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Issue 17, July 2014

FIND US ON facebook.com/around.hopperscrossing

4 8 13page AN INVITATION

TO A RED & GOLD EVENT

PRICKLY PEAR – OPUNTIA STRICTA

WYNCITY GETS THE BALL ROLLING

page page

continued page 3

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

Imagine living in a country where you would face persecution, oppression, torture or death simply for expressing an opinion about the government.

This was the reality that Eritrean-born and Hoppers Crossing-based artist and refugee Michael Adonai endured in his homeland.

Due to his political affiliations and involvement as a freedom fighter, Adonai was forced to flee Eritrea and seek asylum in Australia in 2012.

He left his children and entire family behind.

In his first Australian solo exhibition entitled ‘I did not choose to be a refugee’ proudly held at the Joel Gallery in Altona in June, award-winning Adonai presented his vision of the plight and misery of refugees and of the horrifying journeys they are forced to undertake in their search for freedom, safety, peace and justice.

The exhibition’s centre piece (pictured) pays homage to the 359 asylum seekers who drowned in the Lampedusa boat tragedy off the coast of Italy in 2013.

'I did not choose to be a refugee' - Michael Adonai

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PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHER

FROM THE EDITOR

Advertising enquiries: Daniel 0408 659 940

aroundsell@gmail.com Will 0449 834 359

will@aroundpointcook.com

Louise 0403 191 084

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

Publishers:Bill 8307 8872

Will 8360 8598ABN 54 145 436 804

Well it is fair to say the cold weather is appearing quite regularly now, my fire has been on more in the last few weeks than the last few months.

I have not seen ice on the car yet, but it must be close! I must say once the fire is cranked up, oh that’s such a quality heat! Fires are worth their weight in gold.

We welcomed about eight new writers to the community newspaper recently and you will be reading some of their articles in this and upcoming issues.

We all met and had the chance to put faces to names, talk about the paper, and the ongoing direction of the papers. This led to quite a passionate discussion and some great ideas being presented.

One of the things I love about participating in the area of community newspapers is that you get the opportunity

meet some great people who are willing to donate time and effort to an excellent cause.

Please let me know if you have upcoming events that may be interesting to the public for upcoming issues.

If we get a bit of notice we can try and get someone there to report on the event and take some photos.

If you have a contact list for upcoming events, please add the editor email to your notification.

Information is so important in making sure we have a good flow of interesting engaging local reading.

Enjoy your read this month.

Kind regards,Daniel Allen

Here we are with a brand new financial year in front of us hopefully with a brighter future than 12 months ago.

If you held out for the 12 months like we did I’m really pleased for you as I am for our team.

Our step for July is one into the immediate future.

For years now we print APC in the preceding month and deliver it in the first week of the next so if you our advertiser’s have a late breaking special offer the cycle could be too slow in their opinion!

Not anymore.

Now if they want to promote a product or special item for a sale soon we will be able to deliver their message within days.

Readers can get our papers on the Internet from the 1st of the month and call it up at will should they

want to show a particularly interesting article to a friend, or point it out to your boss as an advertising suggestion, or even to show something they found to be of interest like Googling ‘Printeer’ (note the 2 ee’s). This is a great story about one of the important steps in the digital world for schools and learning.

For followers of the Gen Y project, the website the youngster’s are following - is their own – located at: fcw.org.au

I’d be pleased if you had a look at their progress.

Bill McPherson

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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESSIN “AROUND HOPPERS CROSSING”

DON’T HESITATE TO

GIVE US A CALL:

Will 0449 834 359 will@aroundpointcook.com

Daniel 0408 659 940 aroundsell@gmail.com

Louise 0403 191 084

It depicts the shocking ordeal of a heavily pregnant woman who gave birth whilst drowning.

Mother and baby were found on the seabed by rescue divers.

They were still connected by the umbilical cord.

Through his work, Adonai tries ‘to understand the human need for freedom and peace’, whilst giving a voice to refugees.

I want to remind people of the obligation that we all have to prevent such incidents being repeated.

