Individual Transport Co-ordinator Rufina Silveira, who has been with SESCT since 2006, is excited about the new program. “As of July, we will have two new mini-vans in operation,” she said. “The vans – Mercedes Sprinters – can take four people at a time. The vans have been specially modified and fitted with hydraulic lifts and interior spaces for wheelchairs, walkers and luggage. We’re offering the service in the mornings and the afternoons, five days a week.”
Following a short assessment by phone, consumers can make regular bookings over a fortnightly schedule. A trained Driver and Bus Assistant ensure that safety and comfort needs are met. Fares are five dollars, which includes transport to and from a desired destination, with one hour for social or business activity.
“This service is great for people who need regular transport to their local post office, shopping centre, pharmacy, coffee shop, hairdresser, bank or Medicare office,” Ms Silveira said. “We can also arrange for volunteers to accompany consumers if that’s what is needed.”
At present, regular stops have been organised at Southpoint and Eastlakes shopping centres, as well as Bondi Junction, Surry Hills, Eastgate and Marrickville Metro.
Ms Silveira is proud to be part of the professional team at SESCT. “Some people are a little wary at first of making contact with a service like ours. They might imagine it’s a big bus or a very institutional kind of thing,” she said. “But once they’ve experienced it – once they’ve experienced the personal care and the reliability – they find that it’s much better than a taxi.”
Stefano Fodor has worked for three years as a Bus Assistant with SESCT. He usually works three times a week. “I’m always learning from people,” he said, “learning what difficulties and challenges people face every day, particularly those from a non-English-speaking background and those from smaller cultural communities.”
A former lifeguard in Europe with experience in the leisure sector, Stefano appreciates the inclusive values of SESCT and ongoing opportunities for training. “There are clear guidelines for us, as well as encouragement of questions and feedback. Last month I completed a course in support for visually impaired people. It was about gauging just the right level of care and attention – treating every person as a person.”
South East Sydney Community Transport is a not-for-profit community organisation based in Ultimo. The organisation receives the majority of its funding through the Home and Community Care program and as such its main focus is on the provision of transport services to the frail aged, younger people with disabilities and their carers. SESCT offers accessible and affordable transport options for social, shopping and medical trips. Subject to availability, bus hire is also possible. SESCT runs four free shuttle services from Redfern to Broadway and Woolloomooloo.
