Gerald Lynch
LINK Community and Transport volunteer Ian (Doug) Ashton, has been honoured with a prestigious Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria Senior Achiever Award.
The award celebrates Doug’s extraordinary commitment to community service and his profound impact on the lives of older people.
For the past 20 years, 80-year-old Doug has devoted his time and energy to LINK Community and Transport, which is based in Thomastown, as a volunteer driver, playing a pivotal role in ensuring that clients safely reach their destinations.
Doug’s duties include pick-ups, drop-offs, and heart-warming interactions.
Managing director of LINK, Danny Davis said the whole team was proud of Doug and wife Lorraine’s achievements.
“Doug’s unwavering dedication, combined with Lorraine’s invaluable support, truly embodies the spirit of community service and compassion. We couldn’t be prouder of Doug’s well-deserved recognition,” he said.
“LINK Community and Transport is a vital organisation that enables older people and individuals with special needs to remain connected to their communities and lead fulfilling lives.
“Volunteers like Doug play an indispensable role in making this possible.”
Doug’s volunteer work goes far beyond transportation; it is about forming genuine connections and making a difference in the lives of LINK’s clients.
“Lorraine and I feel we are both doing something worthwhile as many clients would not leave the house if it wasn’t for LINK Community and Transport. The smiles on their faces say it all when we arrive to pick them up, even if it is for a medical appointment,” Doug said.
“The key to being a volunteer is you have to really listen to your clients and take care of their requests. That could be as simple as their preferred seating on the bus – we just need to put the clients’ needs first.“
