By TOM HAYES
A SHOCKING number of syringes were found at a playground in Morwell, sparking concern for families in the area.
The needles appeared to have been removed from the plastic disposable container.
The news was brought to light last Wednesday (February 5) evening, after photos were anonymously posted to a Morwell community Facebook group, warning people to check before they play.
This comes less than a year after syringes were littered at Moe’s Apex Park, sparking the same conversation.
In response to the discovery, Latrobe City Morwell Ward Councillor, Tracie Lund alerted the community via Facebook.
“I’m deeply disturbed by the discovery of discarded needles at Waterhole Creek Park, right behind Morwell Neighbourhood House,” she wrote.
“This is a space where our children should be able to play safely, and finding it littered with needles is absolutely unacceptable.
“Careless dumping of needles like this poses an immediate health risk to the entire community.
“Community safety in our public spaces is an absolute priority, and this kind of disregard for others’ wellbeing is alarming.”
The person who made the anonymous post mentioned they had cleaned up as much as they could.
Comments on the post were fuelled with disgust.
“That’s disgusting Morwell needs to clean its act up,” one person wrote.
“This really makes me furious,” another wrote.
Cr Lund continued to give advice for what to do if one needs to dispose of needles, or if one finds needles in public.
“If you need to dispose of needles, please do it properly. There are sharps disposal containers available at local pharmacies and community facilities, including here at the (Morwell) Neighbourhood House. Leaving them in public spaces like parks is not just irresponsible, it’s dangerous,” she added.
“If you come across discarded needles, do not attempt to handle or remove them yourself. Contact the police or council immediately for safe disposal.
“Please do not handle needles without proper equipment. It puts you at risk of injury or infection. It’s just not worth it.”
Cr Lund confirmed that the issue was addressed as soon as possible, and the area had been cleaned immediately.
As the Express mentioned last year, for those that do come across a used syringe in a public place, there are a matter of steps to take:
-Don’t pick up the needles as it could lead to dangerous exposure, and;
-Call someone to dispose of it/them.
If you notice a discarded syringe:
-Phone 1300 367 700, and;
-Give the exact address of where the syringe is, and describe nearby landmarks such as a phone box, public toilets, etc. Provide your contact details in case council need more information.
Latrobe City Council recommends used syringes are handled by professionals only. However, if you must handle one:
-If you can, use tongs or protect your hands with a heavy duty glove or cloth;
-Never touch the sharp end of the needle, only pick up the syringe by the barrel end;
-Do not try to replace the cap on the needle;
-Put the needle and syringe in a screw top, puncture proof, plastic container and seal it;
-Tell children never to pick up needles or syringes, but to call an adult, and;
-Do not put needles and syringes down toilets and drains.
There are large capacity bright orange disposal bins located outside the entrance of each of the Latrobe Community Health Offices: 81-85 Buckley Street (Morwell); 42-44 Fowler St (Moe), and; corner of Seymour St and Princes Highway (Traralgon).
