around point cook community newspaper

AROUND POINT COOKAROUND POINT COOK Community Newspaper Community Newspaper

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The Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is distributed in Point Cook.

www.aroundpointcook.com Issue 6

WEERAMA FESTIVAL - ALL FUN AND EXCITEMENTOnly a short trip from Point Cook this weekend was the Weerama

Festival. There was plenty of events going on to choose from in the area. We chose the Werribee Racecourse and what a great day to put on such a festival. The sun was shining there was smiles and joy all over the place.

There was certainly no shortage of entertainment at the track and a fantastic collection of information stalls and shops to tickle your fancy.

The kids were no doubt the target audience here with no end of interesting sights sounds and amusements. We all had a ball!

Zoo escapee?

Irish Dancers in action.Irish Dancers in action.

SPECIALSMonday - Wednesday

2 Large Pizzas & Garlic Bread$14.00

2 Large Pizzas & Garlic Bread$14.00

2 Large Pizzas & Garlic Bread

3 Large Pizzas & Garlic Bread & 1.25lt Coke

$20.50

Extra charges apply for half ‘n’ half Pizzas, additional toppings, Pizzas 11, 14 & 16

and extras on Kebabs

WEERAMA FESTIVAL - ALL FUN AND EXCITMENT

Pictures tell a thousand words!

Thanks for a great day, credit should be given to the organisers of this great local event. I hope that a few of you managed to get out and about to enjoy what the Weerama Festival had to offer.

FOR SALEDebutante Gown$750 - Size 10

Raffaele Ciuccia DesignPLANTS

Yakka’s $35Agave $35

Mondo Grass $2Call Louise on 0403 191 084

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New location for 2010 76-78 Epsom Street, Altona Meadows

Ballet, Jazz and Tap classes Boogie Babies and Little Movers daytime

classes for children from 2 years

New for 2010 Adult Tap - Thursday's 6:45-7:30pm Call Hayley on 0400 720651 or visit our website

www.pointcookperformingarts.com

TRAIL A VITAL LINK TO POINT COOK’S SIGNIFICANT WETLANDSA new $2.8 million section of shared trail at Point

Cook Coastal Park will provide valuable recreation opportunities and the chance for visitors to appreciate the unique value of the internationally signifi cant Cheetham Wetlands.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings with local MP Jill Hennessy, offi cially opened the new section of the trail recently which is situated between the Sanctuary Lakes estate and the internationally recognised RAMSAR-listed Cheetham Wetlands.

The new one kilometre shared path for cyclists and pedestrians continues on from the existing Skeleton Creek Trail and features a 200 metre bridge across Skeleton Creek. This provides a vital link over Skeleton Creek between the existing Bay Trail and the Point Cook Coastal Park.

The new section of trail and bridge also features an innovative animal exclusion fence specifi cally designed to protect Cheetham Wetland’s abundant bird life from domestic and feral animals. This is one of the fi rst times this specially designed fencing has been used.

Mr Jennings said the project required careful planning and consultation, and the result is a prime example of building new facilities in a sensitive and important wetland environment.

Each year, the Point Cook Coastal Park and Cheetham Wetlands host migratory birds from as far away as Siberia and Japan, and so the movement of these birds has been a key factor in the timing of works.

Jill Hennessy, the new Local Member covering the Point Cook area, said the new section of trail would provide valuable recreation opportunities and the chance for more people to appreciate the unique value of the Cheetham Wetlands.

“This important project will provide signifi cant benefi t to the local community and serve to protect this wonderful natural environment and the fl ora and fauna it nourishes,” she said.

Wyndham City Council also contributed $350,000 towards the project.

The next stage of the trail will see it provide access to Point Cook Coastal Park and beyond, eventually leading all the way to Geelong.

QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITORThe Around Point Cook Community Newspaper is

starting to get a bit of traction. People are keen to have a read and are very positive about the progress being made with the paper. Great Feedback thanks. It is certainly a work in progress.

I am wanting to try and encourage a couple of people who may have some graphic design skills to get involved and help me with the Editing. It is quite a bit of work so I am basically trying to get some parts done by someone who may have a keen interest in this type of thing. When you are putting together a large paper it does take many hours of your time, however if its just the one sheet with a good template and an expert trainer, your only talking about a couple of hours a month.

[email protected] you have suggestions for what you may want to

read in here please send me an email and let me know. The content is going to be guided by those that have an interest, and you may just fi nd that you get the information that you desire.

Anyway, time for me to get onto the hard yards now and get this Issue well on its way.

Editor.

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Around Point Cook Community Newspaper�

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Music And Event News By Leezonwww.myspace.com/leezon1

Upcoming Events…

April 2 – Neon Circus @ Billboard

April 5 – Darkbeat 7th Bday @ Brown Alley

April 10 – Vogue @ The Motel

April 16 – Liberate @ Billboard

April 17 – Alchemy @ Prince Bandroom

April 25 – Remember - Anzac Day @ Neverland

May 1 – Groovin’ The Moo @ Bendigo Showgrounds

May 8 – Creamfi elds 2010 @ Royal Melbourne Showgrounds

Jun 13 – Winter Sound System 2010 @ Melbourne Park

www.myspace.com/leezon1

Publishers NoteWyndham municipality has now grown to be

one of the largest in Australia and the number of homes in Point Cook is expected to grow to over 9000 by 2001.

This terrifi c expansion is due to the popularity of the Western suburbs and the facilities available due to the new developments.

When a new area is developed today designers incorporate parks and playgrounds, community buildings, all in an attempt to outdo the previous development and, of course, to attract buyers to the area.

