Dispelling myths about Bathurst Community Transport

CEO Catherine Parnell spoke at the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association's (CPSA) meeting on Thursday, giving people an insight into the wide-ranging services the organisation offers.

"Bathurst Community Transport offers transport to aged clients and transport disadvantaged in the Bathurst region," she said.

"I want to dispel the myth that it's only for pensioners. Transport is available to anyone over the age of 65, they can still be driving around."

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Ms Parnell said people can use the service to travel to Sydney if they aren't confident driving on their own, or even as a temporary measure to get around if they are recovering from an injury and can't drive.

Drivers can take clients to medical appointments, to the shops and to visit family, with people needing to make bookings in advance.

Bathurst Community Transport also arranges social trips every Tuesday, which take people on outings to places within a 100-kilometre radius of Bathurst.

"Since COVID, we've been doing regular small groups, so we could be COVID-safe and still get people out, because one of the most important things is people still get out and maintain their independence," Ms Parnell said.

The trips and other services, including the radiation bus, make a "massive" difference for people in the community.

"It means people can stay at home longer, it means that people are happier and healthier," Ms Parnell said.

Bathurst Community Transport is also willing to discuss options for people under the age of 65 who are transport disadvantaged.

To find out more about the service, including opportunities to volunteer, call 6331 3322.

Bathurst CPSA has guest speakers at its meetings on a regular basis and the group is always open to taking on new members.

People who would like to join the CPSA can contact Brian Cowan on 6331 9151 or send an email to bathurstcpsa@bigpond.com.

The annual membership fee for the CPSA is $15, due on the anniversary month of joining.

Meetings are held monthly at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre.

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