We would like you to know that we’re still here when you need us.
An update from Elias, Travellers Aid CEO
Australians, and Victorians in particular, have been adjusting to pandemic life for over a year now.
As we all do our best to live as ‘normal’ a life as we can during the ebbs and flows of COVID, we want you to know that Travellers Aid is still here when you need us.
We understand that returning to travel, when it is required, can be a daunting experience, particularly if you have difficulties with your personal mobility. And you may be feeling overwhelmed by COVID-safe regulations and compulsory mask wearing when travelling. You may be anxious about the physical closeness of other travellers when you have been actively socially distancing. We understand these concerns and we want to make it easier for you.
Over the past year the staff and volunteers of Travellers Aid have consistently delivered services from our three major service sites, and we will continue to do so through the good times and the challenging times.
Although the number of people travelling in Victoria has been seriously impacted by the lockdowns, Travellers Aid has remained open and assisted travellers like you with urgent or essential appointments. We have supported our most vulnerable people; those who are homeless and/or sleeping rough. We have continued to provide people with mobility assistance services, access to the internet and with showers.
This newsletter highlights the services that Travellers Aid has provided over the past year, and we look forward to being able to provide more services where and when you need them in the future.
We are ready and waiting to support you on your travels when you are ready, and we hope to see you all soon.
Elias Lebbos | Chief Executive Officer
A new Travellers Aid Program!
Scooter Safety Training – Commencing May 2021
Travellers Aid, with support from the Department of Transport, are excited to be conducting a pilot program tailored to new and existing users of scooters and other motorised mobility devices.
For many people scooters and other devices are an alternative to driving a car, particularly in local areas and where public transport is not readily accessible. Scooters are an important part of community mobility for people with mobility issues. They are a means to stay connected and engaged and there are important safety considerations for both choosing and using them.
The Scooter Safety Training provides current and potential users with guidance on choosing and using a scooter or other device with a focus on hands-on practice within their local community, as well as on public transport options available in their local community. COVID-safe plans will be in place for all activities and in line with government advice.
Our aim is for attendees to build knowledge, skills and confidence to safely and independently use a mobility device in the community.
If you are interested and want to
find out more click here, or please contact us on
info@travellersaid.org.au or
(03) 9654 2600.
We’re ready when you are
The Travellers Aid team are ready and waiting when you’re ready to travel again.
Our services continue to operate as usual with COVID-safe regulations in place.
Here’s how we can help you at our Travellers Aid sites:
Southern Cross Station
- Connection Assistance (buggy, wheelchair and guidance)
- Mobility Equipment Hire
- Companion Service
- Crisis Travel
- Personal Care
- Backpacker Services
- Station Lounges – Internet access, mobility equipment recharging,
shower facilities and more.Opening hours: 6.30am – 8pm, 7 days a week
.
Personal Care
Opening hours: 11am – 5pm, Monday to Friday and 11am – 4pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Phone: (03) 9670 2072
Email: scs@travellersaid.org.au
Flinders Street Station
- Mobility Equipment Hire
- Companion Service
- Personal Care
- Luggage Storage
- Backpacker Services
- Station Lounges – Internet access, mobility equipment recharging and more.
Opening hours: 8am – 7pm, 7 days a week
.
Personal Care
Opening hours: 8am – 8pm, 7 days a week.
Phone: (03) 9670 2072
Email: fss@travellersaid.org.au
.
Seymour Station
- Connection Assistance
- Companion Service
Opening hours: 8.30am – 6.30pm, Monday to Friday
Phone: (03) 5793 6210
Email: seymour@travellersaid.org.au
…the extra mile
Travellers Aid knows that mobility challenges don’t just stop once you leave the train station, so we are focusing on partnering with your favourite events so we can be where you need us most.
Our incredible volunteers have been busy riding our new triobike and going the extra mile to make sure you can connect, engage and participate.
Here is a recap on some of the events we have been at in the past six months.
Australian Open 2021
As part of our partnership with Yarra Trams, Travellers Aid provided connection assistance for tennis fans to access the Australian Open in February. Travellers Aid volunteers were on hand to assist people with mobility challenges by providing accessibility information, mobility equipment and as companions to connect attendees to the Australian Open from Flinders Street and Southern Cross stations. Despite a snap 5-day lockdown right in the middle of the event, our hardworking volunteers remained upbeat. Our rechargeable electric taxi bike (triobike) was a hit during this time, providing an alternative method of accessible transport from Federation Square to the Rod Laver Arena, City Entrance Gate.
Moomba Festival 2021
Following the success of the Australian Open, Travellers Aid were thrilled to have a marquee at Melbourne’s vibrant Moomba Festival. The Moomba Festival was held on the Labour Day long weekend at the beginning of March. Travellers Aid had plenty of volunteers at the ready to assist all festival goers with their mobility needs so everyone could participate in the plethora of activities on offer.
Autumn Adventures
Expanding on our Companion Service, we recently ran our Autumn Adventures Program during the Easter School holidays. This program aimed to give confidence back to people as they began to revisit the city and to travel on public transport, many for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our trained volunteers were on hand to act as a companion and guide to many Melbourne attractions.
Contact us if you think there is an event you would like us to attend!
info@travellersaid.org.au
The production and distribution of this newsletter has been kindly supported by V/Line