Monday, 23 November, 2009
ISOLATED VICTORIANS HELPED TO BE FIRE READY
Isolated and vulnerable Victorians will receive extra help with emergency planning and heatwave preparation ahead of the fire season.
Minister for Community Services Lisa Neville today announced $1.25 million in grants to councils or other community based agencies to support elderly, frail or people with disabilities to develop personal emergency plans.
Ms Neville also announced the location of the 23 new and seven existing Community Registers that will receive assistance through $1 million funding announced earlier this year.
“We understand Victorians are concerned about the welfare of the most isolated members of our community, particularly during heatwaves and days of catastrophic fire days,” Ms Neville said.
“This new funding will enable people who receive support from the Home and Community Care program to access extra assistance to prepare for the upcoming fire season.
“It is about helping them connect with family, neighbours or friends in their community who can offer support before or during an emergency.
“This may include helping them prepare to leave their property in the event of a fire, or having Council workers draw blinds, ensure there is water in the fridge or making their home more comfortable on very hot days.”
Ms Neville also urged Victorians to keep a close look out for vulnerable people living in their community this summer.
“We all need to make sure vulnerable seniors and people who may be isolated due to a disability in our community are safe and secure,” Ms Neville said.
“That is why we also provided $1 million towards new and expanded Community Registers.
“Community Registers enable vulnerable Victorians, including older people or people with a disability who live alone, to receive important information about local conditions and safety issues through regular mail outs, newsletters or telephone calls.
“They are run by community volunteers out of local police stations or other nearby locations including council offices, with local police support.
“During a heatwave, Registers can be used to check on the welfare of people prone to heat stress.”
Ms Neville said Community Register funding was still available and the Government would continue to work with Victorian Police to establish registers at suitable sites,” Ms Neville said.
“I would encourage anyone interested in volunteering or assisting in setting up a community register in their area with the local police to contact the Office of Senior Victorians for more information.
“Community Registers will play an important role, but it is also vital that we keep an eye on our family, friends and neighbours by regularly checking on them in times of extreme weather.”
Ms Neville urged anyone concerned about their own welfare, or the welfare of a neighbour or friend, to contact Nurse-on-Call on 1300 60 60 24 or 000 in an emergency.
The new Community Registers, previously called Seniors Registers, will boost the total numbers across Victoria from 22 to 45 – more than double the number in operation last year.
For more information about where the closest community register is or how to set up a new community register, please contact the Office for Senior Victorians on 9208 3874 or email enquiries@seniors.vic.gov.au
Feel safe, feel secure, have peace of mind.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
July 2009 Newsletter Issue No 11
LETTER FROM THE BELLARINE POLICE COMMUNITY SUPPORT REGISTER INC COMMITTEE
Dear Registrants,
I am writing on behalf of the Committee to thank the 518 Registrants who responded to the Health and Safety Survey circulated with the March newsletter. The Survey was seeking information about how Registrants coped during the January and February extreme weather conditions and power outages.
You will not be surprised to know many respondents indicated they adopted ‘common sense’ measures:
They did not exert themselves with excessive physical activities.
They wore loose clothing.
They resorted to using a damp face washer to keep themselves cool.
Made sure they kept up with drinking plenty of fluids.
General concerns were:-
The safety of family, friends and animals in bush fire areas.
What would happen should bush fires occur on the Bellarine Peninsula? How would such emergencies be handled? Where would residents go to be safe?
Uncertainty during failure of the electric supply system.
How long would it be unavailable? How would they keep cool without air
conditioning? How would they be able to sleep? What would they eat? How would they cook and care for family members with chronic illness? How safe is food in the fridge and freezer when the power has been cut off? What happens to medication in the extreme heat?
How to keep their pets safe.
During the next few months the Committee hopes to meet with agencies providing services on the Bellarine Peninsula, to review health and safety measures and discuss implementation of heat wave strategies.
Sincerely,
Ann Nichol OAM,
Committee Chairperson
UPDATE ON FUNDING
The committee gratefully acknowledges the following donations, grants and sponsorships received since January and the three major sponsorships and grants received during June 2009.
