We came, we supported, we sunscreened.

The peak events season is always a lot of fun and a lot of steps for our volunteers!

This year was no different with our access and inclusion services rolling out in force from November at;

• the Bacchus Marsh Strawberry and Cherry Fair
• Walk Against Family Violence
• AC/DC concert 
• Melbourne Disability Expo
• Ballarat Carols by Candelight
• BBL matches at Kardinia Park in Geelong
• the Australian Open
• St Kilda Festival 
• and very soon… Australian Grand Prix, Moomba, Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and Ageing Well Expo!

It’s wonderful to see the events we support grow each year — not just in number, but also in how far across the region they now reach. Our service hubs at Geelong, Ballarat and Seymour have increased our community presence and awareness of Travellers Aid services. Funds generously donated or provided by our community partners NHP Electrical and the State Trustees Grants Program, enable us to support grassroots events that really matter to the local communities in which we operate. One such example of this was our community partnership with Ballarat Carols by Candlelight. 

Throughout the evening, Travellers Aid played a vital role in ensuring the event was accessible and enjoyable for people with limited mobility. Their support included transporting attendees between the car park and the oval via golf buggy, assisting with the carrying of personal items, and providing clear information, reassurance, and general assistance wherever it was required. 

Their presence made a meaningful difference to many people who may otherwise have found attending the event difficult or impossible. The professionalism, kindness, and attentiveness shown by the Travellers Aid team helped create a welcoming and inclusive environment, allowing attendees to focus on enjoying the festivities rather than worrying about mobility or access challenges. 

My eyes have been opened! I now understand how incredibly valuable the work of Travellers Aid is, especially for an event like ours that proudly promotes itself as fully inclusive.”

– Carolyn Bennett, Secretary – Ballarat Carols by Candlelight

The support we provide at these events is largely provided by our incredible team of volunteers. With training and guidance from our experienced team leaders, these volunteers give up their personal time and clock up their step count to ensure that people with disability, older people or those with temporary injury can participate in these epic events.

But it’s not just what our volunteers do that matters, it’s who they are. Our volunteer team is wonderfully diverse and includes our community partners, transport partners, people with disability, siblings, retirees, couples, students and corporate volunteers. Despite their different ‘day jobs’ or background they arrive with one shared purpose – to make these events more accessible, more inclusive and more fun for everyone. 

My heartfelt thanks to Travellers Aid for all your hard work ,dedication and unflinching support to all AO volunteers. Team leaders’ guidance and organisational skills made the volunteering experience impactful and enjoyable. A special mention to my team leaders Mr.Akihiro,Mr.Arnie,Ms.Nicola,Ms.Anja and other staff members. Furthermore, a big shout out to my team leader Mr.Akihiro for his constant guidance. Your leadership truly made a difference and inspired us all. Once again, thank you for providing an opportunity to volunteer with Travellers Aid.”

– Travellers Aid Volunteer

Our volunteers and team leaders love to see someone’s relief when a long, daunting walk suddenly becomes manageable and their support doesn’t go unnoticed. The feedback from people attending these events speaks for itself;