Alex de Vos
Elderly residents on the Bellarine Peninsula can lay to rest fears about lying undiscovered dead in their homes after the launch of an emergency database.
Police region two Assistant Commissioner Sandra Nicholson and Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville launched the database yesterday.
The database will store information on ill and elderly residents at Bellarine Police Station in Ocean Grove for use in emergencies.
The push to produce the database emerged after Census collectors reported elderly peninsula residents too scared to open their doors.
Bellarine Community Support Register will include information such as residents’ next of kin, medical conditions and location of spare house keys for police to access homes during emergencies.
Ms Neville said the register would provide a higher level of security for older people and the disabled, who needed extra support.
“It’s a way of linking them in the community and having someone that regularly checks up on them,” Ms Neville said.
“It also encourages a close relationship with local police.”
Register chairperson Ann Nichol said inclusion on the database was voluntary.
However, she believed the database would provide peace of mind and support for elderly and ill residents in particular.
Registration forms and brochures will be available at pharmacies on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Trained volunteers will staff the register office weekday mornings.
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