FIRST Nations people are set to benefit from a new community bus, following a partnership between the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative and Viva Energy.<\/p>\n
The $375,000 partnership will cover the purchase and operation of the community bus over the next three years and allow the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative to connect First Nations communities with vital services and activities.<\/p>\n
About 2,000 First Nations people across Greater Geelong, Lorne, Little River, Colac and Werribee are expected to use the bus to reach health, community and cultural services each year.<\/p>\n
The community bus will also provide patient transport to an estimated 1,500 First Nations people annually, with the partnership covering the overhead costs associated with operating the service.<\/p>\n
Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative chief executive Simon Flagg said the community bus would make a difference to the lives of First Nations people living in the region.<\/p>\n
“We are really excited about the partnership with Viva Energy.<\/p>\n
“We will be able to take the community across the state, improve connections to health services, take kids to more activities and really provide our community with a great resource to get our mob out and about.”<\/p>\n
Viva Energy’s executive general manager of refining, Dale Cooper, said the company was delighted about the partnership with the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.<\/p>\n
“Wathaurong plays a critical role in the region, providing health, family, community and cultural services for First Nations people. We are proud to play a small role by providing funding for a local bus and patient transport to help the community connect to these vital services.”<\/p>\n
Viva Energy also supports events and activities intended to engage First Nations students in education and employment opportunities across the region.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FIRST Nations people are set to benefit from a new community bus, following a partnership between the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative and Viva Energy. The $375,000 partnership will cover the purchase and operation of the community bus over the next three years and allow the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative to connect First Nations communities with vital services […]<\/p>\n