Tailem Bend Community Centre takes the wheel on regional transport services

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Tailem Bend Community Centre (TBCC) has secured the driver’s seat in delivering
community transport services across a huge stretch of regional South Australia. 

After a successful tender, TBCC will now lead the Community Transport South
Australia (CTSA) program, covering 15 local government areas across the
Riverland, Murray Mallee and Limestone Coast.

This is a major step for the much-loved community organisation, which already
provides transport services in six council areas including Coorong, Karoonda East
Murray, Southern Mallee, Murray Bridge, Mid Murray and Tatiara.

Now, that footprint is expanding significantly to include places like Mount Gambier, Loxton, Waikerie, Naracoorte, Renmark, Wattle Range and more.

For Chairperson Judy Bagg, it’s an exciting moment for not only the centre, but the
town itself.

“We’re absolutely thrilled,” she said.

“This means more people in more places will be able to access reliable, affordable transport – all from a service run right here out of Tailem Bend.

"It’s something the whole community can be proud of.”

The Red Cross will continue providing services for people aged over 65 (or over 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients) through the Commonwealth Home Support Program until 2027.

TBCC will now manage the broader community transport network — getting people to appointments, shops, social outings and more.

With the changes will come a new look, the familiar Murray Mallee Community Passenger Network (MMCPN) name will soon make way for a fresh new identity: Community Transport South Australia – Riverland, Murray Mallee, Limestone Coast (CTSA-RMC).

Locals can expect to see new signage, branding and communications rolling out over the next few months.

Behind the scenes, the work is already well underway with the TBCC speaking with
councils, community partners and volunteer drivers to make sure the expanded
service runs smoothly.

They’re also updating their agreements with key partners like the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) and Country Health Connect, so drivers have access to enough vehicles across all the regions they’ll now serve.

TBCC’s fleet is already based in Tailem Bend, Murray Bridge, Meningie and
Lameroo, with more vehicles likely to be added as demand grows.

“We’re not just plugging into a big new service area and hoping for the best,” said
Ms Bagg.

“We’re having real conversations with communities about what they need, and how we can deliver transport that works for them — whether that’s more vehicles, more drivers, or different kinds of services.”

She added that being based in Tailem Bend gives the centre a unique perspective.

“We understand what it’s like living out here — the distances, the isolation, and how important it is to stay connected.

“It’s not just about getting from A to B, it’s about people being able to stay part of their communities, to access healthcare, to see family, to go to the shops or catch up with friends.”

As part of the rollout, TBCC is inviting local councils to meet and discuss what
transport looks like in their area.

They’re also encouraging councils to help advocate for better services and support continued funding for older residents beyond 2027.

“This is a really exciting time — not just for us, but for Tailem Bend and the whole
region,” Ms Bagg said.

“It shows what a small community centre can do when it’s backed by the community and focused on making a real difference.”

From a small town on the Murray, a big change is happening — and it’s all about helping people stay mobile, connected, and part of something bigger.

• More information: Operations Manager Katrina Fromm; info@tbcc.org.au or call (08) 8572 3513.
• Enquiries: Tammy Shepherd via ceo@tbcc.org.au.