Residents of the Good Shepherd Nursing Home are now able to enjoy a breath of fresh air in a purpose built electric-assist trishaw, all thanks to a $17,500 Queensland Country Good for Good Community Grant.
Good Shepherd Nursing Home CEO, Brian Matthews, says the grant has enabled them to purchase the trishaw and provide residents with the opportunity to socialise and enjoy a scenic ride along the Ross River, which is particularly welcomed after the COVID-19 lockdown.
“The Queensland Country Bank funding received has ensured we can encourage residents to get outside, socialise and enjoy their natural surroundings,” says Mr Matthews.
“Bordering the Palmetum on one side and the river on the other, the Good Shepherd Nursing Home is ideally located to provide residents with beautiful scenery when heading out for a ride.”
“We hope the trishaw will provide another opportunity for families and volunteers to visit and spend time with our residents.”
It is the second trishaw of its kind for Townsville, and is part of the worldwide Cycling Without Age movement to give older people the opportunity to go for a bike ride and socialise with the volunteer riders. Queensland Country Bank Deeragun Branch Manager Mario Romeo started the local chapter when looking for a way to volunteer within the community, and after the success of the first trishaw in Rowes Bay, he encouraged the Good Shepherd Nursing Home to apply for Queensland Country’s Good for Good Community Grant.
“It’s a great way to spend time with some special people, and they really do come to life during the rides laughing, joking and waving to passers-by,” said Mr Romeo.
“These people have a lot to offer, we just need to find ways to interact with them.”
Our CEO Aaron Newman said he was delighted that our member-owned bank was able to give back to the community in a meaningful way which not only benefits aged care residents, but creates ongoing community volunteer opportunities for our organisation.
“We know that loneliness is a significant issue for aged-care residents, and particularly coming out of COVID, we’re really pleased we can support an initiative that increases interaction between generations,” said Mr Newman.
“The volunteer riders also gain a great deal from spending time with the residents and hearing their stories, which contributes to creating a strong and healthy community.”
“Queensland Country Bank has a long history of supporting the community through grants with over $2.4 million injected into Queensland community projects since 2005, and we’re pleased to see the Good Shepherd trishaw now in operation and bringing joy to the residents and volunteers.”
Learn more about our Queensland Country Good for Good Community Grant.