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Issue 62, March 2015

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The Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is distributed in Point Cook

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

FIND US ON Facebook.com/aroundpointcookcommunitynewspaper

5 9 27page SKILLSHARE

IN WYNDHAMREMEMBERING SOPHIA...

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20th February 2015 marked the date when the Point Cook Community Learning Centre celebrated its 5th birthday. It opened in October 2009 and has reached beyond the challenge of being the ‘first centre in Wyndham with so many Council facilities co-located [and] the first of the "Community Learning Centre" model of community centres.’ Now welcoming 40,000 visitors each month, the Centre provides services to benefit people of all life stages, cultures, languages and beliefs.

Named as ‘one of the most successful Centres in Wyndham,’ its services are vast and varied, with a common thread to enhance and enrich the lives of

those who utilise them. John Sheen, Education Manager for Wyndham Community & Education, says “It’s good to have a Centre in the heart of Point Cook that is open and accessible to so many members of the community.”

Although the Centre’s rooms are at maximum occupation, there are plans for progress in some areas. Shoestring Gardening is excited about the prospect of planting a shared garden there. “The garden will include a cultural mix of produce to support the kitchen and local community,” says Bronwyn Riddell, a volunteer gardener. And, Youth

VIBRANT COMMUNITY HUB CELEBRATES 5TH BIRTHDAY

JUNIOR BOOM @ SANCTUARY LAKES GOLF CLUB

by Kyla-Jayne Rajah

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ABN 78 809 543 573

Advertising: will@aroundpointcook.com Contributions: editorpointcook@gmail.comwww.aroundpointcook.com

Will: 0449 834 359Louise: 0403 191 084

FROM THE EDITORHi all, March is here and there are some exciting things going on.

Firstly, I placed a small ad in each of our papers for volunteer writers for the February issues and we have had ten new volunteers offer to write for us. That is a measurable response to our ads. Our advertising works. Imagine if you were trying to get people to purchase a car….. that’s good bang for the buck. Email aroundsell@gmail.com for further advertising questions or call me on 0408659940.

We subsequently had a great volunteer meet-up which I will write more about in another short article. Thanks everyone for your eagerness to contribute!

Now to the meat in the sandwich - I met up and had a meeting with Alex from Laverton Youth Foundation today. He recently started up a publication in Laverton focused on youth, written by youth, called Point Blank. He uses writing to engage and enhance the lives of young people giving them a sense of purpose and refining their writing skills. He teaches them the skills required to undertake creating a publication. I have a copy, it is an A5 colour (very professional) 40 page publication. It is published quarterly.

The Around Point Cook has agreed to put in some articles from

his young writers. He has thirty or so writers that he works with and wants to provide more of an outlet for their writing. I am very keen to welcome writers who contribute and I expect these articles to be as fresh and interesting as the people writing them. There are many opportunities here for excellent rich and engaging articles.

On a completely different note, I was spoilt rotten on the weekend, having been taken on a date to an exhibition called Supergraph at the Exhibition Building. This was a collection of artists and designers, showcasing their work and the various ways they have turned that artwork into items that we use every day.

It was filled with art and colour and the experience was very inspirational. To top this off, we had literally the best Souvlaki I have ever eaten. Now that was a great day out. My gorgeous partner Nella will be writing an article about this exhibition so I will keep this short and sweet.

Have a fantastic month and thanks for reading. Please hand the paper around to your family and friends. Never throw it out, recycle, share, redistribute.

Daniel Allen

PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHERI’ve written before about my interest in the ABC program “Landline” and the Historical visits made to old cathedrals in the UK, “Songs of Praise”.Recently “Landline” was so impressed with a documentary made by a country lass aged 10 named Ellen who had made this herself to show her school friends what a drought was really like in the country and the effect it had on her family.Congratulations to the family for toughing it out, to Ellen for a really professional job and to the ABC for recognising the skill of a ten year old and playing the whole video.My bet is Sir David Attenborough will soon be in touch when someone brings Ellen to his attention. The filming was great, the script grabbed me, the editing was really good and the continuity was excellent, and to me it was obviously a prize winner.If you can’t find the film on the ABC and you want a copy I’ll try and help find a copy and perhaps get permission to publish it. Just let our editor know you’re interested.An event I I enjoyed was the Annual Car Show at Apex Park on the beach at Altona run by the Car Club at the Hobsons

Bay Mens Shed on the 22nd of February.Usually the show is run in conjunction with the Hobsons Bay City Council’s Altona Beach Festival, unfortunately that event got the chop this year due to the current budget restrictions.Thank goodness that the Melbourne Cup, now a National event, and the Gran Prix are funded mainly by business or they too would be likely to get the chop. I wonder without these projects can Investors really find Australia on the map? Perhaps it’s back to Hoges putting another shrimp on the barby?I do know that without advertising support, there wouldn’t be a free paper for you to read right now!

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Advertise with Around Point Cook/Altona community newspapers

Contact

WillM: 0449 834 359

E: will@aroundpointcook.com

LouiseM: 0403 191 084

PUT THE BUZZZBACK INTO YOUR BIZ!

