Gunsmoke 77...Gunsmoke 77...October / November 2003
Gungahlin Police ReportSgt Brian McGahey, Sergeant in Charge of Gungahlin Police, reported at the September Community Council meeting that he is now in charge of the North District and that there are Sergeants in Charge of Civic and Belconnen. These areas are under the direction of a more senior officer who meets with the above sergeants once per week and services are co-ordinated between all three. There is no patrol operating out of Gungahlin after 7.00pm. The fire and ambulance services are operating under a similar schedule. The system works well. The Gungahlin station is now staffed by 4 regular staff supplemented by fortnightly rosters from other stations. Sgt McGahey is hoping staff levels will increase to 15 around Christmas when officers serving overseas return to duty. It is hoped that from next month trainee police will be employed to gain work -experience in dealing with the public for non-critical areas. It is less necessary to have local police stations open seven days per week now that cars have audio/video equipment installed to record interviews. Intelligence is being used to investigate burglaries which have increased recently. Some early arrests are anticipated.
Crime stoppers are largely staffed by retired police officers who are very experienced and useful in aiding police investigation and filtering public reporting. [Return to top]
Guest speaker: Guy Thurston (ACTION Authority)Guest speaker at the September Community Council meeting, Guy Thurston from ACTION, made a presentation of progress and changes to bus services in Gungahlin: - There has been a 24% increase in bus patronage since May 2002. This is due mainly to the introduction of 'one fare anywhere'.
- As at July 03 there has been a further 10% increase in patronage.
- Changes to Gungahlin bus routes are expected to be implemented on 24 Nov 2003. The aim is to improve travel time with more direct routes via Flemington Road rather than via Mitchell affecting route 251. Route 52 will have changes affecting Ngunnawal. Route 55 will become Route 53. A new 54 Route operating Mon - Fri will be implemented and Route 56 will remain unchanged.
Questions were asked regarding services for those living in Ngunnawal who work in Mitchell. They may have to change at Gungahlin Marketplace. Changes will be communicated via letterbox delivery, at the library, on the internet and at shopping centres. It was suggested that pamphlets be available on buses prior to the change of timetable.
Other main points included: - New CNG buses with air conditioning are being purchased.
- A new communication system with GPS tracking is being installed.
- The project to implement door mechanism safety is almost finalised.
- Design improvement at Belconnen and Woden interchanges are being investigated.
- Modern design features are being planned for Gungahlin.
- A new bus service is being implemented to service the new townhouse development in Watson.
For the future: - L.E.D system similar to that at railway stations to indicate arrivals and departures of buses to be implemented at Bus stations including programmes whereby:
- Mobile phones which will be able to store bus timetables.
- No bus service direct from Gungahlin to Fyshwick/Airport are being planned yet.
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Community Information and Referral ServiceHaven't Heard Of Us? The Community Information and Referral Service is a community non-profit organisation. We keep a database of 2,700 organisations in the ACT. Our services evolved from the Citizens Advice Bureau, which was first established in the U.K. in 1939 to provide an emergency service in time of war. Our directory contains a wide variety of services / organisations from the areas of Health, Education, Emergency Services, Sports, Playgroups, Hobbies, Performing Arts and Personal Development to Food Assistance and Accommodation. Many services and programs within these groups cannot be readily found in the phone book or other sources. How We Can Be of Help People can come into our shop front, phone or fax us for advice or information. We have 18 volunteers, mostly retired professionals, who assist people with their problems. We produce CONTACT, a service directory in book form and CONTACT Plus in CD form. CONTACT is also online at www.cirsact.org.au Reaching the Gungahlin Community We have recently celebrated our 25th year of service and we are eager to reach out to the Gungahlin community, helping residents to get in touch with the diverse range of services and organisations in the Canberra region. [Return to top]
GARDENS THAT SELL HOUSES
Lisa KaveneyIt is not unusual to be called upon quite regularly to 'fix up' a garden prior to selling a house to increase the value of the property. Naturally this is a worthwhile thing to do but when the prospective client rings a landscape designer the first phone call often goes something like this: 'Hi there, my partner and I have decided to sell our house and our agent has suggested that we get our garden tidied up before we put it on the market. We don't have any spare time to garden and the dog and the kids have made a mess. We don't want to spend too much money, we just want to get a few more plants to fill in the gaps, get the lawn reseeded, fix up the entertaining area and have some potted colour near the front door. Our first open house is in 4 weeks time. Can you help us?" Is it possible to help these clients? Absolutely! But where do you start? WHAT DO PROSPECTIVE BUYERS EXPECT IN A PROPERTY? It is impossible to please everyone or cater for all tastes but there are generally accepted garden qualities that attract buyers including: - A seemingly easy-to-maintain garden with some colour
- An attractive outdoor entertaining/BBQ area
- A manicured, lush lawn for kids or pets
- Screening any over-looking neighbours' or ugly buildings
- A bright, sunny garden that they can imagine spending time in. A gloomy garden can be a real turn-off.
