On the road for community transport assistance

A community-led initiative to help resolve transport challenges for locals needing assistance drew 35 people to last Wednesday’s meeting. Beechworth Senior Citizens’ Club member Gerri Boland, driving the initiative, said the meeting held at the Senior Citizen’s Centre had a positive vibe with many helpful contributions by attendees for consideration. With many attendees volunteering their availability for short local trips for seniors, Ms Boland said a buddy system with volunteer drivers had been proposed with a few set-up options. “Buddy drivers outnumbered buddy recipients by about four to one,” she said. “It seems that rainy weather is an issue for some people who use mobility scooters such as visiting loved ones in residential care. “The service of volunteer drivers may be needed more on rainy days." Ms Boland said different ways of making connections are needed as social media was not for everyone. “Some may find social media useful and a Facebook page ‘Beechworth Volunteer Transport’ has been set up,” she said. Ms Boland said a small group will work on streamlining the buddy system before the next meeting. Participants will have an opportunity to be matched at the meeting to be held at 11am on Wednesday, 20 August. Indigo Shire Council’s community development officer Kate O’Toole delivered an informative session on limited options by organisations around the shire for medical appointment transport. Ms O’Toole also clarified some confusion around community transport as well as providing information on a variety of options available through aged care packages for eligible people. Ms O-Toole said the initiative by the community for the community was a good start. “It’s a small solution for broader issues needing to be addressed at state and federal levels,” she said. She said that greater access to transport is part of council's advocacy action plan at state and federal levels, as well as continued advocacy for more aged care support programs, including increased access to transport. Beechworth’s Steve Gilliver understands the situation all too well, with his 93-year-old mother living independently. Mr Gilliver said his sister living close by drives her to appointments. “I appreciate how difficult it can be and I am more than happy to help when available,” he said. Mr Gilliver also suggested an option for driving beyond a proposed model of a designated day and time while also suggesting a list of volunteer contacts to be held by the local surgery. Ms O’Toole also outlined some steps taken in other regional areas faced with the same transport challenges when circumstances change for people for consideration. She also explained how the current transport services operate. RSVPs are not required to take part in the meeting for developing options. For further information or if you would like to request a lift to the meeting, please email Gerri at beechworthscc@gmail.com.

On the road for community transport assistance

A Lions share of awards for volunteers on Australia Day

Young citizen of the year award presented to Amy Schilling

Fundraiser success for Atauro Island Friendship group

Indigo's finest: Australia Day celebrated with awards

Chiltern resident overwhelmed with award

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories