Emeritus Research are preparing to launch their 2012 vaccine studies, and invite healthy adults aged 18-64 to participate.

Several NSA Dandenong Branch members have been involved in similar studies over the last three years. Several currently undertaking the Ross River Virus Trial.  There is a need to attend the Malvern Office of Emeritus Research for a set period of time. The attendances in the past have not been onerous and indeed a group of us usually make a day of it.  We have also been renumerated for our efforts.

Their first study for 2012 is an Influenza Vaccine Study.  You can read the Participant Information and Consent Form  - here . It is important that you carefully read the PICF as this contains important information regarding the purpose of the study, risks, benefits, and what your participation will involve.

This study requires you to attend our site in Malvern East on 3 separate occasions over a period of 6 months. 

If you are eligible, and participate in this study through to completion, you will receive $400 to compensate you for your time, reasonable travel expenses and inconvenience.

Click here  to read more about our organisation and about clinical trials generally.

Emeritus Research contact details:-

Email TeresaConiglione@emeritusresearch.com
Ph: 9509 6166

Most of members of the Dandenong Branch would have grown up in the 50s, well a web site has come to my attention that will take you down memory Lane. A period of time when Dad went off to work, Mum stayed home and looked after the kids, Monday was washing day (done by hand in the copper), Friday was shopping day a day where no self respecting women would go down the street without makeup, hair done, a hat and her best dress. A time when the shops opened at 9:am and closed at 5:00pm or 5:30pm and were open on Saturday morning. Takeaway was fish and chips on Friday Shopping Day. The kids could walk to school and play on the street without fear of being molested. 

I could go on and on, but anyhow have a peep at the web site. There is also a link on the web site for those born in the 40s.

More places to buy myki as Metcard withdrawal continues

The transition to myki continues with plans for 800 places to buy and top up a myki card, the gradual phasing out of Metcard tickets from sale and machines from stations, and the planned introduction of customer service staff to help people switch across.
Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder today said the Coalition Government last year decided to retain myki and detailed a number of changes to transport ticketing that would occur over the coming months.
“The extensive review of myki last year found that it would cost more to scrap it and start again, so our job is to bring it in and work to improve the way it is rolled out,” Mr Mulder said.
Mr Mulder said the Transport Ticketing Authority had been working to develop a rollout program, with a focus on providing passengers with helpful information and more places to buy or top up a myki card.
“The Transport Ticketing Authority will work to ensure passengers are kept up-to-date with changes as they happen, through on-system advice such as posters at stations and stops and information on the myki website,” Mr Mulder said.
The details of changes to transport ticketing announced today include: The gradual rollout of full fare myki card sales at myki machines, starting with around 60 myki machines in January 2012. The gradual introduction of myki card sales and top up services at all 7-Eleven outlets and 90 independent retailers, starting in February 2012. The progressive removal of Metcard ticket vending machines from Metro railway stations, starting in February 2012 with some CBD locations and then the Williamstown line. The introduction of myki card sales at retailers that currently offer myki top up services, starting in mid-March. The continued withdrawal of Metcards from sale, including weekly and monthly Metcards, from Monday 26 March 2012.
Transport Ticketing Authority Chief Executive Bernie Carolan said the introduction of myki card sales and top up services at all 7-Eleven outlets and a network of independent retailers would provide passengers with greater access to ticketing services.

Visit www.premier.vic.gov.au for more news

Christmas Branch Meeting

Our Christmas Branch Meeting was very well attended with 8 apologies and 66 in attendance for what was a wonderful night. And Oh what a wonderful night it was!

With the meeting formalities over it was time to be entertained.  For the Christmas, the very professional group “The Hot Flushes” entertained us with songs from the past as well as Christmas songs. The last time we were entertained by “The Hot Flushes” was at our December Meeting in 2006, they still have not lost their touch.  Their renditions were enjoyed by all.

We then enjoyed a sumptuous traditional 2 course Christmas meal.  Each year it is the branches tradition to raffle Christmas Hampers made up of goods donated by members.  This year everyone excelled themselves with 27 hampers of differing sizes.  By the time the meeting, entertainment, dinner and hamper draws were out of the way it was very close to 10.00pm.

It was great to see and catch up with several past members who for various reasons have been unable to attend on a regular basis.

A special thanks to Highways management and staff for their continued support and “nothing is too much trouble attitude”, this has enabled our branch meetings to be the success they are.

The Year That Was

Our branch first started in April 2004 and since that time we have conducted 93 Branch Meetings and conducted over 200 Social Outings. This year was no exception with 27 Social Outings including 4 day trips to Swan Hill and Lakes Entrance.  There was a 1 day train trip to Ballarat to see the begonias and a 1 day bus trip to see the historic town of Daylesford.

We currently conduct 3 Bunnings Sausage Sizzles each year as our main fund raising project.  The sausage sizzles are well attended and have become social outings in their own right.

Our Branch Meetings have been conducted at Highways for just on 12 months and our membership has continued to grow with an average of 46 members attending each Branch Meeting.  Some of our dine outs at local restaurants have seen record numbers in attendance this year.

The committee would like to pass on their thanks for your continued support over the year and hope to see you all again in 2012.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

Those that get the paper each day will have seen the Sentencing Survey in today’s Melbourne dailies. The survey gives each of us a chance to have our say on the sentencing criminal offenders. You can also do the survey online.  The MyViews website will feature surveys asking for the community’s views on a range of justice topics, beginning with sentencing of criminal offenders in Victoria.

If you prefer to complete a printed version of the survey, you can download it here and send it postage-free to the Department of Justice, MyViews Survey, Reply Paid 87276, Melbourne VIC 8060.  Click here to go to web site.