I was pleased to learn this week that our Wetland areas are famous throughout the world and have attracted the attention of the Raster Foundation, a world wide body devoted to the protection of both wetlands and their inhabitants, of which there are many.

Six of us took part in the survey and to my surprise not one of us had heard of the Foundation nor had a great knowledge of this rather special local feature.

I guess now six of us are all fans of our Wetlands and will spread the message of our unsung and little known tourist attraction.

Bill McPherson

Sanctuary Lakes

EyeCare

Point Cook

EyeCare

FOR ALL YOUR EYECARE NEEDS

Shop 18, Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Centre, 300 Point Cook Road, Point Cook, VIC 3030 Email: [email protected]

www.sleyecare.com.au

Tel (03) 9395 7530 Fax (03) 9395 7529

T108, Point Cook Town Centre, 5 Main Street, Point Cook, VIC 3030 Email: [email protected]

www.pceyecare.com.au

Tel (03) 9395 8600 Fax (03) 9395 8611

Daniel Dunstone, with Essendon Football Club goal-kicking great Matthew Lloyd and Beijing Olympic badminton player Erin Carroll.

JILL HENNESSY MP CONTRATULATES DANIEL

DUNSTONEMember for Altona, Jill Hennessy MP, today

congratulated Daniel Dunstone from Point Cook College (formerly Point Cook Primary School) on being a winner in the 16th annual Victorian School Sports Awards.

Ms Hennessy said “These awards recognise the highest level of sporting excellence and highlight the exceptional talent and dedication thriving in our local Government schools”.

With the rise in childhood obesity it is vital that children are encouraged to exercise from an early age.

She said “Sport and physical education in our schools is one way the Brumby Government is helping students establish the lifelong habit of enjoying regular physical activity.

“I also acknowledge the enormous support of sport’s unsung heroes, including parents, teachers and community members, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help students achieve their

sporting best” she said.and community members, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help students achieve their

sporting best” she said.and community members, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help students achieve their

Winning students were recognised in 17 sports ranging from cricket and badminton to tennis, athletics and swimming.

“Daniel Dunston, well done you have made us proud!” she said.

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Watch this space and after a while, it moves.....

Eighteen years ago the Altona Woodworkers Club Inc. was formed by a group of keen woodworkers, consisting of both hobby and professional craftspeople.

Since the club’s formation it has been involved with many community events including participating in the Bayside Festival, CRT Transport open days and displays at Hobsons Bay libraries demonstrating the talents that exist amongst the members.

This year, as part of the Bayside Festival, the club was part of ‘Blokes Things’ located in the Finnish Hall on Pier St Altona with a display of quality woodwork items. Being part of ‘Blokes Things’ does not mean the club is only for males; on the contrary females are encouraged to join.

For many years the club has produced toys for Christmas and donated them to St Vincent de Paul Society, The Salvation Army and Berry Street Victoria.

Inter club meetings with Lara Woodworkers Inc. and Sunbury & District Woodworkers Club Inc. include show and tell nights and demonstrations of woodworking techniques. Group trips to Geelong, Albury, Orbost, Ballarat and The Working With Wood Show are also organised.

The club has approximately 30 members with various interests including, cabinet making, woodturning, marquetry, carving, furniture restoration, toy making, pyrography (wood burning art), folk art and all working with that marvellous material wood.

At some of our meetings we have our members, or representatives from various companies give talks and/or demonstrations on products and techniques used in woodworking, e.g. wood fi nishes, saw sharpening, wood turning, use of the router, safety in the workshop, tool maintenance... etc.

Members are happy to guide novices through a project from planning stage through to the fi nished article but would expect new members to have at least a grasp of woodworking methods and tool use.

Meetings are held at the newly rebuilt Bayside Secondary College, Altona North Campus, 1 McArthurs Road, Altona North, every Tuesday evening from 7pm - 10pm. You will see the sawdust hopper from Millers Road and your fi rst two visits are without obligation. All members are covered by an insurance scheme organised by the Victorian Council of Woodworking Clubs.

The annual Membership is $30 plus four term fees of $15 entitles you to the use of all the woodworking equipment at the college including hand tools, bandsaw, thicknesser, wood lathes... etc.

FOR THE LOVE OF WOOD

So if you work with wood and enjoy the e n o r m o u s satisfaction of creating lasting items from it, then why not give the club a try. Call the President Bob Sutcliffe on 9391 6624 or Secretary Vic Pisani on 9363 2853.

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Music Trivia…1. What was the number

one single in Australia, April 2, 2000?

2. What was the number one single in Australia, April 21, 1990?

3. What was the number one single in Australia, April 14, 1980?

(Answers on Page ???)

It’s Festival Season - Festivities happening all

around us! Joy!Bayside Festival started Saturday

the 20th and what a fantastic day it was. I spent the morning scooting over to the Finish Hall to see the ‘Blokes Stuff’ where we had a stall.

Bill put a bunch of Around Point Cook’s and Around Altona’s on the table for people to grab and I had a very decent yarn with a good amount of people. At the time of the festival this was the only space we had left so I might save a couple of pictures for the next issue.

The Around Point Cook’s he put there were old versions! So I have made my protests to get more of the up to date versions at the Stall tomorrow. Lets see how it goes.

The Australian Japanese Model Railway was there with the Altona Wood Working Club, the local Men’s Shed’s, Hobsons Bay Bicycle Users Group just to name a few.

A quick trip across to the Louis Joel Art and Community Centre gave me a fl ying tour of the Qenos Art Show, where I brought quite a lovely little mixed media work.

Lastly over to the Seniors for the little one who decorated a cup cake. Not a long visit today but we

Graham and his Austin outside the Finnish Hall in Altona, the location of the ‘Blokes Stuff’ section of the Bayside Festival.

Lets Catch Snakes!It’s a sunny Sunday afternoon in spring and I’m

in a dark room staring down at an Eastern Brown Snake.

Welcome to most people’s worst nightmare…Victorian Reptile’s Snake Handling Course.

Designed for people who want to catch snakes for a living (I know! There are people that WANT to do this job!) The course is run by our own local reptile expert Matt Stockdale.

But back to the Brown Snake.

This thing is 1.5m long, slim, sleek, deadly fast and I’m about to grab its tail.

Using the technique Matt has shown us a dozen times, I gingerly use a hooked pole to straighten the snake out, then using the pole as a defence against the bitey end, I reach down and grab hold of Australia’s second most poisonous snake.

It’s the fi rst time I’ve touched a venomous snake, or elapid to those in the know, and although it’s unladylike to admit it, I’m drenched in sweat.

Walking backwards to lengthen it out, I hook the snake under its heart, about a third of the way down its body.

Amazingly heavy and muscular, the snake sits neatly on the hook fl icking its forked tongue in and out, scenting the air for prey.

I say a silent prayer that I’m too big to eat and continue murmuring “nice snakey, good snakey” under my breath.

It feels a bit stupid sweet-talking a snake, but seems to work, so I ignore the smirks of Matt and the three other blokes on the course.

Task accomplished, and happy snaps taken, I replace the snake gently on the ground, grateful that it cooperated with my clumsy fi rst attempt.

So why am I here?

Three years ago I took over the management of the 25-acre Point Cook Homestead property in the middle of the 1200-hectare natural wonderland called the Point Cook Coastal Park.

And in case you weren’t aware, Wyndham is home to 4 of Australia’s 21 deadly reptiles; the Eastern Brown, Tiger, Red-Bellied Black and Copperhead snakes.

In our area, and most of Point Cook, we often

see Tiger Snakes roaming property on the hunt for mice and frogs; they are nature’s pest controllers.

So rather than run a mile in terror every time I saw one, I decided to take the bull by the horns, or in this case, the snake by the tail, and learn a bit more about them.

Most Tiger Snakes feature distinctive stripes across their body but can be one solid colour, are Australia’s 4th most venomous snake, are most active at temperatures between 21 and 29 degrees, have tiny 3mm long fangs and “big, boofy heads” according to Matt.

Tiger snakes are generally not aggressive, in fact Matt describes them as being quite lazy and placid, but of course, they will strike if cornered, injured or stepped on.

Both tiger and brown snakes can “dry strike”, which means they can bite without injecting venom, as a warning to back off.

And these are the snakes that he gets called to remove up to 20 times a day throughout summer, mostly from backyards in Sanctuary Lakes or along Skeleton Creek.

And these are the snakes I’m apparently now licensed to capture after another 3 successful attempts at trapping my fast little brown friend.

But, without Matt standing next to me whispering instructions in my ear, somehow I don’t think I’m quite ready for the real deal yet!

Not only does Matt catch and sell reptiles, he also takes injured animals in for rehab and his shop in Hoppers Crossing is a menagerie of all things scaly and a magnet for curious children. Victorian Reptiles is at Unit 6 75-85 Elm Park Drive, Hoppers Crossing & he can be contacted on 0425 829 185.

Writer: Emma Sutcliffe - Point Cook Homestead, Date: November 09, updated 7 March 2010.

Answers to this months Quotes;All three quotes are from SPIKE MILLIGAN

in his book “A DUSTBIN OF MILLIGAN

Quote One is from the ‘fi rst page blurb’, Quote Two is titled BAZONKA and Quote Three is titled RAIN.SPOILER ALERT!

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�� To place an order, phone, email or

contact us via website

Accommodation right here at Sanctuary Lakes

Friends and Family visiting? Need accommodation for a night

or longer?

Special Point Cook residents rate

Give Quest Sanctuary Lakes a call on

9394 2100 www.questsanctuarylakes.com.au

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Music Trivia Answers… 1. Bye Bye Bye - *NSYNC 2. Opposites Attract – Paula Abdul 3. I Got You – Split Enz Music Trivia Answers… 1. Bye Bye Bye - *NSYNC 2. Opposites Attract – Paula Abdul 3. I Got You – Split Enz

About 18 months ago the National View Organisation decided to start a club in our area as it was recognised that the Point Cook and surrounding suburbs were growing at a rapid rate.

This obviously means that new connections have to be made as we women need each other for support and friendship. If you would like to belong to a group of ladies in your area, then come and join us.

To contact us ring Diane on 0407 100 171VIEW is a national, self-governed women’s organisation

with 21,000 members in 400 communities. View is a valued part of The Smith Family. www.view.org.au

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POINT COOK EVENING VIEW CLUB

Can you guess these quotes? The answers are found in this Paper.

Quote One: “MY SON has asked me to write this, he is a good boy,

and very kind to his mother. It was never more than fl esh wounds he gave me. He bought me a washing machine for his birthday, but every time I got in, the paddles nearly beat me to death, oh how we laughed. He is a good boy and kind to his mother. We make big bonfi res for him, but he never goes in. He climbed a tree for his summer holiday. He likes climbing trees. We gave him one for Christmas. He fell off. Oh how we laughed. He is a good boy and kind to his mother. Oh how we laughed.’

