A truly caring team behind our community transport services

Wesley Mission Queensland’s (WMQ) Community Transport Service (CTS) is more than just a way to get to the doctor or do the shopping. From joking with passengers to knowing who prefers which seat on the bus, the transport services team brings a warm, personal touch to every ride.

Their commitment turns transport into something far more meaningful: care in motion. From early mornings to last-minute fill-ins, coordinators, drivers and assistants make sure that every client not only gets where they need to go — but also feels seen, heard, and valued along the way.

We don’t just transport. We listen. We laugh. Sometimes we grieve. But above all, we show people they’re not alone.

– Tara Mason, Senior Coordinator at CTS.

The faces behind the wheels

At the heart of the service are the volunteer drivers – who genuinely care. They are not just drivers. They’re listeners, companions, and sometimes the closest thing to family a client might see that week.

As long-time driver Jack (image below) says:

It’s not just about talking, it’s about listening. While I have a reputation for being able to talk a lot, surprisingly, when it's one on one with clients, I just let them talk and talk. And then they’ll tell me how wonderful of a chat they've had. By the time they get out of the car, they’re laughing and smiling.

Jack’s pride in the team is obvious. “You wouldn't volunteer if you didn't care about people. If you just wanted to show up, drive people around and go home, that’d be insane. I get to work with likeminded people who make a difference in people’s lives.”

Jack adds “I've been doing this for over five years, and I've never really had a bad situation. We get far more laughs than anything else … Ros and I take it as our job to get them smiling.”

Volunteers, the heart of the service

With only 14 fleet vehicles, CTS may be smaller than other transport services, but its impact is enormous.

For Tara, the volunteers (drivers and coordinators) are the heartbeat of the service. “I love the volunteers. They all have a heart of gold and make it so pleasurable to be at work … We're blessed to have them as part of the service”. She adds:

We’ve had volunteers that were with us for ten-plus years, and then they retire but they still come in for morning teas.

Ros, Jack’s cheerful assistant, agrees. “I worked at QLD Rail for 34 years and then retired. I was really missing people, then a friend mentioned this. I feel so lucky to be here!” Jack chimes in with a cheeky smile “It’s gone downhill since then; you’ve got to work with me!”

I love this place. It stops me from sitting at home and becoming a grumpy old man.

– Jack, long-time driver

With an enviable low turnover rate, CTS thrives because of its people. People like Denise, Jack, Ros and Tara, along with countless others, who show up not just to drive, but to brighten lives.

We’re not just helping them get to places — we’re helping people hold on to their independence and feel human again.

– Tara Mason, Community Transport Services (CTA) Senior Coordinator.

Jack sums it up best: “It's not rocket science. If you make a person happy how’s that person going to be? It's made their day. And what's it done for you? It's made you feel good about yourself.

Whether it’s a first ride filled with nerves or a familiar outing with old friends, WMQ’s community transport offers more than a lift — it’s a social connection, a reason to leave the house, a comforting routine and a sense of belonging.

A day with the team