Campbell Page unveils new community bus for Eden

The bus will operate from Campbell Page’s newly opened hub at 169 Imlay Street and coincides with celebrations to commemorate the organisation’s 30 years of operation.

It will enable people to attend the many programs held at the Eden hub, extending from a range of youth centre activities to adult support programs, and ferrying school students to sporting and other events.

Campbell Page’s general manager of indigenous community services, Karen Cooper, vowed that the bus would “do the kilometres” assisting the organisation’s partners and stakeholders.

Ms Cooper, from Sydney, paid tribute to the organisation’s Eden team who she said did “incredible things” within the community with little or no funding.

Senior manager of indigenous projects Maryanne Griffiths said transport in Eden was a major barrier for the most disadvantaged people within the community.

Youth worker Greg Nicholson applied for funds for the bus after Campbell Page CEO Dale Cleaver announced that the organisation’s 30th year would be commemorated with community grants.

Staff were asked to nominate the Australian communities they thought were most in need of funding and the application from the Eden hub for the shuttle bus was successful.

The Eden hub’s staff were understandably ecstatic.

“This is not the answer to all of Eden's transport problems but it is, however, a great start in helping our customers get to the hub and make the most of our programs,” Mr Nicholson said. 

Bega Valley Shire mayor Michael Britten said the bus would be a major asset in a community where residents faced the “tyranny of distance” when, for example, looking for a job.

Cr Britten said Eden was on the cusp of major changes.

He said it was vital to have an organisation such as Campbell Page providing services to the town. 

The open day was attended by a number of dignitaries.

They included Aboriginal Elder Uncle Ossie Cruse and councillors Liz Seckold and Sharon Tapscott.