IssUe 6 > SUMMER 2012
a year OF PrOGress IN reVIew LISA QUITTNER
2011 has been a mammoth year of continued success and progress with many new tenants and developments at Essendon Fields, already home to over 250 tenants and 3,500 workers and continually growing into a vibrant and bustling mixed use precinct. Many large scale companies and corporations have made the commitment to base themselves at Essendon Fields, most recently Murray Goulburn, who are about to commence construction of their state-of-the-art head office. Cementing their decision were four fundamental pre-requisites that were unmatched elsewhere in the inner metropolitan regions of Melbourne.
Firstly, and of prime importance was location and access, taking into account convenience for staff, surrounding road infrastructure and connectivity to both the CBD and airports. Secondly, they factored in the status and projected economic growth of the area, as well as the level and quality of amenities and facilities available. Lastly, the demonstrated and dedicated approach to environmentally sustainable design and energy efficient building practices - which is an intrinsic part of the philosophy of Essendon Fields, boasting a 4.5 Star NABERS Energy Rating. As our final issue for 2011, Essendon Fields News reflects back over the year and revisits just some of the developments, special events and interesting people we have introduced you this year. LaManna, situated at English Street have brought back that old world personalised service of the
traditional Italian grocers with their vast selection of fresh fruit and produce, meats and seafood and extensive range of gourmet and general grocery lines, not to forget an on-site chef preparing fresh take home meals.
Essendon Fields not only serves the corporate and business sectors but provides amenities and services for everyone in the family. Professional childcare, health, fitness, beauty, grocery, fashion and giftware can all be found in one central location. In addition, Essendon Fields is home to forefront veterinary and emergency animal care in the state, ensuring all the members of your family are cared for. Earlier this year we introduced our readers to Dr Scott Hall, General Manager of Animal Accident & Emergency Centre, located at the Main Terminal at Essendon Airport. The clinic is open 24 hours and
is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for your pet when minutes count. Dr Trudi McAlees joined the centre as Medical Director and is one of a handful of emergency and critical care specialists of her calibre in the country. The Melbourne Veterinary Specialist Centre situated adjacent from the Animal Accident & Emergency Centre provides top level specialist medical services for animals locally and from across Melbourne.
Autocentro have welcomed some new recruits to the line up with Essendon Volkswagon and Great Wall adding to the convenience of a one-stop shop of new and used car dealerships along Wirraway Road. There simply could not be anywhere in Melbourne that allows customers the vast choice of vehicles to see, compare and test drive in one easy to find location.
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COVer sTOry CONTINUaTION Another string to Essendon Fields bow is as a fabulous back drop for local and international film and television productions such as Rush,The Killer Elite, the AFL footy show and the filming of Conspiracy 365 - a 12 part paid television series just to name a few. Essendon Airport’s Hangar 5 has also gained increased interest this year hosting a variety of private functions and charity events, including the Norparrin Ice Bar evening, a magazine cover photo shoot for rock band Eskimo Joe but none quite compare to the grandeur of Channel 7’s launch party of the first ever Amazing Race Australia series. In July, Air Ambulance purchased 4 King Air B-200 planes to join their aircraft fleet at the AmbulanceVictoria andVictorian Police Aviation Facility at Essendon Airport. The airport has also seen expansion with a new Fixed Based Operation and Maintenance Facility for ExecuJet adding an additional 755sqm to their already 2700sqm. A milestone, 10,000th Angel Flight touched down at its base at Essendon Airport earlier this year and just recently, Elvis ‘entered’ the building (story page 4). It is our great privilege to include the Airport History Series written by Roger Meyer OAM, of the Civil Aviation Historical Society. Mr Meyer’s contribution has been extremely popular with readers.
Starting or Going back to School -Transition Tips
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Elvis has entered the building
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Picture This City - History & Photography in MV
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Bruce Cameron - Citizen of the Year
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History of Essendon Airport - Series 6
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Essendon Fields News Events Guide
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The Winds of Change at Windy Hill
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Jarmila Gajdosova - 2012 Australian Open
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Essendon Fields Pty Ltd Level 2, 7 English St Essendon Fields 3041 T 9948 9400 F 9948 9330 www.essendonfields.com.au CEO: Mark Maskiell 9948 9400 Marketing Manager: Dee Johns 9948 9408 Leasing: Jodie Schickerling 9948 9400 Essendon Fields News: Publisher: MagMedia Suite 3 15-17 Pakington St St Kilda VIC 3182 8506 9908 Editor: Lisa Quittner editor@essendonfieldsnews.com.au
A strong working relationship exists between Essendon Fields and Moonee Valley City Council. Essendon Fields News spoke to newly elected Mayor, Cr John Sipek on the eve of his first 100 days in office. Cr Sipek outlined one of the platforms of his governance of great importance being the success and maintenance of Moonee Valley as one of the top, low risk and well managed councils in the state and the ongoing promotion of economic development to ensure continued prosperity amongst the community. Cr Sipek remarked “Essendon Fields has a strong positive impact on economic prosperity, with the community in particular, benefitting from increased employment opportunities”. Cr Sipek also made reference to the fact that the DFO and Homemaker Centre are major visitor attractions to the City of Moonee Valley. As 2011 marked the 10th anniversary of Essendon Fields, the Management and staff look forward to the new year in anticipation of further progress and success. In the meantime, on behalf of Essendon Fields Management and Essendon Fields News, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, joyous New Year and a safe and happy summer holiday period.
