Community transport and care organisation, ComLink, will celebrate its 25th anniversary and thank its more than 120 volunteers at a Race Day this Sunday.
Suncoast Transport and Care Association (STAC) trading as ComLink, certainly has a lot to celebrate at the Race Day, which will also be the 10th annual event.
ComLink Chief Executive Feda Adra said the not-for profit organisation and charity provided community transport and care for the frail aged and younger people with a disability to attend medical appointments, shop and maintain their social inclusion from North Brisbane, throughout the Sunshine Coast and north to Bundaberg.
“We have clients with very diverse needs and it is our policy to work with a variety of community organisations to find a solution that works. We never turn anyone away,” Ms Adra said.
She said in 2012 they had already provided 115,000 transport trips for clients, while they received government funding for only 52,000.
“These are services we just wouldn’t be able to provide without our volunteers, which is why it is so important for us to recognise them through our annual race day,” she said.
Ms Adra said at the race day they would be showcasing the organisations achievements over the past 25 years and also recognising volunteers for long service, with 5 year and 10 year certificates to be awarded by ComLink’s new patron Joan Sheldon.
There will also be three 25-year service awards for Jean Huges, Val Allen and Trudi Birks who represent the range of different volunteering roles withing ComLink.
Life members Jean and Val are on ComLink’s board, while Trudi volunteers at Kawana Companions, selling raffles, assisting clients and supporting them socially.
“We also have a very special year service award which will be presented to our treasurer John Muir.
“John, who is an accountant, has been with the organisation for more than 12 years and has been a valuable business advisor, developing all the organisations financial systems and taking on more as ComLink grew.”
John, who still works three mornings a week, said he first took on the role after his wife ‘dobbed’ him in when it looked like the organisation would be unable to get a treasurer.
“It is very rewarding work and the people in the organisation are great,” he said.
