NEWS DESK
State sets up council watch THE arrival of a state government appointed monitor to oversee Frankston Council operations has not yet been finalised. Labor Local Government Minister Marlene Kairouz said the government has not yet decided the duration of the monitor’s stay in Frankston. The state government announced last Sunday (10 September) that a monitor will attend council meetings amid concerns about councillor “infighting” in recent months. “We have concerns about the conduct and proper functioning of Frankston Council – that’s why we are appointing a monitor,” Ms Kaiouz said last week. “The monitor will report back to the government on how the Frankston Council is operating and give assistance where required.” Ms Kairouz succeeded Natalie Hutchins as Local Government Minister in a state cabinet reshuffle last Wednesday. The Minister can sack councillors and send in government administrators to run council at the recommendation of the monitor. Frankston mayor Cr Brian Cunial revealed he and council CEO Dennis Hovenden spoke to the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate to “raise concerns” about “good governance” at council. Frankston ratepayers will pay the bill for the monitor who is expected to track council’s performance for at least three months. A monitor called in to Casey Council last year cost about $1200 each day. The monitor at Casey found no trigger to sack the council. Neil Walker
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Southern Peninsula News
Suicide rising for older men Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au WHILE men aged over 85 have one of the highest suicide rates in Australia they are often overlooked in the fight against suicide. This lack of attention and help is due to “ageism” and a lack of community support, according to Mornington-based Mentis Assist. The organisation which provides opportunities for people living with mental illness based its conclusion on the results of a 2014 statistics study. “Life events commonly associated with elderly suicide include the death of a loved one, physical and mental illness, cognitive impairment, unmanageable pain, fear of dying, loneliness and major changes in roles, such as retirement,” Mentis Assist CEO Terry Palioportas said last week, which included Suicide Prevention Day and R U Okay? Day. “Social isolation or a lack of social supports has been found to be a contributing factor in the lives of some elderly men, leading to a decline in life skills, poor eating habits and even substance abuse,” Mr Palioportas said. “After retirement, a significant number of men feel a sense of worthlessness or hopelessness leading to feelings of depression or overwhelming anxiety. “Historically, older men have often been conditioned not to acknowledge their feelings from as far back as their childhood and, therefore, see no way of expressing their fears. They
19 September 2017
Social interaction: Mentis Assist clients enjoying a day’s outing. Picture: Supplied
are often afraid of being a burden to others.” Mr Palioportas said social groups were a “great way to remain socially active and can help to encourage older men to get together with others with similar interests”. “Groups provide an opportunity to participate in age-related programs, including health and physical activ-
ity, cognitive stimulation, emotional wellbeing and a wide variety of social inclusion programs, as well as getting together for meals,” he said. Mentis Assist provides access and support workers who can assist with accessing local services in the area, including specialised planned activity groups. The service received the Age
Friendly Local Business Award at the recent Mornington Peninsula Delys Sargeant Age-Friendly Awards for its contributions towards creating a supportive community for older people on the Mornington Peninsula. Those struggling with thoughts of depression or suicide can call Lifeline 13 11 14.