Waits ‘slashed’
Geelong Hospital’s waiting list for elective surgery has recorded a “healthy drop”, according to Victorian Health Minister David Davis.
He said the March quarter list was down 23 per cent from 2267 in 2013 to 1743 this year after a four per cent increase in surgeries for the periods.
Drink up
Making 21 the legal age for buying booze would reduce youth alcohol use and harm, according to a Deakin University academic.
Professor John Toumbourou led a group of public health experts who argued in The Medical Journal of Australia that increasing the age limit from 18 had majority support among Australians.
Hafey tribute
Geelong Football Club has paid tribute to former coach Tom Hafey after he died of cancer this week.
Cats chief Brian Cook said Hafey, who coached the cats form 1983 to 1953 “left a positive impression during his time at Geelong”.
Alcoa pays
ALCOA has agreed to pay $5 million for retraining of workers it will sack in Geelong.
Alcoa Australia boss Alan Cransberg said the “substantial funding” would help equip staff with skills and support to “secure sustainable alternative employment in the region.”
Punt lost
Geelong’s Tom Hornsey has missed out on selection in America’s National Football League draft in New York.
His prestigious award as the best college punter in the US failed to convince recruiters, who chose only one punting recruit in the draft’s seven rounds.
