Transport organisation has thrived through aged care funding challenges

The changes in State Government funding, plus the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) on the Gold Coast just over 12 months ago, have been challenging to VCG Transport Services.

Chief Executive Officer, Simon Nugus, has brought huge expertise to his new role with a background in the disability sector and knowledge in building community connections, which has contributed to the community transport service’s continued success. 

Mr Nugus is extremely proud of these results and has recognised the efforts made by staff and volunteers to achieve this outcome.

“VGC has had to overcome some obstacles this year but in the end has achieved some amazing results,” says Mr Nugus. 

“I am very proud of the work that the whole VGC team has put in this year that has allowed us to attain this level of growth and look forward to what the future holds for the organisation.”

The next big challenge for VGC is recruiting more volunteer drivers which will assist with the ever increasing demand for community transport services. 

Mr Nugus says, “We are currently on the lookout for more volunteer drivers to join our team. Volunteer Drivers are an integral part in our organisation and we would not be able to provide our services to the Gold Coast community without them.”

Volunteering plays a huge role in the success of VGC and Volunteering Services Australia (VSA).

By having volunteers support the multiple projects being implemented next year, VGC are able to truly make a difference in their local communities, particularly in the aged care sector.

Not only do VGC provide community transport for My Aged Care recipients, they are also heavily involved in the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS).  

The CVS program, funded to VSA, is an initiative of the Department of Health which aims to address loneliness and isolation amongst aged care recipients by utilising volunteer visitors to meet with recipients on an ongoing basis to provide low-intensity and non-specialised companionship.

The scheme is extremely important as the Australian population ages, many older Australian’s living longer and in many cases becoming socially and/or physically isolated because of their geographic location or their family circumstances.

The CVS provides endless benefits to older Australians, such as improving the quality of life for both the recipient and the volunteer on many levels. 

It encourages social interaction and engagement which can be life-changing for those older Australians combating loneliness and isolation in their own homes or nursing homes.

Volunteering Gold Coast Transport has been providing volunteering services and community transport on the Gold Coast for over 20 years. 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver you can apply by visiting Volunteer Gold Coast Transport’s website, or if you would like more information on the CVS, visit here or phone Catherine Howe on 07 5526 0688.