BALLARAT’S frail and elderly have been left stranded after UnitingCare buses were vandalised.
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Three buses at the agency’s Sunways retirement units in Gregory Street, Wendouree, were daubed with swear words and insults on Monday night.
The area has been hit three times in three weeks by vandals, with other UnitingCare vehicles targeted on other occasions.
The vehicles, each comfortably seating 10 clients, are used to transport clients who are frail, aged or have a disability to appointments, outings and social activities.
UnitingCare was forced to cancel an afternoon tea on Tuesday because the vandalised buses could not be used to transport clients.
UnitingCare aged and disability, OHS and quality manager Gail Reid said without that afternoon tea, some clients would not leave their homes for another week.
“For some clients, it’s the only time they’re able to get out of the house,” she said.
“It’s getting people and giving them access to the community.”
She said if they were unable to clean the buses on Wednesday, further activities on Thursday would be cancelled.
“We’re very disappointed. We’re about helping people in Ballarat, and then others turn around and treat us like this.”
UnitingCare Ballarat chief executive Carolyn Barrie said the money that it would cost to have the buses cleaned would be money it couldn’t spend on clients.
“Many of our clients look forward to their outings as the only time they may see anyone or have social contact with others during the week.
“The clients who have access to this service are our most vulnerable members of the community and this event only increases their isolation and disadvantage.”
Ms Barrie said UnitingCare would now have to look into keeping the buses in a more secure location, which would impact the programs.
Ballarat police are investigating the criminal damage to the three buses and a car between 5pm on Monday and 8am on Tuesday.
It is unknown at this stage whether the incident is linked to similar incidents in the area over the past three weeks, with police still investigating.
“These acts of vandalism are just senseless crimes and we are appealing for public assistance to help identify the culprits,” Acting Sergeant Simon Pearce said.
Anyone with information about these incidents or any other act of vandalism is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au