NEWS DESK
New police chief takes charge THE new police superintendent for the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston areas, Fiona Bock, right, may be a newcomer to the top job and the peninsula, but she has a pretty firm handle on where police priorities lie. After 33 years of police experience across a range of areas including counter terrorism and the sexual crimes squad, Superintendent Bock has a strong focus on proactive policing, and is looking forward to building relationships with the peninsula’s diverse communities. She says that means getting police out into the community, building associations with community groups,
schools and residents, and fostering trust between police and community. Some “trends” have already come to her attention, such as the annual schoolies chaos that can present a danger to young people and to the community, graffiti and youth crime. But, confident police are making progress in reducing crime and keeping communities safe, Superintendent Bock says the focus for her will be working with communities, getting to know the issues, and “talk early, engage early” with the people who are likely to come to police attention. Liz Bell
AUSTRALIA’S ECONOMIC PLAN We’re taking the next step to keep our economy strong. • • • • • •
Keeping taxes low, because money in your pocket eases the cost of living Infrastructure projects across the country are creating jobs Skilling the workforce for the jobs of tomorrow Committing to making more goods in Australia to help secure our supply chain Delivering affordable and reliable energy to our homes and businesses Backing Australian businesses to modernise and innovate for our future
Australia’s Economic Plan has helped us through the last two years. There are 260,000 more people in work than before COVID. Australia has performed better than major advanced economies through the pandemic. That’s why we’re taking the next step.
To find out more, visit economicplan.gov.au
Free legal forum for seniors INCREASING demand for advice on elder-related legal issues has prompted Peninsula Community Legal Centre to launch a free monthly elder law service. The forum, on 18 March at safety Beach Community Centre, is supported by Mornington Peninsula Shire and will address some of the most common legal issues affecting older people. PCLC chief executive Jackie Galloway said many life events associated with ageing involved legal issues. “We are holding this community event and launching our elder law service to meet a steadily rising demand for advice on elder law problems,” she said. Victorian seniors’ commissioner Gerard Mansour will open the event. John Corcoran from Russell Kennedy Lawyers, who advises leading providers of aged care and retirement living, will talk about the impact of the royal commission into aged care. Speakers from PCLC and the ANZ bank will talk about financial scams and financial abuse, as well as powers of attorney and estate planning. Ms Galloway said PCLC encouraged seniors wanting to learn more about the tips and traps of proper planning for their retirement and decision-making as they age to attend. There will be a chance to ask questions in a from the panel of experts. Morning tea will be provided. The forum is free, but bookings are essential. PCLC’s special elder law service operates on the third Friday of the month from its office in Rosebud. Elder law focuses on protecting older people’s rights and assets. It is also about ensuring that a person’s wishes are respected at a time when they are vulnerable. Ms Galloway said common legal issues associated with ageing included wills and estate planning; delegation of decision-making capacity regarding financial and healthcare decisions; aged care facilities and retirement villages, and guardianship issues. Free advice on these elder-specific issues, as well as more general civil law questions is provided at the clinics by lawyers from PCLC and volunteers from Russell Kennedy lawyers. The legal matters and ageing forum will be held 10.30am to 12.30pm on Friday 18 March at the Safety Beach Community Centre, 185 Marine Drive, Safety Beach. Register at: topclcseniorsforum@pclc.org.au or phone 97833600.
Camp at the point
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra. PAGE 10
Southern Peninsula News
16 March 2022
WORK has started on a $4.5 million camp ground at Point Nepean National Park on the lawn outside the historic Quarantine Station and will be designed for people new to camping. The camp ground will include pre-pitched tents on platforms, with facilities including a camp kitchen and toilets to be provided in existing Quarantine Station buildings. Parks Victoria is also seeking tenders for a project to provide visitors with “stories of the park”. One option being considered is for interpretive trails and audio and video installations at park buildings to explain its “living” Aboriginal culture and natural, military and quarantine histories. The campground and the storytelling projects are part of the 2018 Point Nepean master plan, designed “to protect and celebrate the park’s special natural and cultural values”. Completed parts of the master plan include making Defence Road safer and bicycle access and new visitor facilities in the Quarantine Station precinct including seating, picnic and barbecues, shelters and drinking water fountains. Works on the camp ground are expected to be completed by the middle of the year. Details: parks.vic.gov.au/projects