Never say never…small community pulls together

One of the great things about being part of a small community is the way people pull together when in need.

The people of Manilla deserve a huge congratulations and thank-you following their enormous effort in fundraising for the new Manilla Health Service Community Bus.  The bus is now in operation, following a two-year fundraising campaign driven largely by an enthusiastic and determined community following.

Two years ago it was decided the old Community Bus was in need of an upgrade.  The almost 20-year-old bus had no air conditioning, limited seating and difficult access.

It may have taken two years, but the new, state-of-the-art bus with wheelchair access, air-conditioning, more seating and automatic controls is now making life easier for Hunter New England Health staff and members of the community who rely on the service for health-related transport.

The $132,000 bus arrived recently and so far has impressed those who have had cause to use it.

More than half of the money ($60,000) was raised by the community, with the remainder coming via a Community Trust Fund and grants from Hunter New England Health, NSW Health, the Department of Veteran Affairs and local MP Peter Draper.

Health service manager Janet Allan said there was a great community spirit involved and commended all those involved in the fundraiser for their determination.

“There were those comments of ‘they’ll never get there’ but there were a few key people who were very dedicated to the cause and made this happen,” Janet said.

“It was a really big ask, but if it had taken 10 years I think they would have kept going.

“The community participation and support of all of the fundraising events that took place over the years was magnificent and I thank everyone who gave to the cause, no matter how small their contribution.  It all adds up and the sustained effort got us there in the end.”

Contact: Tamaryn Curry

Phone: (02) 4985 5522