By Kirsty Ross
CARERS of people with a disability will be entitled to free entry at Hobsons Bay City Council-affiliated leisure centres, community and entertainment venues.
The council last week became a member of the Companion Card Program, run by the Department of Victorian Communities.
Hobsons Bay is one of the last remaining Victorian municipalities to make it official after the card’s launch in November 2003.
Cardholders will be able to use the card at Hobsons Bay venues from 1 May.
The Companion Card is issued to people with a significant permanent disability who are unable to access most community activities and venues without a carer.
The card helps organisations that charge an admission or participation fee comply with existing anti-discrimination legislation.
It offers carers free access at a range of participating organisations, managed directly or indirectly by the council.
A directly managed facility is anything the council runs, such as Williamstown Town Hall.
An indirectly managed facility is anything outsourced or funded by the council, such as BayFit Leisure Centre.
Liz Ellis, spokeswoman for the Western Region Disability Network, and Altona resident, said she was pleased the council had endorsed the program.
“It’s good to hear they’ve done it,” the 21-year-old said.
Ms Ellis did not wait for the council to become part of the program, having obtained a card some two years ago by applying online.
“Some places you have to pay for them (carers) just because of what (activities) you do, sometimes you’re paying for people you don’t really know,” she said.
The card contains a photograph of the cardholder and can be presented when booking or purchasing a ticket at events and venues.
Participating organisations will issue the cardholder with a second ticket for a companion at no charge.
For more information or to apply for a Companion Card, call the council on 9932 1000 or visit the website – www.companioncard.org.au
