For the majority of bleary-eyed travellers, airports are a valued means of transit to that next business meeting or – for the luckier ones – that fi rst umbrella-garnished cocktail. Steeped in functionality and structure, the airport’s bustle is generally forgotten the moment its visitors collect their last elusive suitcase and make for the taxi rank.

But for the residents and businesses situated within a close proximity to airports, the relationship with these lively hubs of aerial activity is of necessity a far less fl eeting, and entirely more complex, one. Indeed, such relationships cannot be placed in a holding

pattern when convenient: airports do not simply disappear with the last ‘fasten seatbelt’ sign, and instead yield a permanent infl uence on local infrastructure, business and housing.

Cognisant of the need to better regulate such interactions, the Gillard government made consultation between airports and sometimes-competing airport stakeholders a priority, establishing independently-chaired Community Aviation Consultation Groups (CACG’s) in order to better foster productive discussion and dialogue. Created on the back of the government’s 2009 ‘Flight Path to the Future’ initiative, these bodies now ensure a formal community voice at each of Australia’s major airports, with all federally-leased airports required to institute a CACG.

One signifi cant development generated out of the establishment of the Essendon CACG is the successful negotiation of the ‘Fly Neighbourly Agreement’, a voluntary accord espousing resident-conscious practices at Essendon Airport. Implemented twelve months ago, the agreement itself sets out a list of key principles to which its signatories pledge compliance, among them reducing unnecessary engine revs, maintaining a height of above 1000 feet unless arriving or departing the airport, responding to community inquiries about noise in a cooperative manner, and ensuring that environmental awareness and noise issues are included in pilot training. Air services operating out of Essendon are urged to abide by the ‘Fly Neighbourly Agreement’s’ inherently conscientious philosophy, asserts Airport Operations Manager Graeme Ware. “We encourage our operators to sign up to the ‘Fly Neighbourly Agreement’ so that they might better consider the community they are fl ying over.”

And with the issue of noise pollution accepted as a legitimate concern, airport management are

wholly committed to a conciliatory approach, having recognised the importance of establishing convivial, reciprocal relationships between the airport and the community that envelops it. “Our business is continuing to grow, and we have to manage that with community expectations. We may not always share the same outlook, but as long as the various parties treat each other with respect, solutions will inevitably reveal themselves.”

Like an air traffi c controller brandishing his marshalling wands, Ware is responsible for guiding all manner of complaints and disputes, with a perusal of the CACG’s minutes revealing a range of disparate concerns voiced by residents and interest groups – from helicopters operating out of curfew to unsound drainage of airport stormwater. Ware – who once even went to the extraordinary lengths of doing a ‘graveyard shift’ in a repeat complainant’s house in order to best appreciate a particularly sensitive noise issue – remains committed to working with the community. “It is our responsibility to treat residents with empathy and demonstrate a willingness to work with all parties.

FRIENDLY SKIES OVER ESSENDON AIRPORT

ISSUE 8 > WINTER 2012

COSTA ROLFE

(left to right) Sharp Airlines Crew: Jamieson Hunter - First Offi cer, Matt Reading - Captain and Chris Duffy - Pilot, Ground Handler

2 ESSENDONFIELDSNEWS > WIntEr 2012

Essendon Traffic School Turns 50! 3

4Tracks4Kids Event concludes at Flemington 4

Flemington Neighbourhood Renewal 4

Community Conversations with the Mayor Continue 5

2012 Tax and Budget Update 7

Essendon Fields News Entertainment Guide 8

History of Essendon Airport - Series 8 9

Libby Trickett – 2012 London Olympic Games 11

This is the reality of the daily management of modern airports.” A gradual increase in helicopter operations, for example, has resulted in the airport instigating directions to helicopters to fly over the less-populated open spaces to the north in order to minimise those residents affected.

The voluntary nature of the ‘Fly Neighbourly Agreement’, however, remains a point of contention. Though Sharp Airlines and 15 of the major operators are signed up at this point – including the chief operators of jet aircraft and twin turbo prop aircraft that provide regular commercial services to Victoria – significant omissions remain. The failure of the Police Air Wing and Air Ambulance Victoria to sign the agreement is one issue that has been the subject of some CACG discussion. For Ware, the motivation for spurning the agreement is, in this case, understandable. “Both organisations perform a critical role for Victorians in terms of life-saving processes, and are of the view that their pilots must remain free to make the operational decisions that they need to make. And though they are not signatories, they operate very much in principle with the ‘Fly Neighbourly Agreement’. They are mindful of noise issues wherever

possible, but don’t want to be compromised should a life-threatening situation emerge.”

For Essendon CACG member and Moonee Valley City Councillor Janette Chantry, the ‘Fly Neighbourly Agreement’ is perhaps best summarised as a work in progress. Whilst firmly opposed to any further expansion of activities at the airport, Chantry is quick to acknowledge recent gains. “Since the introduction of the ‘Fly Neighbourly Agreement’ there has been a marked improvement from the various operators of planes in and out of Essendon Airport.” Further negotiation will be vital, however, in achieving a mutually agreeable standard. “The committee and concerned residents believe that more effort is required from the operators to ensure less noise and pollution over the airport. The residents would like to see more noise monitoring devices installed in Bowes Avenue Airport West and in the Essendon area as well.” Cutting back on more superfluous joy flights – as opposed to the more essential emergency air wing services and executive jet aircraft – also remains a key concern for the community.

Like Ware, however, Councillor Chantry remains optimistic that favourable outcomes can be realised. “The new management at Essendon Airport has endeavoured to improve the relationship between residents and operators and I commend them on their efforts to date.”

