GOOD NEWS for ASHMONT

FROM THE EDITOR - Rev Rob

This Newspaper is part of claiming a ‘Community Spirit’ for Ashmont.

The Community meeting on the 22^nd December was very positive. 220 or more people voiced their concern that the image of Ashmont be improved. Where do we go from here, seemed to be the common question? This Newspaper is an opportunity to promote your  ideas!

If you can contribute any items of interest, then feel free to place them in the Contributions Box located at the Ashmont Fish and Chips shop.

What’s of Lasting Value in your life? 

What do you want to claim for your children’s children?

It has been said that, “If plans are of men or women they will fall away but if they are of God you will not be able to overthrow them!” This leads me to ask you- “What are the lasting plans or visions you have had in your life…or…What vision do you share with others from your area…or…What are the lasting visions people have had for the good of Ashmont?

 I know a caring God has a calling for His people in Ashmont. I know that’s why 19 years ago the Anglican Church was planted here- A community of people at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Turvey Park felt that Ashmont could not be served from a distance. They responded to a calling from God. They did not hear an audible voice. The calling was more like a still small voice that would not go away; it was heard in individuals’ hearts, and yet it was shared with others- that’s often the way it is with God. In the 19 years the Community of the Redeemer has tried many things. People have come and gone but the underlying theme has remained- How can we be set-free to serve each other, so we don’t walk so alone?

 I know that this vision cannot be met for us we have to claim it for ourselves. The Community of the Redeemer is only one group of God’s people He is leading to fulfil this vision. The well-attended public meeting on the 22^nd November showed many people care for the people of Ashmont. The beginnings of a ‘Progress Association’ have been set-up. Ashmont can have a united voice for good, if you play your part in spreading the vision, talking and walking amongst the community, identifying the needs and working with the Association for the common good.

 I know this is the way to achieve our aims. I know this because as we approach Christmas we remember that this is the way God Himself chose to do it. He came to live and move among us to help us claim a better way.

I take this opportunity to wish you the best of Christmases. As we celebrate Jesus’s birth may we practice its meaning in our re-birth. There has been much said in recent times about changing the image of Ashmont. This will not be achieved in a mere name change. It will not be achieved by expelling what we think is bad. The so-named ‘bad’ needs to be overshadowed by the good. There is an old Greek fable about a beautiful Phoenix growing out of the Ashes. In religious circles this has become a symbol of the resurrection. Let Ash-mount grow to new heights as we redefine our image from within.

Name Change to Ashmont? 

As the editorial says, a mere name change will not change the image to which it is pointing.

It seems to me that there is an opportunity in the very name Ash-mont to change the image of what ASH means in our own eyes.

There are many examples in mythology and real life of what new life can come forth from ashes.

The Aborigines used fires to tame the bush with regular burn-off. Its now known  that certain native plants only germinate their seed under the extreme heat of bush-fires, and of course new shoots grow up out of the ashes.

The Aborigines used the ashes of certain plants as a healing balm.

The Jewish people of Ancient Israel clothed themselves in Sackcloth and ashes to demonstrate their ‘repentance’ or an intent to change their ways for the better.  

Can’t we too use the old title ASHMONT to inspire us to let new shoots for the better grow?

Ashmont Community Resources (ACR)

Center- cnr Tobruk & Blakemore

 It is starting to happen!

 Existing Government and Private Organisations that offer Family Support incl. Relationships Australia, Family Support, Community Health, Mission Australia, Probation Parole… have been contacted and they are responding  positively to, in the new year,  operating branch outlets from the new building being completed behind the Anglican Church in Ashmont.

 Government Funding is also being sought to provide a ‘Community Liason Officer’ located in this Centre to assist individuals to find the most appropriate support for them.

 We’ll keep you informed about developments as they occur.

  ‘Relationships Australia’ offer counselling to couples and families in need. I trust you will find the following article useful…

Christmas and Relationships

 What is happening in your relationships with other people often affects how you feel at Christmas time.  If relationships are going well, people feel good; if they aren’t going well, people often feel pretty bad.  It can also be a time when we feel a bit sad over things that aren’t how we would like.  Like if you don’t have your kids living with you and get to spend only a few hours (or no time) with them on Christmas Day;  or if you broke up with someone that you cared about, or they can’t be with you around this time of year. 

 There’s also the pressure of money at Christmas time, that can make a “good” relationship pretty stressful.  Feeling like you have to buy presents for people, or that you want to buy someone you care about something “really special”, the extra money spent on grog to celebrate,  the “special” food and drink that we usually eat at Christmas, as well as all the regular bills, all add up to make it a time that often costs a lot of money.

 For all these reasons, people get “stressed” around Christmas time. This shows up in lots of different ways.  They may get angry easily, may worry a lot, not sleep well, end up yelling more than normal, feel like hitting the kids or telling them to go away all the time, fight with their partners, neighbours and friends and drink and smoke more. 

