Around williamstown issue 10 for print

1PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD - Give this paper to a friend or neighbour to read.

A LOCAL CYCLIST, JEREMY SCOTT’S INSPIRING CYCLING JOURNEY

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9-10HOBSONS BAY STUDENT DELEGATION 2015

MESSAGE FROM THE STRAND WARD COUNCILLORS

Once a Willy Kid, Always a Willy KidThe 60-year-old former Bendigo Bank branch manager, born and raised in Williamstown, Robert Rowe, has worked in the banking industry for 40 years, now. He has stepped down and Alpana Shah is now the new bank manager. Around Williamstown caught up with Robert, and found a man of many talents, actively involved in the community and he is now the business development manager.Robert studied at Williamstown State School, then Williamstown Tech (currently called Bayside College) for his high school. He used to work for the State Bank until Commonwealth Bank took over.Robert has a passion for music. He’s been actively involved in the music at RSL. He connections with RSL go back three generations: from his uncle who was a president, to Rob himself who is a life member of RSL, to his daughter whom is now is a duty manager. He is the president of the Way Out West Roots Music Club (Way Out West). He helped to organise charity events as well. This August 9th he will be running a mental health event - Blues For Lost Souls. All the money raised goes to the charity. Robert was also active in sporting clubs such a cricket and baseball.Asked about Bendigo Bank’s support for many community events, Robert said, “We’ve been sponsoring Williamstown literary festival since it started. We’ve also supported the Big Bay Swim. We’re heavily involved with the art centre at Newport substation. We quite often

support various Rotary Clubs with their sausage sizzles. We also support scholarship night for Williamstown Primary School at the end of every year. We’ve also been doing mentoring program for quite sometimes now with Victoria University. I would like to do more work with the arts and sporting clubs (such as CYMS) to support my community. I fi nd the arts gives more back to the community.”Bendigo Bank also supports the installation of defi brillators at different schools and clubs. Newport bowling club has also installed theirs about seven months ago. When asked what was some of the community events that he’s most proud of in terms of supporting. Without hesitation, he replied “Willy Literary Festival.” “We’ve been there since day one, getting it off the ground, it’s now a big thing, people talked about it.” Another things that give Rob a buzz is the school scholarship program. He added, “The school is really good. I still remembered when I fi rst talked about the program with Steve Brakes. This is my school, this is where I came from, this is my community, I like the way they say ‘Once you’re Willy kid, always a Willy kid’.”He’s proud of working for Bendigo Bank. “We might have a lot of money to give, but more importantly we give our time.” Rob has true enthusiasm working for a company that support various community events. “We have social and moral responsibility to the community.”

Around Williamstown Community Newspaper Issue 102

HOBSONS BAY LIFE ACTIVITIES CLUBIf you’re 50 plus and enjoy Dining Out, Movies,

BBQ’s, Coffee Morning etcthen 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,before you decide.

For further information and a copy of ourClub Newsletter please contact:

[email protected] or Liz 9397 1043

It’s been a cold month. Spring is now not that away anymore. We are blessed with occasional sunshine which is lovely. I hope you are blessed by lots of Vitamin D and M (money) this month.

I am pleased to report that a couple of people have expressed an interest in becoming the sub editor. Thanks for your interest and I will be in touch very soon!

We only have a few people delivering the papers across the town including myself. We are now looking for someone to deliver the paper on a monthly basis. You will need to have an ABN and transport to perform this job. If you would like to deliver for Around Williamstown, send me an email at [email protected] or ring me at 0435 166 576 for more information. I am extremely grateful to individuals and businesses that have offered to deliver the papers in the past months! If you would like Around Williamstown to be delivered to your organisation, please let us know.

We are also looking for a couple of sales consultants to obtain advertising for the paper. Feel free to contact me at the above contacts.

It has been fantastic couple of months (almost coming to one year!) working in this local community. I am

now working at giving more opportunities for people in the community to get involved in different aspects of the paper. Should you have any suggestions or you would like to get involved to make the paper a better one, I would like to catch up with you.

A big ‘thank you’ to all who have contributed in making this paper possible. I can see that it is going to continue to a brighter future, hopefully to better serve our community.

Till next monthJasmine Hill

Around Williamstown Community Newspaper, ABN 19 879 723 863.Postal Address: P.O. BOX 389 Williamstown 3016, Stories: [email protected] Advertising: 0435 166 576 or [email protected], 0470 117 889 or [email protected]

Rambling with the Editor

Around Williamstown Community Newspaper Issue 10 3

The Friends of Greenwich Bay held their National Tree Day planting event at Sandy Point Wildlife Reserve, Newport, on Sunday, 19 July. It was a beautiful sunny day, with clear blue skies and just the remnants of the overnight low temperatures chilling the air.

The Friends of Greenwich Bay is a group that looks after and advocates for the local coastal bush land. They meet several times a year for tree planting in association with Hobson Bay rangers.

