The community-led initiative has been established to provide safe and reliable transport for students attending the primary schools and early learning centre in Jerilderie, following the loss of the former government-funded bus route.
The initiative was made possible through the generosity and foresight of the previous Willawa Bus Committee.
Led by former president Craig Knight, the members had carefully maintained ownership of the former school bus, creating a valuable asset for future generations.
Their support in allowing the formation of a new committee and entrusting the bus to the project provided the foundation for the service.
When ongoing advocacy with TransportNSW failed to secure a commitment or timeframe for a government-funded route, local families established a new volunteer committee to deliver their own privately operated solution.
Over many months, the new committee worked to transform the idea into reality, developing routes, budgets, policies, employment procedures and safety systems, while securing an accredited driver and obtaining the approvals required to start operations.
Today, the Willawa School Bus provides a vital transport service for six local families living west of the Newell Highway, connecting children with their schools.
Willawa Bus Committee member Lucy Gregory said the start of the service was the result of an extraordinary community effort.
"This project has been driven entirely by local families who refused to accept that our children should be disadvantaged simply because of where they live,“ she said.
"What makes this achievement so special is that it has been built from the ground up by parents.
“Countless volunteer hours have gone into planning, governance and establishing the service, so our children can safely access education each day."
While the service is now operating successfully, funding remains its greatest challenge.
Unlike neighbouring government-contracted school bus services, the Willawa School Bus receives no ongoing operational funding and relies on contributions from participating families together with the generosity of community organisations and sponsors to remain viable.
"The biggest hurdle has always been funding," Mrs Gregory said.
"Our families have committed to funding a significant portion of the service themselves because they believe in its importance.
“However, the ongoing costs of operating a private school bus are substantial, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the service will continue to require community support."
The committee has expressed its sincere appreciation to Apex Jerilderie for its generous financial contribution towards the establishment of the service.
The committee also acknowledged the support of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga, whose assistance has helped make it possible for students to travel safely to and from school, and the part both Murrumbidgee Council and Edward River Council have played in preparing bus stops and signage.
Although the immediate goal of getting the bus on the road has now been achieved, planning is already underway to secure the future of the service.
The committee will be seeking ongoing sponsorship and community partnerships for 2027 and beyond to help ensure the service remains affordable and sustainable for local families.
Businesses and organisations interested in supporting the initiative will have the opportunity to partner directly with a project delivering tangible benefits to rural families, improving access to education and helping create a stronger, more sustainable future for the Jerilderie district.
If you would like to help, email willawabuscommittee@gmail.com.
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