Marketing: Dee Johns djohns@essendonfields.com.au Sales and Advertising: Sarah Rossato sales@essendonfieldsnews.com.au Cover page Image - Year in Review - Images from 2011 Contributing writers: Costa Rolfe, Roger Meyer, Laura Meaney, Tahlia Mandie Design: Luke Rynderman, MagMedia 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.
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SUMMER 2012 > esseNDONFIELDSNews
KOaLa CHILDCare CeNTre GIVING aLL CHILDreN a GreaT sTarT TO LearNING LAURA MEANEY | COMMUNITy Koala Childcare and Early Learning Centre launched 10 years ago at Mount Waverley and since its inception the childcare facility has built an exceptional reputation which has lead to it’s expansion into a number of Victorian suburbs including Heathmont, Doncaster East, Reservoir and conveniently located at 35 Bristol Street, Essendon Fields. This quality daycare centre fosters children’s development and learning and provides fun in an inviting and safe environment for children aged from 12 weeks to five years of age. At the heart of the Essendon Fields based Koala Childcare and Early Learning Centre, are the close-knit team of 20 passionate staff who work towards fulfilling their vision,‘to provide high quality care and educational programs to nurture and develop the children in their care.’ Director of Essendon Fields Koala Childcare and Early Learning Centre Chantelle Ison, has worked in
childcare for nine years and is extremely passionate about working at the Essendon Fields centre, as she explained, we focus on ensuring that all children have a tailored program to suit their specific needs.“We evaluate the child to see what they need to learn and then we work out a program which best suits the child. At Koala Childcare and Early Learning Centre we believe every child deserves a chance and we also cater for disabled children and those with learning difficulties,” she said.
To help children adapt comfortably into childcare, an orientation is offered and Chantelle explained how it is essential to prepare children for the transition. “Preparation is the key to helping children adapt to childcare and so taking your child to an orientation is a vital step.Three to five weeks before your child attends childcare, it is important to talk to him/her about what they will be doing and explain the processes. However, often it is harder for the parents to let go rather than the children,” she said.
The specialised programs on offer include music and movement, teaching children to eat independently, writing, learning shapes and perceptual motor skills programs. All of the dedicated staff have relevant experience in the childcare industry, with qualifications ranging from a Certificate 3, right through to a full Bachelor of Education.“We are a really good, close-knit team who form close bonds with the children as well as their parents.The best part of my job is seeing kids reach those special milestones,” Chantelle said.
The location of Essendon Fields is proving to be a thriving location as 120 kids now attend the daycare centre.“The Essendon Fields location is a beautiful area, a lot of parents work at Essendon Fields and so it is extremely easy for them to drop their kids off here.The best part is, its convenient as we are open from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm Monday to Friday making it perfectly suitable for working parents,” Chantelle adds.
sTarTING Or GOING BaCK TO sCHOOL TraNsITION TIPs TAHLIA MANDIE | PsyCHOTHeraPIsT & FaMILy COUNseLLOr Starting back at school can be a challenging time, for parents and kids. It can be especially challenging for children that are starting school for the first time. While it is an exciting time for both, it can also be a time that is filled with a variety of mixed feelings, emotions and challenges including anxiety, fear, guilt and uncertainty.All these feelings are completely normal. However, with the right preparation, your child can feel confident, ready and excited about returning or starting school. It is important to prepare ahead of time and be ready a couple of weeks before school begins. Planning and discussing situations beforehand tends to generate less anxiety and stress when the big day comes. In preparing for the return of school, parents need to sit down with their kids and discuss the topic of “returning to school”. Many may believe this is a
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taboo topic and should not be discussed because conflict and bad moods may arise. On the contrary, if you avoid this topic, kids may experience greater anxiety shortly after school has begun because they have not been prepared emotionally for this transition. With any transition, kids need repeated reassurance, encouragement and support to help them understand the change and their feelings associated with the change. Self-esteem is generated when a child experiences confidence and self-worth. After a long relaxing summer, it is common for children and teens to feel a little reluctant to return to school and the daily structure. If there is a continued reluctance and anxiety, there may be something particular that is bothering them. Help your children name what is bothering them, although they may not really know. It may be as simple as being worried about what class they will be in.Where possible, help your children understand that by talking about their concerns, a solution and strategy can be found much easier.