Libby Rigby, Hobson Bay Conservation Ranger, busily unloading boxes of rootstock plants for the eager volunteers, said: “We’re planting poa (tussock grass) and chaffey saw sedge seedlings today. These are wetland/grassland plants and they create wonderful habitation for migratory birds.”

Unfortunately it is not only birds that love the newly planted grasses. Rabbits are a big problem and each little seedling had a protective shield placed around it to deter hungry bunnies.

A group that regularly volunteers for the planting days is from the Triskelion Melbourne Council. Andres, from the group, explained that they are a fraternal and sorority group from the Philippines that are affi liated with the Hobson Bay Council. This was their third year helping establish native plants

on the foreshore wildlife reserve. It was also a social event for Triskelion, with a barbecue planned after the planting activities.

David Stubbs, one of the original organisers of the Friends of Greenwich Bay said: “We have been going for 20 years. We were formed when there was a threat by developers to really over-develop this area, with plans for a marina, aquarium, tennis courts and shops.”

Jill Hocking, another member of the group said: “I can remember when this area was a disused charcoal pit. My boys used to ride their bikes here and come home covered with charcoal dust and dirt.”

From the wildlife reserve, you can look across the tranquil waters of Greenwich Bay with views from the city to Williamstown. It is thanks to local groups such as The Friends of Greenwich Bay that open areas like Sandy Point remain a community asset with a fl ourishing vegetation of native plants and grasses and a haven not only for birds but for residents and visitors as well.

If you wish to be in contact with Friends of Greenwich Bay (FOGB) please email: [email protected] for more information.

Ann Banham

Celebrating National Tree Planting Day at Sandy Point Wildlife Reserve


Be part of something bigger.

Drop into your nearest branch at 15 Douglas Parade, Williamstown or phone 9399 9266 to find out more.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL 237879. S48246-4 (260519_v1) (15/07/2015)

Early July, in the midst of winters busiest time of the year, The Newport Folk and Fiddle Festival began its annual event. On the opening night, The Newport Youth Film Festival kicked off with an evening of fun fl icks, popcorn, warmth by fi replace and a pleasing crowd.

A rush of youth from around the Newport, Williamstown community, along with some who travel from afar, gathered to see the big screen.

The committee presented a total of eight fi lms submitted to the festival throughout the year, ready to be judged by three experts. Three exciting prizes were up for grabs, including a double Sun Theatre movie pass, $50 JB HI-FI voucher and a years ACMI membership.

After the viewing, three awards were given with much heated discussion from the judges, the clever and witty Highway Vessel by Logan Davies came in at 1st place, followed by The West by Arthur Cortez in 2nd and the audience choice was The Witches by Imogen Stroud. There was also an honourable mention to the technically impressive The Disconnected Mind by

Kosta Loe and the cute Follow Me by Marea Mavridis. The evening was a success and certainly proved a valuable experience for all. The inclusion of the event in next years Folk and Fiddle Festival is a defi nite.

So folks, stay tuned and let’s see what you can bring to next years bigger and even more exciting Newport Youth Film Festival.

Jade Maree Peace

It’s a Wrap!


Hobsons Bay Libraries, in partnership with the Loom Room, will present an evening session with Claire Saxby, the local author of a new book - My Name is Lizzie Flynn – A Story of the Rajah Quilt. Claire will discuss her research and tell the story behind the book, which is based on the true story of

a quilt made by convict women on board the Rajah, bound for Australia in 1841.From the moment Claire was fi rst shown the Rajah quilt, she knew that here was a story she wanted to tell. The more she researched, the more questions she found. Who were the women? Why were they sent? Who transported them? Why is this the only quilt that endures? How does this quilt connect with Williamstown?‘My Name is Lizzie Flynn’ is a new picture book from local author Claire Saxby. It imagines a story from the perspective of a 13 year-old convict girl. WHEN: Wednesday 19th August at Williamstown

Library (Ferguson Street, Williamstown, 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm) RSVP: via Hobsons Bay Libraries web page: www.libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or by phone on 1300 HOB LIB or email the Loom Room at [email protected]. In the Loom Room you can learn, teach, share skills, swap ideas, and do your own thing while enjoying some company and a cuppa – for more information come along on the night or phone Jenni on 0478 641 236

My name is Lizzie Flynn


Over the past 20 years one hundred students from Hobsons Bay have participated in the student exchange program which is part of the Sister City relationship Hobsons Bay has with the City of Anjo, Japan. Over this time friendships and goodwill have promoted a deeper understanding between the nations of Australia and Japan.

This July, local students, Elisa Coffey, Sarah Haslam, Mason Stiles and Sarah Thomas, hosted the Anjo student delegation, while chaperone, Ana Weaver hosted the Japanese chaperone. The Hobsons Bay International Friendship Association organized tours around our city, schools, visits to the Aboriginal Centre, Puffi ng Billy, Ballarat Wildlife Park and Phillip Island. The student’s families took their Japanese guests to other places of interest during the few free days available.

Our guests: Students, Kenta, Daiki, Nanami, Himeka and chaperone Eriko where honoured at a reception at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre where they all gave a speech and a special performance.

