Around williamstown issue 9 for web

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

WLC - ITS MORE THAN A SPORTING CLUB

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17WILLY HIGH SCHOOL CENTENARYCONCERT JULY 29

MEET THE TYRANNOSAURS FAMILY AT SCIENCEWORKS

Congratulations to all the winners of the Ada Cambridge prizes!The Ada Cambridge Biographical Prose Prize 2015 First PrizeAdam Deverell, The journey homeRunner-upFikret Pajalic, HungerHighly commendedKate Amesbury, The growing pains of Aphrodite’s childThe Ada Cambridge Poetry Prize 2015First PrizeSuzi Mezei, LodgerRunner-upBelinda Rule, The loved bodyHighly commendedSuzi Mezei, Ancients

The Young Adas Short Story Prize 2015First PrizeAmelia Dunstone, TranquilloRunner-upRachel Hudson-Jones, The hatchingHighly commendedAlex Ritchie, PetrichorThe Young Adas Graphic Short Story Prize 2015First PrizeAnhkim Tran, The Great EggscapeRunner-upAnhkim Tran, Cat-lamity

Photographer: Cas Bukor

Around Williamstown Community Newspaper Issue 92

Hi everyone! I hope you had a really good ‘swim’ in a sea of words during the Williamstown Literary Festival last month. It was amazing to see so many talented writers get together. There were numerous wonderful workshops running at the same time that I wished could split myself into many little spirits and attend them all. Who could have known that twelve years ago a coffee between friends Catherine Ryan and Angela Altair would result in such an amazing local event? A big thank you to the organising committee and volunteers!

We have a quite a few celebrations coming up this month, from the Williamstown High School centenary concert, the 50th anniversary of Williamstown Camera Club, Altona North Primary School’s 50th year of education, to the 10th birthday celebration of Helping Hand café.

Thank you for those who have submitted your stories this month or you have been interviewed by one of us. If you do not see your articles in this month’s paper, it will be coming up in the next issue. Next month we will continue to have more stories about the Williamstown Literary Festival. We will also dedicate a column to be written by local school children from next month’s onwards. So stay tuned!

The paper has been healthy, so thank you everyone who has supported the paper. Without advertisers whose contributions go towards the printing of thousands of the papers, we simply could not afford to make the paper free. Thank you! You keep the paper surviving. You keep our writers’ spirit going, keep the

community connected and create opportunities for people and community groups to share their stories!

Last but not the least, due to the growth of the paper and to better cater to the needs of the community, I am looking for a volunteer sub-editor who has a passion to serve the community. If attending community events, proof reading, editing, cutting, expanding, and rewriting materials interests you and you have at least basic computer skills, this might be an opportunity you’ve been looking for. Send your brief resume to [email protected]. Enquiries at 0435 166 576.

Jasmine 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

QUOTES OF THE MONTH

The difference

between ordinary and

extraordinary is just that

little extra.

- Jimmy Johnston

Around Williamstown Community Newspaper Issue 9 3

This month marks 10 years since the doors to Williamstown’s well-known Helping Hand Café opened, and members of the local community began coming each Tuesday to enjoy a delicious meal cooked and served by volunteers at Williamstown Church of Christ. The 10th birthday celebration of Helping Hand Café will be celebrated on 14th July, with special guests Hobsons Bay Mayor Cr Colleen Gates and Federal Member for Gellibrand Tim Watts MP attending the occasion.Many locals would know of Helping Hand Café, which is well-known in the community as a place where people enjoy good food, but also a place where many people have found new friendships, a safe and welcoming space and belonging. Gloria has been coming to Café since its launch in 2005, and says what she has appreciated about coming along to Café is the warm and caring volunteers, the new friendships she has made, and the support she has received. “Many people in Williamstown are lonely and have mental health issues. People look forward to coming to Café – it gives them a bit of a boost.”Bruce is another individual who enjoys coming along to the Helping Hand Café. “The meals are healthy

and tasty, and people are friendly; Café is like a family to me.”Gregory also enjoys coming along each Tuesday. “It’s something to look forward to. Café has been going so long; it’s a real achievement.”Helping Hand Café is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, some of whom fi rst came along to Café as guests but now volunteer in the

kitchen. Founding ‘Cafe Coordinator, Robert Adams, is still involved in leading and coaching the team 10 years on. Robert isn’t just a good cook, however; he has kept a count on the number of meals served over the 10 years, and as of this month he and the team have served up an incredible 17,000 meals!Three cheers for the volunteers and the whole Helping Hand Café community!

Megan JungPastor, Williamstown Church of Christ

Happy Birthday Helping Hand Cafe!

The Helping Hand Cafe volunteers

Gordon, a volunteer since Helping Hand Cafe started in 20015


When the Bayside College Debate debuted at the Williamstown Literary Festival last year the results were very close. Adjudicator Cr Sandra Wilson said this year’s topic, ‘Do we need books in the 21st century? Do they have a place?’ was very fi tting for the festival but she also suggested the argument for the negative would be particularly challenging given the audience of book lovers!

Cr Wilson also commended the three Bayside College teachers out in force on a Sunday morning to support their students.

For the affi rmative, Ellie Camov, Melinda Bexheti and Tim Lilley presented research, which suggested people learn for effectively by ‘seeing the whole paper’. They highlighted the sentimental value of books handed down through generations, and the physicality of engaging with the pages.

For the negative Will McKenzie, Dylan Collaga and Hobsons Bay’s Young Citizen of the Year, Hue Man Dang, argued that paper books were an inconvenient waste of space. Where innovation has brought about electronic devices and accessibility to global knowledge, paper books were heavy and ineffi cient when searching for information.

The Affi rmative team said electronic devices relied on electricity, internet access and computer literacy. Hardcopy books can be accessed at anytime, anywhere

and books are accessible free of cost at your local library.

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

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

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

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

Petronella Boonen

Willy Lit Fest Puts Books to Debate

Bayside College Debate Team with Cr Sandra Wilson and Willy Lit Fest President Cr Angela Altair


My Name is Lizzie Flynn - Claire Saxby

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

delight of the quilters, and everyone else.

The love story spicing the history of the Rajah quilt also contains the local element. Kezia Hayter married the Rajahs captain, Charles Ferguson. A couple of children and over a decade later, Captain Ferguson became the Williamstown Port and Harbour Master, giving his name to quite a well known Willy street. It is fi tting Williamstown can boast such a huge connection to one of Australia’s most important textiles, especially considering Hobsons Bay is also home to the Seebreeze Quilters (quite likely the reason behind the sold out session), the group of roughly100 members with representatives from nearly every suburb in Hobsons Bay, and suburbs further afi eld.

Claire Saxby not only achieved her aim to bring history alive to children, she has also bought it to life for their parents, and the lucky people able to attend one of the many terrifi c sessions at the Williamstown Literary Festival, 2015.

Jenny Bates


Williamstown High School wants the whole community to share its July 29 concert at the town hall celebrating 100 years of music at the school.The school has invited both past scholars with successful music careers and leading local groups to join talented current students for its historic Centenary Concert.School principal Gino Catalano says the concert will be a landmark event in the school’s centenary year and will be great entertainment, even for those with no other attachment to the school.“We’re delighted so many past students will be returning to perform for us,” Mr Catalano said. “These talented professionals credit their career to the start they received at Williamstown High School.”Among the performers will be two Aria award winners, jazz saxophonist Ian Whitehurst, a 1990 school graduate who won an Aria award with the Andrea Keller Quartet, and guitarist Scott Wilson, who co-wrote, played on and produced Dan Sultan’s fi rst two albums and has played with some of the country’s biggest music stars.The school’s legendary music director Finn Koren, who retired at the end of last year, has returned to put the concert bill together.Mr Koren has also recruited popular local ensembles Willin’ Women and the Newport Community Choir

as both feature members with strong ties to the school. Williamstown’s own Doug Heywood OAM, best known as the choral director of the Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight, will conduct the concert fi nale.The concert will also feature recorded appearances by award-winning percussionist Eugene Ughetti and singer Bobby Andonov, who made the fi nal of Australia’s Got Talent in 2010 and now works in Los Angeles. Past students and future stars Sean Connolly and The Sleepy Dreamers will also be on the bill, along with the best of the school’s current student musicians – and a glimpse of its next generation with performers from local primary schools.Mr Catalano said hundreds of Williamstown students have had their love of music nurtured and developed by Mr Koren and many more could have been included in the concert.The concert starts at 7.30pm on Wednesday July 29. Tickets are $18, $10 concession/student and $45 for families, available at www.trybooking.com.au/85295 or at the door.More details: James Rust: 9397 1899 [email protected] Jamila Brogan: 9399 9228 [email protected] Gino Catalano 9397 1899 [email protected]

High School Invites All to the Concert of the Century

Student stars: joining he bill for the school’s concert will be some of its most talented students.

Past student: renowned percussionist Eugene Ughetti

returns for Williamstown High School’s Centenary Concert

on July 29.

Tribute to the past: the centenary concert pays tribute

to the school’s musical heritage.


Welcome to the start of the new fi nancial year. And with the start of new fi nancial year comes a new budget. At its last Ordinary Council Meeting of 23 June, Council adopted its 2015-16 budget. This budget will allow the Council to maintain existing service levels while continuing our focus on renewing the city’s infrastructure.

Renewing existing infrastructure is critical to accommodating future growth and maintaining liveability here in Hobsons Bay. Funding for capital works provides for vital infrastructure such as roads, drainage, footpaths and major projects. Some highlights for Strand Ward include the construction of the Newport Youth Library and Seniors facility and Williamstown Town Hall restoration works. We also have a number of major road works including $556,000 for Thorpe Road in Newport, $501,000 for Simcock Avenue/Hall Street, Newport, continuation of works in Douglas Parade, Williamstown and $200,000 for roadworks in Ferguson Street, Williamstown, opposite the Williamstown Town Hall. There will also be some drainage upgrades to Cecil Street ($359,000) and Cole/Parker Street ($320,000) in Williamstown and Challis Street in Newport ($203,000). You can fi nd all the details on these and many other projects on Council’s website.

In other news, this month is all about our local environment. Firstly, it’s about trees. Our trees are much-loved and valuable assets of our municipality. Between now and September, Council will be installing bluestone protection bays and replanting the Elm trees recently removed as part of the Williamstown Elm Renewal Program. This program assists Council manage the risks associated with our ailing mature

trees. And while it’s sad to see these majestic trees removed, we need to ensure that we properly manage potential risks to people and property.

And speaking of trees, we will also mark the National Tree Day on Sunday 26 July. To fi nd out where your local National Tree Day activities will be held, check out our website or speak to one of the members of our Parks team.