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2012 Enrolments are still open but hurry For more information, call: 03 9094 1777 For older teens returning to school, parents should enquire as to what they want to achieve during the year, how well they want to do, and what goals they would like to set for themselves.These discussions will make them feel supported and confident and give them a sense of direction and purpose in their studies and within themselves. If they know what they are working towards they will achieve greater success.You may also want to take the opportunity to help your children write down short-term and long-term goals. Other Transition Tips: 1) Normalise your children’s emotions - tell your children that it is okay to feel nervous and worried and that these feelings are very normal. 2) Get excited with your child - start talking about how great school will be; what they might learn; new friends they will meet. If you generate an excited and enthusiastic energy, your son or daughter will do so as well. 3) Take them shopping for their new school items - let them pick their books, pens, and other
stationery. If there is a choice, let them choose their school shoes and clothes.This gives them a sense of ownership and something else to look forward to, using and wearing their new things. 4) Discuss and plan the school routine - including when to wake up, brush teeth, have breakfast, and any afternoon activities. If needed, create a “Daily Schedule” chart.You may even want to do a “dry run” of what the day will entail. 5) Organise a play date with some kids that you know will be in their class. Going back to school is a given, but with the right tools and strategies parents can make the transition much easier for their children. Tahlia Mandie is a psychotherapist, family counsellor, wife and mother and blogs daily at the parenting files - because families matter, on all things parenting and family matters. You can also read more about her work at www.directionexploring.com.au
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esseNDONFIELDSNews > SUMMER 2012
eLVIs Has eNTereD THe BUILDING! ‘Elvis’, the king of Victoria’s firefighting air fleet, recently made its grand arrival into Essendon Airport direct from the United States as Victoria continues its preparation for the summer fire season. Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan and the Chief Officer of the Department of Sustainability and Environment Ewan Waller inspected ‘Elvis’ and met with the air-crane’s ground crew and personnel at Essendon Airport on November 16th.
“Elvis provides a real boost to Victoria’s aerial firefighting capacity and will be used for fire detection, aerial reconnaissance and firebombing. The highly versatile air-crane will be part of a fleet of 41 firefighting aircraft this fire season which also includes firebombing helicopters, air tankers and reconnaissance planes” Mr Ryan said.
“Elvis will be based at Essendon for the fire season with the remaining firefighting aircraft positioned in strategic locations to maximise their availability for fire agencies. Mr Ryan said Elvis would be one of two Erickson air-cranes Victoria had contracted for use this fire season. Elvis will be joined next month by another air-crane, Marty, and they will both be dispatched to fires across the state. “The Erickson air-cranes are capable of carrying up to 9,000 litres of water or foam, and can reach cruising speeds of 200km/h. Their tanks can be filled from a farm dam, reservoir or the ocean in a matter of seconds and their accuracy means they can provide quick and targeted protection for people, houses and assets during a fire” added Mr Ryan. While the Minister said that Elvis was the king of the skies, the real heroes were the individuals that made up Victoria’s emergency services. “We are proud to support our emergency services personnel to ensure they have the resources they need to protect lives and property, the Coalition Government will invest approximately $11 million towards aircraft availability this fire season with additional resources available from the National Aerial Firefighting Centre” he concluded.
GreaT waLL JOINs aUTOCeNTrO aT esseNDON FIeLDs
LAURA MEANEY | PrOFILe
for the astute buyer as an array of respected automotive brands line up their caryard.
Great Wall is an expert car dealership committed to selling well built cars and representing uncompromising value launched at Essendon Fields recently. Great Wall is a dealership with a difference, their quality vehicles are imported from China to Australia at affordable prices.
General Manager of Essendon Fields Great Wall, Tony DiLorenzo has extensive experience in the automotive industry and brings to the dealership enthusiasm and professionalism. Great Wall, he explained, is an exceptional business due to its focus and commitment to customer service that is second to none. “We always provide excellent customer service by listening carefully to what the customer is looking for. We have a range of cars readily available which means there are numerous opportunities for buyers. What makes Great Wall stand out, is that it is incredibly good value for money,” he said.
The business opened on the corner of Wirraway Road & Earhart Court, Essendon Fields during October, offering a windfall of opportunities
the integrated concept of AutoCentro is so convenient for customers. “The location of Essendon Fields is absolutely great. It is well located and meets all major roads, such as the Tullamarine Freeway. The best part of our location is how it is a ‘auto precinct’ and so customers can simply visit a number of dealerships in the one area. I don’t see it as bad for business at all, having all of the dealerships in the one place brings more people to the one location,” he said. A Great Wall purchase has the added bonus of coming with a three year 100,000km new car
warranty and 24 hours roadside assistance. Great Wall continues to be a recognised leader in car sales, as vehicles are now being exported to 120 countries. Great Wall has become a driving force in the Australian car market as consumer-smart shoppers are buying a Great Wall vehicle that is becoming renowned for exceptional value for money. Essendon Great Wall Autocentro - 340 Wirraway Rd, Essendon Fields 9937 7688 www.essendongreatwall.com.au
Tony explained some of the types of cars readily available for a test drive. “We sell both new and second hand cars. We also have some of Australia’s best and internationally known cars such as Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, Mazda and VW,” he said. Great Wall is part of AutoCentro, a concept which provides a one stop auto shopping strip along Wirraway Road with a range of dealers parallel and side by side. Tony described how
