Funding cut jeopardises relief program

AN emergency relief program that has operated for 99 years this year lost its federal government funding.

Operated by Travellers Aid, the service began in 1916 when the Travellers Aid Society of Victoria was formed as a response to World War I and the migration of women and children from regional and rural areas to the city to support the war effort by taking on work roles that were traditionally undertaken by men.

Travellers Aid volunteers would meet women and children at the port or (the then) Spencer Street Station and ensure they had a safe place to live.

Chief executive officer Elias Lebbos said it has also been an important service supporting women and children fleeing domestic violence to reach a place of safety and support anywhere in Australia. “We work closely with other social service agencies to ensure ongoing support when the families arrive at their destinations,”Mr Lebbos said. “But we are currently in a position where we must turn people away as we simply do not have the resources to assist.

“Last year our emergency relief program assisted hundreds of women and children to reach a place of safety, and we want to see a future where no one is turned away in their time of need.”

The funding loss has forced the closure of the organisation’s national program, leaving it with a limited service in Victoria thanks to support from V-Line.

Now Travellers Aid is seeking public help to reopen the crucial service for women and children throughout the country. A simple donation of $60 can help get a mother and her infant child to a place of safety and support. The organisation now offers community travel training to groups within Victoria.

To donate, to book a community travel training session for your group, or for general information, call the City Village on 9654-2600, 9am-5pm weekdays, www.travellersaid.org.au

Extending helping hand to travellers

Travellers Aid supports the general public, including seniors and people with a disability, in many ways when they are on the move.

Information and tourist facilities in Melbourne are located at Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations.

Services offered include tourist and travel information, a comfortable lounge area with amenities, internet access, a breastfeeding friendly environment and baby change facilities as well as accessible bathroom facilities with adult change tables and ceiling hoists.

Rest rooms with showers are also available at Southern Cross and short-term luggage storage at Flinders Street. Mobility equipment hire is available at both stations.

Another important part of Travellers Aid is the free medical companion service, which provides a trained volunteer to assist those with medical appointments in central Melbourne find their way to where they need to go on public transport.

To book a medical companion, call 1300-700-399. Bookings must be made at least two business days in advance of the appointment.