Continuing with the nature theme, last month Council held a community information session about the upcoming works at Hatt Reserve. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning in partnership with Hobsons Bay City Council will be constructing a 150m rock revetment wall at Hatt Reserve, Williamstown. Revetment walls are used as a defence against coastal erosion. Works will start in early July 2015 and will take approximately 10 weeks to complete. Sections of the reserve and walking path will be closed during construction hours (7am to 5pm, Mon to Fri), however the adjacent reserve will be open.

And fi nally for this month’s edition, community grant applications are now open. If you are a community or sports groups and you need funding for a project in 2016, submit your application by 9 August. This year grant applications can be submitted online, please visit our website www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au for more information.

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]


Williamstown Camera club is celebrating it’s 50th birthday with an exhibition of it’s members favourite photographs titled, ‘The Photo and the Photographer’. I spoke with Club President, Cathy Buchanan about the event which opens on 1st July. The exhibition has been funded by a grant from Hobson’s Bay City Council and has an offi cial launch on Saturday, 4th July.Tell me a little about the upcoming exhibition.To celebrate having 50 years, we were founded in 1965, we’re having an exhibition at the Williamstown Library Gallery and the title of the exhibition is ‘The Photo and the Photographer.So what we’re doing is we’re putting in our favourite photos that we love and a photo of ourselves, and a little explanation about each photo about why we love it and why it’s our favourite one.How many members are contributing entries?We have about 45 entries...and we have a couple of entries from the original founder, Trevor Young, some of his original photos that he entered back in the 1960s. He is coming down for the launch. We will be doing a few speeches. The Majors coming along, Cnr Colleen Gates, she’s going to speak and I’ll do a speech and we’ll hand over to Trevor and he can cut the ribbon for the offi cial launch, the offi cial opening.The Club meet twice a month at the Walker

Close Community Centre in Altona North, what kind of activities do you do in your sessions?We have competitions, we have workshops and we have guest presenters- that’s the main three different things that we do. We have all different kinds of workshops so tonight we are having a computer-based one on using software to edit your photos using photoshop...we might be doing one using studio lights and fl ash photography, all sorts of different things.Is your club open to new members? How do they go about joining up?Yes, well they can fi nd us on the website to fi nd the information but they just rock up. They can go to three meetings to test us out before they need to join so they get to see if we’re right for them before they fork out any membership money. We’re open to everybody. You don’t have to have a particular type of camera, you don’t have to have any skill levels or anything like that- all you need is an interest in photography and we’ll welcome you. A lot of it too is we enjoy each other’s company and we go away for a couple of weekend’s a year and we have an outing one Sunday a month.The exhibition is free and runs from July 1st-31st at the Gallery at the Williamstown Library.Check out www.williamstowncameraclub.com.au

by Sally O’Donnell

‘The Photo and the Photographer’Williamstown Camera Club turns 50

9

From One Aspiring Writer to Another

The next meeting of the Williamstown Historical Society will be on Thursday,

July 23rd at 7.30pm

at the Mechanics Institute Meeting Room, Electra Street, Williamstown.

Ada Ackerley, a local historian will be the Guest Speaker.

Topic is “Williamstown – Deserting Seamen & the Water Police in the Gold

Rush Days”

Anyone is welcome to attend.


Writers can be visionary dreamers who’ll has aprostrophe the wrong way around often spend hours locked in room or a book or on an iPad to create works, which at the time they believe are as good as Stephen King (or some other idolised author) until they read their scrawl back the following day and realise they were, well, wrong. But for some writers this ‘bleeding onto the page’ is well worth the sacrifi ce, and Mathew Naqvi, a talented writer, editor, fi lm-maker and TV host, agrees.

Throughout the Versatility and Creativity session at the Williamstown Literary Festival, Matthew shared from his own bag of experience collected upon his writing journey. Included in this was the time he met a crossroads and asked himself whether or not he was going to take his writing career seriously – a question most writers eventually pose. Some fall by the wayside, “all have doubts and throw in the towel every now and then,” he says, giving the impression that they also bounce back to become tougher, stronger, more pragmatic, resilient writers.

That tough skin doesn’t grow by itself, and of rejection letters Matthew suggests that such correspondence is more like rejuvenation after a forest fi re, than discouragement. Rather, he feels proud of the affi rmation from publishers that he’s achieved that essential fi rst step - the writing and completing of a novel, short-story or fi lm-script. The one he believed enough in to send out.

Matthew gave some great tips, including the day he found his fi rst writing gig. Of it, he shared how he realised there was nothing stopping him from

aligning his passion for martial arts with his desire to write about it; this actually led to his fi rst paid writing job. “The best pieces are the stuff that matter to you,” he says. Other tips Matthew shared include:• Read widely and often; include the magazines or journals that you’d like to send work to, or those you want to write for. • Think of different ways to get your work out or try new approaches to an old story. Could you turn a short-story into a radio play? • Use social media to establish your presence as a writer – podcasts and twitter both project your voice and message, but in different ways.• Find your voice – Be confi dent in the way you write and send your work out. • Find your niche – Write about what you love and are passionate about.• Find your outlet – Be intentional about who you send work to.

For more insights, Matthew can be found on twitter at: matthewnaqvi

Kyla-Jayne Rajah


Passengers at Spotswood station may be astonished to see a pack of sprightly little dinosaurs running amok along Hall Street – and then probably pretty terrifi ed as a ground-shaking tyrannosaur stomps by. But the sight can’t actually be seen from a train window: it is a clever multimedia experience and part of the Tyrannosaurs – meet the family exhibition at Scienceworks.

