The Hopetoun Volunteer Community Taxi Service is an initiative of Rural Northwest Health, the Yarriambiack Shire and Gateway BEET.

The service is for people aged 60 years or more who have difficulty getting around the Hopetoun town boundary.

Rural Northwest Health project manager Jo Martin said the service was introduced in response to a recognised community need.

“We had been hearing stories of elderly Hopetoun people missing appointments or not getting to the shops because of inclement weather or not having access to any mode of transport,” she said.

“By having the service, people can go wherever they like within the town boundary, including the cemetery, and it can be for whatever reason.

“They can go to the shops, a medical appointment, attend seniors citizens or other community group events, visit the cemetery or just to visit a friend.

“It’s entirely up to them.”

Mrs Martin encouraged Hopetoun residents to take advantage of the service during a three-month trial period.

“We have a list of willing volunteers ready to drive people around and we have the resources in place to make it successful,” she said.

“We just need the community to make use of the service so it isn’t lost.”

Mrs Martin said the service would be available every Thursday from this week, between 10.30am and 3.15pm.

She said people could call Gateway BEET on 5083 3001 at least one day prior to using the service to make a booking.

“People can use the service more than once for the day,” she said.

“For example, they might want to go to the doctor, then the butcher, then the supermarket.

“The taxi will take them to each location for a single fee of a gold coin donation.

“But the taxi driver won’t be staying with them or helping with their shopping. They will call back to pick them up when they are ready.”

Mrs Martin said the service would be trialled until Christmas and, if successful, would continue indefinitely.