COVER STORY CONTINUATION

Essendon Fields Pty LtdLevel 2, 7 English StEssendon Fields 3041T 9948 9400F 9948 9330www.essendonfields.com.au

CEO: Chris Cowan 9948 9400Marketing Manager: Dee Johns 9948 9408Leasing: Jodie Schickerling 9948 9400

Essendon Fields News:Publisher: MagMediaSuite 3 15-17 Pakington StSt Kilda VIC 31828506 9908

Editor: Lisa Quittnereditor@magmedia.com.au

Marketing: Dee Johns djohns@essendonfields.com.au

Sales and Advertising: Belle Ngienadvertise@magmedia.com.au

Cover page Image - Sharp Airlines signed to Fly Neighbourly Agreement.

Contributing writers: Costa Rolfe, Roger Meyer - OAM, Geoff Steer, Lisa Quittner,

Design: Smith and Rowe studio@smithandrowe.com.au

Essendon Fields News welcomes any contributions from our readers. Please send material to the editor.

Essendon Fields News is a free publication and is distributed through selected outlets.

Views expressed in Essendon Fields News do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editor or publisher. No responsibility is accepted by Essendon Fields News for the accuracy of the advertisements or information within the publication.

All material forwarded to the newspaper will be assumed intended for publication unless clearly labelled “Not for publication”.No part of this publication may be recorded, stored in a retrieval system or reproduced in any form without permission of The Publisher. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this publication.

3WINTER 2012 > ESSENDONFIELDSNEWS

Essendon Traffi c School is celebrating 50 years of providing a safe, fun place for children to practice riding their bicycles, learn about road rules and develop road safety awareness.

Essendon Traffi c School opened in 1962 with the support of the former Essendon City Council and the Rotary Club of Essendon.

The facility provides a unique mini road set-up for young children complete with road signs, railway bells and traffi c lights and is the ultimate in fun for children to learn about the roads and road rules while having a fabulous time in doing so.

Moonee Valley Mayor Cr Jim Cusack said the traffi c school remains as popular as ever, with more than 10,000 children visiting every year.

“Council warmly congratulates the Essendon Traffi c School on reaching this great milestone and is grateful for the long term partnership with Essendon Rotary that

has seen this unique community resource become such focal point for making children safer in our community,” Cr Cusack said.

“Every year thousands of children attend the Essendon Traffi c School to learn essential skills about cycling and walking that benefi ts them and their families now and in the future,” he said.

“Essendon Traffi c School continues to be an important part of Council’s commitment to both road safety education and to encouraging all the community to choose cycling and walking as acceptable and healthy ways to travel,” Cr Cusack said.

Cr Cusack said that Council and the Rotary Club of Essendon are always looking for ways to make the traffi c school more fun and educational for local children.

“In addition to the recently-launched road safety mural, Council has bought new

bikes for the traffi c school and has allocated money in our draft 2012/13 budget to design a new entry kiosk,” he said.

“In addition, the Rotary Club of Essendon recently funded two new cars for the playground,” Cr Cusack said.

Council’s Traffi c and Transportation Planning portfolio holder Cr Narelle Sharpe said

cycling and road safety are important for young people to learn.

“Essendon Traffi c School is a unique facility and it’s great to see it continue to give Moonee Valley children important cycling and road safety guidance through the generations,” Cr Sharpe said.

Essendon Traffi c School can be booked for casual, education or private sessions. For more information visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/ets.

Moonee Valley’s premier annual event, the Spirit of Moonee Valley Community Awards, is looking for residents who embody the true ethos of community spirit

Nominations are now open to individuals, community organisations, businesses, professional bodies or similar groups who either live, work or study in Moonee Valley.

Moonee Valley Mayor Cr Jim Cusack is looking forward to once again celebrating the everyday heroes of our community.

“This will be my seventh year attending the Spirit of Moonee Valley Community Awards and each year I am inspired by the incredible work achieved by people in our city,” Cr Cusack said.

“Whether it’s in the fi elds of environment, business, charity, the arts, community services, sports and recreation, neighbourhood safety, all people recognised at these awards contribute to the vibrancy of Moonee Valley and have a true impact on the lives of many.”

“This event is really something quite special and it’s an honour for me to be able to publicly acknowledge the efforts of such deserving recipients.”

“Celebrating your loyalty to the area in which you live, work or study is what it’s all about. I can’t wait to share the night with people as passionate about Moonee Valley as I am!”

The format for the 2012 awards will be the same as the 2011 revamped format.

Of those nominated, some will be selected to receive a Meritorious Award for their contribution to the community. Then from the Meritorious Award group, judges will select a number of nominees for a higher award, called the Outstanding Service Award.

Finally a nominee from this group will be selected as the Moonee Valley Citizen of the Year.

For a nomination to be considered, the nominated person must be an Australian citizen and at least 16 years of age by the date of the awards ceremony.

Nominations close 5pm on Friday, 3 August. Nomination forms can be collected from Moonee Valley libraries, the Civic Centre, Flemington Community Centre or on Council’s website at mvcc.vic.gov.au/spiritofmv.

The awards ceremony will be held Friday, 12 October, from 6.30pm at the Clocktower Centre.

For more information, please contact Council on 9243 8888 or email smv@mvcc.vic.gov.au.

Council respects, recognises and represents its Indigenous communities and is pleased to strengthen these ties during National Aboriginal and Island Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week - 1 to 8 July. NAIDOC Week celebrates Indigenous cultures and recognises the contributions Indigenous Australians make to various fi elds. The theme for 2012 is: Spirit of the Tent Embassy: 40 years on.

Flag raising ceremony

As part of the NAIDOC Week celebrations, Council will hold a fl ag raising ceremony where the community can listen to talks from Indigenous community leaders, enjoy Indigenous music and dance. This year the Koorie Night Market will also participate in the celebration of indigenous arts and culture – bringing with it a feast of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander arts, crafts, food, music and dance. Refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon’s activities.

When: Monday, 2 July

Time: Koorie Night Market from 2pm, Flag Raising Ceremony from 4pm

Where: Council’s Civic Area, Civic Centre9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds

ESSENDON TRAFFIC SCHOOL TURNS 50!

