- Minister for Public Transport
The Andrews Labor Government is helping to keep communities across the Wimmera connected, with support for a community transport program to continue.
Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne today visited the region to announce a $50,000 investment for the Wimmera Southern Mallee Transport Program to continue for another two years, reducing social exclusion and promoting community connection throughout the region.
The program, which is run by the Centre for Participation in partnership with West Wimmera Shire, delivers a return door-to-door community transport program between Kaniva and Horsham.
Volunteer drivers pick up passengers from their homes in Kaniva, Nhill, Dimboola and Pimpinio on the way to Horsham every Wednesday, transporting them to designated pickup points along the Western Highway to connect with bus services to Horsham - with Saturday services also provided once a month.
The program allows residents from these communities to access medical appointments, educational opportunities and recreation activities in Horsham. The service is made possible with the use of the West Wimmera Shire minibus and the Centre for Participation's own vehicle.
The Labor Government's support has been provided through the Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program, which was established in 2018 to support small-scale local transport initiatives and innovative transport solutions across the state.
For more information about the Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program, visit transport.vic.gov.au/FLTSP.
As noted by Minister for Public Transport Melissa Horne
"Programs like the Wimmera Southern Mallee Transport Program are vital to keep country communities connected; making it easier for people to get to important medical appointments, keep in touch with friends and go shopping."
"We're proud to be working with the Centre for Participation, West Wimmera Shire Council and their volunteer drivers to help reduce feelings of isolation and exclusion and promote positive community connections."
