Watzon69 Spring 2010

8/8/2019 Watzon69 Spring 2010

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WCA CONTACTS

Chair & Woodlands Convenor

Richard Larson02 6241 3024

SecretaryJulie Smith 02 6241 8861

Treasurer

Jon Real 02 6255 4046

Editors

Kimberley Britt

0417 450 773

Sarah Clough

0419 281 804

MESSAGE FROM THE WCA CHAIR

During the last quarter the WCA has:

Presented a submission on Draft Varia-tion 303 to the Territory Plan

Hosted a visit from the Field NaturalistsClub to Justice Robert Hope Park

Signed a memorandum of understandingwith the North Canberra CommunityCouncil (NCCC), the ConservationCouncil of the ACT and the Friends of MtMajura to facilitate remediation work inthe Majura Nature Reserve surroundingThe Village development

Sent a WCA representative to the 4thmeeting of the EPIC Community Advi-sory Council

Assisted interested citizens from Savethe Watson Oval in communicating withthe ACT Government.

Written to the ACT Government regard-ing pedestrian crossings and dangerousparking on median strips between theWatson shops and Watson Primary.

Assisted the NCCC in drafting a submis-

sion to the draft Dickson Centre MasterPlan

I express a deep appreciation to committeemembers who have assisted me with taskswhile I have been recuperating from surgery.

Richard Larson, Chair

Newsletter of the Watson Community Association Inc. Number 69 Spring 201

The WCA particularly thanks the Australian Catholic University (ACU),Signadou Campus in Watson, for printing this Newsletter as a community service.

NOTICEWatzon is looking for an assistingeditor to help with collating thenewsletter. If you are interested incontributing, [email protected] big thank you to Penny for help-ing over the last three editions.

Watzon is also seeking volunteersto help with distribution. If you areinterested in helping, please [email protected]


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Imagine the following situation; Aman and his young daughter, whoappeared to be little older than tod-

dler age, were strolling (or toddling)down the footpath A small fluffy dogwas roaming unsupervised in his ownfront yard. The girl spotted the dogand tottered towards it. The man en-couraged her forward. The dog be-gan to come over, wagging his tail.She squealed loudly in excitement.The dog jumped back.

This event is of concern for a few rea-sons. Firstly, it really happened. Sec-ondly, dogs should not be roamingaround without a leash, unless in adesignated off-leash area (and eventhen, they need to be under the su-pervision and control of a person).Thirdly, people, young children in par-

ticular, should not approach an unfa-miliar dog unless the dogs owner isthere to supervise and permit the twoto meet.

In the situation described above, thedog initially displayed a willingness tomeet the girl, evidenced by his ap-proach and wagging his tail held in a

low position. However, when the girlsquealed, the dog took fright and re-treated. Another dog may have re-

acted differently, and perhaps bittenthe girl instead of turning away. For-tunately, this incident had a harmless

resolution, and both parties continuedon their way. In order to avoid situa-tions where children and dogs inter-act in a dangerous way, a few simplerules can be followed.

Parents should teach their childrenhow to approach a dog appropriately.The dogs owner should be first

asked whether the child can meet thedog. If the owner permits, the childshould approach the dog quietly, andpat the dog on the chest. (Patting adog on the top of the head could beinterpreted by the dog in a negativelight.)

Dog owners should teach their dogs

to sit quietly and to be patted andhandled by strangers. Ideally, thissocialisation should begin when thedog is a puppy, but it is never too lateto start training.

Petiquette in the Park

REMINDERWatsons 50th Anniversary Coming up!

As mentioned in the last edition, the WCA will be slowly stepping up the mo-mentum to prepare for the 50th anniversary of our suburb. If you have a storyto tell about your experiences living in Watson, we would be delighted to pre-serve it. Please contact anyone in the committee or the Watzon newsletter

editors for assistance.


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Majura Primary School Spring CarnivalContributed by Lyn Parkinson

Those passing Majura PrimarySchool on Saturday 11 Septem-

ber could have been forgiven forthinking there was a party goingon - and there was as the schoolcelebrated its 22nd Spring Carni-val. On this picture perfect springday, large crowds gathered toenjoy a fantastic array of stalls,activities, entertainment and dis-plays in an event which offered

something for everyone.

The Spring Carnival is an annualevent organised by the MajuraPrimary School Parents and Citi-zens Association to raise moneyto provide resources for childrenattending the school.

Since its inception, the Carnivalhas transformed from a simpleschool fete into a much lovedcommunity event with many peo-ple continuing to attend the Car-nival long after their childrenhave left the school.

The Carnival was given new life

in the schools fabulous Environ-ment Courtyard, home of Ma- juras kitchen garden program.The Courtyard provided an idealsetting for a variety of stalls andmulticultural fare ranging fromspring rolls to sausages, curriesto Canadian flapjacks. Gardentalks and tours were hosted by

Majuras own garden specialist,Rik Allen, and there were arange of informative communitydisplays.

