Bellarine Community Support Register Inc

Police believe there may be further victims in the community who may be unaware and ask members of the community to check their valuable items.
Anyone who believes they have been victim to this is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1300 333000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppers.com.au

Police are investigating a series of thefts of jewellery from residential premises in the Ocean Grove and surrounding areas.

Local Bellarine officers executed a search warrant following an investigation at an address on Endeavor Drive in Ocean Grove on 4 September.

Various jewellery was seized from the address and a 34-year-old female was arrested and subsequently interviewed.

It is believed the woman regularly attended the property and was known to the residents.

The woman has been released pending summons.

Police believe there may be further victims in the community who may be unaware and ask members of the community to check their valuable items.

Anyone who believes they have been victim to this is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1300 333000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppers.com.au

Let's go shopping!

Do you use these parking areas in Geelong? Be aware and LOCK YOUR CAR!

ALL DAY PARKING IN GEELONG CBD – THEFTS FROM CARS
All day parking areas in Geelong have been targeted by thieves over the past week. Areas including the Geelong CBD, around Geelong University Hospital and Kardinia Park are where multiple thefts from cars have occurred and been reported.
Valuable items - and even house keys – have been stolen. And some cars have been left unlocked.
Remember, don’t leave ANYTHING of value in your car and LOCK it before you walk to work!
If you have had items stolen, please report to Police on 131 444 or go online to report Police Assistance Line at https://onlinereporting.police.vic.gov.au/
Anyone who notices anything suspicious, or have been victims of a theft are being urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Our Register this week received a generous donation from Bellarine North Rotary. It was a pleasure to acknowledge that donation personally when member of Bellarine North Rotary, Delia, visited our display at Bunnings Leopold Father’s Day Family event.
Thank you Bellarine North Rotary.
Pictured is Delia chatting to Register volunteer, Sharm about the role of our Register on the Bellarine.

Thanks Bunnings Leopold for having us attend the Father's Day Family Event tonight. It was a great opportunity to network with other community organizations and meet local residents.
Cara was once again the star attraction and thanks all for the love and attention showered upon her tonight.

We need to talk about scams.
Anyone can be scammed. And everyone has a part to play in shutting down scammers.

This Scams Awareness Week, we’re encouraging all Australians to speak up, share and report scams to helps others to spot, avoid and report scams, and to recover from them.

If you've identified or encountered a scam, tell someone – it could be your friends, family, colleagues, social networks, or community. When you share a scam story, you can prevent someone else from having their money or personal information stolen. By talking to each other, we can make sure no one is alone in the fight against scams.
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/research-and-resources/scams-awareness-week-2024

Book now for a free fun afternoon of Trivia.

Trivia with Afternoon Tea

Is your brain full to bursting with trivia knowledge? Would you like to form a social team of 6 and have fun together in a relaxed environment? Join us for Trivia and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea.

Where: Leopold Community & Learning Centre
When: Monday 7th October at 1.00 P.M
Cost: Free
Call: 5250 1301 to book
Bookings Essential

Feed Me Bellarine excess produce delivered !! Come in and stop this from going to landfill

Chat to our Register volunteers on Thursday at the Bunnings Leopold Father's Day Event 5 - 7pm

Call in on Tuesdays for fruit and vegetables.

Every Tuesday we are now offering an alternative location for you to grab some excess fruit and veg. Direct from Feed Me Bellarine please bring a bag and if you can a small donation.

*H

Bookings are essential. Details below.

Wiser Walker – Wiser Traveler

This course covers:
• Getting around without a car
• Safe use of public transport and using Myki with confidence
• Tips for taxi use
• Community transport and support services
• Travel planning and discounted travel passes
• Being a safe pedestrian
• Practical outing using public transport
• Customized to the transport options in your local area
• Promotes health benefits of continuous exercise and social interaction
• Up to date information
• Travel safely and confidently in your community

Where: Leopold Community & Learning Centre – Level 1, 31-39 Kensington Road, Leopold
When: Monday 14th, 21st, 28th October 1.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Phone: 5250 1301 to book
Bookings essential

What a superb day for our Register’s Volunteer Meeting at the Ocean Grove Surf Club overlooking the beach!
Twenty of our volunteers gathered to chat together about office operations and promotion of the Register.

We also bid farewell to one of our long serving volunteers, Jenny Gibbs. Jenny is one of our original volunteers joining out team when the Register began operation in 2006 and serving on the Committee of Management also. After a short break a few years ago, Jenny returned to us and has served another fifteen years. We wish Jenny all the very best for her move to Melbourne.

