WINTER 2021
According to the Bureau of Meteorology winter rainfall was close to average across most of Victoria. Daytime temperatures were above average in most of the state, and much above average in parts of the south and the far north-west.
Night-time temperatures were above average across Victoria, with large part of the state experiencing much warmer than average nights. In terms of the mean temperature, this was the seventh warmest winter on record, and the warmest since 2013.
Hopefully we are nearing the end of what has been a particularly hard lockdown for everyone to manage. At SPDL we are certainly looking forward to returning to higher levels of service and reengaging with all of our wonderful volunteers and clients.
Programs in the spotlight
With the warmer weather approaching, SPDL thought it would be useful to provide you with a reminder about our programs. If you would like any further information on any of our programs, please give SPDL a call on 9646 6362.
DayLinks (Community Transport)
In addition to providing much needed transportation to medical appointments, SPDL provides transport to all types of social events including lunch or a coffee catchup with family or friends or that important trip to the hairdresser within the City of Port Phillip. SPDL is providing return trips to the Alfred Hospital now within our normal operating hours
PetMates
Our valuable volunteers provide dog walking services on a regular basis to owners of pets.
GardenMates
SPDL have a number of keen gardeners who can assist you with light gardening duties, which may be useful with the warmer weather approaching.
WalkMates
A good program for people who may not have contact with family or friends. Volunteers are matched with a client and the frequency and level of support required by the clients are discussed and agreed with the volunteer.
Links Lunch (Betty's Bus Trip)
A monthly trip to a venue for lunch. This regular event is a great opportunity to meet up with existing or make new friends in the community. The event is supported by 2 volunteers on the day
Volunteer Update
SPDL is fortunate to have such a large pool of volunteers willing to support the local community and provide much needed services. Volunteers make our communities stronger, especially during times of need, crisis or isolation. They are on the front lines, delivering services for communities in a wide variety of contexts, in not-for-profit organisations, private sector organisations and for governments.
It’s interesting to note that each year, 2.3 million Victorian volunteers donate over 507 million hours to help others. This includes people who volunteer formally with organisations and those that do not have an affiliation with an organisation but contribute informally to their communities.
To all of our wonderful volunteers, a huge thank you, your contribution is greatly appreciated.
COVID Vaccination rates at SPDL
Over the past few months we have been recording the vaccination status of our volunteers and staff and reporting the total number of vaccinations to the Commonwealth Government as a requirement within our funding agreement.
Although vaccination is not mandatory, SPDL supports the government’s vaccination program and it is welcome news that a very high percentage of our staff and volunteers are vaccinated.
Trips to COVID-19 vaccination appointments
Just a reminder if anyone needs transportation to an appointment for their COVID vaccination during the hours of 8:30am to 4pm Monday to Friday, please contact us on 9646 6362. Hopefully we can assist you to go and have a vaccination.
We are aware of a few local health providers that have vaccination clinics open at the following locations:
Star Health
Port Melbourne Town Hall / Prahran Town Hall
Port Melbourne Medical
Operating at the Port Melbourne Football ground
Beacon Cove Pharmacy
19 Centre Avenue Port Melbourne
Partnership
SPDL is certainly aware of how difficult the lockdown has been for people. In recent weeks SPDL has partnered with a couple of organisations in the local community to help people in need during these difficult times.
Port Phillip Community Group (PHCG)
Due to an increase in demand for food hampers PHCG were short of volunteers to load and unload food parcels and deliver to families in need. SPDL put out a call to volunteers and were overwhelmed with a very positive response. We are pleased to say a few of our volunteers are now utilising their skills at PHCG in addition to volunteering at SPDL.
Red Cross & South Port Community Centre (SPCC)
SPCC had arranged with Red Cross to put together over 20 parcels of food and clothing for families in need in the City of Port Phillip. SPDL offered to assist by delivering the parcels which was greatly appreciated by the families. One of our long term volunteers, Ron O’Shannessy was keen to assist and did a great job picking up the goods in North Melbourne and making the deliveries to the local communities of South & Port Melbourne.
Find us on Facebook!
SPDL has a Facebook page where you can keep up to date on what is happening at SPDL and also make a comment on any news.
If you wanted to post a message to friends or the people of the City of Port Phillip, send it through to us and we can post it on the SPDL facebook page.
Click on the button below for the print version of NewsLink Winter 2021.