The schools playground wastransformed for into a kids funzone with a petting zoo, superslide and face painting. Thepopular second hand book andtrash and treasure stalls kept thegrownups occupied and theChocolate Wheel was a popularspot for those wanting to chancetheir luck. Children singing andbands playing added to the car-nival atmosphere.

With so many other attractionson offer, the 2010 Spring Carni-val proved successful with re-cord takings an endorsement ofall the hard work and effort put inby organisers, stall holders andvolunteers alike as well as a tes-tament to the many businessesand individuals who showed theircommitment by donating goods,services or time. Such a wonder-ful outcome could not have beenachieved without those who

came and spent their money insupport of the school, yet againproving what a great communitywe live in.


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SUMMERNATS AIR POLLUTION STUDY

Robson Environmental has provided the WCA with a Summernats Environ-mental Dust Assessment. In the Conclusion and Recommendations sectionof the report they advised that;

Summernats activities appeared to have an adverse effect on both particu-late and atmospheric metal concentrations, although none of the concentra-tions exceeded Australian standards.

Robson Environmental Pty Ltd would be happy to assist the EPA with theformulation of a more comprehensive study for future events. However, a 6month lead time would be recommended to ensure that suitable samplingequipment and media is readily available prior to the event.

The WCA will be advocating to the ACT Environmental Protection Authoritythat a more comprehensive study be conducted for future Summernatsevents.

To read the report in full go to www.environment.act.gov.au/ - click on thesite map link to is the Air Quality Report for 2009 Summernats.

Any assistance with further reviewing the conclusions of the report from ourreaders would be helpful. Please contact one of the team (details on cover.)

About Canberra 2030Reminder for residents: Dont forget to submit your ideas and

comments for Canberra in 2030 by going to:

canberra2030.org.au/about/


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Indian Myna Birds

The Indian Myna bird has been described as the Flying Cane Toad to high-light its invasive qualities and the risk it poses to Australian native fauna.The India Myna is an introduced species originally brought to Australia to

keep down insects. They are particularly troublesome because of their habitof taking over the nests of native bird species and killing their chicks, whichthey do in a noisy and aggressive fashion.

Indian Mynas were brought to Canberra in 1968 and the Canberra IndiaMyna Action Group Inc estimates that there are 250 of these birds persquare kilometre in some Canberra areas.

The Canberra India Myna Action Group Inc is a non-profit group that has in-stituted an RSPCA endorsed trapping program to assist communities in rid-ding the environment of these birds. A trapping program has begun in Jus-tice Hope Park, and will continue later this year. From Dec 09 to Jun 10, 227of these pests have been trapped in Watson.

In addition to trapping, you can assist in discouraging Mynas to make homein our suburb by preventing Mynas from nesting in rooves or eaves (byblocking any holes); clearing away food scraps after eating; planting nativeshrubs to reduce open areas in gardens; and avoid planting trees with densefoliage like pencil pines, in which Mynas like to roost at night.

For further information, contact the Canberra India Myna Action Group Incon 6231 7461 or visit www.inianmynaaction.org.au

(Picture sourced from: http://bundaberg.qld.gov.au/files/images/natural-resources/Indian_Myna_Bird.jpg)


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Watson Woodlands Working Group Update

Gillian Helyar collected a frog poster from the ACT Department of Envi-roment Climage Change Energy and Water (DECCEW) to put in our Park-care sign on Roma Mitchell Crescent, and will collect some bug ID ones

soon from them for the same purpose.

DECCEW and the WCA had adjoin-ing stands at the Majura PrimarySchools Spring Carnival. We thoughtthis might be a good activity some-time and will ask if someone from theDepartment could spend an hour oneweekend for interested locals on

'bugs'.

John Briggs has planted more wattleseedlings mainly on the eastern mar-gin of the reserve. A contractor hiredby Parks Conservation and Landsspent a day of so spot spraying individual clumps and patches of ChileanNeedlegrass in Justice Robert Hope Park earlier in the spring.

The group intends to spread native Kangaroo grass hay over the largersprayed out patches and hope that some of it seeds with late spring andsummer rain.

There has been some vandalism of the new fencing on Stirling Avenue: 20metres of ringlock fencing has been cut and removed, which now allowsdogs to roam freely in the park, and costs us valuable labour and resourcesto replace.

The Watzon recognises that the gardening conditions in Watson areunique. Do you have plants that thrive particularly well in Watsonsoils? Send us your tips for getting the most out of your garden inWatson and we will include your tips in our gardening feature in thenext issue. Contact Sarah on 0419 281 804 or clough-

[email protected]


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Transforming Watson Oval

A group of local residents are interested in transforming the Watson

Neighbourhood Oval into a community asset for all ages.

This is the oval that sits alongside the Majura Primary School on KnoxStreet.

