Spirit of giving brings joy

AS WE tackle the challenges ahead in 2009, I just wanted to say how moved I was this past Christmas by the generosity of so many people who reached out to others to ensure they received some Christmas joy.
I would particularly like to single out the amazing efforts of the members of the Berwick and District Woodworkers Club who presented about 500 magnificent wooden toys that they had crafted throughout the year to charities for distribution, including the Salvation Army, Cardinia Combined Churches and Casey North Community Information and Support Service.
I had the pleasure of being asked to distribute some of the toys, which I donated to the Benwerren refuge for women and children and the combined churches of the Upper Yarra who are to be congratulated for their Christmas toy store at Yarra Junction. The meaning of Christmas is encapsulated in the tireless voluntary work of these community members, who I understand are already working on toys for Christmas 2009.
The Christmas period also gave me the opportunity to participate in a number of presentation nights at schools across my electorate.
I was extremely pleased to see how well our state secondary colleges are performing, with many students achieving excellent academic results and all students displaying professional behaviour and making all their parents beam with pride.
The achievements in our education system are often underestimated, but in attending these presentation nights I was reminded of how many dedicated teachers there are engaging students in learning.
These schools are genuinely part of broader community life and these graduates were already equipped with many skills for work and life beyond secondary education.
Well done to all involved.
Although early summer has been mild, I would ask all residents to continue with their support for the Target 155 campaign and keep use of mains water to a maximum of 155 litres per person per day. The website at www.target155.vic.gov.au has information on how to reach the target, such as cutting shower times down to a maximum of four minutes.
Thanks to those who are already changing their water habits by installing water efficient appliances around the home.
Rebates are still available for a range of household and garden products to help reduce water usage. Contact your water retailer for further information or visit www.ourwater.vic.gov.au for full details on all rebates available.
I will let you know when I next hold a showerhead exchange day. The last one was so successful that we managed to exchange all showerheads.
Well done everyone that participated.
For those heading to the beach, please take care to protect your skin against the effects of sun exposure and from some sunscreens.
New reports on sunscreen products advise caution when using products made with nanoparticles, which may penetrate cells and damage DNA.
Nanoparticles are made by pulverising titanium dioxide and zinc oxide into smaller particles that rub into the skin more easily.
While further research is being undertaken, the cautious approach would be to avoid those sunscreen which make use of this technology.
The distinctive white zinc cream that sits on top of the skin may well be a wiser option until research is undertaken.
Be discerning when deciding what products to put on your skin. Also ask your pharmacist or health food store for the natural alternatives.
May I wish all readers a happy new year, safe holidays and a peaceful, sustainable and healthy 2009.