The concept moving forward would be in prospect of a 2017 Bain Estate Application but to first assess if this service would:
- Be utilised by those in need
- Attract a variety of volunteers
The Shire is building more and more aged home and more local people are choosing to stay in their home towns rather than live in coastal cities as they feel, in my view, safer. Some are still near family. As ages take over, drivers licences are lost and if not lost, driving in and to cities becomes difficult. With this in mind we have had a number of requests from community organisations to support them in researching the implementation of an affordable community transport service. The requests have been in the form of a car, which is easy for any volunteer to drive, without needing additional license classes or to undertake major training.
One of the concerns highlighted by the requesting organisations is our community’s reluctance to put strain on our volunteers, meaning people may not feel comfortable or think they are inconveniencing others by utilising the service. Education and marketing of this service could see a number of new volunteers established including those who already take a drive weekly or sporadically. Coupled with access to a reliable vehicle, this service may not impose the “perceived” inconvenience to volunteers, and may provide those who can’t commit to stringent volunteering with an alternate, flexible way to contribute to the community.
A survey will be circulated however a simple email, phone call, Facebook comment, message or visit to the shire to record your interest as a volunteer or prospective client, would be a great benefit to the assessment process. Bain Estate Applications close 4th August 2017, meaning we will need feedback submitted prior to this date.
Contact Nicole at ntaylor@dumbleyung.wa.gov.au, (08) 9863 4012 or www.facebook.com/dumbleyungshire