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Issue 32 October 2015

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9 14 18page THE FCW

KIDS CHALLENGEVIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN CAN BE PREVENTED

page pageBEST IN THE WEST CHESS COMPETITION 2015

The Burmese Garden is a new social enterprise for Wyndham, commencing July this year, and is run by Wyndham Park Community Centre.

The enterprise provides gardening skills and small business training to Burmese, Chin and Karen refugees.

The gardening services on offer include: mowing, weeding, pruning, rubbish removal, and landscaping. The Burmese Garden support team, includes a Team Leader and two to three participants who receive training and are recruited from the refugee families attending the Wyndham Park Primary School.

The Team involved in the Burmese Garden have completed landscaping works at the Wyndham Park Primary School, Wyndham Park Community Shed and many private jobs. The garden team are available to do private or commercial work, large or small jobs, and the rates are very reasonable, with three workers available to provide a service, at $55 an hour, or to mow the average sized lawn for around $35.

Most people are excited when they get a new job, and this was certainly true for Alexander, who had been experiencing difficulties to obtain employment since arriving here in Werribee, coming from a refugee camp on the Thai border.

THE BURMESE GARDEN

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Advertising enquiries: Daniel 0408 659 940

aroundsell@gmail.comWill 0449 834 359

will@aroundhopperscrossing.comLouise 0403 191 084

Alan 0412 412 740

Advertising: aroundsell@gmail.com will@aroundhopperscrossing.com Contributions: editorhoppers@gmail.com

Publishers:Bill 8307 8872

Will 8360 8598ABN 54 145 436 804 www.aroundhopperscrossing.com

FROM THE EDITORWhen I was a little kid, I used to play pretend – pretty normal, right?

I would pretend to be an Explorer, a Singer, a Disney Princess and on occasion, an Editor. Not so normal, huh?

I would sit down at my desk, write all the articles myself of course, and then literally cut and paste them, to look like my own personal newspaper.

Fast forward more years than I would care to admit, and I have traded in my glue stick and scissors, for my laptop, and I am totally not pretending anymore!

When Daniel Allen asked me to fill his very large shoes, as the Editor of this fine establishment, I was so excited. I have been writing for these papers for a few years now and

I cannot believe that I have been given this opportunity!

I love being a part of this community and I hope to bring you the kinds of stories that will spark your interest and get you out and about, to enjoy the many fantastic things there are to do in our very own neighbourhood.

Please feel free to drop me a line – this is your paper, so we want to hear your thoughts and stories.

Thanks in Advance,

Melissa Longo

PUDDLING WITH THE PUBLISHER‘After the winter, comes the spring – and the garden will bloom again.’

These wonderful words were spoken by Peter Sellers, in one of his greatest films: Being There.

It is a film about Americans and what can happen to anyone in America, and although out of print by now, I’m confident you could still buy it on the Internet - I encourage you to do so. If you find you like it as much as I did, there is still time to put it on your Christmas wish list.

There is no doubt Peter Sellers is great in general and in this film, he does not disappoint. He plays the part of a simple man, slightly mentally disabled, who is brought to the house of a rich man, to tend the gardens. Remaining at the property for the whole of his life, his main speech was of course:

‘After the winter comes the spring – and the garden will bloom again’.

Suddenly the old man dies and things begin to fall apart and our hero finds himself thrown out onto the street, where he has never been before. Randomly deciding to cross the road, he steps between two parked cars, just as the driver of a luxurious chauffeur driven car backs away from the parked car in front of it, and knocks him over.

Consequently all hell breaks loose and a very rich lady jumps out of the car and insists that our gardener, whose name is Chauncy, accompany her to a magnificent huge estate, to receive treatment from the personal doctor, of a very rich man who is in the process of dying. That is when the real movie begins.

I can only tell you that the movie moves fast, with some great scenes, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. The final scene, which I will not tell you about, had the entire theatre exploding with laughter, as I’ve never seen or heard before. It gives me great joy every time I play my copy.