PICTUre THIs CITy: HIsTOry aND PHOTOGraPHy IN MOONee VaLLey THe MaKING OF OUr CITy OVer THe LasT 150 years! The Incinerator Gallery will present an exhibition using photographs, multimedia and artefacts from over the last 150 years in Moonee Valley. The exhibition, by artist and academic historian Elizabeth Gertsakis, is a pictorial analysis of a collection of images sourced from the Essendon Historical Society and a range of archives. Ms Gertsakis said bringing the collection of images together from so many sources was challenging but has evolved into a stimulating cultural and visual experience for the viewer, showing Moonee Valley’s history of community spirit, through its social clubs, theatre societies and sporting groups. “Putting this exhibition together has given me a fascinating insight into the history of the public and private lives of the city. My aim for this exhibition is to allow my audience to truly immerse themselves
in Moonee Valley’s rich cultural heritage and gain a unique insight into the colourful development of the local area.” Ms Gertsakis said. Mayor of Moonee Valley, Cr John Sipek said the exhibition allowed residents to visually experience part of the history of Moonee Valley. “Picture This City shows how important arts and culture has always been to the development of Moonee Valley”, he said. Council’s Portfolio holder for Arts and Culture, Cr Jan Chantry, said the Incinerator Gallery’s historical foundation was the perfect setting to hold an exhibition that pays tribute to Moonee Valley’s past. “Complementing the exhibition will also be some interesting historical artefacts that give insight into our community’s development and which provide a three dimensional context to the exhibit’s two
dimensional displays, and a multimedia display by Ms Gertsakis,” she said. The exhibition will open from 8 December 2011 to 26 February 2012 during the Incinerator Gallery’s opening hours of 10am to 4pm,Tuesday to Sunday. 180 Holmes Road Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 Phone: 8325 1750 Web: www.incineratorgallery.com.au
Family - Picture This City - Incinerator Gallery
Florrie Stephenson 1920s - Picture This City - Incinerator Gallery
Hi-Res PDF - GOOD For Print SIGN OFF BOX GrD
SUMMER 2012 > esseNDONFIELDSNews
MOONee VaLLey TUrNs 150 Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the boroughs of Essendon & Flemington
the newly formed municipality took place at the Moonee Ponds Hotel on Saturday, 25 January 1862.
In 1861, the householders and landowners in the Parish of Doutta Galla petitioned the Governor of Victoria to allow their local area to become a municipal district. In December of that year the Governor granted the petitioners their wish and the Boroughs of Essendon and Flemington were incorporated. The first Council meeting of
Council is organising a range of activities to mark the 150th anniversary of the local area. Celebrations began at the Mayoral Charity Race Night on 25 November and will conclude at the Moonee Valley Festival on 26 February, 2012. Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/150 for the full list of activities.
MOONee VaLLey Is WORLD CLASS • locally
Moonee Valley City Council has launched a new marketing and economic development initiative world class.locally - to brand and promote the municipality as an ideal place to live, work, invest and visit.
Moonee Valley Mayor Cr John Sipek said the new brand recognises the unmatched characteristics distinctive to Moonee Valley.“The tag line world class.locally represents the personality and essence of Moonee Valley and our new marketing campaign will assist in promoting the region to attract visitors, investment and employment,” he said. Described in Council’s research as having a personality that is proud, harmonious, welcoming, diverse and vibrant, Moonee Valley was identified as having a unique mix of offerings with everything residents need and of a world class standard, on their door step.
The world class.locally tag line will be used to emphasise Moonee Valley’s strengths and the high standards of business, facilities and services on offer in the municipality. Cr Sipek said there is a need to market the region as a destination to develop and build on the city’s economy, increase property values and quality of lifestyle.“Council is committed to investing in the longevity of the community and its infrastructure as well as developing our economy through steady trade and commercial opportunities. “Not only will the tag line and marketing campaign be used to promote Moonee Valley outside of the city, it also aims to drive economic gain through encouraging local residents to shop locally and support their community,” Cr Sipek said. Visit mvcc.vic.gov.au/worldclasslocally to find out more.
BrUCe CaMerON aNNOUNCeD as CITIZeN OF THe year Over 350 people attended the annual Spirit of Moonee Valley Community Awards to celebrate and recognise Moonee Valley’s most generous residents. Mayor of Moonee Valley Cr John Sipek announced Bruce Cameron of Keilor East as the Citizen of the Year. Bruce has been heavily involved with the Moonee Valley Foundation and Rotary East Keilor and was recognised for his commitment to community education and support. The Citizen of the Year was selected from 15 Outstanding Award finalists who were recognised for their contributions to a variety of community groups. Each of the Outstanding Award finalists had shown a long standing commitment to the Moonee Valley community.There was also formal recognition of the efforts of the four winners of the Youth Reward and Recognition awards. Cr John Sipek said the nominations submitted were inspirational and he took great pride in recognising the achievements of Moonee Valley residents. “Once again this year we had a record number of nominations for the Spirit of Moonee Valley Awards,” Cr Sipek said. The Citizen of the Year was awarded $3,000 for the charity of their choice, while each of the Outstanding Award recipients received $250 to donate to their chosen charity.
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SUMMER 2012 > esseNDONFIELDSNews
THe HIsTOry OF esseNDON aIrPOrT Source of photographs: Civil Aviation Historical Society
ROGER MEYER OAM | HIsTOry serIes 6 An early visitor to Essendon Airport in 1926 was the renowned British trail-blazing pilot Alan Cobham, who was conducting a survey flight for Imperial Airways on the air route from England to Australia. It all began when Cobham took off from the River Medway, at Rochester, England, on 30 June 1926, in a de-Havilland type DH-50J seaplane registered G-EBFO. After many adventures - including the loss of his engineer A.B. Elliott, who died after being hit by a rifle bullet fired by an Arab at the low flying aircraft as it flew towards Basra on the Persian Gulf - Cobham and his crew reached Darwin on 5 August 1926. The aircraft’s twin floats were then replaced by wheels for to overland flight to, and later from, Melbourne where he arrived on 15 August. “Against our advice, Cobham arrived (at Essendon Aerodrome) on a Sunday”, recalled Captain E.C. Johnston, the Civil Aviation Branch’s Superintendent of Aerodromes. “It was a perfect day and every motor car in Melbourne drove out. As he landed there was a deadly hush, then a roar as the great crowd broke through the barriers. The official party did not get near Cobham.”
