Around williamstown issue 12 for web

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

TWO FRIENDS ART EXHIBITION

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11GOING TO SCHOOL

MESSAGE FROM THE STRAND WARD COUNCILLORS

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11MESSAGE FROM THE STRAND WARD COUNCILLORS

Spring Markets at The Substation

The sun is fi nally shining! The blossoms are growing and everyone is suddenly more upbeat about life as we say goodbye to Winter.

Now that we are all fl ocking outdoors, The Substation have created two special events that are perfect for a Sunday day out. The Substation in Newport host two markets each month. On the fi rst Sunday of the month, The Farmers’ Market and The Artists’ Market create a bustling shopping arena. Outdoors you can buy the freshest, most delicious fruit & veg, cheeses and fresh meats and inside you will fi nd the latest creative crafts and designs by Melbourne’s best makers.

October and November mark our Spring Markets where stalls are curated to provide you with seasonal fresh produce and spring inspired crafts.

The Substation Markets are the best opportunity to shop local and support some of Melbourne’s best artists, designers and farmers. Regular stalls include designers of contemporary fashion, jewellery, ceramics, baked goods and fresh produce. The market also offers live music by local musicians; keeping you entertained while you shop. It makes for a great day out with browsing, shopping, coffee, food and live music. Bring the kids and dogs – there’s lots to see and do for everyone. The Substation Artists’ Market Event will be held on Sunday 4 October & Sunday 1 November Time: 10.00AM – 3.00PM Location: Indoors at The Substation 1 Market Street Newport, Victoria.

For more information, visit http://www.thesubstation.org.au/

Around Williamstown Community Newspaper Issue 122

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]

Sub-editor’s Column

Free Heritage Walking Tours8th September to 27th November

Step Back in time and unlock the secrets of Williamstown with free guided heritage walking tours. Meet at the Hobsons Bay

Visitor Information Centre, Commonwealth Reserve, Nelson Place, Williamstown. Walks take place Tuesdays at 2.15pm,

except Tuesday 3rd November, or Fridays at 11.45 am. For further information, contact Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre on

9932 4310 or visit www.hobsonsbaytickets.com.au

Jasmine’s call-out for a sub-editor is probably one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. What a perfect scenario! Sub-editing for a local, community-based magazine. It’s just right up my alley! I can’t begin to tell you how thrilled I am to be offered this position. I’ve lived across this side of town for the last 15 years and I love it. I really can’t imagine myself living anywhere else in Melbourne. From Williamstown to Seddon, South Kingsville and now in Newport, this cosy inner-west pocket really is ‘home’ for me. So. Firstly, a big hello to you, our Around Williamstown readers and supporters! I’m really excited about this venture and about getting to know more about you, our local community members.I certainly hope I can make a positive contribution to this magazine. My intention is to do the very best I can to support Jasmine and the rest of the team here at Around Williamstown.Over the next few editions, I’ll look at developing this

space a bit but until then, happy reading and we’ll talk again next month!

Rosy

Around Williamstown Community Newspaper Issue 12 3

With a hop, skip and a jump my two-year-old grandson is merrily off down the rabbit hole. I follow with more of a limp, whimper and groan: the rabbit hole is low and dark and my knees aren’t as fl exible as a toddler’s. But Wonderland is there for us on the other side, a magical world that has been entrancing children since Lewis Carol wrote his classic novel: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.We are at Scienceworks, which currently has a fun exhibit called Alice’s Wonderland: a most curious adventure. It is based on Carol’s book and suitable, they say, for ages three to eight (the two year old thoroughly enjoys it as well). There are lots of hands-on displays and interactive games and puzzles for kids of all ages. It’s very strange seeing your small grandchild suddenly grow very tall – an optical illusion as he walks to the back of the Hall of Doors. He also enjoys ‘posting’ cups, plates and bowls through appropriate shaped slits in a board, as there is a satisfying sound of smashing crockery every time he does. I’m relieved to realise this is just a recorded sound effect. There are plenty of activities for older children – including a Mad Tea Party and a game of Crazy Croquet. As this is Scienceworks, there is an emphasis on tests and experiments which are there “to introduce science and maths concepts to young children … and that encourages parents and carers to play and learn together with their children.” By the way: you don’t have to crawl through the rabbit hole. You can walk into this magical, mystery

world upright and on two feet rather than all fours!Scienceworks is at 2 Booker Street, Spotswood. Entry to Alice’s Wonderland is included in the ticket price to the museum, and is on daily to 1 November, 2015. For more information on Scienceworks visit: museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/