If you can find a copy and don’t like It, I would wish to buy your copy from you, as you do not deserve to keep it! As I see it, it is the most memorable film I have ever seen.

Bill McPherson

billmcpherson@optusnet.com.au

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Alexander was one of the first participants to join this new social enterprise. He and his family couldn’t be happier with this latest development.

With one participant graduating after only six weeks, this has been a great outcome for the enterprise that will continue to recruit, train and support refugees into employment. James Dredge, Community Development Officer at Wyndham Park Community Centre said ‘the effect that this will have on his wife and three children is tremendous.’

Sue, an adult educator, is one of the new private users of the gardening service and she said she could not be happier with what they achieved for her at the first session. She now has a regular monthly booking, to assist her with maintaining her home and garden. Sue said, “I just know I will not be ripped off.” Being a single mother, having this affordable and reliable service gives her confidence and peace of mind.

The Burmese Garden team is available for work and can be contacted through the Team Leader, Jacob on 0406 678 730, or the Community Development Officer, James on 8742 6448, or 0406 667 053, or email james@wyndhamparkcc.com.au.

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS

IN “AROUND HOPPERS CROSSING”

GIVE US A CALL:

Alan 0412 412 740

Daniel 0408 659 940 aroundsell@gmail.com

Louise 0403 191 084

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GARAGE SALE TRAIL 2015

Spring is in the air, and what better way to declutter than to be part of the biggest garage sale in the world, on the 24th of October.

Garage Sale Trail 2015 is the perfect social and fun way to spring clean and do your bit to reduce landfill.

The idea began in a Sydney suburb and is now in its fifth year.

In 2014, 350,000 people participated, across more than 160 councils, throughout Australia.

This includes our local Hobsons Bay and City of Wyndham councils. They give a big thumbs up to living sustainably and having fun meeting the neighbours.

Sellers: The average seller made $300 last year, by putting their ‘sale on the trail’, at the biggest garage sale in the world.

Got weird and wacky stuff? Put it on the trail!

Run it from home, your car boot, a community centre, or even at a business.

Join forces with your neighbours, friends, your kid’s school, or your church.

Buyers: Start your treasure hunt: you never know what you’ll find.

Hovercrafts, Star Wars memorabilia, even a house!

Those were a few items on offer in the last few trails.

This year we spotted an MG (yes a car!).

On our last search, we found more than 580 sale pages in Melbourne: 55+ sale pages were within 10km of Point Cook.

There’s something for everyone! Snap up bargains at Baker’s Delight, in Werribee, Vintage Retro Gorgeousness, in Altona, Everything for Boys Sale, in Point Cook, or Eclectic Collections, in Werribee.

To set up your free sale page or create your treasure trail, visit www.garagesaletrail.com.au.

Cynthia Marinakos

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REMEMBERING NORMANIn the summer of 1968, a friend and I went to New York from Dublin for the first time. We were young teachers on J-1 visas, taking advantage of the three-month Irish school holidays and the summer earning possibilities in America.

That was an awful year in America, 1968. Martin Luther King was assassinated in April; Bobby Kennedy was killed in the early part of our stay there; and the national argument about the Vietnam War was raging throughout the country.

We got a job through family connections, in a warehouse in the lower Bronx. We were part of a unionised workforce of about 300, filling and packing orders for distribution to hardware stores throughout the country.

Almost all of the workers and bosses were white, mostly Irish and Italian. The shop stewards in the Teamsters Union were powerful; in effect, they ran the place and made sure that managers rarely asserted themselves. Even though we were at the bottom of the pecking order, we were able to avail of overtime, because most of the workers felt they would be paying too much tax on any extra earnings.

You could count the number of non-white workers on one hand. They kept their heads down and said little to anybody. Except for Norman.

He was a tall black man, a Vietnam veteran who wore shoulder braces and a belt to keep his pants up – why do I remember that detail? He was outgoing and loquacious and spoke to all comers.

Unfortunately, his bonhomie evoked a blatant racist response from many of his workmates, including, I’m sorry to say, the Irish. The term African-American was not in the vocabulary in those days, though the term it replaced was the least of the abuse he had to put up with.

