Launched in November, stage one of a three-stage Wimmera Southern Mallee Community Transport Service is a weekly Wednesday service which, for a small contribution, brings residents of Kaniva, Nhill, Jeparit, Dimboola and Pimpinio into Horsham to access non-emergency medical and human services appointments, access other transport and maintain a social connection.

Centre for Participation project co-ordinator Christine Picone said the service would begin monthly trips to Horsham on a Saturday from this week. 

She said plans were also in place to offer an Edenhope to Horsham service and an after-hours service enabling Wimmera Health Care Group patients to return home.

“Our region is large, with minimal transport options for those who live in rural and remote areas,” Ms Picone said.

“This community transport service has been established to provide and option to better connect our communities. 

“A key highlight of our Kaniva to Horsham service is that we are a direct connection to the V/Line bus terminal in Horsham for those wishing to travel further on to Ballarat or Melbourne.

“We can also arrange to collect you on your return trip, on a Wednesday, and get you back to your home town with minimal wait time.” 

Volunteer drivers man the service.

“It is not only for appointments or for older passengers; we’d like to welcome younger people and those who would like a social outing,” she said.

A joint Centre for Participation and Transport for Victoria project, staff have worked hard since 2014 to get the service off the ground after identifying a transport gap in the region.

Ms Picone said people wanting more information, or to book a seat, could phone the Centre for Participation on 1800 952 211.