The combined funding power of community groups made the new vehicle a reality.

The electric car, named The Pink Mobile, replaces the Pink Ladies’ buggy which has been operating for almost five years.

Supporters gathered for the all-weather vehicle’s official launch on May 2.

The five Rotary Clubs of the Hastings contributed $15,661, and the Port Macquarie CWA Branch and Port Macquarie Pink Ladies each contributed $1000 towards the electric car.

Rotary representative Ray White said he contacted the other Rotary clubs and they came on board straight away.

“It’s very pleasing now to see the end result,” he said.

The Rotary clubs of Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie West, Port Macquarie Sunrise, Laurieton and Wauchope contributed funds towards the purchase.

Volunteers from the Pink Ladies drive the vehicle.

Port Macquarie Pink Ladies president Gabby Gregory thanked the CWA and the Rotary clubs for their support.

Mrs Gregory said it was time to update to a more economical and sustainable vehicle.

The environmentally-friendly electric car is the result.

“The patients and visitors to the hospital are thrilled to bits with it,” she said.

It is hoped the new car will have a longer battery life than the old buggy, which would enable the service’s hours to be extended.

Port Macquarie Base Hospital director of nursing and midwifery Penelope Pink thanked the five Rotary Clubs, the CWA branch and the Pink Ladies.

She said the courtesy vehicle service was absolutely essential.

Port Macquarie CWA Branch contributed towards the vehicle costs after one of its members indicated a new courtesy vehicle was needed.

Branch executive member Joan Rose said it was an excellent service for patients and visitors because the car park was so vast.

The former courtesy vehicle will remain at the hospital site to assist the maintenance workers with their tasks.