By NICOLE VALICEK
THE acquisition of a new community bus will mean aged and disability care support service Gateway can help keep more people in the community better connected.
Through the generous support of Western Region Aged Care Inc. and the Ian Rollo Currie Estate Foundation, Gateway in Spotswood has acquired a wheelchair accessible community bus.
Manager of Gateway Social Support Options William Kelly said the community transport bus will support Gateway in continuing to provide affordable, assessable transport options for people in the western suburbs.
The transport bus will be used to help client’s access community centres, shopping centres and social activities.
“Because our program is about reducing isolation through social connections this bus will provide more opportunity for more residents to be involved in their community,” Mr Kelly said.
He said one of the biggest challenges for older or disabled people in the west is to access transport safely.
And part of Gateway’s operation service is to assist people to be reconnected with the community and the way to do that is by access transport.
The bus will join Gateways current transport league that includes three community mini buses, but will play a special role.
“It’s been modified to transport people in wheelchairs.”
He said that the special bus will mean people in electronic wheelchairs will not miss out.
“That’s the key focus of the community transport program.”
Mr Kelly said the 12-seater bus will be used by Gateway from Monday to Friday and as often as possible, with the hope it will eventually be used on weekends. He said the service wouldn’t be possible without the help of Gateway volunteers.
“We’re able to provide the service because of the support from volunteer drivers we get from the community.”
“That’s essential, the wonderful support from people in the community who are able and willing to help others.”
