Gun gahlin Smoke signals
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August 2005, Your Community Newsletter – Published by Gungahlin Community Council Inc. Distribution of 12,250 copies – Editor: Roma Hosking – New office phone: 6112 8177 Email: romahos@bigpond.net.au NOTE change
Gungahlin Community Council Inc. Postal: PO Box 260, Gungahlin ACT 2912; Email: info@gcc.asn.au; Website: www.gcc.asn.au Executive Committee: President - Peter Coggan 6242 8265 (h) - president@gcc.asn.au; Vice President – Roma Hosking-(w) 6112 8177 gunsmoke@gcc.asn.au; Minute secretary – Bryan Roach –roachbml@bigpond.net.au; Treasurer – Barry Dee – gcctreasurer@bigpond.com; Membership - Vernu Venugoban - 0422 945 958 - venugoban@hotmail.com Facilities: Palmerston Hall Hire - 6242 0672; Nicholls Community House - 6242 5004 GUNSMOKE COSTS per issue
From the President Traffic Measures at Delma View After a series of meetings with residents of Delma View Gungahlin and Burgmann Anglican School I am pleased to report some positive outcomes. Approval has been granted by ACTPLA for the School to move ahead with the construction of 3 new buildings on the site facing Delma View. However, conditions have been imposed to preserve the neighbourhood amenity, the delicate environment of the legless lizard and native grasslands and the Heritage Wells Station Lane by forbidding any pedestrian or vehicular access from Delma View to the School site. In addition Roads ACT has agreed to upgrade access to the School by providing designated turning lanes from Valley Avenue into the School and relocating the pedestrian crossing. New Gungahlin Senior College The Government has made a commitment to a feasibility study by the end of 2005 into a joint government secondary college with CIT in Gungahlin. In March a spokesperson from Katy Gallagher’s Office stated that approximately 300 students would be needed before the College would be built and that was not likely before 2010! In response to this alarming state of affairs Gungahlin Community Council has formed a Gungahlin College Sub-committee to lobby for the Gungahlin College to be built and operational by February 2008. Do register your support for the Gungahlin College by attending our next meeting or contact Committee Chair Deanne Heath ph 62420506 or email info@gcc.asn.au. Peter Coggan President GCC 12 of 12
A4 page - $350 ½ A4 - $175 ¼ A4 - $88 8cm X 8cm - $75 6 cm X 8cm - $64 6 cm X 4 cm - $35 10% for community nonprofit organisations. 10% for same ad in 6 issues paid in advance. Please note that editing is only possible in some files so please ensure accuracy of work prior to submission.
GAS APPLIANCES Repairs & Services Heating, HWS and Cooking Appliances John Thorpe Heating Services 0418 625 642 6262 2122 Lic. Plumber & Gas Fitter No 945
30 yrs exp – 24 hr service
GCC Public Meetings All welcome ! NOTE CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS – NOW AT GUNGAHLIN LAKES GOLF AND COMMUNITY CLUB – BOARD ROOM (Cnr Gundaroo Rd and Gungahlin Dr) Next public meeting : 7.30pm Wednesday 10 August – Guests speakers: Ms Anne Skews LDA with representatives from ACTPLA. 14 September – AGM Guest speaker re taxis 12 October - TBA 9 November – Consultation with John Woods re management of sports grounds and recreational space in Gungahlin Please come and hear about the exciting new developments in Gungahlin.
Gunsmoke 91 Deadline The next issue of Gunsmoke is due out in October 2005. Advertisements and articles need to be in by 16 September 2005.
Email: - romahos@bigpond.net.au
Gunsmoke Content this issue: P 2 Ads. P 3 Preschool, water management. P 4 IP Telephony P 5 Letter to president. P 6 Tennis P 7 Opening of Coles P 8 & 9 Gungahlin Regional Service P 10 Ads P 11 Closure of carpark P 12 Ads P 13 Forty days of purpose P 14 Gardening P 15 Secondary College? P 16 Churches
BARRY VINEY p 2 ELECTRICAL SERVICE ? ? ? ? ? ?