If you are interested in signing the petition, or getting involved send an

email to [email protected]. There is also an online survey that you

can complete to give us your ideas on what you would like see done to

improve the oval. The survey is at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/MGVL7YQ

YOGA CLASSES

Yoga classes are now being held at the Downer Community Centre withHelen Woodbridge, IYTA. If you are interested in attending or for more infor-mation please call 6242 6998. Class times are below;

Tuesday evening 6:30 8:00pm andThursday morning 10:00 11:30amBeginners welcome - Runs throughout the school term

WATSON CHRISTMAS PICNIC 2010

WHO: All WatsoniansWHEN: Thursday, December 9 2010, 6pm9pm

WHERE: Under the shady trees near the Scout Hall and the

PlaygroundWHY: To celebrate and meet some fellow Watsonians

WHAT TO BRING: You, your family, a picnic rug, chairs,food and drink

There is no RSVP and no formal organisation but there willbe people interested in Watson and its future. Hopefully you

will meet and mingle with some new people in yourneighbourhood!


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Notices & Local Services

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

To receive a monthly newsletter via email registeryour interest at [email protected]

WWW.NHWACT.COM.AUOr contact Mick Motion-wise,

PROBUS CLUBS

Probus is a worldwide association for retired or semi-retired people. It is sponsoredby Rotary and is non-fundraising. Meetings are held monthly, with a guest speaker &

morning tea. Outings, lunches & bus trips are organised.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME AT BOTH CLUBSCanberra North Ladies

10.00 am Yowani Country Club,2nd Monday of each month.

Membership $20.00 per annum. Joining fee $5.00Ladies contact: Beverley 6248 8236

Canberra North Mens

10.00am St Margarets Church, Hackett2nd Tuesday of each month.

No. of members: 42Subscription $25.00 per annum. Joining fee $5.00

Men contact: Ted Baker 6241 4853

IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS

Neighbourhood Watch Website http://www.nhwact.com.auAFP Website http://www.afp.gov.au

CRIME STOPPERS 1800-333-000orhttp://www.act.crimestoppers.com.au

SCAM PROTECTION 1300-302-502orhttp://www.scamwatch.gov.au

AMBULANCE/FIRE 000POISON INFORMATION 131-126POLICE ATTENDANCE 131-444UNWANTED CALLS 1800-805-996STRAY DOGS 6207-2424CANBERRA CONNECT 132-281


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Justice of the Peace

ALF (Noddy)

FRIPP JP

12 Kerferd St,

Watson ACT 2602

Tel 6241 7475

SUNDAY SERVICE 10AM 49 PHILLIP AVENUE WATSON

TEL: 6241 7000 WWW.CCCWATSON.ORG.AU

MEGS TOY BOXIs a community toy library runas a non profit venture with

the support of St MargaretsChurch.

Tel 6248 7467 duringopening hours only:

Wed 10am12pm


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ONESTOPSHOPPING

INWATSON

Watson

Pharmacy

QCPP accredited, seniorsdiscounts, free script pick

up and delivery.

We can supply all of yourPharmacy needs

Pharmacy hours:

Mon to Fri 8:30am5pm

Sat: 8:30am -12:30pm

Licensed Post Office, andSub-newsagency

postal services, gifts,

cards for all occasions,

& stationery items.

Free gift wrapping

available.

Kodak film processing.

For friendly, efficientCustomer Service

Post Office hours:

Mon to Fri 8:30am5pm

Saturdays 8:30am-11:30am

Ph: 6241 1506

Come to our North

Canberra Mothers

Group

Breastfeeding Counsellor(s) on

hand to answer your questions

All mums, children and mums-to-

be welcome, and you dont

need to be a member to join in

Contact Ingrid(Ph. 6249 6684) to

confirm venues and for further infor-

mationemail:

[email protected]

*Dates/Times, Topics and Venues

may change, please confirm with

Ingrid.

7-day Breastfeeding helpline, Ph.

6258 8928

www.breastfeeding.asn.au.

ADVERTISERS

Please contact Jon forbookings and payment:

Ph 6255 4046

Non-profit community groupsadvertise free.

Over 2,000 copiesdistributed to Watson house-

holds


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WATSON Supa IGA

SUPERMARKET

EFTPOS is available, with nominimum expenditure required

4 cent petrol rebate with yourpurchase of $30 plus

Free home delivery servicesare also available.

Come in and experience the

service for yourself.Phone 6255 6800

Open 7 daysfrom 8 am to 8.30pm

NEEDA PLUMBER?

NOW!

Duncans licensed

Plumbing Service

Pty Ltd

Emergency Repairs

Drain CleaningDucted heating

Gas Fitting

Hot Water Systems

PH 6254 5678


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Contributions to THE WATZON are welcome. The next deadline for submitting ads and other contributions is15 November 2010. Email: [email protected]

Documents

Watzon69 Spring 2010