VOLUNTEERS being a valuable resource in our community, the Gannawarra Times has met with two volunteer drivers from Northern District Community Health (NDCH) .
Cohuna local Jan Holderhead has been driving hot fresh meals around to residents for nine years and the former hairdresser says ehe loves the opportunity to give back to the community.
It is something she had aspired to do when she was working and thought it would be a great thing to do when she finished working.
Ms Holderhead said she had been involved in the school canteen and the footy club for a few years and enjoyed helping and giving back.
“Sometimes we are the only ones who might visit for the day or even the week as they (the clients) might not have relatives in the town or anything – it’s quite sad really,” Ms Holderhead said.
“It’s just nice to see the faces brighten up for the time we are there.
“The only problem is they want to have a good chat, but you have more hot meals to deliver, so you feel awful as you back out the door.
“It is a lovely service for the town, and we are very lucky to have it here.”
Another important aspect of the meal-delivery service is checking on clients to make sure they are okay and if there is an issue reporting back to the hospital for follow-up.
Meals on Wheels is not the only service on offer that needs volunteers to ensure continued functioning.
Gannawarra Non-Emergency Transport Service (GNETS) provides a flexible, safe and regulated transport alternative for Gannawarra Shire residents to attend medical appointments.
Liama Paul is just one of the volunteers helping to provide this service,.
Ms Paul moved to the Kerang district in 1977, before that having spent time as a taxi driver in Melbourne, and said it was “three and a half years of my life I would never give up for anything”.
She has returned to that passion in her retirement as a driver for GNETS and for the past 13 years has been driving those who are no longer able to do so for themselves so that they can attend appointments as far afield as Shepparton.
Ms Paul said she really enjoyed doing it and had made quite a few friends.
“I also have my favorites,” Ms Paul said.
“Last year and the year before I did more than 60 runs each year.
“We take the clients to their appointments and make sure they are in the right place at the right time, then take them somewhere for a bite to eat and a drink and bring them home again.
“I really enjoy doing it.
“I’m retired and I’m not involved in a lot of other things so am available to help out a couple of times a week.
“It’s good to be able to help out people who can’t drive anymore.
“If GNETS wasn’t there it would be really hard to find somebody to take them.”
Meals on Wheels and GNETS are just two of the many services run by NDCH that are in need of volunteers.
For more information on community volunteer opportunities visit www.ndch.org.au
