STAR Community Services (formerly Community Transport) will celebrate 20 years of serving the Redlands Community with current and past members to join the celebration at its Annual General Meeting at 10am on September 17 at the Lions Community Hall, Cleveland.
Special Transport Assistance Redlands Association Incorporated was the result of recognition in 1996 by community leaders that a large per centage of older people and people with disabilities living in the Redlands had limited access to personal and public transport.
Today STAR Community Services is a leading not-for-profit organisation in Queensland, providing transport and quality care to help frail, aged and people with disabilities live a healthier, independent life.
With a fleet of 43 vehicles including 21 owner-driver vehicles, STAR has made more than 700,000 trips to help people visit their family and friends, do shopping, go to medical appointments, and overall enjoy an independent life.
“We are extremely proud to serve our community for 20 years. What started as a small team of three staff and 10 drivers is now a leading community organisation helping 6,000 Redland residents live a happier, independent life”, Chairman of STAR Rob Spencer said.
“What makes us unique is that a vast majority of our team are volunteers, who generously dedicate their time and resources to keep the wheels rolling.”
STAR Community Transport changed its name to STAR Community Services in 2015, to better reflect its expanded suite of services, including In-home and companionship services, respite care and wellness services.
Another significant change that recently occurred in the organisation, was the appointment of Patsy Wilshire as the General Manager. Previously the office Manager of STAR, Ms Wilshire is a local Redlands resident, with five generations of her family actively living in the area.
“Before I started working with STAR, I would see the STAR Community Transport vehicles on the move, transporting the elderly and frail, helping them live independently. I felt grateful to live in a community that supports such a worthy service. Now I am extremely delighted and proud to be heading this unique organisation and continuing its mission of improving the life of all in our community,” she said.
Limited to clients, members and invitees RSVP to the AGM is essential by September 3 on 3821 6699 or nchronopoulos@starct.org.au