Telephone outlets Additional TV outlets Powerpoints Tastics Low voltage halogen lights Sensor & security lights
Ph 6242 9355 Mob 0412 620 225 Credit cards accepted ENSURE YOU GET YOUR ELECTRICAL WORK COMPLETED BY A LICENCED AND INSURED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Electrical contractors lic ACT C1310 Telephone Licence AO 11215
PALMERSTON MEDICAL CENTRE Palmerston Shops, Tiptree Cres Ph 6242 9464 Dr Prad Southi MBBS (Syd)
Dr Sandy Viketos MBBS (Syd)
Dr Michael Gan MB, BS (UNSW) DCH (NZ) D Obst (Otago) FRAC GP
Surgery Hours Mon – Fri 8.30am – 6.00pm Saturday 8.30am – 11.30am
MARRIAGE CELEBRANT Mr Maben Douglass. C.M.C. Traditional & Contemporary Weddings
COMPUTER DRIVING YOU NUTS ?
I CAN HELP!!!! COMPUTER UPGRADE ADVICE PROBLEM SOLVING INSTALLING SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE NEW COMPUTER INSTALLATION I COME TO YOU AND GET YOUR COMPUTER WORKING SMOOTHLY AGAIN! $60 PER HOUR OR $30 per half hour DAYS, EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS
CALL ME NOW!!! Carl Smith Phone: 6242 5586 Mobile: 0411 051 466 Email: carlgin@smartchat.net.au ABN 24 782 174
Milko Fact No. 3: All milks do not taste the same. Just like different wines or different apples, different brands of milk each have a distinct flavour. Different grasses, climates, cow breeds and more all contribute to these differences. Try a blind taste test for yourself and see why Canberra Milk has been voted the best tasting milk by Canberra consumers year after year. Get the best milk home delivered (with no delivery fees) at almost the same prices as the supermarket generics. Call Garry on 0421 704 844 or leave your daytime number with a message on 6258 4994.
15 Macedon Cr Palmerston Ph 6262 2303 M 0413 296 732 Email:maben@netspeed.com.au
Planning !!! Will this Telstra cable pillar which will be in the path linking the
DISCLAIMER
pedestrian crossings in Gungahlin Place remain or will it be relocated before the new developments open for business?
Please note that Gunsmoke is produced with the aim of allowing residents to keep in touch with their local community. It enables people to express views on a range of topics which are not necessarily the opinion of the editor, or members of the Gungahlin Community Council Inc. P2
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PRESCHOOL REGISTRATIONS Registrations for enrolment in preschool for 2006 are taking place now. Children are eligible to attend preschool in 2006 if they turn four years of age on or before 30 April 2006, but they must register this year. For registration forms & further information contact ? ? ? ? ? ?
Amaroo Preschool on 6205 1071 Palmerston Preschool on 6205 8361 Nicholls Preschool on 6205 2979 Ngunnawal Preschool on 6205 8308 Early Childhood (DET) on 6205 9355, or www.det.act.gov.au
Offers of a preschool place are made in waiting list order. To have the best opportunity of enrolment REGISTER NOW. Choices will be limited after Wednesday, 7 September 2005.
Landscape, Gardening & Home Maintenance Professional landscaping, gardening and home maintenance. Specialising in: paving / irrigation / stone work retaining walls / turf maintenance mulching / landscape design urban water tank installation / gutter cleaning and repairs
Call Gavin on 6241 0159 or 0412 681 473 Because your home is your Castle
An alternative to Water Restrictions
PH. 6241088 Mon – Fri 8.00 am til 7pm Sat & Sun 9am til 12noon. Dr Tim Watson MB BS FRACGP DCH Dr Ranji Perera MB BS FRACGP Dr John Deery MB BS FRACGP Dr Prema Rajendra MB BS FRACGP Dr Thinus van Rensburg MBBS FRACGP
It is possible to set up a revenue neutral scheme that will remove the need for water restrictions and will finance new sources of water supply and initiatives to save and recycle water. The system can be made to be self funding and have no impact on government revenues. It can be in operation within six months. The system is based around giving rewards to people who consume less water than their allocation of cheap water under the multi- tiered pricing model now in operation in Canberra. These rewards are transferable but can only be used for water saving or water supply schemes. The system encourages water savings rather than penalizing people for excessive consumption. It brings competition to the water supply and water saving industry. It can be introduced without any new legislation and with the blessing of the Pricing Commissioner. The system is equitable and has significant social advantages. Removing the need for water restrictions for no cost to the government will bring political advantages and kudos to those that support it. It is a “magic bullet” that can solve the water supply problems by bringing competition to the water supply and recycling market and by rewarding people who save water rather than penalizing those who consume too much.
