A Regional Medical Companion Project has been developed to improve access for rural Victorians living in the Gannawarra and Swan Hill municipalities.

Under this new trial, a volunteer companion is assigned to accompany a passenger throughout their journey on a public bus or train, in order to assist them to attend their medical appointments in larger regional or city areas.  The new project has been designed to take the worry out of long distance transport for those that need assistance.

Who Is Eligible?

People who are eligible for the Regional Medical Companion Project are those who cannot access public transport without assistance due to: age, frailty, disability, illness or anxiety about travelling to larger areas for appointments.  If you are not sure whether you are eligible, then give us a call.

How Do I Plan My Journey?

Various organisations have agreed to coordinate this new regional project from July  2011 for a trial period. 

Contact details for the coordinating organisations include:

*  Gannawarra Shire Council  -  Kaye Wishart, Community Care Services  (5450 9600)

*  Swan Hill Neighbourhood House  -   Ms Lea Johnson  (5032 1549  or  0416 185 894).

How Much Will It Cost?

The passenger will only need to purchase his/her own bus or train ticket, as well as pay for any relevant taxi charges once at the regional or city area.  

Are There Any Reimbursements Available?

You may be eligible for a transport subsidy from the Victorian Patient's Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS) or NSW equivalent as a partial reimbursement of your travel costs, if you are travelling more than 100kms (one way) to attend a specialist medical appointment.   More information is available in the 'Related Links' section of this website via the VPTAS or IPTASS links, or available from the volunteer companions on the day. 

Who Pays For The Volunteer's Bus Or Train Ticket?

The volunteer who will accompany you will be given a travel voucher (donated by V/Line) so that they may accompany you on your journey free of charge. 

What If I Don't Know My Volunteer Companion?

Each of the volunteer companions are caring people, who have agreed to volunteer their time to assist people like yourself.  Each of the volunteer companions are carefully selected and undergo a police check before beginning their volunteering role.

Information Brochures

A formal brochure  advertising the new Regional Medical Companion Service for the Gannawarra and Swan Hill municipalities have been distributed to every household across the project area.  If you would like a copy of these brochures, the please click on the following links    

 gannawarra brochure.pdf                    swan hill brochure