Access and Inclusion services grow across events and sites.
An update from Elias, Traveller Aid CEO
We’ve had a smashing start to the year with our Access and Inclusion service at the Australian Open tennis assisting more people than ever. We even rubbed shoulders with paralympic tennis legend Dylan Alcott.
A record team of 85 staff and volunteers supported 1300 people with mobility impairments or other disabilities to confidently attend and enjoy the tournament. This is over four times more people than in 2022!
We are pleased to see activity building across our station sites as people return to the city for work, appointments, and outings. You’ll soon see a new face among our friendly site teams, with Anthony coming on board as our new operations coordinator. Anthony will be supporting people and coordinating services across our sites.
The Travellers Aid team’s tireless work towards access and inclusion was recognised in a recent raft of awards. We were incredibly proud to be named runner-up in the 2022 Melbourne Awards’ Community category, and to receive Bronze in the Excellence in Accessible Tourism category of the Victorian Tourism Awards. Our remarkable team also received the inaugural City of Melbourne Lord Mayor’s Award.
We have a fantastic new partnership with NHP Electrical Engineering Products, which is supporting our work through the supply of wheelchairs and buggies. This increases our ability to support people, not only through the supply of mobility equipment, but also with NHP staff volunteering their time to help deliver our services.
Growth is always exciting, and I am so pleased to welcome new staff as our services expand. Belinda joins us as a project officer focusing on events, while you’ll see site supervisor Lynda at our new Ballarat Travellers Aid service hub. Be sure to say hello.
With so much already on the go, it’s certainly shaping up to be another successful year for Travellers Aid.
Elias Lebbos | Chief Executive Officer
Event season recap
It has been an exciting summer for Travellers Aid staff and volunteers. Event season is in full swing and we have loved helping to make it as accessible and inclusive as we can! Catch up on what we’ve been up to.
Empowering female leaders
The Seat at the Table program aims to encourage the participation of young women of refugee and migrant background to pursue leadership. Throughout 2022, we were delighted to offer MaryJane a seat at the Travellers Aid table.
30th Anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
Travellers Aid Operations Manager, Maria Groner, was invited to speak at the 30-year commemoration of the Disability Discrimination Act. An opportunity to hear and share how the Act has enabled greater access and inclusion for people with disability.
Travellers Aid Reconciliation Action Plan
Our commitment to reconciliation, learning and truth telling continues with our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.
Service hub update
Do you know about all of the services Travellers Aid provide? It’s an extensive list! learn more about how we can assist you at our service hubs at Flinders Street, Southern Cross, Seymour and Ballarat Stations.
Services beyond the station
In addition to our core services at Flinders Street, Southern Cross, Seymour and Ballarat Stations you will find friendly Travellers Aid staff and volunteers at these upcoming events and transport disruptions.