GUNGAHLIN MARKET PLACE
(NEXT TO POST OFFICE)
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Anyone interested in finding more details please contact Kevin Cox at kcox@fasfind.com
IP TELEPHONY – VoIP Now that most people in Gungahlin have access to broadband the next option is to consider whether an IP or voice over service is worth installing. My first move in gaining access to broadband to speed up my emails on behalf of Gunsmoke was to cancel my second telephone line. Anyone with students in the house would know that prior to this it was necessary to have two telephone lines for business calls or conversation with friends if the internet was in constant use. . The advantage of broadband is that telephone and internet connections can operate simultaneously. Telephone calls being priced the normal rates charge by your provider. It is now possible with the latest technology to install a switch, router or wireless router to enable calls to be made more cheaply, usually with reasonable quality of sound. However, there is a trap. Many of the services provide cheap calls between US and Canada or to European connections within Europe but they are timed, and calls within Australia are also timed, therefore, more expensive for long calls. One advantage is that people who have the same system installed may call each other for free. Great if you want to have long calls to your Mother, girlfriend or boyfriend. There is quite a lot of information available on the web. P4
One system which is now favoured by some is SKYPPE but the one I have chosen is ENGIN because it is more suitable for Australian conditions. The plan I have joined is $19.95 per month, however, I think there is one for $9.95. Costs advertised on the Web for calls are: Calls between engine cities (usually capital city to capital city) – 10c untimed, anytime Local calls – 10c untimed National calls – 5c per minute Engine to engine – free Overseas to Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, UK and USA – 3.5c per minute. The gadgets for setting mine up cost around $165.00 not counting labour. If you buy a router it will cost another $100.00 or so. I’m using a normal phone but it is possible to plug a microphone and earplugs into your laptop and use it that way. If you want to know more ask a teenager or go to the web. Roma Hosking – your untechnical editor
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Dear Mr Coggin,
Residents are very pleased to note that a well stocked supermarket has opened at Palmerston shops, Tiptree Crescent. Shelves are stocked with a good variety of groceries, green groceries, meat and liquor. There is no delay at the check out counter with two or three operators attending to customers. Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 7.30am – 8.30pm Sun: 8.30am – 8.00pm Ph 6253 9422.
Congratulations on being elected President of the Gungahlin Community Council in 2004. I've just read with interest some of your achievements and say "Well Done." Congratulations on 10 years since inception. My name is Robert Rosenstraus, I was the first president of the Gungahlin Community Council. By way of introduction and to show my interest in this matter I, in my retirement, purchased an ACT taxi plate. I am asking you and your committee if it is possible to invite Mr Mark Bramston, CEO of Canberra Cabs to address your public meeting. (He has been invited to speak at the September meeting Ed.) Canberra Cabs is proposing substantial changes to its structure and the way it conducts its business. They have plans to offer some innovative choices for Canberra commuters as well as making comprehensive and hopefully cheaper transport facilities to Canberra's aged care. At your meeting I would hope for some vigorous and probing questions of Mark. Then if your meeting agrees that they can deliver a better, more reliable and market driven priced service than before. The GCC could offer support for the changes by advising Simon Corbell MLA of their resolution. Your letter of support would go a long way to put pressure on the ACT government to allow a two-year trial being proposed by Canberra Cabs and also may be the start to break up ACTION's monopoly on bus services. My best regards and warmest wishes for a bright future and long life to Roma, Ian and Sally Ruecroft. I encourage to all members of the Community Council to keep up the good work in putting pressure on the ACT Gov to build the GDE. Yours sincerely Robert Rosenstraus
CANBERRA PODIATRY & ORTHOTIC CENTRE. Ph: 6253 8073 We can help you with foot, ankle or leg pain; shin splints, backache or headaches .
