These were the words of Oakdale resident John Hellyer who has been volunteering for most of his life.

He and his wife have been foster carers for more than 30 years and Mr Hellyer now drives the Wollondilly community bus to help residents in our shire who have no transport.

He said that once a fortnight he picks up residents from the Estonian Village in Thirlmere to take them for a tour around Wollondilly or day of shopping in Narellan.

``Sometimes we go cruising in wonderful Wollondilly so I take them to Cobbitty and Warragamba Dam then through Nattai and back to Oakdale Workers Club for a five-dollar lunch,'' he said.

``I've been campaigning to get a CD player in the bus because you can't buy tapes any more and they love to sing and carry on.''

A spokeswoman for the council said the Wollondilly community bus was available for use by not-for-profit community groups who provide services within the shire.

``The bus is provided to assist those people in our community who are transport disadvantaged,'' she said. ``Generally groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, young people, children, people from non-English backgrounds, Aboriginal people and women are given priority usage of this vehicle.''

Mr Hellyer thought driving the bus was a lot of fun because he got to meet so many people and make lots of friends.

``And you only need a light rigid licence you don't need a coach or bus licence. At Christmas time I take locals on a Christmas run to see the lights at night and I love driving the school kids when they have their council tour days.''

Details: To become a community bus driver contact the council, 46771105.