As Victoria’s public transport system expands and becomes more accessible, Travellers Aid has continued to play a vital role helping passengers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds use Victoria’s public transport system for 100 years.
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.
CEO Elias Lebbos was joined last week by Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan to mark the centenary of the not-for-profit organisation.
“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,” said Mr Lebbos.
“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.”
Throughout the Great Depression and World War II, Traveller’s Aid reunited lost children with their parents, along with greeting and housing migrant families on their way to rural reception centres.
Meanwhile, it provided support to young migrants from 1960 with the increase in international students from Asia under the Colombo Plan, 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.
“Travellers Aid has been helping passengers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds use public transport for 100 years,” Ms Allan noted.
“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.”