Trips to medical appointments, shopping centres, nursing homes, markets and cinemas have been made easier for Woodgate residents thanks to a new community courtesy bus service.
The wheelchair-accessible courtesy bus, which the Woodgate Hotel loans to the community, has been operating for the past seven months and is run purely on a voluntary basis by local resident, Margaret Featherstone.
Margaret Featherstone first approached Woodgate Hotel management to seek their support and contribution towards a courtesy bus after noticing how isolated locals were feeling without access to public transport.
“I approached the publican because some of the people I met through First Responding had commented that they felt isolated and couldn’t get out of town. I knew there was a bus that was normally only used late in the day and at night,” she said.
“There’s only school buses that run in and out of Woodgate.
“One lady hasn’t been out for 18 years… she just lives in the caravan park and is going blind and can’t drive at all…. It’s changing people’s lives,” she said.
Mrs Featherstone said she was delighted that the Woodgate Hotel publican jumped on board immediately to support the idea, and the courtesy bus service was born.
“Without the Woodgate Hotel we wouldn’t have the service,” she said.
The service has grown from one trip per month to once a week.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett praised Mrs Featherstone and the Woodgate Hotel.
“The Woodgate community has an ageing population and can be quite isolated for elderly residents,” he said.
“This bus service fills that void and gives people who can’t drive the opportunity to get out and about and attend those important medical appointments and remain connected to the surrounding communities.
“It’s playing a vital role in looking after the elderly and ensuring they are socially engaged in the community.
“It’s wonderful that Margaret is offering this service purely on a voluntary basis with the full support of the Woodgate Hotel. Her selfless actions are to be commended.
“Margaret and the Woodgate Hotel have really transformed people’s lives for the better.”
To meet growing demands, the Woodgate Hotel plans to purchase an additional bus.
Mrs Featherstone is currently assisting the hotel with fundraising to help cover fuel and maintenance costs for an additional bus.
To help these fundraising efforts along, Mr Bennett has donated a Weber BBQ towards a raffle.
To be in the running to win the BBQ or a variety of other raffle prizes, contact Margaret on 0411 452 858, or head along to the Woodgate Beach Hotel on Saturday, September 24, from 4pm.
Additional details:
Passengers are donating $7 per person to cover fuel costs each trip.
Raffle tickets are $2 each, which can be purchased through Mrs Featherstone.
Contact Margaret on 0411 452 858
ENDS.
September 2016