Activus Transport has announced that longtime Sutherland Shire resident, author and carers advocate Cheryl Koenig will join the organisation as an Ambassador, effective immediately.
Cheryl Koenig will work alongside Activus to raise awareness of the role of carers in the community and the benefits of community transport in supporting individuals, families and their carers to attend medical and other appointments, as well as social outings.
“Social isolation impacts a significant number of people in our community. Cost-effective community transport is key to getting people out and about, increasing their overall health and wellbeing, said Activus General Manager, Greg Stanger.
“Many people are not aware that nominated carers or companions can accompany their care recipients for free when supporting them on Activus Transport services, such as transport to medical appointments. I am looking forward to working with Cheryl as we proactively raise awareness of the many benefits that community transport offers”, Stanger added. A significant percentage of disabled or frail aged customers travel with a designated carer, from family members to professional support staff.
In commenting on her new role Cheryl Koenig said, “I am proud to join Activus Transport as an ambassador and to work in partnership with the organisation and the wider community to improve health care and disability services. Our collective experience with the aged care and disability sector will shape our approach to improving long-term outcomes for all members of the Sutherland Shire.”
Cheryl Koenig has received many awards and accolades including the 2008 Sassy Literary Award, 2009 NSW Woman of the Year and 2014 Medal of the Order of Australia. She is an Ambassador for Sutherland Shire Carer Support Service, a carer representative for Carers NSW and has worked with disability support groups. Her career has been shaped by her role as a carer and advocate for her son, who was severely injured in a vehicle accident. She will operate as an Activus ambassador alongside Associate Professor Peter Gonski.