tadg O’Neill from 1F : “I liked touching the bird because it was soft. I liked all the minibeasts be-cause they were cool.”

Will Buckland from 1LD : “I loved when I got to hold the sea urchin because it was moving and it didn’t hurt. It was great to have Lauren come and show us all the great minibeasts.”

Ava Hall from 1PW : “I loved that all the different minibeasts came for us. I held a sea star and felt great.”

Emily Herbert from 1B : “I became a tree and Lauren put a stick insect on my arm. I have seen stick insects in my garden but never on me!”

Issue 8514

IT’S A GOOD YEAR TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY

Walking around Altona in 2015 has been interesting – everywhere you turn there are birthday celebrations going on!

May 2015 saw the 100th Anniversary of the Altona Baptist Church on Sargood Street. Altona Primary School is also celebrating its centenary year. Altona North Primary School is turning 50 and we’ve just celebrated Altona Library’s 50th birthday.

If you share some history with Altona Primary School perhaps you’d like to take your photo standing beside their newly designed Centenary logo – walking past the school, you can’t miss it. If you’d like to immortalize your

connection with the school even more, why not purchase a paver with your family name on it. It will be placed on the Centenary Pathway from the footpath on Blyth Street to the front door of the school. All proceeds from this project will go towards the construction of the Centenary Pathway and Centenary Playground.

The school has already been hard at it raising funds for the playground, which will be located near the front rotunda at the school and October will see the school celebrating in style with a full week of celebrations including a reunion and exhibition.

Issue 85 15

Do you know who the School Principal was from 1923 to 1931? If you have photos or memorabilia you can share with the school, contact them at www.altonaps.vic.edu.au.

Altona North Primary School in Cresser Street, Altona North is also celebrating a milestone birthday turning 50. The school is organising a reunion afternoon tea for past students, staff and parents on 23rd August 2015. For more information, check out their website http://www.altonanorthps.vic.edu.au.

Altona Library shared its 50th birthday with World Environment Day last month. A birthday party was held to celebrate with music and storytelling part of the festivities.

Mayor of Hobsons Bay Councillor Colleen Gates said the council had recently installed an environmentally friendly air conditioning system at the library, which will save more than 20 tonnes of greenhouse gases and $12,000 in costs annually.

“Altona Library provides a modern information service offering book, CD and DVD loans, internet and wi-fi services, regular workshops and story times, and is also home to Council’s EnviroCentre,” she said.

Petronella Boonen

Issue 8516

A WORD FROM JILL HENNESSY, MEMBER FOR ALTONA

Local commuters, school students and small businesses are among the many benefi ciaries of the recent improvements to bus services made by the Andrews Labor Government. These changes came into effect on 21 June, following extensive consultation with local residents, councils and bus operators. The new east-west 498 route between Laverton and Hoppers Crossing Stations is a big win for locals, improving public transport access to Point Cook Town Centre and local schools. It also has connections to Werribee Plaza. This route restores a connection lost with the closure of the 413 and 416 services by the previous Government.

The Government has also restored bus services to Aircraft Station and the Aviation Rd shops, as promised prior to the election, with the 417 and 496 services extended during off-peak hours. I know many older residents in particular were affected when this service was shut down by the former Government, and I am sure everyone is happy to see these vital public transport services restored.

Train commuters have not missed out either, with an extra morning and evening service added to the Werribee line and further timetable improvements to the Werribee line and the Altona Loop scheduled for later in the year. For more information on timetable changes and new route maps head

to ptv.vic.gov.au.

If you have any questions or other constituent matters, please contact me on 03 9395 0221 or jill.hennessy@parliament.vic.gov.au. See my website www.jillhennessy.com.au for updates and news throughout the month.

Jill Hennessy MPState Member for Altona District

Issue 85 17

Film Review INSIDE OUT

When I was a child, I believed in magic. Part of the reason for this belief was due to the existence of Disney movies. When Tinkerbell would fl y across the screen, leaving a trail of pixie dust in the shape of a castle, my heart would burst with joy and anticipation. I may be old enough to know better, but for me, movie magic will never fade.

When I go to the cinema, I am prepared for adventure. I open myself up to the prospect that anything is possible, and that is when the magic happens.

Pixar studios have taken Disney movies to another level over the years. Gems such as Toy Story, Up and WallE, have set a standard for not just animated fi lms, but all genres.

In Pixar’s latest venture, Inside Out, the bar has been raised even higher and I would go so far as to say, that this is the best movie that they have ever produced.

The story focuses on the inner mechanisms of an eleven year old girl’s mind. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust are the emotions that run Headquarters. These wonderfully engaging characters work together to guide little Riley, through the pitfalls of life, when her family relocates.

To say that this is a clever fi lm is a massive understatement. The way that this production navigates the mind and the fragility of what makes us tick is just brilliant. No corner of the mind is left unexplored.

I have a young daughter, and this movie has me thinking about her in such a different way. I honestly believe that Inside Out should be compulsory viewing for not just parents, but for everyone – the story is an important one to share and its impact could be lasting.