Services are preparing for a further youth worker to join the team, along with the roll out of a pilot Holiday Action Program this school holidays. “We want it to empower, create opportunities and give young people something to do,” youth worker, Bridie says.

The strategic plan to build the facility in the heart of Point Cook’s town centre may be the reason for its great success, although, it was apparent the 5th birthday bash was more about sharing with the community the achievements of all parties involved; because what lies at the heart of this town centre is not only the Point Cook Community Learning Centre, but the people who use it on a daily basis.

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REMEMBERING SOPHIA…

Nothing brings a community together like unexpected tragedy. This truth was highlighted beautifully at Presidents Park on Saturday February 14th. A fundraiser was put together in honor of the sudden and tragic passing of 4-year-old, Sophia Walters.

Known affectionately to her loved ones, as Princess Sophia, her passing has understandably left a hole in the lives of her family.

Family friend, Ashlea Ferguson coordinated a special day dedicated to Sophia and her family, in an effort to aid with the grieving process. Community spirits were high, as everyone banded together to celebrate

the beauty of Princess Sophia.

Jumping castles, face painting, petting zoos and special guests, that included the very popular Elsa and Olaf from Frozen, kept everyone entertained for hours. Raffles, auctions and cake stalls pushed the fund-raising efforts along, and the generosity of all who attended, resulted in over $7000 raised so far.

A balloon-releasing ceremony, held at the end of the day, was moving and emotional. Ms. Ferguson said a few words, thanking everyone for their kindness and asked for a moment’s silence, to commemorate the loss of such a special little girl. As the balloons floated off into the heavens, only gentle sobbing broke the silence.

As a mother, I can only imagine how the Walters family must be feeling and pray that this show of unity from those that know them and strangers alike, will aide them in their time of need. If you wish to contribute in anyway, head to the Facebook page, R.I.P Princess Sophia Fundraiser, for details on how to help.

Melissa Longo

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FINDING OUR ANZACS - GEORGE THOMAS DAVISGeorge was born in Werribee in 1890 to a farming family, who at the time of his enlistment had a farm at Balliang East. George himself worked as an engine driver and was 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a red complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair.

In March 1915 George enlisted in the AIF for the usual period of the duration of the war, plus four months. After only a few weeks of training he embarked aboard the HMAT Euripides and sailed for Egypt. Once in Egypt he and the rest of his battalion, the 24th, received additional training to bring them up to standard, and in late August 1915 they were sent to Gallipoli. The 24th battalion occupied the trenches at Lone Pine, where the fighting was so arduous that the battalion was rotated daily with another battalion, the 23rd. After surviving for nearly two months George was evacuated in late October, suffering from enteric fever, a disease caused by the unsanitary conditions the soldiers had to live in. By early December he was in England, at the Addington Park War Hospital, Croydon.

It was June 1916 before George’s health issues were sorted out, and he did not rejoin his unit in France

until the 31st July. Although the army was involved in the fighting around Pozieres at the time, the 24th battalion’s diary records that they were resting in Sausage Valley on the day George re-joined them, with only some members being given the job of carrying supplies up to the front line. This was a sometimes dangerous job as the Germans shelled the communication trenches leading up to the front line to prevent supplies from being carried up.

I would guess that George was put on one of these carrying parties, as being straight from 7 months in England he would be fresher than soldiers who had been fighting only days before. Whatever happened to him, after being back for only 1 day, George was wounded and taken to the 5th Field Ambulance, where he died from his wounds the same day. He was buried in the Military Cemetery at Becourt, a little over a mile east of Albert.

His belongings were eventually returned to his family, and included typical soldier’s possessions of the time- Smoking gear, shaving gear, photos and souvenirs.

Greg Milne

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THIS MONTH IN 1905 AND 1916.

Below are two separate fishing stories I noticed concerning Altona Bay. The second fish I am sure is a sunfish, which has been known to appear in the bay from time to time, and can grow to 3.3 metres (11 foot). The first fish is a mystery, perhaps a reader can help??

EXCITING EXPERIENCE AT ALTONA. A REMARKABLE FISH. (The Independent, Footscray, Saturday 25th March 1905)

Late on Thursday afternoon, two gentlemen, who had been fishing in deep water near the end of Altona Bay pier, were thinking of retiring home when Mr John Short, one of them who had hooked a good sized mullet, complained that the tail had been stripped off as he was landing it, by a supposed shark. Mr Short went on fishing, but Mr J Christie, his companion, turned away to get his things together, prior to moving off, leaving his rod, stuck in the pier, with the line in water, properly baited. Suddenly, the rod bade fair to snap through a violent haul upon it. Mr. Short turned at the commotion, and only saved Mr Christie’s rod from disappearing by entangling his own tackle quickly on to it. He and Mr Christie then

hauled up a fish three feet long, whose viciousness and activity on the pier for a moment or two, unnerved them. It was shaped like a shark even to the mouth, but had a sharp sword nose about nine inches long, differing from that of the ordinary sword fish by the fact that it protruded horizontally instead of vertically. Underneath the sword and just above the mouth were two antennae, or feelers. They killed the creature, after some trouble, and Mr Short elected to stay on fishing, using the flesh of it as bait. Mr Christie took the sword part to his home at Braybrook, for mural adornment.