TIME TO GET INTO THE ‘SPIRIT’ OF NOMINATING

NAIDOC WEEK – SPIRIT OF THE TENT EMBASSY: 40 YEARS ON

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4 ESSENDONFIELDSNEWS > WINTER 2012

GET IT RIGHT ON BIN NIGHT

The innovative work of Neighbourhood Renewal on the Flemington public housing estate is set to be completed over the next three years, due to a further $1 million in Victorian Coalition Government funding.

Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell joined tenants, representatives from Moonee Valley City Council and local community groups to announce the additional funding on the estate on June 12.

“It’s a real pleasure to be with you on the Flemington estate today, to make this important announcement,” Ms Lovell said. “Last October I attended the opening of the community gathering and play space and launch of the Neighbourhood Renewal Action plan, and more recently I attended a graduation ceremony for participants in the Trade Taster Project.

“One of the Coalition Government’s key platforms is to provide the chance for vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorians to connect with education, training and work opportunities, and it’s clear those at the Flemington Estate are making the most of the opportunities that come their way,” Ms Lovell said.

Flemington Neighbourhood Renewal focuses on the Flemington public housing estate, which consists of four high-rise towers, 12 low-rise buildings, and its immediate surrounds. An estimated 3,500 people live within the Flemington Neighbourhood Renewal area.

Member for Northern Metropolitan Region Craig Ondarchie said the $1 million will contribute to the place management team currently operating on the estate, and fund employment support, community building and community infrastructure priority projects as identifi ed by the local community.

Moonee Valley City Council is cracking down on illegal dog and cat breeding establishments in light of new laws introduced by the State Government earlier this year.

The defi nition of a breeding domestic animal business had changed. “If you have three or more fertile female dogs or three or more fertile female cats and you sell dogs or cats, you must register with Council as a domestic animal business, whether you make a profi t or not,” Mayor Cr Cusack said.

“The only exception to this rule is if you are a member of an ‘applicable organisation’, in which case you do not need to register as a domestic animal business unless you have 10 or more fertile female dogs or 10 or more fertile female cats.”

Breeding domestic animal businesses are required to comply with a Code of Practice, designed to ensure they meet minimum standards for animal welfare. It is also now an offence to advertise the sale of a dog or cat unless the microchip identifi cation number of the animal is included in the advertisement or notice. A registered domestic animal business may use its Council business registration number as an alternative.

“This gives the community confi dence that puppies and kittens being sold are only from legitimate breeders,” said Cr Cusack.

Portfolio holder for Corporate and Citizen Services Cr James Rankin added, “we need to ensure that animals in Moonee Valley are protected from cruel and inhumane conditions.”

For more information, contact Council’s Local Laws unit on 9243 8888 or visit the Department of Primary Industries website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/pets.

‘4TRACKS4KIDS’ CROSSES THE LINE AT FLEMINGTON

Earlier this year, DOXA held its annual racing lunch and the inaugural 4tracks4kidsMelbourne.

The 4tracks4kids fundraiser walk in support of disadvantaged youth, started at 3am with a core group of walkers from Sandown Racecourse heading to Caulfi eld Racecourse where another 130 registered walkers awaited, keen to join the challenge, most of whom had

been sponsored in support of the DOXA Youth Foundation and Sporting Chance.

Next the walkers were on to Birrarung Marr, through the Melbourne city streets right through to Moonee Valley Racecourse, where some ceremonial walkers joined the group of dedicated walkers. 1992 Melbourne Cup winner Subzero guided the walkers on their fi nal kilometre escorting them down the infamous track. With the children of the Western English Language School cheering, it was with great excitement and relief that the walkers fi nished their 44kms, approximately 9 hours after leaving Sandown. What a tremendous effort!

Three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey

Glen Boss, 2012 Lady of Racing winner Michelle Payne and all of Black Caviar’s owners were amongst the racing royalty on parts of the walk, as well as triple Brownlow Medallist Bob Skilton and former Australian Cricket Captain Mark Taylor, both ambassadors for Sporting Chance.

DOXA Youth Foundation works to ensure that disadvantaged youth receive assistance in education and life, whilst Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation funds mobile home care units to help children with cancer.

To date, in excess of $211,000 has been raised, for further information or to make a donation visit http://www.4tracks4kids.com.au/

FLEMINGTON NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL

CRACKING DOWN ON ILLEGAL ANIMAL BREEDERS

The Victorian Government, in partnership with local councils including Moonee Valley City Council, has launched an important new campaign to help residents ‘Get it Right on Bin Night’ and to recycle to their full potential.

The Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said that although Melburnians were great recyclers, on average up to 20 per cent of the waste in the household garbage bin was still incorrectly thrown away, instead of being recycled.

The new initiative builds on the recently announced $3.8 million package to support and develop recycling across Melbourne as well as $9 million to fund a regional organics strategy and improve rural landfi ll infrastructure. The campaign will provide residents with practical information to improve the amount of waste recycled on bin night.

5WINTER 2012 > ESSENDONFIELDSNEWS

Council offers annual grants to the community for projects that will benefi t Moonee Valley.

The 2013 Community Grant program opens on the 2nd of July, and now is the time to start preparing your grant application for projects to take place in 2013.

There are four grant categories:

• Social Support: contributes to the costs of social and recreational activities.

• Community Development: projects that involve community and enhance social inclusion, health, mental health and well-being

• Arts and Culture: for arts, cultural or heritage activities that encourage the participation in Moonee Valley’s cultural life.

• Sustainable Environment: projects that address the causes of environmental damage or enhance the environment in Moonee Valley.