My friend and I were not part of the enlightened at the time, but we were shocked to hear such awful denigration of another human being. Norman sensed our shock and would spend time with us, talking and joking.

We often wondered why he tolerated such abuse. Why didn’t he lash out at one of his tormentors? Maybe he sucked up the abuse, because he wanted to hold on to his union job at any cost. Whatever the reason, he responded to the taunts and put-downs in a way that might well suggest to his tormentors that he was enjoying their ‘banter.’

I thought of Norman during the abuse of champion footballer Adam Goodes earlier this year. Some of the commentary by highly-paid pundits and media shock jocks, suggested that he should have taken the booing and racist taunts being dished out to him, in the way that I recall Norman reacting back in that hot summer, half a century ago.

Thank goodness, we have come a long way since 1968.

Or have we?

Frank O’Shea

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BRIDGES FOSTER CARE PROGRAM

Bridges Foster Care is a program within Uniting Care Werribee Support and Housing, a not-for-profit organisation. Bridges is forced to decline placements for children and young people, aged between 0-18 years, who for various reasons are unable to live with their families on a daily basis, due to the shortage of caregivers.

Bridges staff are holding a raffle and sausage sizzle on Saturday 17th of October, to raise much needed funds to recruit, train and support Foster carers.

The sausage sizzle will be at Tasman Meats, 55 Synnot Street, Werribee from 10am - 3pm.

The raffle has a number of prizes, including a HTC mobile phone and a family pass to Luna Park.

Tickets can be purchased on the day, with the raffle drawn at 2pm.

If you believe that you can provide a home for a vulnerable child, or young person, come along to our information session at Crossroads Uniting Church, on the corner of Duncans Rd & Synnot St, Werribee from 5:30 – 6:30pm.

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Patients at Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital are well cared for in their time of need.

Not only do they receive some of the best medical treatment in the country, they are also nurtured by the hard work of the hospitals dedicated volunteers.

Volunteer Coordinator Dilys Luciani has been coordinating the hospitals Baby Bundle program for nearly seven years.

The program involves gathering together the generous donations of handmade knitted baby blankets, booties, jumpers, hats and soft toys, bundling them together and distributing them to disadvantaged new mothers in need.

The program has expanded significantly since the Royal Women’s Hospital moved to their Parkville location in 2008, with the volunteers having their own area dedicated to the wonderful work they do.

“We have volunteers from all over Victoria knitting for us, as well as some items coming to us from parts of New South Wales and Queensland” said Dilys.

Walking into the volunteer’s storeroom, I was blown away by the generosity of the volunteers, who spend hours knitting blankets and clothing for newborn babies.

Shelves were lined with trays, holding the handmade goods organised in a spectacular array of colours and styles.

A dedicated team of volunteers come in on Tuesdays and pick items from the shelves, to package and distribute to those in need.

Distribution is done through the social work departments, the young women’s clinic, the Aboriginal unit and the WADS (Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service) department, as well as the maternity ward.

“The program benefits everyone, the babies, mothers and even the volunteers themselves, who are happy knowing they are making a positive contribution to someone in need.

Our program has also extended to providing shawls, scarves and knee rugs to comfort our oncology patients,” said Dilys.

Altona resident, Judy Roulston has been knitting blankets and clothing for the Baby Bundle program for the past four years and says it is a wonderful way to help people who are in need.

“Volunteering with the Baby Bundle program has given me a sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing that I’m helping someone and doing something useful with my time,” said Judy.

Melissa Haber

If you are interested in becoming part

of the Baby Bundle program,

contact Dilys Luciani on

dilys.luciani@thewomens.org.au

for guidelines and enquiries.

ROYAL WOMEN’S HOSPITAL BABY BUNDLE PROGRAM

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The younger group members of the Future Creation Workshop were recently invited to a challenge, cleverly thought up by senior members, that was designed to keep all 26 youngsters present, flat out for the entire two hour presentation.

