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Distributed throughout Altona with distribution points in Altona North, Seaholme, Altona Meadows and Williamstown

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ISSUE 84, JUNE 2015

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

KEEPING IT REAL FROM USHUAIA TO USHUAIA – A CRUISE TO THE ANTARCTICPAGE 3 PAGE 7 PAGE 20

TRIPPIN’ WITH JEN - FROM HERE TO BAW BAW

Thanks Jill

Thank you Jill Bilston. As you retire as Manager of Louis Joel Community Art Centre and Gallery, we can refl ect on the past ten years and see you have created a fl ourishing, connected community space for a diverse range of activities, classes, support groups and exhibitions.

You started with a blank canvas and leading an amazing team of volunteers you welcomed locals and visitors with an inclusive spirit that sets Altona apart from anywhere else.

You have brought into our lives, ideas from all corners of the earth, like the giant fl owers decorated by all ages for a community installation for Art in Public Places. The Hobsons Bay Mens Shed cut out the wooden templates and the result was stunning. Since then, we’ve seen sea creatures and dinosaurs in the Centre’s gardens and through the halls.

Children’s art and drama classes started here as did the U3A. You brought the GLBTIQ community’s Midsumma Festival ‘across the bridge’.

You championed the spectacular It’s Art Wear It fashion

parades by giving the event something extra – the models became an added connection, one year the talent of Victoria University modelling students, another a partnership with Port Phillip Prison and last year’s dazzling fashion show performed by members of Mambourin Services.

We can thank you Jill for showing us how to step out of our own

individual spaces to redefi ne what community means. For you, I’m sure the concept of community is global. Your encouragement has seen the locals knit bonnets for babies and collect ring pulls for a family whose son battles cerebral palsy. When fl oods devastated our ‘rural sister’ town of Donald, you rallied for support to help.And there are the jams and preserves on sale in the foyer. When you joined Kim Reilly and Tricia Salau to set up the Bwindi Sewing Project in Uganda, you brought home stories that would widen further the wings of the Louis Joel community forever.

It’s heart warming to see Kim Rielly continue in your footsteps to take the Louis Joel Centre into its next decade. You’ve certainly made Altona history in its fi rst one.

Petronella Boonen

JILL BILSTON

Issue 842

0408 659 940 or aroundsell@gmail.com

RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR

PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHEROnce again the end of the fi nancial year rolls around only this year there’s a difference!

If I read Joe Hockey right, small businesses can spend $20,000 in June for something that helps them get more business and this will be 100% fully tax deductible. So in a couple of months those that take advantage of the offer can get some of their money back – yes, some of their money back! And use some to pay for all their advertising for a year and yet get it at a big discount!

You would want to check the Budget papers or check with your accountant or ring the Tax offi ce even to make sure that it’s true but listening to Joe it sounds like if the $20,000 is used to stimulate sales and if it fi ts the

package, you’ll reap the benefi ts. As I read it, it seems that stimulating our sluggish economy is the real target and I guess it all starts with advertising the product. I’ve often heard ‘Nothing happens until somebody sells something’ so perhaps community papers may reap the wind this year.Remember you’ve got to spend it in June!! A chance like this may never happen again. Don’t forget to tell your sales force.

I think you know by now I like dreaming.

Happier New Financial Year!

Bill McPhersonbillmcpherson@optusnet.co.au

What an outstanding collection of articles we have in the paper this month!

Right at this point when I am in the midst of fi nalising the articles it never ceases to astonish me just how talented and dedicated our volunteer writers are.

I often fi nd myself wanting to thank specifi c writers and end up doing a general thanks, because I think well the rest of them may get offended.

I think that sending them a big public thank you is important. So may I raise my glass to Melissa Longo, Kyla-Jayne Rajah, Melissa Haber, Helene Wild, Mimi Laurilla. Frank O’Shea, Deborah Drew, Greg Milne and a big welcome back to Jenny Bates who has had a break for a few months. My partner Petronella Boonen, who has been there from the very start having edited the Around Altona for over six years and contributed articles for the duration of the papers existence. We also have Bailey, Brandon, Asher, Devika, Candice, Mikki, Mellad, Fabienne, Eric,

Cynthia, Nicole, Kristy, and thank you to every other contributor, of which there are many! A big thank you also to our supporters and advertisers, without you we have no paper to actually deliver. Please consider your ongoing support to ensure that excellent community papers such as this, remain around to give voice to our local community.

And another big thankyou to a person who is often out of the spotlight, but does everything to get this paper hitting the street every month, a very thankless task! Will, on behalf of everyone enjoying this paper, you are doing a great job mate!

Lastly to Bill, the papers creator, inventor, investor, my inspiration and mentor. A big thankyou, for both the papers and your ongoing friendship.

Please enjoy the paper this month everyone.

Until next time,Daniel Allen

Issue 84 3

TO ADVERTISE IN AROUND ALTONA

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERContact

Will - M: 0449 834 359 E: will@aroundaltona.com.au

Daniel - M: 0408 659 940 E: aroundsell@gmail.com

TRIPPIN’ WITH JEN - FROM HERE TO BAW BAW

The Australian bush after rain gives so much more than the heightened aroma of eucalypts, it displays a visual delight of colours. While Mount Baw Baw may be well known for its Alpine Resort, with its proximity to Melbourne, (being the closest downhill ski resort), it is also a perfect example of our wondrous Australian native bush. While gum trees don’t go through the colourful autumn changes that leave their deciduous cousins leaveless, their colours can be just as spectacular.

