A new bus fitted out with wheelchair access had just rolled off the Toyota lot and into the Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service – Aboriginal Corporation (TAMS) carpark thanks to $166,699 from the former NSW Government’s Community and Place Grants Program.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the new bus removes a hurdle for the organisation to deliver culturally appropriate transport for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

“Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service – Aboriginal Corporation do an outstanding job in providing essential medical and social support to the local aboriginal community which is why I’m always keen to throw my support behind their grant applications,” Mr Anderson said.

“This new bus fills a gap in their service by providing disability accessible transport to our Elders, youth, community, and TAMS staff, ensuring easy travel between medical appointments and events.

“Now that the new bus has rolled off the lot at Toyota, I’m looking forward to seeing it on the road in and around Tamworth, supporting our community.”

Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service – Aboriginal Corporation Acting CEO Damion Brown said the bus was an exciting new addition to the service.

“Having the new coaster as part of our fleet of vehicles allows us to offer culturally appropriate transport to clients, particularly those with a disability who previously had to use local taxi services to see a doctor or go to events,” Mr Brown said.

“It’s important we’re able to deliver culturally appropriate transport because it fosters better health care.”

For more information on the former government’s Community and Place grants program, please visit the Aboriginal Affairs NSW website.