Bring back the Bendigo Community Car

Most councils provide a community car . The Bendigo community car was available to people unable to access public transport and could only be used for shopping, getting to & from social activity etc.

The city council have cancelled the community car saying it is too expensive to run. This is is despite volunteers doing the driving and users of the car contributing to the petrol. Suggestions have included using a Taxi Card - still horrendously expensive even at half price if the user lives at Lockwood, Strathfieldsaye etc, or home shopping with home delivery - great if you have the internet and a credit card (most senior citizens don't), and have you ever tried to navigate the online purchase for the supermarkets?

The council will rely on the family to provide transport, making an assumption that everyone has family available. Council have said they will provide support by providing someone who can take the person shopping. How can a Paid worker who will take the person shopping for 1-2 hours be more cost effective, not to mention there is a long waiting list to be included in this service. Research has shown that social activity and maintaining an independent life style help prevent depression and dementia.

Please get on board and voice your protest to Bendigo City Council.