The Mountain Ash (world’s tallest fl owering tree) with their lack of branches right up to their crowns, create a world of mystery as the mists settles low through layers of these trees. The best way to appreciate this natural masterpiece is by walking through it. Luckily there are walking tracks in the Baw Baw National Park to suit all shape and sizes. The Beech Gully track is a mere 400 metres, the Mushroom Rocks walk is 3k’s, (leading to a maze of giant granites tors), while the Mt St Gwinear Track is 6k’s, and travels through heathland and majestic,

gnarled snow gums. As the skies chose to, on this day in May, toss down ice, with a fl urry of snow, the bush transformed into something even more magical. We were soon admiring ice shrubs, logs with an icing sugar coating, and fl owers, whose life cycle was coming to an end, were experiencing one last spell of beauty, as a sprinkling of white snow nestled amongst their petals. Walkers have been spoilt by the beauty of the Baw Baws since a track from Warburton to Walhalla was offi cially opened in 1907, and it quickly became one of the most popular in Victoria for both walkers and horse riders, it’s very easy to see why.

Baw Baw National Park, two hours from Melbourne, tracks to walk, gum trees to hug, what more could you ask for?

Check our more photographs at trippinwithjen.wordpress.com

Jenny Bates

Credit photos Jenny Bates

Issue 844

A MINDFUL MOMENT

There’s an illustration that resonates with me in Paws for Thought, a book created by local writer and illustrator, Bev Aisbett. It’s a cartoon of a cockatoo with an injured beak, and the words: “Try silence, it’s full of information”. The constant buzz of a busy schedule is common to us all - family, work, home, community, transport, paper and digital calendars, appointments, ‘information overload’, news headlines and somewhere in there, permission to rest. I recently came across the Mindful in May online mindfulness meditation challenge on Facebook. Having practiced meditation in one form or another over the years, I thought the Challenge might settle down some of the ‘noisiness’ and motivate a habit to form. The Mindful in May website explains that regular practice of mindfulness can lead to ‘structural changes in the brain associated with enhanced mental performance, reduced stress and its negative impact on the body and mind, improved physical and mental well being, reduced genetic ageing (through it’s protective impact on gene expression and degeneration), increased happiness and enhanced immune function’.

Research in schools is also forming similar results. A 2012 study of the experience of 522 students, aged 12-16 across 12 secondary schools in the United Kingdom, concluded the students reported better well-being and fewer depressive symptoms.

Closer to home, Mount St Joseph Girls’ College introduced a daily ‘two mindful minutes of silence and stillness’, because, as the school describes it, ‘in a world of increasing speed and time pressure, the benefi ts of stillness and contemplation to our health, learning focus and wellbeing are increasingly vital.”

My daughter Mia said the school has practiced mindfulness since the beginning of the year.

“We receive a warning three minutes before twelve,” she said. “At twelve we practice mindfulness for two minutes. Most of us put our heads on our desks and try and concentrate on our breathing. We try to sit in silence - sometimes there are giggles but most people are comfortable and accept it now as a way of life.”

Dariush Friend, robotics engineer and father of two, explored the possibilities of mindfulness some years ago after visiting a hypnotist to tackle depression.

continue on page 6

Issue 84 5

PLUMBING / GASFITTING1800 663896 (1800 ONETWO)

Lic 37348

E: michelle@onestwosplumbing.com.au W: www.onestwosplumbing.com.au

Gas Ovens / Cooktops / Leaks Hot Water Units ( Gas & Solar) Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations Taps & Toilets Garden Irrigation Systems Space Heating/Wall Heaters Bathroom & Kitchen renovations Guttering / Downpipes / Burst Pipes

Rain Water Tanks BBQ Conversions Carbon Monoxide Testing Dishwasher installation Air Conditioning Split Systems Fridge/Icemaker connections

SERVICE & INSTALLATION:

UNEMPLOYED AND OVER IT – PART 2

Getting Out Of Your Comfort Zone Sometimes we set out hearts out on one specifi c goal. This is excellent. But when it comes to limiting ourselves on a particular industry when searching for work, it can lower the chances even more of hearing something back from a possible employer. Getting out of your comfort zone and opening up your options to other industries can signifi cantly increase your opportunities to gain work, expand your skills and experience and additionally, can be added to your resume later on. As a matter of fact, the more experience you gain in the work force when you’re young will remarkably help you in the future if you’re looking for work. This brings me to my next point. Your fi rst Job is always important. This is the fi rst step into your working life and can have huge impact when looking for jobs in the future. Around Australia the minimum legal working age varies depending on the type of business, duties or what state you’re living in, but fi rst jobs are common at around the age of 15. If you’re in-between the age of 15 and 18, it is much easier to gain employment. The reason being is that it costs companies and organizations much less to pay people in this age group. Furthermore making it more diffi cult to fi nd work if your over 18 as you need to legally be paid a certain amount of money which is much more than someone in a younger age class. So if you’re age falls into the 15 to 18 category, choose wisely when acquiring your fi rst job. The skills that you learn and the fi eld of work you select will greatly impact on how and if people want to hire you in the future. However, if you’re above the age of 18 with experience or not, there is no reason to stress. It will be a harder process but there is still work out there for you, and if you have no working experience, you still have a chance to gain some. Volunteering For Experience You must work hard to achieve your goals, nothing comes for free. Unless you volunteer! Giving your time for not even a single dime is one of the best things to have on your resume because it shows dedication and determination to work. When employers look at your CV, seeing voluntary work will greatly spark their interest as that is usually

the type of people they are looking for to be apart of their company. Common places to volunteer are community centers and charity stores that are constantly looking for helping hands, and at the same time can help you by giving something back. The experience you gain is typically customer service and sales, which is a fantastic line of work as there are many jobs out there in these fi elds and having experience on your side will build your confi dence when starting new jobs. Therefore giving your time for free and getting something back in return other than money is still very fulfi lling in your journey to fi nd employment. Tip: By volunteering this will keep you busy and get you into a regular working routine. The pressure on Australia’s youth to gain employment is soaring, making them feel stressed, overwhelmed and causing them to become less motivated and increasing depression numbers nation-wide. We need to remind the youth of Australia to not lose hope, and that their chance will come. Ensuring that future generations are secure, steady and strong is essential for the nation’s overall stability and future. Be sure to do everything you can to fi nd work, be diligent, innovative and overall be confi dent. You can do this.

Jess Rae

The article above was a contribution by: Get to the Point.. Blank Youth Magazine

In 2014 Youth Foundation Laverton piloted a youth leadership program through the development of a creative youth driven magazine. Point Blank Youth Magazine is a youth content driven, adult mentored print and digital publication social enterprise project that supports young people in developing leadership, social entrepreneurship, self-esteem, literacy, community and organisational skills.

The aim of Point Blank Youth Magazine is to give youth a voice in the region. We are excited to have the opportunity to work alongside around Point Cook, Around Hoppers and Around Altona, and we hope that our youth driven content paves the way for other youth to reach out to this fantastic publication:pointblankyouthmagazine.com.au

Issue 846

“I was always worried about what would happen if I lost my job – anxious about the past and the future. You can’t sleep.”

“We did some meditation that he described as mindfulness and suggested I take up something similar that suits me,” he said.

Around four years later, his brother who had visited a Vipassana centre in India, recommended Dariush give it a try. The meditation technique originated over 2,500 years ago with centres all over the globe offering courses in the form of retreats free from distraction.

Dariush noticed the experience had changed his brother’s life; he’d given up smoking and seemed happy.

“In 2003, I enrolled in a ten day course at Vipassana Centre in Woori Yallock. There is no conversion or religion. You get up before sunrise and go to bed at sunset. You eat two meals a day at sunrise and 11 am. You don’t talk unless you have a question – you can ask questions after sessions and at the end of the day there is a discussion.”

With each day there were new instructions and people around to assist you. Dariush said he found his body ‘jumping’ on the third or fourth day, as his mind settled into a state where it reveals things to you, and you start to remember things from the past and face those memories with a clearer mind.

“You remember and then you let go,” he said.

“In the early days, there are a lot of distractions – back pain, an itchy nose. You must observe the pain and not react to it. Stay calm and allow it to pass – that’s the power.

It’s observation time and your mind gets uncomfortable as you pass through what’s bothering you. You think, ‘why don’t I just get up and go’.

By day seven or eight, Dariush could completely ‘switch off’ for a few seconds and he describes the experience as bliss.

“I got rid of all the layers, issues with my Dad… something I didn’t even know in my normal consciousness but it affects you in your actions.”

As a result of daily meditation, Dariush said he has a better awareness of life in general and confl icts don’t affect him in the same way that they would have before.

“These days I do a shorter version of it,” he added. “about ten minutes a day at least.”

I am now three weeks into the Mindful in May challenge and I’m feeling more clarity in my experiences of the day. As MIM Founder Dr Bailyew describes it, “practising mindfulness of thoughts enables us to observe thoughts rather than be completely pulled into their story line.”

Mindful in May is a Melbourne based project with a global vision. The Challenge also raises funds for clean water wells in developing countries around the world. So far, the initiative has raised $259,119.90. While registrations for Mindful in May are now closed, you can visit the site for plenty of inspiration at www.mindfulinmay.org or look them up on Facebook.

Petronella Boonen

from page 4

Issue 84 7

KEEPING IT REAL

In a world absolutely obsessed with self-image, the health and beauty industry is thriving, but with so many options and so much confl icting information about what we need to look and feel good, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and confused. Altona locals, Joanna Glazebrook and Gilda Incigneri are keen to simplify things with their 100% natural skin care range, The Raw Philosophy.

With Joanna’s vast experience in the beauty industry and Gilda’s natural aptitude for business and marketing their partnership is thriving. A strong work ethic and a willingness to invest in their dreams have seen these young women take their products far and wide with one humble goal in mind, “to help people feel good about themselves!”Joanna, having dealt with skin issues as a teen, has always been fascinated by skin - “Being in the beauty industry for my whole working career, I’ve used many different brands and often been disappointed. Making my own skincare range has always been a dream of mine, so I fi nally put it into practice!” After a year of experiments with recipes and formulas, the Coconut & Lime Sugar Scrub was born, and with it, The Raw Philosophy.

The company’s mission statement is a basic one: 100% Pure, Safe and Honest. The women know exactly what goes into most of the products in the marketplace today and it frightens them, “Our philosophy is simple … why would we apply chemicals to our skin that we wouldn’t feel right about ingesting?”

Their range of products has expanded considerably, with body whips, lip butters and the fabulous Miracle Oil all made free from synthetic preservatives and chemicals that cause harm and toxicity in the body.

Hoping to share the knowledge they have and to create an

easy and affordable way for people to employ a quality skin care regime, Joanna and Gilda are working towards one day opening up their own store. Until then their full range is available through their website, http://www.therawphilosophy.com.

Melissa Longo

Issue 848

THE WATCHBAND

All I wanted was a new band for my watch. The lady in the shop was helpful and asked to see the watch. “Oh, dear,” she said, “it’s old, isn’t it?”

Actually, it’s not old. I am old, but the watch was bought less than 20 years ago when watches were thin and did not have devices that told you how deep you were under water or the temperature in London or how many metres to the putting surface. It told the day and date, neither of which I had got around to fi xing, but it kept correct time and fi tted comfortably on my wrist, even if, in recent years, it was inclined to migrate towards the elbow.

This lady in the fancy jewelry store looked at me in a way that suggested either pity at my backwardness or sadness for what happens to people when they grow old or maybe just annoyance at a doddering old fogy taking up her time. More likely, she felt that using one of the bands in the collection in her shop would be like dressing a beggar in ermine.

