History

At Travellers Aid Australia, we have a long and wonderful history of assisting travellers in need. This is our story:

1916: The beginning

Travellers Aid Australia is formed in July 1916 to offer support and protection to women and girls arriving in Melbourne from overseas, interstate and rural Victoria. From 1916 Travellers Aid Australia volunteers begin to meet boats arriving at Station Pier and trains at Spencer and Flinders Street Stations.

1920: The migrant experience

Travellers Aid Australia volunteers begin to work tirelessly on applications for War Gratuity Pensions with great success. Travellers Aid Australia rest rooms are erected at Station Pier, Spencer Street Station and Victoria Doc k by 1921. The Travellers Aid Hostel is also built this year.

1929: The Great Depression

Travellers Aid Australia is confronted by the disheartening sight of abandoned children, women fleeing domestic violence, the disintegration of families and disillusioned migrants.  

1939: World War Two

The Great Depression gives way to another great global conflict – World War Two. Once again, Travellers Aid Australia is confronted by the moral dilemma of lonely young women coming into Melbourne looking for wartime romance and employment.

1945: Post-war migration

No sooner than the cessation of war in 1945, Travellers Aid Australia is propelled into another intense and exciting period of Australia’s history – post-war migration. Travellers Aid Australia begins to greet and accommodate these migrants, houses families on their way to rural reception centres, and reunites lost children with their parents.

1960: International students and the Colombo Plan

As the number of migrants arriving at Station Pier begins to dwindle, Travellers Aid Australia shifts its focus to the needs of young Asian students arriving to study as part of the Colombo Plan. The hostel once again becomes a flurry of inter-racial and multi-lingual interaction, as students from around the world mingle and share stories.

1972: Doors open for men

In 1972 Travellers Aid Australia diversifies and welcomes men, providing them with financial aid and other referral services. This paves the way for other Emergency Relief services, some of which have continued for 30 years.

1989: Encouraging independent lifestyles

The Travellers Aid Disability Service opens to provide support to people with disabilities. The service is an important step in encouraging people with disabilities to make use of the many facilities and resources available in the heart of Melbourne.

2005: New endeavours

Travellers Aid Australia successfully operates the Melbourne Mobility Centre on behalf of the City of Melbourne.

2006: A new and improved facility

Travellers Aid Australia at Southern Cross Station relocates to new purpose built facilities with extended operating hours. Travellers Aid Australia assists people with disabilities and visitors involved in the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

2008: A triumphant return

Construction commences at Travellers Aid Australia at Flinders Street Station and the service returns after a 40 year absence.

2009: 20 years of service

Travellers Aid Access Service is more successful than ever at Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station, celebrating its 20th birthday.