A resident of Mackellar Care Services, Mrs Brooks has contributed more than $200 from her small jewellery-making business to assist in the purchase of two buses, which will give residents an opportunity to get out and about.

The long-awaited transport will be launched on Monday by Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson in the car park of Lundie House on Apex Road.

Mackellar Care has been fundraising for the wheelchair-friendly 10-seater buses for two years after attempts to gain a grant were unsuccessful. 

Chief executive officer, Sandra Strong said Upper Namoi Cotton Growers was the first organisation to donate to their cause and “started the ball rolling”. Friends of the Nursing Home has also lent its support and bequeaths have also helped. 

Mrs Brooks said she started making and selling jewellery because she "thought they needed the help”.

The 92-year-old Lundie House resident welcomes the addition of buses because outings will offer a diversion and she will also save money.

“I won’t pay every time I go on the [maxi-taxi]. I won’t have to save my chits” she said.

“That’s a good thing. I like that.”

Mrs Strong said the buses would make a huge difference to the lives of the residents and increase flexibility.

“We’ve been well-serviced by the local maxi-taxi, Jason Bush, but it does limit our ability to go places when we want to,” she said.

“Live, laugh and enjoy the journey – that’s what we’re doing with the buses.”

Following the launch of the buses, Mrs Strong said some of the residents will get to go for a ride.

“Mrs Brooks is going to be one of the first people who will go on a trip downtown because I think Mrs Brooks represents the fantastic support,” she said.

Mrs Strong said the aged care facility would continue to raise money to meet the $210,000 goal so the entire cost of the buses can be covered by fundraising.