Examples of funded projects from 2012:

• Health and well-being information sessions

• Establishing of community garden

• Developing resources and equipment to support integration of special needs children

• School holiday program for children/teenagers

• Free Home Sustainability Assessments delivered in community languages by local residents

To add your community group to Council’s mailing list and to receive information about the grants program and other news, please contact Sara Ferdowsi, Diversity Planning & Partnerships Offi cer at sferdowsi@mvcc.vic.gov.au or on 9243 8888. Check our website for application details and updates at: mvcc.vic.gov.au/communitygrants.

COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM

Moonee Valley City Council and Open Channel are excited to announce the launch of the web series Super Terrorise Me: Bully Planet. This web series has been produced by local young people as part of the anti-bullying project Super Terrorise Me. The web series is live on YouTube and offi cially launched in mid May at Niddrie Youth Hub.

This project has given a group of 20 young people in Moonee Valley a chance to gain invaluable experience in fi lmmaking and production - with an award winning industry expert, Nick Moore, guiding them along the way.

Moonee Valley Mayor, Cr Jim Cusack, said that this type of learning experience and exposure to industry experts can really make a difference in providing a sense of direction for young people.

“Through connecting young enthusiastic people in our community with established industry experts we are fostering a creative environment in which the young can fi nd inspiration and growth, these types of industries are notoriously diffi cult to break into. This project gives these motivated youths a trial run on a potential career,” Cr Cusack said.

Portfolio Councillor for Community Services and Partnerships, Cr Miriam Gillis, said that the web series aims to give the viewer insight into the subject of bullying from a young persons’ perspective. “The web series launch will show-case two episodes, each covering a different aspect of bullying,” said Cr Gillis.

Jennie Hughes, Executive Director of Open Channel commented “I hope these fi lms inspire more young fi lmmakers to tell their story and I look forward to seeing more great work from the young participants in this program in the future.

Nick Moore said “We have some very committed and hard working young people involved and it’s been great for me personally to be involved in the project”.

Super Terrorise Me: the Web Series has been produced as a project funded by the Youth Development and Support Program that is managed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. This web series follows on from the success of the original Super Terrorise Me short fi lm produced by local young people and premiered at the 2010 Fling Fest Short Film Festival.

BUDDING YOUNG LOCAL FILMMAKERS LAUNCH WEB SERIES

Mayor of Moonee Valley, Cr Jim Cusack, is getting out and about in the municipality to have conversations with the local community and to provide an opportunity for the community to ask questions, provide feedback and put forward ideas about current council services, events and programs.

At the Mayoral election last November, Cr Cusack said he was committed to engaging with the community and creating avenues and opportunities for residents to provide feedback, input and ideas to Council.

“I am happy to talk about any Council matter,” he said. From big ideas that will benefi t the entire community to small issues in individual streets. All conversations are welcome.”

Community Conversations with the Mayor commenced in early February and Cr Cusack will continue to visit various locations across Moonee Valley to chat with community members every Friday afternoon from 2pm to 3.30pm right through until the end of September.

Community members can also make appointments to meet with the Mayor on other days of the week while he is at the Council Civic Centre in Moonee Ponds. In addition to chatting in person, Cr Cusack is also available to chat online every Monday evening from 7pm to 8pm, via Council’s Facebook page.

“I encourage everyone in the community to come and meet me in person or go online and raise any ideas or projects that we should consider. The next step to follow, of course, is to turn this talk into action.” Cr Cusack added

The Mayor will be in the following locations every Friday until the end of September:

• First Friday of the monthNiddrie Library, 483 Keilor Road, Niddrie

• Second Friday of the monthFlemington Library, 313 Racecourse Road, Flemington

• Third Friday of the monthAscot Vale Neighbourhood Centre, corner Union Road & Munro Street, Ascot Vale

• Fourth Friday of the monthAvondale Heights Library and Learning Centre, 69-79 Military Road, Avondale Heights

• Fifth Friday of the monthSam Merrifi eld Library, 762 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds

Residents can also send the Mayor an email at jcusack@mvcc.vic.gov.au or post in a letter to PO Box 126 Moonee Ponds, 3039

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS WITH THE MAYOR CONTINUE

6 ESSENDONFIELDSNEWS > WINTER 2012

Moonee Valley City Council presents their premier business event this July, the 2012 Gala Business Lunch, to be held at Moonee Valley Racing Club.

Guest speaker Alan Kohler, one of Australia’s most experienced

economic commentators and journalists, will provide an overview of the global economic climate, current economic trends and how this will affect local business.

Former editor of the Australian Financial Review and The Age newspapers, Alan Kohler currently runs Eureka Report, Australia’s most successful investment newsletter, and Business Spectator, a 24-hour free business news and commentary website. He also hosts ABC television program Inside Business and is the fi nance presenter on ABC News.

The MC for the lunch will be journalist and broadcaster Beverly O’Connor. Specialising in economics and politics, with over 20 years experience working in the media across both radio and television,

Beverly is sure to bring valuable perspective and commentary to the discussion.

Moonee Valley Mayor and portfolio holder for Economic Development Cr Jim Cusack said the event is a valuable opportunity for local businesses to gain insight into how global economic trends will affect Moonee Valley.

“Not a week goes by lately where we don’t hear about events on the other side of the world having an impact on Australia’s economy. This is your chance to gain a better understanding of what it all means,” Cr Cusack said.

The 2012 Gala Business Lunch is open to all in the business community, from small business owners to CEO’s of major corporations, it is also a great opportunity to network and make new contacts across a diverse range of industries.

When: Tuesday 17 July – 12pm –2:30pm

Where: Moonee Valley Racing Club – Moonee Ponds

Info & Bookings: mvcc.vic.gov.au/businessevents

ECONOMICS EXPERT OFFERS VALUABLE INSIGHT AT 2012 GALA BUSINESS LUNCH

The wait is fi nally over, the Scirocco R is on its way to Australia. The four-seat sports car is a dynamic performer as well as economical companion on the roads of everyday life. Crowned TopGear Australia’s Car of the Year 2011, the Scirocco R’s incredible value for money, sporty design, and fi rey 2.0-litre engine ensured the car’s top spot amongst a list of high-profi le competitors.

