Minister praises dedicated volunteers

Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell today paid tribute to a dedicated group of residents in the Beaudesert region who volunteer their time to transport people to and from hospitals and medical appointments.

In a ceremony at the Beaudesert RSL Club, Mr Purcell presented certificates and trophies of appreciation to 10 volunteer drivers for the work they do on behalf of the Beaudesert community.

In a service run through the Beaudesert RSL Sub-Branch, a group of about a dozen volunteer drivers provides a service that takes pensioners, and people who cannot access private transport, to medical appointments.

Trips are made daily, in either a car or mini-bus to major medical facilities in Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast. The Sub-Branch meets the operational costs of the trips.

Mr Purcell thanked the Beaudesert RSL Sub-Branch for its invaluable support of the service.

“The service offered by the volunteer drivers, which has been running for about six years, is a massive help to residents of the local region. It is a fantastic example of a community coming together to look after its own.

“I thank all those involved in the service for their ongoing efforts, and congratulate them on the assistance they provide to the people of the Beaudesert region.

“The members of the Sub-Branch deserve the highest praise for their financial and administrative support of the service. The drivers and the organisers should be commended for their selfless dedication to assisting others.

“The great service offered by the volunteer drivers takes a load off the Queensland Ambulance Service, freeing up ambulance personnel for urgent cases.

“The Beaudesert Local Ambulance Committee has also provided significant support to the service, and I thank them for their efforts,” Mr Purcell concluded.

Media contacts: Tim Shipstone 07 3247 8194, 0409 620 571;
Daniel Landon 07 3247 8992, 0437 837 976.