DONATIONS
Bellarine Quilters $50.00
Magistrates Court $500.00
Metricon Homes $500.00
Eighty-seven Registrants $1963.00
All Saints Anglican Church Opp Shop $100.00
Neighbourhood Watch GLG 56 and 62
St Leonards and Indented Head $100.00
SPONSORSHIPS AND GRANTS
Bellarine Memories third annual sponsorship $1500.00
Best of Care contribution towards the cost of the July newsletter $1077.00
Rotary Club of Drysdale $2000.00
SPONSORSHIP IN KIND
The Committee also expresses its appreciation for the assistance received from Bellarine Bayside Foreshore and Bellarine Community Health Inc with arrangements for the Victoria Police Band Concert held in March which raised $2,845.00.
Clifton Springs Neighbourhood Watch GLG 59 letterbox distribution of Brochures and Registration forms in Clifton Springs.
REVIEW OF EXPENDITURE
The Committee continues to be committed to providing a free registration to all residents of the Bellarine Peninsula, irrespective of age and gender.
In a review of the operating budget in March the Committee decided, as a cost saving measure, to reduce the publication of the quarterly newsletters to three a year. Consequently, the June 2009 issue was not published.
However, at its recent meeting the Committee reconsidered this decision and will recommence quarterly publications. During the remainder of 2009 we will publish newsletters in July, October/November and from then on in March, June, September and November.
REGISTRANT’S KEY RING TAGS
For practical and economic reasons the Register Committee has to discontinue supplying laminated ID key ring tags because they do not have a long life expectancy.
However, from now on we will supply:
To all new Registrants a paper insert with their ID details, which will fit into a plastic key ring, sized 2 cm wide and 4.7 cm in length (internal dimensions). These key rings are readily available for purchase at most newsagents and hardware shops.
To existing Registrants a similar insert will be supplied should they request it.
REGISTRANT’S PHONE LINK
The Committee is seeking your interest in a new service we wish to introduce called the ‘Registrant’s Phone Link’. The aim of the Phone Link is:
To provide a facility for Registrants who might enjoy talking on a regular basis to another Registrant with similar interests.
If you are interested we invite you to complete the enclosed Expression of Interest Form and mail to the Register Office at Bellarine Police Community Support Register, PO Box 819, Ocean Grove, Vic. 3226.
STATISTICS
Registrations as at 30/05/2009 were 1552 (18% of the Bellarine Peninsula target age group). Township percentages are based on the 2006 Census population figures for each township for those aged 65 years and over. Updated information will be included in the next newsletter.
TOWNSHIP % RESPONSE TOWNSHIP % RESPONSE
Barwon Heads 15.8 Point Lonsdale 33.5
Clifton Springs 13.6 Portarlington 21.0
Drysdale 16.4 Queenscliff 26.0
Indented Head 23.0 St Leonards 15.0
Leopold 7.0 Wallington 3.0
Ocean Grove 21.0
PROMOTIONS
Volunteers have attended ten promotional events including a radio interview, shopping strip Promotion Stand, Community Expo, Open Day for representatives of local organisations and guest speaking engagements.
We are told successful marketing strategies are when customers talk about the product. 17% of new Registrants indicated they registered because of ‘word of mouth’ referrals. We invite you to talk to your friends and neighbours about the benefits of the Register. Brochures and Registration Forms are available at pharmacies on the Bellarine Peninsula.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
We invite you to support the following fundraising or promotional events:
DAY AND DATE VENUE AND TIME COST
Monday 17 August 2009 Portarlington Golf Club Charity Day $30
Sunday 23 August 2009 Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Fund Raising Concert –
The Melodaires Entertainment Group will perform
“Music that Lingers – The Good Times We Had’ - 2 pm $5.00
Thursday 1 October 2009
Saturday 10 October 2009 Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Concert – 2 pm
Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Concert – 7 pm
Performers will be ‘The Troubadours’ TBC
Saturday 10 October 2009 2009 Community Expo Ocean Grove Uniting Church
Sunday 18 April 2010 2010 Victoria Police Band Concert, Portarlington TBC
PET CARE DURING EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS
Have a pet survival plan, including transport arrangements if required.
All animals should have an adequate supply of cool, clean water. During the summer animals drink more water than in winter.
Old animals, and the very young, are more susceptible to heat.
Animals suffering from heat exhaustion will pant, lie on their side, be listless and disorientated. In severe cases they may become unconscious.
Petcare Information and Advisory Services
HAVE YOU HAD A CHUCKLE LATELY?
When I arrived for my daughter’s parent-teacher meeting, the teacher seemed a bit flustered as she started telling me that my daughter didn’t always pay attention in class, and could be a little flighty. ‘For example, she’ll complete the wrong page in a workbook’, the teacher explained, ‘or sits at the wrong desk’.
‘I don’t understand’, I replied defensively. ‘Where could she have gotten that?’
The teacher reassured me that my daughter was still doing fine in school and was sweet and likeable. Finally, she added ‘By the way, Mr Johnson, our appointment was for tomorrow’.
A group of primary school students were on a field day trip to the local police station. Several were fascinated by the ‘wanted posters’ on the wall. Little Billy raised his hand and asked the police officer giving them the tour who the people on the wall were.
‘Those are pictures of criminals we are looking for’, answered the policeman. ‘We call them wanted posters’.
Little Billy looked puzzled. ‘Well’ he wondered, ‘why didn’t you just keep them when you took their picture?’
Geelong Advertiser – Jokes of the Day
CONTACT DETAILS AND ENQUIRIES
The Bellarine Police Community Support Register Inc office is staffed by Volunteers each week day from 9.30 am until 12 noon.
Telephone: 03 5255 3968
Correspondence should be addressed to: PO Box 819, Ocean Grove, Vic. 3226.
Donations to the Register will be accepted by any Bendigo Bank Branch in the Geelong region. Our account details are:
Bendigo Bank Branch 6333 108 – Account 127715209. All donations of $2.00 and over are income tax deductible.
Dear Registrants,
I am writing on behalf of the Committee to thank the 518 Registrants who responded to the Health and Safety Survey circulated with the March newsletter. The Survey was seeking information about how Registrants coped during the January and February extreme weather conditions and power outages.
You will not be surprised to know many respondents indicated they adopted ‘common sense’ measures:
They did not exert themselves with excessive physical activities.
They wore loose clothing.
They resorted to using a damp face washer to keep themselves cool.
Made sure they kept up with drinking plenty of fluids.
General concerns were:-
The safety of family, friends and animals in bush fire areas.
What would happen should bush fires occur on the Bellarine Peninsula? How would such emergencies be handled? Where would residents go to be safe?
Uncertainty during failure of the electric supply system.
How long would it be unavailable? How would they keep cool without air
conditioning? How would they be able to sleep? What would they eat? How would they cook and care for family members with chronic illness? How safe is food in the fridge and freezer when the power has been cut off? What happens to medication in the extreme heat?
How to keep their pets safe.
During the next few months the Committee hopes to meet with agencies providing services on the Bellarine Peninsula, to review health and safety measures and discuss implementation of heat wave strategies.
Sincerely,
Ann Nichol OAM,
Committee Chairperson
UPDATE ON FUNDING
The committee gratefully acknowledges the following donations, grants and sponsorships received since January and the three major sponsorships and grants received during June 2009.
DONATIONS
Bellarine Quilters $50.00
Magistrates Court $500.00
Metricon Homes $500.00
Eighty-seven Registrants $1963.00
All Saints Anglican Church Opp Shop $100.00
Neighbourhood Watch GLG 56 and 62
St Leonards and Indented Head $100.00
SPONSORSHIPS AND GRANTS
Bellarine Memories third annual sponsorship $1500.00
Best of Care contribution towards the cost of the July newsletter $1077.00
Rotary Club of Drysdale $2000.00
SPONSORSHIP IN KIND
The Committee also expresses its appreciation for the assistance received from Bellarine Bayside Foreshore and Bellarine Community Health Inc with arrangements for the Victoria Police Band Concert held in March which raised $2,845.00.
Clifton Springs Neighbourhood Watch GLG 59 letterbox distribution of Brochures and Registration forms in Clifton Springs.
REVIEW OF EXPENDITURE
The Committee continues to be committed to providing a free registration to all residents of the Bellarine Peninsula, irrespective of age and gender.
