Driven to success

“I feel I’ve had a good life, and I’ve enjoyed my life," says Flying Doctor Community Transport volunteer driver, Willie Laird.

"Volunteering makes you get out and meet other people, and you just realise how well off you are when there are so many people that may need a bit of help.”

Community Transport is a free service offered by the Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria in partnership with local health care providers. The service enables residents of Heathcote, Rochester and surrounds to easily access health appointments and social group activities, completely free of charge.

In Heathcote, RFDS Victoria has partnered with Heathcote Health, and operates with the support of the Heathcote and District Community Bank and a team of volunteer drivers.

A local of the area for the past 16 years, Willie enjoys the tranquility of country living, but recognises that for those who can’t drive, getting to and from appointments can be an insurmountable barrier.

In any given shift, he could be undertaking a 100km round trip to Bendigo, or travelling around the local neighbourhood for a range of different medical appointments.

“I feel there are a lot of people here in Heathcote who need help.

"You can see clients are a bit anxious when we pick them up, and when they are coming back they look so relieved –they may not have had the answer they were looking for at the hospital – but they are a lot happier in themselves for having been able to seek help.

“I just try to make them feel comfortable, because after all, they are people perhaps not in the best of health. I just feel that if I can make them happy then I am doing something worthwhile.”

Willie says the community response to the Flying Doctor Community Transport service has been incredibly positive, and the service has become a point of pride in the community.

“People comment on how pleased they are that the service is here for them.

"You know that you have made them happy for the day and reduced a stress for them.”

Find out more about Willie and the Community Transport team below: