General News
30 August, 2023
Aberlea unveils new transport
ABERLEA staff and residents officially unveiled their new bus last week in what was described as feeling like a reintroduction to the community.
ABERLEA staff and residents officially unveiled their new bus last week in what was described as feeling like a reintroduction to the community.
As Western District Newspapers reported earlier this month, Aberlea was able to purchase a new 12-seat, wheelchair accessible bus thanks to fundraising support from within the community.
The overwhelming amount of support meant Aberlea was not required to dip in to operating funds to make the purchase.
Aberlea chief executive officer David Knight said he was overwhelmed to see such support for the residents.
“We could not have been happier with the amount of people there on the day," he said.
“It was a big turnout with people from a diverse range of groups, businesses and people from throughout the region.
“Everyone was very engaged and it underlined the support this community has for Aberlea moving forward.
“It was fabulous; a great day.”
Residents had the opportunity at the unveiling to experience the mechanisms which assist wheelchair users in to the bus, ensuring everyone can enjoy a day out.
“The feedback from residents has been absolutely fantastic,” Mr Knight said.
“We can have multiple wheelchairs secured in the bus, so there is no holding us back.
“We’re going to get some volunteer bus drivers and away we go.
“We’re looking at having our first outing for the residents next week.”
Mr Knight said the unveiling brought a sense of reconnection to the community after years of precaution throughout the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He hopes to reignite connections and welcome new volunteers to support residents, including through volunteer bus drivers.
The new bus can be driven by anyone with a current driver’s license, with no special training or license required.
“We sort of formally relaunched our volunteer program on the day,” Mr Knight said.
“Our volunteer program was really affected by COVID-19 as we were not allowed to welcome volunteers in.
“We’ve obviously reopened, but we’ve lost a bit of connection to the community which we’re really keen, in whatever shape or form, to establish.
“We welcome any queries and it would be great if we could get some people volunteering.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Aberlea directly on 5599 2756.