IN BRIEF – January 31, 2019

Don’t let your mates drink and drown
LIFE Saving Victoria is urging people to drink responsibly around water, with alcohol related drownings representing over 20 per cent of the total drowning toll each year in Victoria. This risk is heightened around public holidays such as Australia Day, as many people head to the beach, pool, lakes or rivers to celebrate the long weekend. On average, nine drownings in Victoria each year are alcohol related and statistics show 9 out of 10 alcohol related drownings involve males, most aged between 25 and 44. LSV’s Dr Bernadette Matthews said typical activities prior to drowning include swimming and unintentional entry into water such as slips, trips and falls.

Major events bring in the dollars for Geelong
TWO events held in Geelong over the long weekend are predicted to generate more than $20 million in economic benefit for the region. The Festival of Sails was expected to attract about 100,000 people over its three-day program, while a similar number was expected to attend or take part in the Cadel Evans Road Race. City of Greater Geelong figures show the Festival of Sails and Cadel Evans Road Race generated an economic benefit of $10.28 million and $10 million respectively in 2018. The only higher figure on record is from the Australian International Airshow, which produced a $22 million benefit when it was last held in 2017.

Public memorial for Dr Hugh Wirth
RSPCA VICTORIA is inviting members of the public to attend a memorial event to celebrate the life and work of Dr Hugh Wirth, who died in 2018 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. Dr Wirth was a veterinarian and animal welfare advocate who gave almost 50 years of service to RSPCA Victoria, including 43 years as president. The memorial will be held at RSPCA Victoria, 3 Burwood Highway, Burwood East, on Tuesday, February 5 from 10am.