Retired carer, Ronda Clark can hardly wait to get behind the wheel every week, not because she’s speed demon or rally car driver, but because she’s a Community Transport volunteer.
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She is just one of a team of volunteers with Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Community Transport (CBNCT) who selflessly give up their own free time to help the people of Bellingen and surrounding towns get out and about.
Two days a week Mrs Clark picks up passengers who are elderly, disabled or disadvantaged from their home and carefully delivers them to where ever they need to go, be it a medical appointment, social event or just to get a few groceries at the store.
And she loves it!
“I started volunteering in Bellingen about 12 months ago, it was something that I always wanted to do, as I was a carer during my working career and volunteering just seemed like the next step,” Mrs Clark said.
“I really cannot wait to see all my Bellingen regulars every time I drive, I love helping them out and I think that taking Community Transport really brightens their day too.
“Apart from getting them to essential services, I think the trip is a large part of their social life, we talk about all sorts of things in the car, from about what sort of meals they cook, to what their families are up to, even politics.
“Travelling with Community Transport brightens up their day and I really enjoy talking to them in that way and I really feel like I am contributing to the Bellingen community.”
CBNCT has been operating in the Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca Valley local government areas for the past 30 years, with a client base that is expected to grow as the population age continues to increase.
Chief Executive Officer, Bethany Simmonds said Ronda is just one of a number of volunteers in Bellingen that are devoted to caring for our passengers, CBNCT really appreciates her commitment and dedication to this community.
“CBNCT provides an extensive service out of this area and its volunteers like Ronda that make it possible, I would like to thank all our volunteers for their contribution.” Ms Simmonds said.
Volunteers at CBNCT can do as little as one day per week with a maximum of three days, a full drivers licence is required.
Anyone interested in volunteering can ring CBNCT on 1300 812 504 or go to our website www.communitytransport.net.au