Ann Banham

Alice’s Wonderland: A Magical World at Scienceworks

In the beginningIt was all consuming –

A roaring fi reRed hot, out of control

Leaping, jumpingSearing in its intensity.

Contained nowTo a steady warmth

And an occasional sparkIt sometimes appearsTo go out altogether

Then fl ickers to life again.

Familiarity and timeHave doused the fl ames

But love Still lingers.

Dying EmbersHelene Richards


In 1946 I turned fi ve so Mum took me for my fi rst day at the North Williamstown State School where the Infant Head Mistress Miss Haminnow, was an impatient, chain smoking lady even mothers were afraid of. Around the school she carried white dowels about 40cm long with which she hit kids around the legs and backside with such ferocity they often broke. Apart from her, our teachers were wonderful and I can recall some names. Miss Donaldson Y2, Mrs Robinson Y3, Miss McMeekin Y4, Mr Jack Adamson Y5 and Mr George Mouser y6; the Headmaster of the main school was Mr Mr Drayton. I am grateful to them all for although often chastised with the strap, they maintained a control over our large class’s that contemporary teacher’s can only dream of while providing us with a sound, basic education.

As we walked to school our understanding of the world grew. Our bakery horses were not alone on the roads. They were in general use by butchers, grocers, the ice man, the council for cleaning the streets, rubbish collection and road maintenance. The most impressive was the brewery wagon hauled by six large draught horses that delivered beer barrels and took away empties. They would clatter down Douglas Parade at a brisk mile eating trot and stop at the Prince Albert Hotel. The driver would angle them into the horse trough for a drink and then hang a feed bag on their heads while he lowered barrels into the cellar and recovered empty ones. All of which was riveting for boys and girls to watch.

There was a wide variety of motor vehicles on the road. Grangers Green buses provided a regular service from the Newport Station to Williamstown Beach via the shopping centre of Douglas Parade, Ferguson Street and Nelson Place. Semi trailer trucks loaded with bales of wool took endless loads to the James Seymour factory in Nelson Place while other bulk produce was mostly consigned by rail. Wheat in three bushel bags was stock piled at the huge wheat stacks near the Breakwater Pier ready for manual loading by lumpers into ships for export. The Thompson Castlemaine factory repaired ship boilers and provided a wide variety of other engineering needs to the ship building industry. Goods trains still ran onto the bigger piers for the exchange of goods between ships and rail. Many workers rode motor

bikes to work and those with side cars used them to convey their families on the weekend.

But push bikes were our passport to the wider world. In minutes I could be on the Gellibrand pier or walking over the butts on the rifl e range. Even a walk along Douglas Parade was interesting. Carpenters garage was on the corner of Waterloo Street. Rodgers grocery was closer to John Street and used an ancient car to deliver orders, on the corner Mrs Fletcher’s shop sold newspapers. The wood merchant near Napier Street had huge piles of mallee roots in addition to the box and red gum blocks always on sale. Clegg’s Manchester store on the corner of Stevedore Street had an overhead wire system for the payment of goods. Having bought an item and paid the money it was put in a container the assistant loaded and pulled a cord for it to be sent to a central offi ce for a receipt and deletion from the inventory. On the opposite corner was Nelsons funeral parlour that often had coffi n parts stacked in the yard, always a cause for though when passing. Further on the pharmacy was near Bates Bakery that sold cakes and bread. The shoe shop was next to Coles in Ferguson Street and it had a large box with a viewer on top that allowed customer’s, and kids who popped in, to insert their shoes to view green wriggling feet as revealed by x-rays. On the South side of the Ferguson – Douglas Street corner was the private library of Mr Tersh; a friendly gifted man who routinely exchanged my mother’s library books for others he knew she would read.

* * *

Dr Peter Cliff grew up in Williamstown during the period 1941 to 1954. He lived in the home attached to the bakery, which was built by his Grandfather and is now the home of the Williamstown Little Theatre (WLT), with whom he has arranged to launch his autobiography ‘Dare to Dream’ on Saturday 21st November at WLT, 2 Albert Street Williamstown. His father, Stan Cliff, bought the business from his grandfather in 1944 and he grew up at a time when the bakery was delivering bread to almost all of Williamstown and Newport. WLT has generously allowed him to use the premises as an exciting opportunity as the theatre celebrates its 70th birthday in 2016.

Going to school (Part 2/3)


Host of the ABC Sunday morning show Insiders, and arguably one of the most respected political journalists in Australia, Barrie’s fi rst question from the audience during the Williamstown Literary Festival was “Why aren’t you tougher on Insiders” His answer shows why he is so respected: “My style is different, I am not an opinionated interviewer, I am a journalist”. The applause was deafening, and followed by some great questions.How did you learn to write?By reading the writings of others. I was not trained in the art of writing; it was just something you did.At 17 what were you reading?Nothing of value until I became an adult but I read newspapers from back to front, which is how I became interested in journalism.When writing for newspapers at 17 - what were you writing?At 12 I wrote for Chiltern community paper doing the football report. Straight out of school at 15 I went to the Border Mail.Was the transition from print to television diffi cult?No, not really it was very early days for telly and we could stumble along, we were pretty rough back then – these days you have to be very polished.In the early 80’s you worked for Bob Hawke, how was that?I wasn’t really into politics growing up, I started taking an interest during the Vietnam war and Gough (Whitlam) could get anyone interested. I was sent to cover parliament, and from the fi rst moment I was hooked. I went back to night school, did a course on

Federation etc, and went to Canberra for a few years. Hawke approached me and I thought if I wanted to see how politics worked, it would be with this bloke. Unfortunately I gave Hawke bad advice telling him to ignore the Fightback document and Hawke got caned.When you went to the US how did US politics compare to Australian politics?Bill Clinton was governor at the time and as an overseas reporter I got extraordinary access in the early campaign. I was in the foyer when Bill and Hilary came over, she said to me Australia has the best health system in the world, one day we will have that here.With the 24 hour news cycle how are you standing against it with a one hour show once a week on Sunday?People want news as its happening, I don’t blame the media but the politicians who signed up for it. Kevin Rudd started it with a 5.00am start and trying to control the media. Abbotts the same, every day he’s out there doing a door stop or a bike ride.What will be the thing to change political culture?Strong leadership, I can’t see any coming up, but that’s what the country needs, strong leadership. Issues are eating away at the credibility of both the current leaders.As a huge fan of Barrie Cassidy’s work, I became a little tongue tied at his book signing, wanting to say “ I have loved your work for years”, it came out “I have loved you for years”, then with asking for photo, I am sure I am now on his list as stalker fan number 1. Yet with all this he remained polite and smiling, a true gentleman and scholar.

Jenny Bates

Barrie Cassidy: In Conversation (Part 2)


Local government, or Council, is on the lowest rung of the political ladder, yet is the closest to their community, it is not often a person will be helicoptered into a suburb to win a council position, unlike State or Federal seats. Politics is very low in the trustworthy stakes, nudging used car salesman out of the way on their way down.

Anyone choosing to enter a world where the media is constantly looking for their worst side must be very passionate about the work they wish to achieve. Hobsons Bay is fortunate enough to have councillors with passion, who regularly attend community events, and support local talent, the recent Williamstown Literary Festival, and the Altona Beach Film Festival, were both success stories refl ecting the community of Hobsons Bay. Seven councillors represent three wards, these councillors, elected by their community, are best able to represent their neighbours, if their neighbours make their voices heard. Send any questions about council and its direction to [email protected] Communities are able to vote for the best candidate by getting to know them. Victorian councils will be facing a diffi cult year in 2016, as rate rises will not be allowed to be higher than the CPI, so now is the time to ask questions and stay informed of any changes that may happen due to this new cap.

Jenny Bates

Ask Your CouncilBe part of something bigger.

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

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I arrived in Luang Prabang, Laos with no planned itinerary; this being the modus operandi in my travels. I befriended a young Laotian law student, Daun, who was returning to his village to complete a couple of errands and see his parents. With their consent, I seized the opportunity of accompanying him. The bus, loaded with locals and some tourists, journeyed on good roads across a landscape of green rolling hills, rivers, rice paddies, corn fi elds, little villages, against a backdrop of jagged limestone karsts. Six hours later we arrived outside his cousin’s house, where we were to break our journey.The second leg of the journey was in a ‘multi passenger tuk tuk’. Fortunately, I got to ride in the front with the driver. After two hours we were discharged at an intersection; a phone call later, two smiling friends brought along motorbikes for us all to return to the village. We bumped along a very potholed dirt track. I held on tight, whilst also braising myself to lessen the impact on my derrière. Then we arrived at a river crossing! Thankfully there were no dramas on this forty fi ve minute ride and we arrived safely at his parents home.It was a simple elevated house on stilts with a main living area and a kitchen annex housing an open fi re stove.

Right then a shower to cool off would have been nice, but, horror of horrors, it was a communal one; from where I sat on the balcony, I spied “the shower” enclosed by a roughly staked fence. I observed the ladies in their ablutions; they each then walked home with two buckets of water suspended on a bamboo pole. After deliberating for some time, with a borrowed sarong and a demonstration on how

to clean oneself whilst maintaining some modesty, I decided to ‘do as the Romans do’! There was a certain etiquette involved, like knowing when to dart under the shower, my presence extracting giggles from my new bathing friends! A bigger surprise awaited me the next morning. As we sat on the matted fl oor, a cooked chook appeared in front of ‘the travellers’ on a traditional serving tray; Daun’s parents chanted prayers and blessings as the four of us held hands above this chicken offering. Neighbours and friends started streaming in and attaching pieces of white string with folded money onto to our wrists, muttering good wishes for a safe journey! A few dishes comprising hot soup with vegetables, chicken, sticky rice were then brought out for all to share whilst the father was busy handing out thimbles of homemade whiskey. Such overwhelming hospitality!

Dee Ong

From Williamstown to Luang Prabang (Part 2)A Khmu Welcome in Northern Laos

9Around Williamstown Community Newspaper Issue 12

Spring is here and the Williamstown Botanic Gardens are in bloom. It’s the perfect weather for indulging in a free guided tour of the gardens. The event runs on Friday 9 October at 10am as part of the Seniors Festival. For a full program for the Seniors Festival, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au. Here are some other Strand highlights for October. Elm Renewal ProgramAs part of the Hobsons Bay Elm Renewal Program, works are about to commence on constructing a total of 10 new bluestone tree bays in Cole Street and Parker Street, Williamstown in preparation for the planting of new elm trees. Douglas Parade, Newport – Road Rehabilitation Works – Bunbury Street to Yarra StreetRehabilitation is on the way with the installation of new upgraded underground drains at Douglas Parade. These works also involve replacement of kerb and channel, replacement of road pavement and asphalt resurfacing. The rehabilitation works are expected to take about eight weeks to complete.Ferguson Street worksThe ever popular Ferguson Street in Williamstown will have resurfacing works this October and November. The resurfacing will be between Melbourne Road and Wellington Parade, and these works will be carried out at night from Sunday through to Thursday. And fi nally… have your say