Elisa, Sarah, Sarah, Mason, along with chaperone Ana, will be leaving soon to live with host families in Anjo and treated to a very extensive and culturally interesting program of events.

It is not a requirement to be able to speak or be studying Japanese to be involved in the program. Expressions of Interest to be part of the 2016 Student Delegation program can be sent to :

The Secretary of the Hobsons Bay International Friendship Association. Chris Malady [email protected]

Hobsons Bay Student Delegation 2015


Another busy period is upon us here in the Strand Ward as 2015 rolls along.There were record numbers again this year at the Willy Lit Fest. We had patrons coming from all over Melbourne, some coming to Williamstown for the very fi rst time. Feedback we received suggested everyone had a great time, loved the venues, and even wished there were more sessions available. Congratulations to all the volunteers involved and a big thank you to everyone who attended.There were also record numbers at the recent Newport Folk Festival. The grand fi nale – Benjamin Britten’s Simple Symphony played on a baby grand piano by James Russo at The Substation – was as spectacular as it sounds. On Saturday 12 September, we have the Indigenous Literacy Project, beginning at 10am at Williamstown Library. The event will include a book sale raising funds to support indigenous literacy, and an Aboriginal Story Time with Eva Jo Edwards.Nelson Place is one of the most signifi cant precincts not only in the western region, but in all of Victoria. Steeped in history as the original port for Melbourne, with its heritage streetscapes and location right on the waterfront in Williamstown, it has the potential to be one of the most vibrant and popular destinations for locals and visitors year round. Council is working with traders to gain a better understanding some of the factors that infl uence business here. As part of that a free parking trial is underway from August through October, Monday to Thursday. Don’t forget if you are driving that parking restrictions will still apply but what a great time to rediscover waterfront Williamstown. There’s a new water feature at the botanic gardens. A new central control irrigation system has been installed at the northern end of the gardens, from Osborne Street down to the dividing wall of the pinetum. The new system will greatly reduce the potential for leaks going undetected. If there is a leak anywhere it’s picked up by sensors and that section of irrigation is stopped immediately. Historic rock edge works were also recently undertaken around a

signifi cant Italian Cypress aligning with the original path. If you follow Hobsons Bay City Council on Facebook you may have seen recently a couple of historic photos from the park. One in particular shows the Mayor and Mayoress’s Garden Party from December 1922. The gardens are so packed full of people (as well as a piano and a cello) that you can barely see the gardens at all except for a few date palms poking out from the hordes. The gardens are not nearly as busy during the winter months so if you’re looking for a touch of peace and tranquillity, now is the perfect time to explore them so long as you rug up. If you want to fi nd out more about the garden’s history go to www.friendsofwilliamstownbotanicgardens.net/ Works are progressing well at Jack Madigan Reserve with the formal terraces completed and construction of the gabion walls begun. Gabion walls, incidentally, are rock walls enclosed in wire mesh. Works still to come include constructing the concrete circuit path, providing a ‘nature creek’ entrance, and arranging a social gathering space at the southwestern end of the reserve. We are still expecting a completion date of 23 September 2015 to be celebrated with an opening launch. Check Council’s website for more details nearer the time. Drainage upgrade works in Ann Street, Williamstown are proceeding between the outfall and Nelson Place. The works have been slower than expected in this area due to the large amounts of small rock that the contractors have found has slowed the speed of the excavation. And preparation works continue for the construction of the Newport Youth Library and Seniors Facility. We are still on course for a September 2016 fi nish. Lastly, the construction of Hatt Reserve revetment wall has begun and the barrier, protecting the shoreline from fl ooding, should be completed by early September. You can keep track of progress on current projects by visiting www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Council/major_projects Until next time please feel free to contact your Strand Ward Councillors for more information about these and other activities.

Message from the Strand Ward Councillors

Cr Angela Altair - 0419 762 267 [email protected]

Deputy Mayor Cr Paul Morgan - 0488 828 880 or [email protected]

Cr Peter Hemphill - 0419 762 266 or [email protected]


What inspired you to go cycle touring?The idea came to mind in November 2004 while I was living in London. At the time I had a good job working as an Architectural Technician on some of the largest construction projects in Europe, I had a fantastic group of friends and life was moving along quite nicely. Despite having a good, comfortable life I felt I needed more than that. I felt I was not really being challenged and I wanted something that would force me out of my comfort zone. That cool November evening I came home from work to fi nd a magazine called the TNT on the coffee table. Within the pages of this magazine were three articles on different people who had cycled in three different parts of the world. I started to think “If these people had more time, they could do two of those trips. If they had more time, they could all three of them” I then thought to myself “If I had the time, why couldn’t I do one of those trips, or two of them, or all three of them”. I was living in London and knew I had to get home to New Zealand eventually so I thought “If I made the time, what was to stop me from cycling London to New Zealand?” I didn’t even own a bicycle at the time and I had absolutely no cycle touring experience but that was the moment the seed of thought was planted.What were some of the highlights of this journey? There were so many highlights but if I had to single out a couple, I would say Japan, New Zealand and Iran.Japan was a spectacular place to cycle, especially up in Hokkaido. The roads were perfect, and quiet while each day I was surrounded by some incredible scenery. There is so much history and culture while I do not even need to mention the food! Japanese food is so good.New Zealand, in particular the South Island is a cycle tourist’s paradise. Day after day I was left speechless as I explored mountains, rivers, rain forests and picture perfect lakes. It certainly has the WOW factor.

