More than a ride: How community transport keeps Grace connected

Grace enjoys being at home.

She’s close to her family and friends, who regularly pop in to visit, and a range of supports helps her continue living independently. She receives help with cleaning, personal care, physiotherapy, meal delivery and list shopping.

But while these services help Grace live well at home, transport helps her get beyond her front door.

It’s what gets her to the places, people and activities that make her week feel full.

Giving up the car, not her independence

About 12 months ago, Grace decided to give up driving.

After seeing a news story about an older driver who accidentally accelerated into a family, she began thinking about her own driving.

“I thought, if that happened to me… I said to my doctor, ‘I think I’m going to give up driving.’”

She hasn’t looked back.

“People say, ‘Oh, don’t you miss driving?’ I say no. I like people driving me around. I don’t miss the responsibility.”

Giving up the car didn’t mean Grace wanted to stop going places. It simply meant she needed another way to get there.

That’s where Burnie Brae community transport has become such an important part of her independence.

A reason to get out the door

Grace uses Burnie Brae transport for her regular doctor and hair appointments and social outings.

She comes along to Burnie Brae’s Club Respite (day respite centre in Chermside) several days a week – Mondays and Wednesdays for her favourite entertainers and mystery drives, Thursdays for craft group and Saturdays for supported outings – everything from beach trips, op shopping, seeing local attractions and attending community events with friends.

For Grace, transport makes these plans possible.

It’s not just about arriving at Club Respite. It’s the social connection that happens because she can get there – chatting with other people, joining activities, enjoying entertainment and getting out into the community.

“I read in a book that if you’re feeling down, having something to look forward to makes a difference. That’s been Burnie Brae for me. I’ll be at home thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to Burnie Brae tomorrow.’”

Having reliable transport means Grace can make those plans with confidence.

She knows she has a way to get there, and a way to get home again.

The journey matters too

For Grace, getting out and about isn’t always straightforward. She uses a walker and experiences occasional vertigo, so having someone there to help her from the front door to her destination makes a real difference.

She remembers one frightening moment when she nearly fell backwards while navigating some steps.

“It happened so quickly. If I had gone backwards down the steps…”

That’s another reason she values Burnie Brae’s transport service. The support doesn’t stop when she gets into the vehicle.

“I find taxi doors heavy. But with Burnie Brae, the drivers are wonderful. They look after you. They have the walkers there for you, open the door…”

The familiar drivers have become part of the experience too.

“Tim, David and Michael – all the Burnie Brae drivers are lovely.”

For Grace, the people who get her there are just as important as the places they take her.

Keeping Grace connected

Grace’s other supports help make it possible for her to remain safely and comfortably at home. But transport gives her the freedom to keep doing the things she enjoys outside the home.

It connects her home to Club Respite, appointments, outings, the hairdresser, friends and her wider community.

And that connection matters.

“It would be terrible for me to just live in a little house on my own. Burnie Brae has made my life.”

Knowing Grace has reliable transport also gives her daughters and grandchildren peace of mind. They know she can get out, stay connected and enjoy her independence.

“I’m not a burden to anyone and I’m happy with what I’m doing.”

For Grace, community transport is much more than a way to get from A to B.

It’s the reason she can keep getting out, keep seeing people and keep doing the things she loves.

Why community transport matters

Grace’s story is one example of why community transport deserves to be recognised as an essential part of supporting older people to live independently.

The Australian Government’s decision to extend the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to June 2029 is welcome. But as the sector looks ahead, it’s important that community transport continues to receive the recognition and sustainable funding it needs.

Through Australian Community Transport Association's (ACTA) CHSP Advocacy Campaign, stories like Grace’s are being shared to show why this matters.

Because independence isn’t just about staying at home.

It’s about being able to get out, stay connected and enjoy life, too.

Want to get involved in the campaign? You can share your own community transport story or find out more by contacting [email protected].

Want to learn more about Burnie Brae transport?

Whether it’s getting to an appointment, heading out for a social outing or simply having a reliable way to stay connected with your community, Burnie Brae offers a range of transport services to help you get where you need to go.

Find out more about Burnie Brae transport services and how we can help you stay connected.