First Alliance Federal Credit Union Millmerran helps donate bus to retirement village

8 February 2017

Residents of a Millmerran retirement village have been given a new lease on life thanks to a new mini bus donated jointly by the First Alliance Federal Credit Union Millmerran Community Branch and the local community.

The Millmerran Centenary Retirement Village (Yallambee) proudly accepted the keys to the new mini bus yesterday. First Alliance Federal Credit Union Corporation Regional Manager Kevin Gates, Millmerran Community Branch manager Tasha Lyons and Millmerran Community Company presented Yallambee representatives with the brand new Toyota mini bus, specially fitted out with adjustable seating, wheel chair lift and assistance steps. 

The new bus will improve quality of life for residents by providing transport to local shops, medical appointments and community events. Previously, Yallambee staff had found it difficult to take their 44 residents around for social outings, with no public transport available in Millmerran. 

First Alliance Federal Credit Union Millmerran Community Branch partnered with Millmerran Bargain Boutique to bring the project to life, donating $38,500 towards the costs of the bus. 

Yallambee Board of Management President John Rogers said, ““Government funding and resident contributions are one thing, but it is the participation of local businesses and the generosity of time, money and spirit from volunteers and supporters that sustain our facility and enhance the lives of our residents”.

“The mini bus has been on our wish list for a long time so to see it finally come to fruition is wonderful.  

We are very appreciative of the support from First Alliance Federal Credit Union Millmerran Community Branch, and tireless work from volunteers such as the ladies who run the Bargain Boutique.”  

The First Alliance Federal Credit Union Millmerran Community Branch is a joint venture partnership between First Alliance Federal Credit Union Corporation and the local community, represented by the Millmerran Community Company. Under the First Alliance Federal Credit Union community branch model, a share of profits is distributed as grants to community organisations, charities and special community events. 

Millmerran Community Company Chairman Denys Kirby said that the donation would not have been possible without the generosity of the wider community.

“This much-needed donation to Yallambee Retirement Village is a fantastic example of how our local community have embraced the community branch concept. 

“The more people bank with First Alliance Federal Credit Union Millmerran, the more that is returned to the community in the form of grants. It’s a great outcome for all.”