Issue 8518

SLICE OF LIFE

Once in while I fi nd myself wondering whether my day would be uneventful or stress-free. There have been recent events that made me think twice about whether people have forgotten to be “kind.” I wonder whether what they believe to be an act of kindness may indeed border along the lines of being “rude.” I’ve witnessed some incidents lately that illustrate this. One incident happened on my way home one day, there were some

elderly people who needed to be prioritised for seating in the train but some loud teenagers refused to give up their seats. Incident two involved a participant at a recent workshop I attended whose idea of being “nice” was to blatantly tell a couple seated beside me that they were noisy and deserved to sit at the back row, when these two have just arrived and were simply trying to get settled into their seats. Incident three happens every so often at the Bus Stop in front of Point Cook Town Centre where rubbish like left-over food, empty soda cans or drink bottles and paper bags are just left on the bench seating. Whilst I personally believe that the bus stop needs a bin somewhere, I stare in bewilderment as to why people can’t just clean up as they go? I simply think that it is worthwhile to remember that small acts of kindness lead to even greater things. Offering one’s seat for the elderly in public transport shows courtesy and respect. Respect for space may even mean one can walk away from a noisy environment or for people to simply mind their own business. Kindness to the environment may mean we don’t litter on public spaces. Let us not undermine acts of kindness.

Mimi Laurilla

Issue 85 19

Altona Gardens

There are approximately 230 species of Eryngium species in tropical and temperate parts of the world. However, there is only a handful of species endemic to Australia.

If you are not already familiar with this species, let me introduce you to Eryngium ovinum, commonly called Blue Devil. It is a perennial herb that was once widespread on the grasslands of the basalt plains to the west of Melbourne.

During the 1970’s, my husband and I purchased a block of land not far from what is now the Altona Meadows shopping complex. Every year, we would admire Blue Devil plants amongst the grasses and other native basalt plains plants. However, as the area was swallowed up by suburbia, our local council instructed land owners to reduce vegetation and, after a few years of regular mowing, the native fl ora disappeared and introduced weed species moved in. While I do understand why the Council requires a neat and tidy suburb and orders weed reduction and fi re-threat removal, I deeply regret the demise of our native grassland species.

Blue Devil plants emerge in late winter, developing a rosette of narrow, spiny, divided leaves. By mid-summer, the plant will have produced several stiff fl owering stems and a mass of crowded bright blue fl owers surrounded by long, spiky, metallic blue bracts. This is a very spiky, prickly plant – hence “Blue Devil”.

The terminal fl ower heads are the fi rst to open, then the fl ower heads on the side branches open next until all fl owers are open. Flowers are long lasting, giving the plant an impressive display of colour for several weeks before the plant dies down during autumn.

In the home garden, Eryngium ovinum could be employed as a rockery plant in a sunny, open, well drained position. This is a relatively long lived species and easily grown from seed.

Helene Wildhelene.wild@optusnet.com.au

ERYNGIUM OVINIUM(BLUE DEVIL)

Issue 8520

In Brief

• ALTONA U3A – The Annual General Meeting of U3A will be held on Friday 24th July at 1pm at the Louis Joel Centre, 5 Sargood Street, Altona. The guest speaker will be Councillor Sandra Wilson from Hobsons Bay Council. Enquiries: Altona U3A offi ce 10-12.30pm Monday to Friday. Tele 9398 1346. Altonau3a@yahoo.com.au The meeting will be followed by afternoon tea and all are welcome; come and see what you are missing without U3A to enjoy! Note: As well as this, you may like to purchase a jar of jam or chutney (delicious!) or make a donation for the amazing Uganda sewing project at Louis Joel Centre!

• BRIDGES FOSTER CARE IS A PROGRAM OF UNITING CARE WERRIBEE SUPPORT & HOUSING – A small community organisation. Bridges Foster Care is a local provider in the Wyndham, Hobson’s Bay and Maribyrnong areas.Children & young people from birth to 17 years of age can need foster care. Foster Care may be required for children or young people who have a number of different reasons. Foster carers come from all types of backgrounds. Foster carers can be individuals, male or female, couples or families. Caregivers can work part-time or full-time, be retired or studying, or just be at home full-time. What is important is that foster carers can provide a safe, caring, supportive and stable environment for children and young people who need care.Bridges Foster Care Program workers provide on-going support, supervision and training to caregivers and young people, including a 24 hour, 7 day a week on-call service.Bridges Foster Care is forced to decline placements for children & young people on a daily basis due to the shortage of caregivers. If you believe you can provide a home for a vulnerable child or young person please give us a call on 9742 6452 to fi nd out more information.

• THE LADIES FELLOWSHIP OF TRINITY UNITING CHURCH ALTONA – You are invited to a relaxing afternoon at Trinity Uniting Church. Tillow the Fashion Boutique will be showing their Winter Spring Collection of Black Pepper, Lady Lyn ,Elegant ,Eqqus and Cullen Fashions, followed by Afternoon tea.

