The National Companion Card Scheme 10/01/2010
The National Companion Card Scheme is now fully operational in all States and Territories. The official launch of the national scheme was held on 3 December 2009.
Ditching suit jacket and tie in favour of sneakers Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten MP and Victorian Parliamentary Secretary for Human Services, Mr Telmo Languiller MP had a hit of tennis with champion wheelchair tennis player, Ms Danni Di Torro at the launch of the National Companion Card.
The National Companion Card enables eligible Australians with disabilities to attend sporting and cultural events without incurring cost of an extra ticket for their carer.
"People with disability have the same right to get out and enjoy a concert or a football game as the rest of the community, and this scheme removes one of the obstacles in their way," Parliamentary Secretary Shorten said.
The Companion Card has received positive feedback from cardholders and their carers. One carer, whose daughter is a Companion Card holder, said "It is such a wonderful scheme, always works well and makes such a difference to us as a family."
More than 2,700 businesses support the Companion Card Scheme with a number of big name businesses recently joining including the AFL, Basketball Australia, Tennis Australia, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Reading Cinemas, Circus OZ, Fitness First Australia, Circus Royale, Event Cinemas, Greater Union Cinemas, Birch Carrol and Coyle Cinemas, The Australian Ballet, Musica Viva and The Australian Rugby Union.
For more inormation about how the Companion Card works in your state click this link http://www.companioncard.gov.au