In a review of the operating budget in March the Committee decided, as a cost saving measure, to reduce the publication of the quarterly newsletters to three a year. Consequently, the June 2009 issue was not published.
However, at its recent meeting the Committee reconsidered this decision and will recommence quarterly publications. During the remainder of 2009 we will publish newsletters in July, October/November and from then on in March, June, September and November.
REGISTRANT’S KEY RING TAGS
For practical and economic reasons the Register Committee has to discontinue supplying laminated ID key ring tags because they do not have a long life expectancy.
However, from now on we will supply:
To all new Registrants a paper insert with their ID details, which will fit into a plastic key ring, sized 2 cm wide and 4.7 cm in length (internal dimensions). These key rings are readily available for purchase at most newsagents and hardware shops.
To existing Registrants a similar insert will be supplied should they request it.
REGISTRANT’S PHONE LINK
The Committee is seeking your interest in a new service we wish to introduce called the ‘Registrant’s Phone Link’. The aim of the Phone Link is:
To provide a facility for Registrants who might enjoy talking on a regular basis to another Registrant with similar interests.
If you are interested we invite you to complete the enclosed Expression of Interest Form and mail to the Register Office at Bellarine Police Community Support Register, PO Box 819, Ocean Grove, Vic. 3226.
STATISTICS
Registrations as at 30/05/2009 were 1552 (18% of the Bellarine Peninsula target age group). Township percentages are based on the 2006 Census population figures for each township for those aged 65 years and over. Updated information will be included in the next newsletter.
TOWNSHIP % RESPONSE TOWNSHIP % RESPONSE
Barwon Heads 15.8 Point Lonsdale 33.5
Clifton Springs 13.6 Portarlington 21.0
Drysdale 16.4 Queenscliff 26.0
Indented Head 23.0 St Leonards 15.0
Leopold 7.0 Wallington 3.0
Ocean Grove 21.0
PROMOTIONS
Volunteers have attended ten promotional events including a radio interview, shopping strip Promotion Stand, Community Expo, Open Day for representatives of local organisations and guest speaking engagements.
We are told successful marketing strategies are when customers talk about the product. 17% of new Registrants indicated they registered because of ‘word of mouth’ referrals. We invite you to talk to your friends and neighbours about the benefits of the Register. Brochures and Registration Forms are available at pharmacies on the Bellarine Peninsula.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
We invite you to support the following fundraising or promotional events:
DAY AND DATE VENUE AND TIME COST
Monday 17 August 2009 Portarlington Golf Club Charity Day $30
Sunday 23 August 2009 Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Fund Raising Concert –
The Melodaires Entertainment Group will perform
“Music that Lingers – The Good Times We Had’ - 2 pm $5.00
Thursday 1 October 2009
Saturday 10 October 2009 Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Concert – 2 pm
Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Concert – 7 pm
Performers will be ‘The Troubadours’ TBC
Saturday 10 October 2009 2009 Community Expo Ocean Grove Uniting Church
Sunday 18 April 2010 2010 Victoria Police Band Concert, Portarlington TBC
PET CARE DURING EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS
Have a pet survival plan, including transport arrangements if required.
All animals should have an adequate supply of cool, clean water. During the summer animals drink more water than in winter.
Old animals, and the very young, are more susceptible to heat.
Animals suffering from heat exhaustion will pant, lie on their side, be listless and disorientated. In severe cases they may become unconscious.
Petcare Information and Advisory Services
HAVE YOU HAD A CHUCKLE LATELY?
When I arrived for my daughter’s parent-teacher meeting, the teacher seemed a bit flustered as she started telling me that my daughter didn’t always pay attention in class, and could be a little flighty. ‘For example, she’ll complete the wrong page in a workbook’, the teacher explained, ‘or sits at the wrong desk’.
‘I don’t understand’, I replied defensively. ‘Where could she have gotten that?’
The teacher reassured me that my daughter was still doing fine in school and was sweet and likeable. Finally, she added ‘By the way, Mr Johnson, our appointment was for tomorrow’.
A group of primary school students were on a field day trip to the local police station. Several were fascinated by the ‘wanted posters’ on the wall. Little Billy raised his hand and asked the police officer giving them the tour who the people on the wall were.
