Celebrating community transport volunteers

Getting around in regional areas can be a challenge for those who no longer or never have had access to their own transport options. For the last thirty years the Tweed Byron and Ballina Community Transport (TBBCT) has been helping the elderly, people with disabilities, their carers and others who have difficulty accessing public transport, or are disadvantaged by the lack of transport options to get around the region.

And now TBBCT is holding a special celebratory brunch this Sunday, to honour its volunteers and mark its 30th anniversary at Banner Park, Brunswick Heads from 9am till midday.

‘Community Transport volunteers meet a vital need in the community. They drive older people, people with a disability and others who can’t access mainstream transport to medical and other appointments and help out on our social and shopping buses,’ said Phil Barron CEO, Tweed Byron and Ballina Community Transport.

Last year TBBCT provided 74,489 trips, assisting 5,002 individuals and driving a total of 2,309,159 passenger kilometres.

‘Every day we receive feedback from our community members, in praise of our volunteers. For their kindness, caring and for the feeling that they are in good hands,’ continued Phil.

‘Our volunteers make Community Transport happen – they are at the coal-face, dealing with parking, traffic snarls, assisting people with complicated mobility issues, bringing their passengers from anywhere in our region. Without the dedication, care and commitment of our volunteer teams, we’d be up the creek.’

Celebrating the amazing contribution that these volunteers give to the community there will be a feast, entertainment and special guests Tamara Smith MP and Asren Pugh for Justine Elliot MP.

‘We want to use this Sunday, 20 May, on the eve of National Volunteers week, as a time to consider the incredibly positive and important impact our volunteers have on our community, to thank them and to celebrate them,’ said Phil.

Time to volunteer?

If you have great people skills and a positive attitude, you might be a suitable candidate for volunteering with community transport.  Of course, to be a volunteer driver you must also have great driving and navigation skills.  In return, you get to feel good about providing a vital and valued community service and meet a range of interesting people.  If you’d like to find out more contact Janet on 1300 875 895.