Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Beneficiary - November 2005 Newcastle Community Health Transport Service

Health Transport Service

The Newcastle Community Health Transport Service is a local not-for profit organisation providing transport to the frail, aged and disabled. Transport is provided to these groups for medical appointments, recreational activities and other community related needs.

The service maintains a fleet of vehicles (4 buses and 1 sedan) and is well managed and supported doing 11,500 trips in 2004/05. There is a real need in the community for transport to medical facilities.

Traditionally Newcastle Community Transport has replaced or upgraded its vehicle fleet through optional passenger fares. However it is becoming increasingly difficult to raise sufficient funds to cover these costs, as the clients are increasingly unable to contribute to this service due to financial difficulty.

The service will use Newcastle Permanents Charitable Foundation grant to replace their 10 year old sedan with a new Holden Commodore. This vehicle will be used to provide personal door to door transport for those requiring access to essential medical facilities.

The benefits of this funding are significant, not only for the targeted individuals, but also for their family and friends.