Guided by the principles of empowerment and equal opportunity, Wilba has worked closely with the local communities to employ individuals who are driven and passionate about giving back to their community. We are proud of the close relationship we have developed with the communities and make great effort in providing a culturally safe and nurturing workplace that fosters growth and skills-building.
Established in Dubbo in December 2021, Wilba emerged as a vital link for local and foreign workers commuting to the nearby abattoir, Fletcher International, which had no existing public transportation options available for their employees. Our shared point-to-point transportation service quickly gained traction, providing approximately 40 passengers each day with affordable and reliable transportation to and from their workplace and other important appointments and daily commitments.
In February 2023, we took our passion for community connectivity to Bourke, NSW, with the launch of the Empowering Bourke project. In collaboration with Transport for NSW and the Bourke community, Wilba introduced a demand-responsive shared transport service spanning Bourke, North Bourke, Alice Edwards Village, and Bourke Airport. Operating a 12-seater bus for 65 hours per week, Monday through Saturday, Wilba filled a critical void in public transportation, providing over 2000 one-way trips monthly to individuals lacking access to personal vehicles.
Prior to Wilba’s arrival in Bourke, the town had no public transportation options, leaving many residents without viable options for travel. With Wilba’s introduction, however, the community saw a dramatic shift, surpassing initial trip estimates by 600-700%. Through the support of government grants, Wilba was able to offer heavily subsidized transportation, facilitating essential connections to local amenities, employment opportunities, medical services, and social gatherings.
The resounding success of Wilba’s initiatives is reflected in both patronage figures and feedback from the community. A recent survey conducted by Transport for NSW underscored the profound impact of Wilba’s services, with approximately 90% of respondents rating their experience as excellent, very good, or good. Moreover, 21% of respondents indicated that without Wilba, they would have foregone their trips altogether. Direct community testimonials further echo the sentiment, with residents hailing Wilba as a transformative force, particularly for elderly individuals and those reliant on public transport for daily essentials.
At Wilba, we remain committed to our mission of serving communities through accessible solutions. As we continue to grow and evolve, our dedication to providing reliable, affordable, and inclusive services remains unwavering. Join us as we strive to make a difference, one journey at a time.
