The Companion Card
The Companion Card gives free entry to participating venues and events for the carer of someone with a severe and permanent disability.
The card can be used for entry into a variety of venues including Village cinemas, the AFL, Ticketmaster, Arts Centre Melbourne and the Melbourne Zoo. It can also be used on Victorian public transport.
Venues do not have to accept Companion Card but under anti-discrimination legislation they must not discriminate against people with disabilities who require support.
The card is free and is issued for 5 or 10 years.
How To Apply
- Download and print the application form (companioncard.vic.gov.au) or request a form to be mailed to you by calling 1800 650 611.
- Get two passport-sized photos of yourself. The photos must be of your head and shoulders and be clear, in colour and on photographic paper.
- Take the form and your photographs to an appointment with your relevant health care provider.
- Submit your completed application with the signed photographs to :
Companion Card Applications
GPO Box 4987
MELBOURNE VIC 3001
To find out more, including a list of participating venues and to apply visit companioncard.vic.gov.au or 1800 650 611.
Companion Card Example – Jamie and the Pet Show
Jamie loves all types of animals and was very excited to learn that the pet show was coming to his town. Jamie lives with a brain injury and would not be able to navigate around the pet show without support.
Jamie’s sister agreed to take him to the pet show as a favour but did not want to spend money on a ticket as animals did not interest her.
Jamie was able to use his Companion Card to obtain a free ticket for his sister. Jamie enjoyed going to the pet show with the support of his sister and did not have to pay for the second ticket.
Companion Card example – Susan and the Footy Match
Susan is a huge football fan and was thrilled when her team made the grand final. Susan’s brain injury meant that she would not be able to safely move around the footy ground.
Susan booked a professional support worker to assist her at the footy. Susan used her Companion Card when booking her footy ticket so that she did not have to spend extra money on a ticket for her support worker.
Companion Card Example – Brett and the Plane Flight
Brett booked a plane ticket to visit his mother in Mildura. He was surprised that he could not use his Companion Card to get a free ticket for his girlfriend to fly with him as his carer. The airline explained to Brett that support would be provided to him on the flight by the cabin crew and he did not need to bring his own carer.