‘Those are pictures of criminals we are looking for’, answered the policeman. ‘We call them wanted posters’.
Little Billy looked puzzled. ‘Well’ he wondered, ‘why didn’t you just keep them when you took their picture?’
Geelong Advertiser – Jokes of the Day
CONTACT DETAILS AND ENQUIRIES
The Bellarine Police Community Support Register Inc office is staffed by Volunteers each week day from 9.30 am until 12 noon.
Telephone: 03 5255 3968
Correspondence should be addressed to: PO Box 819, Ocean Grove, Vic. 3226.
Donations to the Register will be accepted by any Bendigo Bank Branch in the Geelong region. Our account details are:
Bendigo Bank Branch 6333 108 – Account 127715209. All donations of $2.00 and over are income tax deductible.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Newsletter Issue No. 10
MARCH 2009 ISSUE No 10
LETTER FROM OFFICER IN CHARGE BELLARINE POLICE STATION
Hello registrants,
I hope you all had a safe and joyous Christmas period and that this message finds you fit and well for the New Year!
I am happy to report that Christmas Policing here on the Bellarine has been very good. Although we have been busy, we have not had any major issues/crimes and this is an excellent result considering the huge influx of tourists and holiday makers. Most of the reported crime for the area related to opportunistic thefts! On that note, I will issue a friendly reminder, if you are travelling to the beach over this period please make sure that your car is securely locked and any valuables are removed from sight and if you are actually going down onto the beach also remember to keep your possessions close by – we have had a number of reported thefts from people on the beach!
Afternoon Teas
The register is planning a series of afternoon teas for each area of the peninsula over the coming months – invitations will be forwarded to registrants accordingly for their area. I will also be arranging for a local police member to attend each of these afternoons, so it will be a great opportunity for you to meet and have a chat with your local police.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities (CALD)
The register is very aware that the peninsula has a population of residents from culturally or diverse backgrounds. In support of these local communities the register is keen to ensure that our service is accepted and taken up by those communities. At the moment the register is looking into ways to improve our representation to those people.
If you are aware of any person who may benefit from being part of this register, please do not hesitate to recommend this service to them or to contact the register direct for advice.
Take care.
Gary Coombes
S/Sgt 21887
UPDATE ON FUNDING
The Committee gratefully acknowledge donations received during November and December 2008 .
Donations
November Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Club $209.00
Received from 24 Registrants $525.00
STATISTICS
Registrations as at 31.12.2009 were 1394 (15.9% of Bellarine Peninsula target age group).
Township percentage registrations are based on the 2006 Census population figures for each township for those aged 65 years and over.
Township % Response Township % Response
Barwon Heads 15.3% Point Lonsdale 29.0%
Clifton Springs 12.0% Portarlington 18.7%
Drysdale 12.9% Queenscliff 23.6%
Indented Head 22.7% St. Leonards 14.3%
Leopold 6.6% Wallington 2.0%
Ocean Grove 19.0%
Note
The Committee is encouraged by the opportunity provided by the Borough of
Queenscliffe to include a Brochure and Registration Form in their November Rates mail-out. The above figures for Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale reflect the response
Since 01.07.2008 only 246 new registrations were received. The Committee believes this very low response is because we have been unable to carry out any promotional activities on the Bellarine Peninsula, due to our inability to secure public liability cover.
Five incorporated Registers operating around the State, including Bellarine, have had difficulty securing public liability insurance cover through Victoria Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA). For the last six months representatives of these Registers have been investigating a number of options, including applying to the Minister for Finance requesting he waive Section 25 of the VMIA Act of 1996.
As an interim measure, pending a decision by the Minister, the Committee has now secured a Public Liability cover from a commercial insurer. This will come at a significant cost to the Register which will need to be met from the proceeds of the Victoria Police Band Concert.
As you move around in the community you are invited to actively promote the
benefits of the Register to your friends and neighbours. Brochures and Registration Forms are available at all pharmacies on the Bellarine Peninsula or a supply may be obtained from the Register Office.