 Here are some ideas our clients have found make it easier to have a less stressful and “happier” Christmas:

 ·       Trying not to drink “too much” grog in one go.  (“Too much” is different amount for different people; but you know you’ve had “too much” when you feel angry with others, want to push your point of view, start to tell them what to do, or threaten to push them around; when you think you’re “OK” to do things you shouldn’t do - like driving after drinking - or things that you wouldn’t normally do - like having late night talks alone with your neighbour of the opposite sex while your partner isn’t around).

·       Being careful not to smoke more cigarettes than you normally do.

·       If you drink lots of coffee, trying to have a de-caf coffee every other cup.

·       Remembering that the best “presents” you can give people are your time and showing that you care about them.

·       Drawing up a “budget” of the things you’ll buy around Christmas time and buying things you can early in the month (like Coke and Chips, that can be put away in a cupboard until Christmas day).

·       Planning to spend as much time as you can with people you like and get along with.

·       Planning to spend as LITTLE time as possible with people that you don’t get along well with.

·       Spreading-out your shopping and visiting over a couple of weeks so that the kids don’t get as tired and cranky - and you don’t either!

·       Working-out what you think you’ll NEED for Christmas food and drink BEFORE you go to the shops and only get that amount.

·       If you’ve got little kids, trying to get them to have their “day sleep” and meals at the times they would usually have them at, and work your other activities around it.

·       Trying to tidy the house a bit before you go out, so when you come home tired you don’t feel grumpy, or like it’s there for you to do.

·       If you have to phone or see an ex-partner (because of the children) and you don’t get along well, trying to organise to have someone with you.  Also, keeping the amount of time you talk to them short and not talking about “personal” stuff (like what you’re doing, who you’re going out with etc) - ask yourself if you’d tell this sort of thing to the shop assistant and if the answer is “no” then don’t tell your ex-partner either (unless it is important and something they NEED to know about the kids).

·       Making sure you get enough sleep by going to bed before about 11 pm most nights.

·       If you’re not seeing family when you would like to, making sure you plan some other “pleasant” thing to do when you are most likely to be thinking about them (eg on Christmas Day).

·       Trying not to mix alcohol and feeling sad - they aren’t a good combination!  Better to try keeping your mind (and body) busy doing something positive (like tidying up, mowing, visiting a friend, going for a walk, going to the river or pool etc.)

·       Most of all – TRYING to have a less stressed Christmas.

 Submitted as a community service by: “Relationships Australia - Riverina”,  125 Best Street, Wagga.

The Tarakan Store

The Tarakan store changed ownership on 1 July this year.  We welcome Jim and Pauline and their son Brad to our suburb.  Pauline grew up in Wagga.  Jim was in the RAAF serving at Forest Hill for 7 years.  He joined civilian life 16 years ago and they returned to Wagga to be involved in manufacturing and wholesale selling of ceramic gift-ware to all over Australia.  They decided on a change and joined with son Brad to manage the Tarakan Take-Away and Convenience store 7 days a week.  If you haven't already met them, pop in and say hello.  They endeavour to give personalised customer service and are very much enjoying meeting the locals.

 Salon Christie

Congratulations to Sue Fuller from Salon Christie who recently won the prestigious Huthwaite Award for small business featured by The Riverina Leader newspaper.  Sue was overwhelmed by the number of people who congratulated her with bunches of flowers, telling her they were home grown from their 'non existent gardens'.  It's good to hear people being able to make jokes about Ashmont's bad publicity.

 Ashmont Fish and Chips

Murray and Kataryna Whittacker have decided it is time to retire after running the Ashmont Fish and Chip Shop for the last 14 years. 

We have appreciated their faithful service to us!

They are looking for a buyer, so if you feel like taking on a thriving business, talk to them.

 The Old TAB

-          For what could this space be used?

Its been suggested that perhaps a Medical Centre could be located here…or perhaps a Police branch?

What do you think?

Public Meeting for Ashmont

Over two hundred people attended a meeting at the Ashmont School hall on the evening of 22nd November.  Of this number twenty-five volunteered to form a steering committee to best determine the steps needed to improve Ashmont’s image and services.

 At their first meeting on the 27^th Nov. they agreed to call themselves-

‘ASHMONT COMMUNITY ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE’

Like the title suggests initial broad aims are…

·         To improve Ashmont’s Community Facilities.

·         To represent the people of Ashmont.

·         To promote Ashmont.

The committee’s chairperson is John  Settatree of 18 Madang-69313308

Two Vice-chair-persons were nominated- Phillip Morrison & Kathyanne Bishop 69711821, Secretary- Frances Lloyd 69314867, Ass’t Sec- Dorothy Rigby, Treasurer- Fran Hunter 69711375, Publicity Officers- Racheal Lloyd 0408209246 & Trent Whitehead.

