Pet care a comfort for family violence victims
Nice drop: Frankston Wine and Food Society members Nicole Stanton, left, and Pamela Wilson at Rare Hare wine and food store at Willow Creek Vineyard in Merricks North. Picture: Kate de Castro Photography
Wine and food society flourishing THE Proudly Frankston campaign launched in 2013 by an alliance of the bayside city’s leading lights produced many good initiatives – including a wine and food society. Now entering its sixth year, the society was set up along the lines of the Melbourne Cricket Club Long Room Wine & Food Society. Frankston Wine and Food Society has flourished, uncorking 24 events since 2013 including Christmas functions as well as lunches at the start of each of the four seasons. The group launched a new website last month, designed by a Somerville business. Co-founder Max Butler said the society had 70 members. “We enjoy bringing great wine and food to people from all walks of life,” he said. “You don’t have to be a wine guru, an avid foodie or have a big bank balance to join us.”
He said the society had a natural advantage – being close to one of Australia’s great wine regions, the Mornington Peninsula. “We enjoy supporting local winemakers as well as the many venues in Frankston and on the peninsula. We also look further afield, bringing in wines from other regions of Victoria as well as from South Australia and NSW.” Overseas wines have included drops from France, Italy and Spain, all presented with a dash of culture and history. Mr Butler co-founded the society with chartered accountant Robert Thurley and Kevin Johnson, a retired CEO now best known as president of Menzies Caring for Kids. All three grew up in Frankston and played football and cricket in the district. New events planned this year will include an “Old Bottle Evening” and wine appreciation nights. Details about the society including how to join are at frankstonwinefoodsociety.com.au or call Max Butler on 0419 343 989.
CRISIS accommodation is now available for women, children and their pets fleeing family violence. The Eastern Domestic Violence Service (EDVOS) says pets can play a significant role in family dynamics and it is importance to also support them when women and children are fleeing family violence. EDVOS now has accommodation available at three crisis properties in Melbourne’s eastern metropolitan area that can safely accommodate women, children and their pets – each equipped with kennels, pet food and other animal amenities. The service is also working with Women’s Liberation Halfway House (WLHH) to provide the first specialist pet-friendly women’s refuge in Victoria by the end of June. “Women and children go through unspeakable trauma during family violence and being forced to abandon one of their only comforts causes further emotional damage,” EDVOS executive director Jenny Jackson said. “EDVOS pet-friendly crisis properties and WLHH refuge can save lives, both human and animal. The knowledge that these shelters are out there, and that they are increasing in numbers is a bright spot in the ugly reality of family violence. “Hundreds of women, children and their beloved pets across Victoria are constrained in violent relationships because the fear and practicalities of leaving are just too overwhelming. Let’s hope this can now start to change.”
Ms Jackson said research shows that 53 per cent of women in violent relationships with pets reported their animals had also been abused or threatened. Welfare workers or women in distress can call EDVOS 9am-8pm Monday to Friday or 9am-5pm Saturdays on 9259 4200.
Adopt a greyhound A “50 Shades of Grey” adoption promotion ending next Sunday (25 March) is aimed at finding new homes for 30 greyhounds from the RSPCA Victoria’s Animal Care Centres. RSPCA Victoria animal care manager Liz Walker said the dogs had distinct personalities. “We have excitable, attention-seeking greys through to docile, shy gentle giants,” Ms Walker said. Most are exempt from having to wear muzzles in public and come with a reduced $50 adoption fee. “Greyhounds are intelligent, friendly dogs with a gentle and sensitive temperament. They are well suited to a variety of different lifestyles and homes, which is why they continue to be one of our most popular dogs among those adopting,” Ms Walker said. “Although they are often bred for sprinting, most greyhounds do not require much exercise and will happily curl up on their owner’s couch.” The RSPCA Peninsula Centre is at 1030 Robinsons Road, Pearcedale.
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Frankston Times 19 March 2018
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