If you have children fi ve years and over, who can casually drop the name of prehistoric monsters easier than that of the family cat, they will be in Jurassic heaven if you take them along. According

to Scienceworks, this is the fi rst exhibition in the world to shine a light on tyrannosaurs, the legendary dinosaur family.

The exhibits include over 10 life-sized dinosaur specimens and a 5-metre high x 11-metre long skeleton of “Scotty” the Tyrannosaurus Rex. There is also a hipbone discovered at Dinosaur Cove (near the Ottway Ranges) that shows these huge guys used to roam Victoria. As this would have been between 179-156 million years ago, there would be no danger of them holding up the train from Spotswood to the city.

One of the most astonishing exhibits is a man-sized model of a dinosaur covered in feathers. Yes, our modern-day birds evolved from dinosaurs, so that magpie chortling at you from the tree has a very impressive family heritage reaching back into pre-history.

Tyrannosaurs – meet the family runs at Scienceworks (2 Booker Street, Spotswood) until 4 October 2015. More information at http://museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks.

Quick tip: it’s worth getting to the exhibition when the museum opens at 10.00 am before the parties of school children are allowed in.

Ann Banham

Meet the Tyrannosaurs family at Scienceworks


Altona North Primary School is proudly celebrating 50 years of Education. In 1965, Altona North State School opened its doors and many past students have expressed a desire to catch up with old acquaintances. As part of the celebrations, a reunion afternoon tea for past students, staff and parents will be held on 23rd August 2015 from 1.30 to 4.30pm: fi nger food and beverages supplied. The school in Cresser Street, Altona North boasts a recently built school hall, comprising a gymnasium, canteen and performing arts centre: the ideal setting for such an event.

A warm welcome is extended to all those keen to attend and reminisce their years at Altona North Primary School. Do you remember your Principal and your best friends? Maybe you remember Coral in the canteen who is still making those yummy sandwiches. (But maybe not selling as many lollies these days.) Or do you remember playing tunnel ball or cross ball on the asphalt areas between the buildings. What were the words to that school song that was sung at school assemblies? Earlier this year, a time-capsule was revealed and current students were mesmerised by the art works and memorabilia that were enclosed. The contents of the time-capsule

will be on display along with many, many photos spanning the fi ve decades. You may have some photos of your own that you would like to bring along.

Please pass the word around and if you are interested in attending or need further information, ring Altona North Primary School on 9391 4233 or RSVP by email [email protected]. There is also information at www.altonanorthps.vic.edu.au and our Facebook page.

Altona North 50 years


Behind the family business ‘The Washroom’ is a young down-to-earth friendly 28 year-old entrepreneur Kristian Palumbo, born and raised in Williamstown, who has successfully run three other businesses, skin clinic, courier franchise, and a business consultancy fi rm. He’s working now as a mechanic. Behind this young man is a sacrifi cial loving mum, Christina Rochetich, that provides support for the success of her child. My fi rst impression of this new Washroom was Clean, Bright and Safe. They have turned this dark and dingy place to a beautiful shiny, stainless steel clean Laundromat! The washers are from Belgium, and the dryers come from the United States. They are all brand new and the largest machine can take up to an 18kg load. The Washroom provides free Wi-Fi, up-to-date magazines including Around Williamstown and is a comfy place to just sit and wait for your washing to fi nish. Often the regulars come and chat and have a good laugh. They also provide ironing and washing services if you can’t do it yourself. The Washroom runs everyday 5am-11pm, with 24 hours access available if needed. Small washing machines cost $4 per load, big machines $8. Dryers are $1 for 8 mins. $3 for 24 mins. “I love the freedom, fl exibility and the stress of

running your own businesss,” said Kristian, “It makes you work harder. There is a need for a good laundry. Safe, secure and clean laundry,” he added.Kristian revealed his secret of successful business with four words “Service is the key.” He quoted a book called “The E-Myth” by Michael E. Gerber. “Follow your dreams, take calculated risks. Don’t just take a risk, do your research before you go for it.” Kristian has also mentioned that he’s interested in helping homeless people and supports the idea of low-income community work.His mother, Christina is also keen in doing community work. She said “I just want to give back, not just take from the community. It’s easy for us to forget about human nature as we all need support”. Asking about what she likes to do during her free time she said “ I love my cappuccinos. I love going for a walk. I love the dog pool in summer. I’ve lived in Williamstown for 20 years then I’m gone for a while and recently come back to town. As they say once you’ve lived somewhere you’ll always come back.”The Washroom is located at 168, Ferguson St, Williamstown.

Jasmine Hill

Welcome to Williamstown’s The Washroom!


Williamstown Toastmasters club had good cause for celebration in their Tuesday, 9th June meeting. It was the fi rst time the club had been in their home venue at the Williamstown Town Hall since the beginning of 2015. Refurbishment and installation of safety/technical equipment in the old council chamber meant the club had led a peripatetic* existence around Williamstown for six months, holding meetings at Joan Kirner House, the Mechanics Institute and the RSL.

Club President, Julie Wacker says: “Our meeting theme on 9th June was “I fi nally made it…” which was appropriate as we have fi nally made it back into the Williamstown Town Hall after so long. What a pleasure it is to be back in this grand old building.”

