The Echuca Regional Health patient said his surgery on May 10 meant he would not be able to drive a car for three months and he had no affordable way to access rehabilitation at the hospital.
‘‘If it wasn’t for this service, I wouldn’t be able to get in and out of town from Tongala to attend my doctor’s appointments and physio appointments,’’ he said.
Because the 50-year-old didn’t qualify for a community car because he was ‘‘too young’’, Colin said a post-acute care team member told him about the community bus service offered by Crossenvale Community House.
‘‘It’s been extremely helpful as I have to attend rehabilitation at least once a week and I live on my own and my friends work,’’ he said.
He said the V/Line coach service between Tongala and Echuca did not operate regularly and he had to walk 1km each way to the bus stop.
‘‘This service picks me up at my house and drops me back there for $10 each way,’’ he said.
‘‘If it wasn’t for that, I don’t know how I’d get there. This has been a blessing. It’s cheap and very reliable.’’
Colin is just one of several clients who have contacted the Neighbourhood House needing affordable transport to Echuca-Moama.
As such, the bus service, which has been running in Echuca since January, has decided to outreach to Tongala, Rochester and Lockington so seniors there can access medical appointments and programs.
To be eligible, they must be over the age of 50 (it does not take children due to transport policies).
‘‘Studies show that Australians living in rural and remote areas tend to have shorter lives, higher levels of disease and injury and poorer access to and use of health services compared to people living in metropolitan areas,’’ house co-ordinator Sheridan Clark said.
‘‘Poorer health outcomes in rural and remote areas may be due to a range of factors, including a level of disadvantage related to access to health services.’’
Pick-up days include:
Tongala: 9.30am on Tuesdays at Tongala Community Centre, leaving at 9.45am;
Rochester: 9.30am on Thursdays at Rochester Community House, leaving at 9.45am; and
Lockington: 10.10am on Thursdays at Lockington Business Centre, leaving at 10.25am.
The bus, which costs $10 each way, will leave Echuca on the pick-up days to return back to each town at 1.30pm.
This transport service will start on June 11 and continue throughout the year, except on public holidays and the Christmas closing period in December.
Individual transport like Colin’s can be organised through patients’ medical workers.
Volunteer driver Darryl Chick said people in Echuca could also use the bus to get to appointments for just $2 each way and the Moama RSL Club for $5 each way.
‘‘We’re trying to save people money because it’s expensive to get around, especially for pensioners,’’ he said.
‘‘We want to make everyone aware that we have this because it’s a good deal.’’
Anyone wishing to use the bus service can call 5480 3583.
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