I was happy to attend the first Annual Meeting of the Bellarine Police Community Support Register Inc. on Wednesday, 8th August, 2007. Twenty two volunteers were present and the two Coordinators from the Rosebud Police Seniors Citizens Register were the Guest Speakers.
It is now eight months since the Register was officially launched and we have already recorded 700 Registrants on the data base. The Committee has set a target for 2007/2008 of an additional 877 Registrants being 10% of those of 65years of age and over who reside on the Bellarine Peninsula as recorded in the 2006 Census.
We are pleased to announce that Ms Justine Finlay of Wightons Lawyers has agreed to act as the Register’s Honorary Solicitor.
A reminder to all Registrants to be security conscious when at home. When outside in the garden or at the clothes line, ensure your entrance doors are locked. Recently, a series of thefts occurred in the northern area of Geelong where homes were entered during daylight hours through unlocked doors while the owners were in either their gardens or garages.
Regards,
Gary Coombes,
Senior Sergeant
Bellarine Police
Members met recently for an informal afternoon tea at Cafe Confessions in Drysdale.
UPDATE ON FUNDING
The Committee gratefully acknowledges the donations received during June, July and August.
• Rotary Club of Drysdale Ladies Committee $200
• Rotary Club of Queenscliff 200
• Donations from three individuals 230
• Probus Club of St. Leonards Inc. 100
• GLG56/62 Indented Head/St Leonards Neighbourhood Watch 100
Thank you also to the Member for Bellarine, Hon Lisa Neville MP for assisting with the printing of the Annual Report.
A Financial Report to 30.06.2007 is enclosed with this letter as well as a Donation Form inviting financial support from Registrants.
The Committee has adopted a 2007/2008 Budget of Income and Expenditure which shows Income of $20,219.00, Expenditure of $24,564.00 and a deficit of $4,345.00. A focus for the Committee during this new financial year will be to develop a sustainable operating budget.
VOLUNTEERS
An additional fifteen volunteers have been recruited to the Register. Once their orientation and training has been completed they will assist with staffing at the Register office and will work with the existing volunteers on the promotion of the Register.
The need for additional volunteers has been increased now that the area of Leopold has been included in the service of the Register
PROMOTION OF THE REGISTER
Volunteers have conducted Promotional Stands in Drysdale, Portarlington and Ocean Grove and will shortly visit other centres. We have decided not to conduct promotions in the shopping strips during winter but will focus on locations in the supermarkets, where there is some weather protection for our Volunteers.
During the last three months Volunteers have attended three groups to talk about the Register.
A Public Launch in Leopold is being planned for sometime during the next few months.
SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES
The first of the planned Afternoon Teas to promote safety issues amongst the Registrants will be held on Wednesday, 24th October, 2007, from 2pm until 3.30pm. at the Queenscliff Uniting Church Hall, corner Hesse and Stokes Street, Queenscliff.
Admission will be by your ID card only. Registrants are invited to bring a guest but for safety reasons the Afternoon Tea will not be promoted to the public. A donation of $2.00 would be appreciated to defray costs.
To assist with catering we need to know attendance numbers by the 19th October, 2007. To RSVP please telephone the Register office on 5255 3968 (Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 12 noon) or by letter to P.O. Box 431, Ocean Grove 3226
ELDER ABUSE FORUM
The Committee will be organizing an Elder Abuse Forum on Tuesday 16th. October from 9.30am until 12 noon in Parks Hall, Portarlington.
Guest Speaker will be Lillian Jeter, Executive Director, The Elder Abuse Prevention Association. Ms Jeter has spoken to community care, hospital care, residential care and community groups around the world about the abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable older persons. Lillian Jeter first uncovered this community problem when working for almost twenty five years in the United States as a law enforcement commander.
Should you be interested in attending this Forum you may apply for registration to the Bellarine Police Community Support Register Inc. Cost per attendee will be $20.00.
If you have a concern you wish to discuss with someone from the Elder Abuse Prevention you may telephone 1300 884 665 for the cost of a local call throughout Australia.
The Committee thanks the following for providing sponsorship for the Forum
Bellarine Bayside Bellarine Community Health Inc
Bellarine Peninsula Community Bank Portarlington Pharmacy
HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING STORMS
In Victoria, storms cause more damage than any other event. However, there are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk from storms to your family and property. You may think these steps are really basic common sense but sometimes you need a reminder before you activate appropriate safety measures.
You should be prepared before the storm hits
• Arrange to trim tree branches well clear of your house.
• Ensure you have a battery radio and torch with fresh batteries
• List the emergency contact numbers for your area
• Clear yard of loose objects
• Arrange to clean and check roof, guttering and down pipes
You should prepare as the storm approaches
• Listen to local radio for information
• Disconnect all electrical appliances
You should be alert during the storm
• Stay inside and shelter clear of windows
• Listen to your portable radio for storm updates
• If you are outdoors, find emergency shelter (not under a tree)
You should remain vigilant after the storm
• Check your house for damage
• Keep listening to your local radio station for official warnings/advice
• Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings, trees and flooded drains
For further advice:
Contact your local Victorian State Emergency Service Office, telephone
132 500.
“Confident Living for Older Victorians, Department of Justice Victoria”
DIET FRUIT CAKE
Ingredients: 1kg mixed fruit 2 cups black coffee 2 cups SR Flour
Method: Mix the fruit and black coffee together and let sit for couple of hours.
Mix in the flour and bake in a ring tin for 35 minutes (180 degree oven) and enjoy it.
“Geelong Independent Readers Recipe Winner”
JOKES – Have you had a chuckle today?
Where do cows go on the weekend? To the moovies
Why did the footpath blush? Because it saw the nature strip
What do you make solid-gold soup with? Twenty-two carrots
Why was the little strawberry all alone? Because his mum and dad were in a jam.
What do you call a penguin in the desert? Lost “Addy Newshound”
ENQUIRIES
The Bellarine Police Community Support Register Inc. office is staffed by volunteers each week day from 9.30am until 12 noon. Telephone 03 52 55 3968 P.O. Box 431, Ocean Grove 3226.
You may wish to visit the Register’s website. Go to www.community-support.blogspot.com
REMINDER
Please don’t forget to notify the Register if your circumstances or contact details change, or if you have requested a telephone call and you will be away from home when your regular call is due.
We are finding that when we do follow up with Next of Kin we are generally told their relative is absent because they are either away on holidays, in hospital or perhaps spending some time in respite.
If your regular telephone call falls on a public holiday then volunteers will call you on the first working day following the holiday.
DIARY DATES
October 16, 2007 Elder Abuse Forum - 9.30am until 12 noon in Parks Hall, Portarlington.
October 24, 2007 Registrants Afternoon Tea, 2pm - 3.30pm. Queenscliff Uniting Church Hall
March 2, 2008 Victoria Police Showband and Pipe Band Concert in Parks Hall, Portarlington.
Ann Nichol OAM
Committee Chairperson.
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