Accompanied by 17 parents, the youths were introduced to eight double sided, one meter square peg board stands and multiple large boxes of goodies, such as plastic tubing, plastic fittings, tape, and goodness knows what.

Instructions about what was expected from them, were simple and did not appear to be complicated, such as a device to hold a marble, or marble’s to fit in the top left hand corner of the pegboard and to transport the marble to a bicycle bell, already fixed to the pegboard on the lower right hand side of the pegboard.

It wasn’t very long before the bells began to ring, as the marbles hit the bells.

As soon as the bell rang a photographer would appear, record the design, the design would be dismantled, and a new design would begin.

This was kept up right until the last minute of the two hour challenge, when the winners were announced.

As the crowd melted away, full of praise for a wonderful evening from both youngsters and parents, I was reminded of a verse of one of my favourite poems, which I believe went:

‘The tumult and the shouting dies,

And the Captains and the Kings depart.’

Congratulations also to the mum caterers, for a splendid example of healthy and exciting food – I enjoyed the whole show!

Bill McPherson

THE FCW KIDS CHALLENGE

Full face of stands

End on view of stands

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It’s safe to say that most of us don’t worry about our superannuation or more precisely have the time to organise our supers.

But the bad news is that super is not one of those things that we can just put on the back burner and worry about in another 20 or 30 years. That kind of thinking will just see you fall into the 80% (and this is one time you don’t want to be part of the majority!).

At the end of the day, the cost of living (e.g. food, utilities, fuel) is getting higher every year so the need for saving for our retirement becomes even more important.

Here are a few steps to get your super into check.

Find your lost super – Did you know that there’s $17 billion worth of ‘lost’ super waiting to be found? 17 BILLION! If you’ve worked more than one job throughout your life (and most of us have) then it’s very likely that you have multiple super accounts (some of which you probably don’t even know exist!). What you need to do is identify them and consolidate them into one. If you don’t know where to start, try the MyGov Website. All you need to do is setup an account with MyGov and they will locate any superannuation funds which you may have.

Compare and save – As with all things in life, it pays to do your homework. Next time you receive an annual statement

from your super fund, check how your super is tracking – this includes checking fees, performance and even asset allocation (you’d be surprised how some super funds invest your money). You can also use the Money Smart website as a guide for choosing an appropriate fund. If you think your super would be better off elsewhere, give the super fund a call and find out how you can roll your existing super balance into their fund. Before rolling over, it is important to check:

• Whether your current fund charges exit fees

• Whether you hold insurance in your current fund and whether a similar policy can be provided by the new fund

• Whether your employer can contribute to the new fund.

Review your investment strategy – The investment strategy you have chosen for your super account is just as important as choosing the right super fund. Make sure your investment strategy matches your long term goals. For example, if you’re young, you should be focused on growth, so putting all your money in cash and fixed interest doesn’t make sense – instead, your funds should be predominately invested in assets which will grow in value.

Get insured – Superannuation is one of the most cost effective way for most of us to own life insurance. Consider taking out appropriate life insurance through your super fund.

DON’T FORGET YOUR SUPER

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Take advantage of the government – The government provides great incentives to encourage low-to-medium income earners to make personal contributions to super:

• Super co-contribution scheme – If you earn less than $50,455 per year (before tax) and make after-tax super contributions, you are eligible to get matching contributions from the government. If you earn less than $35,454 the maximum co-contribution is $500 and is based on 50 cents for every $1 you contribute.

• Low income superannuation contribution – From 1 July 2012 the Government provide a new super contribution tax payment of up to $500 annually for individuals with an adjusted taxable income that does not exceed $37,000. Speak to your accountant or financial planner to find out if you are eligible.

• Salary sacrificing superannuation contributions – It is possible to make personal super contributions from your pre-tax salary. By giving up as little as even $20 each month from your pre-tax salary, you could be on your way to building quite a nest egg. Before entering into any salary sacrifice agreement, it is important that you speak to your accountant or financial planner.

These are just a few simple tips to building your retirement nest egg. The worst thing you can do is do nothing. If you need help then please contact the team at Vostro private, who can help you put your super back on track.