Quote Two:“Say Bazonka every dayThat’s what my grandma used to sayIt keeps at bay the Asian Flu’And both your elbows free from glue.So say Bazonka every day(That’s what my grandma used to say)

Don’t say it if your socks are dry!Or when the sun is in your eye!Never say it in the dark(The word you see emits a spark)Only say it in the day(That’s what my grandma used to say!)…”

Quote Three:“There are holes in the sky

Where the rain gets in,

But they’re ever so small

That’s why rain is thin”.

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What on earth is a Bonus Page?

I hear you ask ...

Well it’s what goes in when we have to much content to fi t in the usual 24 pages. Now that has to be a positive sign!

What does this mean, it simply means we jam another page in the middle and the page numbers remain the same. If it looks like staying then we will just make the change permanent and include more numbers. Editor. :-)

Carranballac Shows it’s talent!On Sunday 28th February, 50 Prep to Year 4 Singers from the

Soundhouse program at Carranballac College performed at the Werribee Mercy Hospital Community Fair. These students represented the college with pride and distinction as they performed two great songs; ‘Bring It All Back’ and ‘I Love Rock ‘n Roll.’

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GRIEFGrief is how one reacts to a loss. Grief reactions

may be experienced in response to physical losses, such as a death or in the response to symbolic or social losses such as a divorce or loss of a job. All loss involves the absence of someone loved or something that fulfi ls a signifi cant need in one’s life.

Grief may be experienced in the combination of mental/emotional, physical, or social reaction. Mental/emotional reactions can include anger, guilt, anxiety, sadness, and despair. Physical reactions can include sleeping problems, changes in appetite, physical problems, or illness. Social reactions can include feelings about taking care of others in the family, role changes in the family, returning to work, or differences in social situations.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve after a signifi cant loss. Most discover how to eventually move on with life, even though the grief experience is a diffi cult and trying time.

Coping styles depend on one’s personality and their relationship with the person who has died. This experience can also be affected by one’s cultural and religious background, coping skills, mental history, and their support system. Taking care of yourself, accessing the support of friends and family can help a person get through diffi cult times.

How do I know when I need help?

Reassurance from others who have also experienced grief and an understanding of what people have commonly undergone when grieving can be a helpful yardstick. Any continued fears or anxieties about your well being or thoughts of self-harm should be addressed by seeking help. Prolonged intense emotion or obsession thought or behaviour that makes functioning diffi cult may also require help.

When choosing Candlepines you are dealing with a close knit team of family members who have the time to listen. We stay in touch with our families and offer practical support and help long after the funeral is over. For more information please visit us at www.candlepines.com.au.

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EASTERSCHOOL HOLIDAYFUNFUNFUNMEET THE EASTER BUNNY!Hop into Point Cook Town Centre this week, find the Easter Bunny and receive your free bunny ears and sweet treats!! See below for appearance times.

SUN 28TH MARCH, 10AM - 5PM

1ST BIRTHDAY1ST BIRTHDAY1ST BIRTHDAYCELEBRATIONCELEBRATIONCELEBRATIONCelebrate with storewide discounts plus Easter Bunny appearing in-store between 11am & 2pm

Located on Dunnings Rd. Ph: 9394 6000

MON 29TH MARCHEaster Bunny + Egg Decorating Workshop.

11am to 2pm - Harris Scarfe precinct

TUE 30TH MARCHEaster Bunny + Egg Decorating Workshop.


WED 31ST MARCHEaster Bunny + Muffin Break Kids Cookie Creation Workshop.


THU 1ST APRILEaster Bunny + Muffin Break Kids Cookie Creation Workshop.


FRI 2ND APRILGOOD FRIDAY (centre closed)

SAT 3RD APRILEaster Bunny + Baby Animal Farm

11am to 2pm (Town Square)

SUN 4TH APRILEASTER SUNDAY (centre closed)

BEST FRIENDS PETS Open10am to 5pm

CENTRE EASTER TRADING HOURSFriday 2 April: CLOSED

Saturday 3 April: 9am - 6pm

Sunday 4 April: CLOSEDBest Friends Pets Open 10am - 5pm

Monday 5 April: 10am - 5pm

Cnr Main St & Murnong St, Point Cook 3030Ph: 9394 6200 www.pointcook.com.au

Health and Hospitals Reform:Last week, the Government announced the

biggest change to Australia’s health and hospital system since the introduction of Medicare.

The changes:

1. A National Network: to bring together eight State run systems with one set of tough national standards to deliver better hospital services.

2. Funded nationally: with the Australian Government taking on the dominant funding responsibility for the hospital system the Australian Government will end the blame game, eliminate waste and shoulder the burden of funding to meet rapidly rising health costs.

3. Run locally: through Local Hospital Networks which will bring together small groups of hospitals, where local professionals with local knowledge are given the necessary powers to deliver hospital services to our community.

The establishment of the National Health and Hospitals Network builds on record investments in health and hospitals made by the Rudd Government over the last two years, including a 50% increase in hospital funding, increasing GP training places by 35% and training more nurses.

Locally, this will also build on the $11 million provided in the 2009-10 Budget for a new clinical school teaching and research facility at the Werribee Mercy Hospital.

Julia Gillard MP Member for Lalor

SOMETHING TO SAY?POETRY?USEFUL INFORMATION?AD?FUNNY PHOTO?ART?This Paper is there for the

community of Point Cook, to contribute send details to:[email protected]

NOMINATIONS CALLED FOR 2010

HEALTH VOLUNTEER AWARDSVolunteers working in local hospitals, community health

services and with ambulance services will be eligible for the second annual Minister for Health Volunteer Awards.

