New bus connects First Nations communities to vital services

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 and activities.

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.

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.

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.

“We are really excited about the partnership with Viva Energy.

“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.”

Viva Energy’s executive general manager of refining, Dale Cooper, said the company was delighted about the partnership with the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.

“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.”

Viva Energy also supports events and activities intended to engage First Nations students in education and employment opportunities across the region.