Lifelong volunteer to steer support register forward

THE BELLARINE Community Support Register has elected a lifelong local volunteer as the chair to steer it into an exciting new modern era.

At the Register’s Annual General Meeting last week, outgoing chair Leonie Saundry handed over the baton to Jenny Speed, who will lead the group for the next three years.

Ms Saundry will take on a deputy role and assist the incumbent leader in settling into her new role.

Jenny Speed has spent more than four decades volunteering across the sporting, community service, education and social justice sectors.

She has also chaired local neighbourhood house groups and parents and friends’ networks.

The incumbent Register chair said she looked forward to her tenure.

“I’ve been out of the community service space for a while, but this a great way to get back

in and assist.

“The team are really lovely and committed to helping the local community which is what we are all about.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity me to grow, learn more about BCSR and be a part of something fantastic.”

The Bellarine Community Support Register supports the safety and independence of vulnerable Bellarine residents.

It holds contacts and information provided by residents and can be accessed only by police in a personal emergency.

The register has 30 volunteers and presently operates out of the Ocean Grove Police Station.

Ms Saundry and Ms Speed said increasing sponsorship, strengthening ties with local organisations such as Victoria Police and Bellarine Community Connect, and moving volunteers to an automated online system are focus areas for the immediate future.

“Our donations are down 70 per cent, the lowest they’ve ever been. Charities all over Australia are feeling the effects,” Ms Saundry said.

“Subsequently, we have to find a new dollar base that has the same values as we have.

“Operationally we are continuing to shift everyone online, and away from using pen and paper. It’ll mean the police and other groups can access vital data on our clients over summer.

“Alongside working with Victoria Police, we also look to reach out to other services in the region. It’s all about community connection and keeping people safe and independent at home,” Ms Speed added.

The Bellarine Community Support Register is always seeking new volunteers.

For more information on the register, head to bellarineregister.org.au