Other persons whom you can also contact with your suggestions to meet the above aims are- Penny Batcheldor, Grace Bennett, Margaret Bevan, Bronwyn Clarke, William Curtis, Rob Donald, Col Feather, Sue Fuller, Michelle Graham, Doris Gow, John and Margaret Heffernan, Brett Horton, Kylie Jack, Mick Marien, John McGrath, Julie Richards, Lyn Schadel, Fiona Simpson, & Joy Tutty.

 Initial letters are being sent to the Wagga City Council requesting-

·         Pram-ramps to be provided at Street Corners surrounding Ashmont Mall

·         Pram-ramps to be provided at the Ashmont Pedestrian Crossing. (incl. footpath to the west side)

·         Footpaths to be provided to the rear of Ashmont Shops- Madang St. and Tobruk St Corner.

·         Regular mowing and watering of Webb Park.

Where else are footpaths and pram ramps required? 

What can we do to help the clean-up of Webb Park?

Where is the street-lighting inadequate in Ashmont?

A letter is also to be sent to the Department of Housing requesting-

·         clean-up of vacant blocks which are a fire-hazard.

Other issues raised were…

How can we co-ordinate the advertising of Community Events in Ashmont?- This Newspaper is one possible answer.

Could those people working for the local-community in Ashmont &/or Community Organisation Chairpersons incl Sport’s Clubs etc please let us know!

How can we improve the public transport services?

Can the so-called ‘Community Centre’ be made available for all community groups? Can one tennis court. be fixed up for public use?

Do you want to form a Play-group? Contact- Penny 69252696

The committee endorsed… the pending ‘Kid’s Helping Kid’s in Ashmont’ Christmas Celebration in the Mall on 2^nd Dec…  and…

Coming events

Christmas Celebrations at the Mall Saturday 2 December at 10 am, head for the Ashmont Mall for non-stop fun and entertainment.  There will be Choirs from Mount Austin High School, Holy Trinity, Ashmont Public and local members of the 2001 choir.  The MAHS and Foleys dance group, didgeridoo players, fire twirlers and jugglers will also be worth watching and listening to.  There will be face-painting, a sausage sizzle and an early visit from Santa.  Money raised will this year go to Camp Quality.  Last year over $1200 was given to the Radiotherapy Appeal.  This second annual event is organized by Sue Fuller with support from the businesses of the Ashmont Mall. 

Holy Trinity Fete. 

On Sunday 3^rd Dec from noon till 4 pm in the school grounds behind the church.  The usual stalls and fun will be there.

Carols outside the Baptist Church- Malta Crescent

On Sunday 17^th Dec 6-30pm Come along and join the Community carol singing as we get into the Spirit of Christmas.  This evening is provided by the local Baptist and Anglican congregations and everyone is very welcome to join in.  These combined Christmas concerts have been held every year (except last year) for a number of years.

Christmas Services

Anglican Church- cnr Blakemore St

Christmas Eve- 7-30pm Family Service Christmas Day - 9.15 am H. Communion

Baptist Church-

Christmas Day – 9am at Malta Cres.

Catholic Church

Christmas Eve- 7pm Glenfield Scout Hall

-          8-30pm San Isadore

-          10pm Holy Trinity

Christmas Day- 10am Home of Compassion

An example of Community Spirit

Five years ago, Karina Wynn- a local Ashmont girl, then nearly 13 years old, had a heart attack which for a moment left her clinically dead and afterwards brain damaged and immobile.  Hundreds of volunteers from the Community have helped her with exercises that are helping her on the long road to recovery.

HISTORY COLUMN

Do you know where the name Ashmont originated?

In the many hours spent in researching this, the answer is still not clear. However, here are some of the interesting pieces of information located in the search.

·                Mr Ashcroff  bought "Ashmont" property in 1907 and built a homestead.  It is unclear whether Mr Ashcroff named it Ash-mont after himself or if it was already named Ashmont when he purchased it..

·                The property was later sold to Mr Carpenter, then Mr Martin Hardiman in 1912. Mr James Salmon purchased this in 1923.  The homestead, then named Ashmont Homestead, and some of the land was sold in 1965 to the present owners- the Loreto Home of Compassion.           

·                The Home of Compassion care section is built where the horse yard, sulky shed, cow yard, chook house and vegetable garden were. The pig-pen and sheep yard area is where the Presentation nuns have built retirement units.

·                Locals knew the area as Salmon's Hill.

·                Ashmont Public School was built on the property tennis courts.

·                The shopping centre is built on the property’s crop paddock.

·                Community tennis courts were built on the site of the property dam in which some of the Salmon children learnt to swim.

Thanks goes to Mrs Anita Buswell (formerly Salmon) who supplied the above information. Anita Buswell’s book- ‘The Salmons of Ashmont’ is able to be purchased from her for $15.

If you know of any further information on where the name ‘Ashmont’ originated then let us know and we will print this in the next issue.

From Last Issue- FLOWERDALE?  There is a great map, within Mrs. Buswell’s book,  that indicates the Salmon’s part of the ‘Flowerdale’ property was located in the area North of Urana St and East of Tobruk St.

Do you know any other information about how far ‘Flowerdale’ extended?

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