Shelley's big day out sees her nominated for award

“There are people out there with no family: that's why I started this,” Ms Robertson said.

“When the Shire (program) finished, I went to a lady who was dying, and every afternoon she was curled up in bed in a ball.

“I said to her, ‘how about we go and see a couple of the girls, get you up, get you dressed, get you out?'”

“We started with two participants eight months ago, and now we have 22.”

“I'd love to include everybody who needs it.”

Ms Robertson likes to make the outings interesting by providing experiences each week.

“A couple of them wanted to go to Spotlight so we did a trip to Shepparton, we go to the Mathoura Bowling Club, we've been to Kyabram: we go out of town as much as we can.”

“There's myself and two other workers who come out on their own, but it's run by volunteers.

“We only charge $10 for the bus and they buy their own dinner.”

The program is open for new members, and Ms Robertson actively encourages anyone to reach out and become a part of the group.

“It's for anybody who's struggling.

“My dream was to get everybody out as a group.”

Ms Robertson has been trying to purchase a bus for her business, but has been knocked back for sponsorship and grants.

“The hire buses don't have a hoist, so I can't take people in wheelchairs, I have to rely on people with cars.

“If I can get a bit of money and purchase a bus, I can do this forever.”

“Hopefully we can get a bigger group and get everyone out for the day.”

Ms Robertson has been humbled by a nomination for a RICOH Australia Customer Service Award, thanking those who made it possible for her to continue her work.

“I want to thank Jenny from Baptcare for seeing what we're doing, the weekly volunteers and the girls who work with me bring their own clients.”

“(The group members) just talk constantly for three hours, and they go home, and do the same thing next week—they just love it.”

Shelley would like to invite anyone interested in joining the group to call her on 0437 855 133.