Iran was the most amazing country I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. The people of Iran are absolutely beautiful and a visit there will destroy any preconceptions Westerners may have of the people or the country. It is a place that will rekindle your faith in humanity. You will see how kind one stranger can be to another. You will learn how it is often people with the least who give the most. I have never experienced warmth, kindness and incredible hospitality like I did while cycling in Iran. I just love the people there.How did this journey change you as a person?I have opened my eyes to the beautiful side of humanity. This trip has shown me that there are so many wonderful, kind, warm hearted people on this planet from all different walks of life. I think we in the west can learn a huge amount from other cultures on how to treat a stranger. I was completely overwhelmed by the incredible amount of warmth and kindness I received from strangers in so many ‘developing countries’ yet deeply embarrassed to know they would not receive the same heart-warming hospitality if they could visit our country.This journey changed me immeasurably and in ways I could never have imagined when I started. When you are thrown into a world in which you have absolutely no experience and there is no one else there to fall back on, you realise there is nowhere to hide and that that you just need to deal with each and every situation as it arises. Every single day I was confronted with new challenges I could never foresee and I dealt with them as and when they arose. I’ve learnt not to fear failure. I was always making mistakes but I learnt that failure was a merely a stepping stone to becoming a better person as it meant I was pushing my boundaries. As I tested my mental and physical boundaries day after day I became a stronger and more confi dent person.A few years ago I feared nothing more than speaking in public. I was even too scared to say a few words at my parents wedding anniversary yet now, I am

A Local Cyclist, Jeremy Scott’s Inspiring Cycling Journey

Parked up in front of Mt Ararat in eastern Turkey shortly before crossing the border into Iran

Time for a quick selfi e before cycling down out of the snow. Mt Kurikoma, Japan

I fi rst met Jeremy when he was presenting his speech at Willy Lit Fest. We had an interview with him as he has done a fascinating ride from London to New Zealand in one piece. He now lives in our local community.

9

building a career as a Guest Speaker where I will be speaking in front of 1000’s of people. The self-confi dence I gained through this journey cannot be measured. What diffi culties did you encounter during this journey? Stepping out the front door to begin the journey on the very fi rst day was the toughest part of the entire trip. Five minutes before I began was the closest I ever came to giving up. The fi rst few weeks were tough as I tried to get my head around the enormity of what I was attempting. Temperatures ranged from -20 degrees Celsius in the mountains of Eastern Turkey to over 50 degrees in the Taklamakan Desert, West China. With no support crew I carried absolutely everything I needed to survive in these incredibly harsh environments. At times the loaded bike weighed in excess of 65 kilos.Encounters with both the Iranian and Filipino Mafi a left me fearing for my life and in one case, feeling I needed to kill three men if I was to see the light of day. I was also robbed in Cambodia and had to fi ght an Uzbek shepherd who tried to steal my camera as I went to offer him food. Each and every sandstorm, typhoon, mountain or desert I encountered reminded me of how insignifi cant we are in the big picture.What advice would you give to people who would like to do similar things?Just do it! Honestly I would say it really is that simple. You do not need to be a super athlete. I was incredibly unfi t when I started this journey. In fact, I had undergone major knee reconstruction 7 months prior to beginning the journey to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. If you see a photo from the day I started, you will realise how unfi t I was! The day I started this journey was the fi rst time I had ever cycled with a full set of panniers.

I learnt that you do not need to over prepare for a journey like this. Despite years of research prior to my journey I quickly discovered I knew absolutely nothing the day I began but I learnt so much from simply being on the road day after day.

In the fi rst week or so; the idea of cycling from London to New Zealand was incredibly daunting so I started breaking it down into much smaller sections. Once I started setting smaller goals it became more manageable from a mental point of view. I realised I could achieve these smaller goals. It’s just one day at a time.I spent 2½ years cycling 51,916km through 29 countries I can say without hesitation that this was the most rewarding and enjoyable period of my life. Don’t hesitate people, just give it a go!

