Michael Warren

Journalist

A whyanbeel man in need of a reliable transport service for trips across the local shire is a step closer to a wonderful outcome thanks to the goodwill, understanding and kindness of Douglas taxi service.

Graham O’ Donoghue, a paraplegic, is 100% reliant on transport services to move about the shire, however a series of misunderstandings has meant that he’s been unable to head back from Miallo to the family farm for the past seven months.

Confusion had reigned because Miallo is in the jurisdiction of Mossman taxis and on top of that, that taxi company doesn’t have wheelchair accessible taxis.

Enter, John McRoberts, owner of Douglas taxi service.

Upon hearing the plight of Mr O Donoghue, a very accommodating Mr McRoberts confirmed with Newsport that he wants to ensure Mr O’Donoghue’s future transport needs were taken care of.

“I’m more than willing to see what I can do for Mr O’ Donoghue,” Mr McRoberts explained.

“The tricky part is, that from memory and I’d have to double check this is that for example Miallo, or Whyanbeel aren’t in our normal dispatch area, because that’s Mossman taxis area.

“But common sense needs to prevail, Mossman taxis don’t have a wheelchair assisted taxi, we do, so it makes sense, pending approvals and us ticking the boxes, that we get the right permissions to be able to pick Mr O’ Donoghue up when he needs to go somewhere.”

Mr O’ Donoghue’s ex-partner Caryn Ciappara suggested any help provided by Douglas taxis would be highly valued and appreciated.

“Having a taxi with wheelchair assisted capabilities means Graham is way more mobile and can do things with his children, attend more social outings and feel more like a member of the community,” she said

“We’re really excited to work with John to get a positive outcome.”