Ms Jill Hennessy MP, Member for Altona says the awards are designed to highlight and celebrate the volunteers who make a signifi cant contribution to public healthcare in our local community

“These awards recognised the tireless efforts of thousands of dedicated volunteers at hospitals, community health centres and ambulance services,” Ms Hennessy said.

“Every day, many dedicated volunteers undertake diverse tasks to support patients, their families and the community to receive the best possible care right here in our local area.

“Health services may choose to nominate an individual volunteer or team of volunteers for a long term commitment and achievement, an outstanding success, or action above and beyond the call of duty.”

Nominations will be called in categories of outstanding achievement by an individual volunteer and outstanding achievement by a volunteer team.

Awards in both categories will be given to outstanding volunteers from a metropolitan health service, a rural health service, a regional health service and a primary health service.

Entries are now open and are closing on 6 April this year, the nomination website is: www.health.vic.gov.au/volunteerawards

For further information please call the Altona Electorate Offi ce on (03) 9395 0221

MON 5TH - FRI 9TH APRIL

BOB THE BUILDER™

LIVE SHOW2 shows daily – 11am and 1:30pm in the Town Square

Meet & greet daily at 12-12:30pm, in the Town Square

SUN 4TH APRILEASTER SUNDAY (centre closed)

Best Friends Pets Open10am to 5pm - Located on Dunnings Rd Ph: 9394 6000

SAT 10TH APRILPaint Pot People11am to 1:30pm (outside Rebel Sport)

Baby Animal Farm11am to 2pm (Town Square)

SUN 11TH APRILPaint Pot People11am to 1:30pm (outside Rebel Sport)

CENTRE EASTER TRADING HOURSFriday 2 April: CLOSED

Saturday 3 April: 9am - 6pm

Sunday 4 April: CLOSEDBest Friends Pets Open 10am - 5pm

Monday 5 April: 10am - 5pm

EASTERSCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Cnr Main St & Murnong St, Point Cook 3030Ph: 9394 6200 www.pointcook.com.au

© 2010 HIT Entertainment Limited and Keith Chapman. All rights reserved.© 2010 HIT Entertainment Limited.

Details correct at time of printing. Subject to change without notice.

CAN YOU HELP WITH THIS FANTASTIC LOCAL PAPER

Voluntary work may not be all that fi nancially rewarding, but it is a great opportunity to get something published if you are wanting to get into this sort of industry. If you succeed in something like this it shows you have what it takes. Deadlines, writing skills, motivation to get out and get a story.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONSWell without the above the paper does not exist. If

you’re a sporting club you may want to put in a story of a month about your favourite game. Take a photo and send it in. Send us your regular scores after matches? Pet lovers may talk about their favourite dogs, experiences they have had in the area.

If it’s interesting to you to read chances are others will love it too! Send it in.

HELP US DELIVER THIS TO HOUSES WITHIN POINT COOK

Do you enjoy walking? Would you mind walking and delivering to a few of the streets in your area. This is a fantastic excuse to walk the pet, or just get out of the house yourself of a morning. A Pressing job for someone with a car at present is to take the boxes of papers to the walkers once a month. We only do what your willing to handle remember any help is good help.

SPONSORSHIP / ADVERTISINGSpeaks for itself, If you want to show that you are

supporting a community conversation, then this is the paper for you. Do you really want to read pages of house sales ads?

This is a great project but it needs people to get behind it. Support this great local initiative. If you know someone who may be keen, send them this Paper.

LETS TALK HEALTH!With every series of Channel Tens Biggest Loser,

hundreds, probably even thousands of people around Australia are motivated to take the fi rst steps in their pursuit of weight loss and new found health. However, as quick as they are motivated to move, many are getting back on the couch with disappointment. Most people watch the show for several weeks, day in day out, identifying with the contestants, often sharing the same painful emotions. The embarrassment of being overweight, the missed moments with precious

family, the inner shame of self destructive decisions and the battles with depression. This assimilation to the characters sets in place a false sense of reality.

Since the show began, many gym memberships are purchased, used for several weeks and then when the reality hits, the couch is then welcomed back. After weeks of toil, the scales say “only 3kg lost” quickly followed by “but Phil on Biggest Loser lost 14kg in one week, they all lose more than that”. This is the reality. It’s crushing to the soul and makes anyone question what they are doing. But here’s the missing link, Biggest Loser is not reality! It’s Television. Now, I am not saying the results are fabricated, nor deserved and earned. What I am saying is that the contestants are living in a Fantasy world. Lets compare:

Real World:

Work 8 hours a day, Family responsibilities, Financial Stress, Other commitments.

Biggest Loser Contestants:

Eat, Sleep, Train, Personal Trainers daily, $$$$ Prizes

Who wouldn’t love to forget about work, sleep and train, pay bills, take the kids to school, go food shopping, pick up the kids from sports practice, have dinner with friends, sit and watch tv, blah blah blah! The contestants only have to concentrate on eating healthy and training every day. They have access to personal trainers, medical specialists and don’t have to worry about paying for it. They have huge incentives keeping them focused. The stress of having a camera on them alone would help them lose weight.

Realistic weight loss expectations should be between, but not limited to 500g and 1kg per week, as a minimum. This can be maintained with a “real world Life”. If you want the Biggest Loser results then be prepared for massive changes in your life. Either quit your job or sleep less and train twice a day, throw out all food in your cupboard and start again with fresh healthy stuff, have a Personal Trainer every day, oh and go public with want you want, so everyone knows what you are attempting to do, this should help with the stress and anxiety part!!!

