Uniting AgeWell provides transport for older people in Ararat or Ballarat, with some trips further afield, even to Melbourne. The service has been going for 19 years and is staffed by volunteers who drive a fleet of six cars and a bus. It provides accessible travel for those who aren’t easily able to use public transport.

“If they’re comfortable and at ease, and enjoying the beautiful scenery and my company, then I’m happy” explains Stuart Kerr who is loving his role as a volunteer driver for Grampians Community Transport. He rates the success of a car trip through country Victoria by the number of laughs and smiles per mile that he and his passengers share.

Stuart loves driving through country Victoria. He also loves connecting with local people and learning about their lives. He’s lived in Ararat since the age of ten and is the heartbeat of the community. He knows the landmarks and the history of the area.

Over the years he and his wife raised their family here and ran a catering company mainly for weddings and special occasions. He has been part of many milestones for the community of Ararat and he wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

When Stuart retired from his role as Director of Support Services at the East Grampians Health Service in August last year, the 67-year-old was determined not to stagnate during retirement.

Not a chance. He’s a member of Ararat Legacy and on the Ararat branch of the Blue Ribbon Foundation Committee, raising funds for his former workplace. And now he drives for Uniting AgeWell.

“Spending up to three hours with someone in the car is a wonderful way to get to know them,” explains Stuart. “Sometimes they’ll be going to medical appointments and they’ll be quite nervous, but we relax and talk about all sorts of things – memories of Ararat, growing up in the area… It’s pretty special to see them relax and know that this support is there for them.”

The grandfather-of-five knows how important support is. He started off in the hospital at the age of 15 as a cleaner and worked his way up to his former position. “Hard work and dedication got me where I am today,” he says simply.

Stuart enjoys working with the Uniting AgeWell team, overseen by Grampians Program Manager Chris Armon with the program run by Shaylan Henriksen. “The cars are always spotlessly cleaned and well maintained,” he says. “They also give me plenty of advanced notice about transporting clients. It’s a very well-run operation.”

During Volunteer Week from May 18-24, it’s time for Uniting AgeWell to celebrate all our wonderful volunteers, like Stuart. Ordinary people making an extraordinary difference to the lives of older people. And most importantly, to say a heartfelt thank you.

The theme this year is ‘Your Year to Volunteer,’ a call-out to encourage more people to give their time and talents to foster community connections.

If you live in Ararat or Ballarat and are a good driver with time on your hands, please contact 139 375.