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Community transport keeps Heather active and independent

Last updated: 
14 September 2021 12:56PM  
First published: 
14 September 2021 12:55PM

Heather is able to stay active and keep her independence, thanks to STAR Community Services’ community transport service.

Heather has cerebral palsy, and uses a motorised wheelchair, so relies on the service to go to medical and therapy appointments.

“When we aren’t in lockdown, I go swimming for exercise,” Heather said.

“My disability means I have very tight muscles, and swimming helps to keep them loose and mobile, so STAR takes me to that every week.

“I’ve also used them to get to courses like mobile phone photography and learning how to use iPads and phones.

“I’m an author and STAR has also helped me to get to the ABC studio to do radio interviews about my books.”

Heather had previously driven a modified car, but after her shoulders deteriorated with arthritis, she didn’t feel safe driving herself anymore.

After moving to Queensland four years ago, she was using taxis, but the long wait times made her decide to try community transport.

“I can’t fault the service they provide,” Heather said.

“I think I’m STAR’s greatest fan – they’re so friendly and accommodating.

“If I ever got into an emergency situation, particularly in the early days when I was still using taxis and they hadn’t arrived after an hour and a half, I would ring STAR to see if they had a driver in the area I could use instead.

“A couple of times they helped me out of that scrape and I’m forever grateful for that.

“They have five or six vehicles suitable for my wheelchair so there’s a selection of drivers and I’ve got to know them quite well.

“I couldn’t do life without them.”

Find out more about Community Transport.