By Scott Morison

Infi nite Lifestyle Training

0421224098

Refer to Ad in print version of Around Point Cook Community Newspaper

Point Cook

FROM THE INBOXEnjoy the ride. There is no return ticket.

Do you realise that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we’re kids? If you’re less than 10 years old, you’re so excited about aging that you think in fractions.

‘How old are you?’ ‘I’m four and a half!’ You’re never thirty-six and a half. You’re four and a half, going on fi ve! That’s the key.

You get into your teens, now they can’t hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.

‘How old are you?’ ‘I’m gonna be 16!’ You could be 13, but hey, you’re gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life! You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony.YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!

But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There’s no fun now, you’re Just a sour-dumpling. What’s wrong? What’s changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you’re PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it’s all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50, and your dreams are gone...

But! wait!! ! You MAKE it to 60. You didn’t think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50, and make it to 60.

You’ve built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that, it’s a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80’s, and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn’t end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; ‘I Was JUST 92.’

Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. ‘I’m 100 and a half!’

HOW TO STAY YOUNG1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes

age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3.Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever, even ham radio. Never let the brain idle. ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.’ And the devil’s family name is Alzheimer’s.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Life’s journey is not to

arrive at the grave safely

in a well preserved body,

but rather to skid in sideways,

totally used up and

worn out, shouting

‘...man,what a ride!’

Hoppers’ Cake Designs (Located in Hoppers Crossing)

Cake for all occasions *Weddings *Engagements *Birthdays *Confirmations *Communions *Christenings *Image/Picture Cakes Freshness, great taste and best price guarantee.

Contact Phuong-Tran 0403 165 589

TO ADVERTISE IN AROUND POINT COOK

CONTACT WILL ON 0449 834 359 OR

LOUISE ON 0403 191 084

EUCALYPTUS MELLIODORA

(YELLOW BOX GUM)

IN THE BASALTICA WATERWISE GARDEN

The Yellow Box Gum grows into a large tree of around 20 to 35 metres in height with a rounded, spreading crown and a thick trunk. Its bark is rough, persistent and friable over much of the trunk and the lower branches, but it sheds to smooth and light grey to white towards the top of the tree. This particular gum’s leaves are narrow, lance-shaped and green to grey-blue, which is a charming contrast to the rough yellow-brown, dark brown to black bark of the trunk.

Club-shaped buds, which appear in groups of three to seven, are followed by clusters of pale, creamy white fl owers that have a delightful perfume. The bud caps are conical and the fruits are pear-shaped or cup-shaped with hidden valves. Flowering is normally September to March.

This attractive tree is highly regarded for its timber that is pale brown, dense and heavy and resistant to decay. Traditionally, its timber has been used for sleepers, posts, poles and bridges, but it is not normally used for furniture.

Have you ever spread your toast with Yellow Box honey? Eucalyptus melliodora is Australia’s best native tree for honey production, hence it is a favourite with beekeepers. Yellow Box honey is a warm golden colour and, most importantly, it tastes wonderful and it’s good for you.

The Aboriginies used eucalypts for many products. Food was obtained from the seeds, nectar and manna of many species, while medicinal concoctions were derived from the leaves and gum. Eucalyptus bark was used to make containers and canoes, and string was made from the fi bre. Many implements were made from the wood of various eucalyptus trees.

Eucalyptus melliodora is a common tree of the open woodlands of the Great Dividing Range through Victoria, New South Wales and isolated areas of south-east Queensland. While this species is too large for the average suburban garden, it is an excellent tree for large parks and gardens where the soil is well drained and the annual rainfall is at least 400mm per annum.

The Yellow Box gums are the tallest trees in the beautiful Basaltica WaterWise Garden, where we often pause to watch the local birds fl itting through their leaves. When our gum trees are in bloom, honeyeaters (our reference books suggest they are New Holland and White-plumed

Honeyeaters) fl ock to feast on their bounty, and bees drone from fl ower to fl ower gathering the sweet nectar.

We are proud of our indigenous bushland garden whose design refl ects landscape features of the Western Plains. Visitors (individuals and groups) are always welcome during offi ce hours, but please contact me to make an appointment for a free guided tour. (Note that it may be possible to arrange a weekend opening for larger groups.) I also conduct botanic art classes (usually on the third Saturday of the month), so you may also contact me if you would like to learn how to draw and paint botanical subjects. A modest fee applies.

The Basaltica WaterWise Garden is in an industrial area, on the premises of CRT Group (a transport company), at Gate 3, 21-43 Barnes Road, Altona North (Melway Map 54, J.4). There is parking on site, toilets, and kitchen facilities are available for self-catered morning or afternoon teas.

Helene Wild

Resident Artist, Habitat Trust

Telephone: 9398-2617.

E-mail: [email protected]

TO ADVERTISE IN AROUND POINT COOK

CONTACT WILL ON: 0449 834 359 OR

LOUISE ON 0403 191 084

EASTER BAPTIST FESTIVITIESThe upcoming Easter period will be very

meaningful for those attending events being conducted by Point Cook Community Baptist Church.

Whilst many people will take the opportunity of getting away for a break, church services and programs will continue.

Members of our local community are very welcome to connect with our congregation over this time.

On Palm Sunday March 28th, we will be conducting a family service, which will include craft activities, games, drama and music.

This should be great fun and very engaging. Our church meets at Seabrook Primary School on Point Cook Road normally at 10am.

