State nod for tireless Bellarine volunteers

A BELLARINE volunteer organisation says it’s “overwhelmed” to receive statewide recognition for its crucial role in looking after some of its community’s most at-risk residents.

Bellarine Community Support Register received a nomination for the 2021 Victorian Volunteering Awards for its outstanding resilience to COVID-19 pressures.

The register works alongside Victoria Police, and holds confidential contacts and information provided by more than 1400 older and vulnerable Bellarine residents that can be passed on to police in a personal emergency.

BCSR helps police make regular care calls and follow-ups with peninsula people who need support.

Volunteers had worked at Ocean Grove’s Bellarine Police Station since its formation in 2006 until COVID forced non-essential stuff out of their usual offices.

BCSR swiftly set up a new office at co-ordinator Denise Hibbins’ home and received pro bono IT support from Geelong provider Bill Mandley and his business.

Bellarine police continued working in tandem with the register and carrying out its welfare checks as required following the remote shift.

BCSR volunteers travelled to Melbourne last week for an award ceremony to recognise their accomplishments.

“It was overwhelming to be acknowledged for all the work the volunteers put in over the years to keep the service running,” Ms Hibbins said.

“I truly believe that if we hadn’t have done what we did, we would have folded.”

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville commended the group for its community work and well-deserved nomination.

“The Bellarine Community Support Register is a wonderful local organisation that provides an important service to many on the peninsula, especially our more senior citizens and those in need of support,” Ms Neville said.