Editor’s note: Jeremy will be speaking at Williamstown’s Library on September 24 from 6:30pm – 7:45pm. More info at http:/ / l ibraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/event-calendar/community-learning/556-cycling-after-a-broken-heartThe public can also contact Jeremy for Guest Speaking opportunities or to purchase his beautiful book through the website: www.jeremyscott.com.au


Sandblown and dirty but happy in the Dasht- Lut Desert, Iran


I have heard it said that there are only two kinds of people in this world – people who read books and people who don’t. I have always been the fi rst kind of person, and to be honest I do not really understand people that have no desire to lose themselves in a truly good book.Unless you have been living under a rock for the past fi ve years, you will have heard of a little something called Game of Thrones. This little slice of awesome is a television series, based on books by author George R.R. Martin.Up until last month’s season fi ve fi nale, I had not had a lot of drive to get into the books, but that has now well and truly changed. The tagline of Game of Thrones is ‘Winter is Coming…’ and as you have probably noticed, winter is well and truly here. On one particularly chilly day, I picked up the fi rst book in the series and I have not stopped reading since.The saga is set in the fi ctional land of Westeros, where the battle for the Iron throne is all consuming. With many noble families pitted against each other in their claim to power, the drama and intrigue is intense. With more than a hint of fantasy thrown in for good measure, there is no telling where Martin will lead us next.Each chapter is written entirely from the perspective of one of the many characters that make up the

realm, keeping the pacing of the story ticking along beautifully. Never too wordsy, as fantasy novels have a tendency to be, Martin has managed to build an entire universe, with a history that could fi ll another set of novels easily.Whether you are new to the series, or a HBO junkie like me, A Song of Ice and Fire has much to offer. I am currently re-watching each season in conjunction with each book and it is a truly terrifi c way to brave the cold of this never-ending winter.

Melissa Longo

Surviving Winter in Westeros…


The Friends of Newport Lakes salute a very special volunteer. Ron Bowman, our treasurer, has been on the committee of the Friends of Newport Lakes since the group began in 1997. He is one of three Life Members of the group. On Tuesday, June 30, 2015 he closed the gates at the park entrance for the last time. He has done this service punctually almost every night, for nine years, and has also opened the gates on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Hobsons Bay City Council paid the Friends for this service, stipulating that the money had to be spent on improving the park facilities. Over the years, Ron’s work earned funds totalling about $35,000. Every year the FoNL committee was able to contribute to the cost of projects within the park as agreed to by council. Projects included: The concrete disability access path; a drinking fountain for people and dogs, plaques labelling

signifi cant trees in the arboretum; repairs to the car park gates and, more recently, the big, multi-coloured information board near the stepping-stones, illustrating the life in and around the lake, including food webs and other helpful information, for instance why we should not feed the birds. This has become a great teaching tool for local schools. This year, our money will be used to restore two of the mosaics that were installed years ago be the Friends using grant money. After Ron closed the gate for the last time, we gathered to celebrate his invaluable support for so many years. Ron is not a young man, but he never complained about the effort of going out every night to check the car park and close the gate. We were pleased to surprise him with a little party and well-deserved gifts in recognition of his sterling effort. We all enjoyed nibbles and a beautiful cake and raised glasses of Champagne to him. Well done, Ron!

Kind regards,Sue Wright on behalf of the executive of The Friends of

Newport Lakes

The Friends of Newport Lakes


The very new Gellibrand Branch of Grandmothers Against Detention of Refugee Children (GADRC) contains some people already active in various ways in the local

community. But also some ‘quiet citizens’ who are disturbed by Australia’s current policy to compulsorily detain refugee children, especially offshore.

‘We are grandmothers, of course, but we also have friends of the grandmothers, known as FROGS!’ said Joan Lynn, a Williamstown resident. ‘Along with the campaign planning, the great collective sense of humour makes these meetings very enjoyable.’

Across Victoria, over 1000 GADRC members are organizing in their electorates for change in policy by both major political parties. The local group includes people from across the Gellibrand electorate, and has met already with local Federal MP Tim Watts.

‘We are especially concerned about the children who are being detained on Nauru, some of whom, we now know, have been subjected to violence and sexual assaults.’

GADRC wants to see offshore detention centres closed and those people brought to the mainland to have their refugee claims tested properly.

Gellibrand GADRC is welcoming new members. They had a stall at the Newport Substation on June 17 when Julian Burnside AO QC speaks on Equal Humanity, an event organised by Hobsons Bay Library Network.

‘At the end of the Vietnam War we sat down with our regional neighbours and hammered out an orderly process for assessing boat peoples’ claims and the sharing of responsibility for their re-settlement. We can do that again.,’ Ms Lynn said.

‘Nauru is off limits to those of us who want to know what is being done, over there, in our name. This is wrong. We know that failure to deal with complaints as soon as they are made leads to further years of suffering for the victims, and bitter recrimination against responsible authorities,’ Ms Lynn said.

The Gellibrand group meets regularly in St Stephen’s Uniting Church, Melbourne Road, Williamstown.

If you’d like to know more, telephone Joan Lynn (9397 2358).

Grandmothers Against Detention


With the speed and dexterity that can only come with experience, the intrepid volunteers of The Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West assembled 200 Birthing Kits at their July monthly meeting.

An ongoing Zonta District 23 Project, the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West commits time and fi nancial resources to the assembly of Birthing Kits for the Birthing Kit Foundation.

Every year, over 140,000 women who give birth in remote regions of developing countries are the recipients of these kits. We know from reporting that some are used in fi elds by women who are unable to get access to a better birthing environment.

The kits are distributed with the assistance of a health professional who provides guidance on correct use of the kit and safe disposal of the waste.

