Seniors boost

By Bridget Brady
The register received a $4286 grant to train and develop its volunteers who make regular calls to senior citizens.
The register was established in November last year to check up on the safety and wellbeing of seniors, especially those who may be isolated or live alone. About 200 seniors have joined.
Co-ordinator Greta Radnetter said the funding would be used for the nine volunteers to take part in first aid and other courses.
“It was great news to hear we were successful,” Ms Radnetter said.
“We will be using local services for the training and development of our volunteers.”
A spokesperson for Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said the register was one of 26 projects to benefit from the latest round of Victorian Volunteer Small Grants.
“I congratulate Greta Radnetter and the volunteers who have initiated and driven this great initiative for our senior citizens of Cranbourne,” the spokesperson said.
Members of the register enjoyed their first outing at the Royal Botanic Gardens last week.
About 20 seniors who have joined the register enjoyed lunch and a look around the Australian Garden on 16 April.
Ms Radnetter said she hoped more outings would be planned in the future.
“It was a lovely day out and it was nice for people on the register to meet one another.
“Hopefully some of them can develop friendships outside of the register. It makes a person feel more relaxed when you know that you’ve got friends and other people who have the same interests or in the same situations.”