Conceptualized by Volkswagen R GmbH, the Scirocco R is an impressive performance package with a brilliant engine and chassis, unique looks and exclusive features. Advantages boost a TSI engine available (Scirocco R) extremely high power and torque values along with signifi cantly reduced fuel consumption.

The 2.0-litre TSI (Scirocco R) attains a maximum power of 188 kW at 6,000 rpm. Its maximum torque, notably the decent dollop of torque (330Nm) produced in the heart of the rev range between 2500-5000rpm. This makes for an agile responsive engine, able to summon torque in the blink of an eye at almost any speed.

The Scirocco R can be optioned with Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and is available with a specially tuned sport chassis and XDL (Extended Electronic Differential Lock) as standard equipment. The latter refers to a functional extension of the Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) that is integrated in the ESP system and reduces traction loss.

Featuring VW’s Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) electronically adjustable dampers as standard, the system which continually adjusts damping of individual wheels to roadway conditions based on signals from three body sensors and displacement sensors at each wheel. During acceleration, braking and steering processes, chassis damping is stiffened in fractions of a second to optimally meet vehicle dynamic requirements. By making these automatic adjustments, ACC signifi cantly increases comfort in driving situations whose dynamics are less challenging, resolving the confl ict in goals between a stiff sporty tuning and a comfortable one. Besides the “Normal” mode, the driver can also choose the “Sport” or “Comfort” mode.

The design features refl ect the motto “form follows function”; the front end has three large air inlets integrated with large louvres in the bumper customized for the Scirocco R, which engineers designed for optimal cooling of the brakes and engine. The rear image of this car is dominated by a large roof edge spoiler and a prominent glossy black diffuser in the lower bumper area that shows typical R-styling. One tailpipe on the left and the other on the right defi ne the border between the black diffuser and the bumper painted in body colour. The side view is characterized by powerfully styled side skirts painted in body

colour. The milled, polished wheels are as visually unique and offer a very attractive look at the large 17-inch braking system with its glossy black calipers and R-logo. Like the brake calipers, the outside mirrors of the Scirocco R are always painted a glossy black, independent of the body colour. Sporty designed 19-inch alloy wheels (“Talladega” type) with size 235/35 tyres further enhances the look of the Scirocco R.

The interior of the Scirocco R presents an altogether refi ned appearance. As is typical of all R-models, special interior accents, sport seats and numerous other dynamic features are applied.

For further information or a test drive drop in or call Essendon Volkswagen, 295 Wirraway Rd, Essendon Fields on 8325 9333.

A SPORTS CAR WITHOUT COMPROMISES THE NEW SCIROCCO R - POWERFUL, FAST, FUEL EFFICIENT AND CLEAN. ESSENDON FIELDS NEWS | WHEELS IN MOTION

SNAPSHOTMODELS

• Scirocco R 6-Speed Manual - $47,490• Scirocco R 6-Speed DSG with Sport Mode

and Triptronic Function - $49,990

OPTIONS:• RNS510 Satellite Navigation

System - $2,500• Dynaudio Excite premium audio

system - $1,100• Panoramic glass roof - $1,800

SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine 2.0 litre TSI, 4 cyl inline turbo direct injection petrol, 6 Speed Manual or 6 Speed DSG, Front wheel drive with Extended Electronic

Differential Lock (XDL), 188kW@6000rpm, 330Nm@2500–5000rpm

Fuel Bosch Motronic, Premium unleaded 98 RON minimum

Ignition system Electronic

Installation Front transverse

Cubic capacity, litres/cc 2.0 / 1984

Wheels 19-inch alloy wheels fi tted inclusively

Standard LED daytime running lights, metallic paint, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, multifunction trip computer, Bluetooth with audio streaming and heated sports seats

7WINTER 2012 > ESSENDONFIELDSNEWS

The government has announced a number of legislative changes over the past few months that may affect you or your business. A summary of the key announcements below will help you to consider if you need to take any action prior to 30 June.

Should you prepay your private health insurance?

From 1 July 2012, the Federal Government Rebate on Private Health Insurance will be means tested and health fund members will no longer be guaranteed the minimum 30% rebate. If your income is likely to exceed $84,000 for singles or

$168,000 for couples you should consider paying your health insurance premiums in advance prior to 1 July and you will avoid the means testing and benefi t from the 30% rebate for another year.

Company director’s personally liable for company debts!

Currently under the Director Penalty Regime (DPR), company directors who fail to comply with their obligations to pay amounts withheld from employee salaries under the PAYG withholding regime to the Tax Offi ce can be personally liable for the amount.

The government has proposed changes to the Director Penalty Regime (DPR) to expand it so that company directors will be personally liable for unpaid superannuation guarantee charges. Should the proposed changes be made law you will need to ensure your business is paying and reporting its PAYG withholding and SGC obligations on time.

Are you the trustee of a discretionary trust?

Before 30 June you will need to make benefi ciaries entitled to trust income by way of a resolution. In years gone by these resolutions have generally been made after year end. However the Taxation Offi ce has made their expectations clear that resolutions must be documented prior to 30 June. Failure to make a resolution by 30 June could result in the income of your trust being taxed at 46.5%.

Check your salary sacrifi cing arrangements

The superannuation concessional contribution cap will be $25,000 for 2012-2013. If you are over 50 your concessional contribution cap has reduced from $50,000 to $25,000. If you are salary sacrifi cing amounts into superannuation now is the time to review your arrangements to ensure you do not contribute in excess of the concessional cap.

More paper work for the Building and Construction Industry

The government is introducing legislation that will require businesses in the building and construction industry to report to the Taxation Offi ce payments made to contractors each income year. This is essentially a return to the old Prescribed Payments System (PPS) that was scrapped over a decade ago.

