NEWS DESK
Award for seniors’ travel group Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au A VOLUNTEER transport service which goes out of its way to get seniors out and about on the Mornington Peninsula has won an Age-Friendly Victoria award. Peninsula Transport Assist president Neil Toyne accepted the honour at a ceremony at Government House earlier this month. The service was formed to overcome two issues affecting peninsula residents without transport: the second highest proportion of elderlies in Victoria and the second lowest level of public transport. Added to this is the low proportion of taxis to residents. These factors combine to make getting around a tall order for a significant proportion of the population and a challenge for PTA organisers Neil Toyne, Andrew Morse and Don Reeves. To get things rolling, the trio registered the service as a charity in 2013 and formed a working partnership with the shire, the Brotherhood of St Laurence, and Mornington Peninsula Primary Care Partnership. They found that many community organisations had 12-seater buses that often sat idle due to a lack of volunteers, and mulled over challenges relating to training and managing a volunteer workforce. Now the service has 50 volunteer drivers, four buses, and another 11 vehicles listed on a bus registry. “We often underestimate how
Peninsula protector: Peter Holloway was passionate about heritage.
Heritage expert dies
All aboard: Peninsula Transport Assist members Neil Toyne, Sue Worlley, David Calder, Clare Harwood, Andrew Morse, Michael Hillier and Rita Kontos celebrate their win.
important the ability to travel is to a person’s quality of life,” PTA treasurer Andrew Morse said. “Most people don’t give a second thought about their ability to drive a car, catch a train or order a taxi. “But, for those who experience transport disadvantage, their inability to get around may leave them feeling disempowered, alone and unable to access basic services. “Our service pools community resources together. By enabling community organisations to drive further for cheaper, we help combat transport disadvantage throughout Frankston
and the Mornington Peninsula.” Mr Morse said the service enjoyed a 300 per cent jump in demand last year. In the Peninsula Transport Assist model a volunteer driver, in their own vehicle, picks up clients from their home to take them to medical, social or other engagements. “The flow-on effects of this are yet to be quantified but would represent a significant value to the community,” Mr Morse said. Volunteer drivers use their own cars to transport older people by using a central booking system and are reim-
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Mornington News 25 October 2016
bursed for kilometres travelled. “I think it’s important to highlight the value to our community of the ‘pooled’ bus model,” Mr Morse said. “It’s a win/win situation where our community benefits from the use of idle buses and these organisations receive a financial return that they would not otherwise receive.” As well as a volunteer committee, the service employs three part-time administration staff. “The service shows how we can make our communities more age-friendly, enabling older people to maintain their autonomy, social engagement, civic participation and wellbeing,” Mr Morse said.
MORNINGTON Peninsula identity Peter Holloway has passed away after a battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Mr Holloway, president of the Mornington Peninsula branch of the National Trust of Australia, was a respected advocate of heritage on the peninsula, and had an in-depth knowledge of the area’s history. Past president Judy Walsh will step into the role of acting president of the National Trusts’ peninsula branch. Ms Walsh said Mr Holloway’s death was a sad loss. “Peter was well known for the retention of heritage on the Mornington Peninsula,” she said. Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Graham Pittock said Mr Holloway was an “exceptional help” in heritage issues and had become a good friend, despite unsuccessfully standing against him in two past council elections. “He was always honourable in defeat,” Cr Pittock said. Liz Bell
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Family and we work closely with you to help you acheive your personal health & fitness goals. Curves is different to a traditional gym. We offer convenient, 30 minute, TOTAL body workouts with a Curves coach in a safe and welcoming environment. Circuits are designed for women of ALL ages and abilities to enjoy. It’s the fun, fast and effective way to get fit. AND this October we are launching our NEW Box & tone Speciality Circuits. Get Fit, Tone Up, Lose Weight, Have Fun and Feel Great! What more could you ask for? Right now you can join Curves Mornington for only $20. And we’ll donate this fee to Cancer Council’s Pink Ribbon to support the fight against women’s cancers. Make your Health & Fitness a Priority and Do Something Amazing this October - Join Curves Mornington. To find out more or to book your First Consultation please call Curves Mornington on 5975 5526, visit us at www.curvesmornington.com. au or drop into our centre in MIP - Unit 33/1140 Nepean Highway. (behind moor room)