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A recreation of the J&S West general Store 1870 by the Phillip Island and District Historical Society.

Drugs And Alcohol The Focus, I Remember When, Clean Up Bass Coast.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 6th February 2006 - Back to News

Drugs & Alcohol the Focus

Community members who have been affected by drug and alcohol use are being asked to participate in focus groups as part of a review of Bass Coast Shire Council’s Drug and Alcohol Strategy.

Council’s Social Planner, Jeanette Draper, said she hoped the groups would include both people who are using drugs and families who have been affected by drug use.

"By sharing your experiences and concerns you can help us develop a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges facing people affected by drug and alcohol usage," said Jeanette.

Two focus groups will be held in Wonthaggi on Thursday, 23 February 2006 and refreshments will be provided. For more details please contact Lesley Edwards (Bass Coast Community Health Service) on 5672 4999 or Jeanette Draper on 5671 2211 or 5951 3311.

Since the Strategy has been in place over the past three years, the Shire has seen a decrease in the incidence of drug and alcohol use and resulting negative effects on the community.

However, Jeanette cannot yet confirm if the decrease is a result of some of the actions from the Drug and Alcohol Strategy.

"We would like to know if the actions put in place have contributed to this decrease.

"Once the issues have been clearly identified, a reference group will be put in place to develop further actions to address them," informed Jeanette.

Drug and alcohol statistics

• Bass Coast Shire has the highest number of smoking caused deaths in Victoria. (2002 QUIT data)
• Bass Coast Shire has a lower than state average number of alcohol related deaths. (2002 QUIT data)
• Bass Coast Shire has a lower than state average deaths due to other drugs.

I Remember When…

Do you remember when the local store was the original one stop shop?

Do you remember when you didn’t need to wear a watch in Wonthaggi because you knew the time by the mine whistle?

"I remember when" is an historical display prepared by Bass Coast Shire Council and Bass Coast’s six heritage organisations soon to be seen touring the Shire.

Council’s Arts Officer, Josephine Kent, said each heritage group will recreate a different aspect of Bass Coast history dating back to the 1800s.

"Whatever you remember, this display will bring slices of history from our region to the fore.

"It is a great way to view and interact with some of Bass Coast’s most memorable moments," Josephine encouraged.

The Historical Display

• Phillip Island and District Historical Society will recreate the J&S West General Store 1870, when goods were sold in ounces and pounds and a penny bought you as many humbug lollies as you could eat!
• The Wonthaggi Union Theatre was an old time picture theatre and a political meeting place and social centre for strike relief and the Gunny Sack, among many other things. Wonthaggi and District Historical Society will be presenting a montage of oral presentations each day at 2pm (and an additional one on Friday at 12pm) on the role of this important Theatre.
• The Bass Valley Historical Society will have a collection of antique babies’ clothes and underwear, when they were hand made.
• The Inverloch Historical Society will be showing an excellent selection of photographs of the early days.
• Friends of the State Coal Mine will present a DVD on the history of the mine as well as static displays.
• The Wonthaggi Genealogy Society will show you how to trace your family heritage and a special offer to join their society.

When and where can I visit?

The display will visit Cowes, Inverloch, Wonthaggi and Bass from late February to April.

Cowes Cultural Centre

Friday 24 February, 11am – 4pm

Saturday 25 February, 11am – 4pm

Sunday 26 February, 12pm – 4pm

Inverloch Community Centre

Friday 3 March, 12.30pm – 4pm

Saturday 4 March, 11am – 4pm

Sunday 5 March, 12pm – 4pm

Wonthaggi Town Hall

Thursday 9 March, 11am – 4pm

Friday 10 March, 11am – 4pm

Saturday 11 March, 11am – 4pm

Bass Hall

Friday 7 April, 11am – 4pm

Saturday 8 April, 11am – 4pm

Sunday 9 April, 12pm – 4pm

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com