Some of our volunteers donated packs of cereal for the Cottage by the Sea at Queenscliff in response to a call out from the Cottage for donations of breakfast cereals for visiting children.

Drive safely

Police are issuing an urgent road safety warning as the total lives lost on Victorian roads this year reaches 173.

29 pedestrians have also died this year, compared to 22 this time last year.

Excessive speed and driver impairment continue to be leading causes of both fatal and serious injury collisions.

Factors including visibility, slippery road conditions, inappropriate speed, incorrect safety wear and failing to give way are also contributing to the loss of life.

We are urging all road users to remain vigilant, so before you hit the road:
✔️ Plan ahead to avoid rushing, and make sure you know your route.
✔️ Don’t get behind the wheel while under the influence.
✔️ Stick to the speed limit.
✔️ Avoid distractions - including your phone and passengers.
✔️ Drive to conditions, especially with reduced visibility and inclement weather.

Read more > https://www.police.vic.gov.au/urgent-alert-road-users-fatalities-reach-tragic-toll

This week is Loneliness Awareness Week.
Remember, our Register is here for you to offer a regular chat on the phone.
Find out more about our service by visiting https://bellarineregister.org.au/ or call our Office weekday mornings on 03 5255 3968
Also visit https://lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au/

Our Register joined the Community Conversation organized by Greater Geelong – Queenscliff Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Program held at Queenscliff on Tuesday.
The event was attended by representatives of services and community groups from Queenscliff and the Bellarine.
Read more here.

Connecting services with the community A free Queenscliff event helped inform the community of the services available to support people, groups and volunteers across the [...]

Just because you haven’t seen a train in a while, it doesn’t mean they’re not running. 🚂🚄🚃

Victoria is home to a vast freight and passenger rail network, with many country lines only operating seasonally or as required.

There are thousands of level crossings, and many rural crossings are only protected by a Stop or Give Way sign.

When you approach one, remember:
🚂 Slow down, and prepare to stop.
👂 Pause the tunes and listen for oncoming trains.
👀 Look both ways, and if you can’t see clearly, don’t proceed.
🛑 If there’s a stop sign, make sure you come to a complete stop before entering the crossing.
❌ Never attempt to cross railway tracks in a vehicle anywhere other than at a level crossing.

Tracksafe

Dying to Know Day
This day is held annually on August 8th and will be marked with a free public event at Leopold Community Hub and organised by CHoB.

Several speakers will provide insights into the following topics:

· Palliative care and social support at home
· Legal aspects related to dying
· Spirituality as death approaches
· Care of bodies, funerals and memorials
· Carers’ support
· Volunteering with CHoB

General discussions about death, dying, grief and loss.

We at Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine aim to educate our community regarding life-limiting illnesses, dying and the challenges of grief and loss, as well as advocating for a deeper understanding of the importance of living well and preparing for death.

Dying to Know Day
Leopold Community & Learning Centre

Some great tips for senior drivers

Safe driving tips for senior drivers | RACV It’s important to be aware of the potential risks we face as we age. Here are some tips to help older drivers ensure they are fit to drive.

For more details and to register your attendance visit:
🔗 https://events.humanitix.com/dying-to-know-day-you-can-t...

Dying to Know Day (8 August) is designed to encourage all Australians to develop new knowledge and attitudes about how to deal with death, dying and bereavement and support each other at the end of life.

Sponsored by Western Victoria Primary Health Network and Kings Funerals, our 2024 Dying to Know Day (D2KD) event at Geelong Library will include a panel of experts and an interactive Q&A session followed by afternoon tea and networking.

Panellists include:
▫️ Charlie Corke, ICU Specialist & Deputy Chair VAD Review Board
▫️ Cherished Pets
▫️ Anam Cara House Geelong
▫️ Kings Funerals
▫️ Palliative Care, Barwon Health
▫️ Advance Care Planning, Barwon Health
▫️ Organ Donation Liaison Nurse, Barwon Health
▫️ Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine
▫️ General Practitioner

For more details and to register your attendance visit:
🔗 https://events.humanitix.com/dying-to-know-day-you-can-t-ask-that

A beautiful, sunny morning for a walk on the main beach at Ocean Grove.

