NEWS DESK
Plan launched to slash suicide deaths A PLAN to halve Victoria’s suicide rate over the next decade by following up on hospital patients with mental health issues and increasing awareness in the community was launched by the state government in Frankston last week. Premier Daniel Andrews visited Frankston Hospital last Thursday (28 July) to announce a $27 million program, funded in this year’s state budget, aimed at increasing workforce training, schoolbased support and mental health literacy program within several regions including Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. Suicide was the cause of death of 646 people across Victoria last year, more than double the road toll of 257. “For every suicide, there are many more people deeply affected – family, friends, carers, colleagues and communi-
ties. This is something we urgently need to change,” Mr Andrews said. Peninsula Health welcomed the fouryear plan including the establishment of a new six-bed psychiatric unit at Frankston Hospital. Peninsula Health advised there were 4215 admissions linked to mental health at Frankston Hospital in 2014-15, an average of about 80 patients per week. “The ‘place-based approaches’ will allow us to implement new programs to ensure that all people presenting to our health service for care relating to selfharm or suicide attempts are identified and provided with intensive follow-up care,” Peninsula Health CEO Sue Williams said. Intensive community-based support trials for people who have attempted suicide
will be introduced soon in six locations. The six areas - Mornington Peninsula/ Frankston, Brimbank/Melton, Whittlesea, Mildura, Latrobe Valley and Ballarat – were earmarked for suicide prevention programs based on the prevalence of suicide and population and community demographics according to the state government. Frankston Labor MP Paul Edbrooke said mental health “has been a key issue in our community for some time”. “This investment will ensure we get the best support to those who need it most and most importantly, save lives.” Support and information about suicide prevention can be obtained at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. Neil Walker
Suicide not painless: Frankston Hospital CEO Sue Williams, left, gives Premier Daniel Andrews and MP Paul Edbrooke, right, at Frankston Hospital last week. Picture: Yanni
Pokies losses on rise Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au
Page turners: Mayor James Dooley reads to Sam Sheppard, 5, from Frankston at Carrum Downs Library. Picture: Gary Sissons
Take it as read for challenge THE annual Mayor’s Reading Challenge was launched at Carrum Downs Library last week with Frankston mayor Cr James Dooley hosting a special ‘Storytime’ event. “Reading, talking and singing to children from a young age is critical to developing the literacy skills essential for a bright future,” Cr Dooley said. “By helping children to develop a love for reading, we are giving them the best chance to do well at school.” The reading challenge runs throughout the month of August and aims to encourage parents and carers to share
reading experiences with children aged 0-5 years. All participants who sign up for the challenge to reach reading milestones throughout August receive a challenge bag with literacy and reading cards, a reading activity record and a ‘dive into reading’ balloon. Three major prizes are up for grabs thanks to Robinson’s Book Store. Call council on 9784 1020 or see library.frankston.vic. gov.au or visit a Frankston area library to learn more or register for the 2016 Mayor’s Reading Challenge.
POWER, VERSATILITY AND NOW A GREAT PRICE
POKIES losses across Frankston rose slightly in the past 12 months and still topped $63 million despite the introduction of voluntary precommitment cards for gamblers last year. Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) figures for 2015-16, released last week, show Frankston municipality pokies players lost $62,900,685 over 12 months, up from $62,065,687 in 2014-15. The Labor state government launched a $197 million YourPlay scheme in December last year allowing pokies players to preselect losses limits using a swipe card to gamble on poker machines. Critics of YourPlay note gamblers can simply increase the preselected limit if they want to play on. Uptake of the scheme has been slow. Just 8130 YourPlay cards have been registered and 15,274 casual cards are in circulation according to state government figures released in May. “The Andrews Labor government shares the community’s concerns about problem gambling. We are focused on reducing the harm caused by problem gambling,” Liquor and Gaming Regulation Minister Marlene Kairouz said. “That is why we have invested $150 million over the next four years to support problem gambling services and YourPlay. “Whilst gambling is a legitimate industry, we will continue to take
an evidenced based approach to addressing the harm caused by problem gambling.” Upper House South Eastern Metropolitan region Greens MP Nina Springle says voluntary pre-commitment has failed to curb problem gambling. “Pokie losses continue to grow bigger and bigger. Voluntary precommitment has had absolutely no effect, as predicted,” Ms Springle said. “Pokie machines are designed by experts to be highly addictive, so it’s hardly a wonder that voluntary betting limits are having zero effect. “The Andrews government and the Napthine government before them are all spin and absolutely no substance on dealing with problem gambling.” The Greens MP said only mandatory pre-commitment would help problem gamblers. Pokies punters in neighbouring Mornington Peninsula Shire and Kingston lost $82,381,143 and $83,473,105 respectively in 201516. Pokies in Frankston became the subject of national media attention in April when the VCGLR, the state’s gambling regulator, controversally decided the Langwarrin Hotel’s offer to build a weatherproof children’s play area at the venue was a “significant reason” to approve an application for ten extra electronic gaming machines.
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1 August 2016
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