MICHELLE PROPHET-PEARSON PODIATRIST YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR ORTHOTIC THERAPY. 73 Lexcen Ave Nicholls ACT 2913 Member of the Australian Podiatry Association (NSW)
HAVE YOUR SAY……. Gungahlin Tennis Centre Needed With Australia in desperate need of professional tennis talent, one has to question why Gungahlin has yet to have tennis courts within its vicinity. Australian tennis coaches John Newcombe and Tony Roache are searching high and low to find tomorrow’s tennis stars. Let's give our community the opportunity to develop and grow not only some potential stars but also the opportunity to participate in a truly great social sport. A sport that the young, old and anyone in between can partake in. I know many of us are thankful of the two concrete tennis courts with wire nets at the local Gungahlin College, however these are hardly enough to satisfy the needs of a community of Gungahlin's size. There has been many a weekend when people are waiting their turn to play on these courts. I urge the ACT government to get behind a tennis centre for Gungahlin such as that of the Tuggeranong Viking's Club.
Proudly supporting the Gungahlin community. Gungahlin Lakes Golf and Community Club pay for distribution of Gunsmoke
Alice Scott, Local Amaroo resident,
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is
DAY
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Look out for these great stores Coles Supermarket including Coles Liquor
Best & Less
Billy Baxters
Michels
The Reject Shop
Alibaba
Optus World
Pharmacy Select
Gloria Jeans
Flight Centre
Medicare
Brumbys
Telstra
Wok it Up
Millers
Vodafone
Donut King
Opening September
The Key King
Hibberson Street Gungahlin
First Choice Dry Cleaners Flower Joy and more
For information contact 0409 444 411
Gungahlin Regional Community Service Gungahlin Community Resource Centre Gungahlin Youth Centre Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre Ph: 6228 9200, E-mail: grcs@gungahlin.org
Gungahlin Regional Community Service (G.R.C.S) aims to assist ALL RESIDENTS of Gungahlin. If there is a community activity you would like to participate in call us. We may be able to help you. We are particularly interested in hearing from culturally diverse and indigenous residents. Community Development 6123 4422
English Conversation Classes
Meet new friends and learn to speak English in a friendly environment. The group meets every Friday 1pm2.30pm at the Gungahlin Community Resource Centre. Phone 6123 4422 for more information. Coffee BREAK
A women’s discussion, craft and coffee group. The group meets on Thursdays 10am-12 midday. The cost is $3 per week. Childcare is available at $3 per week for 1 child, $4 per week for 2 or more children. Bookings essential. Please call 6242 6077. **NEW 2005 GUNGAHLIN RESIDENTS GUIDES**
NOW AVAILABLE Obtain your free copy from Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre, Gungahlin Community Resource Centre, Gungahlin Youth Centre or the administration office in Gungahlin Marketplace.
Gungahlin Community Network
The Gungahlin Community Network (GCN) is a group of Gungahlin residents who meet weekly to undertake community projects. The group also offers social support and friendship. The Network welcomes new residents. The Network is currently working on a Garden. The garden will be for community use. You don’t have to have any gardening experience to be involved. The group meets on Wednesdays at 10am at the Gungahlin Community Resource Centre.
Ring 6123 4422 or 6228 9200 for details.
Walk and Talk A walking group for everyone! All ages and capabilities welcome. 9.30-11.00am Thursdays. The walks usually start from Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre. New walkers are always welcome. Get fit and make new friends. Ring 6123 4422 for more information.
“Community Within Gungahlin” page 7
SENIORS SOCIAL GROUP
A social support group for seniors meets every Wednesday at the Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre 10am- 2.30pm. The group provides social contact and a range of activities for participants. Transport is available if required. The cost of $8 includes morning tea and lunch. Please ring 6242 6077 for more information.
LOOKING FOR WORK?
