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Australian Companion Card: assistance in getting out into the community

The Australian Companion Card is a program that reduces or removes the financial burden of this by allowing you to purchase an additional ticket at no cost.

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community Sarah Shaw

I'm one of the many people with a muscle wasting condition that hasn't quite got a name yet or official diagnosis, I live with my wife and Friday our furry companion. I first started to notice changes in my body in 2008 so I have been living with this degenerative condition for more than a decade now. I have used a wheelchair as my mode of getting around since 2014. I love getting out and about in the community and am interested in Theatre, Music and the Arts. I also keep an eagle eye on what is happening in current affairs across the country. I worked in the Federal Public Service for twenty-six years and retired due to invalidity about two years ago.

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Having a neuromuscular condition can mean a loss of independence and the need to have assistance when accessing community events. The Australian Companion Card is a program that reduces or removes the financial burden of this by allowing you to purchase an additional ticket at no cost.

It’s a national program which is managed by the individual states in Australia. Cards are recognised Australia wide.

Who is eligible: The Companion Card is for people with a significant permanent disability who can demonstrate that due to the impact of the disability they are unable to attend most community activities or events without attendant care, and that need is not temporary.

What are the benefits: The Companion card is widely recognised in the community and can save you significant money which means you can go out more often.

Places it is recognised:

  • National Parks
  • Public transport
  • Cinemas
  • Music Venues
  • Theatre Venues
  • Amusement Parks
  • Zoos
  • Sporting Venues
  • Public facilities like your local council pools etc.

Each State has a list of affiliated partners who recognise the card. As a rule of thumb though ask when purchasing any service. The process for issuing the additional ticket is at the discretion of the service provider and may require verification that the cardholder has attended on the date of service provision.

The card is issued for five years.

To find out more information and apply here are the links.

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