On Good Friday April 2nd we meet earlier at 9.30am, and this will be more of a refl ective occasion.

As Easter Sunday April 4th is the day for the Point Cook Market at the Jamieson Way Community

Centre (9am -2pm), we will connect with all the fun, stalls and food there (rather than meeting at the school), as well as providing the free children’s activities at the market as normal.

We will meet later this Easter day at 5pm for worship and a meal in a home.

Further details can be gained by telephoning Rev Warren Hodge on 9395 8253 or 0413998825.

This should give you a feel for the sort of church this is, but you can even get a better idea by visiting www.pointcookcommunitybaptistchurch.org.au.

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We are women tooHobsons Bay City Council has launched the

‘We are women too’ postcard, which promotes awareness and understanding of cervical cancer screening (pap tests) among women with disabilities.

The postcard is an initiative of Metro Access, a partnership between Hobsons Bay City Council and the Department of Human Services and PapScreen Victoria, to provide information on the importance of pap testing for women with a disability.

The postcard was a simple way to spread the message of the importance of pap tests.

The ‘We are women too’ postcard promotes the importance of having regular pap tests to women with a disability.

Research has shown that women with a disability face a lot of barriers to cervical cancer screening which prohibits them from carrying out the pap tests.

This postcard will help raise awareness of the importance of women’s health for women with disabilities.

PapScreen Victoria Manager Kate Broun applauded the Council’s initiative.

“PapScreen Victoria would like to congratulate Hobsons Bay City Council, who have shown creativity and innovation in their commitment to support women with a disability to access cervical screening,” said Ms Broun.

“Research has shown that women with a disability are often not seen as sexually active adults and that health professionals often tend to a woman’s disability needs as a priority, with less emphasis on preventative health care.

“The new postcard resource reinforces the message that all women aged between 18 and 70 years - regardless of ability - who have ever been sexually active should have a pap test every two years. Regular screening is every woman’s best protection against cervical cancer.”

The postcard was launched by Cr Luba Grigorovitch & Lea Rawling from the Cancer Council on Wednesday, 10th March at 1.30pm, at The Substation, 1 Market Street, Newport.

Women with disabilities and their carers were invited to attend the launch to pick up a postcard and fi nd out more about women’s health.

Following the launch, the postcards will be

available from the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona; Hobsons Bay library branches and online at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/peoplewithadisability

Point Cook Lions Club Information

Point Cook Lions Club is looking for members. The club formed during October last year.

The Point Cook Lions Club will welcome local people to join and partake in community life in our lovely area. Clubs are easily identifi ed by their distinctive logo, the trademark of the Association. Clubs as a rule may either provide service or raise money for their local communities. Most of the money raised goes back into the community, either directly or indirectly through National or International Projects.

Fellowship, good times, meeting people, lasting friendships, service to the community, new skills, leadership and personal development, these are just some of the benefi ts of being a member of the Lions Club, the world’s largest and most active service club organisation.

Contact Mr Gibson for further information on (03) 9395 7180

Shop 107, 5 Main Street, Point Cook Town Centre Point Cook VIC 3030

PH: (03) 9395 9884 Fax: (03) 9395 0480 Email: [email protected]

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Reducing Waste = Saving Money...and the Environment!

By Donna Shiel – Wyndham City Council’s Waste Education Offi cer.

Ever driven up your driveway after a long day at work only to fi nd a big, bright sticker on one of your bins saying it is overfi lled? Too heavy? Contaminated? Overfull and contaminated bins are a fairly common occurrence to householders, especially those with bigger families.

Thankfully there are a few very simple things you can do to reduce your waste and in turn save yourself money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and have extra room in your bin at the end of the week!

Buy a worm farm or home compost bin – Around 43% of what is contained in a Wyndham domestic garbage bin is compostable organic matter, suitable for home composting and worm farming! Buying a worm farm or compost bin will enable you to recycle most of your food waste into rich, organic garden fertiliser. Using this will help you reduce your water usage and your need for shop-bought fertilizers and it will enhance the productivity of your garden.

Write a shopping list – Reduce your food waste by meal planning and writing a shopping list. This means you’ll avoid buying excess food that you won’t have time to eat and you won’t be wasting this excess food by having to throw it out. It is estimated that Australians throw out up to 20%, or one in fi ve shopping bags, of the food they purchase – therefore, if you spend around $100 per week on food, $20 is going in the bin! That’s over $1,000 each year straight into the garbage bin!

Think about what you buy – There are products on supermarket shelves which are excessively packaged. Excess packaging means unnecessary waste. Examples include: individually wrapped cheese slices; it is far cheaper to buy a block of cheese and cut it yourself. Tetra juice packs – it’s again far cheaper to buy a reusable drink bottle and fi ll it each day with water or cordial. Individually wrapped lollies – lots of packaging can be avoided by buying non-individually wrapped lollies!

Subscribe to the Wyndham City Council Optional Green Waste Bin Service – Although there is a $90 pro rata fee per annum, the Green Waste Bin

Service allows you to divert your green waste – leaves, twigs, branches, and grass clippings – from landfi ll. In landfi ll, green waste, as well as other organic waste such as food and paper products, breakdown anaerobically (without oxygen) and produces landfi ll gas – a large proportion of which is methane. Methane is a major greenhouse gas, 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Use your recycling bin correctly – Nearly 15% of what goes into Wyndham garbage bins is actually recyclable! If you’re unsure of what can and cannot go into your recycling bin follow this quick guide:

Glass: Empty bottles and jars

Paper and Cardboard: Empty cartons, boxes (fl attened to prevent jamming and will provide more space in your bin), letters, envelopes (you do not need to remove the plastic windows!), catalogues, magazines, newspapers, copy paper, telephone books etc.