New Horizons is a free career skills program which assists women who want to re-enter the workforce, commence studies or become a volunteer. The program includes personalized guidance, group instructional sessions, workshops and ongoing support. Participants are required to attend a short course which builds self-esteem and helps women to set goals and compile a resume. Following the course a series of workshops are conducted on a range of topics including basic computing, addressing selection criteria and interview techniques. Childcare: is provided for children under the age of 6, free of charge on site. Venue: the courses and workshops are held at the Gungahlin Community Resource Centre, Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin. For more information please call 6123 4422 or 6228 9200.
This program is proudly funded by the ACT Government as part of the Community Inclusion Fund.
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT UPDATE Did you know???
A community room is now open in the Resource Centre. (Ernest Cavanagh St). The room is open 9-5 weekdays and provides: - A computer for public use - Photocopying facilities and a library (Library includes books on parenting, budgeting & health) - Space to sit & have a cuppa & a chat. FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT WORKERS, Karen and Mario, are also available for all Gungahlin residents. For further information please call 6123 4402.
Are you interested Volunteering?
in
Do you have time on your hands? Want to do something worthwhile? We are looking for volunteers on an ongoing basis for a variety of different activities such as helping with groups and helping people with their shopping. Volunteering can be fun, rewarding and a great source of personal development. For more information contact Mario on 6123 4425.
$$$$$$TAX HELP$$$$$$
Need help with your 2004/2005 tax return? Did you earn below $35,000? If so, you could be eligible for FREE assistance with your 2004/2005 tax return. Contact Gungahlin Regional Community Service on 6228 9200 for an appointment time with the ATO Tax Help Volunteers available Fridays until the end of October 2005.
“Community Within Gungahlin� page 7
CRAFT CLASSES Beginners and advanced workshops in:
é Scrapbooking é Rubber stamping and card making é Glass Painting é Christmas crafts é And much, much more Workshops run for 2 – 2.5 hours, cost is $20 each with all materials and notes included. For a timetable or more information Call Monika on 6242 5832 or 0400 818 136
Not satisfied with your vehicle’s servicing? We look after your pets when you are not available. We come to your home so that your animals are comfortable in their own surroundings. Feeding, watering, oral medication, cuddles and playtime. walking, yard and kitty litter clean up, mail, bins and that lived in look. Personalised packages available on request Enquiries and bookings please call 62428269 Email : furfaces@optusnet.com.au
Why not try us! For safe quality repairs with personal attention Think BARS ‘cause Bars Fix Cars Courtesy car lift to work or home 76 Grimwade St, MITCHELL 2911
ABN : 32 976 904 127
6241 4888
Dear Editor, I would like to know if anything can be done to eradicate the plague of mynor birds and starlings which are congregating around the Gungahlin Marketplace and the Raiders Club. I assume these birds are being attracted to the suburban areas due to the drought. I have also had trouble with them around our house block and have also heard them shrieking in thick trees in Kosciuszko Avenue as well. Due to the numerous bird droppings associated with these birds I consider them a health hazard.
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Robert, Palmerston
CONSTRUCTION OF PERMANENT GUNGAHLIN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE TO COMMENCE IN AUGUST Work on the construction of the new purpose-built Gungahlin Child and Family Centre is scheduled to begin on 29 August 2005, with completion by the end of February 2006. The site is situated opposite the Gungahlin Resource Centre and is currently being used as a temporary car park. The carpark will close from 15 August 2005. The Minister for Children, Youth and Family Support, Ms. Katy Gallagher MLA said the construction of a permanent Centre will enable the delivery of a broad range of services by Government and community organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of Gungahlin children and their families. The new Centre will include maternal and child health clinics and other child health related services, speech pathology, counselling services, group work programs, parenting education and community development activities. “The permanent Centre building will have Maternal and Child Health Clinics rooms that will also be used for the delivery of other child health related services, a parenting resource area, a large activity room, counselling rooms, a community functions room and an outdoor play area,” Ms Gallagher said. The closure of the temporary carpark would affect some of the Child and Family Centre’s clients for some 6-8 weeks. “With the o pening of the new retail and commercial developments in the coming months several hundred parking spaces will become available for the Gungahlin community.”
Introducing Anthony Flaherty Your local Financial Planner Authorised Representative Amaroo
For all your Financial Advice needs including Investing, Superannuation, Estate planning, Personal & Business risk management.
Call Anthony on 0400825576 *Financial Wisdom Limited AFSL No. 231138
earthscapes landscaping
Tel: 0414 626 718
6242 0889
Quality work guaranteed
From Life’s Little Instruction Book. ? “Don’t write down anything you don’t want someone else to read” ? “Be the first to apologise to a family member after a disagreement.” ? “Don’t get caught glancing at your watch while talking to someone.” ? “Never tell anyone the y don’t have a good sense of humour.”
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RM YOUR ANSWER TO LIFE’S MOST TRANSFORM YOUR ANSWER TO LIFE’S IMPORTANT QUESTION IMPORTANT QUESTION
WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR?
?
YOU ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT! You were created by God for five purposes, and until you understand them, life will not make sense. Many churches nationwide are participating in a spiritual journey called 40 Days of Purpose. Over the course of 40 Days, we’ll explore God’s amazing plan for you – both here and now, and for eternity. Knowing God’s purpose for creating you will reduce your stress, focus your energy, simplify your decisions, give new meaning to your life, and most importantly, prepare you for eternity .
Launch:
BEGINNING SOON IN A HOME NEAR YOU! You’re invited to enjoy this important series in a comfortable home setting in your neighbourhood. Each of the six weekly DVD lessons is led by Pastor Rick Warren. By participating in a 40 Days of Purpose group, you’ll receive a copy of The Purpose Driven Life and a personal study guide at a minimal cost.
10:00 am, 7 August 2005
Campaign: 10:00 am, 14 Aug – 18 Sept Contact:
Anne Freeman on 6241 8998 or mobile 0439 400 679
Where:
Palmerston School Hall Kosciuszko Avenue Children welcome
Discover God’s purpose for you! Join us for 40 Days of Purpose.
MEXICAN LAYERED DIP Ingredients 2 cans Old El Passo Refried Beans 2 avocados, mashed Pepper, to taste 1 Lemon, juiced 600 millilitres sour cream 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 cup mayonnaise Pinch ground coriander Pinch ground cumin Chilli powder, to taste 4 tomatoes, finely diced 125 grams cheese, grated Shallot or chives, chopped Method 1. Spread bean dip over the base of a large pie plate. 2. Mix avocados, pepper and lemon juice together; spread over bean dip. 3. Mix sour cream, garlic, mayonnaise, coriander, cumin, and chilli powder together. 4. Spread tomatoes over the top of the sour cream layer. 5. Top with cheese and sprinkle with shallots/chives
TOP CLEAN OF CANBERRA (Formerly Reardon Carpet Clean)
DOMINO’S PIZZA GUNGAHLIN
$5.00
No Excuses – guaranteed results .
PH 6255 0150 M 041 256 2054
LARGE PIZZA PICKUP ONLY (CONDITIONS APPLY)
131 888
WASP ERADICATION BEE SWARM REMOVAL
Call 0400 455 991
Serve with corn chips Recipe supplied by Ian Hosking
Truck mounted hydro turbo steam cleaning system.
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PRUNING, PESTS AND POO By Lisa Kaveney As I wander around the gardens of Canberra this month, something that becomes blatantly obvious to me is the amount of people out working, wandering and pottering in their gardens. Yippee to the ever-industrious Canberrans. I am the first person to admit that this weather is not conducive to pottering in the garden and a quick lap around the boundaries is about as excited as I get, although after the frost and fog has gone some of the days are glorious. Although one day as I braved the elements in my thermal underwear, five layers and beanie, I pruned my 85 roses, a job I enjoy and look forward to every year. There has been a lot of controversy over the correct time and way to prune roses for many years now and although I am not going to preach any method, I do have a little ritual of my own. PRUNING I always sharpen my secateurs prior to commencement (although, the knife sharpener of this household would cringe at my rather barbaric technique). Most nurseries provide a sharpening service if it all seems too much. I carry a squirty bottle of metho, to spray the secateurs and small hand saw after every rose. PESTS This eliminates spreading fungal problems from one rose to the next. And when removing the cuttings to the wheelbarrow I always rake any leaves around the base, and pop them into the wheelbarrow too. I then either burn them or take them to the rubbish tip. That way the spores haven’t got a hope of finding their way back. The spores from black spot and other fungal diseases spend winter happily on the dropped leaves, just waiting for a warm, rainy spring day to move back onto the new foliage. Don’t think that its OK to leave the odd pruned branch either. Fungal spores live on these as well, and the precious cherubs of this house hold always seem to tread on any I have left behind, causing sweat, blood and tears from all of us. Another thing to be aware of is that weeds in the garden house many of our unwanted pests over winter. Aphids love milk thistles and will hibernate on them ready to pounce onto delicious new buds forming on your beautiful P14
roses. Keep your weeds to a minimum and you will reduce this problem. POO After pruning, I apply a cup full of blood and bone and a couple of shovels full of manure and top the whole lot off with Lucerne mulch. MULCH August is the last month of winter; any time you invest in the garden now will reward you in spring and summer. HAPPY GARDENING JOBS ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
FOR AUGUST Feed lawns. Groom succulents, removing dead leaves. Cut back native shrubs as they finish flowering. Prune fuchsias. Prune geraniums, pelargoniums. Top up soil in potted ferns, palms etc. Prune weeping cherries. Feed spring annuals with soluble fertiliser. Sow seedlings of aquilegia, foxgloves, snapdragon, sweet William and stocks. Plant summer-flowering bulbs. Take cuttings from base of chrysanthemums.
PALMERSTON
A concerned parent’s thoughts on education in Gungahlin
Palmerston Shopping Centre
Corner of Kosciuszko Ave & Tiptree Crescent Palmerston ACT 2913 Phone: 6241 9710
Did you know? Capital Chemist Palmerston have ? A wide range of hire products including: Crutches, BP monitors, Breast Pumps etc ? Next day film developing for only $7.95 24 exposure ? Next day quality dry cleaning ? Free blood pressure check ? Variety of gifts, hair care products, cosmetics, etc. ? Variety of our own good quality brands ? Bus tickets for sale ? Competitive pricing on (non-PBS) prescriptions Professional and friendly service & advice
Open 9am – 7pm Monday – Friday 9am – 1pm Saturdays Everybody needs their Capital Chemist
Is it a stroke? - 3 Simple Questions: Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions. 1. 2. 3.
Ask the individual to smile. Ask him or her to raise both arms. Ask the person to speak a simple sentence.
If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 000 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. After discovering that a group of non- medical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn these three questions. Use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage. A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this message shares it with 10 people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved.