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PETS AND TOXIC PLANTSIn the midst of Spring, there are many reasons to celebrate the arrival of the warmth - sunshine and beautiful blooming flowers. However, it is important to be aware of the hidden dangers to our pets, that may also be blooming.

Plants, flowers and fruits can be a common temptation to our pets, often found around our homes, backyards and parks. Eating certain plants is one the most common ways that many pets ingest toxic substances. Symptoms range from vomiting, diarrhoea, acute renal failure, cardiac failure and intestinal obstruction.

Since there are very few effective treatments for toxic plant ingestion, a small mistake in the garden or home can be disastrous to your pet and family. Identifying these potential toxic plants, can help prevent exposure to your pet and alert you to the early signs and symptoms if ingestion has occurred. Common symptoms of ingestion of toxic plants are vomiting, drooling and diarrhoea; others are mentioned below.

Common Toxic Plants:

- Amaryllis- lack of appetite, tremors

- Cylamen- heart rhythm disturbance

- Angels Trumpet- disorientation, tremors

- Daffodils- abnormal breathing, arrhythmia

- Asparagus Fern- abdominal pain, skin irritation

- Ivy- abdominal pain, skin swelling/itching

- Autumn Crocus- shock

- Kalanchoe- heart rhythm disturbance

- Azalea- weakness, loss of coordination

- Lilies- disinterest with food, depression

- Baby’s breath- Lethargy, depression

- Oleander- muscle tremors, hypothermia

- Buttercup- weakness, tremors, seizures

- Tomato plant- weakness, confusion

- Chrysanthemum- depression

- Tulips- loss of appetite, convulsions

- Cycads – stiffness, paralysis

- Yew- muscle tremors, abnormal breathing

If you suspect your pet has come into contact with any of these plants, it is advised that you contact your veterinarian immediately.

There are more toxic plants that have not been mentioned in this article. If you want to find out more information, you can go to the ASPCA, Cornell University or the Pet Poison Helpline websites, where there is a database of plants listed, including photos and detailed descriptions of the effects of toxic plants on animals. You can also contact your local veterinary practice to see if they have a list on hand that they can provide to you.

Whether you are shopping for bulbs, flowers or seeds this season, or want to display some plants within your home, make sure to check that they are safe for your pet first.

Cindy BremnerNatural Pawfection- Animal Naturopath0421-446-764

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Whether your child is going through a difficult stage, or has a diagnosed behavioural disorder, latest research has confirmed that diet can be a contributing factor. NATUROPATH Caterina Morrison (BHSc) reports on three major links between food and behaviour.

Breakfast

Children are more attentive, less fidgety and perform better when they eat regularly. Irregular intake of food leaves children prone to highs and lows throughout their day, reducing their tolerance to frustration, tantrums and behavioural issues. As obvious as it sounds, this all starts with a wholesome breakfast.

Additives

For a minority of the population, artificial food additives (colours, preservatives and flavor enhancers) can cause adverse reactions, including behavioural issues.

Many common foods, like bread and juice contain preservatives that can cause irritability, restlessness, sleep disturbances and inattention in children prone to food sensitivities.

One famous study found food colourings, particularly red, yellow and orange, and the preservative sodium benzoate, can cause hyperactivity.

If you feel your diet is pretty good, yet still suspect your child’s behavioural

issues are diet-related, further investigation is worthwhile, as removing these chemicals will often improve behaviour significantly.

Deficiencies

While balanced, regular meals and removing preservatives and colourings can make a difference, studies have also shown that boosting levels of particular minerals and nutrients may be essential for improving behaviour.

Under two years of age, there is a period of rapid brain development. Any deficiency can result in long-term problems with attention and mood. In my clinic I have found boosting iron, zinc magnesium, along with omega-3 fats, beneficial to reduce the symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and impaired socialization, through supporting the brain regions involved in attention.

There are many factors that contribute to childhood behavioural issues and while the above outlines a few key areas, any concerns can be discussed with your naturopath.