There was, however, a Mister Minit booth up the street, she

said, and they might be able to help. I wonder if she read embarrassment and shame in my face, and a determination to never again go into a shop that sells expensive things.

There must be an opening in the marketplace for outlets that are specifi cally geared to pensioners. Places where you could buy shoes that did not have pointy toes and trousers that were not so thin that they showed off your spindly legs. You could have an off-licence that sold Reschs beer and even a shop with dark curtains on the windows where you could buy plug tobacco. You might be able to get slide rules or typewriter ribbons or books that were not about vampires or shades of grey.

For the record, I did visit the young lady in the booth suggested by her more snooty counterpart and as she hammered and tweezered my watchband, we had the kind of conversation that made me feel she was actually pleased to see me.

Frank O’Shea

Issue 84 9

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The topic of domestic violence has dominated the headlines over the past month and for good reason, the statistics really are shocking. 24 Australian women have lost their lives this year alone to either a current or former partner; this is more than one woman a week. 1 in 3 Australian women have experienced some form of physical violence since the age of 15, with 62% happening in their own home and over half have their children in their care at the time of the violence.

Some of the most confronting statistics come from those women seeking help, last year more than 18,500 phone calls for help to 1800 RESPECT went unanswered and each night homeless shelters are turning away more than 400 people including women fl eeing violence.

At the time of writing this article Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced new GPS ankle bracelets will be considered by the state and federal government to monitor domestic violence repeat offenders. The Federal Government also confi rmed $4 million dollars of funding

to the 1800 RESPECT hotline.

But what can we do? What can you or I do to stamp out domestic violence in our community. Over half those effected from domestic violence never contact police and 24% never seek advice or support.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence please seek support, do not try to handle the situation yourself. Domestic violence is not always physical it can also be emotional, sexual, fi nancial or social abuse. Do not feel you are alone; there are many organisations in Victoria to help victims of domestic violence. There is also plenty of support material for those concerned about a friend or relative. It is important to remember that if there is an immediate physical danger, do no hesitate to contact police on 000.

For further information please visit www.dvrcv.org.au

Kristy Clucas

Issue 8410

THIS MONTH IN 1951The Argus, Thursday 21st June 1951

CHILDREN LEAVE SWAMPED ALTONA

An unoffi cial evacuation of children is going on at Altona, a seaside suburb 10 miles from Melbourne. About 400 yards from the sea-front, the ground slopes into what looks like a catchment area.

Rain either washes away topsoil, leaving a gluey clay, or spreads thick, clinging mud over the roads and foot paths. Mud slimes the lawns and house pathways, and oozes under the houses themselves. There are few lawns or fl ower beds. The area is really brown and dreary.

Residents are doing their best to help themselves. People like Mr. and Mrs. C. Wenlock, in Maidstone st, have paid £11 for surface dressing to provide a track from their gate to their house. “Frankly, we can’t afford to throw money away like that,” Mrs. Wenlock told me, “We’ve got four young children, and we’re still paying off our house.” She broke off to fi sh her 10-months old son Peter out of an eight inches deep pool in her backyard. “You can see why I had to send my six year old away,” she resumed. “She suffers from asthma, and this would kill her.”

In the streets near the State school, children waded through puddles, mud splattered, their boots heavily caked.

Protests

Residents claimed that their councillors showed apathy, and lacked civic pride. They have demonstrated publicly against three councillors, who failed to attend a meeting of protest against “waterlogging.”

They claim that sewage and other waste material is being washed from containers, and that it will lie over yard and street until the dry weather acts as scavenger. And Altona is no pioneer town on the fringes of development. Residents say that, last year, hundreds of pounds were spent on the beach.

(The article included 4 photographs of too poor a quality to re-produce here, but I mention them below in case they or their families still live in the area.)

BREADCARTERS: Mrs. J. Murdoch and Mrs. J. Cook wading to make deliveries.

MRS. C. Wenlock balancing on a narrow strip of cinders to hang up washing -and with so much mud about Altona housewives say they’re always at the copper.

TELEGRAPH girl Evelyn Newton, forced to dismount her bicycle.

GUM-BOOTED Gloria Keeshan and Rosemary Joiner, sloshing their way to school.

Greg Milne

Issue 84 11

Film Review MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

The original Mad Max was released over 35 years ago; I have never seen it, but am familiar with its premise and popularity. The movie made Mel Gibson a star and put Australian cinema on the map. Once again, after many years of production, George Miller has revisited his dystopian universe with his latest effort, Mad Max: Fury Road. A reboot, rather than a remake, Fury Road is a visual feast. Filmed on location in Namibia, the sweeping sand-scapes serve to highlight the harshness of this new world, where water is everything and greenery is a dream worth dying for.Tom Hardy plays Max as intensely and aggressively as he can, whilst still managing to keep the audience fi rmly on his side. Charlize Theron matches his intensity blow for blow and quite rightly commands attention.This fi lm is disturbing and beautiful at the same time. With action at every turn, the fi lm is relentless. The stunts are 80% real, with CGI being used as sparingly as possible. This production is second to none and the reward for not looking away is well worth the effort.

Melissa Longo

Issue 8412

Notices

ADAVIC ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

SUPPORT GROUP

COMMUNITY CAFÉ WEEKLY

HOBSONS BAY (ALTONA)

GARDEN CLUB INC.

COMMUNITY CAFÉ

Connect with others in a safe environment to share experiences and

coping strategies.

Every Tuesday 7:30-9:30pm at the Louis Joel Arts & Community Centre,

Sargood St, Altona.

