NEWS DESK
Getting out to beat the lonesome blues PENINSULA Social Club volunteer Michael Hillier is a man on a mission: He wants to end “social isolation and loneliness” among mainly elderly and those with disabilities on the Mornington Peninsula. The social club - part of the not for profit community transport service Peninsula Transport Assist - arranges social and lunch get-togethers designed to get its mainly elderly clients out of their houses and mingling with others in social settings. “Our mission is that nobody should be without company if they want it,” said Mr Hillier, who has run social activities for older people and those with disabilities for the past 20 years. He previously worked at the Brotherhood of St Laurence and admits to being “passionate about community development”. “The latest research shows social isolation and loneliness is as bad for you as smoking 15 cigarettes per day,” he said. “It contributes to an increased risk of heart disease, dementia and depression. It has a major effect on older people, particularly if they live alone, no longer drive or are recently widowed.” Those attending activities, such as luncheons and musicals, pay a flat rate of $25 to be escorted door to door. This covers the volunteer’s vehicle running costs and contributes to the cost of meals. “Everyone is welcome,” Mr Hillier said. “There are no age restrictions, and volunteer companions and drivers are there to help. The activities are suitable for all needs and fitness levels.” Invoices can be sent straight to a
Imperial insight: Dowager Empress Cixi in her heyday. Picture: Supplied
Dynasty reappraised
Ticket to ride: Peninsula Social Club volunteer Mike Hillier, Andrew Morse and Enidt Dodd. Picture: Yanni
home care or disability provider and clients receive reminder phone calls, SMS and emails. Those needing personal care can bring along a family member, or support worker, and other volunteers attending can offer friendship and support. The monthly lunches from 12-2pm are held at hotels and restaurants which have seniors’ menus. The cost
Matinees:
Extended Trips:
Mamma Mia Wed 15th Aug 2018 lunch $130pp Included
Ballarat Winter Wonderlights 23-25 July 2018 (3 Days) $695pp ($150s/s)
Irish Celtic Wed 1st Aug 2018 lunch $129pp Included
Day Trips:
ranges from $15-$40. Venues are Beretta’s Langwarrin Hotel, Langwarrin, on the first Tuesday of the month, Kings Creek Hotel, Hastings, second Tuesday, Mornington Hotel, third Tuesday, and Rosebud Hotel, fourth Tuesday. Morning Melodies are at The New Atrium, Safety Beach, and The Sands, Carrum Downs. Call: 0418 139 515.
MORNINGTON’S Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society members will hear about Imperial China in the 18th century when David Rosier addresses their meeting on Friday 6 July. Mr Rosier’s talk Ruling from behind the Yellow Silk Screen will focus on the Dowager Empress Cixi (1835-1908). An author and lecturer with 25 years’ experience of East Asia, Mr Rosier is a past committee member of the Hong Kong Textile Society, and lecturer on Chinese imperial government and emperors of the Qing Dynasty. Empress Cixi is often portrayed as an evil, cruel, calculating tyrant who resisted all attempts to modernise and industrialise China. Although she has
been blamed for the downfall of the Qing Dynasty, historians are now reappraising her life and suggesting her opponents perpetuated her bad image. The lecture seeks to provide a balanced insight into Cixi’s life and her achievements as ruler over one third of the world’s population. New members are welcome to join ADFAS. The first lecture is free. They are held at the Peninsula Community Theatre, Wilsons Road, Mornington, 5.30pm, Fridays. They are followed by light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the lecturer and fellow members. Bookings: Glad Hungerford 9787 2092. Details: Vicky Davison 0407 810 877.
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*Silo Art Trail 11-13 Sep 2018 (3 Days) $695pp ($150s/s)
*Norfolk Island Morning Melodies 3-11 Mar 2019 (9 Days) Tues 10th July themed $4199pp ($660s/s) $65pp Christmas lunch included *Door to door pick up & return service
www.mpnews.com.au
1300 274 880 (local call cost) info@daytripper.com.au www.daytripper.com.au
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Southern Peninsula News
3 July 2018
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.