USEFUL CONTACTS
GEELONG VETERANS WELFARE CENTRE GEELONG ETHNIC COMMUNITIES COUNCIL
Clancy House, St. John of God Hospital, Head Office (Diversitat)
80 Myers Street, Geelong Victoria 3220 153 Pakington Street, Geelong West
Telephone 03 5222 6003 Telephone 03 5221 6044
REPORT ON TWO YEAR EVALUATION
The Evaluation was completed by Kate Murray during November 2008 and the Committee considered the Report at its December Meeting.
Some of the issues highlighted in the Report were:-
The Register is still not widely know in the community and there is need to increase marketing and promotion
Many of those interviewed did not feel they needed the Register
There is a need to appeal to a broader cross-section of people
Some Registrants have lost or are not using the Window Sticker, Fridge Magnet or ID Card
The response from Registrants who completed the Survey Form was very pleasing. The following sample of comments received indicate very general endorsement and much appreciation of the service being provided:-
Knowing people care enough to run the Register has improved my sense of security in the community
I know that in an emergency paramedics would see the sticker on my door and know how to obtain my personal details, including the code for my key safe
I look forward to the telephone calls from the Register Office. They give me peace of mind.
My family who live some distance away, appreciate knowing this supportive network is available
I am relieved to know that if anything happened to me my next of kin details are available on the data base
My pets will be attended to if something happens to me
The Register is clearly meeting its objectives and those who have registered are feeling more secure and safer in their local community.
The Committee gratefully acknowledges all those who participated in this Evaluation and looks forward to implementing the suggestions which were provided by respondents.
COMMITTEE ACTION PLAN FOR 2009-2011
At its December meeting the Committee adopted a Two Year Action Plan which will commence now the Committee has secured Public Liability Insurance cover. Included in the Action Plan are a number of alternatives which will extend the support provided by the Register
SUNDRY SNIPPETS
1. Registrants indicated they found some telephone calls disturbing.
The advice we have received from a Telstra Customer Service Centre is
If you receive telemarketing calls, don’t assume they are from Telstra. Write down all the details and then telephone 1800 260 270 to verify caller.
List your telephone number on the “Do Not Call Register”. To do so call 1300 792 958.
If asked to provide credit card and personal details hang up, unless you have initiated the transaction
Next time you order cheques, have only initials (instead of your first name) and
your last name printed. If someone steals your cheque book, they will not know if you sign your cheques with just your initials or your first name
Attorney’s Advice (NSW)
3. “Airbag for elderly”
A Japanese company has unveiled a wearable airbag for the elderly that pops
out when they fall. The 1.1 kilogram bag looks like a waist pouch but
inflates in one tenth of a second when sensors detect the wearer has taken a fall.
The Toyko company, Prop, unveiled the $1670 device at a fair of products for the elderly and people with disabilities. It protects the back of the head and the buttocks with two inflated bags that contain 15 litres of gas each. Age 25.09.2008
4. “Bust and Booms”
The first bubble situation recorded in history was the Tulip Mania of the 17th Century when people mortgaged their businesses and homes to buy something as simple as tulip bulbs. These innocent little bulbs were fetching multiples of their weight in gold until they invariably crashed in price.
Dennis Saliba, senior financial planner and representative of Bendigo Financial Planning.
5. “Down at heel patrons see bright side of dog’s dinner”
“In a sign of the times in Europe’s biggest economy poodles, pinschers, terriers
and sheepdogs are queuing up for rations at Berlin’s first soup kitchen for pets.
Pensioners and those on the dole qualify for the free pet food buffet, allowing
those with no disposable income the chance to hold on to their beloved pets and
dogs”. Age 28.12.2008
HAVE YOU HAD A CHUCKLE LATELY?
Why did the traffic light go red? Because it had to change in the middle of the street.
Where do hamsters go for their European holiday? Hamsterdam.
Two antennas got married . The weather was bad, but the reception was great.
When does Thursday come before Wednesday? In a dictionary.
Kidsview @the age. com.au
PORTARLINGTON GOLF CLUB CHARITY DAY – 17.08.2009
The Register appreciates the Gold Club’s invitation to run another fun-raising day for the Register. If you are a gardener who regularly pots up cuttings would you please keep us in mind!
