The colour purple: McCrae lighthouse turned purple in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Here, Graham Lane, Jeanette Lane, Gary Ferguson, Val Harris, Antonella Celi and Evelyn Webster show support. Picture: Yanni
Light coloured for a cause PASSERS-BY may have wondered why McCrae lighthouse was brightly lit in purple last week for a good reason. Purple is the international colour of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day which affects many Mornington Peninsula residents. The day, Wednesday 15 June, was celebrated here and all over the world as a way of focusing public attention on its significance as a public health and human rights issue. Elder abuse is any act which harms an older person and is carried out by someone they know or trust, such as family and friends. It can
include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, financial exploitation and neglect. On the day, shire customer service officers wore purple ribbons and displayed posters to highlight the message, and McCrae Lions pitched in to get the vibrant shading just right. The shire’s advisory committee on ageing and Peninsula Advisory Committee for Elders (PACE) helped raise awareness with information stands at Rosebud Plaza and Benton Square shopping centre. Steve Taylor
Kitted out for cancer screening FRANKSTON residents are being urged to have regular cancer screening as part of a South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN) and Cancer Council Victoria campaign focused on raising awareness of breast, bowel and cervical cancer screening programs. Men and women aged 50 to 74 are being encouraged to use an at-home bowel screening kit provided by the federal government when it is sent to residential addresses. Frankston has Victoria’s lowest participation rate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, with only 32.2 per cent of residents sent the kit completing the test for doctors to analyse. Mornington Peninsula residents are also encouraged to ask GPs about bowel cancer screening kits. “We’re working to make it easier for residents of Melbourne’s south east to get their breast, bowel and cervical screening – while making it easier for their doctors to promote these services,” SEMPHN CEO Elizabeth Deveny said. Kate Broun, screening manager at Cancer Council Victoria said cancer screening is for healthy people who do not have symptoms. “We’re lucky in Australia to have three life-saving screening programs that can detect cancer early – or even prevent it,” she said. Find a local health service in the SEMPHN region, including BreastScreen locations, and search for services that are open now, offer bulk billing, wheelchair access or female practitioners at semphn.org.au or by calling 1300 331 981.
Testing times: Bill Zisimopolis, right, receives a bowel cancer screening kit from Dr Brian Fox at Cranbourne Rd Medical Centre in Frankston. Picture: Gary Sissons
WHAT’S NEW...
French showstopper comes to Frankston AN exclusive fundraising event is coming to Frankston. Nationally acclaimed Opera Singer Lucy Nicolson, along with performances by Can-Can dancers will entertain guests as part of ‘Bastille Day’ - a fundraising dinner to raise funds for our clients with autism to fulfil their dreams of going on a camp. “Bastille Day is a fundraising dinner like no other,” says CEO, Kath Ferry from SASI - Statewide Autistic Services Inc. “Ms Nicolson will be performing arias from Carmen and La Boehme, Edith Piaff, and modern Broadway numbers from Phantom of the Opera. There will also be an exciting can-can floorshow.” The Bastille Day fundraiser has been created by State Autistic Services Inc to raise money for camp experience for their clients. Our clients will be able to explore nature, embrace new experiences and socialise with their friends. Such an opportunity improves their quality of life and offers them an experience outside the structure of everyday activities. The camp supports families and their children with Autism who would not otherwise afford such an opportunity. “We want to offer our Bastille Day Phil Jones (The Frankston International), Lucy Nicolson, Kath guests an unforgettable FrenchFerry (SASI CEO) and Jarrod from Beachlynn SASI Day Service. inspired evening to remember, while helping our clients live more You can support SASI by attending the event enriched lives,” says Kath. The or donating an item to be auction d on the night. Bastille Day Fundraising Dinner will be held For more information call 9773-6044 or puron Thursday the 14th of July at 6:30pm at the chase tickets at www.sasi.org.au/events. Frankston International.
FRENCH INSPIRED
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Mornington News 21 June 2016
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