$5 Casuals / $3 Members

For more info phone: (03) 9853-8089 | email: adavic@adavic.org.au |

visit: www.adavic.org.au

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

LavertonEvery Wednesday,

12noon-1pm Altona Meadows Community Centre 28 Trafalgar Avenue, Altona

MeadowsEvery Friday, 12noon-1pm 3 course meal, both days cost:

$8/$5 (conc)Bookings essential by

Monday/ Thursday Phone:8368 0177

We invite you to join us. We meet on the third Monday of the month at 1pm. Located at the Youth Hall, corner of Civic Pde and Sugargum

Drive, Altona.We have great speakers, demonstrations and a trading table.

Enjoy a social afternoon tea with warm and friendly people. Any

inquires please ring Val on 9398 2002 or Bernice on 9314 2593

12 Noon – 1pm

WednesdayLaverton Community Centre

The Laverton Hub95-105 Railway Ave

Laverton

FridayAltona Meadows

Community Centre28 Trafalgar AveAltona Meadows

Bookings Essential

8368 0177

ALTONA NORTH COMBINED PROBUS

CLUB: Retired or semi-retired?

Interested in developing new friends, or interests. Join our

friendly group at the Community Hall, Cypress Av., Brooklyn

-10.00am on 3rd Wednesday of each month. Guest speakers, trips and other activities are

organised. Enquiries: Lois 9399 2554 or Pam 9314 4640

DO YOU ENJOY SINGING?

The Altona Community Choir invites you to come along and

join us on Monday evenings from 7:30-9:30 at the Altona Seniors Citizen Centre on the corner of Sargood and Queen

St. No singing experience required, we have a conductor

and pianist to teach us the music. Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome to come along.

Interested? Call or SMS Paula on 0409 215 352.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Is drinking costing you more than money?

24 hour helpline 1300 22 22 22

No matter where in the area someone rings this number

from, it will be answered locally.

ALTONA LADIESPROBUS CLUB

FUN, FELLOWSHIP & FRIENDSHIP

We meet every 4th ThursdayAt the Altona RSL – 10am start.

We have monthly speakers,Theatre outing every 4th Monday

Lunch dine out every 3rd Wednesday

Occasional trips and outingsNew members will be made very

welcomeEnquiries to Merle – 9398 3640

Or Jenny – 9398 3379

THE ALTONA FRUIT AND VEGIE SWAP Takes place on the second

Saturday of every month from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Rotunda in Logan Reserve

PierStreet, Altona.

Hi,Would it be possible to put our new CWA (Country Women’s

Ass) branch on the Community Board? We are Point Cook

Evening Branch CWA. We meet 3rd Thursday of each month at

D’Olive on Point Cook Road at 7 pm.

Open to all women for friendship, community service, social issues,

creativity, women’s and children’ s issues, personal

development and craftsIn return for your time, the CWA will deliver fun, friendship and a feeling of belonging to Australia’s

leading women’s organisation.Contact

Chris: 0424014757Karen: 0411035217

Editor: Yes certainly you do some excellent work!

Issue 84 13

Altona Kids

Hi Kids, I hope you did something extra special for your Mum or Motherly Guardian this Mothers Day. DID YOU KNOW: Mothers were first honoured by the ancient civilisations of the Romans and Greeks.

Both cultures presented gifts and flowers to their Mother of the gods at an annual spring carnival. And what about the Early Christians? They honoured the Virgin Mary on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

Then in the 1600s this festival extended to honour the mothers of England and was given the title, Mothering Sunday. On this day servant children were given a day off to return home and spend it with their Mothers. They often took with them a fruit cake, or mothering cake, as it was called. Ever heard of Julia Ward Howe or Anna Jarvis? They were two American women who separately

championed for Mothers Day to be officially recognised. Several years after the initial thought and after much lobbying and lettering writing to political leaders, their efforts finally paid off. In 1914, the second Sunday in May was designated as Mothers Day by the President of the U.S.A.And Nowadays? Well, Mothers Day is celebrated across 46 countries. In some countries special TV

programmes are aired and the Government organise national celebrations. In other countries, children simply thank their mum with homemade cards and breakfast in bed. What did you get up to on Mothers Day? Write in and tell us.

KJ Rajah

Issue 8414

A WORD FROM HON. JILL HENNESSY, MEMBER FOR ALTONA

The Andrews Labor Government is delivering on its election promises and investing in schools, hospitals, infrastructure and transport across Victoria, including here in the West. This month, I want to share some of the exciting announcements in the 2015-2016 Victorian Budget which will benefi t families living in Altona District. Local parents will be delighted to know that the Budget provides $1.6 million for the promised Integrated Children’s Hub in Altona, which will include long day care, a kinder, and maternal child health services, as well as playgroups and other support services. I’m also proud to announce $200 million in the Budget to build the Western Women’s & Children’s Hospital, which will provide 237 beds, 39 special care nursery cots, four theatres and additional clinics to help meet the needs of our growing community.

The West is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia and we need a hospital system that will be able to meet future demand. That’s why the Government is also providing $85 million to redevelop and expand Werribee Mercy Hospital, to build six extra operating theatres and 64 new inpatient beds. The Budget also includes the next stage of the Western

Ring Road upgrade, which will widen the road and improve traffi c management, and the Government has also entered into negotiations with Transurban about its Western Distributor proposal. Community feedback on this project can be provided at http://consult.transurban.com, and I encourage you all to have your say. There is plenty more exciting news in this Budget. For a full list of the key announcements for Altona District visit www.jillhennessy.com.au/news/budget2015

Issue 84 15

MESSAGE FROM YOUR CHERRY LAKE WARD COUNCILLORS

June, fi fty years ago, was an important time for Altona – a new library opened, the shire council was celebrating eight years with a luncheon at the civic hall, and a number of residential streets were in the process of being built. One street that was built in 1965 was Scullin Street and it was heartening to hear residents from the street recently celebrating the fi ftieth anniversary with a party and a sing-along of Happy Birthday.

