Volunteers drive community connection
Every Thursday afternoon for the past 14 years, Roger Colsey and Ralph Walker have been the friendly faces who greet passengers on the Mitcham Community Bus hills run.
Joined by Brenda Crilley 10 months ago, the trio are familiar to the many hills residents who rely on the bus for weekly shopping and social outings.
Each week they meet at Mitcham Community Centre to run through bookings and plan their route, before making the journey up Belair Road towards Blackwood.
Along the way, they stop to collect passengers, help them to their seats and stow walkers and shopping bags.
The bus stops in the centre of Blackwood where the group disembarks before shopping, then enjoying hot scones and tea at the Brackendale Tea Room.
Ralph knows all his passengers’ names and pick-up locations.
“I help with navigation, logistics and getting people on and off the bus,” he said. “I enjoy it – I like helping people; it can be very rewarding.”
Roger joined as a volunteer 16 years ago, driving the ‘plains run’ for two years before switching to the hills.
“I enjoy the challenge of hills driving and I enjoy volunteering – it’s an important part of my week,” he said. “We get to know our passengers and there’s always a friendly interaction, people thanking us for driving safely and for the service, which is nice. It’s not a one-way street – it’s rewarding for both passengers and volunteers.”
Brenda added the role to her volunteering duties at the Cumberland Park Community Centre social Tuesday afternoons.
“It’s nice saying hello to everyone and they’re a lovely group of people, so I enjoy being able to help.”
Blackwood resident Dawn moved to South Australia from Queensland two years ago and has welcomed the community bus service.
“I don’t have a car, and I wouldn’t be able to get my groceries if it weren’t for the volunteers on this bus,” she said. “They are absolutely amazing – it’s a service that is needed.”
The Mitcham Community Bus is looking for more volunteers to support a second hills bus run. If you are interested, please contact City of Mitcham’s volunteer coordinator on 1300 133 466 or email volunteering@mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au