The health outcomes for many residents in the Northern Rivers region has received a welcome boost with Richmond Valley Volunteer Health Transport taking out the inaugural round of Greater Bank’s #GreaterNorthernRivers community funding program.
The Casino-based service has received $2000 for taking out the public vote, with runners-up, HART Services and Mental Health Support Group both receiving $500.
Richmond Valley Volunteer Health Transport (RVVHT) coordinator Jodi Morriss said the service plays a vital role for the region.
“We provide low-cost non-emergency medical transport to residents of the Richmond Valley, Kyogle and Lismore shires, filling the gaps left behind by government-funded services.”
Jodi Morriss, Richmond Valley Volunteer Health Transport (RVVHT) coordinator
“We transport all age groups and all abilities, our only criteria being that the transport needs to be to a health-related appointment or treatment, like transport to renal dialysis in Lismore which we provide six days a week.
“RVVHT does not get any ongoing government funding so we rely on small grants and the generosity of our community to continue providing this vital service.
“As such, we are very grateful to be the inaugural winner of the #GreaterNorthernRivers community funding program,” Jodi said.
Greater Northern Rivers Regional Sales Manager, Scott McCluskey, said he’s delighted the region has been added to the Greater Community Funding Program.
“This is a chance for people to get behind their local organisations and support them in their bid to win up to $2000 each and every month,” Scott said.
“We know that the best way to make communities stronger is by supporting the organisations that bring people together for the common good.
“The program has been an outstanding success in the five other regions where it operates, giving away more than half a million dollars so far, so we’d encourage everyone to get involved.”
Voting in the December round of the #GreaterNorthernRivers Community Funding Program is open from Monday November 29, with Whiporie RFS Brigade (Casino), Australian Seabird Rescue Inc. Ballina Byron Sea Turtle Hospital (Ballina) and Northern Rivers Suicide Prevention and Awareness Group (Lismore) in the running for a share of $3,000 for the month.
The public can vote online at www.greater.com.au/greaternorthernrivers until 5:00pm, Wednesday, 22 December 2021.
Nominations for future monthly rounds of the #GreaterNorthernRivers community funding program are also open.
Community groups, such as grassroots sporting clubs, school P&C associations, charities and not-for-profit volunteer-run organisations can nominate by visiting www.greater.com.au/greaternorthernrivers and explain in 100 words or less, how they are helping to improve the lives of locals.