Caterina Morrison

DIET AND CHILDHOOD BEHAVIOURHealth page

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BEST IN THE WEST CHESS COMPETITION 2015

Chess has been described as a mental pursuit, suitable for players aged 8-80 and beyond.

This was proven literally, during the 2015 edition of the Best in the West chess tournament, again held at Altona’s Louis Joel Community Centre over the Father’s Day weekend.

The Hobsons Bay Chess Club has run this event since 1982, with fantastic support from local business. In particular, the past few years’ competition has benefited from the generous sponsorship of both Bendigo Bank (Laverton, Altona, Point Cook) and Barry Plant (Altona Meadows).

71 players took part this year, including three of the Australian masters, who were equal winners last year, many of Victoria’s top junior players and local stalwarts of the veteran variety.

All competitors played five grueling rounds.

They were paired with a computer program known as Swiss Perfect, which matches players on the same scores.

Venue- Louis Joel Community Centre

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This promotes participation and a chance to recover from one bad game, which is superior to the knock-out format used by some other sports.

The top four boards were broadcast in real time over the Internet.

This was possible with the use of chess pieces, emitting various frequencies and a chess board equipped with sensors.

Apart from that technology, players were banned from having any sort of device on their person.

This has become a necessity in modern chess tournament play, as today any reasonable chess program is stronger than the World Chess Champion, Magnus Carlsen.

There were four champions this year.

Three players repeated their impressive performances from 2014, International Masters Kanan Izzat and James Morris, alongside FIDE Master Domogoj Dragicevic and the newcomer, 11

year old Bobby Yu, all scoring 4.5/5!

Other notable performers were Zoran Babic, from Geelong (4/5) and 8 year old, Atlas Baillieu (2/5).

Congratulations to former Hobsons Bay Club Champion Derek Richards, who decided to take on the youngsters, after celebrating his 80th birthday a few days prior to the event.

Tony Davis

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CHINESE UMBRELLA DANCE BRINGS THEM ALL TOGETHER

I had an opportunity to meet some interesting ladies recently. It all started because I got intrigued by their very colourful umbrellas. I discovered that they were practicing, to perfect their Chinese Umbrella Dance. Here’s a snapshot of who they are and why they dance…

The ladies belong to a Chinese friendship group here in Point Cook. Around 12-20 of them aged 55 years and over, who all speak Chinese, but come from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia. The group have been in existence for around two years now and consistently meet on Thursdays to rehearse.

I interviewed Cheng, one of the members, who was just so happy to share their story. The ladies apparently do more than just dance. They organise indoor sports activities such as ping pong, and occasionally play music by singing together. On a better day, they organise outdoor activities, so that they can have lunch out or a day trip, but within the group they have also formed a smaller cooking group, that on-a-

rotation basis, host lunches, or dinners showcasing their best recipes and menu.

So what makes being a member of this group very enticing to its members? Cheng said that since most of them are retirees, they get bored staying at home, and for those that look after their grandchildren, they needed something to occupy their time whilst the kids were at school. For some women, it is the company of those that can speak the language; it helps them to feel a sense of community, and minimises the feeling of isolation. The others simply want to stay active, both physically and mentally, as they take up a hobby through dance, song, sports or even cooking.

The ladies actually performed at last year's multicultural fiesta, and are still keen to continue dancing for any future events.

The Chinese Umbrella Dance isn’t just a folk dance, performed during seasonal, or celebratory events in Chinese culture. As I observed, the Chinese Umbrella dance steps are strong, yet very smooth in execution. Putting it in the context of these local women, who have dedicated themselves to doing it weekly, it is a representation. It is a symbolism of their friendship, community, ties to their heritage, and most of all a symbolism of their identity, as women at this stage of their lives.

Article and photo by Mimi Laurilla

*Writer’s note: This is the second article featuring interesting cultural activities, customs and traditions, celebrating diversity in our community. If you or your community group have something to share about your cultural heritage or activities, contact Mimi at mike_india@yahoo.com

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THE GOLD COAST IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

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

In the exciting new deal struck by Jetstar, the State Government and Linfox, Jetstar is to announce two new destinations, with many local residents bidding for the Gold Coast as their first choice.

