Helen Johnston chats with Carolyn Adams about her volunteering with The Community Transport Company, a not-for-profit service that provides drivers to help older, isolated, or frail community members get out and about. Carolyn Adams, an avid reader and The Bangalow Herald’s book reviewer, was the proprietor of the Bangalow Newsagency for 18 years. She is also a volunteer for The Community Transport Company, a not-forprofit organisation that helps people who are unable to use public transport to maintain their independence and quality of life by assisting them in getting around. “I always knew that I would continue to volunteer after my ‘newsagency’ life and eventual retirement – but what to do was a big question. So, I tried a couple of things, but honestly, they did not spark joy!” says Carolyn.
“The Community Transport Company (TCTC) was advertising on the radio, so I decided to check them out and see what their expectations were,” she says.
TCTC is a not-for-profit organisation that helps people who are unable to use public transport to maintain their independence and quality of life by helping them get out and about. The drivers are mainly volunteers, and transport is provided in hybrid cars or comfortable minibuses, most of which are equipped with lifts for easy access.
“There were a few hoops to jump through— police check, medical, first aid course— but TCTC covers the cost of all these requirements. After a demonstration run with Joan, a Fernleigh driver who generously and happily volunteers for TCTC three days per week, I was on my own,” she says. TCTC provides a range of door-to-door transport services for medical appointments, visiting family and friends, and social and recreational outings. There is a cost for the service, but the fees are very affordable. For example, a return trip from Bangalow to Byron Bay is $20, to Ballina $35, and to Tweed Heads $50.
Frail and aged people 65 and over should register and be approved by My Aged Care. This will enable clients to access a subsidised rate of transport. Passengers under 65 years can register directly with the office on 1300 875 895.
Carolyn, who volunteers on Mondays, says it is her favourite day of the week. She enjoys meeting different people and hearing their life stories. Her passengers are always appreciative of the volunteers’ service.
“Driving for TCTC is one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. I like driving, but the thing that makes it most rewarding is the clients. It could be a short trip down the road for their weekly catch-up with friends or a trip to the movies, but for some, you are the only person they’ve seen in several days, and it’s an opportunity for them to have a chat. Most have a story or two to tell, and most are happy to tell it. I have a couple of regulars who, while we’ve sat next to each other for an extended journey, have shared some of their incredible life stories,” she says.
Carolyn’s long commitment to community volunteering began when she had young children and joined the parent committees of pre-schools, then school P&C, and school council. She was also actively involved in the now sadly disbanded Bangalow Chamber of Commerce for 20-odd years, serving as treasurer, secretary, president, and a Billycart Derby volunteer.
“I can only attribute my love of volunteering to my parents who, despite having five children (or because of it), always had time to give to others. I mention this because there is a very clear connection between what we saw as children and the present day, where all five of my siblings volunteer in some capacity,” she says.
More volunteers are needed in the Bangalow, Ballina, and Byron Bay areas. To find out more, contact The Community Transport Company on 1300 875 895 or email admin@community-transport.org.au You can also visit their website at communitytransport.net.au