We have a few consultation processes underway and we’re keen to hear your thoughts.Integrated transportWhat public transport connections would you like to see, how does increased traffi c impact on your neighbourhood, and how can we encourage more cycling and walking in Hobsons Bay? Join the discussion by attending a forum on Monday 19 October from 6pm to 8pm at the Substation, Newport. RSVP: 9932 1000.Biodiversity StrategyIf you would like to help us to develop a strategy to protect and maintain native plants and animals, then tell us what you think during our biodiversity strategy consultation. A workshop will take place at Williamstown Library on Wednesday 28 October at 6pm. Further information is available here: http://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Council/Have_your_say Multicultural policyWe also want to hear your thoughts on our Multicultural policy. Fill out the survey, register for a focus group or join the discussion at participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/multiculturalpolicy – paper surveys are also available at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre and all Council libraries. 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]


‘As Told By Jade’

Melbourne University Arts Graduate and current Monash University JD law student, with a passion for journalism and writing.

Local resident with lots to say and the smiliest person around Williamstown.

The whistle is blown, the ball bounces, the crowd goes wild. Stalls of colours paint the scene of a loyal and abundant bunch of funs. Their cheers fill the air with competitive spirit and a thirst for the number one spot.

What could dampen the spirit of this bunch? At first glance it seems not much, with excitement and bets flying left, right and centre. But looking harder into the westside, into our neck of the woods there is but one thing askew.

Footy trains.

Yes folks, the season is coming to a close and as the AFL grand final approaches quickly, residents in the west are still left pondering the inclusion of extra services.

In 2013 the extra services were used to accommodate for the Royal Melbourne Show. Yet since then, there has been no such adjustment due to the two events now falling on separate weekends.

This does not mean there is still not a need for more services to run when the footy is on, especially for the finals.

“Extra services would mean less stress for us as a family to safely travel and in a timely fashion” residents have told, or “driving just isn't an option if your team is the cup winner” told another.

In the west we cheer, we welcome and we call for our beloved Footy Trains.

Fingers crossed for next year.


UP, UP AND AWAY

This month Jetstar begins fl ying direct to the Gold Coast from Avalon Airport.

In the exciting new deal struck by Jetstar, the State Government and Linfox, Jetstar is to announce two new destinations, with many local residents bidding for the Gold Coast as their fi rst choice. It is a region popular for its food, beaches, resorts and exciting nightlife, whilst being the gateway to Tambourine, Kingscliff and Byron Bay, which are all a short drive from the airport, and offer a quieter aspect in the region.

Avalon Airport CEO, Justin Giddings is thrilled about the destination and the opportunity it offers the local community to travel easily to Northern NSW and Queensland.

“A lot of people living in this region have been asking for fl ights to the Gold Coast for a long time,” he said. “We’re so pleased to have this new destination and are excited for the growth and opportunity for the region - as well as for people who just want to get away and do it easily!”

Just as exciting are the tourism opportunities the new fl ights will offer Victoria, given Avalon Airport is the gateway to the Surf Coast and the Bellarine, as well as regions of interest such as Geelong and Werribee.

From the 26 October Jetstar will fl y direct to and from Gold Coast and Avalon Airports daily, from Avalon at 10am each day, and from the Gold Coast at 11.30am. Tickets are on sale now.

For updates and special deals follow Avalon Airport on Facebook, Twitter (@AvalonAirportAU) and Instagram (@avalonairport).


The younger group members of the Future Creation Workshop were recently invited to a challenge cleverly thought up by senior members that was quite a challenge that kept all 26 young present fl at out for the whole 2 hour presentation.Accompanied by 17 parents the youngsters were introduced to 8 double sided one meter square peg board stands and multiple large boxes of goodies such as plastic tubing, plastic fi ttings, tape, and goodness knows what.Instructions about what was expected from them were simple and did not appear to be complicated such as a device to hold a marble or marble’s to fi t in the top left hand corner of the pegboard and to transport the marble to a bicycle bell already fi xed to the pegboard on the lower right hand side of the pegboard.It wasn’t very long before the bells began to ring as

the marbles hit the bells. As soon as the bell rang a photographer would appear, record the design, the design would be dismantled, and a new design would begin. This was kept up right to the 2 hour end of the challenge when the winners were announced.I was then reminded of a verse of one of my favourite poems which I believe went:‘The tumult and the shouting diesAnd the Captains and the Kings depart’As the crowd melted away, full of praise for a wonderful evening from both youngsters and parents.Congratulations also to the mum caterers for a splendid example of healthy and exciting food – I enjoyed the whole show!

