A NEW committee has taken over control of Cohuna’s community bus.
President Max Fehring said there had been a lot of change in community services provided by Gannawarra Council and other service providers.
“This has come about by a combination of decisions taken by the federal, state and local councils reviewing their service provisions within their budgets,” Mr Fehring said.
“The result has seen the Cohuna community bus, initially purchased by the Shire of Cohuna and the community, return to the incorporated community bus committee.
“A new set of office bearers was elected in August, along with a committee of various members of community groups who have taken on the responsibility of operating the bus.”
Mr Fehring said for at least the past 30 years, the town has been fortunate to have a 16-seater community bus. The bus has a lifting device that allows people with mobility disabilities to enter and leave the bus “comfortably and safely”.
Since the creation of the shire, the community bus has been under the management jointly of the shire and Cohuna District Hospital.
Mr Fehring said the community bus hasd been part of the activities within Cohuna and the surrounding districts, bringing together groups for day-care activities, localised bus trips, providing outings and non-profit group activities.
“It is the intention and desire of the new committee to continue providing these services,” he said.
“The key to all of this is our volunteer drivers, who offer their time and expertise to ensure that the bus arrives on time to take the local community people to their destination. The committee is studying the Cohuna communities and surrounding area’s needs to understand further our community’s demographics and the required transport needs.
“The study will involve all the community groups to ensure we know the community’s requirements best.”
Me Fehring said there would also be the challenge of financial sustainability, as the bus required a high standard of maintenance.
“This will require a review of the current fees charged for the bus hire, which have not been changed in many years,” he said.
“Much credit must go to the previous management of the community bus who were able to transfer reasonable financial reserves, which will be required to replace the community bus at the appropriate time.
“The bus will be garaged in its current position at the rear of the memorial hall in the agreement reached with the council.”
Joining Mr Fehring on the executive committee are vice-president Anne Graham, secretary Margot Henty, treasurer Joy Cassid and nine general members.
“The executive and the new committee see a positive future for the community bus activities,” Mr Fehring said.
“Our recent national Census indicates we have an older population who will seek to be involved in the community for as long as possible.
“Undoubtedly, the community bus will play a role in the social wellbeing of our community.
“There will be an upcoming review and survey of the bus activities. The committee will encourage everyone to participate, put forward their ideas and express their views.
“The community owns the bus and aims to be of benefit to them.”
