Transport service fills a need

A NEW shuttle service commenced in Heathcote yesterday, transporting residents from their homes to the shopping strip.

The service will run fortnightly in conjunction with a service to Bendigo Marketplace on alternate weeks.

Owner of Blue Wren Shuttle Services, Tracey Westhorpe said she saw a need for this kind of service, especially for older residents who live out of town.

“I kept meeting older residents when I was out shopping who would tell me how hard it was for them to get into town if they don’t drive,” she said.

“They want to be independent and stay in their homes for as long as possible. But we don’t have a taxi service, and they don’t like asking family or friends for rides all the time.

“Everyone needs to access the supermarket, post office, chemist and bank.

“We will pick people up from their homes and stop at each location as needed, then take them home again.

“On alternate weeks we will go to Bendigo Marketplace.”

Ms Westhorpe is well-known in the community having previously owned Flossies Sweets and Treats which closed during COVID.

“I took a twelve-month break,” she said. “Then one night a friend was going out and didn’t want to drive if she had a drink, so asked me to pick her up.

“The next night I saw a car I liked on Facebook Marketplace and told my husband I might be on to something.

“It was an eight-seater I could use for winery tours. “A few weeks later I purchased a mini-bus and now, three and a half years later we have five vehicles, including a wedding car.

“On weekends we run winery tours and customers can have a drink without worrying about driving.”

Getting started on the new service has not been easy for Ms Westhorpe.

“I tried to obtain grants to help fund the service but kept getting doors slammed in my face,” she said. “Many said they wanted to help but couldn’t.

“I tried to get a Cabcharge terminal so pensioners could use their taxi cards but even though I am a fully insured, registered service provider I can’t because I am not a taxi or Uber.

“It’s a grey area; everyone knows it’s needed but no one knows how to help.

“Knowing we have five vehicles available during the week and could do more to help our community is very frustrating.

“Heathcote Community House and Mandalay are being very supportive, and I am grateful for that.”

The first Blue Wren Shuttle Service to Bendigo will commence on 5 September, then 19 September, 3, 17 and 31 October.

The service around Heathcote will continue on 12 and 26 September, and 10 and 24 October. Bookings need to be made 24 hours in advance by calling 0421 357 804.