His wish is that ‘people will become kinder and more considerate towards refugees.

No one in the world flees their country and loved ones, unless they are forced to do so’.

Adonai acknowledges that fear and terror will always haunt him.

Nonetheless, despite his own torment and the tragedies depicted in his artwork, he exudes hope and optimism.

I tried to reflect hope and I hope people will find hope in my work.

Details: michaleadonai.net

Fabienne Chevalier

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An Invitation to a Red & Gold Event

Dear Members, Fans, Players, Coaches

Hoppers Crossing Soccer Club is hosting Bell Park in Round 16 at Grange Reserve Hoppers Crossing.

The Reds would like to invite you to join us for our annual Past Players & Fans day in 2014.

The day includes a welcome beer on arrival, a four meat hot spit-roast lunch served before the senior game action, live band “Piggyback Swing” to entertain you after the game, and the bar is open all day!

Event Details

Date: Saturday 2nd August 2014

Time: Arrive 1.00pm Hot Lunch Served 1.30pm Senior Match 3.00pm Live Band 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Location: Grange Reserve, Hoppers Crossing

Cost: $15 per person payable on the day

RSVP is required for catering purposes. Please RSVP by Wednesday 23rd July to the Events Team - Jarred 0413 169 211

or Lee 0404 487 432 or events@hopperscrossingsc.com.au

Please spread the word about this event to fellow past players and fans!

We look forward to you joining us for old stories, memories, food, beverages, a live band and to roar on the Reds!!!

Kind Regards,

HCSC Events Team

AN INVITATION TO A RED & GOLD EVENT

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What is Mamma Knows West? Well I checked it out!Mamma Knows West is a new website providing inspiration for families to be informed and connected with the community and events that are happening. It is not about overwhelming amounts of information, just simple, quick and local inspiration.• With over 200 places to go, stuff to do, community events, markets, shops, cafes and much more to uncover. All in Melbourne’s West.• Supporting local business and talent• Promoting local community resources (libraries, markets and events)

• Providing connections for families and wider communityWhy is Mamma different? Take a look and see – everything cleverly connects – like a ‘choose your own’ Westie adventure.• A park links to a nearby cafe• A cafe links to a nearby library• A library links to a nearby shop• A shop links to a community eventEverything is nearby, researched, experienced and fantastic.I do encourage you to take a closer look:www.mammaknowswest.com.au

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Fraud upon the elderly is becoming more and more widespread and sophisticated.

Presently there does not appear to be any unified Australian legislation that protects older people from this type of abuse.

In a 2011 study conducted by the Crime Research Centre of the University of Western Australia, it found that:

Misuse of Enduring Powers of Attorney was the most frequently mentioned financial abuse issue, followed by the perceived responsibilities of Banks to increase protection of vulnerable older people’s accounts.

For those who work with, know or care for an elderly person, below are preventative tips the elderly can take to avoid financial abuse or fraud.

1. If you are the trusted person ask the elderly if

you can to check their bank accounts and credit card statements online to check for suspicious transactions.

Most banks have provision for account holders to give authority access to another person to “view only” the accounts.

2. Make sure the elderly person’s financial and legal affairs are in order.

Ensure that the person preparing any documents for them is in fact a qualified lawyer and only the elderly person and the lawyer are in the room with no outsider influencers.

The Law Institute of Victoria keeps a record of solicitors holding a current practicing certificate.

3. If the elderly may be losing capacity, help them get a medical assessment from their doctor before they receive legal advice or instruct a lawyer.

PREVENTING FRAUD UPON THE ELDERLY

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4. Ask a lawyer to store your deeds including titles to homes. Lawyers do not normally charge any fee for this service.

This may avoid title fraud if the title is securely stored.

5. Always get a legal document drawn up if there is a verbal agreement between family members involving substantial sums of money.

Maria Rigoli is the founder and principal of Rigoli Lawyers which assist clients with inheritance disputes and elder law issues.

To obtain a free legal guide go to www.rigolilawyers.com.au

to download for free.

