Freemasons get behind the Shirley Shuttle

As the Shirley Shuttle celebrates 15 years of service to local cancer patients, Freemasons on the Central Coast have donated $21,000 to meet the replacement cost of one its four vehicles.

The Shirley Shuttle is named after Shirley Galvin, who passed away in 2006 from cancer.

During the many treatments that her mother received, Barbara Galvin met many people who didn’t have family members or friends to provide the constant transport to the treatments.

In 2008 she donated a Toyota Mini Bus to the Cancer Council of NSW which was based at Erina Fair; with Central Coast Local Health District providing the fuel.

Eventually, as the demand for patient transport and maintenance of the vehicle increased, Community Transport Central Coast agreed to administer the service.

In 2009, Freemasons on the Central Coast (FotCC) and Lodge Wyong Tuggerah Lakes provided $10,000 to help with the purchase of a Toyota Mini

Bus – Shirley Shuttle No. 2 – at a cost of around $35,000.

The service now has four vehicles, one of which will be replaced with the latest donation.

The vehicles provide more than 10,000 trips every year to Central Coast residents undergoing cancer treatment, through Community Transport Central Coast and Coast Connect.

“This will (help) enable the door-to-door service for ‘transport challenged’ cancer outpatients to attend oncology appointments to continue for at least two years,” Galvin said.

“Who would have thought that my donation of $50,000 in 2008 for the purchase of the first vehicle could have resulted

Wheatley said the funding was timely, with the organisation celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

“The Hub was one of the first buildings on site – it is where participants come to do different activities ranging from drumming to cooking,” she said.

“The old roof is rusted through, and surfaces around the site need fixing as tree roots have taken hold and broken up the pathways and concrete.

“The Hub is the focal point for people living with disability in the area, and it is vital that it is fully accessible and watertight.

“Fairhaven is self-funded and receiving any sort of grant or support is crucial for us.

“We are so appreciative of this funding.”

Tesch said the money would help provide a safe, inclusive, the completion of the project to highlight the rocket’s life throughout the years.

“I encourage the community to take advantage of the opportunity to vote to help ensure this beloved rocket ship will inspire children’s imaginations for many more years to come.”

Make your vote count by visiting yourvoiceourcoast. com to learn more about the refresh before Wednesday, April 5.

Source: Media release, Mar 8 Central Coast Council and accessible site for people with disability to enjoy for years to come.

“The Hub is the centre of Fairhaven,” she said.

“As a long-standing and deeply impactful organisation for so many in the area, I know that this funding will see great outcomes for all.”

Source: Media release, Feb 22 Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch in such an amazing service for cancer outpatients to attend potentially life-saving oncology appointments?

“The service could not continue without the ongoing generosity of Central Coast community organisations and major donors and sponsors.”

A spokesperson said FotCC was proud to support the worthwhile community service.

The Freemasons will sell sausage sandwiches and soft drinks at Gosford Miniature Railway in Showground Rd, Narara, from 11 am on May 6, with all proceeds going to the Shirley Shuttle.

Source: Media release, Mar 3 Freemasons of the Central Coast

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Authorised by Gab McIntosh / Friends of Guringai 2 Dandaloo St, Kariong Indigenous Party of Australia