Register receives Rotary boost heading into winter

A LOCAL community initiative catering to elderly and vulnerable residents based in Ocean Grove will continue its operations following a generous grant from the town’s local rotary club.

Bellarine Community Support Register (BCSR) president Leonie Saundry attended last month’s Ocean Grove Rotary meeting where she received a modest $750 community grant, that will prove crucial in maintaining day-to-day operations.

“The Register is very thankful for this grant which will go towards our ongoing operational costs,” Ms Saundry said.

“As a non-funded Community Service this is most appreciated.”

The register, formed in 2006, currently contains more than 1,400 registrants with a confidential database of personal, property, medical and emergency contact information readily available to local police in case of emergency.

Currently based inside the Ocean Grove Police Station, the register is completely run by its team of 26 volunteers, meaning the Register is entirely reliant on grants and external funding.

Ms Saundry added being on the register is valuable and a great way to ensure information is stored safely and is accessible in the event of an emergency.

“Lifestyle type retirement living is becoming popular,” she said.

“If you are out and about regardless of your living circumstances, being on the register gives you added protection as the identification card we provide and encourage you to carry on your persons, be it in your wallet, purse or whatever.

“This identification card has a unique identifier number and the phone number of the Ocean Grove Police Station.

“The Police are able to access your information in the event of an incident and make the necessary contacts with nominated persons and if necessary, provide any relevant medical information to emergency services that you may have provided when you register.”

Volunteers will be out in the community from the end of March to mid-April recruiting new registrants, replacing new key tags, and engaging new volunteers.

The Register’s volunteers are available, Thursday, March 30, at Bunnings Leopold 5pm to 7pm, Saturday, April 8, Drysdale North Bellarine Art Show 9 to 3pm and Monday, April 10, Ocean Grove Easter Market 9am to 1pm.

Ms Saundry also expressed that the BCSR is seeking someone interested in data entry to handle digital log entries of registrants.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer, head to www.bellarineregister.org.au or give the office a call during office hours on 5255 3968.