Access All Areas for Mid North Passengers

The Mid North Community Passenger Network has added a wheelchair access vehicle to its fleet, making its services more inclusive for community members.

The service now has eight vehicles, driven by community volunteers, who assist their frail, elderly, isolated or those with a disability who do not have access to transport to attend medical appointments locally or in the metropolitan area.

The Mid North Community Passenger Network is a not-for-profit community organisation which covers the local government areas of the Clare & Gilbert Valleys, Adelaide Plains, Goyder and Wakefield Council districts – an area of about 12,280 square kilometres.

The new VW Caddy with wheelchair access will add another dimension to the service.

Network Transport Coordinator Damien Graham said plans were made about three months ago to discuss the possibility of introducing a wheelchair access vehicle to the fleet to expand available services.

“We did some research and contacted Les Brazier Special Vehicles in Edinburgh North and they helped us choose the VW Caddy because of its size and ease of operation,” Mr Graham said.

About 15 volunteer drivers attended a training session recently on the use of the wheelchair access ramp and fittings.

“I would like to thank Peter from Les Brazier’s for coming here and showing us how to use the vehicle,” Mr Graham said.

The VW Caddy will be based in Clare at this stage, but client demand will determine where it may move to – the five-seater vehicle is available for use by clients throughout the region.

Volunteers are always welcome to join the team and enquiries for both volunteering and passengers wishing to use the service can be made with Coordinator Damien Graham on 8842 1677 or mobile: 0400 691 167 / email: cpn@cgvc.sa.gov.au.

Image Source: Mid North Community Passenger Network Coordinator Damien Graham with the new VW Caddy Wheelchair Access Vehicle.