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
