AT 75, Lillian Stranic has been helping others for the most part of 50 years, but it wasn’t until she became visually impaired that she decided to put the wheels in motion and start a gang.
The Scooter Gang – a multicultural group of seniors with mobility scooters – was created by Ms Stranic and Bill Lorigan in 2021, to encourage seniors to get outside, connect and boost their well-being through social activities.
“Elderly people can often feel isolated and lonely, so it’s important they have friends their age,” Ms Stranic said.
“This group is a way of connecting and socialising with each other, we are filling a void and helping people get out of the house.”
Ms Stranic said The Scooter Gang was inspired by her own struggles.
“I have always helped others and when I lost most of my vision, I felt like I couldn’t do anything anymore and felt like giving up,” she said.
“I got help from Vision Australia and I remember one of the medical staff said to me ‘you can still do everything you want to do; you just need to find a different way of doing it’ and from there, I said I would find a way to help, and I did.”
Ms Stranic recently found out she has been nominated for Link Vision’s Blind Australian of the Year Award for her work in the community.
“I’m very surprised, but very honoured,” she said
“People often ask me how I do it, I’m visionally impaired and have other health problems, and I just say that this is what I want to do, and I will keep helping until the day I leave this earth,” she said.
“I want this to be my legacy.
Ms Stranic said she is looking for donations to help keep the group running and more members to join the team.
“It doesn’t matter what culture, religion or race you are, we are here to learn from each other and unite,” she said.
“It also doesn’t matter if you have a scooter, a wheely walker, or a cane you are welcome to join us.”
The Scooter Gang meet once a month at Logan West Community Centre. Their next meeting is on Tuesday October 4 at 1pm. For more information email thescootergang2021@outlook.com
