Volunteer drivers recognised for dedication to community in inaugural awards

• Fifty-six Community Transport Service volunteers have been recognised for their contribution to their local communities.
• St John WA presented five-year service awards, as well as awards for volunteers who have dedicated 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 hours of service across the year.
• One volunteer driver achieved more than 2500 hours of service in the past year.

The inaugural Community Transport Award Ceremony was held on Saturday, 28 October, to celebrate significant individual service milestones, including five years of volunteering as well as 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 hours of service over the past year. 

 SJWA Chief Emergency Officer Brendon Brodie-Hall congratulated each volunteer for their hard work and dedication in helping to improve the lives of elderly residents and community members living with disability.

“Volunteers have been at the heart of St John since day one, and it is these people who selflessly give their time which enable us to support the wellbeing of the wider community,” he said.

“We know it is crucial for health and community participation to have access to safe and reliable transport, which can be a barrier for many people and is why the Community Transport Service exists.

“Our 464 CTS volunteer drivers throughout the metropolitan and country areas help remove this barrier and reduce stress by providing reliable door-to-door transport people can book ahead of time for peace of mind.

“On behalf of the people of WA, I am delighted to recognise and thank the 56 award recipients for their outstanding service, as well as the selfless contribution of all our volunteers who make this valuable service possible.”

Among the 14 volunteers recognised for dedicating more than 1000 hours each in the past 12 months was driver Graham Locker, who clocked up 2500 hours of service – the equivalent of a full-time job.

In the past year, CTS volunteers alleviated residents’ social isolation by completing more than 72,500 hours total over nearly 50,000 trips to appointments and activities across the Goldfields, Southwest, Wheatbelt, Great Southern and Perth metropolitan.

Every driver is trained in first aid and CTS vehicles are equipped with first aid supplies, including automated defibrillators.

The service can be booked at least 24 hours in advance and extends to carers and companions, who travel for no cost.

CTS is part of SJWA’s commitment to building a strong and resilient Western Australia and supported by St John Giving.

People interested in volunteering as a CTS driver can find out more at: stjohnwa.com.au/changelives/volunteer

Or to book a CTS vehicle visit: stjohnwa.com.au/ambulance-and-health-services/transport-services