mmg.com.au

District residents with limited transport options have been taking advantage of the summer season bus between Heathcote and Bendigo.

The bus runs on Saturdays, departing Heathcote from Dairy Flat Rd at 8.05am and 4.30pm and returning from Bendigo Station at 9.20am and 5.20pm, providing residents of all ages easier access to Bendigo on the weekend.

Heathcote resident Michelle McLachlan said the service not only catered for Heathcote residents wanting to travel between Heathcote and Bendigo.

‘‘People are very excited about it and I think it is great to have the chance for Bendigo people to come out here,’’ Ms McLachlan said.

Last weekend a group of district parents, including Ms McLachlan, allowed their children to take the bus to Bendigo and back.

‘‘It enabled them to participate in the National Theatre Company’s school holiday drama workshops at the Capital’s Engine Room,’’ Ms McLachlan said.

‘‘The kids loved being able to be independent in the transport and said they couldn’t wait to do it again.’’

The bus stops at Dairy Flat and Spring Flat roads, the old Ampol service station and the Heathcote post office before continuing to Derrinal, Knowsley, Axedale Primary School, Longlea, the Farmers’ Arms Hotel, Junortoun Caravan Park, Domain Village and Bendigo Railway Station.

Timetables are posted across Heathcote and are also available from the council office in High St.

Tickets cost $5 each way from Heathcote and $2.50 each way from Axedale.