All new clients of Rigoli Lawyers receive their first consult

free of charge tel: 8742 3199

Maria Rigoli

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Garden page

Opuntia stricta grows as tier upon tier of large flat platyclades from which savage thorns protrude at regular intervals.

It also has smaller hair-like spines that will easily penetrate the skin and separate from the

plant.

Various Opuntia species that were introduced into Australia in the late 1800s have caused major ecological damage in the eastern states.

Many immigrants from Mediterranean countries settled on the outskirts of Werribee in the 1950s and planted prickly pear in their gardens.

Now there are dense groves of these plants

PRICKLY PEAR – OPUNTIA STRICTA

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in what would have been their fruit and vegetable plots.

Although I do not like the growth habit of the prickly pear, I must admit the red, orange or yellow flowers are quite beautiful.

The prickly, edible fruits can be red, wine-red, or yellow-orange but, of course, they must be carefully peeled before eating.

Perhaps prickly pears are an acquired taste, or else I tried one that wasn’t at its peak - the texture was mealy and there was very little flavour.

My Maltese neighbour told me prickly pears make great jams and jellies and they taste good in a blend of fruit juices or a mixed fruit salad.

A couple of years ago, my brother asked me to collect a parcel from a depot in the Slough Estate off Maidstone Street.

As I drove out of the estate, I spotted a large prickly pear in the garden in front of another business.

At that time, I was working on my “edible” calendar (I called it The Fruits of our Labour) and thought the green, yellow and red fruit would fit comfortably into my theme.

Even though the prickly pear is an environmental weed and that huge “specimen” was obviously a self-sown blow in, I couldn’t just hop out of the car and help myself. I had to ask permission to take a piece.

Not surprisingly, the owners of the business told me to take as much as I liked.

Helene Wild

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Jimeoin is back with yet another hilarious show...YES, YES, WHATEVER? One of live comedy’s masters. No gimmicks, just great craic! ‘Jimeoin will have you crying buckets of water’ (Adelaide Advertiser)

‘Exemplary Stand-up’ ***** (Herald)

‘Comic masterpiece’ (Daily Mail)

‘Jimeoin recalls the familiar at a fantastically silly level, boiling his audience

down to tear-filled, gibbering mess.’ (Scotland

on Sunday)

‘Comedy of the highest order… Inspired!’ (Independent)

‘A series of hilarious, often surrealistic climaxes… Comic genius’ (Evening News)

‘Classic nonsense… Stand-up comedy at its best’ (Scotsman)

www.jimeoin.com

Date: Thursday, 24 July 2014 Time: 8pm

For further information or to purchase tickets visit Jimeoin or contact the Box Office on 8734 6000.

Wyndham Cultural Centre, 177 Watton Street, Werribee

JIMEOIN - YES, YES, WHATEVER? - A LIST ENTERTAINMENT

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Thought you knew Grimm’s fairy tales? Think again. Little Red Riding Hood meets Trainspotting in this wicked retelling of classic bedtime stories. Helpmann Award winner Ursula Yovich (Australia, Jindabyne, The Secret River) plays a cast of sideline female characters who’ve been updated and dropped into the gutters and alleyways of bleak Australian life. From one of Australia’s most original contemporary playwrights, Vanessa Bates, The Magic Hour is a gutsy one-woman comedy told with dark humour and soulful song. A night of stories told at twilight with werewolves and a touch of magic… “ …this whole creation oozes quality. A show to see over and over again, it could travel and run for years.” Theatre Australia

Date: Friday, 18 July 2014 Time: 8pm

To purchase tickets visit the Wyndham Cultural Centre website or conact the box office on (03) 8734 6000

Wyndham Cultural Centre, 177 Watton Street, Werribee

THE MAGIC HOUR

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The Fault in our Stars is a candid film which follows two extraordinary teenagers who are both suffering from different stages of cancer, as they find happiness, love and hope.

The film, which is based on the best-selling novel by author John Greene has been proven successful after it hit number one at the box office on its opening weekend.