On 6 June from 10am to 1pm, we’ll be celebrating fi fty years of Altona Library with a birthday cake, face painting, games, music, activities and Story Time. If you have any stories from the last fi fty years come down and share them with us. The day before, the library will be celebrating World Environment Day. There’ll be everything from citrus care to Bokashi, bicycle-powered smoothies to those tram-conductors-turned-wildlife-enthusiasts The Connies. It’s always nice to step back into history. Several weeks ago we held an afternoon tea to honour former Altona Shire Mayors and it was great to discuss days gone by with former City of Altona Mayors Doug Grant, Danny Duane and Graeme Hosken, and former Hobsons Bay Mayorrs Dick Murdoch, Renee Caruana and Leigh Hardinge. Historical photographs of the Altona Shire Presidents (1957-1968) and Altona City Mayors (1968-1993) have been assembled in a special place of honour at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre. If anyone would like to come into Council for a viewing please contact us on either of the numbers below to arrange.

Preserving the heritage of the local area is important and, on that note, Council has written a letter in support of the recent nomination for Truganina Explosives Reserve to be put on the Victorian Heritage Register. The area is signifi cant on both a regional and state level. The geology can tell us a lot about past sea levels and the formation of the coastal fl ats. The fence and keeper’s residence are important structural remnants from the time when explosives were stored there after being brought by horse tram from Laverton Railway Station. There are around 137 species of fl ora with remnant stands of Kangaroo grass and Chaffy saw-sedge. The area provides a habitat

for three species of State signifi cance (Nankeen night heron, brown quail, white-bellied sea-eagle) in addition to the endangered Altona skipper butterfl y.

By the end of July work will be completed on the Apex Park car park, and during the construction period drivers will be directed to park on the Esplanade or off Queen Street at Doug Grant Reserve next to the Truganina Explosives Reserve.

Did you know that Apex Park is the starting point for the Altona Beach park run which takes place every Saturday? It’s free and run entirely by volunteers. The itinerary is simple. You meet at 8am at Apex Park, chat to your fellow runners, run 5 kilometres, then fi nd out your time, relax and go for coffee. The event is a great community initiative made possible thanks to a grant from Council. More information can be found here - http://www.parkrun.com.au/altonabeach/

Cherry Lake Ward Cr Sandra WilsonContact details: 0419 287 117 or swilson@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Cherry Lake Ward Cr Jason PriceContact details: 0438 871 814 or jprice@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Council’s website – www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Issue 8416

FILM MAKING WORKSHOPS IN ALTONA

Are you interested in making short fi lms including your own?

Hobson’s Bay now has its very own “Very Cool” Filmmaking Workshops every Tuesday night from 6.00

to 8.00pm @ Altona Senior Citizens Centre, 2 Sargood St, Altona (Opposite Louis Joel CC).

The workshops are fun, friendly, practical and led by the widely experienced fi lm maker Marty Fripp. Marty’s credits notably include Mad Max 1 and 2.

Book in now for your opportunity to develop your skills and be supported in making your movie making dreams come true! Bookings are essential and places are limited. The cost is a very reasonable $10.00 per session.

Please email: lawrenjohns@gmail.com to register your interest now.

These workshops are proudly supported by Hobsons Bay City Council and contribute to the 2015 Altona Beach Film Festival. For further information contact John Lawrence on Ph: 0408 096 447

Issue 84 17

A HIGH TEA OCCASION FOR A MOTHERS DAY CELEBRATION

Kyla-Jayne Rajah

Once a year Mothers are thanked for being the cornerstone of the family and stewards of their children who they shape from dependent infants into responsible members of humanity. A few Saturdays ago in Altona Meadows about 120 women were cherished while celebrating their roles as mothers, grandmothers, and expectant mothers at a High Tea event. The occasion has been running since 2012 and began as a Mothers Day Dinner, but then evolved into a Saturday morning brunch to suit the more preoccupied lives Mothers now lead. “The day before Mothers Day seemed a perfect time of year to run the event as many women afford themselves, or their mothers, a morning to relax, enjoy, and allow themselves to be a little spoilt,” says Pastor Stephen Holt from Altona Christian Centre.

Preparation for the High Tea begins months in advance and involves around 40 volunteers under the organisation and coordination of Pastor Helen Holt. For this year’s High Tea several of the helpers included the church’s Youth Group who were happy to give up their Friday night to help set up the venue with silver service table settings and decorate the walls with décolletage-stickers and heavenly words like, ‘hope’. In the past, money raised from ticket sales has helped subsidise trips for the Youth Group, like an annual camp and a trip to the snow. This year, however, was different as some of the money raised was put towards another worthy cause.

In the Eastern Hills region of Andhra Pradesh, India, there are eleven young girls who live at the Mercy Home for Little Sisters. These daughters were rescued out of the impoverished circumstances of the sex-slave industry – a billion dollar trade exacerbated by India’s caste

system, family poverty and the illegal traffi cking of child labour. Many tribal children in India are yet to be rescued from child prostitution and when the pastors of Altona Christian Centre heard about the work of Little Sisters they decided to use the High Tea event to fundraise for it, “We were able to raise $750.00 for the Little Sisters mission through ticket sales and on top of this there were extra sums raised by Little Sisters directly through their sales of handmade [jewellery] items.”

The timing was perfect - as was the symphony of cooperation that enabled several West Melbourne mothers to take the time to chat, refl ect or contemplate while the youth served coffee and replenished plates of sandwiches and scones. The fare was value to the soul as were the

one-off pieces of jewellery handcrafted by Rebhecca Lancaster; founder of Little Sisters. She mentioned that within each piece of jewellery (of which a sum goes to her vision to free children from captivity) she places a pearl to represent purity, beauty and innocence hoping that each recipient catches the depth of their true worth no matter what circumstances have shaped their life.