The birthing kit addresses the basic needs for a safe

and hygienic delivery. The kits include six items: a plastic sheet, soap, two gloves, sterile scalpel blade, three pieces of string to tie off the umbilical cord and fi ve gauze squares. These items are packaged into a small distribution bag by the volunteers and then packed into boxes for international shipping at an assembly function. Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West members, Heike Fleischmann, Karen Russell and Jennifer Burrows not only assemble kits but enjoy fellowship at the same time.Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West members Karen Russel and Ann Guo with 200 Birthing Kits ready to be shipped.

To learn more about the work and projects of Zonta International please contact the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West on [email protected]. A monthly dinner meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month is held at the Williamstown RSL at 6.30pm.

Zonta in Action


On Tuesday 13th August Environment Victoria Westside is running an environment information Forum in the Footscray Primary School, Edwardian Hall.EV Westside is a local western suburbs group concerned about the environment and wants politicians to take climate change seriously. EV Westside is an affi liate of Environment Victoria and has been campaigning across the western suburbs for greater response to climate change, collecting petitions that are presented to both Federal and State parliaments. The Monster Climate Petition currently being supported by EV Westside was created at the instigation of The Victoria Womens Trust for presentation to the House of Representatives ‘demanding immediate and effective action to signifi cantly reduce carbon emissions’.David Spratt, co-author of “Climate Code Red: the case for emergency action” will giving a presentation at this Forum looking at the gap between myth and reality in climate policy-making. David is a regular speaker on climate change science and policy in Melbourne.In December of this year the United Nations Climate Change Conference will be held in Paris, at this international event Australia needs to contribute strong support for addressing climate change. We need to show our politicians that Australian people are very concerned and we want the Australian delegation to reach meaningful resolutions to tackle climate change. This EV Westside Forum is a small contribution, allowing the average person to express their concern. EV Westside has been running street stalls on Saturday mornings in Western Suburbs shopping centres for the past two years and welcomes volunteers to take part in this work.Forum detail - Edwardian Hall, Footscray Primary School, Cnr Geelong Rd and Barkly Street, Footscray running from 7.00pm until 8.00pmAlso see https://www.facebook.com/EVWestside

It’s set in,As so often’s the case.My mind dwells on it-

The block that is;And as the month’sDeadline draws near

Like a caterpillar’s chrysalisThe butterfl y opens it’s wingsAnd the words begin to fl ow

Climate change Forum Writer’s Block By Philip Richards


To exact what stands out about Giddyup Mule is fairly diffi cult, as they possess several traits that are wonderful and unique. It could be the great coffee, the fresh kombucha available via tap or the locally sourced ingredients that is used for their menu. Whichever one strikes your fancy, it can be assured that Giddyup Mule will be worthy of your visit.Giddyup Mule opened around mid June, so it is a new establishment within the area with a trendy industrial interior. Inner design is a winning component for me personally, as I notice every piece of décor. There is a fi replace in the corner that runs during those cold days. So all in all, it’s very aesthetically pleasant and welcoming.Namely, a striking component for any eatery is the standard of their coffee. Here they use Axil coffee blend which is marvelous. There is also a wide range of teas, hot chocolate and chai. However the coffee is not the only standout item on the menu, Giddyup Mule does healthy smoothies. Specifi cally, a the “Mega Cleanser” which contains lemon, pineapple and cayenne pepper and the “Shakty Green” smoothie which contains kale, pear, pineapple, nuts, coconut water and the Shakti super blend. What’s special about the shakti blend is that it is known for its nourishing and health benefi ts, Giddyup Mule is one of the few places that incorporates this superfood within their drink menu. There is also kombucha available via tap, with two different fl avours: ginger & tumeric, and spiced orange. If you’re unfamiliar with what kombucha is, it’s fermented tea that is believed to have rich health benefi ts. To describe its taste, it’s similar to cider without the alcohol. Try it out if you’re inquisitive on trying something new, it’s not that common for cafes to offer kombucha on tap so this is a very neat attribute to the café. It’s quite evident that coffee is huge for me, but enough of the drinks and over to the food! Pictured here is their bircher muesli. A unique feature to the Giddyup Mule menu is their avocado smash – but instead of the usual lime juice as an ingredient, it’s with a kombucha vinaigrette. Other popular item options include the eggs benedict and the pulled pork cigar with a carabi apple. So whether you’re looking for something savoury, sweet, vegan or gluten free, they can also cater to that for you.

Dessert is also not left off the menu, offering several organic treats for those who enjoy a sweet compliment to their lunch. Some treats include the zingy lemon macadamia bar which is pressed with lemon juice inside, and the salted caramel joy bar. In conclusion, I had a great experience here. The atmosphere is soft, comforting, warm and pleasant. I’m sure you’ll agree. Special mention to Margaret, Jodie and Peter.Address: 177 Stephen Street, YarravilleTrading: Mon to Fri 7– 4pmSat 7:30 – 4pmSun 8 – 4pm

Gina Le

Local Eats


When I was about six years old I received the essential…teaching from an old woman sitting in the sun. I was walking by her house one day feeling lonely, unloved, and mad, kicking anything I could fi nd. Laughing, she said to me, ‘Little girl, don’t you go letting life harden your heart.’