Photo above: C1935. Essendon Aerodrome.
Cobham planned to taxi his aircraft rapidly to the safety of the hangars, but the crowd had no regard for the spinning propeller, which would have seriously injured anyone who touched it, so he had to stop the engine. There was a mighty rush of people, and the police had to extract him from the cock-pit and carry him through the throng towards the government hangar. As they opened the hangar door, the crowd rushed in too, whereupon he was quickly escorted to a small iron room at the rear of the hangar and, for his own safety, locked in. Cobham thus found himself a prisoner in a room with barred windows up to which boys were clambering, and a tin roof on which more boys were dancing! It was estimate that there were 10,000 vehicles and 150,000 enthusiastic welcomers at Essendon Aerodrome that day. Melbourne went Cobhammad, and for two weeks the fliers were the toast of the city.
Photo above: View of Alan Cobham’s aircraft surrounded by part of the estimated crowd of 150,000 visitors to Essendon Aerodrome on 15 August, 1926. The hangar in front of the aircraft is the site of the present control tower. Note the badly parked cars.
Cobham and his party arrived back in England on 1 October and alighted on the River Thames alongside the Houses of Parliament. On the round trip, he had flown 44,800 kilometres in 320 flying hours.
He was knighted for this achievement, and continued to devote his life to aviation until his death in 1973.
Roger Meyer is a member of the Civil Aviation Historical Society.
aMBer aVIaTION
GeTs THe GreeN LIGHT FOr TaKe OFF COSTA ROLFE | PrOFILe
Are you looking for a fresh challenge, having already conquered all that terra firma has to offer? Then look boldly skyward, for the airspace above Essendon is set to roar with the horsepower of a sleek new fleet. Amber Aviation, first established in June of 2010 after the acquisition of Fogarty’s Aviation Academy, is an aviation company with a difference. Comprised of three distinct departments • Flight Training; • Air Charter, scenic flights and air tours; • Aircraft sales, Hire and Acquisitions Amber Aviation is equipped to cater for all levels of flight experience, from the tentative beginner to the most discerning aircraft enthusiast. Managing Director Mahendra Naidu, a pilot since 1985 and businessman, has a passion for aviation. He commenced flying in the early eighties and has since been involved with aviation in one form or another. Amber Aviation is a reincarnation of Fogarty’s Aviation Academy, which Naidu acquired in early 2010 and commenced the relocation to Essendon as well as the rebranding of this great Australian institution. Naidu is particularly ambitious about Amber Aviation’s Flight Training and Aviation Acadamy,
commencing flight operations from 1st of December 2011. “We are working towards providing a traditional flying school environment, with the best delivery methodologies that technology can offer today, for local, national and international students” he said. The flight training will encompass both recreational and professional requirements, with every lesson conducted in a safe and fun learning environment that is mindful of time and budget constraints. An excellent way for wannabe pilots to follow in John Travolta’s feverish footsteps is Amber Aviation’s one hour ‘trial introductory flight’, where learners can experience the thrill of being ‘Captain in Command’ and try their hand at some of the finer points of flying, such as flight principles, take-off, climbing, turning and of course, a smooth landing. For Naidu, a positive experience for his trainees is paramount, “We will be working towards providing not only cost effective training packages, but also an environment that will cater for individuals, rather then treating our trainees as numbers.” Those seeking a more career-driven outcome can elect to undertake Amber Aviation’s Integrated Commercial Pilot program at an approximate
cost of $38,000 - $45,000. The practical training is complemented by a theory component that covers all information necessary for private and commercial licences. Amber Aviation’s Operations Manager, Chief Pilot and Chief Flight Instructor, Larry Cowley, first took to the air as a pilot in 1989 and has been instructing in the Essendon skies for the past five years. According to Cowley, Amber Aviation’s location is desirable not only for its relative proximity to some of the most picturesque country in the world, but also for the technical benefits afforded to learner pilots from being alongside Melbourne Airport. “Australia is a great place to learn to fly. Obviously the weather is good, and there are so many incredible places to view from the air that you might not otherwise see. But Essendon is a prime location in itself, as it is located next to an international airport which allows beginner pilots to learn controlled airspace procedures from day one.” The ace in the hole that will ensure Amber Aviation continues to attract the business of prospective pilots is their upcoming foray into air charter and air tours. Staffing opportunities
within the company’s specialised flight operations - including on demand air taxi services, on demand airfreight services and aerial photography and surveillance flights - will supplement the flight training scheme. As a consequence, Naidu states, “Candidates from the academy will be offered the option to build professional flight experience via one of our internships”. Further development is slated for Amber Aviation in the near future, with Naidu keen to establish relationships with various manufacturers and distributors in the Oceania region to ensure their aircraft ‘Sales, Hire and Acquisitions’ arm remains a viable option for aircraft owners and pilots. An air tour and scenic flight department dubbed ‘Flyamber’ is also scheduled for takeoff this summer, with joy flights around Melbourne and air tours to outback destinations such as Birdsville and Lake Eyre - with the latter’s waters currently at once in a lifetime levels - sure to be popular draw-cards. To start earning your wings today or with any other general enquiries, phone Amber Aviation on 1800 747 380.