“It is our hope that the women leave [the high tea] encouraged and hopefully feeling valued,” says Pastor Stephen. A sentiment that resounds not only as a reminder to how signifi cant mothers’ roles are in raising their children, but how essential their contribution is to the daughters of India whose true value is still to be uncovered and cherished.

To fi nd out more about Little Sisters go to www.rebhecca.com, for information about Altona Christian Centre go to: www.altonacc.org

Issue 8418

SCHOOL BREAKFAST FUNDING TO CONTINUE

Local students will continue to have access to a free healthy breakfast, thanks to support from the Altona, Laverton and Point Cook Community Bank® branches Bendigo Bank. The Community Bank® branches have announced further funding for the Kick-Start Breakfast program for students at Laverton P-12 College, Point Cook Senior Secondary College, Altona North Primary School and Altona P-9 College. The Rotary Club of Altona is a fi nancial partner in the Altona schools program. This initiative is now in its third year and proven to be a success in ensure all students receive a wholesome nutritious breakfast on a regular basis. Chair of the local Community Bank® branches, Henry Da Silva, said the branches were pleased in partnership with Rotary Club of Altona to help continue the benefi ts of the program. “Research conducted by the Victorian Government shown that students who have participated in the program have enhanced attendance and learning outcomes. In fact 20% of school aged children regular skip breakfast. Feedback from the schools is that the program has been embraced by the school community” he said. “This is a wonderful example of how Community Bank® branches can work in partnership schools and the Rotary Club, to contribute to our communities in such a positive way.”

Altona Rotary Club’s Youth Director Jim Donner said the club was delighted to be part of the Kick Start Breakfast Program.“This program supports students in our local communities by providing a way to develop healthy eating habits that carry over to adult years,” Mr Donner said. “This is such an important initiative providing students with opportunities to excel academically, emotionally and socially by providing a healthy start to their day.” Funding is provided directly to the schools, so that the breakfast menu can be tailored to the particular school community and cultural backgrounds of its students Sofi a Mougas, Assistant Principal at Laverton P-12 College, said the program has become an important part of the schools culture. “The Community Bank® Breakfast program has allowed our school to provide breakfast daily to our students across the campus, with over 200 students per day benefi ting” she said. “Through the Community Bank® funding of this program, it has allowed our school community to provide breakfast that works and suits the diverse backgrounds of our students. Not only do we offer toast and cereals; we also provide cooked rice dishes, bacon and eggs, pancake days and a variety of other dishes. Additionally, it suits our younger students to be provided with fresh fruit at the beginning of school,” said Ms Mougas.

Issue 84 19

2015 WILLY LIT FEST SWIMMING IN WORDS – MARK YOU DIARIES 13TH-14TH JUNE 2015

Now you can have a mid-June swim without having to put one toe in the water!

If you are reading this newspaper, chances are you’ve already experienced the joy of a paddle or two and like me, you’re ready to splash into Williamstown Town Hall, Library and surrounds on the weekend of June 13th - 14th, with goggles at the ready.

The theme of this year’s Willy Lit Fest or, if you are a more serious type, the 2015 Williamstown Literary Festival is ‘Swimming in Words’.

The Festival celebrates the spoken and written word in a spectacular offering some fi fty events covering a wide range of topics to inspire - politics, environment, war, memoirs, family life, love, travel – there’s something for everyone. Poetry, comedy, adventure and music are showcased in the form of author talks, interviews, and discussion panels and workshops in the company of more than seventy authors.Local author Lucia Nardo (Around Altona has been fortunate to publish some of Lucia’s stories in the past) is facilitating a creativity workshop called Treasure Mapping to break through writers block and deepen creativity. Lucia is also taking part in Stereo Stories and performed her story about the World War 2 song Lili Marlene at the Festival launch in April. Speaking as her father Salvatore Romita played the piano accordion – the audience was captivated.

Children are invited to Draw with Leigh Hobbs and I suddenly wish I was shorter. This author and artist continues to bring magic to family homes with the adventures of Old Tom and Horrible Harriet. Williamstown writer and founder of Stereo Stories, Vin Maskell takes on the Festival’s nautical theme by the bow, chairing an event called Swimming in Ink. He asks the question, “How does the sea shape the narratives and characters in the novels of three fi ction writers, Favel

Parret, Enza Gandolfo and Jock Serong. If you’d like to share your own talented words with the community, Chris Ringrose is hosting the People’s Choice Awards Prose and Poetry – come forward with your own poem or prose and the audience will vote for the winner of the event.

Festival guests include Stephen Carroll, Helen Garner, Hannie Rayson, Barrie Cassidy, David Day, Tim Watts MP, Anson

Cameron, Alice Garner, Joshua Funder, Leigh Hobbs, Andy Griffi ths, John Marsden, Sally Rippin, Alice Pung, David Astle, Anne Buist, Matt Blackwood, and Graeme Simsion. Visit willylitfest.org.au for more information, event bookings and for those planners amongst us, a chance to map out the days. I’m looking forward to a great weekend to play with words by the water so, as the surfers say, ‘I’ll see you in the soup!’

Petronella Boonen

Issue 8420

FROM USHUAIA TO USHUAIA – A CRUISE TO THE ANTARCTIC THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

After three days at South Georgia we now headed south for Antarctica via the South Orkney Islands and the South Shetland Archipelago. Following a day at sea we arrived at the Orcadas Base on Laurie Island in the South Orkneys. The Orcadas Base is an Argentinean research base and has been permanently populated since 1904. The station houses up to 45 people during summer and 14 during winter time. The residents were pleased to see us and following a tour of the base invited us into their recreation building for hot drinks, biscuits – and souvenirs!