Bill McPherson

The FCW Kids Challenge

End on view of stands Full face of stands

If you enjoy playing cricket throughout the summer, then Williamstown Congs Cricket Club is right for you. Players of all standards are welcome. The club fi elds teams on turf and on synthetic. Our home ground is J.T. Gray Reserve on Kororoit Creek Rd, Williamstown.

Whether you are 15 years old or 50 years old, we want you at the club. We are one of the oldest clubs still paying in the Western Suburbs, as we were established in 1893. We have a great history and a fantastic social scene that all the family can enjoy. Pre-season training has already started on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings and once the

season kicks off, training will be every Tuesday and Thursday at Gray Reserve.

If you think Williamstown Congs Cricket Club is the right fi t for you, please call either club Captain/coach Darren Murcott on 0408 594 922 or club Secretary Darryl Tubbs on 0418 336 497.

Williamstown Congs Cricket Club


Virginia Coghill and Felicity Nicholls are holding their 3rd Art Exhibition together at Virginia’s home 10 James Street Williamstown on the weekend 10th and 11th October from 10am to 5pm each day.Each year they like to raffl e a painting and donate the proceeds to a good cause. This year they are raising money for the restoration project at the Keepers Quarters at the Truganina Explosives Reserve. It is a historic building and the work is being carried out by volunteers.Both Felicity and Virginia are watercolour artists. They paint local scenes, landscapes, city café’s and animals. Both their mothers were interested in art. Felicity’s mother was trained when she was young as a commercial artist in Brisbane but gave it all up when she married and had children. Felicity has been a potter making vessels and fi gurines and then gravitated towards watercolour painting after her children grew up.Virginia’s mother learned painting at Darlinghurst Art School in Sydney. After marriage and children she was too busy as a farmer’s wife to paint and did not return to her art until she was in her fi fties. She always wanted her daughter to take up painting but it did not happen until Virginia gave up working several years ago. “Painting is something we both had not got around to

and it is great to learn something new as we get older.”They met when they both began painting classes with tutor Kaye Liebert through the Hobson’s Bay Arts Society. Since then they have attended workshops by some of Australia’s best water colour artists: including Alvaro Castagnet, David Taylor, and Ted Dansey. They have entered many exhibitions over the last 10 years including exhibitions conducted by the Hobson’s Bay Arts Society.

They often paint in each other’s company and give each other encouragement and inspiration.“Painting is a wonderful interest which we share, we are inspired by our beautiful local area and the interesting places we see on our travels.” Recently Felicity has been to Africa and has painted animals in the wildlife parks. Virginia has been painting city cafes, and local scenes around Williamstown. She has also been to the Kimberley and been inspired by the natural beauty there.Virginia and Felicity are inviting Williamstown residents to come and see the exhibition and hope they will enjoy it. “We paint all year and the exhibition is an occasion for us to show what we have produced.”

Two Friends Art Exhibition


Following an eye opening visit to Uganda in 2011, local Newport resident Tricia Salau saw the hardships that African women face to survive on a daily basis. She recruited two friends from Louis Joel Community Centre to establish the Bwindi Sewing Project.In 2012, Jill Bilston , Kim Reilly and Tricia Salau travelled to Uganda to set up the sewing project. Our aim was to empower the women of Bwindi, Uganda both socially and economically by teaching them sewing skills so they could generate an income.We arrived with enthusiasm, lots of good will and ready to work. We hadn’t anticipated some of the diffi culties we were to encounter. Our motto became “There are no diffi culties only solutions.”That all seems a long time ago and so much has happened since these humble beginnings. The women are now highly skilled sewers and are selling their products to tourists and local lodges. This has given the women an income to help them support their families.Improved Infrastructure at the community centre has also made life easier for many. A generator for electricity. rain water tanks and a community well. A number of local children are sponsored by Hobson’s Bay residents

which allows them to attend school. There is no free education in Uganda.The Hobson’s Bay Community and local organisations have been very supportive of the Bwindi project and helped with its success. Their support is very much appreciated.

So what’s happening in 2015? In June, after three years of generous support from the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre we have become incorporated. With incorporation , we have a name change. We are now The Bwindi Community Project Uganda.This year our fundraising continues to complete the hostel at the Community Centre in Bwindi, Uganda. One side of the hostel, intended to be a place of refuge for local women in need of crisis accommodation due to domestic violence, the other side of the hostel to accommodate volunteers working for the Bwindi Community Project at an affordable rate.If you would like any more information about the project, receive our newsletter or help with fundraising to complete the hostel / refuge. Please email Tricia on [email protected] or Jill on [email protected]

Tricia Salau and the Bwindi team

The Bwindi Community Project Uganda, 4 years On and still Going Strong

HOBSONS BAY LIFE ACTIVITIES CLUBIf 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, before you decide. For further information and a copy of our

Club Newsletter please contact:[email protected] or Liz 9397 1043

Hobsons Bay Libraries invites you, your mates and your mates’ mates to enjoy some traditional Aussie bush humour on Sunday 11 October at Laverton Community Hub.Me n’ mates is a three-piece show, performed like an old-style pub or wool shed concert, featuring dinky-di humour that, like its audience, has aged well.Not that there is an age restriction for the event. For while the show runs as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival 2015, the jokes and jolly banter can be enjoyed by all. The event is free but bookings are essential to ensure a place. For bookings please contact Hobsons Bay Libraries on libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 HOB LIB.Afternoon tea is provided.Me n’ mates is just one of several special Hobsons Bay

events recognising Seniors Festival. A detailed program will be on Council’s website shortly.The Seniors Festival, which runs between Sunday 4 and Sunday 11 October, has been organised by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services to encourage seniors to enjoy more than 1,300 activities, generally free or low-cost.To help people get around, free public transport services will be provided to Victorian Seniors Card holders over the period.For more information on the festival, visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au or telephone Seniors Information Victoria on 1300 135 090.

Celebrate Seniors Festival in Hobsons Baywith Me n’ me mates

Laverton Community Hub, Sunday 11 October, 3.30pm


According to one of the classic texts on yoga The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the most important qualities we endeavour to re-connect with through our yoga practice, is ahimsa (non-violence).

Another way of thinking about ahimsa, is to say that it is the foundation of our practice. If we practice yoga in a way that does not encompass ahimsa, we will receive no benefi t. Indeed, our practice may even be harmful to us.

So what is ahimsa? Ahimsa relates not only to behaviour and physical actions, but also to the potential violence of words and thoughts. What we think about ourselves and others can be as powerful as any physical attempt to harm. To practice ahimsa is to be constantly vigilant, to observe ourselves in interaction with others and to notice subtle thoughts and judgements, the way we use ridicule and sarcasm for example.

If you’re not sure if this is an issue for you, I invite you to explore the following questions:

• Do my behaviors and thoughts serve me well, or are they doing harm to my well being?

• Am I taking care of me?• Do I ever push or force or strain or act unkindly, even

aggressively, towards myself or others? • Do I treat myself with kindness and gentleness?• How do I talk to myself? • Do I ever put myself down? Do I put others down?• Do I allow myself to make mistakes without berating

myself?• Do I eat certain foods and drink that I ‘know’ are

actually harmful to me?• Do I watch certain shows and read certain books/

articles that contain harm, violence, aggression?

If you’re still not sure, try the following little practice:

Close your eyes and for the next minute or so, imagine that you are writing all of your thoughts, all of your internal dialogue from the past 24 hours on yellow sticky labels. You then stick these sticky labels all over your body - so that everyone around you can see what’s been going on in your head.

