When Richie Bailey drives his last trip for HACC in Inverell, he’ll leave behind 20 years of service and countless friends and good memories.
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Richie has been a dedicated volunteer for all the HACC services, driving area residents around the area and beyond for lunches, events, shopping and appointments for those in need in Inverell.
Richie worked for the now-defunct produce store Campbell Bros. for 42 years. Upon retirement, he decided on some volunteer work and he and his wife put time into HACC.
“I just finished work and I was at loose ends so I just thought, well this was a good thing getting the old people out of their homes. And kept me out of the house, too!”
Most roads in the district saw Richie at the wheel.
“We went all around the different venues, places, local districts, like Bingara, Warialda, out to Yetman, out to Coolatai, Glen Innes bowling club, Red Lion Tavern out at Glencoe, we always went to the Guyra Ball. It was just good to take the old people out.”
These trips were always lively with laughter and fun. Joy Ferguson and Colleen Makim have been hostesses on the trips with Richie for many years.
“He’s terrific with the clients. He makes it a fun day for them,” said Colleen.
Joy said, “He’ll take us around and go different ways and has a lot of local knowledge about who lives where. He’ll go anywhere you want.”
Resident Dorothy Finn has been a passenger with Richie.
“He’s very good. He makes the trip go smooth.”
Myrtle Scoble also rode with Richie. “He doesn’t make the old people hurry, that’s what I like,” she said.
Sandy Jeffrey, HACC dementia carer and support coordinator backs them up: “He’s a great bus driver. He’s very patient; he’s kind. The clients feel safe with him. Absolute great guy.”
Joyce Payne agreed: “He’s an amazing guy.”
Joyce is the HACC transport assistant and worked closely with Richie.
“I’ve been here ten years and he’s never let us down on any occasion.
“You’re not going to be a volunteer if you don’t want to be here.
“He always does what we ask of him and over and above. He always keeps everyone on their toes, everyone happy, but by doing that he was also then so professional at his job.”
She added: “As much as he’s giving he’s also getting out of it and he will miss everyone so much.”
Transport manager Mark Butler sees Richie on the bowling green, but he said: “I’m gonna miss him working here because he always comes in with a smile on his face even if he’s had a bad day and he’s always happy toward everyone.”
Richie is a keen gardener. Joyce said she always appreciated the beautiful dahlias Richie shared in the office.
He also plans to take to the road again, but this time as a traveller to make some trips with his caravan.