Lions keep wheels turning marking decade of transport service

Penola Lions Club Community Service  TBW Newsgroup
COMMUNITY BUS: Penola and Nangwarry residents use the Lions Club's weekly community service bus.

Penola Lions Club Community Service TBW Newsgroup
COMMUNITY BUS: Penola and Nangwarry residents use the Lions Club’s weekly community service bus.

PENOLA Lions Club has celebrated keeping the wheels on the bus going round and round as its weekly community service marks 10 years of operation.

The collaborative service carries passengers from Penola and Nangwarry to Mount Gambier for the day each Monday.

A joint venture between the Lions Club, Penola and District Hospital and Wattle Range Council, the service allows those without transport to easily attend appointments, visit the Mount Gambier Library or shop for the day.

With volunteer drivers from the Penola Lions Club, club member Ray Haines said it benefitted the wider community.

“Those who use the service enjoy it and they get to know the bus drivers and set up a good relationship with them,” Mr Haines said.

“It is a fantastic service for those who do not have their own transport and need to go to Mount Gambier for simple things like specialist appointments or event just families going to the movies.”

Monday marked the 10th anniversary of the service, with free travel available throughout the day alongside a morning tea at Mount Gambier Central.

Celebrations continued on Tuesday with hospital staff, Lions Club members and members of the Wattle Range Council coming together at Vintage Cafe mark the milestone.

The community bus leaves from the Penola Visitor and Information Centre at 9am each Monday.

Mount Gambier drop off points include the Main Corner Complex and Mount Gambier Central at 3pm.