The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has welcomed news that the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s (RFDS) community transport program will be able to continue for another year.
“This is a massive win for our community,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I’ve fought hard to keep this service going because it’s critical for people in Heathcote and across regional Victoria.”
The RFDS non-emergency patient transport program provides free transport for people over 65 to attend vital medical appointments. It operates in 10 regional communities, including Heathcote, and has already completed tens of thousands of trips.
“In towns like ours, transport can mean the difference between getting treatment or missing out altogether,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This program keeps people healthy, independent, and connected. It’s saving lives and deserves secure, long-term funding.”
Ahead of this year’s Victorian State Budget, Ms Cleeland repeatedly called on the Allan Labor Government to urgently fund the program, warning that thousands of regional Victorians could be left stranded if it folded.
While this year’s funding has been secured through donations, Ms Cleeland said the fight is far from over to ensure the crucial program receives the government funding it needs to operate in the long term.
“We can’t keep relying on goodwill to fund essential healthcare,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Allan Labor Government must recognise how valuable this program is and do better to protect this much-needed service.
“I’ll keep pushing for permanent funding so people in Heathcote and beyond are never left behind.”
Ms Cleeland is also campaigning for the expansion of the RFDS volunteer driver service into under-serviced communities like Euroa, where residents continue to face major transport barriers getting to medical appointments.
“Postcode lotto is real under the Allan Labor Government. Poor public transport and long distances make it incredibly hard for regional patients to access care.”
The announcement comes amid record delays in the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS), with reimbursement wait times blowing out to more than 12 weeks.
At the same time, Ambulance Victoria has withdrawn non-emergency transport for dialysis and other non-urgent patients, leaving many dependent on volunteer services like the RFDS.
“These cuts and delays show just how vital the RFDS transport service has become,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Volunteer-run programs are now plugging holes left by government failures. Regional Victorians deserve far better.”