POLICE REPORT FOR JULY 2023

from Leigh News July 2023 Edition

Golden Pens - Write side up

Hello all, I have been receiving more reports of youths on motor bikes riding on the roads around Cleveland Drive, Hopes Plains road etc and into the new estates and the Inverleigh Common. From Vic Roads:

What are the rules for driving and motorcycle riding in state forests, parks and reserves?

The normal road rules apply for travelling on roads in state forests and parks. Drivers and motorcyclists must be licensed, and their vehicles must be registered.

It is illegal to take motorised vehicles off-road on public land.

Drivers and Riders must stay on formed roads and tracks, as off-road vehicles use can cause erosion, damage native vegetation and destroy wildlife habitat. It also poses a risk to public safety.

Unlicensed riding penalty $925, Unregistered m/ cycle between 66cc & 501 cc - $555.

As well as Police patrols the Parks rangers also conduct off road motorcycle patrols in the Common and will fine offenders.

If you don’t have access to a private property for your children to ride maybe don’t let them get a motorcycle!!!! That will stop any temptation.

Some of the reports have been that motorists have come across youths riding close to their vehicles which is very dangerous for the riders. I would hate to be knocking on your door to inform you that your child has been injured in an incident. How would you feel when you could have prevented it in the first place by not allowing them out of your property on a motorcycle!

Be aware it is a small community and a lot of people notice where the riders come from and if I receive any film of the behaviour I can issue infringements.

I received a recent tip off about an erratic vehicle in Hopes Plains Road which led me to an unlicensed driver from the Western suburbs. The driver received fines around $1000.

I received another tip off for a motorist speeding from Cressy around 130 km/h and I detected it around Wingeel Road at 133 km/h. He received a $601 infringement with 3 month Lic. Suspension. Some other excessive speeding recently includes drivers doing 144, 139,130,131 km/h who all received licence suspensions. I have also detected a few suspended and disqualified drivers getting about the area who will receive summonses to appear at court.

Had a few recent collisions involving single vehicles running off the roads but luckily no injuries involved, always look to see if a vehicle approaching could be drifting onto your side of the road and be prepared to take preventative action. We also had a recent event of a substance being spilt on the Hamilton Hwy between Inverleigh and Cressy which resulted in several collisions from the slippery substance. Already halfway through the year and fast approaching school holidays when we see a lot of travellers passing through the area who can be unfamiliar with the roads so please keep safe.

Chris.

MUSHROOM

Compost

is now available

Contact Peter or Dianne 5265 1757 or 0418 514 926 to arrange for pick up from Inverleigh Shelford Road

INVERLEIGH

$4 per Bag or $50 per M3

Estia Health Bannockburn is currently offering 2 weeks FREE respite.

Estia Health Bannockburn is a Residential Aged Care home and has availability for both respite and permanent care.

Call Kelly on 0419 030 510 if you would like to have a look at our wonderful home and find out more details on Aged Care.

Call Kelly on 0419 030 510 before this offer expires (31 August) and to book your personal tour today. Current availability for both respite and permanent care.

71 McPhillips Road, Bannockburn 5281 1991.

71 McPhillips Rd, Bannockburn 5281 1991

Trying to Keep Warm.

Winter has arrived and the need to keep warm can be challenging and the last week or two have been particularly cold.

Last month I mentioned the types of heaters in use and some of the issues involved with the use of them. Heaters while wonderful devices can be dangerous if not used properly.

One of the main causes of fires in the home especially in the winter time, are people using heaters for drying clothes and the CFA recently indicated this is the cause of a lot of house fires in the winter.

The main reason this is the case, is that the clothes are often placed too close to the heater and get too hot and then catch fire. Some clothing has been placed on top of heaters causing the either the clothing to catch fire or the heater to overheat and then catch fire. The material the clothing is made of is also an issue as some can be very flammable and if heated excessively then combusts. There are no guidelines for this prac- tice but a good guide would be to feel the garments regularly and check how hot they are getting and work out how close to the heater they can be while remaining safe.

The temptation to dry things a little quicker by placing them just a bit closer to the heater is probably one of the main reasons this happens and really another hour or so to dry things often won’t make much difference.

Distraction can be the other cause of fire with garments left on or too close to heaters, thinking that I will come back and get it in five minutes or so and then getting distracted and forgetting all about the heater and the drying until the smoke detectors are going off with the heater or garments on fire. All heaters wether they are wood, electric or gas need to be treated carefully when being used for all purposes.

Stay warm. Ewen Peel.

Take Part: Local Art – Art Workshop Series 2023

Bannockburn Library

Join us throughout 2023 to explore different art forms with a group of unique Golden Plains Shire artists. Come along, meet some other interested people while making art. All materials will be supplied.

Mystery Mural with Lindy Allinson

Saturday 2 September

9:30am-11:30am

Enjoy colour, creativity and laughter while individualizing precut recycled and upcycled pieces. The outcome will be a mystery until all pieces are united to form one vibrant, giant jigsaw. This unique community-made artwork will hang on the walls of the Bannockburn Cultural Centre. Suitable for ages 15-90 Bookings essential; online or phone Bannockburn Library on 4201 0661.

Learn About the World of Salvias

Tuesday 25 July, 1:30pm-3:00pm

Bannockburn Library

(with Bannockburn & District Garden Club Inc.)

Join us to learn about the wonderful world of salvias with guest presenter, Lyndi Garnett

All welcome for presentation and afternoon tea. The Garden club will collect $5 cash entry on the day.

Book Chat

Last Monday of the month, 10:30 am-11:30am

Bannockburn Library

Join fellow book lovers for all things books every month at your Library!

Listen to recommendations from others and share your own.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023

The Battle of Poziers marks the birth place of Legacy where, in seven weeks of fighting, Australia suffered 23,000 casualties of these 6,000 men were killed or died of wounds. It also was where one Aussie Digger made a promise to another to take care of the missus and kids.

Since then Legacy has supported countless Veteran Families honouring the promise made on that battlefield and continues to do so to this day and will continue this commitment onwards.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 commenced when the torch left Poziers for London and then, on Friday 23rd April, left for Western Australia.

It is now being carried by Torch Bearers around Australia and will arrive in Geelong Sunday 17th September 2023 and will be carried by Torch Bearers through the City.

I have the Honour of being selected to be one of the Torch Bearers for Geelong Legacy as a past member and an ex- serviceman in recognition of the amazing support that Legacy provides.

GEELONG Sunday 17th September 2023

If Members of the Community would like to sponsor on my leg of the relay you can do so by going to "legsforlegacy.com.au" and "search for torch bearer" Malcolm Johns, I appreciate your support for this Centenary and for Legacy

Malcolm Johns