Q&A with Community Transport Volunteer Peter
Peter has become a familiar and trusted face for many of the people he supports through our Community Transport program. As one of our volunteer drivers, Peter helps clients reach important health appointments – whether it’s seeing a GP, a specialist or receiving ongoing treatment, Peter brings genuine care to every journey.
What inspired you to volunteer with the Flying Doctor?
I remember 40 years ago watching a documentary about the Royal Flying Doctors in the outback with their care and commitment looking after patients, getting them to a medical facility. I thought it would be great to help in some way. Then the opportunity came up to be a volunteer team member to transport clients to their medical appointments, so I grabbed the chance and thoroughly enjoy it.
Can you describe a typical volunteer shift in Community Transport? Is there such a thing?
On a typical day I am up at 6:30am, eat breakfast and then go into town to pick-up a vehicle. I check the phone for clients and their locations, pick-up the client and drop them off at their appointment. I grab a cup of coffee while I wait and then take them home again.
I do that 2 to 3 times a day. Then I fuel up, give the vehicle a wash and finish the day knowing that the RFDS had done a great job organising my roster.
How do you think the Flying Doctor is making a difference for people in the community?
With the cost of living high, a lot of pension clients cannot afford the cost of transport or are unable to drive. The RFDS fill that void, especially when family are unable to help. The clients are very appreciative.
What’s been the most rewarding moment for you since joining the team?
The most rewarding thing about working with the RFDS is being able to help clients get to appointments, listen to their life’s journey, because a lot of them are living on their own and don’t have the opportunity to get out. They want to show you their appreciation by offering you a cup of coffee or making a donation to the RFDS. Another rewarding thing is when the general public notices the RFDS emblem on your shirt and they thank you for volunteering. It is very rewarding working with the whole RFDS team – a great bunch of people.
What is Flying Doctor Community Transport?
Launched in 2018, Flying Doctor Community Transport provides eligible clients with free transport from home to health appointments.. It is a volunteer-led program, that relies on the generosity of local volunteer drivers.
The service currently operates in ten communities across Victoria including Heathcote, Rochester, Lakes Entrance, Warracknabeal, Numurkah, Cobram, Foster, Central Gippsland, St Arnaud and Robinvale.