Our next stop was scheduled to be Elephant Island, where Shackleton had set out for South Georgia on his rescue mission for his men and ship stranded on the isle. However the weather was bad and the seas rough, so the Captain decided to make straight for the Antarctic Peninsula and disembarkation at Brown Bluff in the Antarctic Sound.

At 6.30am we disembarked at Brown Bluff, an old volcanic

crater, and took our fi rst footsteps on the Antarctic mainland. It was a thrilling moment for us all to have fi nally stepped foot on this magnifi cent, remote continent! Now that we were in Antarctica we started to zig zag across the Weddell Sea to fi nd good weather and make more shore landings. Our next landing was at Paulet Island, a crater landscape surrounded by massive tubular icebergs and thousands of Adelie penguins on a huge rookery. Leopard and Crab eater seals relaxed on icebergs as we cruised by in our zodiacs.

The next morning we visited Half Moon Island and Deception Island – and for the fi rst time on our journey, it snowed. Heading further down the peninsula we reached Almirate Brown Station in Paradise Bay. And it was truly a paradise; huge glaciers, mountains and fascinating rock formations. It was a sunny morning, the seas were still and we were able to zodiac close to the glaciers and icebergs and the abundant wildlife of the area – including

Issue 84 21

Yachts in Paradise BayLeopard Seal on an iceberg

with the MS Hanseatic in the background

Entering the (very now) Lemaire Channel

A Gentoo Penguin chick Almirate Brown Base with the MS Hanseatic in the background

some whales. As we turned into a little bay we saw two yachts at anchor – it was eerie to see such small vessels in this remote location.

Our fi nal stop was at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Port Lockroy was established as a British base in 1944 and remained operational until 1962. It is now being restored by the British Antarctic Heritage Trust as a museum, with a souvenir shop and a post offi ce – the most southernmost post offi ce in the world! This rocky outpost would be about the size of a football oval surrounded by mountains and glaciers. As we entered the site we had to tread carefully as the penguins were so tame that they would rub up against your legs. Soon the residents of this remote location would be locked in for winter with

no visitors for months - now we were on our way back to Ushuaia via the Drake Passage.

These three articles cannot do justice to the Antarctic experience; its size and beauty is overwhelming and teems with wildlife. I say to people “imagine what you think the Antarctic is like then multiply it a thousand times” - that’s what it’s like!

It is a privilege to have seen the Antarctic and it reinforces in my mind how important it is for us to protect and preserve this special place.

John Dickenson, local resident from Altona

Issue 8422

BINGE TELEVISION

I’m into binge television,And so are a lot of my pals:We enjoy a weekend sessionWithout mind-numbing commercials.

I’ve just watched the second seasonOf “House of Cards”: murderous intrigue.For sheer ruthlessness and treason,Few pollies in Frank Underwood’s league.

About a drug lord sans remorseWas the long series “Breaking Bad”.For Bryan Cranston a tour de force;When it fi nished, I felt quite sad.

A feast of amorality,“Dexter” was certainly not nice:This heroic serial killerWas a master of slice and dice.

“The Borgias”, alas, was cancelled;After season three it got the chop.In frustration I could have yelled:These guys had their foes on the hop.

In “Vikings” there’s lots of goreWhen Ragnar’s Norsemen go berserk,For that is the way they waged war:Slaughter and pillage their day’s work.

I’ve watched three seasons of “Game of Thrones”,Based on books by George R Martin.Few main protagonists make old bonesIn this tale of swords, sorcery and sin.

I have enjoyed “Boardwalk Empire”,And long-running “Sopranos” as well.In “Justifi ed” and in “Longmire”,Western lawmen give bad guys hell.

So these days I don’t mess aboutWith TV guides or EPG’s:I wait till the DVD’s come out;Then watch them as and when I please.

Jack Nystrom, 9.7.2014.

ALTONA BEACH FILM FESTIVAL “OPEN FOR ENTRIES”

The Altona Beach Film Festival is a short fi lm competition.The competition, the fi rst of it’s kind in Hobsons Bay, is a short fi lm competition.Films can be shorter, but, no longer than 7 minutes and incorporate the theme of “Flight”Films can be entered in categories, under 13 years old, under 21 years old and over 21 years old.Winning entries will receive; monetary prizes, an Alpel Trophy and a certifi cate of achievement.A certifi cate that will indicate the fi rst award recipients of the perpetual Altona Beach Film Festival.Film entries are open now.More information and Film competition entries can be submitted via our web site. www.altonabeachfi lmfestival.com.auEntries close July 30th 2015.We all watch fi lms, we all have a favourite fi lm.We all fi lm on our phones, iPads, camera’s and drones.So... Everyone and anyone can make a fi lm.“Flight” is open to your creative interpretation.The Altona Beach Film Festival would love to see your entry.

Issue 84 23

LEARN TO BELLYDANCEBeginner to

Intermediate Classes in Altona East.Great for all age, size & fi tness levels.

Call Nicole on 0430 595 702www.bluefi rebellydance.com.au

ALTONA BEACH PHOTOGRAPHY

Advertise your business here..call

Will on 0449 834 359

Cartridge worldNEW AND REFILLED INK AND

LASER CARTRIDGESSHOP 11 HARRINGTON SQUARE, MAIDSTONE ST, ALTONA 3018

PH.9398 5200 FAX.9398 5211

Your stories and photos are what

keep the Around Altona conversation

going. Local club news is also

welcome.

Send your stories, articles and

letters to editor@aroundaltona.

com.au or drop them off at

the Louis Joel Arts and Community

Centre in Sargood Street.

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Issue 8424