The service, which will be operational in mid-June, is eligible for cancer patients living within a 200 kilometre radius of the Dubbo CBD. It can be accessed through a referral from a relevant health professional.

Last week, 10 residents attended the first volunteer driver training day. The second training day will held Monday, June 18.

Cancer Council Western NSW community programs coordinator Camilla Thompson said the demand for cancer treatment was increasing and sometimes it was near impossible for people living in communities with limited transport options, who had financial difficulties or were too sick to drive to get to treatment.

“This is a much needed service and we do rely on our wonderful volunteers to drive the patients across the catchment and get them to treatment safe and sound,” Ms Thompson said.

We had a fabulous response from our first call out and I can’t thank our new volunteers who came along on Monday enough. However, as demand for the service increases, we will be looking for more volunteers to give their time and drive our fully-funded vehicles – even if it’s a couple of hours a week.”

Volunteers need to have a full Australian driver’s licence and complete a national criminal check.

People who are interested in volunteering for the Transport to Treatment program should contact Linda Hoey on 6937 2600.