East Grampians Health Service launched the Patricia Hinchey Centre’s Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay bus on Wednesday.
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Fundraising by the health service’s annual Murray to Moyne cycling team paid for the bus, featuring a custom bike-themed decal, which will now transport special needs clients across Ararat.
Cycle team members, support crew, Patricia Hinchey Centre Auxiliary members, clients and EGHS staff attended a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the handover.
Teams representing East Grampians Health Service in the 2017 Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay raised in excess of $27,900.
With a fundraising goal of $25,000, the Cranks and Defibrillators were thrilled to have exceeded their objective and donated the money towards the new bus.
Last year 15 cyclists and a support crew of seven, in two teams, took part in the 525-kilometre relay from Swan Hill to Port Fairy.
East Grampians Health Service’s departing chief executive Nick Bush said the new bus would make a big difference.
“The bus will collect community members and bring them into the Patricia Hinchey Centre,” Mr Bush said.
“It will mean more convenience. The previous buses we had were older-style vehicles. This is a modern bus with air conditioning, heating and cooling, and can do trips with clients as well as driving around town.
“The Grampians being 50 minutes away, they’ll go on trips to the Grampians and around the area.”
Mr Bush said the cycling team was going well.
“They had a winter recess and by about March next year they will be doing it all again and this time they are looking to fundraise for the Ark Toy Library, to buy equipment for that,” he said.
“It’s also good for our staff members’ health and wellbeing. The hospital is not just about treating sick and injured people.”