FAREWELL TO B-ATTITUDES
MOBILE OFFICE – THE END OF AN ERA AND BEGINNING OF A NEW TIME
Sadly the mobile office VW Multivan required expensive repair, especially to the roof lining which was hanging down throughout. It was for this reason, combined with the fact that B-Attitudes’ modus operandi – mode of operation – has changed since 2008, that the committee of management resolved in late 2022 to trade the vehicle in for a smaller used vehicle.
B-Attitudes mode of operation now is less on community meetings since the drug of choice changed to methamphetamine with its dangerous behaviours, compared to the mainly heroin cases we were seeing within the community in the early 2000s.
The demand now is more on travel to prisons from Casuarina to Wooroloo, with some community follow up and visits, which are now mainly home visits, and community setting visits.
After much searching, the van was traded for a smaller used vehicle on 7th February 2023 for a reasonable price. It was the end of an era as the mobile office was handed over to the dealership with its last journey for B-Attitudes to Wooroloo Prison on 31st January 2023.
It was also poignant as this occurred just after the sudden passing of our beloved Delores Caboche who had been a valuable member of B-Attitudes Committee of Management as Financial Consultant for over 15 years, also marking the end of an era for B-Attitudes Inc.
Mobile Office – History
Mobility has always been part of B-Attitudes service, realising early on that meeting the clients where they are – home, parks, cafes, university etc. – has optimised engagement. The recovery team have used their own vehicles for this purpose over the years.In the middle of 2007, B-Attitudes were donated a second-hand car and although the car was old and needed almost as much oil as petrol (!) it was reliable, economical, and a blessing in providing a vehicle to relieve the wear and tear on private vehicles. Inevitably the first donated car ceased running in 2009. However in 2010 B-Attitudes were again blessed with the donation of another second-hand car which run very well for over 10 years, but sadly ceased running in 2021.
Early in February 2008, B-Attitudes were delighted to be able to take delivery of a new VW Multivan Highline people mover to enhance the service. (See pictures). Thanks to a grant from Lotterywest towards the purchase and B-Attitudes Gift Fund donations, the vehicle finally arrived to provide an air-conditioned mobile office base for resources and a venue to meet clients, having the versatility to convert into a conference setting with a central round table. In its day, it proved very useful and flexible giving a mobile counselling space around the Perth and Kwinana/Rockingham areas, and although still running, despite a low mileage was requiring costly repairs or replacement.