After the Black Saturday bushfires, a special group was established to check on the wellbeing of elderly and vulnerable people in Sunbury – and now they need more volunteers.
The Sunbury Police Community Register’s mission is to make regular contact, provide reassurance and remind those who need support, such as those who are isolated without family or friends, that there is help at hand.
Volunteers go along to the police station on Mondays and Fridays every fortnight to make calls and have a friendly chat with those who are listed as needing support.
Crystal Croxford from Sunbury Police Station said people enjoyed being a part of the initiative, and encouraged new volunteers to get on board.
“The people we’ve had on our committee have been there since its inception,” she said.
“I think they like coming here to the police station and the police involvement, they love it.
“They are doing something for the elderly, who are largely neglected in the community in this day and age.”
To complement the service, the service provides free functions for their clients, like luncheons or morning teas with guest speakers.
Volunteers require a police check, and for those who would like to be involved but haven’t had one recently, they are provided free of charge.
Ms Croxford said it’s worth taking part because it “feels like you’re giving something back”.
“Some people don’t have any relatives at all, and they are totally isolated. We can refer them to services to help,” she said.
To get involved, call 9744 8165.
Elsie Lange
