Mrs Chandler stepped on board the new mini bus, which proudly wears her name, on Friday morning for a day trip to Nabiac and Moorland with fellow members of the Social Seniors and Friends.

“The old bus was wearing out and the Health Department weren’t able to replace it so I came to the rescue,” Mrs Chandler said.

“The bus is necessary to ferry people from their homes to venues to enjoy all the amenities, lunches, games, movies and outings.

“In the winter of our lives it’s very necessary to make life more pleasant.”

Mrs Chandler credits her longevity to being part of Social Seniors and Friends for 20 years. Mrs Chandler celebrated her 101st birthday in March. She is a popular member of the group which helps seniors keep active and encourages friendship.

“I would not have reached this age without them,” she said.

“It’s really something to look forward to every week. The staff and volunteers really do take marvellous care of us.”

Thanks to Mrs Chandler’s donation to the Mid North Coast Local Health District to purchase the bus, Social Seniors and Friends program is assured of continuing.

Chief Executive of the Mid North Coast Local Health District Stewart Dowrick hosted a morning tea early last week with the group to personally thank Mrs Chandler for her donation.

“This very generous donation will enable members of our community to continue to access this important service for many years to come,” Mr Dowrick said.

Mid North Coast Local Health District Board Member, Reverend Canon Dr John Barrett OAM, who represented the Chair of the Board at the morning tea, also acknowledged Mrs Chandler’s gesture of goodwill and gift to the community.

“The Governing Board sincerely thanks Mrs Chandler for her kind generosity and with her valued support the great work being done by the program can continue well into the future” he said.

Social Seniors & Friends is a program managed by the Mid North Coast Local Health District based at the Camden Haven Community Health Centre. The program assists frail aged people who are socially isolated by providing a wide variety of activities for registered participants, friends and carers.

Activities on offer to the participants include regular bus trips, indoor bowls, picnics, going to the movies, card games and outings to clubs.

The new bus which replaces an existing vehicle used by the group ensures members can continue to access social activities that would otherwise be difficult to attend. The easing of social isolation in seniors and providing a means of transport to access activities is recognised as being an important way of minimising the potential for injury and illness.

Health staff and a small band of dedicated volunteers run the program. More volunteers are welcome to join and help out. For volunteers, being part of the group is a rewarding experience. Volunteers get to know a group of seniors with a great sense of humour and become part of the family atmosphere. The health department runs the program on Mondays and Wednesdays in Port Macquarie and Tuesdays and Thursdays in Laurieton. There is also a day trip every second Friday.

For more information contact the Community Health Centre Laurie Street Laurieton on 6559 9003.