Every day John Kourouvanis hops into his taxi, he’s ready to help someone in need. He’s not a nurse or a doctor, but for many patients, he’s just as important. John has been transporting patients for St Vincent’s for the past 46 years.
Born in Greece, John arrived in Australia when he was 14 and went straight to work at a wool factory. He took English classes at night school before becoming a taxi driver. Now, he’s made it his mission to help people with special needs get from A to B safely.
John drives patients slowly, carefully, across Melbourne’s inner-north to rehabilitation centres, medical appointments, or to our hospital. He adjusts the seats to ease bad backs, avoids speed bumps for those in pain, and fills the car with good humour.
John’s passengers often give him gifts to show their appreciation like these decorations for his car.
He sees people arrive broken to our Community Rehabilitation Centre in Fairfield – unable to lift an arm or walk – and leave stronger. “From day one to the last day, the change is unbelievable,” he said. “And the staff here? They’ve got golden hands. They deserve a medal.”
At 74, John could retire, but he won’t. “If I stay home, I’ll go mad. This gives me life.”
Though a recipient of an Australia Day achievement award, John said his higher purpose is bigger than any personal recognition. What matters is this: “They get in the car crying, they get out smiling. That’s my job.”
