Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transport Rob Hudson today officially opened the centre ,which will provide a range of services and offer passengers a quiet place to rest.

Mr Hudson said the Brumby Government provided $300,000 construction costs and will provide $1.2 million for operating costs over three years.

“The new centre is a fantastic addition to Flinders Street Station. Travellers Aid has been offering travel and support services to the travelling public for over 90 years and had a presence at Flinders Street until the 1940s,” Mr Hudson said.

“We are delighted that Travellers Aid is now returning to Melbourne’s historic Flinders Street Station.”

Services provided by Travellers Aid include travel and tourist information, personal care and support, parental needs and internet access. Electric mobility devices can be recharged at the centre and there will also be mobility equipment for hire from October 2008.

Mr Hudson said the new centre would support the Brumby Government’s commitment to ensuring public transport was accessible to all Victorians.

“Later this year the Brumby Government will be introducing a new initiative where people receiving a Disability Pension or Carer Payment from Centrelink will be able to travel for free on Sundays, just like those people who hold a Victorian Seniors Card,” he said.

“As we increasingly open up our network to those with disabilities, particularly in light of continuing patronage growth, we appreciate services such as Travellers Aid more than ever.

“Over the past 12 months there has been a 66 percent increase in people accessing Travellers Aid’s services at Southern Cross Station, reflecting the general increase in public transport patronage.

“Travellers Aid is largely staffed by volunteers and people who want to give something back to the community.”

Travellers Aid chief executive officer Jodie Willmer said Travellers Aid was leading the way nationally and internationally in providing personal care support services to travellers with disabilities.

“Travellers Aid has served travellers at the point of need in Victoria since 1916, due to the support from the Victorian community, trusts and foundations and all levels of Government. The funding and support from the Brumby Government for our new service at Flinders Street Station will enable us to assist more travellers than ever before,” Ms Willmer said.

“People travel for all sorts of reasons, and Travellers Aid is there to help, as a meeting point after a sporting match or concert, or to welcome someone who is arriving in Melbourne for the first time, or meeting long lost friends, or travelling for deeply personal reasons such as medical treatment or a funeral.

“We are an integral part of the transport system. We add warmth and heart to the journey, by offering safe and quiet spaces for travellers, and relevant services with dignified outcomes.”

The new Flinders Street Station facility will be staffed from 8.00am to 8.00pm Sunday to Thursday and from 8.00am to 10.00pm Friday to Saturday.