News & Events

For long-time Bexley friends Anne, Heather and Gordon – now all in their 90s, Thursdays are the highlight of the week. It is the day they leave their homes, reconnect with friends, enjoy a warm meal, and continue the routines that have shaped their lives for decades. And it is made possible by St George Community’s Individual Transport service.

Many people think community transport is only for medical appointments, but for older people, it can be something far more powerful. It is the difference between staying connected or slowly becoming isolated. Loneliness often creeps in as mobility changes, routines shrink, and confidence behind the wheel fades. A short weekly outing can make an enormous difference.

Anne, Heather & Gordon – Thursdays to Look Forward To

For this trio of longtime friends, the ritual is simple but meaningful. Every Thursday, St George Community driver Lisa collects each of them from home. She knows their preferences and their needs, and she quietly makes small adjustments that make the outing easier. Anne and Gordon both manage better in the front seat, so Lisa drives separate trips to make sure they feel safe and comfortable. These little considerations are part of what makes the service so valued.

The group begins their morning at Penshurst RSL, where they meet other friends for coffee and conversation before lunch at midday. Anne calls it her “only outing for the week”, something she pushes herself to attend because it gives her a reason to get out of the house and stay connected. The sense of community is as important as the meal. They talk, they laugh, and they share memories from their years together in the Salvation Army.

“This is the only outing for the week – it gives me something to look forward to.”

Anne, St George Community client

After lunch, Anne and Heather walk across the road to their hairdresser, where their weekly wash and set has become another anchor in their routine. Simple things like washing or colouring hair can become difficult as shoulders stiffen and lifting arms gets harder. Being able to continue these personal rituals, with dignity and independence, means a great deal.

Heather and her husband Gordon have been using St George Community transport for a few years and found us via My Aged Care. They speak with enormous warmth about Lisa, who has become the familiar face in their week. “She’s a special lady,” Heather says. “She looks after us and makes us feel safe.”

“It’s a godsend to know we can still go where we want to go.”

Heather, St George Community transport client

“More Than Taking Someone from A to B”

Lisa feels the same way about the people she drives:

“For me, being a driver is so much more than taking someone from A to B. I see the difference it makes when people know they have something to look forward to, and someone they can rely on to get there safely. Over time you get to know their stories, their routines and their little quirks, and they become like extended family. I try to make sure they feel comfortable and unhurried, whether that means an extra stop, helping with bags or making sure they get their favourite seat in the car. It is a privilege to help people stay independent and still do the things that matter to them.”

Lisa, St George Community Driver

The outings are not always straightforward. Doctors sometimes run hours behind, medications need collecting, and schedules often shift. But each week, the Thursday routine remains steady. With Lisa at the wheel and the club, coffee and hairdresser on the itinerary, Anne, Heather and Gordon know they can still enjoy the things that matter to them.

Keeping Independence & Connection Alive

For individuals who no longer drive or are unable to use public transport, this kind of support is essential. It maintains independence in a safe way, without relying entirely on family or neighbours. For Anne, whose fall at home led to months in hospital, knowing she can get out safely matters a great deal. “I love going for a ride,” she says. “I don’t drive anymore, so this is how I get out.”

These are not dramatic trips. They are not bucket-list adventures. They are ordinary moments that become extraordinary in their impact. A coffee with friends. A chat with the hairdresser. A familiar seat in a local club. Gentle laughter with people who have walked through decades of life together.

“Transport is not just about kilometres travelled. It is about connection, purpose and belonging.”

St George Community is proud to help make days like these possible. Sometimes, it is as simple as giving three old friends the chance to keep doing what they have always done, together.

Find Out More

If you or someone you care for could benefit from regular outings, social visits or help to get to appointments, our Individual Transport service may be able to help. To find out more, call our team on (02) 9585 3000 or get in touch online.