An informative Scams Awareness Training was held this morning at Bellarine Training and Community Hub with Sgt Shane Connolly and LS/C Anthony Sheedy from Bellarine Neighbourhood team at Bellarine Police Station.
The session, organized by Bellarine Community Support Register and Neighbourhood Watch, covered the many scams confronting us on a daily basis and the actions to take if you think you have been scammed.
Today's important messages are:
# If you think you have been scammed, contact your Bank immediately.
# Don't be embarrassed or afraid - go and talk to someone - a family member, a friend, a neighbour, or Police.
# Don't communicate with scammers.
# NEVER give bank details or PIN numbers
# Stop and Think before clicking on links or making payments.

Assistance to connect with My Aged Care. Contact details below.

Are you struggling to navigate the My Aged Care system, or do you know someone who needs some help?
Our volunteers can help support you and they can also help you understand what other services are around to help you.
☎️ call 1800 007 224 to make an appointment.

Just one more sleep till our Scams Awareness Training tomorrow morning at 10am.
See you at Bellarine Training and Community Hub, 1 John Dory Drive, Ocean Grove, and hear from Bellarine Police regarding what to be aware of and how to prevent being scammed.
Come and share a cuppa with us.

Thanks Bellarine Times.

Support Register makes "appropriate" move in Ocean Grove - Bellarine Times BELLARINE Community Support Register (BCSR) has made its long-awaited move at Ocean Grove Police Station, further streamlining the organisation for the benefit of locals across the region. While the move downstairs at the local police station may seem like a small adjustment, BCSR volunteer coordina...

A TELEPHONE CALL MEANS SO MUCH

One of the Register's oldest Registrants, Allan, receives weekly phone calls from our Register simply to check in with him and have a conversation and much needed connection.

At 93 years of age, Allan grieves for his recently deceased wife. They were married for 64 years.
He told his caller recently that his first wife left him with a baby girl all those years ago and that he raised his baby with the help of his mother whilst he went to work. Twenty years ago, this only child
died tragically. He finds it difficult to reconcile this with his very strong religious faith.

Allan has any number of services attending to his physical needs each day which he fully appreciates. However, no service personnel have time to sit down and have a chat with him because their time is so limited and they have so many things to do.
In Allan’s words: “You can still be alone in a room full of people”, he said.

“You (the Register volunteer) are the first person that I've spoken to in three days. I am very grateful for the calls and enjoy the conversations because (the volunteers) are always so bright and genuine.”

Sometimes Allan was hard to find when we called. He would go to the shops on his scooter and have a coffee, get sidetracked talking to someone he knew or had just met, and the time would slip away. He is always so positive and so friendly and just needs a bit of company. And our volunteers can provide just that.

Perhaps there is someone you know who may benefit from a regular call from our Register volunteers. If so, please recommend the Bellarine Community Support Register to them. Visit our website https://bellarineregister.org.au/ for more information or to complete an online registration.

SCAMS
(Bellarine Neighbourhood News Issue 6)
Scams cost Australians millions of dollars each year. Anyone can be targeted!
Scams are a common way that cybercriminals compromise your online accounts. Scammers’ goal is to trick you into paying money or giving away your personal information. They will use email, text messages, phone calls or social media, and often pretend to be a person or organisation you trust.
Knowing what the common types of scams are, and what to look out for could save you from becoming a victim.
Bellarine Neighbourhood will be providing in depth presentations to organised groups throughout 2024. Contact us anytime via our email at [email protected] to make it happen within your Group.
One such in depth presentation will be held on MONDAY 22 JULY at 10am at Bellarine Training & Community Hub. And, it's FREE!

Police are receiving numerous reports of Deception (Scams) here on the Bellarine.
Take the opportunity next Monday - 22 July at 10am - to learn how you can protect yourself from scams. Bellarine Police presenting.
Come along - it's free!!!

CRIME – WHERE ARE WE AT?
June has seen a dramatic increase in burglaries and also theft related offences across the Bellarine Peninsula. There were 15 burglaries, one where there was someone home during the incident, and 35 reported incidents of theft.
Motor vehicles have also been getting stolen having seven reports of theft of motor vehicles for June. A timely reminder to secure your cars.

Deceptions (SCAMS) has had a slight decline, but still having numerous reports coming through. Bellarine Neighbourhood has had presentations running within the community and is appears it may be finally having an impact. If your are part of a group/organisation and would like a presentation to your members on SCAMS please do not hesitate to email us at [email protected] to book in.
Family violence incidents is remaining an issues for us also.

Courtesy of Bellarine Neighbourhood Issue 6

FYI schools are back today, and so are school speed zones. 🚗

School speed zones are reduced-speed areas that operate near schools. The hours they operate depends on the kind of zone you’re travelling in, but the speed limit and operating times will be clearly displayed on nearby signs.

For more information on school speed zones, head to the VicRoads website.