It is a region popular for its food, beaches, resorts and exciting nightlife, whilst being the gateway to Tambourine, Kingscliff and Byron Bay, which are all a short drive from the airport, and offer a quieter aspect in the region.

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

“We know a lot of people living in this region have been looking for direct flights to the Gold Coast,” he said. “We’re so pleased Jetstar is bringing this new destination to Avalon and are excited for the growth and opportunity for the region - as well as for people who just want to get away and do it easily!”

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

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

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

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‘Preventing violence against women is everyone’s business.’

That was the slogan of the interactive forum held last month, at St Eanswythe’s Anglican Church to discuss how domestic violence against women can be prevented.

Reverend Chris Lancaster said, “we are always seeking to demonstrate that each and every person is valuable and has a dignity, which is to be honoured.” He also recognised that at times, the churches have failed in this area – particularly with women and children, and that they need to keep learning how to do better.

Statistics show that females are three times more likely than men, to experience violence at the hands of a partner and, of those women, almost half said their children had seen or heard the violence (ABS 2013).

The impact on children who witness such violence, is felt beyond their own scars.

Research suggests that abusive behaviours can be preserved within children, and they can fall into the trap of becoming aggressors or victims later in life.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN CAN BE PREVENTED

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However, as violence is a learned behaviour, and we all are capable of self-actualising - to assess, take responsibility and make changes, it can be unlearnt, albeit slowly.

Further, research suggests that violence can be prevented. Dr Ree Boddé, the Program Director for Think Prevent – Prevention of Violence against Women, who facilitated the forum, believes that societal attitudes and perceptions that condone or excuse violence, play an important role in perpetuating these behaviours. Social norms like these need to be realised and broken down. Even passivity can be a form of condoning. Research has proven that the larger the number of unresponsive bystanders who witness an act of violence, the less likely it is that one of those bystanders will intervene to prevent serious harm or even death.

“We need to become a lot more responsive when we witness or experience violence,” said Dr Ree Boddé. In more recent years, many faith communities have begun to adopt a new approach to domestic violence - The Active Bystander Intervention Method.

During the forum, Dr Boddé encouraged participants to role-play a violent situation, to teach each one as bystanders how to use strategies that could save someone’s life, or at the least, challenge the abusive behaviour as inappropriate and not ok.

For more detailed information on the Active Bystander Intervention Approach and how to use it effectively and safely, please go to the Think Prevent website. www.thinkprevent.com

Kyla-Jayne Rajah

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I’m going to explain how you can start an Internet business and create an income stream that you can build over time. I am going to introduce the topic of “Affiliate Marketing” and how you can use it to get started making money online, with the least difficulty.

There are other ways to earn an income on-line, for example you could create products for sale, create tutorials on a topic in which you have expert knowledge, or you may have purchased a product at wholesale price and wish to retail it. All of these

are good in their own ways – they just take time to understand and master.

Today I want to outline “Affiliate Marketing” and how you can use it to get started making money online with the least difficulty.

Affiliate marketing is all about promoting other people’s products and receiving a commission in return. You don’t need to purchase stock, you don't need to arrange deliveries, you don’t need to make any sales, or do any invoicing - you just need to spread the word.

This is done through emails containing pages supplied by the affiliate provider, about the product – you then get paid for any subsequent completed sales, automatically, usually direct from such firms as PayPal.

Commissions are usually 50% for information products like training manuals, or on-line courses and to receive this type of commission you just need permission to promote the product, on behalf of the creator and spread the word to all your contacts. Your job is to build a list of contacts and tell them about the item/s you have selected to promote.

All using Internet Marketing agree, ‘The Money is in the List.’ To get an understanding of what types of products are available, you can check out sites like Clickbank.com, WarriorForun.com or JVZoo.com.

These are not the only sites offering affiliate programs, you could also Google Affiliate Offers, or Affiliate Programs to locate more options and the three I mentioned earlier would be a good start.

