Announcements - August 5, 2024
Intereach finalist in Deniliquin Business Excellence Awards
Intereach Community Transport coordinator Emma Edwards is a finalist in the Deniliquin Business Chamber Excellence Awards thanks to her passion for keeping people who are transport disadvantaged active and independent.
Emma is nominated for Excellence in Customer Service, which recognises staff who go above and beyond and provide friendly customer experiences.
“I was very shocked when I received the news and pleased that I perhaps have made someone in the community happy,” Emma said.
“At the end of the day, I’m just doing my job. That I love.”
Emma’s role involves coordinating transport to medical appointments, shopping trips and social outings for older people, people with disability, those who are transport disadvantaged and Department of Veterans’ Affairs recipients.
“Community Transport is such an important service to our community as we are isolated from medical services, and there are many people who need to go out of town and their family are busy or don’t live locally,” she said.
“We also have community members who are no longer able to drive due to various reasons and they still need to go shopping and attend social activities.
“The best part of my job would be my colleagues, participants and Community Transport volunteers as they are very important to our program and our community. I have developed great friendships with our volunteers.”
Emma joined Intereach as a Community Support Worker more than 20 years ago, providing in-home services to clients, before moving into the office with the aged care team and then to Community Transport.
“I have enjoyed all of these roles and being able to make a difference to older people and those who are transport disadvantaged,” she said.
One of those is Community Transport participant Misty Hogan.
“The Intereach service is a lifeline for a lot of people in the community,” Misty said.
“We’re so lucky to have such an awesome team of people including Emma to enable us all to live great lives.
“Emma’s coordination skills are amazing. She is always professional and caring and never gets flustered.”
Another participant said the way Emma looked after groups during social bus trips was outstanding.
“As an elderly person, we often need that little bit of care and Emma is always there with a smile to make sure that everything is okay and good,” they said.
“Intereach is very lucky to have her on staff at Deniliquin.”
Emma is proud of the social trips, which had proven hugely successful since they started in 2021.
“Since COVID, we have found people have become a little bit isolated, so we want to get people out and about again into the social scene."
Emma - Community Transport coordinator
Intereach Co-CEO Michelle Tai said Emma was known for her dedication to providing exceptional and friendly service.
“Emma’s commitment to our community and her unwavering support for our participants exemplify the core values of our organisation,” she said.
“We congratulate Emma for nomination, which is a testament to her hard work and passion.”
Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday 9 August.
For information about Community Transport, call 1300 488 226 or visit the website www.intereach.com.au/service/community-transport
Share
