Latest news with #MelissaHorne
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Trial hopes to fill 'real need' amid calls to review driver's licence requirements
As calls grow louder in one Aussie state for greater testing of elderly drivers, researchers at the other end of the country have launched a new trial that will measure age-related changes in attention. The subject of driving regulations for older residents has become a hotly contested debate in Victoria in recent weeks after a 91-year-old motorist lost control of her car in Melbourne's east and ploughed into a playground, leaving a two-year-old boy in hospital and killing his grandparents. The state's road minister, Melissa Horne, has since confirmed she asked her department to launch a review into the regulations around elderly drivers' licences, saying nothing is off the table. While many road safety advocates have praised the move, bodies representing older Aussies and doctors have placed the emphasis on ability rather than age. Now, researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast are hoping to provide physicians with 'better tools to accurately assess cognitive fitness' by examining brain activity and how it relates to driving. 'At present, there are no standardised assessment tools available to GPs and health practitioners to help them assess cognitive fitness to drive,' Senior Research Fellow Dr Kayla Stefanidis told Yahoo News. 'There is a real need for the development of valid and reliable measures of cognitive fitness to drive.' Elderly driver trial could lead to standardised screening method The trial is recruiting participants aged between 60 and 90 to perform 'computerised attention tasks' and simulate driving while their brain activity is measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG). The results will then be compared to a control group of people under the age of 30 who have been driving for at least three years. 'While a number of factors are important, we know that our ability to focus on the road is fundamental to safe driving,' Samantha Ellis, a PhD candidate at the MAIC/UniSC Road Safety Research Collaboration, said. 'As we age, it's natural to experience changes in our attentional abilities. While these changes are normal, it is important to understand how they may impact our driving performance.' Unlike standard cognitive tests, the EEG allows researchers to measure brain activity associated with attention in real-time, Ms Ellis explained. The Road Safety Research Collaboration (RSRC) is a partnership between the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) and the University of the Sunshine Coast. The latest trial is part of a larger program of work being conducted within the RSRC aimed at developing a screening method for assessing cognitive fitness to drive. Potential driver's licence change flagged for elderly as state 'really has a look' Calls to review driver's licence requirements for older Aussies Older drivers 'exposed' on Aussie roads after major shift What are the current requirements for older drivers? Currently, doctors and health professionals make such assessments without any standardised measures. 'The development of a cognitive screening tool would help GPs and other health professionals accurately identify whether a patient requires further testing,' Dr Stefanidis said. 'For older adults, it could also reduce costly and unnecessary assessments in older adults who do not require them.' Victoria does not have age-based driving safety requirements, and the onus is on motorists themselves to declare any medical conditions that could impact their driving to the authorities. However, drivers aged 75 and older must renew their licence every three years, which can involve various tests. In NSW, Queensland, the ACT and the Northern Territory, drivers older than 75 are required to have an annual health check, while older drivers in South Australia must complete self-assessments, which in some cases require sign-off from a GP. Once drivers in NSW hit 85, they must also undertake a practical driving test every two years. In Western Australia, an annual medical assessment is required to renew a driver's licence after turning 80. Dr Stefanidis said data collection for the study is expected to be completed in early-to-mid 2026. Anyone who wishes to take part can find out more here. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Demolition work starts for Warrnambool Base Hospital revamp in Australia
Demolition work has begun at Warrnambool Base Hospital in Australia as part of an A$396.1m ($255.5m) redevelopment project, announced by Melissa Horne, Victoria's minister for health infrastructure. The demolition will pave the way for a new clinical service building, including an upgraded emergency department located off Timor Street. Managed by the Victorian Health Building Authority, the Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment is projected to be completed by late 2027. Horne said: 'As major demolition works get underway, this marks an exciting milestone for Warrnambool Base Hospital redevelopment. 