NEWS DESK
Beware of the sharks in summer THE risk of shark attack off bayside beaches is “extremely low” according to the Victorian Fisheries Authority but beachgoers should still be “sharksmart” this summer according to the state government body. The VFA’s tips for swimmers, surfers, anglers and divers were issued in the same week Frankston beach was closed early on Sunday (10 December) at about 4.30pm due to an unconfirmed shark sighting near Frankston pier. Lifesavers usually “close” the beach at 6pm on Sundays. A dead whale carcass at Blairgowrie’s Jubilee Point washed up earlier this month saw the VFA issue a warning about a possible increase in sharks lured to the Mornington Peninsula area. VFA chief executive officer Travis Dowling said last week that sharks are a natural part of a healthy marine environment and there are steps people can take to minimise the risk of “an unwanted encounter” with a shark. “When people get into the water to swim, surf, dive or fish, they are entering the shark’s natural environment and so should be mindful and make good choices,” Mr Dowling said. The VFA says people should: • Always swim, dive or surf with a friend • Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches where possible • Avoid areas that attract sharks
such as where natural food sources of sharks live, for example, seals; where fishing waste is being disposed of; places where human and animal waste enters the water • Watch for signs of unusual behaviour in wildlife or fish since these can indicate that a shark is in the area Mr Dowling said that if beachgoers see a shark close to shore they should ring Victoria Police on 000, or notify lifesavers immediately if at a patrolled beach, to report its location and its distance from shore. “That information is relayed to the VicEmergency website and smartphone app so it can be shared quickly with anyone using our beautiful beaches. “If the beach is patrolled by lifesavers, they will alert swimmers and potentially close the beach altogether if appropriate.” Mr Dowling said it had been 30 years since a death had occurred from a shark attack in Victoria. “While there is no evidence that shark numbers are increasing, Victoria’s human population is growing each year and more people are using the coastline to relax and recreate.” See vfa.vic.gov.au/shark-smart for more information.
Be alert not alarmed: Beachgoers including visitors to Carrum beach should keep a look out for sharks this summer. Picture: Gary Sissons
Legal centre boosted
Rallying around Cara: That’s The Thing About Fishing members and friends held a fundraiser for a young Carrum Downs girl who suffered horrific burns in an accident. Picture: Gary Sissons
Support for burns victim soars Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au A FISHING group that hosts lessons for disadvantaged and disabled children has rallied around to help a 7-year-old Carrum Downs girl who suffered burns to more than 60 per cent of her body in October. Cara Elfring is in the burns unit at the Royal Children’s Hospital and has had nine operations including skin grafts and will undergo more surgeries in the months and years ahead. Cara’s parents Sally and Ashley ‘Pav’ Elfring have spent most of their time at their youngest daughter’s hospital bedside since the horrific accident. That’s The Thing About Fishing heard about the young girl’s plight and organised a fundraiser at the Seaford Hotel early in December that raised more than $13,000 towards the Care For Cara campaign. More donations will still help Cara on the road to recovery and the Elfring family is looking to move to a disabled-friendly home since she will be wheelchair bound for up to 12
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months while undergoing rehabilitation. Cara will spend Christmas and New Year at the Royal Children’s Hospital. “Cara’s going to need ongoing procedures for the rest of her life,” Mr Elfring said. “The majority of her torso is severely burnt. The money will be going directly to her for any needs she requires.” Cara’s two brothers and a sister are looking forward to welcoming her back home. That’s The Thing About Fishing co-founder Glenn ‘The Guru’ Cooper said the group will keep helping the Elfring family after Cara’s return from hospital next year. “We’ll hold the money in trust and help the family with money for Cara as it’s needed,” Mr Cooper said. n People wanting to donate to the Care For Cara campaign can make donations by bank transfer to Bendigo Bank account name CARE FOR CARE, BSB 633-000, Account number 1615 465 69. See thatsthethingaboutfishing.org.au for more details about the group’s community charity work.
Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 13 December 2017
THE Peninsula Community Legal Centre in Frankston will receive a $300,000 state government grant to be able to continue employing a lawyer to help people facing financial stress due to fines. The grant — part of a $3.45 million distribution of taxpayers’ money under a Community Legal Centre Family Violence — was announced by state Attorney-General Martin Pakula last Wednesday (6 December). Peninsula Community Legal Centre has provided legal advice to more than 8000 cash-strapped or vulnerable clients since opening 40 years ago. The legal centre will also be able to continue family violence duty lawyer services at Frankston Magistrates’ Court thanks to the grant and set up a partnership with Peninsula Health to help people impacted by family violence. “We’re proud to be delivering this funding to the Peninsula Community Legal Centre because it will help to improve access to legal services in our community and deliver more support to those who need it most,” Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said. Community legal centres across the nation faced a funding crisis earlier this year when the federal Liberal National Coalition government cut funding but the decision was subsequently reversed in May by federal Attorney-General George Brandis.
Helping hand: Peninsula Community Legal Centre CEO Jackie Galloway and team help people facing legal problems.