NEWS DESK
Schools out, VCEs complete
Ex-mayor dies FORMER Frankston Council mayor and councillor, William (Bill) Parkin, 79, who passed away on Sunday 11 December, has been remembered as a hard-working contributor to the community. Mr Parkin had a strong sense of civic responsibility, serving as president at the former Cranbourne Shire, before being elected to Frankston Council from 1997 until 2003. He was a long-serving member of the Frankston RSL and Vietnam Veterans Association. Frankston mayor Cr Brian Cunial said that while he did not serve on council with Mr Parkin, he knew him to be someone who was committed to the city, often highlighting the recreational facilities and the active retail and business centre while supporting employment and investment opportunities. “On behalf of Frankston City Council, I would like to offer my condolences to William’s family and friends during this difficult time,” he said. Frankston RSL president Brent Clyne said that in later life, Mr Parkin and his then-wife Norma travelled and taught extensively through South East Asia. Mr Clyne said that after Norma’s death several years ago Mr Parkin returned to Vietnam and then Cambodia where he met his second wife Linni, and became the proud father of two boys. Mr Parkin was a member of Pearcedale-Langwarrin branch of the Liberal Party for 28 years. A funeral service was held for Mr Parkin, a former police officer, at Bunurong Memorial Park on Thursday 15 December.
A RECORD number of Victorian students completed their Victorian Certificate of Education this year. Results were officially released on Monday (12 December) after a technical glitch sent results to some students earlier than anticipated last week. A total of 49,765 students have now completed the final chapter in their school lives and obtained their VCE, a record completion rate of 97.9 per cent of students. Of these students, 3804 will be awarded the VCE (Baccalaureate) and a further 13,050 students will receive their Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). 14,649 high achieving students received a study score of 40 or more in a subject. In keeping with past VCE results, Frankston High School students again celebrated outstanding VCE results. Seventeen students achieved 40-plus scores in outdoor and environmental science. “Completing VCE is a significant achievement and I congratulate all of our Year 12 students - you should be very proud of what you have achieved,” Victorian Education Minister James Merlino said. “Parents and teachers play a big part in supporting Year 12 students through their VCE and I thank the families and schools for the encouragement they’ve given students throughout this year. “If you didn’t get the results you wanted, seek advice from your school and remember there are many pathways to success in life.”
Jumping for joy: Abram Poznanski, left, Cal McCrimmon, Jack Higgins and Albin Joy celebrate VCE results. Picture: Gary Sissons
Home invasion risks on rise Stephen Taylor steve@baysidenews.com.au HOUSES in some southeast suburbs are more than twice as likely to be burgled as the average Victorian home, the RACV’s analysis of the 2015-16 crime statistics reveals. The average burglary rate rose from one-in-74 homes to one-in-68 homes, as the number of burglaries reported to police increased by 10 per cent across the state. The RACV’s interactive digital map can zoom in on any postcode to find out its burglary rate. Mornington Peninsula postcodes continued
to feature after making the top 10 for the first time last year. This year, Rye, Shoreham and Balnarring were all deemed riskier than average, with Hastings in equal 10th place due to a 1-in-34 home burglary rate. RACV home services and security general manager Aaron Flavell said different areas were attractive to burglars for different reasons – new home estates are known to have many new goods and, in some instances, border on socio-economically challenged areas. High-turnover rental areas are also vulnerable partly due to neighbours not knowing each other. “RACV encourages all Victorians
to get to know their neighbours and look out for each other,” he said. “Our analysis clearly shows that residents in some areas have a higher-than-average risk of being burgled in any one year. “While there are often complex reasons why some areas have higher burglary rates than others, homeowners can effectively reduce their chance of being burgled by increasing the would-be burglar’s risk of being disturbed or caught. “Unfortunately, burglary victims are at high risk of being targeted again as burglars often return to steal new items which have been bought to replace the stolen goods. Neigh-
bours are also at an increased risk. “Research shows that burglars are less likely to target a property if a security system is present, so consider installing a monitored security alarm system.” Crime Statistics Agency data shows that the rate of home invasions statewide soared by 40 per cent. Frankston North and Pines Forest were fifth in the ranking, with last year’s 1-in-46 homes rising to 1-in26 this year. “While the surge in home invasions is concerning, the vast majority of burglaries took place when no one was home,” Mr Flavell said. “Home invasions are a remote risk,
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so it is important to keep it in perspective, but also to know what you can do to prepare to be safe and reduce the risks for you and your family. “If you should get burgled while at home, the safety of you and your family is paramount. You should never confront offenders but focus on staying safe while trying to call 000,” he said. Most stolen items are cash, electrical appliances and jewellery, which should be kept out of sight to slow thieves down or deter them. Most burglars are looking for a quick grab and getaway.
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Frankston Times 19 December 2016
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