A STRANGE FISH. (Geelong Advertiser, Monday 3rd April 1916)

The following is a description supplied by the Ports and Harbors Department of a fish caught at Altona Bay by Mr J Robinson: Length 9 feet, no tail, no side fins, but a fin on top, and a fin underneath. The fish resembles a propeller blade. Bay fishermen who have examined the fish state that, a similar specimen has not been seen before.

Greg Milne

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TEA TREE OILThere is new evidence that tea tree oil may be the answer to help kill antibiotic resistant bacteria such as the super bug.

The Australian tea tree plant is proving to be more than a useful all round addition to the bathroom medicine cupboard. Researches at the microbiology department at the University of East London have confirmed findings of an earlier study at the University of Western Australia, that it can be effective against various strains of MRSA.

Tea tree oil is a complex substance which has been found to contain at least 48 known organic compounds, four of which have not been found anywhere else in nature.

The original knowledge of the tea tree’s healing properties came from among the Bundjalung aboriginal tribe of Northern New South Wales. These people lived alongside the ancient trees and their stories tell of the healing properties of the waters of the lagoons where tea tree leaves had fallen and decayed for long periods. The aboriginals crushed the leaves into a poultice to treat an infected part of the body and inhaled them to relieve congestion.

The oil is produced by distilling the leaves of a small paper barked Australian native tree, melaleuca alternifolia. There are more than 300 varieties of tea tree, but only this one is known to produce high quality medicinal oil.

Tea tree oil research has shown the following.

ACNE

The oil has a special ability to break down and disperse pimples, sores or other infections. It has properties which allow it to penetrate into skin tissue, to the source of many minor skin problems.

ATHLETE’S FOOT

Tea tree oil is an effective broad spectrum fungicide and researchers at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown NSW have confirmed it to be as effective as standard anti-fungal products in the treatment of athlete’s foot.

THRUSH

Tea tree effectively kills the Candida albicans yeast that causes thrush. A study published in the Journal of Anti-Microbial Chemotherapy showed a concentration as low as 25 percent killed 90 percent of the samples tested in a laboratory.

ORAL HYGIENE

Researchers at Zurich University have shown that brushing teeth. With a toothpaste containing tea tree oil is effective against the oral bacteria which cause tooth decay and mouth infections.

WOUNDS

Natural therapists have known for a long time that tea tree oil is a powerful natural antiseptic. It’s ability to disinfect wounds and to penetrate the skin to the source of the infection, which other antiseptics cannot, has been backed up by studies at the University of West Australia’s Department of Microbiology. It has been shown that the oil increases the blood flow in the capillaries, thereby encourages healing. It can be used to soothe burns and prevent blistering. It has some anaesthetic quality and can relieve the itch of insect bites and rashes.

What a magical oil this is!

Good health always,

Cherie de Haas

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SKILLSHARE IN WYNDHAMCome share and learn new skills with your community in Wyndham. There is an activity on every Saturday between 10am – 12noon commencing Saturday 7th February, with these being suitable for the whole family. All activities are low cost, pay by donation, say $5.

The first Saturday of the month Skillsahre is located at Iramoo Community Centre and explores an art theme: ranging from bush carpentry to working with tiles, wire, mosaics and textile art.

The 2nd Saturday of the month Skillshare is located at Werribee Men’s Shed, where you can bring in broken items and learn how to fix and mend. Basically if it can be glued, screwed or welded, bring it down and we will help you to fix it. If it is a bit different or too big to fit in the car, ring the Shed first.

The 3rd Saturday of the month explores food themes, and is co-located with the Foodswap at Iramoo Community Centre. If you have a skill and you want to share, please get involved and call Lisa on 8742 3688.

The 4th Saturday of the month Skillshare is located at the Eco-Living Centre with Shoestring Gardening running a great series of gardening workshops.

For the full schedule of Skillshares, please call Iramoo Community Centre on 8742 3688 or email lisa@iramoocc.com.au to receive the schedule with all the contact details. Hope to see you there.

Bob makes gnocchi

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YOU ARE INVITED TO WILLY HIGH SCHOOL …

Birthdays and wedding anniversaries come around every year. Centenary celebrations only happen every 100 years. You wouldn’t want to miss that!

Williamstown High School is celebrating its centenary as a state high school this year. As part of those year-long celebrations the WHS Ex-Students and Staff Association is hosting the “Back to WHS” weekend on 28-29 March 2015 at the Pasco St campus. All former students, staff and friends of WHS are welcome.

Come and take a walk through the school, see what has changed and what has stayed the same, catch up with your old friends and look through the collections of old photos and memorabilia.

The school will be open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each day but the centenary assembly will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday 28th.

WHSESSA has recently published “HOLDING FAST - Williamstown High School 1867-2014”.

This outstanding book details the history of education at the Pasco St campus.

It is our gift to WHS on its centenary. The book will be on sale for $40 at the event.

WHSESSA is always on the lookout for photos and memorabilia relating to the history of WHS. If you have any old items of school uniform, report cards, photos, needlework or woodwork project items from your days at WHS we would love to hear from you. Or bring them along on the day.

