Travellers Aid is excited to expand its network of connection and support services with 3 new locations this year.
Building on our existing hubs at Southern Cross, Flinders Street, Seymour and Ballarat stations, our services are now available at Geelong Station and at the new Parkville Station within Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel.
These additions follow the launch of our connection services as part of Melbourne Airport Assist earlier this year.
CEO Elias Lebbos says the growth is a strategic part of Travellers Aid’s mission to assist people get where they need to go through an expanding network of support points across Victoria.
Travellers Aid had been providing a limited connection assistance service in Geelong for people attending the Archibald Prize exhibition at Geelong Gallery. Our permanent Geelong Railway Station service hub is now fully operational and operates from 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. Available services include travel and public transport information, companion service and personal guidance.
It’s creating a web of touch points for people who want to travel independently, knowing that if there is something that creates discomfort or disturbs the travel, there’s a service that can provide assistance and support along that journey,’ Elias says.
Our new Parkville Station service hub offers valuable connection and companion support to people attending the precinct for medical appointments.
These additions represent an important and strategic service expansion designed to support independence and keep people connected to their communities.
It builds on Travellers Aid’s established network, which includes Southern Cross Station – the heart of Melbourne’s transport connections linking trains, trams, coaches and taxis – and Flinders Street Station, where personal care services enable people with disability to travel independently into Melbourne without bringing support workers.
Regional hubs at Seymour and Ballarat stations already provide vital connection assistance, including wheelchair support, personal guidance and help navigating between car parks, taxi ranks, local buses and V/Line coach services.
The recently added Melbourne Airport Assist service help travellers navigate from car parks or SkyBus through terminals to check-in, or from baggage collection back to transport connections. This addresses a critical gap for people who need support in the often-overwhelming airport environment.
Beyond fixed locations, Travellers Aid continues to provide support during public transport disruptions and major events including the Australian Open, Moomba and Formula One Australian Grand Prix. Our companion service helps people reach appointments or go shopping in the city, while mobility equipment hire means travellers don’t need to bring their own.
These latest expansions reflect our commitment to enabling independence through practical support, so transport challenges don’t become barriers to participation in work, health care, education or community life.