Government back fl ips

As a result of the Federal Budget announcements on 8th May you will not be getting:-

• A reduction in company tax rates

• A discount of tax paid on interest earned

• A standard deduction for work related expenses

• Tax breaks for green buildings

All these previous announcements have been scrapped.

The government confi rmed previous announcements of two signifi cant concessions for small business that will enable qualifying businesses, to claim deductions as follows:-

• Motor vehicles – an instant tax write-off for the fi rst $5,000 for any motor vehicle bought in the upcoming fi nancial year (2012/2013).

• Other assets – an immediate write-off of all assets under $6,500 from 1 July 2012.

Plus, the Government has simplifi ed how other forms of write-offs are managed. The change will allow small business to write-off other assets (except buildings) at a single rate (normally multiple rates apply depending on the type of asset).

Loss carry back scheme

Just prior to the Budget the Government announced a company loss carry back scheme. If your company makes a tax loss next

fi nancial year, this scheme will enable you to carry back that loss (up to $1m) and claim it against tax you have paid this fi nancial year.

Should you wish to discuss any taxation matters please do not hesitate to contact Damian James of Matthews Steer on (03)9325 6300

2012 TAX AND BUDGET UPDATEGEOFF STEER | FINANCIAL FREEDOM

8 ESSENDONFIELDSNEWS > WINTER 2012

International ice dance sensation, The Imperial Ice Stars make a triumphant return to Melbourne this winter with the dazzling new production of The Nutcracker on Ice.

This award-winning troupe has built up a worldwide following and established an unrivalled reputation for their sophisticated portrayals of classic works, and for executing the most complex and daring manoeuvres on the ice. For their latest production, The Nutcracker on Ice, acclaimed Artistic Director Tony Mercer has once again teamed with four-time fi gure skating World Champion and dual Olympic gold medallist Evgeny Platov, and dual World Champion Maxim Staviski to create choreography that further raises the bar, with ever more breathtaking high-speed leaps and throws, and awe-inspiring acrobatics, coupled with the most graceful and sublime ice dancing.

To Tchaikovsky’s memorable score, the 25-strong cast of World, European and National Championship skaters will astound and mesmerise audiences with their adrenaline-rich, dramatic performance, in the intimate setting of a frozen theatre stage.

When: July 25 - 29Where: The Arts CentreBookings: The Arts Centre 1300 182 183

BOY GIRL WALLFollowing sell-out seasons across Australia, this hilarious smash-hit production by The Escapists is a stunning celebration of theatricality, imagination and the joy of play. This is the story of Thom and Alethea: two neighbours in an apartment block, trying desperately to keep their lives from falling apart, but the wall that stands between them has decided they belong together.

Using chalk, sock puppets, an overhead projector and over two-dozen characters, Lucas Stibbard’s captivating tour de force performance with live music by Neridah Waters will inspire and delight in a tall tale of whimsy and architectural enlightenment.

An Escapists in association with Critical Stages production. Created by Matthew Ryan and Lucas Stibbard.

*Contains strong coarse language and adult themes

When: Tuesday 24 July at 8pmWhere: Clocktower Centre 750 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee PondsTickets: $34 - $44Bookings: 9243 9191 or www.clocktowercentre.com.au

THE NUTCRACKER ON ICE

ESSENDON FIELDS NEWS ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

TLC FOR KIDS - TRACKYDACK DAY‘Tracky Dack Day’ invites Australians to ‘dack up’ and wear a pair of trackies to raise awareness and money for kids battling illnesses in hospital. For these kids, trackies represent wellness and normality as they’re encouraged each morning to change out of their pyjamas to keep a healthy mindset.

Simply hold your own ‘Tracky Dack Day’ with friends, workplace or local club, collect a gold coin donation from everyone who participates and deposit the funds via the TLC for kids website. If you can’t dack up, you can wear a sticker to show your support.

TLC for kids is the only national charity providing emergency emotional support for kids facing distressing situations in hospital. With a presence in over 400 hospitals across the country, TLC for kids’ services target the moments where a child’s fear and pain are at their peak.

When: Friday 6 JulyFurther Info: www.trackydackday.com.au

Back by popular demand, the hugely popular Sing-A-Long-A Sound of Music returns for three performances only. See the classic movie on the big screen, re-mastered to its original cinematic glory. Admit it, you know the words – and if you don’t there are song-sub-titles so everyone can sing a-long!

Sing-A-Long –A Sound of Music is an audience participation event where host, the talented and effervescent Chelsea Plumley leads a vocal warm-up, gives a guide to the use of the interactive fun pack and accompanying actions and (with a littlehelp from the audience) judges the Costume Parade - a highlight of the night that separates the die-hards from the dabblers!

An overwhelming force takes over, as delirious fans cheer on Julie Andrews, wolf-whistle Christopher Plummer, hiss the Baroness and boo the Nazi’s! And who could forget the glorious moment when Maria and the Captain fi nally kiss? Not to mention the experience of 2000 party poppers going off simultaneously as their lips touch!

The costumes are truly inspiring. A sea of black and white fl oods the foyer of the State Theatre year after year as fans eagerly dressed

as nuns gather for the show and sing a few of their favourite songs. Audience members have dressed as anything and everything from the movie.... Maria, girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes, Plumbers (Christopher Plummers!) the Alps, brown paper packages tied up with string, goats (with or without lonely goatherds), larks that are learning to pray – the possibilities are endless... limited only by your imagination.

When: 20 & 21 July at 7.30pm & Saturday Matinee at 1.00pm

Where: State Theatre - Arts Centre Melbourne

Bookings: 1300 182 183 or www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

Tickets: Adults $52 / Group (8 or over) $47 / Concession $45 / Family (2 Adults 2 Children) $150 / Child (under 15) $35

The Wiggles and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will join forces in a world fi rst limited run of shows at the iconic and newly refurbished Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall this August.

Having recently announced that 2012 will be the fi nal touring year for the original Wiggles – Anthony, Murray, Greg and Jeff – these world-fi rst concerts will see the Wiggles perform their Wiggly hits live on stage with one of the world’s great orchestras, giving many of their fans the chance to experience the wonders of a live orchestra for the fi rst time.

In anticipating these wonderful shows, Blue Wiggle Anthony Field has said “Performing with an orchestra is something that we have always wanted to do and now in our 21st year we are incredibly excited to be able to present our songs in a live

orchestral setting. For many of our fans we know this will be a truly engaging and unique experience.”

Also appearing with the Wiggles and the MSO will be the much-loved Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, Captain Feathersword and the world famous Wiggly dancers.

The MSO is thrilled to be working with the Wiggles to create a unique and entertaining learning environment which teaches children about the world of an orchestra through the fi rst-hand experience of live music.

“Music is an important part of every child’s development, and the MSO strives to fi nd new and exciting ways to introduce all children to the world of live musical entertainment, which makes our partnering with the Wiggles such an exciting endeavour.” said MSO Acting Chief Executive Offi cer Wayne Box.

Don’t miss out on the family event of 2012.

When: 24 & 25 August

Where: Hamer Hall - Arts Centre Melbourne

Tickets: From $40

Further Info : www.thewiggles.com.au& www.mso.com.au

BARASSI DO THEY MAKE MEN LIKE HIM ANYMORE?

BARASSI is the story of iconic Australian footballer, coach, motivator and father of modern football,

Ron Barassi depicted in an epic fashion, from child to elder statesman. It is a story of determination, passion and courage, of success and failure.

The story starts in World War II with Ron’s champion footballer father, Ron Senior tragicallykilled in Libya.

We follow the development of young Ron under the care and mentorship of legendary coach Norm Smith as he develops into “the father of modern football”. Ever driven to challenge himself, and live up to the impossible memory of his father, Barassi makes the transition from champion player to revolutionary coach achieving

the status of legend on the way. His football success shows no bounds while his marriage, business and old club Melbourne crumble.

It’s not the moments that make the man; it’s the man who makes the moments. His determination, innovation, sense of humour and humanity transform him from a young man dealing with a very personal tragedy to a man who at 72 rushes to the defence of a stranger.

If you think you know Ron Barassi, you haven’t seen anything yet! From tragedy to legendary, Tee O’Neill’s stage show will uplift and inspire you…with plenty of laughs along the way.

Opens: 20 September, 2012

Limited Season

Where: Athenaeum Theatre

Tickets: ticketek.com.au or 1300 795 012

Web: barassi.net.au

A Great Father’s Day Gift!

SING-A-LONG-A SOUND OF MUSIC

THE WIGGLES MEET THE MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

DIVING FOR PEARLSKatherine Thomson’s Diving for Pearls dramatically records the moment Australia joined the vast world of globalised economics in the 1980s and the consequences on the lives of working men and women.

The story is set in an industrialised coastal city on the cusp of this change and the response of a couple at the prime of their life – the feisty, irrepressible Barbara and her would-be boyfriend, the retiring but stubborn Den. Their lives are further complicated by the arrival of Barbara’s simple daughter Verge, her snobbish sister Marj and Den’s upwardly mobile brother-in-law Ron.

Given the desperate nature of the characters’ circumstances Diving for Pearls is often dramatic, involving and moving, but tempered by a wry, sometimes hilarious and very Australian sense of humour.

*Contains strong coarse language and adult themes

When: 13 & 14 July at 8pmWhere: Clocktower Centre 750 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds Tickets: $39-$49Bookings: 9243 9191 or www.clocktowercentre.com.au

Lucas Dawson Photography

9WINTER 2012 > ESSENDONFIELDSNEWS

THE HISTORY OF ESSENDON AIRPORT With the London Olympic Games on the

horizon, it is timely to remember the Melbourne Olympics, held between 22 November and 8 December 1956, and in particular the visitors and athletes who arrived and departed by air.

At the time, Essendon Airport had a small and temporary international terminal building, which was certainly inadequate for the infl ux of visitors to the Olympic Games.

So, for the duration of Olympics a temporary international terminal building was confi gured using the just-completed Hangar 103. It is one of the two identical hangars, still visible from the Tullamarine Freeway, at the northern end of the airport.

The building was fi tted out with temporary offi ce partitions, hand rails, pot plants, Toledo scales and a giant set of Olympic rings suspended from the roof. Facilities for Immigration, Customs, Health and Banking were provided in these partitioned-off areas. The fl oor was painted with four pastel colours and sealed with resin emulsion.

Outside, fl agpoles were erected, taxiway markings were painted to guide aircraft to parking areas outside the terminal, and new street signs directed vehicles and visitors to the hangar.

A total of 262 additional fl ights brought some 9,000 passengers and 1,250 crew members.

Many countries used their national fl ag carrier airline, and some of these aircraft were ferried to Mangalore for the duration of the Games, and then returned to Essendon to pick up their passengers after the Games, and take them back home. Others returned to normal commercial operations before returning to Melbourne at the end of the Games.

The largest aircraft to participate was a giant French Armagnac, which brought 130 Czechs together with canoes, kayaks and the like, stacked overhead in timber scaffolding. Weighing 80 tons, it was too heavy to land at Eagle Farm (Brisbane), and on

landing at Essendon Airport, its wide undercarriage destroyed a row of temporary taxiway lights.

‘The Sun’ reported on 12 November that thousands of sightseers had caused confusion at the International Air Terminal. “As overseas Olympic teams arrived, they cheered, waved fl ags – and broke through barriers of uniformed attendants in their keenness to ask for souvenir badges and autographs. By 6 p.m. traffi c on the road outside the terminal was so thick that it lined both sides of the road bumper to bumper from the terminal to the turn-off at Bulla Road.”