Address: 7 Seves St, Altona When: Weds August 19th at 1.30 pmAdmission is $5.00

Please reply to Betty Ph: 9398 3079 or Joan Ph: 9398 2637 for catering purposes.

• ENTRIES ARE OPEN – Now’s the time to enter your short fi lm Altona Beach Film FestivalEntries close 31 July 2015Films can be entered via our web site. Or sent on disc or USB.Films will be judged by famous fi lm makers, Fiona Eagger, Daina Reid, Wain Fimeri and Mathew MacNamara.All information can be found at www.altonabeachfi lmfestival.com.au, altonafi lmfestival@gmail.com

The family friendly screening will be at 2pm on the 22nd August 2015.

• FREE SWIM TEAM TRYOUTS – If your child can swim 25m Freestyle, Backstroke and Breaststroke then come and try out our club FOR FREE*.

Laverton Swimming Club will provide you with the right coaching and swimming program. The club focuses on improving swimming technique and endurance of each swimmer.

LSC trains at various locations including, Werribee, Footscray and Laverton. There arevarious swim squads that cater for junior development to national swimmers.

For more info please call Head Coach, Alex Vasta, on 0402 813 558 or email coach.lavertonsc@outlook.com.

* 2 free sessions.

Issue 85 21

It ‘s not whether you win or lose,but how you place the blame.

We have enough “youth”.

How about a fountain of “smart”?

The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.

A Fool and his money can throw one heck of a party.

Money isn’t everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch.

If at fi rst you don’t succeed skydiving is not for you.We are born naked, wet and hungry.

Then things get worse.

Red meat is not bad for you. Fuzzy green meat is bad for you .

Ninety-nine percent of all lawyers give the rest a bad name.

Xerox and Wurlitzer will merge to make reproductive organs.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS NO MATCH FOR NATURAL STUPIDITY.

The latest survey shows thatthree out of four people makeup 75% of the population.

Laugh Out Loud

Issue 8522

PEE PEE EE

This wee Purple People Eater,Of nineteen fi fties hit tune fame,Came in a fl ying one-seater:Pee Pee Ee was his name.

He was two feet tall, pigeon toed,With an enormous bulbous head.His body was bright green and glowed,As did his one eye coloured red.

Why was it he was called purple,When in fact he was mostly green?That’s ‘cause he ate purple people;But there’s none on Earth to be seen.

When interviewed on Channel Nine,He said he’d popped down for a snack,And was hoping to have a good time;Then to the mother ship he’d head back.

He showed reporters his space ship,Ultra high tech, shaped like a saucer.‘Twas controlled by a micro-chip:One journo gasped, “I’m in awe sir!”

He said, “I like it here on Earth,“But I shall have to look elsewhere,“As of purple people there’s a dearth”.Then his craft launched into the air.

Pee Pee Ee left a legacy :Science leapt forward a hundred years:His digital technologyGave us computers, their hopes and fears.

Since Pee Pee Ee there’ve been others:We’ve heard of Area Fifty-One.There was this guy named CaruthersWho claimed he was kidnapped by one.

Jack Nystrom, 9.6.2014

Issue 85 23

LEARN TO BELLYDANCEBeginner to

Intermediate Classes in Altona East.Great for all age, size & fi tness levels.

Call Nicole on 0430 595 702www.bluefi rebellydance.com.au

ALTONA BEACH PHOTOGRAPHY

Advertise your business here..call

Will on 0449 834 359

Cartridge worldNEW AND REFILLED INK AND

LASER CARTRIDGESSHOP 11 HARRINGTON SQUARE, MAIDSTONE ST, ALTONA 3018

PH.9398 5200 FAX.9398 5211

Your stories and photos are what

keep the Around Altona conversation

going. Local club news is also

welcome.

Send your stories, articles and

letters to editor@aroundaltona.

com.au or drop them off at

the Louis Joel Arts and Community

Centre in Sargood Street.

Services at Your Doorstep

TESTING AND TAGGINGTechnical, Electronic and

Computing Support Services

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Arthur StubbsPainter and Decorator

Interior/ExteriorLarge or Small I Paint Them All

Genuine Seniors DiscountAlso Plaster Repairs, Tiling

Phone: 0425 721 233No Obligation Free Quotes

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Lawn Maintenance • Landscaping • PaintingClearance Work • Gutters Cleared • Fencing

• Small Concrete JobsKevin O’Connor Gardening & Handyman Serviceskevinkillarney@googlemail.com, ALTONA 3018

0421 239 838

PILATES With a touch of Yoga & Medita on

Classes every Monday 9.30am ll 10.30am 7.45pm ll 8.45pm

Wednesday 7.30pm ll 8.30pm@ Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona

$150.00 per term or $18.00 Casual class

Call 0432 841 628 for more details

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” Lau Tzu

PREFER TO GO CLEAN? SO DO WE!TRI Nature-Organic. NO harsh chemicals. 100% Australian.

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Call Shelley 0412 038 213 for more details.

Issue 8524