How does it feel? The fact that everyone around you can see your thoughts – perhaps some self criticism,

judgement, negativity, envy, resentment, pride, anger, self sabotage…

Now imagine that all of these sticky labels are falling to the earth, just let them go. Let these things drop away. And say to yourself: ‘I am at peace, with myself, the world and everyone in it.’

Too often, our thoughts infl ict violence – himsa – on our mind, our self image, our confi dence, even our self worth. So it’s important to look at our internal dialogue when we are focusing on the concept of ahimsa. Sometimes we may appear soft and gentle on the outside and our attitude may be hard to determine, so we need to investigate what’s going on inside the mind…

With this understanding, we can appreciate that the messages contained within The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, including the concept of ahimsa, are about making the choice to live in a gentler way. And yoga practice can assist us to do just that.

This article today has not set out to share a number of yoga practices and techniques with you. Rather, it invites you to look at how you practice yoga (when you do some at home or go to a yoga class), how you do a gym workout, how you go for a walk or run, how you eat your meals, how you treat your children, friends, partner. It invites you to be on the lookout for traces of himsa (violence), which may be so, so subtle.

And it urges you to practice extending loving kindness towards yourself and others.

Om shanti, shanti, shantihi – may there be peace, peace, perfect peace.

***

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 notion of ahimsa


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

When in Williamstown?

Congratulations to last month’s winner, Anne Ciolli.Answer: The wire sculpture is on the wall at Leroy’s cafe at 5 Mason Street Newport Mason. Thanks to all who have participated in last month’s contest, good try!

How well do you know your local area? This timeball tower photo was taken in Williamstown. Do you know when was it built? Email your answer to the Editor at [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.


Every day I pick up the paper and read the de rigueur article on unattainable home ownership in Australia. The media just loves it. Let’s face it, everyone likes a whinge and in part, there is some obvious justifi cation to this given the head turning, stomach churning house prices that have gripped our nation.We have seen the average age of a fi rst homebuyer go from 25 in the 1970s to 34 in the 2000s. Mmm, signifi cant change we can agree but what makes this situation worse is that fi rst homebuyers become conditioned into thinking that they are shut out of the market. They fi nd themselves in a vortex of competition and indifference. The elements conspire and the media churns out the fi gures that are anchored in negativity and stop the fi rst homebuyer from thinking outside the box. So the fi rst homebuyer has now found an excuse to ‘whimp out’ … “How can I afford to get into the market?” “I’ll never have enough deposit to buy a house,” “I won’t be able to manage a mortgage on my wage.” And so the voice of negativity and doom steer the actions or inactions of those who choose to believe it. One of the best strategies I know and always recommend to fi rst time buyers is home co-ownership. It’s the way I started and have implemented a number of times to build my property portfolio. Home co-ownership means that you pool your resources: money, expertise and time with another person or people. What does this mean?:• As a partnership, you will be able to reach your goal

much faster and more effi ciently• You won’t have to wait decades before you have your

deposit. • You can buy a better property and increase capital

gain• You can act now and take advantage of the growth in

the property market that seems to be on a meteoric trajectory.

If home ownership is your goal and you can’t see a way forward, then investigate the very real option of co-buying with someone and give yourself a pathway to home ownership but please remember, due diligence, exit strategy and a co-ownership contract. These three elements are a cocktail for your success. Dianne Ferrara is a fi rst homebuyer specialistInnovation and fi nding solutions for the fi rst homebuyer are the corner stones of her business, Home Addressed.www.homeaddressed.com.auA mortgage shared is a mortgage halved!Super Special Offer for Around Williamstown ReadersAs a special offer to readers who may be contemplating purchasing a house as a co-owner, Home Addressed would like to extend the offer of half priced contracts. Normally $800, readers of Around Williamstown are able to purchase a contract for $400 (that’s $200 split between two of you! Start thinking half price!) Also a free consultation to home buyers who feel a bit stuck!

First Home Buyers Are Wimps! Yeah, You Heard Me…


Williamstown Kids

Around williamstown issue 12 for web

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Transcript of Around williamstown issue 12 for web