26 June 2017

Page 12

NEWS DESK

Flinders leads state on stroke victim statistics Keith Platt keith@baysidenews.com.au PEOPLE living on the Mornington Peninsula are statistically more likely to suffer a stroke than those living anywhere else in Victoria. The federal electorate of Flinders, held for the Liberal Party by Health Minister Greg Hunt, is the worst of the state’s four stroke “hotspots” identified in the latest Stroke Foundation report. The latest predictions show nearly 500 residents of the Flinders electorate are expected to have a stroke this year, resulting in 116 deaths. The number of strokes in Flinders is predicted to grow to 1294 by 2050. According to the foundation’s No Postcode Untouched: Stroke in Australia 2017 report, strokes are caused by high blood pressure, lack of physical activity, high cholesterol and atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). Flinders is listed as having 75,000 people classed as being physically inactive; 44,000 with high cholesterol; 33,000 with high blood pressure; and 4000 with atrial fibrillation. Flinders is ninth nationally for having the highest levels of cholesterol and is the highest in Victoria. Other non-modifiable risk factors for stroke include age, gender and family history of stroke. The foundation says many people are unaware of their risk. Other Victorian electorates in the Australia’s top 20 where people are seen as having a high risk of stroke are Chisholm, Goldstein and Maribyrnong. Stroke Foundation Victorian state manager

Scott Stirling said stroke “is no longer a death sentence for many, however patient outcomes vary widely across the country depending on where people live”. “This report paints an alarming picture, with residents estimated to suffer almost 14,000 strokes this year, many of these strokes will be experienced by people living outside of Melbourne,’’ Mr Stirling said. “It is a tragedy that only a small percentage of stroke patients nationally are getting access to the latest treatments and ongoing specialist care that we know saves lives,” he said. Chair of the foundation’s clinical council Associate Professor Bruce Campbell said Australian clinicians were international leaders in advancements in acute stroke treatment, such as endovascular clot retrieval. “It’s not fair that our health system forces patients into this cruel lottery,” Prof Campbell said. “Consistent lack of stroke-specific funding and poor resourcing is costing us lives and money. For the most part, doctors and nurses are doing what they can in a system that is fragmented, under-resourced and overwhelmed.” Mr Stirling said there is one stroke in Australia every nine minutes and unless action was taken this would rise to one stroke every four minutes by 2050. “Stroke doesn’t discriminate, it impacts people of all ages and while more people are surviving stroke, its impact on survivors and their families is far reaching,” he said. The stroke foundation wants a national action campaign to ensure every Australian household has someone who can recognise the signs of stroke and to call 000.

Right road to success: Trent has his Ps thanks in part to the help of volunteer mentor driver John Davidson.

Driving learners to licence success A YOUNG man joined a 100 club last month by celebrating passing his driving test as part of a learner driver mentorship program. Frankston resident Trent became the 100th driver to get a driver’s licence and P-plates after taking advantage of the Frankston Council backed L2P Learner Mentor Driver Program. The program, funded by the Transport Accident Commission and managed by VicRoads with the support of the RACV Drive School, sees mentor drivers teach disadvantaged youngsters how to drive before the big day of the driving test. Frankston mayor Cr Brian Cunial congratulated Trent and volunteer mentor driver John Davidson on the driving licence achievement for Trent. “The road to getting your driver’s licence is often paved with a few speed bumps. But getting the required hours of experience is one less bump for our local youth to worry about,” Cr Cunial said.

Mr Davidson has participated in the program for over eight years and helped eight students obtain a driver’s licence. “This has been a great joy to both myself and the students seeing them get over a large hurdle and advance in life with a licence,” said Mr Davidson. “I congratulate Trent on getting his licence and the amount of training he has dedicated in getting there.” Since the L2P program began in 2010, more than 190 learners have collectively put in about 10,000 hours of learning to drive time with the help of 83 mentor volunteers. Mentors must pass checks to be eligible to volunteer and checks funded by the L2P program. See frankston.vic.gov.au or call 1300 322 322 for information about the L2P program as a learner driver or to enquire about volunteering as a mentor driver.

100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK...

Honest boys hand in their Frankston “find” Compiled by Cameron McCullough ON Monday last three schoolboys (James and Cyril Hodgkinson and William Walker) when crossing the railway line, near the local goods sheds, at Frankston, found a purse containing a diamond ring and 16s 7d in cash. The boys at once proceeded to the police station and handed their “find” over to Constable Ryan. Later on in the day, Mr Thomas, a local railway employee, reported the loss of his purse and contents, and received his property back intact. Mr Thomas stated his intention of rewarding the boys for their commendable honesty. *** TROOPER C. Paynter, who was in Frankston on Military Police duty for some time, sailed for France last week. *** THE sad news was wired to Mr Mark Brody, on Wednesday, that his son, Private A. C. Brody was missing. Further news is awaited with anxiety. *** ALL helpers in these entertainments are reminded that the “Wattle” Club are entertaining 100 returned wounded soldiers on Saturday, June 7th. *** MEMBERS and friends of the National Federation are requested to meet at the Frankston Mechanics’ Hall on Wednesday evening next, at 8 o’clock, for the purpose of meeting an officer of the Federation, and transact business of the Branch. *** DEPOSITORS in the State Savings Bank are reminded by advertisement