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ESSENDONFIELDSNEWS > SUMMER 2012
Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival this January! Mickey Mouse and his band of friends, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, will perform in the musical extravaganza Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival during the coming summer school holidays. Joined by Disney favourites, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story, this fun-filled concert experince will entertain the whole family! Disney hits are remixed to the hottest sounds of today featuring hip hop, pop, swing, reggae, rock, country and much more! The lineup of performers including, Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy, Ariel, Sebastian and Ursula; Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie, Woody, Buzz and Jessie are among the more than 25 Disney stars featured in this jam session! You won’t be able to resist dancing, singing, playing your air-guitar and laughing with this band of characters! Come join them at Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival for a lively concert experience guaranteed to deliver enough rockin’ memories to last a lifetime. When: January 26 - 29 Where: The Plenery - MCEC Tickets: 136 100 www.ticketmaster.com.au Web: www.disneylive.com.au
ESSENDON FIELDS NEWS
THE MELBOURNE BRIDAL & HONEYMOON EXPO
SHARKS OF SHIPWRECK COVE
If your big day is coming up in 2012 then you do not want to miss Melbourne’s premier bridal event of the year. For this massive one day event, leading wedding industry suppliers will showcase the latest in styles and trends as well as new ideas. A series of informative bridal talks, hair and make up trials and interactive features are just some of the day’s features. See spectacular fashion parades featuring Melbourne’s elite wedding gown designers. Free pamper bags to the first 500 brides, show bags, magazines, fabulous prizes, exhibitor show specials that are only available on the day. You could Win your Ultimate Honeymoon - a trip around the world for two, courtesy of Aussie. When: Sunday 22nd January 2012 Where: The Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon Street, Southbank Cost: Book online and save 20% or $25 per person on the day Web: www.bridalexpos.com.au
This summer, Melbourne Aquarium will launch a brand new underwater adventure; Sharks of Shipwreck Cove. Featuring a full-scale replica of a shipwreck looming from the darkness of the 2.2 million litre Oceanarium, the exhibit creates the feeling of being submerged at the bottom of the ocean surrounded by shark infested waters.
ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE Join the Summer read Club at Flemington Library The Flemington Library will be participating in the 2011/12 Summer Read Club. This year’s theme is the ‘Amazing Read’. The club promotes reading as an enjoyable experience which will help children discover the many different places they can take their book and read. From the beach to the bush, on a road trip or waiting for the bus, children will be encouraged to share their favourite reading places. Summer reading helps students return to school ready to learn and with greater reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
Last summer, 821 children across Moonee Valley participated in the Summer Read Club, reading a staggering 6,240 books. The Summer Read Club was launched on Thursday, 1 December at Flemington Library. There are prizes to be won throughout summer. To find out more about the ‘Amazing Read’ and to join the Summer Read Club, contact 8325 1975.
Showcasing over 20 iconic Australian sharks never before seen in Melbourne, Shipwreck Cove exhibits White Tip and Black Tip, Dusky Whaler, Whiskery and Tawney Nurse juvenile sharks. Interactive presentations and stunning visuals are sure to entertain and educate about the amazing sharks that call Australia home. With daily shark feeding frenzies and heaps of exciting pirate-themed activities, there’s fun for the whole family. Don’t miss this whole new underwater adventure! When: 26 December - 26 January Where: only at Melbourne Aquarium Web: www.melbourneaquarium.com.au
Dorothy the Dinosaur’s Rockin’ ChristmaS
Dorothy the Dinosaur meets Santa Claus in this delightful show that has enthralled tens of thousands of children! Written by Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, Dorothy’s Rockin’ Christmas has all your favourite Christmas songs, when Santa himself sings Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Dorothy enchants with her singing One, Two Three, Four, Five and Sing With Me. In a Christmas surprise, Dorothy is joined in the festivities by some of Santa’s elves, Fernie and Poppie, as well as Elfis, the rock and roll elf! Elfis rocks with Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus, singing Go Santa Go!, Dorothy the Dinosaur’s Rockin’ Christmas is a rosalicious romp that will get your tinsel toes a-tapping! When: Sunday 18 December at 10am Duration: 60min (no interval) Where: Clocktower Centre 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds Bookings: 9243 9191 Everyone over 18 months needs a ticket.
