Community Bank bus hitting the road

LOCALLY registered Surf Coast organisations will have an extra method of travel thanks to a $80,000 purchase from the Anglesea, Lorne, and Winchelsea Community Banks.

A new 28-seat Community Bank Bus is already on a busy schedule as community groups from Anglesea to Winchelsea are making the most of the new asset, Community Bank Surf Coast board member and volunteer Robert Earl said.

“It’s a real win-win for the community,” Mr Earl said.

“The original purpose of the purchase was to lessen the costs of youth and school groups to attend important functions.

“Everyone can get a go at using the new bus, even other community groups, but at a slightly higher cost.”

The Surf Coast Shire handles all bookings of the new bus, which takes the shire’s fleet total to five.

The 28-seater bus for trips longer than 400km will cost community groups (excluding youth groups) $147.20, and $294.50 for trips less than 400km.

A flat rate of $58.90 will apply to youth groups.

The community buses are not a new concept according to community development manager Rob Cameron.

“The concept is almost 10 years old, but this is the biggest and most advanced update to the buses,” Mr Cameron said.

“The new bus is based securely at Hesse Rural Health in Winchelsea, which provides an element of inconvenience, given someone has to come and get it, but generally people don’t mind.

“It’s a terrific tool and it’s just another way that Community Bank Surf Coast aims to give back to the community.”

Some of the groups to have used the bus already include Moriac Primary School, Winchelsea Probus, the Anglesea football and netball clubs, and Torquay Scouts.

Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said the new Winchelsea bus will help council towards its goal of fostering a thriving, connected and healthy community.

“As well as Winchelsea, there are community buses available in Anglesea, Lorne and Torquay for not-for-profit groups,” she said.

“For more details and to book, visit Council’s website and search for ‘community bus’.”

Requirements to use the bus require the driver to hold a valid light rigid or bus driver’s licence, the group to be Surf Coast-based and for there to be no alcohol on board the vehicle.