Williamstown Toastmasters Club has been running since 1996 and is part of Toastmasters International, a not-for-profi t organisation that promotes communication and leadership development.

Julie says: “We currently have 27 members and, apart from a commitment to their home club, they are also very engaged in helping other clubs and groups in becoming better speakers; for instance AeroSpeakers Toastmasters in Laverton has just chartered and some of our members are mentors and sponsors of this club.”

Williamstown Toastmasters regularly holds Speechcraft courses, an intensive one evening

a week over six weeks where non-Toastmasters are encouraged and supported to become better public speakers. This appeals to the many young professionals who fi nd they have reached a roadblock in their career when they are called upon to make presentations or speak in public but they lack confi dence and technique. Other people might be nervous about an upcoming occasion such as a wedding speech or eulogy they have to deliver.

“We had one Speechcraft course last November and one in April this year. Participants often join either our club or another club when they fi nish,” said Julie. “We were very proud of one participant, Jeremy Scott, who took part in the Williamstown Literary Festival in June talking about his book on his biking trip from London to New Zealand. “

*Peripatetic means nomadic or roving. One of the features of a Toastmaster meeting is the “word of the day” where participants are encouraged to include the word in their impromptu or prepared speeches. Your challenge is to use this word in conversation this week!

Williamstown Toastmasters meets at 7.30pm on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at Williamstown Town Hall. For more information visit: http://9088.toastmastersclubs.org/

Ann Banham

Williamstown Toastmasters returns home


According to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of health and well being, the season of winter is associated with kapha. Ayurveda suggests that we are all made up of the fi ve elements: ether, air, fi re, water and earth. These fi ve elements combine to create three doshas (or constitutional types): vata (air and ether), pitta (water and fi re) and kapha (water and earth.) We are each born with varying quantities and qualities of the doshas, denoting our unique psychobiological make-up or constitution. Health depends on maintaining this proportion in balance.

Being a kapha time of year – all of us, but particularly people who are predominantly kapha, need to ensure that we do not get out of balance. For example, kapha imbalance can manifest as excessive and unconscious food consumption, lethargy, excess bodily weight, melancholia, depression, congestion, fatigue, poor circulation, and unexpressed emotions such as grief and sadness. Kapha imbalance can also lead to colds, coughs, allergies and sinus congestion.

So what does this have to do with yoga? Fortunately, we can we can work with various yogic practices to help keep kapha in balance, or if necessary, reduce kapha.

Generally speaking to reduce kapha, practice asanas (physical postures) quite rigorously, with lots of effort, even to the point of developing a sweat. Incorporate lots of change in the practice – nothing too familiar or slow or routine. Work with practices to open the chest, relieve congestion, stretch the throat and drain the sinuses, and also practices to increase metabolism and stoke the digestive fi re.

Standing poses are excellent, as are long, vigorous walks, but avoid too many seated poses (and defi nitely try not to be a couch potato for too long!). In last month’s Around Williamstown, we looked at surya namaskara (saltute to the sun) – a wonderful practice for reducing kapha. You could also try the following virabhadrasana I (warrior I, pictured below):

If you are not familiar with yoga, feel free to try a class in your local area. It’s much better learning yoga from a fully qualifi ed teacher, rather than a book.

If you are interested in learning a bit more about the link between yoga and Ayurveda, I can recommend this excellent book:

David Frawley (1999). Yoga and Ayurveda. Self-Healing and Self-Realization, Lotus Press, Wisconsin.

If you have any health concerns or are pregnant, please speak with your doctor before attempting any yoga practices.

***

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. Namaste.

Winter and Kapha


From the Western Front to Warrnambool to Williamstown, one diary has travelled the world to tell the story of Paddy Callinan.

To fi nd out if Paddy really is the legendary relative that Damian Callinan’s family never speaks of, come to Williamstown Town Hall at 7.30pm on Tuesday 28 July.

A renowned stand-up and character comedian, Damian Callinan (Backyard Ashes, Spicks & Specks, Skithouse, 774 ABC) brings to life the pages of the diary as actual events are woven into the tapestry of the character’s narrative.

Combining detailed research, hilarious but believable characterisations, black humour, absurdity and deft writing, Callinan swings the mood of the story from rollicking farce to aching pathos in a heartbeat.

The play is the latest in Council’s Arts at your Doorstep theatre program.

Tickets range from $15 to $25.

To book your ticket, go to www.hobsonsbaytickets.com.au ‘Some performances move you with such force they’re in your thoughts well after the theatre lights dim and you’ve left the venue. This is one of them … We laughed, we gasped, we wiped tears from our eyes. Memorable, moving, brilliant! – 5 stars – Adelaide Advertiser