The film is narrated by the main character, Hazel Grace (played Shailene Woodley) who speaks honestly about her terminal illness and her struggles as she tries to cope with the knowledge that she is slowly dying.

She craves a normal life and loathes her predicament, before she meets Augustus Waters (played by Ansel Elgort).

He acts as the spark in Hazel’s life – a beam of sunshine through a gloomy, stark sky.

Throughout the time they have together, Augusts teaches her the meaning of true friendship and optimism.

Their shared wit and sense of humor, takes the audience on a touching, poignant and unforgettable journey which stays faithful to the novel it was adapted from.

All in all, the casting as well as the flawless direction by Josh Boone come together to bring a film which has been beautifully orchestrated to make viewers fall in love with the characters as well as capture a lingering sense of raw reality at the same time.

It is a film which has lived up to the grand expectations set by avid fans of the original novel.

However, just as a note of caution: When watching The Fault in Our Stars, it may be wise to keep a pack of tissues handy.

Devika Nair

FILM REVIEWTHE FAULT IN OUR STARS

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Ararat is a captivating place to visit, one where, in the past, so many people were actually captive.

Armadale Mental Hospital, 1865, the old Ararat Country Gaol, 1887, which was to become J Ward (a lunatic asylum for the criminally insane), were a couple of these captivating places, although closed, both are open for tours, including ghost tours.

These beautiful old buildings no longer hold people captive, only ghosts of times past.

In contrast to J Ward, an interesting, but oppressive building, are the Alexandra Gardens, located directly opposite it.

Did the criminally insane look through the windows of the lunatic asylum, and see the beauty in these gardens, or were their minds so damaged, beauty was not something they could see?

The magnificent Alexandra Gardens, established in 1863, nestles on Alexandra Lake and have a variety of

FROM HOPPERS TO ARARAT

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beautiful features to explore, and one not so beautiful, but quite interesting, a very old compilation of rocks with severe warnings etched into stone regarding the evils of alcohol.

This compilation of rocks was originally a drinking fountain erected by the Ararat WCTU (Woman's Christian Temperance Union) "if a man was thirsty he could have a drink of water and not have to resort to visiting a public house.

A number of these fountains exist today as monuments such as the one in Sturt Street, Ballarat and in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne -opposite the Queen Victoria Market"*.

It is unfortunate the Ararat council is allowing this historic monument of another age to just fade away.

Fortunately the council has kept the old Shire Hall and Town Hall in perfect condition, as well as the war memorial that sits between the two historic buildings, these three add much character to Ararat.

Another character adding aspect of Ararat are the grape vines in the main street growing along the shop

fronts, these were planted in 1863 by French settlers.

It was not only the French who played a part in Ararat's story, Chinese miners on the way to the central goldfields in 1857 discovered gold at Canton Lead, and this kick started Ararat's growth.

The Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre showcases the history of the large Chinese population.

After all the exploring the final discovery was the local RSL, it proved to be a wonderful find - a great place for a meal, friendly service and very popular - which is always the best indicator.

Ararat, only two hours from Hoppers, historic buildings to explore, ghost tours to endure, gardens to admire, and an RSL to replenish at, what more could you ask for?

To see more Ararat photos visit trippinwithjen at http://wp.me/p3AXju-40

* http://vcourt.teesee.net/WCTU2.html

by Jenny Bates

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While much of the focus across our community and in the media recently has been on the finely balanced nature of our State Parliament and the actions of one particular member, there are much bigger issues going on in our community that are sadly not receiving the focus of the government, Parliament and the media that they deserve.

For instance, the insidious scourge of family violence right across our community is nothing short of an emergency.

The latest police statistics indicate another 6 per cent rise in family violence instances in the past 12 months.

The issue requires the most serious consideration and action but for too long, has been placed in the too-hard basket and not given the priority it deserves.

That’s why I’m proud that Victorian Labor Leader Daniel Andrews has announced that an incoming Labor government will institute Australia’s first Royal Commission into Family Violence.

