Geelong
Friday, 15 May, 2015
Connecting people and communities
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Surge in tips on ice
Donor Rachel out for blood By NOEL MURPHY RACHEL Thomson is after her fellow students’ blood – and she’s prepared to fight for it. Well, maybe not fight, but she certainly has a competitive nature. The Kardinia International College VCE student is participating in an interhouse competition at school to determine which house can donate the most blood in a month. “In an attempt to help students – and teachers – who can’t make it down to a Blood Bank on their own we’re also taking a few small groups down to the Blood Bank during school hours,” Rachel told the Independent. “The competition also has a fundraising element, so that anyone who can’t donate blood but still wants to get involved can donate money instead and still have their contribution count towards their house’s total.” Monies raised will go to the Red Cross.
By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
CHALLENGE: Rachel Thomson and her schoolmates are helping boost local blood stocks. 138947 Picture: REG RYAN
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A 110 PER CENT spike in tipoffs has “significantly“ boosted police intelligence on drug operations in Geelong. Crime Stoppers community manager Peter Brown said the launch of a dob-in-a-dealer campaign in the region had led to a surge in calls. “Many of the calls are associated with amphetamines and this is seen as a major issue in Geelong,“ Mr Brown said. “Ice is a significant issue in regional Victoria and the response clearly demonstrates that.” Official figures put the number of methylamphetamine users in the state at 90,000, with an estimated 80,000 on ice. “Ice use leads to all sorts of psychological and physical issues, it leads to aggressive behaviour, to family violence, assaults and robberies. Every piece of intelligence we receive is a piece of the jigsaw puzzle and every piece helps with the overall picture,“ Mr Brown said. “The volume of calls about an issue may get action right away or it may be added to other information that will lead to an arrest but it is helping police quite significantly.” The dob-in-a-dealer campaign launched in Geelong on
17 April to gather confidential information from the community about the manufacture and distribution of crystal methylamphetamine and other illicit drugs. Crime Stoppers Victoria chief Samantha Hunter said the calls spike showed the Geelong community had taken a clear stand against drugs. “The response to the dobin-a-dealer program from local residents has been significant,” Ms Hunter said. “The increase in phone and online reports shows how concerned the Geelong community is about drug activity in the area. “Information from the community leads to real results when it comes to breaking the cycle of crime and the information gathered over the two weeks of the campaign has been passed on to the police for enquiry.“ Information about the manufacture or supply of drugs can be supplied confidentially to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au. Crime Stoppers also offers apps for iPhone or Android phones. The Victorian Government has a new Ice Help Line at 1800 ICE ADVICE (1800 423 238), which can direct users and families to treatment and support services.
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