Narrogin Cottage Homes successfully raises $110k in community funds for accessible and safe bus for residents

A Wheatbelt community has joined forces to raise more than $100,000 to fund a new accessible bus for its local aged care service, ensuring comfort and safety for residents. Narrogin Cottage Homes successfully collected $110,000 to purchase an accessible bus after 18 months of community fundraising to secure the critical upgrade. Spearheaded by recently retired employee, Bronwyn Madej who had worked for Narrogin Cottage Homes for 20 years, the team organised raffles and grain drives to raise funds, and received about 50 cash contributions from community members and local clubs. Established in 1963, Narrogin Cottage Homes currently houses more than 80 residents needing varying levels of care. The facility has the capacity to host about 130 residents. Ms Madej said the service had “grown enormously” in the 20 years she had worked there, and had brought the bus to attention in August 2024 after centre upgrades. The group obtained the bus in October 2025, replacing the former vehicle that was more than three decades old, enabling employees to transport residents to appointments and general outings safely and comfortably. The new bus features the emblems of Hotham Trust, Lions Club of Narrogin, and Rotary Club of Narrogin, as a sign of gratitude for their large donations. Narrogin Cottage Homes chairman Lindsay Scott said they had been “quietly confident” during fundraising but were pleasantly surprised at how fast their efforts paid off. Mr Scott said the upgraded bus had been “fabulous”, with its wheelchair accessibility and improvement to users’ comfort and safety. He said it has opened the doors for the residents to enjoy new outings. “We are talking to have a group of people who arrange activities and things so there’s more opportunities for outings, like going off to Wagin and Williams,” he said. “And a group of men are going to start going to the pub to play pool.” Mr Scott said it was really important they had access to safe and accessible transport onsite. “If not you’re relying on family members. Owning our own bus gives us the freedom with our staff to look after them and provide better care,” he said. Mr Scott said staff and volunteers were currently building a small shed to house the bus.