The Rochester and Elmore District Health Service community transport program will benefit from a cash boost courtesy of the Great Postie Bike Adventure, which will take place this month.
Event co-ordinator Dick Phillips of Echuca will be raising much-needed funds for Echuca Regional Health and REDHS during the ride from February 23 to 25.
Up to 50 postie bikes will travel through the alpine region in north-east Victoria, travelling a total of 600km to raise funds for these critical local health services.
“In 2005, we started giving money to ERH, where we bought a couple of oncology chairs,” Mr Phillips said.
“We have continued to support ERH, providing scholarships for oncology nursing students, which was for seven people.”
This year, the money will be split between ERH and REDHS.
ERH will use the funds for its mental health and wellbeing support program.
REDHS will purchase a new Toyota HiAce disability access commuter bus to support patients with free transport to medical appointments.
The need for assistance with transport has increased significantly since the floods in Rochester in October 2022.
REDHS chief executive Karen Laing said she was thrilled with the additional funding that would be donated to the hospital.
“There are a total of 800 clients accessing community care and allied health services whose usual place of residence is Rochester and surrounds. A review of REDHS clients confirmed the need for additional community transport options,” Ms Laing said.
“Many of these people have indicated they do not currently have personal transport and are unable to travel to their appointments.
“Having an additional commuter bus with a wheelchair/disability access lift will help those clients access their health care needs more easily.
“The community transport service is a community resource provided by REDHS in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which supports not just REDHS’ clients but also enhances opportunities for community involvement for our ageing population.
“This is now more important than ever as they recover from the distressing events of the last 18 months.”
Mr Phillips explained his motivation for getting behind the event.
“In 2005, we started an event called the Murray Meander, which was a boating event that was initially only meant to be for three years; we ended up doing that for 13 years,” he said.
“The best thing about this opportunity is to get like-minded people together, have a heap of fun and raise money for two hospitals before we start the event. And to know that you are helping men with cancer or people who live with a mental illness.”
Participants are drawn from all states and must raise a total of $1800 in donations or sponsorship, as it is the main source of funding.
Event organiser Horizon Committee is a registered charity and has been involved in fundraising for cancer and health support services since 2004, raising over $2.5 million through the Murray Charity Meander, Echuca Moama’s Biggest Ever Blokes lunch, Little Blue Towels project and Great Postie Bike Adventure.
Horizon has supported ERH and staff for 20 years, funding equipment, training and cancer support services.
The Rochester area was devastated by flooding in late 2022, requiring all services to be provided from other sites until the hospital is rebuilt.
Donations can be made through the event’s GoFundMe page https://gofund.me/9037f031 or contact event co-ordinator Dick Phillips on 0458 802 211 or at dp.echuca@bigpond.com