ENQUIRIES
The Bellarine Police Community Support Register Inc office is staffed by volunteers each week day from 9.30am until 12 noon.
Telephone 03 5255 3968.
Correspondence should be addressed to P.O. Box 819 Ocean Grove 3226.
Email address: bpsupportregister@bigpond.com
If you wish to visit the Register’s website go to www.community-support.blogspot.com
PLEASE NOTE: The Register Office will be closed on
Good Friday, April 10, and Easter Monday, April 13.
LETTER FROM OFFICER IN CHARGE BELLARINE POLICE STATION
Hello registrants,
I hope you all had a safe and joyous Christmas period and that this message finds you fit and well for the New Year!
I am happy to report that Christmas Policing here on the Bellarine has been very good. Although we have been busy, we have not had any major issues/crimes and this is an excellent result considering the huge influx of tourists and holiday makers. Most of the reported crime for the area related to opportunistic thefts! On that note, I will issue a friendly reminder, if you are travelling to the beach over this period please make sure that your car is securely locked and any valuables are removed from sight and if you are actually going down onto the beach also remember to keep your possessions close by – we have had a number of reported thefts from people on the beach!
Afternoon Teas
The register is planning a series of afternoon teas for each area of the peninsula over the coming months – invitations will be forwarded to registrants accordingly for their area. I will also be arranging for a local police member to attend each of these afternoons, so it will be a great opportunity for you to meet and have a chat with your local police.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities (CALD)
The register is very aware that the peninsula has a population of residents from culturally or diverse backgrounds. In support of these local communities the register is keen to ensure that our service is accepted and taken up by those communities. At the moment the register is looking into ways to improve our representation to those people.
If you are aware of any person who may benefit from being part of this register, please do not hesitate to recommend this service to them or to contact the register direct for advice.
Take care.
Gary Coombes
S/Sgt 21887
UPDATE ON FUNDING
The Committee gratefully acknowledge donations received during November and December 2008 .
Donations
November Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Club $209.00
Received from 24 Registrants $525.00
STATISTICS
Registrations as at 31.12.2009 were 1394 (15.9% of Bellarine Peninsula target age group).
Township percentage registrations are based on the 2006 Census population figures for each township for those aged 65 years and over.
Township % Response Township % Response
Barwon Heads 15.3% Point Lonsdale 29.0%
Clifton Springs 12.0% Portarlington 18.7%
Drysdale 12.9% Queenscliff 23.6%
Indented Head 22.7% St. Leonards 14.3%
Leopold 6.6% Wallington 2.0%
Ocean Grove 19.0%
Note
The Committee is encouraged by the opportunity provided by the Borough of
Queenscliffe to include a Brochure and Registration Form in their November Rates mail-out. The above figures for Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale reflect the response
Since 01.07.2008 only 246 new registrations were received. The Committee believes this very low response is because we have been unable to carry out any promotional activities on the Bellarine Peninsula, due to our inability to secure public liability cover.
Five incorporated Registers operating around the State, including Bellarine, have had difficulty securing public liability insurance cover through Victoria Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA). For the last six months representatives of these Registers have been investigating a number of options, including applying to the Minister for Finance requesting he waive Section 25 of the VMIA Act of 1996.
As an interim measure, pending a decision by the Minister, the Committee has now secured a Public Liability cover from a commercial insurer. This will come at a significant cost to the Register which will need to be met from the proceeds of the Victoria Police Band Concert.
As you move around in the community you are invited to actively promote the
benefits of the Register to your friends and neighbours. Brochures and Registration Forms are available at all pharmacies on the Bellarine Peninsula or a supply may be obtained from the Register Office.
USEFUL CONTACTS
GEELONG VETERANS WELFARE CENTRE GEELONG ETHNIC COMMUNITIES COUNCIL
Clancy House, St. John of God Hospital, Head Office (Diversitat)
80 Myers Street, Geelong Victoria 3220 153 Pakington Street, Geelong West
Telephone 03 5222 6003 Telephone 03 5221 6044
REPORT ON TWO YEAR EVALUATION
The Evaluation was completed by Kate Murray during November 2008 and the Committee considered the Report at its December Meeting.
