Bank on new bus

By Helena Adeloju
WARBURTON and Yarra Junction’s long awaited District Bus has arrived, courtesy of the Warburton Community Bank and the Warburton Advancement League (WAL).
The former Millwarra Primary School bus has a new lease on life and is set to become a well-known feature of the Upper Yarra streetscape.
WAL member Joseph Guthrie said he discovered the need for a community bus two years ago while organising transport for the Warburton/Millgrove Football and Netball Club.
“It was so expensive to hire a bus that I decided that Warburton needed its own 22-seater bus for community fundraisers and excursions,” Mr Guthrie said. “The original idea was that the bus would be available for school excursions during the week and sports clubs and other community groups on the weekend.” Mr Guthrie said the aim was to make the Warburton Community Bus affordable.
“The bus is available for hire for $20 and hour or for weekend trips, $160 a day,” Mr Guthrie said.
The bank provided a grant of $15,000 to WAL for the purchase of the bus.
Warburton Community Bank chief executive officer Geoff Vickers said: “We thought the Advancement League would be a good organisation to run the community bus, being an umbrella organisation with links to all the groups who may need to use the bus. The bank is happy to fund community projects,” Mr Vickers said.
The league is currently looking for volunteer bus drivers who have an endorsed licence for a light rigid vehicle.
To inquire about bus hire or to become a volunteer driver contact Joseph Guthrie on 5966 2482.