How it all started (110 years ago)
In 1916, women’s lives were changing – and World War I was the catalyst. Men were leaving Australia to fight, which meant more women were travelling on their own, joining the workforce, and sometimes leaving life in the country and venturing into the city for the first time.
That year, a group of women formed the first Travellers Aid Society of Victoria, a multi-denominational group lead by volunteers of the YWCA.
Over the intervening years we have adapted to the changing needs of our society. One hundred years later, that group now Travellers Aid Australia is still operating in Victoria. The organisation now supports men, women and children as they travel. And Travellers Aid still depends on the support of volunteers to operate.
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.
1939: World War Two
During World War II Travellers Aid experienceda huge demand for its services. The committee members’ knowledge of military camps is important as women often leave home with small children in tow to visit their husbands. Travellers Aid take on the role of assisting these women as it is difficult to find loved ones in the midst of thousands of troops with limited ways of making contact.
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 Personal Care Service is more successful than ever at Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station, celebrating its 20th birthday.
2014: Expanding to regional Victoria
Travellers Aid opens at Seymour Station with the Buggy Service.
2016: 100th Anniversary
Travellers Aid officially launched its 100 year celebration on Thursday 14 July at Southern Cross Station. In commemoration of a century of service Travellers Aid also launch the book ‘We are all travellers’, a collection of images and stories of the Travellers Aid journey.
2020: COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 Pandemic reaches Australian shores and Victoria experiences multiple lockdowns. Travellers Aid is classified as an essential service, with service hub doors remaining open and staff adapting to new safety measures and procedures.
2022: Changing minds by changing practice
Travellers Aid event access and inclusion services go beyond the stations and include major events such as the Australian Open, The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Moomba and the Anzac Day service. The organisation partners with the City of Melbourne to promote the Hidden Disability Sunflower at Moomba Festival. The Companion Service celebrates 10 years of operation and broadens to support people at Queen Victoria’s Summer Night series.
2022: Expanding regional services and building awareness through education
Services commence at Ballarat Station, with wheelchair connection assistance improving V/Line passenger accessibility and experience at the heritage listed site. Travellers Aid training programs include experiential disability awareness training co-developed and facilitated by people with disability.
2024: Melbourne Award for Access and Inclusion and a take off at Melbourne Airport
Travellers Aid receives the Melbourne Award for Access and Inclusion, recognising the organisation’s long-standing contribution to improving accessibility and participation for people facing mobility and accessibility barriers across Victoria. Melbourne Airport Assist pilot commences, later becoming a permanent service.
2025: New Service Hubs in Geelong and Parkville
Travellers Aid opens new service hubs at Geelong and Parkville Stations, marking a significant expansion of support services and connecting people to vital healthcare at Parkville medical precinct via the new Metro Tunnel.
2026: 110 Years of Making Journeys Possible
Travellers Aid celebrates 110 years of supporting people to connect, engage and participate in their communities. From assisting women travelling alone in 1916 to delivering access and inclusion services across Victoria, the organisation reaches this milestone while continuing to expand its impact through partnerships, innovation and community support.
“It is quite remarkable that for more than half the life of our city and state, there has been a Travellers Aid, quietly going about its vital role.”
Trevor Huggard, AM. former Lord Mayor of Melbourne, former Travellers Aid Australia board member.
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