If you would like a far more detailed report on “How to Get Started” with affiliate marketing then you can access my latest Affiliate Money Machine report for just $10.00 via this link http://www.FredGillen/amm

Feel free to email me with any questions fred@fredgillen.com – I would appreciate your interest and I look forward to helping you get started.

Fred Gillen

HOW TO GET STARTED IN ‘AFFILIATE MARKETING’ AT NO COST

21

Laugh Out Loud

Puns for Educated Minds

How does Moses make his tea? Hebrews it.

Venison for dinner again? Oh deer!

A cartoonist was found dead in his home. Details are sketchy.

I used to be a banker, but then I lost interest.

Haunted French pancakes give me the crepes.

England has no kidney bank, but it does have a Liverpool .

I tried to catch some fog, but I mist.

They told me I had type-A blood, but it was a Type-O.

I changed my iPod's name to Titanic. It's syncing now.

Jokes about German sausages are the wurst.

I know a guy who's addicted to brake fluid, but he says he can stop any time.

I stayed up all night to see where the sun went, and then it dawned on me.

This girl said she recognized me from the vegetarian club, but I'd never met herbivore.

When chemists die, apparently they barium.

I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. I just can't put it down.

I did a theatrical performance about puns. It was a play on words.

I didn't like my beard at first. Then it grew on me.

Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn't control her pupils?

When you get a bladder infection you know urine trouble.

Broken pencils are pretty much pointless.

W hat do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus.

I dropped out of the Communism class because of lousy Marx.

All the toilets in New York 's police stations have been stolen. As of now, it appears the police have nothing to go on.

22

DROP BEARS

The Australian bush is dangerous,So bushwalkers had best beware,

Of fearsome Thylarctos plummetus,A creature that’s called the Drop Bear.

Of koalas a distant cousin,Is this marsupial carnivore.

Some have called it the evil twin,Of that cute cuddly herbivore.

It’s a leopard-sized furry fright,Orange coloured with meaty paws.It sleeps all day and hunts at night,

Armed with sharp teeth and razor-like claws.

Its hunting tactic is surprise.Though small mammals be its prey,

It will take on something human size:Man’s flesh a Drop Bear finds okay.

Gum trees are Drop Bear habitat.From a branch about thirty feet up,It will drop down knocking you flat;

Then on your dead or dazed carcase sup.

To watch for this menace wise folk dread,Look up at the tree canopy:

Six to eight metres above your head,Is where this villain might well be.

Do not camp under a gum tree,When exploring Australia’s Outback,

For the chances are you won’t see,That which knocks you flat as a tack.

Drop Bears are just one more horror,Of our Aussie monstrology.

The Hooroo, according to folklore,Will eat you without apology.

What’s a Hooroo for all that’s holy?It’s a flesh-eating giant kangaroo.

And beware the Bunyip and Yowie,For they might make a meal of you too.

Jack Nystrom

23

Hoppers Xing kids

Calling on Hoppers Crossing Schools and Parents to share photos, art, stories, writing for this page.Email your contributions to will@aroundpointcook.com or post to the PO Box 1145 Altona Meadows 3028

Hi Kids, Say you woke early on Sunday 25th October and just felt like practicing your Circus Skills …

Or, while brushing your teeth a notion struck the motion, nudging you to swap a toy, paint your face like a unicorn and join the Nylon Zoo!

Would you?

And when you ate your breakfast the Kazzos knocked at the door, asking for directions.

Do you want to know what for?

The CHILDREN’s WEEK PICNIC at Werribee Park

It starts at 10 - turn off the TV, Grab Mum, Dad, Grandpa and Aunty,

You’ll be entertained by the Cat in the Hat, you could take a ride along the trainless track … mmm … is that Right?

You could cook up a curry, build a recycled city, get lost in a jungle and blend a smoothie.

Come one; come all to this spectacular occasion, celebrate the Rights of Australia’s Children.

One of those rights is to have rollicking fun; it’s in print, I swear, at Article 31.

Best Wishes,

KJ xx

24 Please redistribute rather than discard.