Plastic: Containers and bottles with a number 1-7 on their base in a little triangle:

Defi nitely NO EXPANDABLE POLYSTYRENE (EPS) e.g. foam cups, foam fruit boxes etc.

Please note that the triangle with the number in it tells us what type of plastic it is – NOT whether it can go in our recycling bin or not.

Aluminium: Foil trays, cans, and clean aluminium foil

Steel: All empty steel cans e.g. pet food cans and aerosol cans

Make sure things are placed LOOSE into your recycling bin – NO PLASTIC BAGS!

If you have any further questions about Council’s Waste Services, please contact Council’s Waste Education Offi cer, Donna at [email protected] or visit the Council website

www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/environment/waste.

Sources: www.foodwise.com.au & Wyndham Domestic Waste Audit 2008.

Update – Jill Hennessy MP It is such an honour and a privilege to have

been elected as the Member for Altona. I believe our community is a most exiting and vibrant one. I appreciated the chance to meet and talk to so many of you during the campaign and discuss your views on the issues that are important to you.

The Altona Electorate is quite a large area covering Altona, Altona Meadows, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Sanctuary Lakes, Seabrook and Laverton.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Around Point Cook Community Newspaper for the opportunity to have a conversation with you each month.

Many members of the community have told me that they want to see the results of the State Government’s investment in the area sooner. There is much work to be done. As your local Member of Parliament I intend to be accessible, listen to what you have to say and be a very effective voice in the Victorian State Parliament. I have listened to your concerns and will do my utmost to deliver.

I have initiated the implementation of regular Mobile Offi ces which will allow me to reach more people more easily in the Electorate. We are aiming for some locations at Pier Street, Central Square Shopping Centre and Laverton. When these occur we will do our best to let you know in advance so you can make your way down to have a chat. In the meantime, feel free to drop in to my offi ce in Point Cook.

As I said on election night, I take nothing and no one for granted. I am looking forward to getting on with the work at hand. I humbly thank you for this opportunity.

Should you have anything you need assistance with, please do not hesitate to contact the offi ce on (03) 9395 0221 or email me directly on:

[email protected]

Regards,

Jill Hennessy MP

Member for Altona

WALKING GROUPTuesday and Wednesday at 9am

Leave from Point Cook Town Centre Dry CleanersThursday and Friday at 9am

Leaving from Jamieson Way Community CentreEnquiries

03 9394 7905 03 9395 1953 - Bev

AROUND POINT COOK Community Newspaper

www.aroundpointcook.com Please email contributions to [email protected]

ABN: 43 604 804 338 Advertising enquiries:PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028 Will: 0449 834 359Publisher - Bill: (03) 8307 8872Bill: (03) 8307 8872 Louise: 0403 191 084

RATHER THAN THROW THIS PAPER OUT WHY NOT RECYCLE TO A FRIEND FOR READINGRATHER THAN THROW THIS PAPER OUT WHY NOT RECYCLE TO A FRIEND FOR READING

Point Cook KidsPoint Cook Kids Point Cook KidsPoint Cook Kids Point Cook KidsPoint Cook Kids Point Cook KidsPoint Cook Kids

Calling on Point Cook Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.Calling on Point Cook Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.Calling on Point Cook Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.Calling on Point Cook Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.Calling on Point Cook Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.Email your contributions to [email protected] or post to the PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028

Circus Crazyness Silvers Circus

One wednesday I went to silvers circus with my father there was a range of things.

Jugglers - A fantastic man was juggling 7 balls at a time, he could do all sorts of tricks with them. It was amaising to see his act.

Trapese Artists - there were a few women that were doing tricks high in the air, lots of them climed ropes and swung to the very top of the tent. None of them fell down!

It was fantastic!

Clowns - There were 2 Clowns a knife thrower and a whistle blower. The knife thrower called a man up and put him on a piece of wood. The Clown had knifes in his hand and put a cloth over the man’s face then he would make wierd sounds while the other clown would bang the board beside him - it was a good trick. The man had a baloon between his legs and they just popped it, but the man thought knifes were being used. It was funny.

The whistle Clown called up my Dad and made him do funny things with lots of other people.

Dad and I really enjoyed the day, there was much more like magic and the ball of death! Everything at this Circus was amaising and we had a ball.

Mia - 9 YO Local Field Reporter.

R H E A A Z A Y A R G

N A G M Q U O C H R E

W Z N K B U G M X C Y

O E A U Y O A E C H E

R L R R M G E L E O L

B N O A E B G P M C L

J V E N L G I R E O O

I R T U H O E U R L W

C A E A B L B P A A R

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H O T P I N K M D E D

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WORD SEARCH

If any other agent has a current exclusive agency agreement in the relation of your property (or business as the case may be), please disregard this communication.

RPM Real Estate.At Your Service.In Point Cook.

Choosing an agent is one of the most important decisions you will make when selling your home. At RPM Real Estate, we are dedicated

to providing you with the most professional and personal service available in Point Cook without the premium costs.

Contact us today and find out why we are the only Point Cook agency to be a finalist in the 2009 REIV Awards for Excellence.

Call 9395 7488 Shop 211/4 Main Street, Point Cook Town Centre

www.rpmrealestate.com.au

Call 9395 7488 for expert property advice or your complimentary property appraisal report Dunnings Road

Murnong Road

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Point CookTown Centre

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