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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