Volunteers acknowledged for their care calls to vulnerable locals

VALUED volunteers who carry out care calls to those on the Bellarine who are often alone, lonely or isolated were recently recognised for their service.

The Bellarine Community Support Register (BCSR) held its 13th annual general meeting in Ocean Grove last month, where a new committee was elected and service awards handed out to volunteers.

Award recipients comprised Ros Williamson for two years of volunteer service, and Karen Thornton, Robin Macaulay and Trish Coghlan for five years of volunteer service.

Without the support of valued volunteers who complete data entry and care calls the service could not function.

The meeting was well attended by members, including BCSR inaugural president Ann Nichol.

If you or anyone one you know would like to join the register, it is a free service that operates from the Bellarine Police Station in Ocean Grove.

Registrants receive newsletters throughout the year and if they wish a regular phone call.  Registration forms are available from the office and many locations throughout the Bellarine Peninsula. Alternatively, head to bellarineregister.org.au.

All volunteers are required to undertake a police check, and training is provided.

BCSR takes this opportunity to thank the Bellarine Police for their ongoing support and contribution to the work they do.

BCSR asks that if you have a friend or neighbour who is alone or vulnerable to check that they are okay. This could be by checking that they are up and about each day, and suggest they register with BCSR to receive care calls.

In the event of an emergency, Bellarine Police are able to get access to a confidential database.

The office operates between the hours of 9.30am-noon Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. There is an answering machine where messages can be left – phone 5355 3968.