Become a Tweed community transport volunteer

POSITIONS are open for Tweed Shire locals to join Volunteering Gold Coast as volunteer community transport drivers.

Recent monthly information sessions have resulted in a Tweed-based team of six drivers to date, and more are needed to meet the growing demand for flexible, reliable transport in the region.

The free sessions guide attendees through the role of aged care volunteering, community transport, its requirements, and the dedicated vehicle fleet in use.

Marketing manager and Tweed recruiter Brendan Frawley said the QLD/NSW cross-border communities were tightly intertwined.

“We have a partnership with Seagulls, where they host the vehicles,” Frawley said.

“Our clients are from all across the shire, from Pottsville, up to Kingscliff and out to Murwillumbah.

“Our clients prefer community transport, because Uber isn’t always reliable across borders, and public transport isn’t suitable.”

“The elderly often have trouble accessing transport for things like chemotherapy and renal dialysis; they’re appointments that you can’t miss,” Frawley said.

The Centrelink-approved service has been in operation since 1998 and has a rapidly growing client list.

Potential volunteer drivers and clients need transport can contact Volunteering Gold Coast about the Tweed service. Photo: SUPPLIED

“When the government releases the extra 20,000 Home Care packages, there will be more people who can access community transport,” Frawley said.

“There is a wait list, and there are unmet needs, so we need to build our volunteer driver community in the Tweed.

“It’s a two-way benefit. The clients benefit from the driver, but the driver gets something personally: purpose and engagement, that sense of community and giving back.

“They’re making new friends, sharing stories and making connections, and sometimes it’s an alternative form of respite for carers at home.

“We also have group trips. We’ve been to HOTA (Home of the Performing Arts), Brunswick Heads, and Cooly Rocks, or sometimes an art exhibition; the Tweed Regional Gallery is amazing.”

Clients seeking community transport to and from the Tweed region can call Volunteering Gold Coast on 07 5526 0688.

For information and to book for the next information session at Twin Towns on January 9, visit eventbrite.com.au/e/tweed-community-transport-volunteer-driver-information-session-tickets-1741114974759