Right there, I received the pith instruction: we can let the circumstances of our lives harden us so that we become increasingly resentful and afraid, or we can let them soften us and make us kinder and more open to what scares us. We always have this choice

- Pema Chodron in The Places that Scare You, 2001, p. 5.

I invite you to call to mind something that has rattled you lately: an argument, a stressful situation, perhaps even a crisis. Bring this situation to mind. And then, refl ect on the ways you have dealt with, or are dealing with, this situation.

What are your coping mechanisms? Are their patterns you fall into at such times? Certain harsh, negative self talk? Harmful, self-destructive behaviours/addictions - a bottle of red, a pack of TimTams, a night at the pokies?

Do you have a method or way of dealing with physical, emotional or mental discomfort?

Yoga, and the tools and techniques of yoga, have always assisted me during challenging times, including the unpredictable encounters of everyday life and experiences that I can’t control. So for the month of August, I want to share with you some practices that may support you when life seems out of control, when you are ill, or facing a crisis or trauma.

At such times, yoga can:

• help to support and strengthen you from the inside• assist you to remain grounded, balanced and calm• assist you to view things clearly and accurately• encourage you to take responsibility for your role in various situations (rather than remain a victim and blame others, if this is not entirely the case)

Some simple practices during challenging times…

• Ground yourself. Connect with the earth beneath your feet. If possible, go for a walk on grass or down by the beach on sand, in bare feet. If you are too ill to walk, sit with your bare feet on grass or earth or sand and breathe strength up from the earth’s core through the soles of your feet.

• Breathe. Be mindful of each breath as often as you can. Take long, slow inhalations and long, slow exhalations. Focus on each breath as a way of calming yourself and staying anchored to the present moment. We spend a lot of time thinking and worrying about the past and the future. When we are conscious of our breath, we are in the here and now. In this way, the breath can become your friend…a constant

companion.

• Nadi shodhana pranayama (alternate nostril breathing). This is a particularly powerful yogic practice to reduce anxiety, bring yourself to a state of calm and balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain. It can be done anywhere, at any time, including if you are in a hospital bed. Best to have a yoga teacher show you how to work with this practice, but generally speaking, it involves inhaling through one nostril, then exhaling through the opposite

nostril. Alternating from side to side. • Affi rmations. Some very effective ones to work with during challenging times, include:

‘A strong wind cannot disturb my core’

‘In the centre of life’s storms, I stand serene’

‘I radiate the energy of stability and peace all around me’

• Meditation – counting your breath from 1 to 108. Again, a very calming, centering practice that can help keep you anchored to the present moment (and less likely to think about what’s happened in the past or worry about what’s going to happen down the track). With each inhale and exhale, you count one. If you lose track of the number you are up to, you need to go back to one and start again. If you reach 108, you continue, but now counting backwards from 108 to 1. This is a great practice to do in bed during the night if you can’t sleep and have a very active mind.

I hope you enjoy experimenting with all or some of these practices! Namaste.

***

Hi, my name is Fiona Hyde and I am the Principal of Williamstown Yoga and Meditation, 109 Douglas Parade. I’ve been part of the Willi community for 25 years and I have two children at Willi Primary School. In each edition of Around Williamstown, I offer a few yoga tips that may be of interest. If you would like more information on any of these, feel free to contact me on 0431 080 157 or check out our website: www.williamstownyogaandmeditation.com.au

Yoga and the Challenges of Life


Pets Corner

Why dog food doesn’t have meat in it and what you can do for your dog’s nutrition. I am a professional dog walker, but I also sell healthy dog treats at markets and online well below retail. People at the markets ask me why I bother selling treats, and the reality is because I couldn’t afford to pay the cost of retail treats - and I wanted something that I was willing to feed my own dog. If you are like the 97% of people in Australia who own dogs and feed them a manufactured dog food such as kibble or canned, you may not be aware that 75% of that pack is likely to be grain or water. The dog food industry is so massive now, that they have convinced people that a carb diet is best for dogs. But the reality is that dogs are carnivores and need mainly a meat diet to thrive. The manufacturer knows that they can’t afford to stuff meat into cans, and that the average consumer can’t afford what the mark up would be, so grain dog food is actually the result of convenient economics, not nutrition. And the only one that suffers is the one without a voice - dogs. Which brings me to the point of why I started selling dog treats to the public. And while my dog is on a raw meat diet, there is very good reason for the 97% of people to supplement their dog food with meat based dog treats (with few to no additives). Meat is

much more bio available than plant matter when it comes to dogs extracting essential amino acids - the stuff their body needs for maintenances and growth of tissue. Even the Omega 3 from Kangaroo is much better than fl ax seed. The difference between dog food and dog treats. Plant and meat sold in a packet as “dog food” has to meet an American standard from “aafco” that is cleverly crafted to suggest that no combination of natural meat and vegetables can ever be classed as “dog food”, without a massive injection of minerals and vitamins (note quite a few pharmaceutical companies are major dog food makers). But the standard is very lax on protein requirements and does not distinguish between meat and vegetable sources of protein. Dog treats however have no nutrient standards and that is why you get so much junk in super markets. That is why I always tell those 97% of owners that if they really want to boost their dogs nutritional health - meat based dog treats can be a vital part of the puzzle. As a by the way, to keep things affordable, I personally do free local delivery (no postage cost) of treats in the Williamstown/ Newport areas. Cheers Bruce and Archie (Your Local Dog Treat Supplier). www.HealthyDogTreats.com.au

Congratulations to last month’s winner, Tenille Mielczarek.Answer: The photo was taken at Fong’s Kitchen at 197 Little Nelson Pl, Williamstown. Thanks to all who have participated in last month’s contest.

Where in Wiliamstown?

How well do you know your local area? This is a photo taken in a secret location. Write to the Editor and tell us if you know the location of this place. Email your answer to [email protected] or write to P.O. Box 389 Williamstown 3016 VIC. The winner’s name will be published in the next edition. Please note only the fi rst winner’s name will be published.


Students Corner

The Maribyrnong River starts in Mount Macedon and ends in Port Phillip Bay.People enjoy the river. They have a lot of activities around the Maribyrnong river for example fi shing, BBQ, canoeing, rowing, cycling...

It is very clean these days. You can fi nd a lot of animals there for example you can see rabbits, foxes, ducks, turtles...

And you can see a lot of grasses and fl owers, for example wild fl owers, yellow everlastings, spring rice

fl owers, blue devils...

Our class went there on 26 of May 2015.We had a great time together and learned something new about this river. We now know that this river has 7 big and old bridges.

I will go there again with my family.If you have not been there, you should go too!!

Maryam YarWilliamstown Community and Education Centre

In the world of professional football today there is very little time to dwell on past glories. It might seem insignifi cant now but in 1876 the Junior Challenge Cup won by the Williamstown F.C was described as a red letter day for the club. The word junior did not imply schoolboy football, but was equivalent to senior 2nd division, or if you like the difference between the A.F.L and the V.F.L. today.The concept of a challenge cup was fi rst introduced by the senior clubs in 1861. It is notable for the fact that it is the earliest known senior football championship and trophy in world football. The challenge cup format would continue until 1877 when it was eventually replaced by the Victorian Football Association. Disillusioned with the lack of interest shown by the senior clubs in the affairs of the junior teams, the Junior Challenge Cup was introduced in 1872.1876 saw Williamstown enter the challenge cup for the fi rst time along with six other clubs South Park, South Melbourne, Fawkner, Saint Kilda Alma, Windsor and

Sandridge Alma. Sandridge Alma are better known to Willy supporters as Port Melbourne. The name change from Sandridge to Port Melbourne came about in 1884. For the record Williamstown defeated Sandridge twice fi ve goals to nil at Williamstown, with a walk over victory in the return match at Port.The challenge cup trophy was valued at seven guineas ($14.70c), with each competing team contributing one guinea.As it turned out the challenge cup went down to the wire. Williamstown have a habit of doing things the hard way. Heading into the last round South Park were one point ahead of Williamstown needing only a draw in their last game while Williamstown needed to defeat South Melbourne which they succeeded in doing two goals to nil.The Junior Challenge Cup won by Williamstown in 1876 is on display at the M.C.G. in the Museum of Sport Football section.

About Maribyrnong River

Williamstown Football Club’s First Trophy

From the Past

Bravo! Williamstown Football Club!Let him who deserves the palm of victory bear it.You made a stiff fi ght for the challenge cup and you are to be congratulated on having carried it off. You deserve all the satisfaction you can extract from your success.

For four or fi ve months you have been bruised and squeezed and knocked about and now as you survey your discoloured skin you have the gratifi cation of knowing that you have not been kicked and spilled for nothing you have won the cup!(Williamstown Chronicle, Saturday, 16 September 1876)

The Junior Challenge Cup


Williamstown Kids

Hi Kids, Williamstown harbour is a hive of busyness with the view from The Strand out towards the City

always picturesque with boats bobbing on the water. This was the scene of inspiration for Sandra Di Liso’s Saturday art-class students.

They were challenged to create a piece of pastel work that showed the cityscape in the background while paying attention to the boats and their refl ections on the water.

Students were encouraged to use tone through contrasting darkness and light. This combination of placing lighter shading or colour next to darker more solid hues creates depth and gives the

picture a three-dimensional aspect. Notice how the artists captured the boat’s refl ection. They used a lighter shade to mirror the

image of the boat and the refl ections of the masts look to be quivering over the water. If you’d like to learn more about art and painting, drawing and sculpting, Sandra’s Art in Motion

classes are tremendous fun. The website is www.art-in-motion.com.au

Grace, Age 8Caitlin, Age 13

Kacey, Age 11Lily, Age 10

by Kyla-Jayna Rajah

Around williamstown issue 10 for print

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Transcript of Around williamstown issue 10 for print