New years PHILHARMONICS PHIREWORKS CONCERT FEATURING MELINDA SCHNEIDER Lisa Quittner | INTERVIEW Just one of the many stars that will shine in this year’s Philharmonic Phireworks at Melbourne’s Art’s Centre this New Year’s Eve is the ever popular Melinda Schneider, along with the magnificent 72 piece Australian Philharmonic Orchestra. Joining Melinda is opera-sensation Lucy Maunder, Phantom of the Opera lead Donald Cant, tenor James Egglestone and home town favourite, Denis Walter, under the baton of award-winning international conductor Gavin Sutherland. The stars are aligned for an evening to kick off a New Year filled with Philharmonic Phireworks showcasing the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, West Side Story, Secret Garden, Bernstein, ABBA, Best of British, Puccini, Neil Diamond,Vienna with Love and a touch of Jazz. Essendon Fields News spoke with Melinda Schneider about her first Philharmonic Concert adventure. Is this the first APO New Years Concert series that you have performed in? Yes, it is, I have never worked with this wonderful orchestra before but I am really looking forward to it.We have 6 shows all up, 3 in Melbourne and 3 in Sydney. I have heard so many wonderful things about the concerts, so I think it is going to be just amazing. You have worked in so many different types of performance settings, how does working with a 72 piece orchestra compare? I have worked with big orchestras before doing Carols by Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and at Carols in the Domain in Sydney, but never an orchestra like this, this is just such a thrill, I think “thrilling” would be an understatement in describing it. Have you already decided on what you will be performing at the concert?
We are doing my latest single,‘Wish you were here’ which is from my ‘Life Begins at 40’ album, and it also happens to be in my Doris shows. I wrote that song, so I just can’t wait to hear it with the orchestra, it is just going to be amazing to perform something that I have written with that scale of orchestra. I am also doing a medley of Doris songs and a couple of duets, one with Lucy Maunder and one with Denis Walter. I really love doing duets. It is an incredible line up of some of Australia’s most favourite singers and musicians, and quite a combination of styles and songs spanning Strauss to Neil Diamond, Abba, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, will you all perform some songs together at the concerts? Yes, we will be doing a couple of songs where we are all involved which will be great, I love singing in groups and harmonising. It sounds like it is going to be a concert that is just full of absolute variety, there will be something on the night for everybody to enjoy. Celebrate this incredible 30 year milestone with the APO 30 & 31 December at 2pm & 8pm The Arts Centre Bookings: 1300 182 183
SUMMER 2012 > ESSENDONFIELDSNEWS
BOMBERS AWAY - Winds of Change at Windy Hill Costa Rolfe | COMMUNITY 2011 marked a year of transition for the Essendon Football Club. It saw the return to the club in a coaching capacity of favourite sons James Hird, Mark Thompson and Sean Wellman, a much-celebrated trio boasting six Essendon premierships between them as players.The glamour pairing of Hird as Head Coach and Thompson as Director of Coaching was a particularly sweet coup for Bombers fans, with Hird (in 2000) and Thompson (1993) revered as the last two club captains to hold aloft the Premiership cup. The coaching revolution brought with it a profound onfield impact; the Bombers transformed from the attackat-all-costs team that equally thrilled and disappointed under former coach Matthew Knights into a disciplined, patient and altogether more mature unit. Though only seldom felt under the retractable roof of the Bombers’ match-day home, Etihad Stadium, the winds of change haven’t just been blowing on field. They have swept through the club’s spiritual home at Napier Street, too.Windy Hill - for almost 100 years a bastion of all things red and black - is for the first time since Essendon’s arrival there in 1922 set to take a back seat to a new state-of-the-art precinct at Melbourne Airport. The club’s ‘Flight Plan’ development - first mooted by Bombers chairman David Evans and Chief Executive David Robson in December 2010, and recently approved by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport - will see the Bombers spend $30 million on an approximately 100,000 square metre facility, designed to achieve a more flexible training and administrative outcome for the club. Given Essendon’s incredibly strong ties to the formidable Windy Hill - feared for decades by visiting teams and supporters alike for its notoriously tricky wind conditions and disconcerting threat of violence - there was understandably a degree of trepidation
in announcing the shift away from the Bomber’s footballing heartland. But supporters have eagerly embraced the new vision, states Chief Operating Officer Dominic Cato, well aware that in an increasingly professional competition, off-field growth is required if the dream of premiership 17 is to become reality. “The response from members has been overwhelmingly positive. Members have expressed a clear understanding of the need for the expansion of the club’s facilities, as well as excitement about the club delivering state of the art facilities for the coaches and players. Many have also appreciated that Windy Hill remains in the club’s plans for VFL matches and greater community club use. “
Indeed, the Bombers are at pains to point out that they will be retaining a strong presence at Windy Hill, and that their spiritual home will be called upon to complement the new facility wherever possible. And the benefits to the community are plain to see: “The club has a dual vision which will see the retention of Windy Hill for local sport and community outcomes.The club anticipates the ground will still have a significant football presence.The intention is to use the ground for the club’s VFL matches, EDFL matches and Auskick clinics.The club is also speaking with the State Government and Moonee Valley City Council about the creation of a Community Sports Academy to help deliver local government outcomes with the club.” With 2013’s free agency looming as a ‘generation definer’ in terms of both securing homegrown talent and poaching new recruits from rival clubs, the Bombers’ move to Melbourne Airport recognises that top-notch facilities form a critical part in satisfying the increasingly discerning player demands that are a byproduct of the modern game.
