NEWS DESK
Helping others sign of her time
Toilet block A CALL has been made for a panic button to be installed in public toilets at Hastings. Angela Snelson said her 69-yearold husband Howard was trapped inside the multi-use disabled and baby change toilet for 45 minutes because he could not unlock the door. “It happened on Friday the 13th and if it wasn’t so serious it would be funny,” Ms Snelson said. “Luckily, he had his mobile phone could called me when he became stuck.” Ms Snelson said her husband, who rides a motorised scooter, had “somehow” managed to get into the toilet next to K-Mart even though the baby change table was stopping the door from being fully opened. “But then he couldn’t off the toilet and called me. I work around the corner and thought the people in K-Mart would have a spare key, but they don’t.” Ms Snelson, who works “just around the corner”, called a number displayed outside the toilet for emergencies. “The man who answered told me he was in Indonesia but would try to get someone to come with a key.” Ms Snelson also called the ambulance but was told that as it was not a medical urgency help could be “a couple of hours” before they could help. Eventually a woman cleaner arrived but was unable to open the door which was eventually opened with the help of two men and a flat-bladed screwdriver. Ms Snelson was full of praise for the cleaner, but now wants a panic button installed within reach of anyone sitting on the toilet. “Imagine what would have happened if Howard hadn’t had his phone and I didn’t work nearby?”
Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au A BITTERN woman who spends her spare time raising community awareness of women’s cancers, the plight of deaf dogs, and singing in her primary school’s choir, has won the E R Noble award for Deaf Victorian of the Year. Teacher Joanne Heyman became involved in the Ride to Conquer Cancer in 2012 and has helped her team raise $42,000 through the 200km event. She has helped raise a further $22,000 through the Peter Mac 60km Walk to End Women’s Cancers over the past three years. She will also participate in a 30km walk in October. Ms Heyman has also raised $5000 in funds and supplies for Hear No Evil – a deaf dog rescue and rehoming service. She is one of two Victorian coordinators who help to foster, train and re-home deaf dogs, saving them from being euthanised “simply because they are deaf”. Partner Andrew Broom is in awe of her capabilities: “I’m biased of course, but the work she puts in via fundraising, barbecues, selling chocolates, promoting and participating in events, raising community awareness of these issues, and the work she puts in to her local community, is inspiring,” he said. But Ms Heyman plays down her achievements: “Becoming involved in the plight of deaf dogs with me having a hearing impairment was a definite connection,” she said.
Of cancer, deaf dogs and singing: Teacher Joanne Heyman spends her spare time helping others. Picture: Gary Sissons
“Why put them down just because they are deaf?” Being alerted to the dogs’ plight on Facebook spurred her interest and, the “next thing I knew, I was Victorian coordinator,” she said. “We know we have saved about 100 dogs. There would be a lot we don’t hear about because many would be given away or put in pounds.”
In a similar vein, a friend’s battle with ovarian cancer and her mum’s tussle with breast cancer prompted Ms Heyman to take up that fight to raise money and recognition of their plight. Ms Heyman sings in the Auslan Choir, and laughed about a “cheeky dinner” at which those learning the sign language are “taught to swear” using their hands – all in fun, of course.
She was nominated for the E R Noble award by friend Marnie Kerridge and received a trophy and had her name inscribed in a plaque. A special memory is being involved with Pearcedale Primary School choir when it was recognised in last year’s ANZAC day 100th anniversary ceremony at Frankston oval. She also translated English into Auslan.
Library futures assured – shire Neil Walker neil@mpnews.com.au ALL libraries across the peninsula will remain open after a restructure that will see some library staff lose their jobs. Mornington Peninsula Shire communities director Robin Adams says council has no plans to close down any of the shire’s four libraries at Hastings, Somerville, Mornington and Rosebud. The temporary two-week closure of Hastings library until 18 May is coincidentally timed during the staff restructure. The High St library has closed its doors so a new radio frequency identification (RFID) system to make it easier to borrow and return library
items can be installed and refurbishment works including a new carpet can be carried out. “The Mornington Peninsula Library Service is undergoing the most significant renewal and reform process since its inception,” Mr Adams said. “This began with the major refurbishment of the mobile library to a state of the art facility for our isolated townships.” Mr Adams said Somerville, Rosebud and Mornington libraries will be temporarily closed in coming weeks so the RFID system installation – involving the microchipping of books, magazines, CDs and DVDs to replace barcodes – can take place alongside refurbishments. “This will require the closure of
branches for a few days each to achieve this,” Mr Adams said. “It will also allow us to better manage the library stock.” Australian Services Union organiser Prescilla Schwalger told The News last week that seven librarians have been offered voluntary redundancies by council and other roles are “substantially” changing amid fears of further job cuts (‘End of story for library staff’, The News 10/5/16) and complaints of a lack of consultation with libraries staff. All of the shire’s 20 library officers, mostly employed part-time, are understood to be facing redundancy. Mr Adams said the shire has “created 20 positions and expect most of these positions to be filled by current staff
Coleman lunch THE identity of the Hastings Football Club’s first “legend” will be revealed at its annual John Coleman Coterie lunch, Saturday 21 May. A further 10 players and administrators will be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame on the day and, from the initial 20 inductees, one will be elevated to “legend” status – a move that’s bound to create some discussion. Essendon stalwart Greg Sewell is guest speaker. He gave Essendon great service as a player (171 games), assistant coach, committeeman, and president over more than three decades. Sewell made the state team as a wingman in 1957, and played in the losing grand final sides of 1957 and 1959. Cost $65. Bookings: 5979 1740.
through redeployment”. “Library officers will have their roles upgraded with more full-time and less part-time positions. Their salary banding will also increase commensurate with their duties. “Due to the significant nature of these improvements, the shire is required to offer redundancies to those staff who do not want to be redeployed into one of the new roles.” He said “there is absolutely no intention to close the Hastings, or any other shire library service.” Mr Adams said there will be "more customer facing" and less backroom staff. Council did not confirm how many net job losses would occur after the restructure process is complete.
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Western Port News 17 May 2016
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