Calling all taxi drivers: Kalbarri is on the lookout for its newest recruit and driving extraordinaire following devastating news the town’s only, and much-loved cabbie is retiring due to poor health.

Well-known and beloved around Kalbarri, taxi driver Andrew Dott — fondly known as Dotty — is hanging up the keys to the coastal community’s singular taxi.

Owner of Kalbarri Taxi Julian Bowman said the news and circumstances of Dotty’s retirement was a huge loss for the community and small business.

With the business now out of action and both locals and tourists left without a taxi, Mr Bowman is calling for people ready to fill the position to reach out as soon as possible.

He said the position needed to be filled sooner rather than later, as the town could not lose its transportation service alongside its only GP and Lucky Bay garnet mine.

Dotty is making the move to Perth to look after his health following the closure of Kalbarri Doctors Surgery last month due to financial struggles under the Medicare bulk-billing model.

He was described by locals to be more than just a taxi driver — he was a “lifeline” for the town — helping residents get to their own doctors appointments, hospital visits, the shops for basic essentials, and helped connect people in the community who struggled to get around.

Having had only one driver, the famous Dotty, Mr Bowman said he would be on the lookout for not one driver but two for the taxi service, in the case of needing “backup”.

“The taxi service is very important, especially for locals. Now with a lot of people needing to go to Geraldton for medical reasons and tourists in town, it’s a necessary service,” Mr Bowman said.

Despite the taxi service currently being out of business, Mr Bowman said the phone connected to the taxi line had 31 missed calls on Saturday night last weekend.

Kalbarri Visitor Centre manager Natalie Moir said a local taxi service was an essential part of Kalbarri’s visitor experience and an important community service.

“Many visitors, particularly older travellers, arrive by coach and rely on local transport to reach their accommodation, restaurants and attractions,” she said.

“While Kalbarri is a very walkable town, not everyone can comfortably walk long distances or manage luggage, making a taxi service an invaluable option for both residents and visitors.”

Ms Moir also noted not everyone had access to a vehicle, with many needing help getting around town.

“It also gives locals the option to enjoy a night out without having to drive home. Having a reliable transport option contributes to community safety and makes the town more accessible for everyone,” she said.

“It’s an essential service that helps make the town more accessible and enjoyable to experience.”

East coast-based Mr Bowman bought the taxi service from Dotty six months ago with plans to retire to Kalbarri and take over the business in two years, with Dotty to remain as the driver until then.

However, circumstances have now changed.

Kalbarri locals have commemorated Dotty’s service and dedication to the town, with many passing on gratitude and well wishes for the outgoing taxi legend.

Mr Bowman said he is looking for two taxi drivers to take over the wheel and anyone interested can contact him on 0448 798 320.