It’s been a long time coming for some of the residents at Cooinda Coonabarabran, but regular bus outings have returned.

Cooinda (along with all other aged care facilities) was forced to postpone all bus excursions due to COVID-19 restrictions.

David Jackson, team leader of Cooinda’s lifestyle and leisure team, said residents were glad to be back touring the country side again after such a long time.

“It would be 12 months over a two-year period that we haven’t been able to run the trips,” Mr Jackson said.

“From the first lot of restrictions to the latest, it’s fair to say the residents have felt a little bit of cabin fever.

“Especially when you take into account that they have had to comply with restricted visiting rules during that time as well.”

Residents are now back enjoying their weekly Wednesday trips. Since the latest restrictions were lifted, there have been excursions to the Warrumbungle National Park, Binnaway and Kenebri.

There was also another bus trip that started at the centre of town and branched out to all the roads heading out of town.

“We always try to do something different and mix it up."

Volunteers

Mr Jackson said volunteers Gayle McEvoy and Len Roberts offered their services to accompany the residents.

“Both Gayle and Len are long-time local residents, so between them they know all the best places to go,” he said.

“Gayle and Len often pull up to buy the residents all an ice cream or something special to cap off the bus trip.”

One thing is certain, all the residents enjoy being able to get out and look forward to and it’s about once more. 

“They all love it, it's something they all look forward to and it's great that we are able to offer it once again,” Mr Jackson said.