Cathy McGowan (Indi, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Community care is alive and well in India, and I was fortunate enough on Tuesday, 29 July to see it firsthand. Carevan Wangaratta has been operating for more than three years and visits Yarrunga, West End and Central Monday to Wednesday at each venue. The Carevan team of Maureen O'Keefe, Peter Vaughan, Patti Stafford, Amandah Glasser and Carol Pinner showed how they are a really well oiled machine. They did not waste any time putting me to work—straight to the sink and washing up!

Tuesday night almost 40 adults and 18 kids were at the rotunda barbecue area, and I was really pleased to be able to join in singing a happy birthday for Carol Henry, who had just turned 70. Carevan Wangaratta's manager, Peter Vaughan, said the initiative has helped create great social interaction. Carevan relies on donations and financial assistance from Wangaratta and King Valley businesses, in-kind support from VCAL students, 85 volunteers and the Wangaratta Council and Rotary Club. Their assistance is greatly appreciated.

Just one example of the community input at the rotunda is young Connor, who drew a plan for the playground when he was six. The plan finally came to fruition last year, and the area was getting a real workout on Tuesday night.

I was delighted to help in the Carevan; it couldn't have a better name.

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