The Family Violence Royal Commission will examine our system from the ground up.

It will investigate criminal law, corrections and the courts. It will assess support services, the health system, alcohol and drug treatment.

It will look at refuges, housing and education.

It will also consider the resources and tools available to our hard-working police officers.

It will begin its work early next year, reporting to Parliament – and to all Victorians – by the end of 2015.

This is just one of the issues that should be the focus

of the Victorian government’s attention.

The Napthine Government also needs to explain the effect in our local community about the proposal to radically alter the way in which policing is conducted in Victoria.

While concern abounds about the potential that police stations may close and that the number of police officers will continue their downward trend locally, the government has failed to bring the community into its confidence about its intentions and the on-the-ground effect of the proposals.

While crime in Hobsons Bay rose by 27 per cent between 2010/11 and 2012/13 and police numbers across the Hobsons Bay Police Service Area have reduced by 30 per cent, people are rightfully concerned about the impact of any further reduction in police numbers. The government needs to explain to the community the changes proposed.

Everyone understands the need for our police force to be using the most modern techniques and utilising resources in the most efficient and effective way.

What people need is for the government to explain how the plans outlined can do this and more importantly reduce crime, bucking the trend of the past three and a half years.

As always, I am always keen to better understand the issues that matter to you and your family.

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you require any assistance with state government matters or wish to raise with me local concerns or ideas about how we can improve our community or Victoria for the better.

My email is jill.hennessy@parliament.vic.gov.au and phone 9395 0221.

A WORD FROM JILL HENNESSY MP

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Dear Lucy,

The vase of flowers sits on our table with the Vet’s “In Sympathy” card alongside.

It has been over a week since we parted, through tears we said goodbye. You took a piece of our hearts with you that’ll be missing till the day we die.

It was fourteen years ago we brought you home from the farm in Lara, after meeting six boundless little Border collie pups. Six little puppies, from which we had to choose.

At least that was the theory but we both know it was you that chose us. Your first three nights you spent in our bed. A cold old laundry, even with a ticking clock wasn’t good enough for you. Not when your new mum and dad were somewhere else, a warm bed and a Border collie sized space between us, a much nicer place. You set the tone early that lasted for the next 14 years.

You were bred as a working dog, a member of the VWSDA. Bred to round up sheep, not play with balls all day. Balls that remain scattered about your yard!

But No! Not a working life for you as you quickly settled into our backyard. It was our hearts that you rounded up and though you have gone that’s how they’ll stay.

I look at your picture, taken on Altona Beach, the beach you loved. I stare into your eyes and the memories (just for a moment) bring you alive. But this moment doesn’t last and the cloud of sadness returns.

Lucy you weren’t just a dog or indeed a number. You were one of us; a member of our family, and that’s the way you’ll stay. Our photo album confirms this as you pop up in as many of the photos as any of us.

Lucy you gave love and friendship without conditions. Your loyalty knew no bounds. There was nothing you would not do for your family, but sadly living forever is one thing even you could not do.

GOODBYE LUCY

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Mum is missing you on washing and vacuuming days, your barking no longer accompanying the noise of the vacuum cleaner.

Karen from the Doggy Wash will miss you, as will the people we’d meet and say hello to you on our daily walks. Who will George give your Smackos to now?

Lucy, I miss the long walks on the beach: just you and I. I miss your face, full of anticipation, peering through the curtain as I arrive home at the end of a long day. I miss you in the mornings, jumping on me to get out of bed. I miss you because you’re just no longer there!

Lucy, now you’ve gone the Stars in the Sky have turned to Diamonds to remind us of you. Our Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

Love

Your Family

VICTORIAN WORKING SHEEP DOG ASSOCIATION MEMBER NUMBER V.2737.

