Cobram Uniting Church Badminton Club co-ordinator Julie Frazer presenting Flying Doctor Community Transport Cobram, Numurkah and Robinvale branch manager Shirley Coonerty with a donation from the club.
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“The community makes it possible. Every donation matters.”
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Those are the words of Flying Doctor Community Transport Cobram, Numurkah and Robinvale branch manager Shirley Coonerty after the Cobram Uniting Church Badminton Club donated $500 to help keep the service running.
“Groups like the Cobram Uniting Church Badminton Club are the reason we can keep volunteer drivers on the road and vulnerable community members connected to care,” Mrs Coonerty said.
“Community Transport is entirely donor-funded — as a charity, we simply couldn’t run this service without the generosity of local groups and individuals who step up to support it.”
Cobram Uniting Church Badminton Club co-ordinator Julie Frazer said the club played every Wednesday from April to September, with players contributing $3 per game.
“A lot of church members are elderly and use the service, and we thought it would be good to put something towards keeping it running,” she said.
Ms Frazer said she has been involved with the club for more than 30 years and described it as a “fellowship”.
“I’ve always enjoyed it. We all enjoy meeting each week for games, a chat and a coffee,” she said.
Mrs Coonerty said the community’s response when FDCT vehicles were temporarily off the road showed just how much Cobram valued the service.
“Volunteers, local organisations, police and community members rallied around us, helping ensure clients could continue reaching their appointments without disruption,” she said.
“I couldn’t walk into a shop or service in Cobram without hearing how much community transport means to the community.
“Our volunteers received the same feedback from clients, so it was wonderful to reassure people that the service did not miss a beat, thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the swift support of RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service) headquarters.”
FDCT provides free, volunteer-driven transport for vulnerable Victorians to get to essential medical, health and social support appointments they would otherwise struggle to access.
The service began operating in Cobram in July 2023 and, together with the Numurkah community transport site, has now delivered close to 20,000 free trips.
“We’re deeply grateful for this support, and we’d encourage other local groups and businesses to get behind community transport too — whether through donations or volunteering as a driver,” Mrs Coonerty said.
Those interested in becoming a volunteer driver, or who need transport, can contact the FDCT on 03 7046 4664.
The Cobram Uniting Church Badminton Club players at the last game for the year on Wednesday, September 30.
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