o Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (centre) at the bus launch with Lions John O’Donnell and David Dugan.
The strength and community spirit of Trangie was epitomised last Thursday at the official launch of the Lions’ Club bus.
With no public transport available to the town’s people, the Lions Club has filled the void by recently buying a bus for the use of all sectors of the community.
Sponsors, patrons, community and Lions’ members, the mayor and the federal member for Parkes Mark Coulton and his wife Robyn, all gathered to officially christen what has been labelled as an extremely successful project.
One of the main drivers behind the initiative David Dugan said at the launch he was thrilled the community project had become a reality.
“I would like to thank our guests (here today), and the people who put money in to make this happen,” Mr Dugan beamed.
“Without sponsors we would never have got this project off the ground.
“This bus is probably the first of its kind in regards to a community-based project I’ve heard of, so to get it up and running during the past couple of months, and to see the success of it already is a very fulfilling thing for myself and the Lions Club members and those in the community who have invested; the need for this bus was obviously there for it to be such a used item,” he said.
Mr Coulton said it was a great honour for he and his wife Robyn to attend the launch of such an impressive and successful community project.
“The great irony of my job is that more often the less services that are provided by the government for a community, the stronger the community is,” Mr Coulton admitted.
“The short time I’ve been representing the people of Trangie, I’ve certainly got an understanding of what a strong community this is. This bus is a great idea and it will definitely be a catalyst to bring the community together.
“I think that its uses are only limited by your imagination and I congratulate everyone involved, you should be very proud of yourselves,” Mr Coulton said.
Narromine Shire Council mayor Bill McAnally reiterated Mr Coulton’s comments.
“I take my hat off to David and the Lions Club,” councillor McAnally said.
“This project shows the wonderful community spirit we have got in town and to see the bus very well used and patronised already, it is wonderful.”
According to local Lions Club president John O’Donnell the main aim of the bus is to help with the well-being of those people living on properties.
“The idea is of ‘mates helping mates’, with the Lions bringing families into town for respite; a problem shared is a problem halved,” he said.
The Trangie Lions Club would like to thank the people of Trangie and others who have donated towards the bus and look forward to seeing its success and patronage grow.
What do you think of the initiative?
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