MORELAND COMMUNITY REGISTER FOR SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Moreland is one of twenty-three new and seven enhanced Community Registers being funded to enable check-up calls to older people and those with reduced mobility and disabilities in locations across Victoria.
Christine Campbell, MP, Member for Pascoe Vale said the funding is part of a Victorian Government investment of $1 million announced earlier this year to establish new Community Registers and assist community-based volunteers to check on the welfare of vulnerable seniors and people isolated due to disability.
“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 Campbell said.
“That is why we are providing $1 million towards new and expanded registers.”
Community Registers enabled vulnerable Victorians the opportunity to receive important information about local conditions and safety issues through regular mail outs, newsletters or telephone calls.
“Our local register is run by community volunteers out of the Fawkner police station. Volunteers call on elderly people to check of their wellbeing. During a heatwave, for example, Registers can be used to check on the welfare of people prone to heat stress.”
Ms Campbell said Community Register funding was still available and the Government would continue to work with Victoria Police to establish registers at suitable sites.
“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 Campbell 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 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