Published on Wednesday, 7 August 2024 at 3:13:07 PM
Neighbourhood Link is pleased to highlight the invaluable contribution of its dedicated volunteers who brighten the lives of the Town of East Fremantle’s residents through weekly outings.
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North Fremantle resident Hazel Dickson is unstoppable.
While many seniors are forfeiting driving at 71 years old, Mrs Dickson was completing her bus license to undertake a paid role as the weekly bus driver for the Town of East Fremantle’s Neighbourhood Link program.
“I passed my test with 100 per cent!” she said.
Eight years on, she’s since relinquished her role as the bus driver and now volunteers at the program twice a week.
On Wednesdays and Fridays, she assists with outings to local parks, museums, cafes, and other places of interest, providing our residents with opportunities to enjoy fresh air, socialise, and stay connected with each other.
She also organises a raffle and prizes for outings – with the funds contributing to subsidising outings – and often bakes cakes to bring on outings.
It’s a role Hazel thoroughly enjoys and can fit around her busy schedule of swimming, pilates and golf each week.
“I love working with the team and I enjoy their company,” she said.
“I love helping the oldies. It’s giving something back to the community. It makes you get out of bed in the morning.”
Hazel said she would encourage anyone who was interested in volunteering to simply give it a go.
“If you have empathy, a happy personality and are a team player come along and spend a day with us to see what we do,” she said.
“We travel all over Perth for weekly outings including to Mandurah, Yanchep, Serpentine and Toodyay.
“We would encourage more volunteers who are happy to get on with it with a smile.”
If you are interested in volunteering for Neighbourhood Link, please contact the friendly team on 9339 9381 or email neighbourhoodlink@eastfremantle.wa.gov.au.
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