Spreading the word about the RFDS

A SUCCESSFUL Awareness Dinner was held at the Heathcote Golf Club recently to highlight work of Royal Flying Doctor Community Transport.

The patient transport service started in Heathcote in 2018 and now operates in 10 locations throughout the state.

“Many people see the RFFDS Community Transport cars and buses buzzing around the streets of Heathcote,” said RFDS volunteer and co-organiser Peter Cunningham.

“They are driven entirely by volunteers, but few people truly understand the impact the service has on the community.”

During the night a panel of clients and volunteers explained the impact the service has on clients and their partners.

“Just getting parking at the hospital and driving my husband into Bendigo for cancer treatment three times a week not only exhausted me but left me an emotional wreck,” said Lorraine.

“Community Transport pick him up deliver him for treatment and then bring him home.

“It is such a relief. I don’t think we could have managed without them.”

Volunteer drivers said they felt the service was life changing.

“There are not many things you do that have such significant impact on people’s lives,” said John, a volunteer driver with the service for the past two years.

“It is extremely satisfying, and the stories of our clients are incredible. Lives well lived.”

Mr Cunningham said thanks to the support of locals and wineries, and Blue Wren Shuttle Service the dinner raised $4000 for the Heathcote service.

Attendee Mark Kevin said that until the dinner he had no idea the impact the service has across such a large group of the community.

“Truly an organisation to be supported,” he said.

Co-organiser Sonya Davies finished the night with a plea to all those in attendance.

“Please help to spread the word about the amazing service provided not just in Heathcote, but also in Robinvale, Warracknabeal, St Arnaud, Rochester, Numurkah, Lakes Entrance, Sale and Foster. “