If you went to WHS, or know any-one who did, please pass on this invitation.

None of us are likely to be here for the next centenary celebrations so we don’t want you to miss out!!

For more information please contact Fred Cumming at whsessa@gmail.com or Iris Whitehurst by phone on 9397-7695.

WHS Official Opening Ceremony - 1921

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WHAT DOES EASTER MEAN TO YOU?

No sooner are the Christmas decorations gone from the shelves then up pops the chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. Easter is coming! For many it is a time to have an extra-long weekend, watch some footy and spend time with family and friends. To my family, and the more than 2 billion Christians in the world today, it means much more. So what is Easter all about?

The Gospel of John sums it up this way: On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among

them and said, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19)

We can hardly imagine what the disciples must have been feeling that evening – after the dismay of Jesus’ death on the cross and the dashing of all their hopes, they were fearful for their own lives. It is into the midst of this fearful confusion that the resurrected Jesus appears and says ‘Peace be with you’. In these words lie the true meaning of Easter: the love of God reaching into our hearts to give us peace, no matter the circumstances around us.

In our fear-filled world today, the message of Easter still offers us the gift of divine, supernatural peace from God which sustains us no matter what we are facing. Want to know more? Then join us at our Easter services, Sunday April 5th 9:30 & 11:15am at Point Cook Senior School.

Pastors Phil & Tracy Shandwww.lightpointchurch.com

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BE DETERMINED. IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH.

“The black hole of depression is not a place to be” said a close friend of mine. “Being scared of everything, always negative, and having no appetite for food or life makes you realize you have to do something .” So, with a resolve that never wavered, she pulled herself out of those dark feelings. Her triumph showed me how it’s possible to be determined, and that it’s good for your health.

TIP: - Be determined. Cultivate happiness. Listen to positive messages. Be encouraged by them.

- Celebrate the little victories in life –finding lost keys, getting up on time, succeeding at something.

- Take notice of the things that go right.

Break open the gloom. Persevere.

Dark thoughts can appear to be unbreakable - as solid as a rock. Yet constant blows of optimistic, positive, and yes, even spiritual thinking, can crack apart those negative feelings through determined perseverance.

A man tried to break up a large rock in his garden. He struck it 100 times. Nothing happened. A neighbour had a go. Instantly it fell apart. “How come I couldn’t do that?” said the man. “Well”, replied the neighbour,

“if you’d just persevered and given it one last blow, you’d have cracked it open yourself.”

TIP: - Persevere. Be determined to succeed. Enact the proverb, “If at first you don’t succeed try, try again.”

- Don’t be defeatist. Keep going. Stay mentally active. Keep your mental eye on the high goal. Don’t count your footsteps in getting there.

Be tortoise-like. Succeed

Sometimes slow progress can lead to discouragement. However, not feeling fast enough on one’s mental feet, doesn’t mean failure. It’s possible to take up the challenge and beat the blues.

A tortoise and a fast-running hare, had a race. The hare, who was sure he’d win, stopped for breakfast, then fell asleep. He woke up just in time to see the tortoise cross the finish line. - Aesop’s fables

TIP: - Employ the prize-winning combination of steadfast determination and calm persistence.

- Be one of those individuals who either, “gain good rapidly and hold their position, or attain slowly and yield not to discouragement.” (Science and Health p. 254, Mary Baker Eddy)

- Be determined to beat depressing thoughts, and win the prize of health and happiness.

Health writer Beverly Goldsmith, is a practitioner/teacher of Christian Science healing.

Twitter: @GoldsmithBev www.spiritualityandhealthconnect.com

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Point Cook Community

Garden/Kitchen Swap

4th Sunday of the month at Kingsford

Park (Kingsford Dve) Point Cook from

10.30am

Come and swap your excess plants, seeds,

flowers, fruit, vegetables, garden

items or home baking, magazines and

books.

Enquiries : kimpetcare@gmail.com or

valadamson@hotmail.com

Volunteers for Emergency relief neededLaverton Community Centre need Volunteers forEmergency relief will be trained.

Must be able to use computer.Please contact. Ellen Volunteer

Coordinator PH: 8368 0172

Carer Support

Grow-Better Together Carers Group for friends and family of those affected by mental health issues. Free and confidential meetings held twice a month in Laverton.Details: 1800 558 268 or www.grow.net.au

Community Board

LAVERTON COMMUNITY CHOIR

The Laverton Community Choir invites you to attend a rehearsal as a guest before you

decide if you would like to join.

Experienced conductor, different and fun musical arrangements. No experience is

necessary just a love of singing. The choir rehearses every Thursday

7pm – 9pm at P-12 College, Bladin Street, Laverton.

Contact Ann on 0401 411 297 or Caroline 0449 507 873

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

CENTREINFORMATION ADVICE

AND REFERRAL SERVICE

MONDAY TO FRIDAY

10AM – 3PM

LEGAL SERVICE

THURSDAY FORTNIGHTLY

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

PHONE NO: 9398 5207

ALTONA MEADOWS /LAVERTON UNITING CHURCH

over 50% of our families live in Point Cook

61 CENTRAL AVENUE, ALTONA MEADOWS.

You are welcome to join us any Sunday

at 10am and some Sundays at 5.30pm (Night Owl service).

We worship in a circle and have groups for

children during part of the service. Our Fijian

congregation has amalgamated with us this year.

We also have Bible study groups, discussion

groups, kids club, playgroup, etc

Contact Rev. Susan Malthouse on 9369 0384

Enquiries concerning the use of our building

to Lauris on 0409 354 932

Featherbrook Walking Group

Make new friends and improve your fitness by joining the Featherbrook Walking Group for a 45 minute stroll every Wednesday at 10am. Meet at

Featherbrook Community Centre, 33-35 Windorah Drive Point Cook. It’s free to join in and mums with prams are welcome. For more information call the

community centre on 8353 4000.

For more information phone Wyndham City’s Healthy Communities Team on 9742 0777, visit

www.wyndham.vic.gov.au or like our Healthy and Active in Wyndham page on Facebook.

Community Café Weekly

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

Every Wednesday, 12noon-1pm Altona Meadows Community Centre 28

Trafalgar Avenue, Altona Meadows

Every Friday, 12noon-1pm 3 course meal, both days cost: $8/$5 (conc)

Bookings essential by Monday/ Thursday

Phone:8368 0177

ADAVIC ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

SUPPORT GROUPConnect with others in a safe environment to share experiences and coping strategies.Every Tuesday 7:30-9:30pm at the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre, Sargood St, Altona.$5 Casuals / $3 MembersFor more info phone: (03) 9853-8089 | email: adavic@adavic.org.au | visit:www.adavic.org.au

Hobsons Bay Mens Shed Gen Y Support Group

wish to contact Gen Y persons seeking employment without success with a view to assisting reducing the current high level of 25.2% - email billmcpherson@optusnet.com.au with ‘Gen Y interest’ in the subject line for details

Wyndham Scottish Social Dance

Featherbrook Community Centre

33-35 Windorah Drive, Point Cook

7:30 pm until 9:30 pm Every 2nd and 4th

Friday of the Month

Come along and have fun, meet new friends.

Healthy exercise for mind and body.

You need soft shoes. No rubber ridged soles.

No partner necessary.

We do Celidh dance which is a mixture of

Waltz, Set and Barn dances.

For information phone Deryck 0415 250 284

or Alison 0413 295 133

Sponsored by the Bendigo Bank.

WYNDHAM LITTLE

BUDDIES TOY LIBRARY

Join in the fun and select from a huge range of

quality toys available to borrow for children

aged up to 5 years. Meet other parents with

young children. New members welcome.

Open hours Point Cook Community Centre:

Tue & Fri 9.30-11 Sat 9.30-11.30

Wyndham Park Community Centre:

Mon & Fri 9.30-11, Sat 10-11.30.

For more info:

www.littlebuddiestoylibrary.com.au

wlbtoylibrary@bigpond.com

8353 1196 or 9741 1366

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Help support you local community

group and join as a member at

www.pointcookactiongroup.org.au

Community Board Featherbrook Community Centre

7:30pm until 9:30pmEvery 2nd & 4th Friday of the MonthCome along and have fun, meet new friendsHealthy exercise for mind and bodyYou need soft shoes No rubber ridged solesNo partner necessaryWe do Ceilidh dance which is a mixture of Waltz, Set and Barn dances.For information phone Deryck 0415 250 284Or Alison 0413 295 133Sponsored by the Bendigo Community Bank

Werribee and Districts Cancer Support GroupWe are a positive, uplifting, supportive group for all cancer patients, carers, family and friends. All welcome for a cuppa and chat on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Wayaperri House, 106 Duncans Road, Werribee. Monthly meetings occasionally include guest speakers, or are held over dinner and creative and therapeutic activities can be arranged upon interest shown.Contact Steve Marburg (Convenor) on 0418 587 086 or by email on smarbie@bigpond.com or by post at PO Box 4405 Hoppers Crossing 3029or you can contact Koula on 9734 6498.

POINT COOK TOASTMASTERS CLUB

IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS

IN A MUTUALLY SUPPORTIVE AND FUN ENVIRONMENT

EVERY 1ST AND 3RD THURSDAY @ 7.30pm

****New Venue!!!****Laverton Community Hub

95-105 Railway Ave, LavertonEmail: toastmasterspointcook@

gmail.com for more info

WERRIBEE U3AWe are an activity group for semi and retired persons. Come and enjoy lots of different courses and meet new people with similar interests. We also have monthly outings to places of interest.Perhaps you may have a skill that you could share with members.

All are welcome.Ring Dave Callan on 9974 2008

AMESBecome an AMES Volunteer Tutor

AMES Werribee requires volunteers

for 1 to 2 hours a week to help new

arrivals learn English. Free training

program provided.

Details: Katherine: 8744 0011

email: coccolik@ames.net.au

LIGHTPOINT CHURCH

A contemporary Christian Church Meets Sundays 9:30 & 11:15am

Point Cook Senior Secondary School Cnr Boardwalk Blvd & Bergamot Drive,

Point Cook Youth Group meets Fridays during term 7-9:15pm at the same venue

More info call 0425 722 868 www.lightpointchurch.com

Ex Service men/women

The VVAA Melb West Sub Branch has moved. We now oper

ate from "The Lodge"Altona RSL on Mondays and

Tuesdays.For pensions and welfare enquiries call 9398 2865 or leave a message

at Werribee/Altona RSL

Laverton Community Courses 2015

The Laverton Community Centre and Neighbourhood House is running

Self-Esteem and Assertion for Women Starting: 10thFeb : 10-12noon

Anger Management for Men Starting: 12th Feb : 6.30pm-8.30pm

The centre is in The Hub 95-105 Railway Avenue.

Bookings are essential. Call 8368 0177 or Email: community@lcis.org.au

HOBSONS BAY LIFE

ACTIVITIES CLUB

If you're 50 plus and enjoy Dining Out, Movies,

BBQ's, Coffee Morning etc then we are just what

you are looking for.

Meet new people, make new friends, and join

like minded people in a variety of activities, both

week days and weekends.

Try us out by attending a couple of functions

of your choice, without obligation, before you

decide.

For further information and a copy of our Club

Newsletter please contact:

hobsonsbay@life.org

or Liz 9397 1043 Point Cook Walking Group

Women and Men of all Ages Welcome.

• Discover Point Cook

• Meet New Friends

• Keep Fit and Healthy

• Friendly and Relaxed

Mon, Tues & Wed at 9.00am

Leaving from Point Cook Town Centre at the Dry

Cleaners- Coles Precinct.

Thurs & Fri at 9.00am

Leaving Jamieson Way Community Centre,

59 Jamieson Way, Point Cook

9395 1953

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THE RAISING OF THE DRAGONA FEATURE OF THE YEAR OF THE WOOD GOAT

Once again Ken Tun, local Point Cook resident, proprietor of Cocochine Chinese Restaurant and proprietor of Cyclo De Saigon Restaurant, both in the Restaurant Strip in the Point Cook Town Centre, brought the famous Dragon team together for the excitement of his friends and clientele on Saturday 21st

February to celebrate the opening of the Chinese New Year and what an exciting event it was for those present.

The area was crowded and all restaurants on the strip enjoyed a full Saturday night crowd of well wishes in the local ambience of the quality compliment of this superb international food strip.

Ken has been known for years to state the ‘Strip’ gives local residents in the West the opportunity to enjoy some of the quality cuisine of the world, usually only obtainable in large cities like the centre of Melbourne, available locally without having to travel to the city.

Once again he proved, at his own expense, that he is right.

Conferring with Ken late after the event had concluded he spoke of his dream for the next year.

‘We should have a Carnival’ he said.

‘We should have stalls throughout the street.’

‘We should have lots of music.’

‘We should have clowns, roving comedians, things for the kids, Council should play a big part, residents and families could fill the streets and be happy.’

If you think Ken has a great idea you should call past or write to him supporting his once a year aim to bring people together for a night of fun and celebration right here in your home territory in the west – he deserves help and support – Around Point Cook will be proud to support his efforts and will join his team – we hope you will too!

Bill McPherson

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I HAVE A LITTLE SATNAVI have a little Satnav, It sits there in my carA Satnav is a driver’s friend, it tells you where you are.I have a little Satnav,I’ve had it all my lifeIt’s better than the normal ones, my Satnav is my wife.

It gives me full instructions, especially how to drive“It’s sixty miles an hour”, it says, “You’re doing sixty five”.It tells me when to stop and start, and when to use the brakeAnd tells me that it’s never ever, safe to overtake.

It tells me when a light is red, and when it goes to greenIt seems to know instinctively, just when to intervene.It lists the vehicles just in front, and all those to the rearAnd taking this into account, it specifies my gear.

I’m sure no other driver, has so helpful a deviceFor when we leave and lock the car, it still gives its advice.It fills me up with counselling, each journey’s pretty fraught

So why don’t I exchange it, and get a quieter sort?

Ah well, you see, it cleans the house, makes sure I’m properly fedIt washes all my shirts and things, and keeps me warm in bed!Despite all these advantages, and my tendency to scoffI only wish that now and then, I could turn the blighter off.

From the Inbox

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A WORD FROM JILL HENNESSYWith most of us back at work and the kids back at school it feels like summer is well and truly over, but there are some fantastic local events scheduled and I hope you get a chance to go along.

It is forecast to be a month of warmer temperatures, so I do want to share some quick tips about staying healthy in the heat.

Extreme heat is a real health risk for our community, so please keep an eye out for each other, especially your elderly neighbours and friends.

Make sure your family is drinking lots of water and stay indoors.

Young children in particular need lots of protection from the heat, as their body temperatures rise quickly and they are at more risk of dehydration.

Please, never leave your child unattended in the car, not even for a moment, and if you see a child left unattended call 000.

Visit www.kidsafevic.com.au for more information.

Warmer temperatures often mean we spend more outdoors, so it’s important everyone remembers to be sun smart.

Skin cancer is one of the more preventable forms of cancer, yet there are more than 40,000 cases treated in Victoria each year.

So remember to Slip on sun protective clothing, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade and Slide on some sunnies!

For more information, visit www.sunsmart.com.au.

I was also pleased to help launch a new ad campaign for BreastScreen Victoria recently, to raise awareness about the importance of regular breast screens for women aged over 50.

All women aged 50-74 years should undertake a free breast screen every two years, and BreastScreen Victoria has screening clinics across the state, including in Werribee - 27 Princes Highway, Werribee.

I encourage all women aged 50 and above to book an appointment on 13 20 50 or visit www.breastscreen.org.au.

We know that early detection, through screening, offers women the best chance of successful treatment so it’s important that we spread the word and remind our mothers, sisters, wives and friends that a regular breast screen could save their life.

If you have any questions about any of these issues or other matters,

please don’t hesitate to contact me via jill.hennessy@parliament.vic.gov.au

or 9395 0221.

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HOW TO REINVENT YOUR OLD JEANS INTO SOMETHING NEWThe Green Living Series on Upcycling Workshop run by the Wyndham City was held on the 7th of February. It was about reinventing your baggy jeans to become a new product like: - jean skirt for summer - shoulder bag - cute little handbag - set of coasters - square bag etc

The talented Gaye Naismith from Gaye Abandon

showed the participants endless ideas on how to turn your jeans into new products thus converting potential textile waste from ending up in landfill. She taught them how to measure, cut, and sew.

To book for some Wyndham City’s Free Green Living Series (a great variety of sustainability workshops, environmental tours and other green living events) go to: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/greenlivingseries

Maria Pugunsan

Photos show the participants in action. Gaye (fourth from right) taught the participants the technique in cutting. Time to sew.

Happy participants. Time to show off the finished product!!!

From left to right - Mercedes, Gloria, Helen, Hayley from Wyndham City and Gaye (standing).

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JUNIOR BOOM @ SANCTUARY LAKES GOLF CLUB

Junior golf at Sanctuary Lakes Club is booming.

In the last few months the number of youngsters taking to the course has increased considerably.

The rise has been underpinned by the Tuesday afternoon Cadet program which was started by SLC member Andrew Wesley late last year.

For many years, junior golfers had been taking lessons with the resident teaching professional.

But they’d been restricted to the driving range.

“Many of the kids had the basics with golf but really needed to get out on the golf course,” Sanctuary Lakes Junior Golf Committee Chair Helen Frost said.

“Being able to actually hit the golf course is a natural progression. So we really needed to set something up that could cater for their needs.

“All of these kids are just starting out. So they need to feel comfortable and more importantly, playing with kids their own age and ability.”

And so the Cadet program was born.

On a Tuesday at 5pm over the last few months, a number of juniors have teed up in a six-hole modified course competition.

Each group is accompanied by an adult and someone is assigned to mentor the juniors to ensure they’re taught the rules and etiquette of the game.

The entry fee of $5 covers a drink and also prizes.

“The number of kids taking part has just gone up and up. It’s fantastic.

“We started out with a handful and we’re now up to 22 registered for the program. On average we get around four groups.”

The Cadet program is open to any budding golfer between the age of seven and 12.

SLC membership isn’t required, just a basic knowledge of the game and their own clubs so they can be a part of the competition.

The club actively encourages all kids in the Western suburbs and Wyndham Shire to take part.

And it’s great to see parents also coming along, either out on the course or enjoying the surrounds of the clubhouse.

Further inquiries email shzhughes@gmail.com or contact the Sanctuary Lakes Club Office.

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IN PRAISE OF GOLFGolf is a game supposedly developed by earnest Protestants as an alternative to discussing with their wives some explanation of an obscure passage in Kings or Deuteronomy.

That is probably a reference to the origins of the game in Scotland, a place noted for fierce preachers and put-upon wives.

But then the whole world got hooked and while the former biblical scholars had found congenial 19th hole men-only company, America finally discovered the game and decided that it was a wonderful way of not mixing with people with whom one would not normally associate.

It worked well too, until a Mexican named Lee Trevino and a Fijian named Vijay Singh spoiled their party. It got worse, as we know, and before they could do anything about it, the fairways were lined with people shouting encouragement for a young man with a given name not found anywhere in a Scottish bible and skin hue that would have barred him from many golf locker rooms.

The other thing that Americans have added to golf is the belief that they can influence the path of a golf ball by shouting at it.

This could be a good excuse to introduce a discussion on Newton’s First Law, the basis of much of what makes the world the kind of place it is; suffice to say that if shouting “IN DA HOLE” were to have any effect on the path of a material object, it would reduce physics to the airiness of theology or economics.

Golf at all levels is the most democratic of games.

The ball is the same size for everyone; the laws of physics are as immutable for a US President as for a Sanctuary Lakes veteran; muscle is of secondary importance to the ability to do 25 different things correctly in 1.43 seconds.

The stars of the game seem to be genuinely nice people able to carry on an interview without saying “out there today” or “hopefully” or referring to “the boys.”

And, unlike many other sports, it is not likely to provide a living for those who work on broken bones, concussion, shattered knees or public drunkenness.

