It's all about a warm, welcoming journey, not just the destination, for Onkaparinga's Community Transport team.
The team's 20 volunteers, comprising drivers and support staff, provide transport to Onkaparinga residents who don't have easy access or affordable access to local transport.
Last financial year, they drove passengers on a whopping 12,201 trips to local shops, community centres and social programs. Of these, 267 were charter services for groups of older people and people with disability.
“There are around 190 local people who regularly use the service, many of them experiencing mobility, health or financial challenges,” says Trish Buckley, Community Transport Coordinator at the City of Onkaparinga.
“The service helps link them with their local communities, maintain their independence and get to the supports and services they need. Without it, many would be very isolated.
“Passengers say their lives have been changed for the better by the service and praise the volunteers for kindness and helpfulness. They say they’re inspired by the positive energy of the volunteers – some of whom are older than they are!
"They call the transport service a 'community centre on wheels'."
But it’s not only regulars who benefit. The team has been known to do ‘Santa’ runs and deliver food to charitable organisations.
Leading up to Christmas last year, ‘Santas’ Barry and Cheryl braved the heat in their North Pole costumes to collect food donated by the children at the Montessori Children’s Centre in McLaren Vale.
After carolling, the children helped the two Santas load the food on the bus and waved it on its way to Fred’s Van, a St Vincent de Paul Society meal service in Aldinga. Fred’s Van offers free meals every Friday at 7pm at the Aldinga Community Centre.
The Community Transport fleet comprises three brand-new Mercedes Sprinters minibuses, accommodating up to 10 passengers. Each minibus is fully kitted out with wheelchair access and has space for medical walkers and passengers’ shopping and bags.
“The Sprinters are a huge hit with passengers and children alike,” says Trish.
“Last year at Trucks on Tour, Onkaparinga’s annual showcase of huge vehicles, hundreds of children sat in the driver’s seat and pretended to drive the bus. Maybe they’re the volunteers of the future!”
In 2024, the volunteer team of 16 drivers and four support workers was nominated for the City of Onkaparinga’s Every Generation Awards. The awards celebrate older people who play a vital role in the community as well as people of all ages, cultures and abilities who contribute to positive ageing.
Between them, the volunteers have chalked up an average of 6.5 years of service, with the longest serving volunteer – who recently retired – working with the team for 30 years.
New volunteers are always welcome. No prior qualifications are needed except for a standard driver’s licence for drivers. Volunteers will receive mandatory training in areas such as fire evacuation, manual handling and driver awareness.
To see how you can be involved, phone the council on 8384 0666 or go to the council’s volunteer website.
The community transport service operates in most areas on weekdays. Passengers are collected between 8.30am and 11am with varying return times. A gold coin donation per journey is encouraged.
Information on the eligibility criteria and an application form is from Community Transport on 1300 365 729. Bookings are taken between the hours of 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday.