Wollondilly Shire Council’s retired community bus will soon have a new life as a mobile creative studio, following the announcement that the Mitsubishi Rosa 21-seater vehicle has been donated to River Road Creative Communities.

The decision was endorsed at the Council meeting held on Tuesday 23 May 2023, after a highly competitive Expression of Interest (EOI) process.

River Road Creative Communities, a local organisation dedicated to fostering creative initiatives and community development in the Wollondilly Shire, emerged as the successful applicant amongst a pool of strong applications.

The proposal put together by River Road will see the old vehicle converted to a mobile creative studio including a mobile community radio station, a recording studio and music making hub, with potential for a photography darkroom and storage for pop up creative sessions.

In order to convert the vehicle for its new purpose, River Road is working alongside Bargo Men’s Shed and other local services.

Mayor Matt Gould said, “After 15 years of service, Council wants to see the life that is left in the bus put to good use.”

“I’d like to congratulate River Road for their successful application and their fantastic vision to see the bus used in a way that will benefit the residents of the Wollondilly Shire.”

“By donating the Mitsubishi Rosa 21-seater vehicle, Council hopes to enhance the capacity of River Road Creative Communities to reach a broader audience and provide increased accessibility to their programs and initiatives.”

River Road Creative Communities is elated with Council’s decision and eagerly anticipates using the Mitsubishi Rosa 21-seater vehicle to its fullest potential, so they can continue to empower the community through their diverse creative programs and initiatives.

Patrick Nellestein from River Road said, “We're all so excited to immediately start on converting the bus into a mobile creative studio for all Wollondilly to use and enjoy.”

“We are grateful for the support of Wollondilly Shire Council, and artists and organisations that have already engaged in the project including Joe Quilter, Tenille Salmon, and the Bargo Mens Shed.”

River Road took possession of the vehicle on Monday 29 May and hope to have the revamp complete by October 2023. To keep up to date on what’s happening with the bus and follow the project, head to https://riverroad.edu.au/creativedillybus