Wollondilly Shire Council’s retired community bus will soon be transformed into a mobile creative studio.
Council has revealed the Mitsubishi Rosa 21-seater vehicle has been donated to River Road Creative Communities.
The decision was endorsed at the May meeting of council, after a highly competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) process.
River Road Creative Communities, a local organisation dedicated to fostering creative initiatives and community development in the Wollondilly Shire, emerged as the successful applicant amongst a pool of strong applications.
The proposal put together by River Road will see the old vehicle converted to a mobile creative studio including a mobile community radio station, a recording studio and music making hub, with potential for a photography darkroom and storage for pop up creative sessions.
In order to convert the vehicle for its new purpose, River Road is working alongside Bargo Men’s Shed and other local services.
“After 15 years of service, council wants to see the life that is left in the bus put to good use,” says Mayor Matt Gould.
“I’d like to congratulate River Road for their successful application and their fantastic vision to see the bus used in a way that will benefit the residents of the Wollondilly Shire.
“By donating the Mitsubishi Rosa 21-seater vehicle, council hopes to enhance the capacity of River Road Creative Communities to reach a broader audience and provide increased accessibility to their programs and initiatives,” Mayor Gould said,
River Road Creative Communities say they are elated with council’s decision and eagerly anticipate using the Mitsubishi Rosa 21- seater vehicle to its fullest potential, so they can continue to empower the community through their diverse creative programs and initiatives.
“We’re all so excited to immediately start on converting the bus into a mobile creative studio for all Wollondilly to use and enjoy,” says Patrick Nellestein from River Road.
“We are grateful for the support of Wollondilly Shire Council, and artists and organisations that have already engaged in the project including Joe Quilter, Tenille Salmon, and the Bargo Mens Shed.”
River Road say they hope to have the makeover complete by October.
Anyone who would like to keep up to date on what’s happening with the bus and follow the project, head to https://riverroad.edu.au/creativedillybus
