New bus to get Barraba clients from ‘A’ to ‘B’

26 November 2010

The Barraba Multi Purpose Service (MPS) Day Centre bus gets clients from ‘A’ to ‘B’, but staff and volunteers are not so sure the old girl’s going to take its passengers much further.

The bus is showing its age and that’s why a dedicated group of Barraba residents, including Barraba MPS Day Centre President Janice Handsaker, are rolling up their sleeves to fundraise for a new bus.

“Our current bus has served us well, but she’s getting very old,” Janice said.

“It’s a 1998 model that’s done more than 200,000km, and although it gets us around we’re not sure it will be running so well in a couple of years’ time.

“We’ve started fundraising to replace the bus when it gives up the ghost.”

A small fundraising committee has been set up, made up of volunteers from Richardson House, Garvin House, the Day Centre, ladies auxiliary and Barraba MPS staff.

The committee is hoping to raise $140,000 in the coming three years to replace the old 12-seater bus with a larger 22-seater bus.

“We know it’s going to take a while to raise this much money, but we know with lots of effort and the support of the community we will eventually be able to purchase a new bus,” Janice said.

A wide range of clients use the bus, including Day Centre clients who catch the bus to and from the centre most days of the week, the Barraba Men’s Group and younger people in the community who have a disability.

The bus is the primary mode of transport for the high-care residents of Garvin House. Clients also use the bus to travel to Manilla for activities and for local doctors’ appointments.

“We’re lucky to have so many people in this community that are willing to help us maintain a good quality of life for the residents and clients of Barraba MPS,” Janice said.

If you would like to support the fundraising efforts please call Barraba MPS on (02) 6782 2500.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767