'The bigger and better Warrnambool Hospital will deliver more health services, closer to home for local families.' The project involves the phased removal of three older buildings, two of which were previously used for linen and logistics services. In preparation for the redevelopment, non-clinical services have been relocated to a new regional logistics distribution centre on Cooper Street, which now supports more than 50 health services across south-west Victoria with modern linen, supply, and logistics services. Once completed, the new multi-storey clinical services building will feature an expanded emergency department, additional operating theatres, 22 new inpatient beds, and dedicated facilities for medical imaging and dialysis. A specialised ten-bed paediatric unit will also be included to provide tailored care for local children and their families. This redevelopment represents a major investment in health infrastructure in regional Victoria, enhancing the local economy and generating around 800 construction jobs. To date, over 40,000 hours of work have been logged on-site, with more than 10km of mains electrical cabling and around 1,500m of stormwater, sewerage, fire, and water services already installed. Victoria health minister Mary-Anne Thomas said: 'The expanded Warrnambool Hospital will be a game-changer for local families - as demolition works get underway, it's fantastic to see this project coming to life.' "Demolition work starts for Warrnambool Base Hospital revamp in Australia" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Calls for major driver's licence change after school holiday horror in Melbourne: 'Valid question'
Victoria's acting premier has backed mounting calls for the retesting of elderly drivers after a 91-year-old woman mowed down a family from behind, killing a grandmother and seriously injuring a toddler. A silver Toyota Yaris, driven by the elderly woman, mounted the footpath near a playground on Coleman Road in Wantirna South, in Melbourne 's east, shortly before 12.30pm on Thursday. A 59-year-old grandmother, her 60-year-old partner, and their two-year-old grandson were walking along the footpath in the same direction as the car when they were struck. The grandmother died at the scene. Her partner is still fighting for life in The Alfred Hospital. Their young grandson was rushed to The Royal Children's Hospital with life-threatening injuries, but is now in a stable condition. The 'terribly shaken' elderly driver escaped with minor scratches but remains in hospital. She currently isn't in a position to be interviewed by police. Many unanswered questions remain, including whether or not the driver should have been behind the wheel given her age. In the wake of the tragedy, Acting Premier Ben Carroll indicated support for more frequent retesting of elderly drivers to ensure they're fit to drive, in line with other states and territories. He vowed to take the issue up with Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne. 'In relation to people who are elderly and driving, I think it is a valid question … around testing,' Carroll told reporters on Friday. 'There are a range of initiatives in place through our general practitioners right around Victoria when it comes to making sure that Victorians continue to get tested for their driver's licence. 'But I think this, no doubt this tragedy has brought it into focus. 'Having said that, there will be a thorough investigation underway and we will wait for that to run its course.' Carroll also extended his condolences to the victims' family. 'My heart, as every Victorian's, just breaks for this family and what they're going through and our thoughts are with them,' he said. The latest tragedy comes a year after Victoria's state government rejected calls by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners to introduce age-based regulations in line with other jurisdictions. In Victoria, drivers aged over-75 only need to renew their licence every three years. NSW, Queensland, ACT, Tasmania and the Northern Territory require drivers over 75 to undergo an annual health check, while older drivers in South Australia must complete self-assessments. In Western Australia, an annual medical assessment is required after turning 80 to renew a driver's licence. Thursday's fatality took Victoria's road toll to 14 lives lost in the last seven days. It's understood the elderly driver collided with a street sign and struck the pedestrians before the out-of-control car continued down the road for another 200m running through the fence near a playground. 'It came from behind,' Superintendent Justin Goldsmith said. 'It looks like it has lost control about 40m or 50m before the collision with the people who were walking on the other side of that road.' Supt Goldsmith said it was too early to say whether the driver had suffered a medical episode when she lost control. It's unknown whether charges will be laid. Crash investigators will examine whether speed was a contributing factor. 'That will be subject to the investigation, but it is a downhill section of road, so if there has been a lack of control to some degree there is a possibility the car would have picked up speed as it's driven further down Coleman Road,' Supt Goldsmith said. 'We've lost so many lives and had so many life-threatening injuries over the course of last week (and it) is completely horrific and unacceptable.' Victoria has recorded a number of deadly crashes involving out-of-control vehicles in recent years. In November, kindergarten worker Eleanor Bryant was killed and a three-year-old boy injured when a truck driven by a man, 68, smashed through the gate of Macedon Ranges preschool's playground. Two weeks earlier, an 11-year-old boy was killed and four other students injured when an SUV crashed through a fence at Auburn South Primary School in Melbourne's east. Five people were killed and six injured in November 2023 when a diabetic driver passed out and crashed into patrons seated outside the Royal Daylesford Hotel. The male driver, 66 was charged but the allegations were ultimately struck out, after a magistrate found there wasn't enough evidence to support a conviction.