SO HOW DO YOU REALLY DO IT? - Consultation The initial consultation is vital when renovating a garden for sale. Ideally, the agent and owner should be there, as the agent can identify the areas that need to be emphasized. · Discuss the client's EXPECTATIONS · Decide the garden STYLE · Discuss how much VALUE can be added to the selling price. · Establish the BUDGET · Deal only with the most important AREAS · Go inside the house to observe the VIEWS · Resurrect, prune, thin and remove PLANTS · Take PHOTOS
- What are the constraints? The Plants:
Choose plants that look good for the entire time the house is on the market. If the property is being auctioned this could be about 6 weeks but if passed in at auction or being listed FOR SALE this could be much longer. In this case try creating the look with foliage, as many flowering annuals may be in-between seasons. During winter it can be very difficult to get a lawn looking good and it's not the best time to buy turf to relay new lawns. Expanding the garden beds may be the best option to disguise areas where the lawn is struggling to grow. (Then there's the watering and droughts, which is a whole other subject.)
The Hardworks: Time and budget really limit the options - even with the money to create a beautiful entertaining area it is unlikely that you will be able to find an instantly available contractor. Is there an easier, softer approach to the problems in the garden? Can you disguise or spruce up the existing? Be creative with materials.
- What are the best plants to use at each time of the year? A long-flowering season or lush foliage is essential. If you are purchasing flowering plants, select the ones that are just coming into flower with lots of buds.
- Maintenance If you are selling during autumn you will need to collect leaf fall before each inspection day. The garden should look moist and lush, so water the night before. Keep it simple. Mow the lawn and do the edges. Make it look like it is quite simple to maintain.
HOW TO MAKE A GARDEN SPECIAL: Once the garden is finished don't forget the finishing touches. Interesting garden furniture, with a bottle of wine and glasses or a couple of magazines, makes a garden inviting and allows buyers to imagine themselves spending lazy afternoons relaxing. Garden ornaments, candles, flares and umbrellas all add to the ambience of the garden and may just make all the difference on the day. If you can be bothered, light up the BBQ with a few snags, this is always a big draw card. [Return to top]
Access to Gold Course through Whitehaven Estate, Ngunnawal blocked.The owners of units at Whitehaven have installed a locked gate at the bottom of the internal pathway joining onto the golf course. This will block public access through the Whitehaven estate. The increase in public liability costs and the regularity of vandalism to the Whitehaven estate has made it necessary for the owners to take action to protect their property and limit their exposure to legal liability. Local residents are asked to respect the Whitehaven estate as private property and to find alternative means of thoroughfare through public pathways. [Return to top]
Postnatal Depression and EmploymentSome working mothers find returning to work can have a positive improvement on their mood after the experience of postnatal depression. Socialising with other adults, achieving results at work and being part of a well functioning team can help a great deal. For most mothers, however, returning to work heralds a whole new set of challenges, such as, choosing childcare, negotiating with employers and coping with their own responses to separation from a young child. These experiences can be very stressful for any mother. It can mean they now have two very demanding jobs. If their infant is not sleeping through the night or they have to rise very early, this can have an effect on their energy levels at work. Guilt, anxiety and sadness about leaving an infant in someone else's care are all part of our healthy 'attachment' to our children, as is the accompanying guilt when mothers feel relieved to be away from them. These conflicting, ambivalent feelings are common among mothers and should not be pathologised. Ensuring that mothers have someone to confide in and talk with in a non judgmental way can help them to get through this difficult transition. Other practical problems include getting a child or children ready for a day in care, which can sometimes involve military planning. Resentments can arise between couples when the other partner is used to going about their own routine in the morning with few extra responsibilities. This arrangement may have worked when the mother was at home full-time with the child(ren), however, she may come to resent the burden of having the lions share of the work in the morning in addition to getting herself ready on time. These kinds of experiences are common and can create significant disruptions to the relationship between the parents. One strategy is to be aware of your own internal thoughts or 'self talk'. If you find the resentments building up then it can be helpful to view this as a 'distress flare' going up. Rather than resorting to unhelpful coping strategies (yelling at him or the child, banging pots in the kitchen or giving the cold shoulder, that sort of thing), this problem can be an opportunity for the couple come to a new understanding of each other's needs. One of the most difficult things for many people is the experience of asking for help and making requests of the people in your life. If you find you need to discuss and renegotiate your roles and expectations of each other here are a few suggestions - Plan in advance about what you are trying to ask for and be as specific as you can.
