Neave Moore
Residents in Naracoorte, Millicent and Bordertown are being asked to come forward as volunteers for the Red Cross Transport, a service that assists people who are unable to drive themselves get to appointments.
The Red Cross Transport service currently provides subsidised transportation to members of the community to get to medical and social appointments, for any purpose and is staffed by limited volunteers in the Limestone Coast.
Red Cross Support Officer, Caroline Garandi is based in Mount Gambier but said that the shortage of volunteers and continued need for assistance could be due to the lack of public transportation in the region.
“We have a shortage of drivers in those areas and we are encouraging people to come along and know about our services, and that we exist,” she said.
“We are encouraging drivers to come on board, so that we have as many drivers as we can to provide the service.”
Ms Garandi said that the service is to assist the aged, disadvantaged or vulnerable people in the Limestone Coast.
“We help people get to medical appointments, social events, to attend shopping or go out with other people… it is a program that is there to support people in the community that need that support,” she said.
Ms Garandi said that the lack of public transportation in Millicent, Naracoorte, Bordertown and the surrounds does result in the heightened demand for services such as Red Cross Transport.
“Red Cross Transport is provided at a subsidised rate, making it accessible for people, while at the same time, providing a service that is responding to the needs of people in the shortest possible time,” she said.
The process to become a volunteer driver involves a person conducting a police check and working with children check, both provided through the Red Cross.
“It is very easy to volunteer. You can give us a call, contact us on social media, come in to our office or speak with one of our volunteers and we can answer any questions and give you all the information you need to become a volunteer, or simply find out more,” Ms Garandi said.