9 “A first class training and learning environment will be one of the key factors in developing, retaining and attracting players. As well as providing the best coaches and training program, this includes the physical facilities provided to the players to train and prepare,” Cato explains. The elite facility will not only feature the standard gymnasium, pool and indoor training space, but two ovals with specific AFL dimensions for more realistic match simulation, a one kilometre running circuit and areas dedicated to medicine, sports science and recovery respectively. With amenities like that on the horizon, it seems that outstanding young prospects like Michael Hurley, Jake Carlisle and rookie midfielder Elliott Kavanagh - the Bombers’ first selection in the recently conducted National Draft - have all the more reason to “stand as one” in search of “one team; one dream” in the years to come. To become a 2012 Essendon member, call 1300 GO BOMBERS (1300 46 26 62) or sign up at essendonfc.com.au.
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SUMMER 2012 > esseNDONFIELDSNews
2012 aUsTraLIaN OPeN - MeeT aUssIe #2 JarMILa GaJDOsOVa LISA QUITTNER | INTerVIew Jarmila Gajdosova was introduced to tennis at just seven years of age, at a local tennis club in Bratislava, Slovakia. Seven years later Jarmila had fallen in love with Australia on her first trip as a 14-year-old junior player. By 2007, Jarmila was playing officially for Australia and in 2009 became an Australian citizen, living in Melbourne. With her career on the up and up on the international pro tennis circuit, Jarmila looks to the 2012 Australian Open with great anticipation, hoping to break a three year spell that has seen her hopes dashed previously in the first round. Essendon Fields News chatted to Australia’s number 2 women’s singles player, who is determined to get the “monkey off her back” this January. What is involved in your preparation for a tournament like the Australian Open, have you started training as yet? I started in early November, not hitting or anything but working on my fitness for a few weeks before I
start training on the court around early December. I do a lot of running and foot work, some weights in the gym to keep me strong, but generally varied exercise for fitness until I begin more specific training for moving on court to make sure I am fast enough and have the stamina to play long matches. It’s important to have a good endurance and strength base before I even start hitting the ball.
Australia has been my home for the past 3 years and I always enjoy coming back to play and train here, this is the place I look forward to coming home to and where I am happy, so when I get to play in the Australian Open, in front of an Australian crowd and accepted as an Australian, it makes me really proud. With the support of the crowd there to watch me, hopefully I can do really well and make them proud.
Your world ranking seems to be improving steadily with age and you are only 24, this year alone you have succeeded to win matches against several top 10 seeded players. What are you expecting from yourself in the upcoming Australian Open?
Is it difficult to represent a new country and not your country of origin, Slovakia?
I have improved a lot and I hope to improve more, I need to get a good start to the year in the Hoffman Cup and do well against some tough players. Over the past three years, the Australian Open hasn’t been great for me, unfortunately I have had a ‘monkey on my back’ but hopefully with the right preparation this year I will break that cycle and win my first round and just keep going on from there. Are there certain players you especially enjoy playing against? I enjoy playing against most other players; we all bring something different to the court which keeps every match exciting to play. Do you have a professional rival on the court? I have played Caroline Wozniacki about four times this year and also Na Li, I just seem to keep coming up against them in matches. You are second behind Sam Stosur in the top 10 best female singles Australian tennis players, since becoming an Australian citizen in 2009, what does the Australian Open now represent for you?
Obviously it wasn’t an easy decision to leave my country of birth, my parents and my whole family are still there. I was born Slovakian and nothing will change that. I left when I was quite young and it has been difficult, of course, but I have spent so much time here now. I know there are some people that think I left Slovakia because I didn’t like my country or I couldn’t play tennis there or some other made up reason, but in the end, I came here as a 14 year old and I saw the beaches and the lifestyle and I could see myself spending the rest of my life here, bringing up a family and retiring here. My decision to come to Australia was based on my future, not anything to do with not being proud of my country or anything to do with tennis. Which tennis players past or present inspire you most and why? I would say Monica Seles, when I was younger she was the first player I really followed and watched on TV and I really enjoyed watching her play and her style and how she was as a person and an athlete. I believe your family have all been involved in professional sports and your older brother Jan, was a professional skier - what do think is in the mind set of a champion? I think you have to have a strong sense of self belief in your ability as an athlete and to be prepared to do the hard work through the good and bad
times.You have to believe that you have the talent and you can get to where you want to go. If you are not prepared to really push yourself you’ll never know what you can achieve. I would say self belief and determination is key to achieving your dreams. You were a former top ranked junior player with ITF junior rankings of No. 6 (singles) and No. 3 (doubles) in 2003, what have been the highlights and the challenges for you in making the transition into professional tennis? As far as highlights, I am 24 years old and I have travelled the world and I get paid to do what I love. I have experienced so many cultures and met so many people on this amazing journey. Being away from my family has been the greatest challenge; I have spent a lot of time away from my parents. I didn’t have a normal teenage life and my parents weren’t there always to tell me who to date or not to go out, or the usual parent / teenager things. I didn’t do the normal teenage things either, I haven’t been to concerts and I have never been drunk. I have a really great life, if I could add my family and the people I care about to that and get back the times spent apart from them again it would be just great! Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? Well, I will be 29 years old so hopefully I will still be healthy and playing tennis well and still enjoying what I do and, who knows, maybe I’ll have a family and a nice house on the beach ...enjoying the lifestyle! Australian Open - 16-29 January at Melbourne Park www.australianopen.com