MARCH 27, 2018 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
(Damjan Janevski)
Eggs-ellent fundraiser Volunteers from Mernda CFA will be hiding eggs in the grounds of Mernda Primary School for the brigade’s annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 31. Mernda CFA’s Troy Steans said the hunt is the brigade’s main fundraiser for the year, and proceeds will be used to help buy equipment. “We are aiming to use the funds raised to purchase a thermal imaging camera, which the brigade will be able to use at fires in both search and rescue and for checking of hot spots in walls etc,” he said. “Also, we will be hopefully using money to purchase additional items for the use of the new brigade rehab vehicle which came online late last year. This specialist vehicle was made possible from funds raised by the East Egg Hunt. Mr Steans said the brigade hopes the community will get behind the Easter egg hunt. “This event is a fantastic opportunity to get to know your local emergency service volunteers,” he said. Tickets to the hunt are $5 and are available from bit.ly/2FQ5zyE LUKE (FRONT), ALLY, ZALI, MISA, CRUZ, JAYLA AND BRITTANY
Laura Michell
Ice scourge escalates By Laura Michell Ice-related ambulance call-outs in Hume have surged in recent years, with paramedics attending to more than 100 patients in 2016-17. Latest ambulance alcohol and drug related call-out data from Turning Point and Ambulance Victoria reveals that in 2009-10, there were five ice-related ambulance attendances in Hume. By 2016-17, ice-related call-outs had surged to 112. The municipality had one of the highest surges in ice-related ambulance attendances in Melbourne, behind the City of Melbourne and Dandenong. Melbourne had 25 incidents in 2009-10, that surged to 217 in 2016-17 and
Dandenong jumped from nine in 2009-10 to 119 in 2016-17. In Whittlesea, there were 63 call-outs in 2016-17. Uniting ReGen evaluation and advocation team leader Paul Aitken said the drug and alcohol treatment agency had noticed a spike in ice use between 2011 and 2013, with use remaining stable since then. He said users were typically in their 20s and early 30s. “Overall, we’ve seen an increase in demand for methamphetamine treatment over the past five years to the point where it is now level with alcohol as the most common drug of concern at around 30 per cent each,” he said.
Mr Aitken said ice had gained popularity because it made people feel more confident, gave them more energy, helped them perform at work and was readily available. “Many people use it recreationally without experiencing significant problems, but those who do tend to experience a broad range of harm more quickly than is usually the case with other drugs,” he said. In a bid to address the growing problem, Independent drug research, training and education organisation, the Penington Institute, has launched a website detailing the effects of ice, where to get help and how to assist a family member or friend who is using the drug.
The site, called Understand Ice, provides advice and steps for young people aged 19-24 at risk of using ice or who are experimenting with ice. Penington Institute chief executive John Ryan said ice is causing increasing problems across Melbourne’s north, and is tearing many families apart. “Understand Ice fills the wide gap between shock campaigns about ice and advertisements for expensive rehab services,” he said. “The site’s information is easy to understand and highlights practical actions including links to health services. It aims to reduce the fear and anxiety for families and friends.” Details: www.understandice.org.au Your Volkswagen Partner
Golf from
23,990
$
Bayford Volkswagen Epping 350 Cooper Street, Epping 11720 Tel. 03 5322 4612 www.bayfordvolkswagen.com.au
driveaway ~
More than a car. ~Manufacturer’s recommended campaign driveaway price for new MY18 Golf 110TSI manual in Pure White sold by 30/04/2018 and delivered by 31/05/2018. Private buyers only, not available with any other offers. Options and metallic paint may be available for an additional cost. While stocks last. Volkswagen Group Australia reserves the right to extend, withdraw or change this offer.