- State your request clearly, preferably in positive terms. 'You never help in the morning, I'm doing everything' versus 'It would be very helpful to me if you could feed her breakfast whilst I am getting ready in the morning'.
- Try talking when you are both calm and there are no interruptions.
- Be mindful and willing to negotiate with your partner.
- Use positive reinforcement. Let them know how helpful it would be to you to make these changes. 'I really appreciated your help yesterday, it made such a difference.'
Remember that it is rare that people can really understand what it is that we need and want. Remind yourself that it is okay to ask for help or to decline help that you don't want. The fact that someone says no to your request doesn't mean you should not have asked in the first place. Try to keep negotiating until you come up with a satisfactory outcome or return to it later when you have both had some time to think about other solutions. We are all familiar with the phrase 'all mothers are working mothers' and whilst returning to work has its benefits it usually involves a whole new set of challenges. These challenges include coping with your own feelings about the transition, practicing asking for help, negotiating roles and responsibilities with your partner as well as being assertive with your employer about your needs. Lastly, if returning to work is not on your agenda then it may be possible to build in some of the benefits of work into the stay-at- home parent. Examples include: · ensuring you have regular adult company. · taking regular breaks at home. · use quality childcare to plan some pleasant events just for you. · set your self achievable goals. · rewarding yourself when you achieve them. · plan a regular 'meeting' with your family to establish roles, jobs, give each other feedback. · think about what you miss about the work role and try to incorporate some of those things into your new role as a parent. Rebecca Reay is an occupational therapist and working mother. She conducts one of PANDSI's support groups on the Southside of Canberra each week. Rebecca is also in private practice in Curtin. See ad back page for group in Nicholls. [Return to top]
Worry SectionSome people have asked what to do if there are noisy dogs nearby and the owner has not responded to a friendly complaint. We suggest you refer to the Canberra Urban Parks and Places website in the ACT Cats and Dog Laws Section - click here. This web page attempts to explain The Domestic Animals Act 2000 and the Animal Welfare Act 1992 in plain and simple terms. However, what appears most relevant to your specific query is the Animal Nuisance section.
What is animal nuisance? An animal nuisance exists if the keeping or behaviour of an animal results in damage to property owned by a person other than the keeper; excessive noise; or danger to the health of an animal or a person other than the keeper. My neighbour has an animal that I consider to be a nuisance. What can I do about this? You can contact Domestic Animal Services (DAS) and speak to the Animal Nuisance Officer. The officer will note your concerns and will suggest steps that you can take yourself to alleviate the problem. If this approach is unsuccessful, DAS will contact the owner of the nuisance animal and advise that a complaint has been received. If the problem continues you can obtain an Animal Nuisance Kit, which will assist you to record the times and length of the nuisance. When you submit this package to DAS, the Registrar will consult with other neighbours who may have similar concerns. Should the Registrar find that a nuisance does exist, then a Nuisance Abatement Notice can be issued. This requires the nuisance to be reduced or to cease. What measures can I take if I get a Nuisance Abatement Notice? If you receive a Nuisance Abatement Notice, you must reduce or stop the nuisance referred to in the Notice. The Notice may refer to possible steps that can be taken to assist you to reduce or stop an identified nuisance. What happens if a Nuisance Abatement Notice is not complied with? Fines apply for non-compliance with a Nuisance Abatement Notice, and an authorised officer can seize the animal causing the nuisance. Contact Domestic Animal Services:
Phone (Business Hours) (02) 6207 2424 (After Hours) 13 22 81
Email : dogcontrol@act.gov.au
Web site: http://www.domesticanimals.act.gov.au [Return to top]
Improve your employment skillsQuestions Where can you begin a vocational education course at any time? Where can you find an institution offering such programs 49 weeks of the year? Where can you study at your own pace? Where can you access online resources and do most of your study in your own home at times to suit you? Where can you receive help from teachers in a friendly caring environment? Answer The Reid Library Learning Centre at the Canberra Institute of Technology For more information or to book in for an information and enrolment session telephone 6207 4148. What Some Current Students Have To Say About Studying at the Reid Library Learning Centre at the Canberra Institute of Technology. Anita 'I am in my second year of study in the Flexible Learning Centre. I completed a Certificate III in Business in eighteen months. I like the fact that I can control my study program. The subjects prepare students well for the workplace.' Jason 'I like flexible study because I can work at times convenient to me - there are no set days or times. The facilities are easily accessible and the staff members are helpful.' Louise 'I am an athlete so I need to fit my studies around my training program. I am currently studying my eighth subject. I like flexible study because I can work at my own pace without any pressure. It has also been good socially. I have met many people whilst achieving skills.' Melinda 'I work part-time and have four children. With flexible learning I am able to come to CIT in between my work and family commitments. It is possible to complete subjects more quickly than in a structured environment.' [Return to top]
