NEWS DESK
Helping hand to beat loneliness By David Corduff THE Connecting Communities forum attracted more than 200 people to the Peninsula Community Theatre, Thursday 31 October, and the feedback has been “very positive”. Run by Peninsula Voice the forum sought to tackle issues surrounding loneliness and isolation and assess how they are affecting sufferers in the community. The Mornington Peninsula has the most aged demographic in Victoria. While the focus may well skew to older folk, the guest speakers emphasised that loneliness and isolation are not simply issues associated with age. People across all age groups can experience loneliness. The Rev. Tim Costello emphasised that as a community it is our responsibility to reach-out and offer a helping hand if we know someone is lonely. Bec Lee, of Beyond Blue, shared her thoughts on how to open a conversation with someone who may be struggling with loneliness, for whatever reason. Dr Michelle Lim supported the anecdotal evidence with statistics gleaned from a major research project she recently completed, confirming that social isolation can be debilitating. Often the individual may not be able, or indeed choose, to reach-out for the help that is available. Stigma also presents itself in the loneliness space … making it even more difficult for an individual to open up and share their situation. Part of the brief given to the speakers was to offer “tools” for attendees to take away and to put into action in a practical way within their community. This was very successfully shared with our audience as they listened to tips they can use to break down the stigma and sensitivities confronting them. Gabrielle Gordon, of Peninsula Voice, said: “The purpose of the forum was to highlight the issue of loneliness and isolation and provide some community based solutions. We were
No shelter here: Windows are often smashed at these bus stops. The steel bollard had been thrown through the window. Pictures: Supplied
very pleased how the forum dealt with what is a very complex topic shrouded in unnecessary stigma. It was a real testament to community working together.” Support came from about 20 community organisations, including Mornington Peninsula Shire, Rotary Clubs, Mornington Secondary College, Padua College, the Information Centre, and Mornington Botanical Rose Garden. Ms Gordon said Peninsula Voice “particularly liked the way the council got behind the event 100 per cent and had so many different representatives there on the night. It really showed that the council are working towards a more Connected Community.” Peninsula Voice is committed to offering the community opportunities to listen to selected speakers as they share information on topical issues, she said. Speaker on social justice: The Rev Tim Costello. Picture: Supplied
Vandals trash shelters THE all-too frequent vandalising of bus shelters along the 788 bus route from Frankston to Portsea has so irked Lindy Clarke that she called The News to complain. “They are always getting smashed,” she said. “I saw one vandalised near Tanti Park, also at Blairgowrie and four on Pt Nepean Road from Tootgarook to Rosebud. They were 500 metres apart. “In one case a steel bollard had been thrown through the bus shelter window. I even got glass splinters in my sandals. “In one damaged shelter there was an older lady with kids trying to find shelter from the wind.” Ms Clarke said schoolies were often wrongly blamed for the vandalism. “It’s not schoolies, it
happens all the time,” she said. The Department of Transport said several damaged bus shelters in Mornington had recently been identified and “would undergo repairs in the coming weeks”. A spokesperson said: “This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable and we encourage people who witness vandalism to report it immediately to the police. “Damaged bus shelters can be reported to Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007 and we will act to have the repairs completed as quickly as possible.” The Department of Transport contracts out the management and maintenance of bus shelters across Melbourne, and the contractor is responsible for cleaning and repairs.
Mornington News
12 November 2019
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