Some of the issues highlighted in the Report were:-
The Register is still not widely know in the community and there is need to increase marketing and promotion
Many of those interviewed did not feel they needed the Register
There is a need to appeal to a broader cross-section of people
Some Registrants have lost or are not using the Window Sticker, Fridge Magnet or ID Card
The response from Registrants who completed the Survey Form was very pleasing. The following sample of comments received indicate very general endorsement and much appreciation of the service being provided:-
Knowing people care enough to run the Register has improved my sense of security in the community
I know that in an emergency paramedics would see the sticker on my door and know how to obtain my personal details, including the code for my key safe
I look forward to the telephone calls from the Register Office. They give me peace of mind.
My family who live some distance away, appreciate knowing this supportive network is available
I am relieved to know that if anything happened to me my next of kin details are available on the data base
My pets will be attended to if something happens to me
The Register is clearly meeting its objectives and those who have registered are feeling more secure and safer in their local community.
The Committee gratefully acknowledges all those who participated in this Evaluation and looks forward to implementing the suggestions which were provided by respondents.
COMMITTEE ACTION PLAN FOR 2009-2011
At its December meeting the Committee adopted a Two Year Action Plan which will commence now the Committee has secured Public Liability Insurance cover. Included in the Action Plan are a number of alternatives which will extend the support provided by the Register
SUNDRY SNIPPETS
1. Registrants indicated they found some telephone calls disturbing.
The advice we have received from a Telstra Customer Service Centre is
If you receive telemarketing calls, don’t assume they are from Telstra. Write down all the details and then telephone 1800 260 270 to verify caller.
List your telephone number on the “Do Not Call Register”. To do so call 1300 792 958.
If asked to provide credit card and personal details hang up, unless you have initiated the transaction
Next time you order cheques, have only initials (instead of your first name) and
your last name printed. If someone steals your cheque book, they will not know if you sign your cheques with just your initials or your first name
Attorney’s Advice (NSW)
3. “Airbag for elderly”
A Japanese company has unveiled a wearable airbag for the elderly that pops
out when they fall. The 1.1 kilogram bag looks like a waist pouch but
inflates in one tenth of a second when sensors detect the wearer has taken a fall.
The Toyko company, Prop, unveiled the $1670 device at a fair of products for the elderly and people with disabilities. It protects the back of the head and the buttocks with two inflated bags that contain 15 litres of gas each. Age 25.09.2008
4. “Bust and Booms”
The first bubble situation recorded in history was the Tulip Mania of the 17th Century when people mortgaged their businesses and homes to buy something as simple as tulip bulbs. These innocent little bulbs were fetching multiples of their weight in gold until they invariably crashed in price.
Dennis Saliba, senior financial planner and representative of Bendigo Financial Planning.
5. “Down at heel patrons see bright side of dog’s dinner”
“In a sign of the times in Europe’s biggest economy poodles, pinschers, terriers
and sheepdogs are queuing up for rations at Berlin’s first soup kitchen for pets.
Pensioners and those on the dole qualify for the free pet food buffet, allowing
those with no disposable income the chance to hold on to their beloved pets and
dogs”. Age 28.12.2008
HAVE YOU HAD A CHUCKLE LATELY?
Why did the traffic light go red? Because it had to change in the middle of the street.
Where do hamsters go for their European holiday? Hamsterdam.
Two antennas got married . The weather was bad, but the reception was great.
When does Thursday come before Wednesday? In a dictionary.
Kidsview @the age. com.au
PORTARLINGTON GOLF CLUB CHARITY DAY – 17.08.2009
The Register appreciates the Gold Club’s invitation to run another fun-raising day for the Register. If you are a gardener who regularly pots up cuttings would you please keep us in mind!
ENQUIRIES
The Bellarine Police Community Support Register Inc office is staffed by volunteers each week day from 9.30am until 12 noon.
Telephone 03 5255 3968.
Correspondence should be addressed to P.O. Box 819 Ocean Grove 3226.
Email address: bpsupportregister@bigpond.com
If you wish to visit the Register’s website go to www.community-support.blogspot.com
PLEASE NOTE: The Register Office will be closed on
Good Friday, April 10, and Easter Monday, April 13.
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