RESIDENTS at the aged care facility at Renmark Paringa District Hospital will have greater mobility, thanks to the donation of a $170,000 wheelchair access bus by the Freemasons.
The grand master of the Freemasons of South Australia and Northern Territory Dr Neil Jensen handed over the 14-seater bus at a presentation in front of the hospital last Thursday.
Dr Jensen said the bus would enhance the ability of the residents to remain “an integral part of their communities”.
“The bus will enable the elderly people here, now and for some years, to move around the community and enjoy what the community has to give them, just as the community will enjoy the interaction with them,” he said.
“I think it does wonders for an area to see that kind of interaction.”
Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network chief executive Wayne Champion said the 14-seater bus would have a major impact on those in care.
“We are extremely grateful to receive this generous donation from Masonic Charities and be able to provide this service to residents at Renmark Aged Care,” he said.
“This bus will greatly benefit our aged care residents, with wheelchair access making community visits and social outings easier and safer for all residents requiring transport.”
Renmark Aged Care resident Maureen Brauer said the bus would give her back some of her freedom.
“There’s so many places to go and there’s so much that we’ll be able to do with this new bus,” she said.
“It’s just fantastic.”
After the presentation, Dr Jensen awarded Alan Smith, of Renmark, a Meritorious Service Award for his 63 years of service to the Freemasons.
Mr Smith became only the second person from the group’s Renmark Lodge to receive the award in the lodge’s 110-year history.
During his time at the lodge, Mr Smith has spent 16 years as director, three years as care officer and has never missed a working bee.
Mr Smith thanked his family for their continued support, and said he felt humble to receive the award.