Group’s longest-serving driver finally calls it quits on STAR volunteer work

This bloke has spent 18 years as a volunteer, driving local elderly residents to important appointments. But, at the age of 75, he’s finally decided it’s time to retire.

Longest-serving volunteer driver Bob Curry (centre) receives thanks from STAR Community Services chairperson Rob Spencer (left) and senior manager Warren Doyle.

A huge shout out to Thorneside volunteer Bob Curry who has finally decided to retire as a driver with Star Community Services.

The 75-year-old has spent the past 18 years transporting the aged, frail and those with disabilities to medical and other appointments across the Redlands Coast.

But while Bob has helped thousands of patients over the years, he says the experience has been the most rewarding in his life.

He went looking for a volunteer role after leaving his job at a shipping company – where he had worked for 30 years.

“I have enjoyed every day of my time on the road with my passengers, listening about their rich experiences, sharing memories and simply enjoying our chats,” Bob said.

“Without community transport, many vulnerable people in our community would struggle.

“When one loses their driving licence due to medical or other reasons, they become extremely socially isolated.

“It is an essential service to keep people engaged and active.”

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STAR Community Services provides a range of aged care and disability support services, including transport. Picture: Supplied.

Bob said he remembered clearly a trip he took to collect an extremely frail passenger from a medical centre in the city. Despite using a walker, the man struggled to take even a few steps.

“I helped him in the car,” Bob said.

“As we started driving back to Cleveland, a terrible storm hit the city. We crawled through the worst traffic conditions I have ever experienced.

“I tried to make some conversation with my passenger, but he was too frail to even talk.

“Several hours later we eventually got to his home in the Redlands. It was still raining heavily.

“I could see that the path to his front door was very uneven. I got out of the car, helped him out, and we slowly made our way to his front door in pouring rain. We were both drenched within a few seconds.

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“He fumbled in his pocket for his key and we eventually got inside. I helped him sit down and settle before I left.

“That experience really moved me and made me realise how critical it is to have a reliable transport service.

“Without an affordable option, aged and frail people would struggle to get the medical attention they need, or even go about their everyday business – especially when they don’t have family or friends to rely on.”

Volunteers provide an important transport service for community members. Picture: Supplied.

STAR Community Services chairperson Rob Spencer thanked Bob for being the group’s longest-serving volunteer driver.

“His dedication and commitment in supporting us in our mission to support the vulnerable is inspirational,” he said.

STAR Community Services is a not-for-profit organisation which has been operating in Brisbane since 1996.

When Bob joined in 2001, the office had just three staff and four vehicles.

The award-winning organisation now has more than 60 vehicles and 180 volunteers. It provides a range of aged care and disability support services including NDIS, home care packages, in-home care, companionship support, community transport and wellbeing services.

STAR Community Services operates more than 60 vehicles across the Redlands Coast, with the help of volunteers. Picture: Supplied.

Bob said that his experience as a volunteer had made him more appreciative of his local community.

“People thank me for the service, but I always say that I may need the same service one day,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to try volunteering.

“We are all cogs in the same wheel, supporting each other and keeping the community moving.”

STAR volunteers are needed in a number of roles including administration, contact centre helpers and drivers.

For more information phone [phone] or visit www.starcommunityservices.org.au.