7NEWS
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Victorian drivers face $961 fines for not slowing down past tow trucks, roadside support or incident units
Victorian drivers could soon be fined up to $961 if they don't slow down when passing tow trucks, breakdown support vehicles or incident response units. From July 1, drivers will need to slow to 40km/h when passing these vehicles — in addition to emergency services and VicRoads incident response vehicles — when they are stationary or moving slowly with lights flashing or alarms sounding. The expanded rule will apply to Victoria Police, ambulances, fire services, the State Emergency Service, accident and breakdown towing, roadside assistance, incident response services and escort vehicles. The Victorian government announced the change on April 30, acknowledging the risks additional roadside workers face on the job. 'Incident response, roadside assistance and breakdown towing vehicles are there for us when we are in need – this change acknowledges the risks they take and our commitment to keeping them safe,' Roads Minister Melissa Horne said. Under the new rule, drivers must slow to 40km/h when passing emergency, incident response or roadside assistance vehicles that are stationary or moving below 10km/h with flashing red, blue, magenta or yellow lights, or with an alarm sounding. Vehicles are expected to pass the scene at 40km/h and be able to stop if directed, even on high-speed roads like freeways. Drivers can only return to the legal speed limit once they've passed the scene and reached a safe distance, which may vary depending on the situation. 'You should be aware of the individual circumstances of each incident and drive accordingly,' the road rule advises. In emergencies, law enforcement and emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, or police are not required to follow these road rules. However, when these vehicles are moving with their lights and/or sirens on, drivers must give way. Drivers in Victoria face fines of up to $961 if they don't comply with the new law. A 2024 survey by the Road Worker Safety Working Group, involving more than 1100 road workers, found almost one in four had witnessed or been involved in a near miss with a member of the public. Nearly one in 10 said they had been hit by a vehicle in a collision involving a road worker. Victoria is the last state or territory in Australia to introduce these expanded protections.
Time Out
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Huge rebuild underway for Fishermans Jetty in Mornington Harbour
Ahoy, there! Anglers and sailors alike will be glad to know that works are officially underway to rebuild the much-loved Fishermans Jetty in Mornington Harbour. The news comes off the back of two other Mornington Peninsula jetties – the Warneet North and South jetties – also receiving a fresh makeover. Living up to its name, Fishermans Jetty has been a favourite for casting a line or berthing a boat in the harbour. Originally built between 1880 and 1885, the jetty has been repaired one too many times over the years – and by 2020, it had deteriorated so badly that it had to be closed to the public. The Allan Labor government stepped in. As part of an $18 million investment in the 2022-23 Victorian budget, a project was developed to restore the area. It promises safe berthing access and improved public use, while supporting local tourism and creating jobs in the area. It's a vital investment – Victoria's local ports and piers contribute more than $900 million each year to regional and coastal economies through tourism, marine activities and commercial fishing. 'The new jetty will provide safer access for anglers, boaters and tourists, continuing the momentum from completed projects around Port Phillip at Altona and the flagship $53 million St Kilda Pier redevelopment,' said minister for ports and freight, Melissa Horne. The first stage – dismantling and removing the old jetty – was completed in 2024. Construction of the new jetty began in April, with completion expected in the second half of this year. While respecting the area's heritage, the new design will be modern, inclusive and functional to meet current and future needs – for recreational users, commercial operators and tourists alike. The rebuilt jetty will have durable timber decking for a traditional look and feel, safe water access via ladders, dedicated berthing spaces, all-abilities access to meet Disability Discrimination Act standards and improved water access for harbour users. If all goes to plan, the new-look Fishermans Jetty will preserve an iconic part of Mornington's coastal charm, while enhancing the harbour as both a working port and a recreational haven for generations to come. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:
