The Andrews Labor Government today paid tribute to Travellers Aid, which has been helping people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds use Victoria’s public transport system for 100 years.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined Travellers Aid CEO, Elias Lebbos, at Southern Cross Station today to mark the centenary of the not-for-profit organisation.
Founded in 1916 after the first world war, Travellers Aid supported women and girls arriving in Melbourne and travelling across the city and the state.
Throughout the Great Depression and World War II, Traveller’s Aid reunited lost children with their parents and greeted and housed migrant families on their way to rural reception centres.
In the 1960s, with the increase in international students from Asia under the Colombo Plan, Travellers Aid supported young migrants and in the late 1980s it began providing support to people with disabilities.
Travellers Aid now provides a range of services for passengers on Victoria’s public transport network, including free information, emergency support, mobility equipment and a buggy service for passengers and luggage.
As Victoria’s public transport system expands and become more accessible, Travellers Aid continues to play a vital role helping passengers use on our network.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan
“Travellers Aid has been helping passengers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds use public transport for 100 years.”
“Their staff and volunteers are everyday heroes that help vulnerable travellers stay connected to education, employment, friends and family right across Victoria, every single day.”
Quote attributable to Travellers Aid Australia CEO, Elias Lebbos
“Over the last century, no matter what Australia has been confronted with, we have evolved and responded as an organisation to meet the needs of people in transit through Melbourne and regional Victoria.”
“Not much has changed, we are still doing the same work today. Our main focus is on people who have been displaced, have a disability, experience mobility challenges, travel disadvantage or financial hardship.”
Quotes attributable to Public Transport Victoria CEO, Jeroen Weimar
“We’re continually upgrading our public transport network to be more accessible to Victorians who may have previously been unable to use it, and Travellers Aid provides these passengers the confidence to travel independently on public transport.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020