Anyway, that’s what I think.

Frank O’Shea

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SUMMER GRAFTING & TREE SALES DAY AT WERRIBEE PARK HERITAGE ORCHARD

Celebrating horticulture in all its forms, the Summer Grafting & Tree Sales Day that was held on Sunday February 15th, was an event any avid gardener would have enjoyed and learned from! An event to eat, learn and be merry, the Summer Grafting & Tree Sales Day is held annually at Werribee Park Heritage Orchard.

The day attracted both enthusiast and professional gardeners alike, who could participate in numerous activities including the Orchard and Edible Weed

Walks, as well as the chance to talk to experts in gardening and fruit growing, and purchasing heritage fruit trees and bud wood.

The highly informative Weed Walk educated people on the fundamentals of weeds and why they are not just ‘green waste’.

Those who embarked on the walk learned about which weeds are edible, how they can be used in

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cooking and their medicinal properties.

Vasili from C31’s Vasili's Garden to Kitchen also made an exciting appearance on the day!

Both meeting fans and filming segments for his show, Vasili offered plenty of gardening tips and photo opportunities with his fans as well.

The Country Women’s Association also participated in the event, providing delectable scones and tea.

Gardeners could also watch grafting demonstrations conducted by Craig Castree.

The Summer Grafting & Tree Sales Day was a delightful event any gardener would have enjoyed! Those interested several weekly workshops organised by Werribee Park Heritage Orchard.

http://www.werribeeparkheritageorchard.org.au/news-and-events/

ERIC MOTOSKA

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Laugh Out Loud

QUOTABLE QUOTES

He who controls the past controls the future. He

who controls the present controls the past.

George ORWELL

oo---O---oo

All our words, from loose using, have lost their edge.

Ernest HEMINGWAY

oo---O---oo

Laugh, and the world laughs with you;

Weep, and you weep alone.

Ella Wheeler WILCOX

oo---O---oo

Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.

Muhammad ALI

oo---O---oo

DULCE ET DECORUM PRO PATRIA MORI.

It is sweet and fitting to die for your country.

Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus (65 – 8 BC)

Roman poet

oo---O---oo

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.

Winston CHURCHILL

oo---O---oo

Buy land, they’ve stopped making it.

Mark TWAIN

oo---O---oo

Oh, if you could picture Anzac as I have seen it, you would find that to be an Australian is the greatest

privilege that the world has to offer.

Sir Keith MURDOCH (Father of Rupert),

“The Gallipoli Letter”, Page 57

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Among the possibilitiesThat have come from evolutionIs this very strange new species:

Product of techno-revolution.

After climbing down from the trees,Man has undergone lots of change:

He’s invented technologiesWhilst increasing his global range.

Other primates still screech and squawk;That’s their means of communication.

But Homo sapiens learned to talkAnd sustain a conversation.

At vocal articulationHe got better the more he talked.

At linguistic innovation,As he progressed he’s never baulked.

Come the twentieth century,Conversing was a perfected art.Now the sad part of our story:

One hundred years on, it’s falling apart.

We know horses neigh and donkeys bray,That pigs will grunt and sheep will bleat.

Jackasses laugh, and that’s okay,But it’s wee birds that twitter and tweet.

Normal conversation is still heardAmong those who are normal people.

But other folk seem quite absurd:They’re this new species called “Tweeple”.

Armed with the latest mobile phone,The young “Tweeter” will sally forth.

Digital dexterity he’ll hone,Texting and tweeting for all he’s worth.

Within inches the Tweeter may beOf those to whom he’s “speaking”,

But he will use technologyIn his strange way of conversing.

So for Tweeple this piece of gearIs part of their anatomy.

Some of these kids one day I fearMay be needing a phonectomy.

By Jack Nystrom, 14.12.14

TWEEPLE

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Calling on Point Cook Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.

Email your contributions to editorpointcook@gmail.com or post to the PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028

Point Cook Kids Hi KidsDo you love having hobbies? My latest one is called birding and all you do is watch birds and identify them. The large birds in this photo are pelicans. Did you know there are over 600 species of bird that live in Australia? Not including migratory waterbirds

who fly up to 26,000 kilometres from Alaska to Australia for their summer holidays. You’d have to be a super fit adventurer to fly that far!

KJ Rajah ;)

Standout story writing competitionSpeaking of adventures, here is the Around Point Cook’s first ever Standout Story Writing Competition. I hope you’re as excited about writing as we are about reading your stories.

THE BRIEF: Write a short story up to 350 words about your favourite hobby.

You can choose a ‘writing prompt’ from below, change one to suit your idea, or start from scratch. It doesn’t matter if it’s fiction or non-fiction. Just write it!

WRITING PROMPTS:• Amelie loved taking pictures of shells, driftwood, and …• What I like most about my hobby is …• My favourite hobby is …

INSTRUCTIONS: Type your story into the body of an email – include your name, age, address, and story title.

In the subject box type Standout Story Writing Competition – Point Cook.

Send your story to editorpointcook@gmail.com by 07th April 2015.

Standout stories will be published in the Paper. We’ll keep you updated. Good Luck!

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