Fortnightly News 30/10/2015

Melbourne Cup

It’s that time of year!

Our Melbourne Cup Party will be held as usual on Tuesday 3 November commencing at 1.00 pm.

We will provide some drinks, you may like to bring some food to share. We will have a sweep or two of course.

Making the Most of Your Smart Phone – Friday 6 November, Anne Murray Room – talk by Grahame Hellyer, 11.00 – 12.30 pm.
If you have an Android phone (i.e. most phones other than iPhones) come and discover ways to get the most out of your phone. You can also ask questions about any problems you may be having.

Christmas Luncheon Party
The Christmas Luncheon Party is on Monday 7 December 2015, catering is by the Olive restaurant, Mawson and the Chordsmen are tuning up. More information to come.

Calligraphy Exhibition

The Canberra Calligraphy Society has an exhibition at the Hellenic Club. The exhibition includes works inspired by the ‘International year of the Light’. Many works are for sale.

When: 6 -10pm, from 20 October to 14 November

Where: The Hellenic Club, 1 Matilda St, Woden ACT

Spiral Program

Spiral meet at 10am to mid day each Thursday morning for a cuppa and a talk at St James Uniting Church, Curtin.

5 November Ian Mackay

Ian is the CEO of the Canberra Southern Cross Club

19 November Jono Lineen

Jono is an author and a curator at the National Museum of Australia.

3 December Latham Primary School

The return of the wonderful choir.

For more information, please contact Gwenyth George on 6286 5004, Sue Murray on 6281 6974 or Brett Yeats on 6281 7684 or at yeatsb.

Fix My Street

Fix my street at https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/forms/fixmystreet or 13 22 81, is a good place to report footpath issues! Ever noticed a dangerous bump in the pavement, a dodgy piece of road, or a pothole that needs filling in? The ACT Government’s Fix My Street facility exists so that you can report these things and get something done about them.

If you report them and nothing is done (and no explanation is offered) COTA ACT would like to hear about it, so they can follow up (they would need location and contact details). If you do have something to report, take a photo of it if you can – solid evidence always helps. COTA is happy to put your Please Fix It photos on their Facebook page, if you send them to COTA (jthomson) suitably labelled (as to where exactly in Canberra they are).

Don’t know how to use the form/attach pictures? Email Jane on jthomson – they might be able to help, as they are considering running an information session on this.

SAFETY AND FRAUD AWARENESS

Telephone calls alleging fake arrest warrants used to scam money

SCAMwatch is warning consumers to be aware of calls from scammers falsely claiming to be from the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) or Australian Tax Office (ATO).

Scammers have recently been calling Australians telling them that there is a warrant out for their arrest. Many people have reported to SCAMwatch that messages have been recorded on their answering machines asking them to call back later. The telephone number provided is 02 6100 3027 and they ask you to call during office hours to discuss the matter further. However, the telephone number has no connection with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, Australian Taxation Office or any other state or commonwealth department.

The scammers may spin a range of stories about why an arrest warrant has been issued, including that you have failed to pay taxes.

Scammers typically ask for money to be sent via wire transfer as it’s nearly impossible to recover money sent this way. They may also ask for people’s financial and other personal details to access their money and use this information to commit other scams.

Be on guard, if you receive a phone call from someone saying you have an arrest warrant and asking you to pay a fee, hang up and do not respond. If in doubt, don’t use the contact details provided – look up the government department or organisation yourself in the phone book or online and phone or email them.

For more information about possible scams, or if you are concerned you have been scammed please visit: http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

Abuse Prevention Information and Referral Line – APRIL

The Abuse Prevention Referral and Information Line (APRIL) is a confidential telephone service for callers who want to discuss elder abuse issues and seek advice, options, and referral.

The service operates during business hours. The APRIL number is 02 6205 3535.

Justice of the Peace

You will find Maureen in the Anne Murray room on Tuesdays between 10.30am and 2pm for Justice of the Peace matters.