Mary Valley RSL’s Wellbeing Car Service drives vital support for locals.

The Mary Valley RSL Sub-Branch’s Wellbeing Car Service is making a big difference for veterans, their families, and vulnerable community members.

With few public transport available locally, the Wellbeing Car Service provides a lifeline for locals, ensuring access to medical appointments and wellbeing and support services across the Gympie and Sunshine Coast region.

Volunteer drivers like George Gilbert lend their time and skills to providing a comfortable and safe experience to passengers.

“The service means that I get to every single medical appointment,” said long-term client Vivienne Benfeild.

“I’m an anxious driver so I don’t drive and there’s no public transport services here… I feel safe with George driving, he’s a good egg!”

Averaging around 20,000 kilometres each year, there is clear demand for the initiative within the community, which has been operating for over a decade. With funding from Queensland Hydro’s Community Grant Program the service is now secure until 2028.

Mary Valley RSL’s Secretary, Vivienne Jensen has been the driving force behind the Wellbeing Car Service.

“Since we were successful in our grant application with Queensland Hydro in February, we’ve had more than 100 bookings and driven more than 11,366km.”

Thanks to dedicated volunteers and a connected community, the Wellbeing Car Service continues to provide vital support to locals.

How can my local group get involved with the Queensland Hydro’s Community Grants Program?

Queensland Hydro’s Community Grants Program is offering up to $10,000 (ex GST) for projects that boost health and wellbeing, tourism, sustainability, or community connection in the Gympie and Somerset regions.

Eligible applicants include community groups, clubs, and not-for-profits. Funding recommendations are made by a panel of eight local representatives to ensure decisions are community-driven.

So far, more than 20 local groups have received support to deliver initiatives benefiting communities around the proposed Borumba Project.

If you’re interested in making an application, the next round of funding opens in 2026. Stay tuned!

First published 11 December 2025.