Activus Transport helps people get out and about in Sutherland Shire
A Sutherland Shire based organisation that helps the elderly and those with disabilities get out and about in the community will hold a Convoy to Cronulla next weekend.
Activus Transport's Convoy to Cronulla on Saturday, March 13, will raise awareness of the service it provides in Sutherland Shire.
Activus Transport, formerly Sutherland Shire Community Transport, offers easy, affordable and convenient transport to help people such as the elderly or those with disabilities get out and about.
Its fleet of 22 modified vehicles, including mini buses, offers space for walking aids, and staff provide assistance to help people get to activities such as appointments, church or visiting family and friends.
Activus Transport's assistant general manager Stephanie McCamley said the aim of the convoy was to show off its fleet and raise awareness of the services it offers.
"A lot of people think we predominantly just do medical appointments but we do so much more than that," she said.
"We do shopping trips, both shopping shuttles and individual shopping services.
"If someone just wants to go out and get their hair done or if they need to take their pet to the vet, we do that.
"We do not say no to anything."
She said their most popular service is the daily social outings, the Scenic Drive & Lunch.
Upcoming trips are planned to the Robertson Hotel on March 17, 18, 22 and 23, and Picton Bowling Club on March 29, 30 and 31. Trips are also planned to Bundeena and Darkes Forest/Helensburgh.
Out and about: Activus Transport runs regular social outings such as its popular Scenic Drive & Lunch events. Picture: Facebook/Activus Transport
All trips within Sutherland Shire cost a flat rate of $20, which is subsidised. Other costs associated with social outings, such as lunch, are additional.
When COVID-19 saw most of its outings ground to a halt last year, the organisation came up with innovative ways to reach out to its clients, including the Friendship Bus Project, to ease the stress of social isolation.
While services have now resumed, vehicles are at 50 per cent capacity.
"We are finding we are putting on some things more often. We have got waiting lists for our social outings because they are so popular," Ms McCamley said.
Ms McCamley said COVID-19 restrictions meant clients could not come aboard the vehicles during the convoy.
Instead, Activus is asking anyone who sees the fleet during the convoy to take a photo and post it to its Facebook page for a chance to win a $100 Eftpos gift card.
The convoy will set off from the Engadine depot at about 9.30am. The convoy will be joined by motorcycle escorts as the fleet makes its way to Don Lucas Reserve at Cronulla. It will arrive at about 11am, in time for a plane flyover.
Ms McCamley said most of its drivers were volunteers and they were currently looking for anyone with an LR licence, necessary to drive minibuses, to join their team.
"Because they are volunteers, some are a little older and didn't come back after COVID," she said.
"You could do a shift a week or we have people who come in once a month."
Details: For more information, to book a social outing, or inquire about becoming a volunteer, phone 8555 0000.