PAGE 12 Frankston Times 26 June 2017

that the Inspector (Mr W. J. Masters) will be in attendance at the Bank on Monday 2nd July for the annual inspection of pass-books It is particularly desired that depositors should produce their pass books at this time. *** IN the election of officers of the newly formed Victorian Police Association which has a membership of 1180, Constable E. C. Ryan, stationed at Frankston, was elected on the committee, securing 452 votes and heading the poll. *** A GENERAL meeting of the Somerville Fruitgrowers will be held on Monday evening next, when the following business will be transacted: - Election of trustee for Show Ground; report of delegates re fruit poll etc, and paper by Mr Twyford on vagaries of fruit market. *** THE following office bearers were appointed at the annual meeting of the Tyabb Red Cross Society - President, Mrs G. Denham; Vice-presidents, Mesdames Steer and Woodhouse; hon secretary and treasurer, Mrs E. P. Mair; assistant secretary, Miss M. Houfe; and a committee of 12. *** A PUBLIC meeting was held in the Frankston Hall on Wednesday evening under the auspices of the State Recruiting Committee of Victoria for the purpose of getting any to enlist who had not yet done so. There was a good attendance but very few eligibles, as there are really few young men left in the Frankston district.

Owing to the indisposition of Cr Watt, president of the Shire (who was present), Cr Oates occupied the chair. A good picture show, depicting a soldier’s life in the A.I.F. was given, after which Sergeant Caffrey (a returned soldier) gave a stirring address, and vividly depicted the urgent need there was for more men. At the close of his address one local stepped forward and gave in his name. A collection was taken up to defray expenses and £2 5s was realised. *** THE annual meeting of the “Wattle” Club will be held in the Frankston Mechanics’ Hall, on Monday evening, July 9th. All members and intending members are expected to attend. The annual plain and fancy dress Ball is also advertised to take place on Wednesday, July 25th. This event will bring the second year of the “Wattle” Club to a close and it is the intention of the members to work up something unusual to celebrate the occasion. Di Gilio’s band has already been secured and the valuable prizes offered should induce everyone to compete. *** MR A. K. Lasslett, the manager appointed to the Frankston branch of the State Savings Bank in place of Mr C. P. Watson, who has been promoted to Sale, took up his duties here last week. For the last three years Mr Lasslett has been stationed at Inglewood, and from a lengthy report of a farewell given him previous to his departure, (reported by the Inglewood “Advertiser”) it appears that the residents of that town regretted his departure very much, as he had taken an active part in the social life as well as being a

courteous and obliging, officer of the bank. As secretary of the Progress Association in that town, he made it a live institution, and of considerable benefit to the place. We welcome Mr and Mrs Lasslett to Frankston, and hope that their stay here will be a pleasant one. *** Golden Wedding A VERY successful entertainment was given by the family of Mr and Mrs T. M. Gould, on 19th June, 1917, at “Glenburnie”, Nolan Street, Frankston, to honour the celebration of their parents golden wedding. The Rev B. Tonkin (Methodist) presided. There was a splendid spread prepared, and many guests were present. The chairman gave a most felicitous toast in honor of the bride and bridegroom of 50 years ago, and all were asked to clink their glasses and drink to their health, wishing them prosperity, and hoping to be able to celebrate their diamond wedding. All then sang, “They are jolly good fellows,” and three cheers were given. A most hearty response was given by Mr Martin Gould, on behalf of the father, thanking the chairman for his kindly speech, and all others who were present. A most touching and sincere speech was given by Mr M. H. Jackson (sonin-law) on behalf of the children. He was proud to be able to speak on such an occasion, and his experience was that the children were most loving and self sacrificing. Mr Frederick Gould (youngest son) responded in a most manly and hearty manner, thanking the speaker for his

kindly remarks. There was a general heartfelt sympathy amongst those present for the absent ones, of which Mr Martin Gould spoke briefly of their absence through sickness. Mr De Salanne then gave a warm and hearty speech on behalf of the ladies, which was greatly appreciated. Mr F. Gould proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman. A very enjoyable evening was spent in music and singing by the children and grandchildren. All expressed the opinion that a jolly good time had been spent. There were many gifts and cheques sent to the happy old couple from all parts. *** TO THE EDITOR. In reply to “Tank” I would say that 99 per cent of the residents have quite a different opinion of Const Ryan. He is anything but asleep. Re motor cars tearing through the town at the rate of 20 or 30 miles an hour, I can safely state that “Tank” is wrong, there is no by law. As for the geese which may or may not be a nuisance, there is still no by law under which he could act. As to vehicles without lights - how many does “Tank” come across in a month. Const Ryan has been here now 9 months, and during that time he has secured more convictions than the other constables have in 7 years. J. REYNOLDS, *** From the pages of the Mornington Standard, 30 June 1917


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