North Coast Shuttle was officially launched at an event held at the Kentwell Community Centre in Ballina.This service, which is currently funded by Transport for NSW, has been operating since the beginning of April transporting Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley clients to medical appointments at specialist clinics in Brisbane hospitals.Bertha Kapeen, a local Bundjalung elder, opened the proceedings with a Welcome to Country and the Project Co-ordinator of North Coast Shuttle, Amanda Lucantonio, explained to the guests present how the service works.Ms Lucantonio said one of her primary roles is to ensure clients appointments work in with the shuttle schedule so that they are in and out on time. To do this she liaises with the specialists clinics prior to the trip and when at the Brisbane hospitals utilises the transit lounges for easier access.The North Coast Shuttle service has been ‘in the making’ for a long time and Ben Riley, Regional Manager of Transport for NSW, congratulated all involved to get the project up and running, particularly the three community transport organisations involved; Clarence Valley, Northern Rivers and Tweed, Byron Ballina.Ballina Mayor Phillip Silver, was impressed with the involvement of a personal advocate to have the needs of each client met efficiently. He praised the new service and stated the importance for each local council of the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley to be aware of it. Isaac Smith, Deputy Mayor of Lismore and Phil Youngblutt, Deputy Mayor of Tweed were also present for the proceedings.
Shuttle officially on the road
North Coast Shuttle was officially launched at an event held at the Kentwell Community Centre in Ballina.
This service, which is currently funded by Transport for NSW, has been operating since the beginning of April transporting Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley clients to medical appointments at specialist clinics in Brisbane hospitals.
Bertha Kapeen, a local Bundjalung elder, opened the proceedings with a Welcome to Country and the Project Co-ordinator of North Coast Shuttle, Amanda Lucantonio, explained to the guests present how the service works.
Ms Lucantonio said one of her primary roles is to ensure clients appointments work in with the shuttle schedule so that they are in and out on time. To do this she liaises with the specialists clinics prior to the trip and when at the Brisbane hospitals utilises the transit lounges for easier access.
The North Coast Shuttle service has been ‘in the making’ for a long time and Ben Riley, Regional Manager of Transport for NSW, congratulated all involved to get the project up and running, particularly the three community transport organisations involved; Clarence Valley, Northern Rivers and Tweed, Byron Ballina.
Ballina Mayor Phillip Silver, was impressed with the involvement of a personal advocate to have the needs of each client met efficiently.
He praised the new service and stated the importance for each local council of the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley to be aware of it. Isaac Smith, Deputy Mayor of Lismore and Phil Youngblutt, Deputy Mayor of Tweed were also present for the proceedings.