Gungahlin Regional Community ServiceGungahlin Community Resource Centre & Gungahlin Youth Centre
Ernest Cavanagh St,
Gungahlin Town Centre
Ph: 6228 9200,
Fax: 6242 8201,
E-mail: grcs@gungahlin.org Community and Individual Support What we can do for you: - Provide information on community services
- Refer you to other organisations and agencies
- Help establish community support groups
- Provide individual support to residents in need
- Provide advocacy when required
What you can do for your community: - Talk to us and let us know your needs and ideas
- Volunteer some time to help with:
- Transporting people to medical appointments
- Being a friend to a family in need
- Assisting people with daily living tasks
- Giving practical help to someone in need
- Being a helper at a support group
Gungahlin Youth Program (GYP)
Available to all Gungahlin youth aged between 11yrs - 25yrs, with a focus on those up to 18yrs. GYP offers recreational facilities from Gungahlin Youth Centre including pool tables, Play station, internet and computer access, basketball and free food. GYP also provides personal support, runs School Holiday Programs, Literacy Programs and Outreach Support to Gold Creek Senior School.
Drop-in times during the school terms are: Wednesday & Thursday 3.00pm - 6.00pm Friday 3.00pm - 9.00pm (free dinner & pool comp) Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm Contact the Youth Workers on 6228 9211 or visit our website at www.gungahlin.org Young Parents Group An opportunity for young parents (under 25) and their children to get together, share ideas, information and have some fun. When: Friday 11.00am - 1.00pm Where: Gungahlin Youth Centre Cost: Free. Phone 6228 9211. Food Hamper Donations Our Community Work Program provides food hampers for families in need. Donations of non-perishable food items for local families would be gratefully received and can be left at the Gungahlin Community Resource Centre or the Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre. Gungahlin Community Network An opportunity for people to meet and work together on creative projects. Low cost childcare provided. When: Wednesday 10.00am - 12.00pm Where: Gungahlin Community Resource Centre Cost: Gold coin donation plus childcare. For more information phone 6242 6077. Walk & Talk A great opportunity for adults to participate in weekly exercise and social meeting. When: Thursday (winter) 9.30am - 11am (summer) 9.00am-10.30am Where: Ngunnawal Neighbourhood Centre For more information phone 6242 6077. Volunteer Program
Provides volunteer support and services to the community including transport to medical appointments, community support, shopping etc. To assist, please phone 6242 6077. English Conversation Group Meet new friends and practice English in a friendly environment. When: Friday 1.00pm - 2.30pm Where: Gungahlin Community Resource Centre Cost: Gold coin donation. Position Vacant
Home Care Worker/Domestic Cleaner GRCS provides domestic assistance (i.e. household cleaning) to frail aged clients and people with disabilities. We are seeking a suitably experienced person for the part time position of home care worker. Salary: $14.52 per hour Hours: 22.5 hours per week Employment is under the GRCS Employment Agreement. Salary Packaging available. For Duty Statement and Selection Criteria please contact reception on: 6228 9200 or via email at grcs@gungahlin.org [Return to top]
Burgmann School - Indonesian Language and Cultural Centre The Indonesian Language and Cultural Centre, Burgmann Anglican School Cnr Gungahlin Drive & The Valley Avenue Gungahlin was officially opened by The Hon John Howard MP, Prime Minister of Australia on Friday 19th September 2003.
The Centre was partially funded by contributions from the Australia Indonesia Institute, ActewAGL, the Commonwealth ALSAS Program and the Gungahlin Lakes Community and Golf Club. It has been built in a modern Torajan style and allows students to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse Indonesian culture without leaving the country. They are able to cook, dance, dress, converse and ride on a becak while experiencing the traditional form and function of an Indonesian style home. This fosters a better understanding of Indonesia, its language and its culture. The school has further enhanced its cultural ties with Indonesia by establishing a sister school relationship with a school in Bandung. Burgmann has presented the school with computer equipment and is paying the on-going internet connection costs to enable the students from Bandung to communicate by email with the students at Burgmann. All Burgmann students from Preschool to Year 5 study Indonesian, and it is offered as an elective subject in the Middle School (Years 6, 7 and 8). [Return to top] | 