The recent announcement that the ACT government will be spending $43 million to replace Ginninderra District High School comes as a great surprise to most people in the ACT, even those in West Belconnen. Although there can be no doubt that the school has been s adly neglected for many years, it is difficult to believe that the most cost effective way of fixing the problem is to replace the entire complex. What people may not appreciate is that there are another 10 or more government high schools of similar age, some in a similar condition. Many of these schools also require extensive refurbishment and improved maintenance. How is the ACT Government able to find $43 million at the drop of a hat to replace this school (with only 180 students), but they are not able to allocate resources for the forward planning and construction of a college for Gungahlin’s considerable number of students? With the highest growth rate in the ACT, and a population approaching 35,000, Gungahlin is certainly the only district in Australia (with a population in excess of 30,000) where the continuity of education from Kindergarten to Year 12 does not exist for students attending government schools. By comparison, the Burgman School (a non government school at the corner of Gungahlin Drive and Valley Way) will be providing Year 11 facilities for their students in 2007. I have lived in Palmerston since 1992 and I never thought that continuity of education would be an issue for my family, but my daughter now attends a college outside the Gungahlin region, my son is now in year 8 and will also need to leave the Gungahlin District. I am exceedingly angry that our community is being disadvantaged where public education is involved. I have another child in Kindergarten, perhaps there may be a college here by 2015, but not if there is going to be a need to use all the education infrastructure money to replace every school that is over 30 years old. I do not begrudge money to maintain or refurbish schools that have a genuine need. However, I do challenge the need to open up a Pandora’s box that encourages a culture where schools are neglected to the state where complete replacement of facilities becomes the only option. Older schools should be maintained with proper maintenance and upgrade programs. Siphoning away money on massive replacement programs creates a situation where new infrastructure, for areas such as Gungahlin, will never be provided and this is simply bad government policy. I call on the government to rethink their approach to public education and spend their limited resources in ways that achieve outcomes that recognis e the need for quality, equality, continuity and community confidence as the cornerstones of government education policy. Lee-Ann Dale – Concerned Parent Palmerston P15
CHURCH PAGE GUNGAHLIN UNITING CHURCH Sunday morning: 9.30am – Lacuna – “A space for God” Contemporary, all-age worship includes children and youth ministry. Sunday afternoon: 5.00pm – Billabong (year 6 – 8 youth group). 1 st Saturday of month:Chaos Café – Fun, food and faith for all ages. Ngunnawal Primary School Hall, Unaipon Ave, Ngunnawal Other weekly activities include playgroup, bible studies, craft and social groups. For details contact Rev. Mark Greenlees. Ph 6242 5001 Email: gunguc@gungahlinuniting.org Website: www.gungahlinuniting.org GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Steve & Debbie Simpson Ph 6242 4754 Sunday Worship Service 10.30am Gold Creek Senior School Gym
CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH Sunday Worship & Children’s Church 10.00am Palmerston Primary School Hall Kosciuszko Ave Palmerston ACT 2913 Ph Pastor Rod Holmes on 6255 6087 GUNGAHLIN ANGLICAN CHURCH Burgmann Anglican School (The Valley Avenue off Gungahlin Dr) Sunday All age worship – 9.30am and 7.00pm Amaroo School (Katherine Ave) Amaroo Fellowship – Sun 5.00pm Midweek: Bible studies, Kids’ Club, Youth Group, Prayer Group. Rev Tim Baxter. Ph 6255 5022 or 6255 6573 Email: admin@gungahlinanglican.org.au Website: www.gungahlinanglican.org.au THE SALVATION ARMY Major Ian Hutchinson Ph 6242 6037 Sunday 10.00am Scout Hall The Valley Avenue, Gungahlin
Domestic Bliss Personalised Housekeeping Service
Gungahlin Soo Bahk Do Nicholls Sports Precinct Community Centre Soo Bahk Do is a tradional Korean Martial Art comprising of hand and foot techniques. For all ages from 5 years old.
“Karate Kids” classes for 5- 8 year olds, starting term 3 call now to enrol*.
For More Information
Call 6281 4125 or 0410 508 230 www.soobahkdo.net.au
Anna Chighine Owner/Operator p. 6253 9345 m. 0419 226 585 email: domestic_bliss@iprimus.com. GUNGAHLIN DENTAL SURGERY Dr Vincent Trai Tran B.D.Sc (Uni Qld) Member of MBF & HCF
37 Anthony Rolfe Ave Gungahlin (next to Police Station) Hours Mon – Fri 8.30am – 6.00pm Sat 9.00am – Noon
* Minimum enrolment numbers apply
PH (02) 6242 7288 To make an appointment P 12
HOLY SPIRIT CATHOLIC PARISH Saturday Mass 6.00pm Sunday Mass 9.30am including Children’s Liturgy Sunday Mass 5.30pm All services at Holy Spirit School Enquiries: 6242 9622 Fr Bernie Patterson, Sr Anne Cougle Email: hols.gungahlin@cg.catholic.org.au GUNGAHLIN COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor R. Perkins Ph 6253 8157 Church Service - Sunday 10.30am at Amaroo Primary School. "MOPS” fortnightly at Amaroo School" Also Weekly Home Groups Email: ranperki9@aol.com NEW LIFE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 107 Wanganeen Ave, Ngunnawal Sunday Church & Kids Bizz: 10.00am FNL Youth Group: 7.00pm each Friday Weekly Home Groups Rev Mark Adams Ph 6241 3750 Email: m_adams@tpg.com.au
MARRIAGE CELEBRANT Mr Maben Douglass. C.M.C. Traditional & Contemporary Weddings
15 Macedon Cr Palmerston Ph 6262 2303 M 0413 296 732 Email:maben@netspeed.com.au