A Ground Control Approach (GCA) mobile radar was provided by the RAAF to assist aircraft landings in low cloud. It was only used once in anger – the New Zealand team delayed their arrival until the morning of the Opening Ceremony, and due to fog, would have been unable to land, had it not been for RAAF operators ‘talking’ the aircraft down to a safe landing.

Many visitors arrived via Darwin and Sydney. Some missed interstate connections when delays occurred in processing passengers at Sydney. Thousands of prospective spectators were unable to reach Melbourne in time for the Opening Ceremony due planes, ships, trains and tourist coaches being fully booked. They were advised hitch-hike or make friends with interstate truck-drivers.

To conclude this story on a light note, the then Airport Manager, Reg Crampton later recalled the following incident. A few days before the British team was about to depart, he received a verbal message from the British Yachting Team, that they intended to souvenir the terminal building’s giant Olympic fl ag. Reg accepted the sporting challenge, in the spirit of the period. Some 45 minutes before departure, in a very crowded terminal, what seemed to be a major disturbance occurred at the apron end of the terminal. The security offi cers soon had the matter under control, but when Reg looked to the other end of the building he saw not the fl ag, but a long ladder under where it had been. The police wanted to search the aircraft, but Reg refused, pointing out that they had won the gold.

ROGER MEYER OAM | HISTORY SERIES 8

Interior view of the temporary international terminal building. Note the Olympic rings on the right.

The French Armagnac aircraft, described by one pilot as looking like a fl ying block of fl ats.

11WINTER 2012 > ESSENDONFIELDSNEWS

With only weeks until the 2012 London Olympic Games, what is a week in your training schedule like and how much training and preparation is actually in the pool?

The time is going so quickly! Within a week of training I’ll do 9 sessions in the pool ranging up to two hours at a time, I bike ride 4 times a week, I run 3 times a week, I fi t in a yoga class and I’ll do heavy weights and gym work twice a week as well as some abs and core training 4 times a week. Altogether it adds up to about 35 hours of training a week.

As part of the 4 X100m relay for the London Olympics, do you train together?

At this point we have our own individual programs before we compete at the trials, once we make the team we continue with our programming but we also have a few relay camps together to practice relay change-overs and to get to know each other better which is really important for the team dynamics and for encouragement and support.

One of the intriguing aspects of swimming at an elite olympic level is that as athletes you compete as part of a team but also as individuals. Where is the line between camaraderie and competition?

It’s really interesting being part of a relay team, there is the competitive part of you that wants to make the team and be in that fi nal relay at the olympics but at the same time you want the team to perform at its best.

There is a fi ne line to walk to be supportive every step of the way and yet as competitive as you can be as a swimmer and an athlete.

I think as I have gotten older I have realised that if I do everything I can do, to the best of my ability, I am going to make it really hard for the other swimmers to make it as part of the team, but in saying that, if they beat me fair and square I can’t hold it against them. At the end of the day, whoever it is that makes up that fi nal relay team, I want Australia to do the best it possibly can.

You retired from swimming at the end of 2009 but by September 2010 you announced you were returning, what prompted your decision to return?

It really just came down to the love of the sport. At the time when I retired, swimming had become complicated for me – I placed pressure and expectations upon myself to fulfi l the role I was playing as an elite athlete. There are media responsibilities and sponsorship obligations; it’s just not as simple as getting in the pool and swimming as fast as you can.

I realised and I am so grateful for, in respect to the time I spent away from the sport, that swimming could be as simple as it used to be when I fi rst started.

Although I still have sponsors and media commitments, I can keep it all simple and through that understanding the joy that I originally found in the sport resurfaced. I am so passionate about swimming, I think I’ll be swimming throughout my life and I just wish I could race for rest of my life too.

Would you say then that really a lot of what it takes to be at the

top in swimming comes from strong mental discipline and the way in which you harness the pressures?

One hundred percent! I believe swimming is one of the hardest sports to do, particularly over a long time, partly due to the amount we train in comparison to the amount of time we race and compete is a little skewed, we train so much and we race so little, which can lead to burnout in a lot of swimmers.

Add to that, swimming is a very high profi le sport which is wonderful on one hand in regards to media and sponsorship support and from the public but the other side of that is the pressure and expectation that we need to perform at such a high level constantly.

I think you need to have almost a hardness or a thick skin about you as a swimmer and remind yourself that we are not curing cancer or building rockets, we are swimmers. I am just so proud, honoured and privileged to do something I love so much at such a high level and represent Australia at the olympic Games!

I believe you played a signifi cant part in designing the uniform for the Aussie Team, what was that like?

It was fun. I enjoy clothes, as I think most girls do, but as athletes we don’t get many opportunities to look pretty and smart in clothes. We have these amazing female athletes with fabulous physiques and we wanted to design the uniform to accentuate them. It was great to be part of it all and Sportscraft did an amazing job!

Undoubtedly you are amongst Australia’s most loved and respected athletes, you exude a warm and sunny disposition that we love in our athletes, where does that competitive fi re come that

makes you one of swimming’s best female sprinters of all time?

I’m not sure, I’ve always had it, I’ve always been competitive but more so with myself, always trying to be better and improve constantly. I can remember joining my fi rst swimming club at 4 years of age and being hooked on swimming and the competitiveness, I just wanted to be faster every time I got into the water. As an elite swimmer you channel it in different ways, I want to win but it’s not as much about winning as getting faster, I have always known, if I give it my all it will be diffi cult for other’s to keep up with me. I guess it’s part of my nature and my family nurtured that.

2012 LONDON OLYMPIC GAMESSunday 29 July – Sunday 12 August

LIBBY TRICKETT –2012 LONDON OLYMPIC GAMESLISA QUITTNER | INTERVIEW