Community Bus

Replacement of the Community Bus

Council’s former Community Bus served the district faithfully since 2011. Under the Passenger Transport Act 1994 (SA), buses used for community hire in rural areas must be less than 25 years old. As the previous vehicle reached this age in April 2024, it has now been retired from passenger service.

A new replacement bus has been procured to ensure continuity of this valued community transport service. Delivery and commissioning are scheduled for November 2025, after which general community use will recommence under Council’s Passenger Transport Accreditation.

Until the new vehicle is operational, the existing bus remains available only to core community users—the Senior Citizens Club, Uringa Hostel, and Red Cross—on a no-hire basis.

The Community Bus provides affordable, accessible transport for local residents and community groups. It supports trips for shopping, medical appointments, social activities and community events, helping residents, particularly older community members, remain connected and independent.

Council looks forward to re-launching the service in November 2025 once commissioning and final safety checks are complete. Details about bookings and availability will be advertised closer to that date.

“Driving Our Story” – Community Bus Youth Art Project 2025

To celebrate the arrival of the new vehicle and highlight local creativity, Council invited young people from across the district to participate in the “Driving Our Story” - Youth Art Project.

The project called for original artwork from young artists aged 8–17 years, reflecting the theme “Our District, Our Story.” Entries showcased the community through the eyes of local youth. More information about the original project can be found here: Community Bus Artwork Project 2025 | Tumby Bay District Council

A Community Bus unveiling event is being planned for Monday 17 November 2025, with details to be confirmed in the coming weeks. Invitations to Parent/Carers of the artists will be sent out soon.

Participation and Judging

The District Council of Tumby Bay wishes to acknowledge and thank the following judging panel members who generously volunteered their time to review each submitted artwork as part of this project.

Judging panel (volunteers):

• Fiona Ward – Councillor, District Council of Tumby Bay
• Rosii Pedler – Tumby Bay Progress Association Member / Local Artist
• Renton Kelly – Lions Club of Tumby Bay & District, Marketing / Acting Secretary

Artworks selected: 8 pieces were chosen by the judging panel for inclusion. (4 on each side of the bus)

Selected Artworks and Artist Acknowledgements

The District Council of Tumby Bay acknowledges the young artists whose original works appear on the Community Bus Wrap and Website. Each artwork is published with parent or guardian permission, and artist are credited as the creators of their work.

Artist Rights and Use Disclaimer

All artworks remain the property of the individual artists named above.
By participating in the Community Bus Youth Art Project – “Driving Our Story” (2025), each artist and their parent/guardian provided permission for the District Council of Tumby Bay to:

• display, reproduce and/or adapt the submitted artwork for the purpose of the Community Bus wrap; and
• use images of the artwork (with first name, age and artwork title only) in promotional materials, online publications and event displays associated with this project.

No artwork is to be used for any other purpose without the express written consent of the artist’s, parent or guardian.

Design and Installation

The selected artworks were professionally combined into a single, cohesive design by Impact Signs (Port Lincoln), who also completed the wrap installation on the new bus.
The result is a vibrant, eye-catching mobile artwork that celebrates the district’s landscapes, people and culture while continuing the creative legacy of the Colour Tumby Festival.

Acknowledgements

The District Council of Tumby Bay thanks the young artists, their families, and community partners who helped bring this project to life. The new Community Bus stands as a travelling showcase of local talent and pride, connecting our people and our places throughout the district.

Media and Enquiries

Contact: dctumby@tumbybay.sa.gov.au or phone  (08) 8688 2101.

Media Release: Media Release - Community Bus Artwork Project - Driving our Story - 2025

Follow Council’s Facebook page for design previews and launch details once confirmed.