MEDIA RELEASE
7 March
The Andrews Labor Government will provide $125,000 towards an innovative community transport service that will improve access to health care in the Wimmera region.
Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford announced the funding today, which will help the Centre for Participation deliver pilot service where volunteers drive local residents to and from medical appointments.
Under the pilot, volunteers may use their own vehicles or those provided by local council and health providers to transport people who have difficulty accessing medical services to their appointments.
The Labor Government funding will cover the first 12 months of the 24-month pilot, which is set to begin in mid-2017.
The Centre for Participation, as well as local councils and health providers will partner to contribute in kind a further $60,000 towards the service.
It’s the sort of innovative community transport solution outlined in the Labor Government Regional Network Development Plan – Victoria’s first ever long term strategy for better public transport in regional Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“This community transport service will help people across the Wimmera access the health services they need, when they need them.”
“Innovative local transport solutions like this pilot are identified in the Regional Network Development Plan announced last year, and are part of our vision for a more convenient, responsive services in rural Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“This service will be vital for locals – particularly the elderly and those with disabilities that prevent them from driving.”