John Dawson

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Welcome to this month’s edition of the Magpies Nest.Since last month the club has had some further on field success with the Senior Team posting their first win for the season against a gutsy North Sunshine team. It was great to hear the boys singing the theme song out on the ground with gusto.Our Reserves posted their second win in as many weeks with another fine performance against North Sunshine. There is a really positive vibe around the place this season with many things happing off the field that will see the club well placed to achieve further success in the years to come.In particular we have been receiving great support from both the WRFL and AFL Victoria and I am pleased to say that we are well on the way to establish a junior section of the club next year. If you know of anyone that may be interested in helping achieve this please contact the President Scott Mizzi on 0401 403728 our Auskick Co Coordinator Jake Ballestrino on 0413 767325 or myself on 0409 138 921.The club is also looking at giving our Auskick players a half time match at one of our remaining home games keep a look out for this and come down and support our future champions

We are still most happy to welcome anyone that would like to join the club this year as a player or supporter, remember this is your club. Training Training is on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6pm. New players are welcome to come down and join our family friendly club. Auskick – Laverton Magpies Auskick Clinic is held every Saturday morning beginning at 9am at our Clubrooms, Laverton Park. If interested in in having some awesome fun on Saturday mornings please call our Auskick coordinator Jake Ballestrino on 0413 767325. Open to both Girls & boysTrainers still required – If anyone is interested in joining us as a trainer please contact Scott Mizzi on 0401 403728 Volunteers to help with the many jobs around the club are also most welcome to call any of the above people Until next monthSide by SideJohn Ballestrino

MAGPIES NESTLAVERTON MAGPIES FOOTBALL CLUB

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THE "LESS" CENTURY*Our Phones ~ Wireless*Cooking ~ Fireless*Cars ~ Keyless *Food ~ Fatless*Tyres ~ Tubeless*Dress ~ Sleeveless*Youth ~ Jobless*Leaders ~ Shameless*Relationships ~ Meaningless*Attitude~ Careless*Wives ~ Fearless

*Babies ~ Fatherless*Feelings ~ Heartless*Education ~ Valueless*Children ~ Mannerless*Politicians ~ GutlessEverything is becoming LESSBUT still our hopes are ~ ENDLESS.

All this, quite frankly, leaves me ~ Speechless!

WELCOME TO THE 21ST CENTURY

Laugh Out Loud

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“Take me to your Leader”,Said the Little Green Man.

I told this little bleeder,“Buzz off as fast as you can!”

It was, you see, Halloween,So I reckoned this wee bloke,Oddest dwarf I’d ever seen,

Was playing some sort of joke.

He responded, to my surprise,Looking up from my doormat,“Just watch while I vaporize

“your mangy dog and your cat.”

So I took out my weirdo-meter,Which I carry this time of year:

It said this was no Trick-or-Treater,But something that I should fear.

My pets though had taken the hint,And made themselves scarce real quick,

Racing out back at a sprint,Leaving me to face the music.

The Little Green Man had a mate;‘Twas a Purple People Eater.

Fully resigned to my fate,I’d soon be meeting St Peter.

I was wearing a purple track suit,So I reckoned my goose was cooked.

Purple People Eaters aren’t cute:This one was hungry the way he looked.

They’d come in a flying saucer;It was parked on my front lawn.I was about to meet my Maker,

And not see another dawn.

But thank God, ‘twas just a bad dream,Which I have when I’ve drunk too much red,

For I woke up with a scream,Tucked up safe and warm in my bed.

Jack Nystrom, 10.5.2014.

VISITORS

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Hoppers Xing kids

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

Mystery jobs?Unscramble the letters to find the mystery job

ecmnaichRcetilcaeiniPcmOnlea

temihSc Chemist UeBDRil

eRReORtPSiDSheRRaRe

tOmSSOPtiRteReetcSYRa

niatPReeUORRictahecRe

tPOliFeWi - eSUhO

mRiPe - tSReminiitSnOtPRece

SReUnccaattnnOU

May I have a sheet of …Paper

Origami

Kirigami

Cardboard

fibre

print

pulp

papier-mâché

paperplanes

quilling

blotting

sand

emery

wrapping

writing

drawing

specialty

handmade

tissue

cartridge

wax

recycling

papyrus

kraft

rag

24 Please redistribute rather than discard.