Support for the whole community 

Historically, if Heathcote locals needed to travel to larger towns like Bendigo to access specialist health appointments – or even routine care that was not available to them locally – many would be reliant on friends or family members to drive them there and back. The only alternatives were expensive taxis, or lengthy bus rides that weren’t guaranteed to drop you off within a short walk of your intended destination. 

Even those who could drive themselves to Bendigo would face unique disadvantages, as certain treatments, like chemotherapy, would render them unable to drive home again immediately, resulting in a costly night of accommodation in town. 

When Flying Doctor Community Transport launched in Heathcote in 2018, locals obtained a convenient new way to access vital health care appointments in towns as far away as Bendigo. Instead of asking their family members for a lift, people could now simply book in to use this free transportation service.  

As a result, not only did accessing appointments become so much easier for Community Transport clients, but the service was also able to offer their family members or carers a helping hand – and a much-deserved break. 

Twenty-four-year-old Heathcote local Tara was born with a significant intellectual disability, in addition to a number of medical issues. She attends a day program in Bendigo Monday to Friday, which supports Tara’s independence whilst offering her mum, Jeannie, a little respite.  

“I probably wouldn't have kept Tara in her day program if I'd had to drive her every time,” says Jeannie. “If I was driving her up and picking her up each day, I just wouldn't have time to do anything else.” 

Tara has been using the Flying Doctor Community Transport service to access this program for a few years now, with the service’s community bus taking her into Bendigo every Monday to Thursday. 

“We live a little bit out of Heathcote, so it's much easier having someone come and pick her up, rather than me having to take her in even just to Heathcote,” says Jeannie. “She gets picked up from home and dropped off again. It's been really good and it really helps.” 

Jeannie has got to know many of the service’s volunteer drivers, and has found them all to be caring, patient and professional. 

“Tara is not able to speak, but I get updates [about her trips] from the drivers,” explains Jeannie.  

“All the drivers take such good care of Tara. She's very happy to get on the on the bus when they pull up – she's usually out ready waiting for them.” 

Even Jeannie’s dog, Gemma, is a fan of the service, and will eagerly let the family know as soon as the bus arrives to pick up Tara. 

“She trots out and meets all the drivers, and has to have a pat,” laughs Jeannie. “She’ll bark at them first, so even if I don't hear the bus arrive, I know it's here because Gemma's barking!” 

On Fridays, Tara is able to take the local bus into Bendigo, but the process can be a little difficult for Jeannie. “When she's going on the local bus, I have to take her into town and get her on the bus and someone has to be at the other end to pick her up and get her off the bus, as she can't get on and off independently.  

“With Community Transport, it's much easier and it’s much safer for Tara. I always have real concerns about her safety when she's just travelling by herself. She hasn’t got physical problems, but she's pretty vulnerable, and she wouldn't know to say, ‘Something's going on, I don't like this person sitting next to me’, or whatever. She would be pretty well at people's mercy if they're going to be horrible to her.” 

Jeannie recognises how difficult it can be for people in rural communities like Heathcote to easily prioritise their health care and wellbeing by attending appointments that are well out of town. 

“I don't know how people manage if they don't have a driver’s licence. It's pretty hard to get around Heathcote if you don't have a licence, especially getting into Bendigo for medical appointments and stuff like that.” 

With the support of the Flying Doctor Community Transport service, Jeannie is able to find more time in her day to look after herself, knowing that Tara is in safe and caring hands. 

“I think [Flying Doctor Community Transport] has made a huge difference.” 

Flying Doctor Community Transport expanded to Rochester in 2021 and with funding from Western Victoria PHN, Murray PHN and Gippsland PHN, will expand to eight new sites across Victoria in the next two years. The first two new sites have been confirmed as Warracknabeal (in partnership with Yarriambiack Shire Council) and Numurkah (in partnership with NCN Health). To find out more about this service, including volunteering opportunities, please visit our website.