Arts At Your Doorstep – The Lost WW1 Diary


West Welcome Wagon and Hobsons Bay Refugee Network are again working together to provide Winter Hampers for asylum seekers in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Across Melbourne there are many asylum seekers without work rights who are having an impossible time trying to make ends meet. We also support asylum seekers who have recently been released with work rights, but who are trying to make a start in the community from a zero base line. Amongst these are many women and children. The allowance they all receive is below Newstart Allowance, and below the poverty line. Asylum seekers live in this netherworld because many Australian people have supported that policy. Yet it is clear from the widespread and incredibly generous support that our two groups receive that the Australian notion of fair play lives on, and we do not want them to live in poverty. Thousands of local people and many local groups and businesses provide wonderful support. Community support for our July food drive is now welcomed. Where and when can you donate?You can leave your donations from Monday July 13 until Friday July 31. Where can you donate?Four local Community Centres are receiving

donations during the dates above:Altona: Louis Joel Community Centre, 5 Sargood St.Newport:Community Education Centre, 43 Mason St.Williamstown:Community & Education Centre, 14 Thompson St.Yarraville: Community Centre, 59 Francis St. What can you donate?Detailed suggestions are held at each collection point (or contact the email below), but in summary we are seeking donations of:Food staples, wholesale foods, comfort foods, to provide both healthy meals and some winter cheer.No fresh or frig or frozen food please.No opened or out of date food.Toiletries: soap, toothbrushes and paste, shaving gear, hair and skin productsCleaning products for kitchen and bathroom. Money donations are welcomed: Supermarket gift cards, cheques, bank deposits to BSB 633 000, Acc No: 150503829, Name: Hobson Bay Refugee Network. Reference: Hampers Thank you for whatever you can contribute. Further information from:Rod Grant, Treasurer HBRN0409 829 [email protected]

Winter Hampers For Asylum Seekers Food Drive


Lacrosse has been played in Victoria since the late 1800’s but the World Championships, held every four years, were fi rst played in 1988. The game itself , described as a cross between basketball, soccer and hockey was originally played by the Iroquois (an indigenous people of United States and Canada) and are still represented by the Iroquois Nationals team. It is a fast-paced game involving long sprints up and down the fi eld with abrupt starts and stops, while passing the ball using a stick (crosse) that has a net at the top.Williamstown Lacrosse Club, a giant in the Victorian lacrosse world, has a proud history beginning in 1898. It became at the largest sporting club in Williamstown very soon after its establishment, fi elding sides in every grade. 1936 it reputedly became the largest sporting club in the Southern hemisphere, fi elding 8 teams with 139 registered players. In 1910 the club moved to Fearon Reserve and resides there to

this day, at the corner of Garden St. and Esplanade. Willy Lacrosse Club is more than just a sporting club as its young players have the opportunity to travel to the Unites States on Athletic and Academic scholarships. Amongst the many who have travelled to America to study are: Kade Robinson (Colorado Mesa University), Tristan Tomasino (Limestone) and Matthew Price (Adelphi).WLC welcomes players as young as seven to become part of an historic, strong sporting club with opportunities that far exceed many other sporting codes. Why not pop down to Fearon Park, after 2.30, most Saturdays between April to early September a great day can be had as both lacrosse and footy are played at the same ground. If you are interested in WLC there is a wealth of information at http://williamstownlacrosse.com.au.

Jenny Bates

WLC - Its More Than A Sporting Club


Café Cirino on Nelson Place embodies the whole ‘something for everyone’ concept perfectly, offering such a wide range of various items and options that you will be sure to fi nd something to adjust your taste and needs – whether you’re an avid coffee drinker, vegetarian, possess a sweet tooth or just popping in for a quick takeaway lunch whilst on the go. Although the title has ‘café’ in it, this is not indicative of what Cirino only has to offer. In fact, it offers far beyond that.

Food wise, there is a breakfast menu that includes all the usual items such as croissants, organic yoghurt muesli and eggs Benedict. In addition to restaurant styled food, Café Cirono offers typical café food such as foccaccias and sandwiches, convenient for those who do not have the time to sit in and eat. If you’re more interested in the restaurant styled dining experience, Cirino has pizza, pasta, steak, risotto, seafood and salad options on the menu to choose from. And of course, there are desserts such as crepes and tiramisu for those that feel incomplete without that last course.

In regards to beverages, there is also a wide range. Personally every time I eat out, my meal needs to be accompanied with coffee. Cirino certainly caters to that. But it doesn’t end there, they have such an immense assortment of hot chocolate fl avours. This

includes 23 different fl avours ranging from gianduia, chilli, hazelnut, banana, mint, white chocolate, etc. Café Cirino offers milkshakes, coffee, tea, chai and is also fully licensed. They provide Italian beers, red and white wines.

Notably, there are vegetarian and gluten free alternatives. They take reservations and private functions, with a spacious backyard area. Cirino maintains an outdoor seating area and caters to families.

The restaurant also has live Italian music sometimes, replicating an authentic Italian feel and atmosphere for those eating at the restaurant.

Café Cirino’s menu extends beyond your average place, so for your next rendezvous with friends and family, perhaps come in and try out what they have to offer.

Address: 133 Nelson Place, WilliamstownPhone: 03 9397 5452Trading: Café Cirino is open seven days a week from 7am (Sun at 8) – 5:30 Open for dinner until 10:30 on W, T, F & S.

A thankyou to Max for taking the time out to meet and speak with me.

Gina Le

Local Eats


There is documented evidence that the Williamstown football club was fi rst formed in 1860. It was most likely formed by members of our local cricket clubs who were following the example of T. W. Wills and members of the Melbourne Cricket Club who in 1858 had derived a form of football suitable to our conditions and aimed at keeping cricketers fi t during the off season.

There were crude forms of football being played throughout the colony amongst the Europeans long before 1858. The indigenous people also played a form of football they called marngrook.

The Melbourne football rules proved very popular and were widely adopted throughout Victoria. Clubs were formed in the metropolitan area the suburbs country towns grammar schools and colleges.

Williamstown was no less a sporting town than Melbourne with various boating pursuits well established and rifl e clubs utilizing the local rifl e range. By 1860 Williamstown could boast two senior cricket clubs: Williamstown Cricket Club formed in 1852, and Williamstown Alliance formed in 1858, and a racecourse holding annual horse racing from 1859.It was the Williamstown Alliance Cricket Club who instigated the formation of a football club inviting all those interested to meet at their cricket ground (believed to be the market reserve) on Saturday 16th June 1860 for practise. The fact that Williamstown was represented at a meeting of football clubs whose purpose it was to organise the playing rules for 1860 is an indication that Williamstown was regarded as a bona fi de football club.

The experiment was to be short lived with the demise of the Williamstown Alliance Cricket Club which amalgamated with the older Williamstown Cricket

Club in 1861. The result was that the Williamstown football club went into recess until 1864.

The next attempt to reform the Williamstown football club came in 1864. Although there are no existing records to confi rm or deny this, the 1914 annual report of the Williamstown football club refers to celebrating fi fty years in existence.

There are match results involving the Williamstown Football Club from 1865 and 1866. The earliest known match took place on 15th July 1865 against Carlton at Royal Park. Carlton was victorious, two goals to nil.

In 1866 two further match results are recorded the Argus Monday 11th June 1866. Williamstown played out a goalless draw with Melbourne Customs, at Williamstown (most likely the market reserve).The Argus Tuesday 3rd July 1866 reports the match between Williamstown and Carlton was abandoned when W. Riggall of Williamstown sustained a broken leg after being severely thrown by a opposition player. Carlton were leading one goal to nil at the time.

The next three years saw the Williamstown Football Club in recess yet again there is no documentation why this occurred. However in 1870, one of the founding members of the club, J.A. Thompson, was instrumental in reorganising the football club.

From this point in time The Williamstown Football Club would continue uninterrupted except for the two World Wars and the occasional upheaval. The Williamstown football club has remained relevant to the local community and a viable contributor to football for over 150 years.

Ray Grzonek

The Origins of the Williamstown Football Club

Where in Wiliamstown?

Congratulations to last month’s winner, Russell Marsh from Custom House.Answer: The photo was taken 231 Nelson Place, Williamstown, previously known as The Cork and Tucker. Thanks to all who have participated in last month’s contest.

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.


Movie ReviewInside Out

When I was a child, I believed in magic. Part of the reason for this belief was due to the existence of Disney movies. When Tinkerbell would fl y across the screen, leaving a trail of pixie dust in the shape of a castle, my heart would burst with joy and anticipation. I may be old enough to know better, but for me, movie magic will never fade.When I go to the cinema, I am prepared for adventure. I open myself up to the prospect that anything is possible, and that is when the magic happens.Pixar studios have taken Disney movies to another level over the years. Gems such as Toy Story, Up and WallE, have set a standard for not just animated fi lms, but all genres.In Pixar’s latest venture, Inside Out, the bar has been raised even higher and I would go so far as to say, that this is the best movie that they have ever produced. The story focuses on the inner mechanisms of an eleven year old girl’s mind. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust are the emotions that run Headquarters. These wonderfully engaging characters work together to guide little Riley, through the pitfalls of life, when her family relocates.

To say that this is a clever fi lm is a massive understatement. The way that this production navigates the mind and the fragility of what makes us tick is just brilliant. No corner of the mind is left unexplored.I have a young daughter, and this movie has me thinking about her in such a different way. I honestly believe that Inside Out should be compulsory viewing for not just parents, but for everyone – the story is an important one to share and its impact could be lasting.

Melissa Longo

Melissa Longo


On the eve of a tumultuous game between the fi ctional teams of the Kookaburras and Mavericks, Noah’s dad related advice of his grandmother, ‘don’t lose your dignity’. He was referring to the experience this Aboriginal woman endured in her lifetime in relations with the white locals, and how to deal with people who view others by their ethnicity. This is just one of a few multicultural themes in this book underpinning the discourse of reconciliation, comprehending the ‘Others’ in our communities and dealing with racism on and off the fi eld. It also highlights the responsibility of parents in post-modern Australia to develop and raise socially-minded children.

This story revolves around two main characters, Ben and Noah, attending the same school. Upon introduction, Ben plays footy for the Kookaburras, a team which his father, Joe, played for when he was young. While Ben is open-minded and hopeful of an AFL-career, Joe is a conservative type who has issues with indigenous causes and issues. It is evident from the characterization that Joe lacks understanding of indigenous culture or the treatment by fellow ‘white’ Australians. Ben’s family shall support him if he plays for the Kookaburras due to the multicultural make-up of the Mavericks, the team on which Noah plays. Noah and Ben fi rst meet at a game between their respective teams when Ben stops some of his teammates from fi ghting with and vilifying Noah on the fi eld. Family bonds play a large role in Noah dealing with racial issues in personal life and on the fi eld. The importance of their family, history with

land and traditions shines through as positive and realistic beacon. As players have game-day traditions, Noah touches an emu feather, held in a tin, before each game which his grandmother gave him as a talisman. Sledging by white players on the fi eld infuriates him about his cultural identity. Before his grandmother died, she related advice to Noah that ‘he always play fair, never take a backward step from people who want to say us mob are no good’.

Early in the book Noah relates to Ben how sledging

and racial vilifi cation feels, stating that ‘I am black. When someone says what he said, he’s insulting my people and our families and our culture. Guys like Elliott think that if you’re black, you’re a piece of crap’. After the on-fi eld vilifi cation of Noah and other interactions with Ben, they form a bond based on football and training. They also have a crush on the same indigenous girl, and hope to reach an AFL-team in the future. By the conclusion of Footy Dreaming, Ben and Noah experience positive affi rmations for their future.

Michael Hyde’s book is targeted for 11 year olds and above, though this is a discourse any adult can appreciate if they love footy or a discourse on multiculturalism in Australia. The rural setting provides a context, with which such antagonistic attitudes toward native populations are prevalent, to which I can attest from my experiences as a Northern Californian. The disharmony and avoidance, based upon race by choice or tradition, are an integral part of this book, and simultaneously a subtheme of reconciliation in fi ctional Marshall between the families of Ben and Noah. Another realistic phenomenon is the depiction of ‘white’ and indigenous sides at odds in school because of the past, and the role of local sports and rivalries with neighboring small towns on the fi eld.

Footy Dreaming is for sale at Readings, Robinsons at Highpoint, the Sun bookshop in Yarraville and Book and Paper in Williamstown.

John Chabowski

Footy Dreaming: Dignity on the Field and in Life

Book cover used with permission of author Michael Hyde at book launch, 1/5/2015


Having fi nally taken the leap and hopped on the plane to LA, I thought I would write about some computer related travel experiences. I packed everything else, but should I pack the laptop, tablet or convertible? Carrying a computer is not all easy wifi and long batteries…

As it turns out there are not many laptops that give you enough battery to get all the way from Melbourne to Los Angeles. In fact probably only about four on the market can handle it, unless you go to the Android tablets. However, if you head towards a true tablet you sacrifi ce factors like backup ability. So as it is I am using a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 with the screen brightness turned right down. This manages about 7.5 hours. Which leaves about 5 hours for sleep!

Having arrived at the hotel in Los Vegas and going to plug in the laptop to charge I stumble on my second minor challenge. My trusty travel adaptor barely hangs in the American power points. I try it both ways up, still falls out! So, as necessity in the creator of innovation I wedge my backpack against the adaptor to hold it in the power point. Is this a fi re hazard? This is one of these

times I appreciate the design of the Australian power points.

Almost all hotels in the United States have Wi-Fi available. However, the fi rst hotel I needed to pay $15 a day (add that up over a month). The second had a limit of 100 guests using the Wi-Fi at a time (202 rooms and probably at least 2 devices per a room means it’s not available for the majority of guests). The third gave enough time to make a cup of coffee between loading each web page. Where there is a will there is a way. Not a major issue again. Simply head down to Walgreens, grab a phone sim, with a heap of data, drop it in your smartphone and tether to your laptop.

Of course with the decent internet again one can check their emails, upload all their photos to the cloud drive and fi nally upload this article! The only challenge was writing it with the 249 channels available on the hotel TV.

Stephen Bell

Williamstown to Tijuana via VegasIT Corner


Williamstown Kids

Hi Kids,

This month we’ve brought you

some writing tips from two fabulous

children’s authors who live in H

obsons

Bay.

If you missed Andy Griffith’s at

the

Williamstown Literary Festival it w

as

full of jokes and comedy and 1 s

erious

word - said with a wry smile. A child

from the floor asked the que

stion: What

is the difference between a prank

and a joke? Andy’s ans

wer was this:

a joke only hurts your f

eelings but

a prank can hurt you ph

ysically. No

jokes!

If you like writing, here are couple of tips from Andy’s session: 1. In the early part of writing a book there are lots of problems, but you needn’t stress nor worry because ‘always the problem becomes the solution’. So relax, let go and let those problems solve themselves!

2. When you get stuck raising the stakes for your character, a great question to ask is: “What is the worst thing that could happen?” That’s what Andy does and his books are imagination on the page. Try it and see where the question leads. For other great writing tips from Andy go to: www.andygriffi ths.com.au

****Isabel Olgivie has published her fi rst book in the series, Red Dragon Chronicles. She worked many years as a librarian in Hobsons Bay, and has some great advice for young writers.

How much time do you spend writing each day?It depends on what I am doing. I like to write for at least two hours, but this is not always possible. Some days I can write for fi ve or six hours.

And, how do you write descriptively without over-describing?I try not to use too many adverbs. Sometimes the simplest description is the most visual.

Have you always been good at spelling and grammar? I think the best answer to this is that I have always loved reading. I will read anything. I don’t like to read on a device. I much prefer to hold a book in my hand. Reading makes my writing better.

Isabel’s book, The Luchair Stones (Book 1 of the Red Dragon Chronicles) can be found in independent bookshops, or online at major retailers like Book Depository and Amazon.

Kyla-Jayne Rajah


In remembrance of The Honorable Joan Elizabeth Kirner AC (20 June 1938 – 1 June 2015)

Joan Kirner served the community as Member for Melbourne’s West in the Victorian Legislative Council (1982-1988) and as Member for Williamstown (1988-1994) including as the Deputy Premier (1989-1990) and Premier of Victoria (1990-1992).There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:a time to be born and a time to die,

Thank you lovely Joan for what you have done for the community.“All of us at Williamstown Community and Education Centre are deeply saddened by the news of Joan’s passing however, she will always be in our memories, every time we step through the door of Joan Kirner House.”

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,a time to tear and a time to mend,a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,a time for war and a time for peace…

a time to kill and a time to heal,a time to tear down and a time to build,

Around williamstown issue 9 for web

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